Thanks to Isabel Marant's , we'll soon be seeing more Western-inspired blouses on urban cowgirls everywhere. Zara just came out with its (that looks spot-on Isabel Marant), while J. Crew offers a classic, pared-down . I am sure vintage stores have a bevy of options to consider, but another idea is buying the real McCoy, like this one, for $40, from Frontier Western Wear.
This blouse is as versatile as a white button-down (i.e., I'd wear it anywhere), but a million times chicer. And enduringly stylish too. (In fact, I'd say it falls squarely into that fail-safe .) I'd wear the outfit below to work, and feel comfortable going straight to dinner afterward.
J. Crew cleverly reinvents a pair of khaki shorts with a feminine scalloped hem. (Just FYI: these are my ideal day-to-night shorts: great with a lived-in white t-shirt or a statement blazer.) I'd wear it with...
I've been giving my old gray sweatshirt lots of love lately. And I am glad to see Vogue editor Meredith Melling Burke, above, doing the same. It's just so easy and comfortable--the beauty of a basic--and best when deftly paired with more polished pieces (lest you look slovenly), like a long tailored blazer (demonstrated above), layered over a silk or print button-up blouse, or teamed with a metallic pencil skirt. Here are some variations of the wardrobe staple, from a classic, perfectly-cut version by to a luxe you'll-want-to-live-in-it cashmere one from to a summer-friendly short-sleeved style by .
This vibrant top is by Heidi Merrick, an emerging LA designer and a through-and-through California surfer girl. In fact, her designs draw inspiration from her father, the most famous surfboard shaper in the world. Hence the sporty, splashy, fun vibe. Wear it with...
I love the combination of the structured peplum silhouette and the dainty lace--so polished and feminine (read: very Oscar de la Renta elegant). Wear it with...
Sometimes when I feel like shopping I just head over to my sister's house instead--and mine her closet. Frequently there are new acquisitions to check out and always compelling old things to borrow. My last foray into her closet occurred this past Friday, and I came across a colorful , pictured above, from . ("It was the last one at the store," she shrugged, possibly explaining why she didn't pick up one for me.) It's absolutely adorable, kind of ethnic and/or vintage looking, so fun for summer, a day at the beach, or kicking around on the weekends, with sandy flip flops and a t-shirt. The next discovery was the below, also from Forever 21. She said she had already worn it with black lace pants, and the effect was Thakoon-chic. Lastly, she showed me the tan and black striped accordion pleated . It's very languid, swishy and sheer, and a bit sporty too--so cute with a black sweater or a white tank. Of course, as soon as I went home, I went online and bought the very same items.
I am so not a t-shirt type of girl, but I'll be wearing this jersey-inspired top to death. I view it as an alternative to one of my beloved blue and white striped t-shirts, because it offers the same versatility and ease. It's just newer, fresher, more now. Wear it with...
* This jacket is like your average green parka, but only better because it has a cool abstract animal print and it's cinched in at the waist. But it's just as wearable!
* This lip gloss is my new obsession. A makeup artist used it on me last week for a video shoot in a gorgeous plum color. It goes on like a gloss but stays on like a stain. Brilliant.
