Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Black on Black



I want to start out by saying .. I am so in love with Light Bubbles, I think the technical term for them  is "lens flares".. and I just love them, they make photos so much more fun! My photographer (who is also my amazing boyfriend) did such a great job capturing some for me.. don't you think? 

Lately I have been OBSESSING over anything leather! For the past few years I have been on the hunt for the perfect black leather mini, so glad I finally found it!  I was inspired by Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere, she has two that are fantastic, seen HERE and HERE. Since I was unable to find my size in either of those AMAZING black Zara Minis last year, I continued my hunt. I just recently found this one and can't wear it enough! I decided to go for an all black look. I paired my Black Leather Mini with a Black Silk Tunic Dress (worn as a top). When wearing Black on Black, I think it's always best to mix up the textures and the styles. The silky black blouse gave this look a very feminine touch, and the Leather Mini balanced it all out by adding some edginess. I topped the look off with a Brass and Coral statement necklace and My favorite Black Peep Toe pumps.

How would you style Black on Black?

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Layered in Leather


 Lately I have been obsessing over EVERYTHING leather... I cannot get enough! It seems to be the first thing that catches my eye online and in stores. Black leather is the perfect combination of sleek, edgy and sexy all wrapped into one. I love that each of these pieces can be easily transitioned from work to play. The Oasis dress doesn't need much, for work I would pair it with a classic round toe pump and skinny belt. To transition this dress into the perfect going out look all I would need is a shoe change and some accessories...I'm thinking leopard platforms and some gold bangles. The Fringe skirt is so fun and flirty! I would pair this with a crisp white button down, gold watch and black peep-toes. To take this look from the office to happy hour, I would simply change tops... a white v-neck is an easy way to make this look more relaxed. With the Burberry skinnys I am picturing so many different looks (I just purchased some amazing J. Brand Leather skinnys, I haven't taken them off, so in love!) For work I would pair these with just about everything. I've paired mine with silk button downs, cashmere sweaters, cotton blouses... you name it, i've worn it! These leather skinnys are so easy to transition. For work I would make my look a little more conservative. A closed toe shoe, paired with a simple silk top. Later, to make the look a little more fun, swipe on some red lipstick, throw on a super high platform and don't forget to accessorize ... I'm such a fan of lots of arm candy, I would either pile on the bangles or choose a great statement necklace. The Miu Miu's are a great choice with a simple pencil skirt and sweater or a sheath dress and some fun printed tights. To transition these booties into a great going out look, pair with some dark denim a bright colored top, some accessories (including the YSL clutch) and top the look of with the leather draped jacket.

How would your transition these pieces from work to play?

1. Oasis Leather and Fabric Dress (Asos)
2. YSL Patent Leather Clutch (Net-a-Porter)
3. Haider Ackerman Leather Jacket (Very EICKHOFF)
4. Miu Miu Leather Ankle Boots (My Theresa)
5. Michael Kors Leather Fringe Skirt (My Wardrobe)
6. Burberry Leather Leggings (Net-a-Porter)

Friday, November 4, 2011

Dia De Los Muertos


Dia De Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world. I have always been fascinated by Spanish/Latin American culture, sometimes I swear I was born the wrong ethnicity. I've taken 8 years of Spanish classes and hope to one day become fluent. Although I am not Spanish/Latin American, 8 years of trying to learn about the culture and language and falling completely in love with it, has caused me to add Dia De los Muertos to my list of celebrated holidays (it's on of my favorites).


Dia De los Muertos, is one of the most beautiful holidays. Not only is the reasoning behind the holiday beautiful, it is also very VISUALLY beautiful. The holiday is filled with an abundance of fresh flowers and so many vivid colors. It is one giant celebration!  Dia De los Muertos focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember all of thier loved ones who have died. It's a celebration of thier life, which I think is what all cultures need. The celebration takes place on November 1–2, in connection with the Catholic holidays of  All Saints Day (November 1) and All souls Day (November 2). Some of the traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars that will honor the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds and the favorite foods and beverages. You can build these altars at thier grave site or build them in your home.


Old Town San Diego has a Dia De Los Muertos celebration every year. I was working down in San Diego for the week and was very excited to enjoy some of the celebration! Check out Old Town San Diego's Dia De los Muertos Celebration here. Old Town San diego is beautiful to walk around. The Dia De los Muertos celebration just made it even more gorgeous... so many colors! I stopped by the El Campo Santo Cemetery and the Old Town Market to check out some of the altars. Hope you enjoy some of my favorite photos from the day!


Did any of you celebrate Dia De los Muertos this week?

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Fancy Pants


I have always been attracted to womens "workwear"... Pencil Skirts, Sheath Dresses, Classic Pumps, Silky Button Downs and Trousers. I usually define my style as "business casual" I am almost always in a pair of classic heels and some sort of button down. Call me boring, but the classics just appeal to me. I feel as though "workwear" type items will never go out of style, and if you find the right pieces you can incorporate them into your everyday wardrobe... like I do.

Lately, while shopping, I have been focusing more on finding items I can wear to the office. The perfect workpiece for me would be defined as "Proffessional, Classic and Sexy". I want something that I can easily transition into my everyday wardrobe on my days off from work. I often find womens "workwear" pieces to be very androgynes, especially when it comes to trousers. That look is definately not for me ... I try to find pieces that are more feminine and focus on accentuating the small curves that i've got. When I saw these Wool/Crepe High Waisted Trousers I fell instantly in love! They drape really elegantly and the high rise of the waist, paired with the tie really gives you a great figure. The color is so rich, such a great color for Fall/Winter and the fit is perfect!

What's your favorite womens "workwear" item?

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Pumpkin Cupcakes



I love almost all things Pumpkin: Pumpkin Cookies, Pumpkin Cupcakes, Pumpkin Cheescake, Pumpkin Lattes, Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Lollipops, Pumpkin Scones, Pumpkin Truffles, Pumpkin Pancakes ... the list goes on and on and on and then suddenly STOPS at Pumpkin Pie. I cannot stand Pumpkin Pie ... STRANGE ... I know!

So, all year long while most of the world is anxiously awaiting the arrival of pumpkin pie ... I am even more anxiously awaiting the arrival of all things "NOT pumpkin pie"!

Friday, October 14, 2011

These Boots Were Made For Walkin'


Although the weather has been somewhat confusing and unpredictable lately, my wardrobe has been totally predictable ... Boots and Mini skirts. I've somehow managed to blend some of my fall favorites (Boots,Blazers) with some great summer pieces (Mini Skirts,Chiffon Tanks) on a daily basis. 

I live in Southern California and it is warm-hot most of the year. The temperature rarely hits below 65 degrees and it is mostly sunny skies throughout the year. Lately we have been having some really INSANE fluctuations in our weather. One day we will have sunny, clear skies, 75-90 degrees out, tons of people at the beach ... The next we will have extremely dark skies with sudden downpours of rain, even HAIL! The weather is just totally bonkers, how is a girl to plan her wardrobe with weather like this happening??

EASY ... Just mix it up! Wear lots of  layers and make sure each layered look is ok to wear on its own. Currently I am wearing lots of Boots/Skirts/Blazers and lightweight blouses. I was inspired to wear this skirt by a recent post on The Written Runway. The post was all about "Fringe and Feather" trends during London Fashion Week. The skirt I am weraing is one of my favorites, I call it my "feather" skirt. I love incorporating some of my favorite summer pieces into this transitional time between seasons, but I NEED it to be Fall ... ASAP!

I am such a "Fall Fanatic" I am craving some TRUE fall weather, which for us here in Southern California just means weather BELOW 70 degrees, with a slightly crisp breeziness. I can't wait to bring out all of my favorite boots, coats and scarves.

What's your "go-to" outfit for this CRAZY weather we have been having lately?

Monday, October 10, 2011

Missoni for Target Luggage


Missoni for Target .. SOLD OUT in stores .. Click HERE to purchase!


Travel, Travel, Travel. I feel like lately I am always on the go. I have had a few work trips recently and am so thankful to finally be the owner of LUGGAGE! Before my recent purchase of the Missoni for Target luggage set, I was the girl with the mis-matched duffle bags, struggling to get up a flight of stairs. I am very happy to say that I am no longer that girl.

During one of these recent work trips I headed out to Las Vegas. My trips to Las Vegas typically consist of all my closest girlfriends, along with WAY too many bags.. we tend to pack our entire closets, a great dance party playlist and enough alcohol to intoxicate an army all piled into one of our tiny little cars. This trip to Las Vegas was MUCH different!

3 Things you should know:
I love Las Vegas
I love to Travel
HATE TO PACK ... or so I thought ...

Untill this trip I was the WORST packer. Hated every moment of it. I think all of these feelings of hatred, unhappiness and frustration were brought about by my luggage, or rather, my lack of luggage. I have never owned a suitcase. I have had and still have plenty of "duffle bags", "travel bags", and "backpacks" , they just don't do the job well for the amount that I pack.

Thanks to my new luggage I am now a happy packer. I still love Vegas. I still love to travel. Now, I also love to pack.

The Missoni for Target luggage is FANTASTIC! I didn't even realize it when I bought it, but my 21" spinner suitcase is the perfect measurments for a carry on bag. Perhalps that it why they call it the " 21 inch carry-on spinner". This bag is extremely travel friendly. It is easy to maneuver, has multiple pockets (inside and out) and it also comes with 3 EXTRA bags inside, 2 shoe bags and a laundry bag... how PERFECT! The colors are great and I love the gold zipper detailing. I couldn't be a happier traveler.

The only downfall to this bag is that people are extremely envious of it. I felt as though I was going to get attacked. No joke! I had at least 10 people stop me at each airport to comment or ask "I want that bag", "I need that bag NOW", "how did you get that?", " where did you get that?", "Can I pay you double for it?". I was bombarded and everywhere I walked I had women turning thier heads, eyes glued to my suitcase! It was INSANE! I should add in that I went to Vegas maybe less than a week after the launch date of the Missoni for Target collaboration ... So people were still on edge about everything selling out so fast. I am so happy I was able to snag one for myself!

What was your favorite Missoni for Target purchase?