chilling out
Tuesday, July 31
I've been glued to the tube, watching the Olympics. But seeing the bikers barreling through London's cold downpours and the beach volleyball players all covered up has my mind on chilly weather. Hence my interest in this BB Dakota faux fur coat. I love the luxe-looking vest-like patchwork fur trim (a huge trend for fall). And I know it would keep one balmy when winter blows in. I'd wear it with...
1. Tory Burch peplum sweater, $275, toryburch.com
2. BB Dakota faux fur coat, $159, modcloth.com
3. Zara studded bag, $79, zara.com
4. 3.1 Phillip Lim booties, $650, shopbop.com
5. Vince leather jeans, $1150, barneys.com
the men's department
Monday, July 30
Have you ever roamed the men's department at H&M? I definitely recommend it. It is rich with finds, like comfy sweatshirts and letterman jackets, sized extra small. The other day I ambled over to the fitting rooms in the men's section, as the line was (and always seems to be) shorter there. I should add most of the rooms were occupied by women. After I finished trying things on, I noticed a striped Breton shirt with a zipper-trimmed neckline on the discard rack. What struck me first was that the top didn't look like it was made by H&M. It looked very designer-ish. Maybe Rag & Bone or Band of Outsiders? I actually wondered whether it belonged to someone else, who had mistakenly left it on the rack. So, I gingerly asked the fitting room attendant if the top belonged to anyone, and if it didn't, if I could try it on. She consented, adding that it was a "men's shirt." No problem, I replied. In fact, it was a total score: the top is so good, its combed cotton fabric thick and plush like an original Saint James nautical shirt, and the cut's perfectly fitting. The neckline's gold zipper detailing, of course, makes it distinctly cool. The price: $34.95. Go and get yourself one before the rest of the girls discover it.
good sport
Monday, July 30
My husband took the kids on a Dads-only surf trip this weekend with some friends, and so left to my own devices, I spent the day…….shopping in Beverly Hills. My excursion kicked off at Neiman Marcus, where I had lunch with my mom and some Chardonnay, on tap. Then I redeemed a gift card that had been burning a hole in my wallet for over a year. I also perused the pre-fall designer collections just hitting the floor, and the heavy concentration of statement sweaters got me thinking about my winter uniform. For certain, I know now it will include a Celine-inspired sporty-chic knit like this one. I'd wear it with...
1. Mango sweater, $59, mango.com
2. Poupette diamond stone earrings, $228, otteny.com
3. Loeffler Randall Rider bag, $595, loefflerrandall.com
4. Elizabeth & James d'orsay pumps, $325, shopbop.com
5. Giulietta wide-leg tuxedo pants, $950, netaporter.com
closet cleanse
Friday, July 27
There are few things more tedious than cleaning out your closet. So when The RealReal, a new online consignment boutique, contacted me a few weeks ago asking if I wanted any help purging my closet, I welcomed the opportunity. The RealReal combs fashion insiders' well-stocked closets and sells the castoffs--i.e., jewelry, accessories, and clothing from Hermes, Chanel, Balenciaga and Lanvin. I forewarned them that my wardrobe was not high-end designer heavy, but they came anyway and conquered, making me part with some great pieces that I haven't worn in a while, like a Dries Van Noten sleeveless blouse and Balenciaga kitten heels. But I am sure these beloved castoffs will find love elsewhere, as they are on sale today through July 30 here. Also make sure to check out all the Celine, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel bags up for grabs, some of them marked as low as $295. Happy shopping!
flat out good
Friday, July 27
I injured my left knee a few weeks ago doing yoga(!), so I've been restricted to wearing flats ever since. (I attempted and winced through wearing stilettos once, only to suffer a serious setback!) I'm thinking these zebra print flats might ease the pain. The mesh fabric makes them airy, sexy, and summer-perfect, and the flashy animal print gives them edge. They're everyday, walking-around shoes that are anything but basic. Wear them with...
1. Acne silk-lined dress, $367, mytheresa.com
2. Jacquie Aiche crystal earrings, $165, shopbop.com
3. Alexander Wang suede satchel, $925, shopbop.com
4. Topshop mesh flats, $60, topshop.com
the printed coat
Thursday, July 26
It would be easy to argue that a summer coat is nonessential, but these pictures of stylist Giovanna Battaglia (above) and fashion editor/blogger Columbine Smille (below) definitely stoke the debate. Especially if the coat bears a graphic, vibrant print. Then it has powerful outfit-making capabilities--and, of course, renders itself completely and absolutely necessary. Here are some options to consider from Thakoon Addition (floral meets military perfection), MSGM, and Forever 21.
Photos: Tommy Ton, Columbine Smille
earning my stripes
Thursday, July 26
Another day, another striped shirt. I can't help it, but I instantly fell for this new one from J. Crew. (I bought a size up, for a more relaxed, old-school fit.) The orange sleeves give it a right-now color-block update. I'll be living in mine with...
1. J. Crew striped t-shirt, $49, jcrew.com
2. Ray Ban Clubmaster sunglasses, $145, netaporter.com
3. Neon Me satchel, $62, modcloth.com
4. Madewell suede flats, $98, madewell.com
5. J. Crew snow cat print pants*, $110, jcrew.com
*I LOVE these pants, too. They fit like jeans--i.e., comfortable and stretchy, and they're a bit cropped and super duper flattering.
market run
Wednesday, July 25
I kinda went a little nuts yesterday at Mikkat Market, an L.A.-based and quasi under-the-radar online store that sells up-to-the-minute pieces at shockingly affordable prices. I check the site frequently, as new items are added every few days and things tend to sell out very quickly. I snagged the crochet-trimmed blouse, above, which sold out the first time around and I missed it, as well as this graphic striped jacket (so great for kicking around on cool autumn weekends), an edgy utilitarian romper and a vibrant paisley print skirt.
tiers of tulle
Wednesday, July 25
This tiered tulle pencil skirt is ethereal, feminine, romantic, sophisticated, lush and frothy. (Click here to see it on a model.) It has an elegant party vibe, and while I'd employ it on the swanky soiree circuit, I really like the idea of wearing it casually, unexpectedly, like this...
1. Mary Katrantzou printed t-shirt, $470, netaporter.com
2. Madewell denim jacket, $118, madewell.com
3. Coast clutch, $100, coast-stores.com
4. Givenchy sandals, $1150, forwardbyelysewalker.com
5. Ann Taylor tiered tulle pencil skirt, $275, anntaylor.com
vintage finds
Tuesday, July 24
I was poking around Free People's vintage section online yesterday and came across a motherlode of greatness. (Yes, FP sells vintage; I was not aware of that until just yesterday!) I was delighted to see the very Altuzarra-ish gypsy jacket, pictured above, along with lots of summer-perfect Indian-boho dresses, below.
