pattern master
Wednesday, May 15
I love trans-seasonal skirts, especially ones that make a big, look-at-me graphic statement. This one by Tibi is 25% off (along with--yes!--all full-priced merchandise at Tibi).
1. OAK jersey tank, $68, netaporter.com
2. Tom Binns stud earrings, $225, charmandchain.com
3. Venessa Arizaga charm bracelet, $225, shopbop.com
4. Avant Garde Paris serpent cuff, $155, shopbop.com
5. Loft raffia clutch, $29, loft.com
6. Alexander Wang ankle strap sandals, $495, bergdorfgoodman.com
7. Tibi print skirt, $285*, tibi.com
*Use FRIENDS25 at checkout to get this for $213 (25% off) through May 17.
rompers
Tuesday, May 14
I must confess that I once felt rompers were better off left to those under the age of five, but this season's iterations have me seriously tempted. After all, they allow for one-step dressing, work in and out of the city and they're swelter-proof. Check out the proof here-- along with summer-ready options from Club Monaco, Splendid, Thakoon Addition, Asos and 7 for All Mankind.
Photos: Stockholm Street Style, Vanessa Jackman, Pinterest, Garance Dore
dominant jeans
Tuesday, May 14
Think of these as a fresh alternative to your crisp white jeans. Breeze around in them right now with...
1. Madewell chambray blouse, $69, madewell.com
2. Topshop bomber jacket, $70, topshop.com
3. Opening Ceremony tote bag, $800, shopbop.com
4. Zara metallic flats, $89, zara.com
5. J.Crew printed jeans*, $135, jcrew.com
* Get these pants for $108 (and 20% off all J.Crew women's clothing) through May 21 with the code LOOK20
the cover up
Monday, May 13
A friend's milestone birthday party in Santa Barbara this past weekend entailed a day-to-night celebration, kicking off with lunch on the beach, followed by a hike capped off with summit-top sunset cocktails, then dinner and dancing in an oak forest known to be frequented by mountain lions, and then still more dancing in a barn complete with disco-ball. It was an amazing day, but not without its fashion challenges: What garment moves seamlessly from beach to hike to dance floor? What shoes are stylish enough, but still facilitate a speedy escape in-case-of-mountain-lion? I found resolution in a post-beach wardrobe change from kaftan to flowy open-back (sweat-proof) dress and (beach-, hike-, boogie- and flee- friendly) flat metallic sandals. But other women took their beach cover-ups straight on through the evening. Albeit, these were cover-ups that were fun and festive looking, or worked after hours teamed with a cute pair of shorts (like the one above)--but all of them were thoroughly inspiring. Very much like these from Theodora & Callum (a graphic knockout), Emamo (floral and feminine), Natalie Martin (I adore this new line, and this flowy number can explain why), Surf Bazaar (easy breezy), Isabel Marant (an investment with long-term benefits) and Asos (strapless, ruffled and flirty).
Photo: Cheyenne Meets Chantal
my summer stud
Monday, May 13
I really want these shoes. And it seems so do many others, as they have been available in only size 6 for weeks--until today.
1. J.Crew sweater, $79, jcrew.com
2. Super Sunglasses, $229, shopbop.com
3. Gorjana ring set, $50, shopbop.com
4. Asos embroidered clutch, $50, asos.com
5. Mango studded sandals, $129, mango.com
6. Kenzo skirt, $378, netaporter.com
the little black dress
Friday, May 10
Last night had me running (actually bumper-to-bumper commuting) to Beverly Hills to catch a Prada-sponsored screening of The Great Gatsby, of which I watched 45 (dazzling!) minutes before having to dash off to Mr. Chow for a dinner in honor of designer Haider Ackerman, where I came across a longtime friend looking particularly striking in a little black dress. It was vintage, she explained, something she just threw on at the last minute. But its distinct detailing, a deep V-neck with a lace panel, made it a standout--i.e., not just a basic black dress. This encounter inspired me to hunt down the very best LBD's out there, and here's what I've come up with: a Parisian chic, dress-up-or-down Sandro, this draped, seductive Alexander Wang, a strapless, ruffled Thread (on sale!), this short and snappy (and nicely priced) Three Floor, a sleek leather Rag & Bone, and a forever-elegant Rebecca Taylor shift. I also rounded up some snaps of a few inspirational LBD's, above (by Gucci, which can be found here) and below.
Photos: Pinterest, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue.it
fine lines
Friday, May 10
While I am putting away my heaviest sweaters for the season, I am looking for new featherweights that will see me through California's sometimes foggy summer days and cool nights. This one fits the bill perfectly.
1. Equipment silk sweater, $198, shopbop.com (for more sizes, try here or here)
2. Madewell sunglasses, $134, madewell.com
3. Topshop friendship bracelets, $28, topshop.com
4. 3.1 Phillip Lim drawstring tote, $1250, shopbop.com
5. Givenchy ankle strap heels, $650, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. J.Brand boyfriend jeans, $216, netaporter.com
right on the nail
Thursday, May 9
A sweaty, celeb-studded LA yoga class might just be one of the best places to get an overview on nail polish trends. During the umpteenth downward dog the other day I noticed a concentration of both tawny and light (nude, cream, alabaster) shades as well as bold and dark (blue, charcoal) tones, with barely a red toe in between! I gravitate toward the more natural hues--I think an almost skin-matching polish looks fresh and easy (i.e., a refreshing step away from all the crazy nail art that's been hyper trendy for a while now), plus it can make your fingers and toes look longer and more elegant. After consulting some of my beauty editor friends, I've found some amazing colors to try from Ciate Ivory Queen, Essie Like Linen, and Butter London in Crumpet.
Photos: Vogue, Pinterest
carrying on
Thursday, May 9
An editor friend of mine came over earlier this week, sporting a cute cross-body bag. She shared its story: it was a random, designer-looking, inexpensive find, worn to pieces, because it was accommodating and just the right wear-with-everything color. Those kind of bags are hard to come by--and this studded, tasseled, multi-handle tote falls squarely into that category.
1. Club Monaco print top, $149, clubmonaco.com
2. L'Agence tweed bomber jacket, $554, matchesfashion.com
3. Warehouse studded tote bag, $68, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
4. J.Crew leopard print sandals, $298, jcrew.com
5. Mother cropped jeans, $80, theoutnet.com
match point
Wednesday, May 8
I just spent the better part of my morning trawling the crazy sale going on at Matches, where everything from these cute Anna & Boy bikinis to ravishing Lanvin dresses to this must-have J Brand x Christopher Kane denim biker jacket to this gorgeous faux fur Marc Jacobs coat are 50% off and in some cases more. You might want to check it out now as sizes are plentiful--but not for long, I am sure! Added bonus: Matches is offering free shipping through the end of the month.






















