Style...It's All in the Family

Tonight my cousin Jimmy and his family came over to hang out, catch up, and celebrate his son Josef's 2nd birthday. I don't remember the last time I was able to spend an entire evening with them...it was such a treat! Jimmy has always been very well dressed, and not much has changed. He walked in with long hair which I haven't seen since his high school days, and the most adorable winter wardrobe that included slim/skinny jeans. I couldn't resist and had to take a quick snap shot of him.

Hat: F21, gift from his daughter's

Scarf: F21

Hoodie: L.L. Bean shearling lined zip up

Shirt: Grey and white stripe Gap thermal

Jeans: Fossil slim fit jeans

Fashion Psychoanalysis

{images from style.com}

I'm working on a collaboration with a fashion website. I don't want to reveal too much of the work in progress but I've realized that I need to do some fashion soul searching/clarification. Over the next few days I'm getting back to my fashion roots! The designers that inspire me the most, attempt to define my personal style, predict future trends I want to test run, hone in on my favorite aspects of fashion, and my favorite pieces in my closet...the ones I would save in the event of a fire...just to get things started. I'm excited to document my analysis and see where my fashion opinion finds its roots. Stay tuned as I sift through all the fashion trends, designers, stores, closets, and jargon.

{images from outsapop.com and style.com}

What Santa Isn't Bringing

All my Christmas shopping is complete and presents are under the tree. So with time to hang out and relax I'm initiating a few more DIY projects.

{people.com}

Who isn't lusting for the Commes de Garcon jackets that walked the fall runway? Tavi proved it's an easy DIY fix and I couldn't agree more. Headed out this weekend in search of a thrifted trench and a fashionable blanket. Can't wait to bundle up in this for the rest of the NY winter.

{the glamourai}

This is the first of many bibs I will be making. I've been turning the house upside down looking for more trinkets and knick knacks to adorn the necklace with. I love how casual you can wear this, but also how dressy it can be worn.

{nylon}

I fell in love with the jeweled tights and socks that showed up on the Miu Miu runway. In the last couple of months I've seen a handful of fashion savvy ladies turning out their own DIY jeweled leg wear and have been determined to make my own. I went for a quick Target run today and purchased a pair of thigh high black cable knit socks and black opaque leggings. I'll be sure to post pictures of my finished projects ASAP.

{style.com}

I've also been looking for new ways to wear some of my old favorites that are critically neglected! A couple months ago I went to lunch with a friend and was introduced to Jenny Kang, an associate market editor at Lucky. I saw this picture of her on the website as the look of the day and think it is absolutely genius and adorable. I have an extremely over sized white Marc by Marc button down I tend to only wear as a bathing suit cover up. Pairing with a sweater and tights is just too cute.

{lucky magazine}

This look I pulled for my friend Nate. He's creative in his work as well as his personal style. I saw this image of Beckham and thought, oh gosh this is so easy and Nate already has the majority of the components. The missing link is the over sized chunky cardigan. Both of us are keeping our eye out for one (or a few)! Love this look though....scruff and all!

{people.com}

Wardrobe Diaries: A Family Affair

Today is my sister's birthday and every year we have the same tradition... Tex-Mex dinner, margaritas, and we end the night with my mom's homemade German Chocolate cake...Hands down the best cake you will ever eat! Everyone was dressed so cute I decided to make today's wardrobe diary a family affair!

Meet the birthday girl, Leila! She resides in Lake Tahoe, CA, wife, and stylish mother!!! (with some help ;)

Jeans: Banana Republic boyfriend jeans

Jacket: Lela Rose lantern sleeve jacket

Shoes: Black patent flats...she doesn't remember who made them and the name has rubbed off

Scarf: Fabric purchased this week at Joann's

Bracelet: Banana Republic multi chain bracelet

Meet the cutest, most adorable woman I know, mi Madre, Julie. She's my personal sewing machine, fashion enthusiast, and the most creative and multi talented lady you'll meet!

Cardigan: Vintage sequin cardigan purchased on eBay

Jeans: Banana Republic black skinny jeans

Necklace: Vintage pearl cluster necklace, another eBay find

Shoes: (not pictured) black Nine West flats

My two year old nephew, Judah, wanted to be in the picture...and how could I saw no to a face like that?!

Jacket: Old Navy denim jacket from my high school days

Shirt: H&M white over sized tee

Skirt: XOXO sequin mini

Shoes: Beat up white Converse

Scarf: Gift from Pop Rocks

Watch: Betsy Johnson enamel watch/bracelet

Ring: F21 two finger ring

Shop It To Me + Coco Canal

I have been eager to share with you that Shop It To Me, a life changing sale shopping site, has added and named Coco Canal as one of their Trendsetters!

If you aren't familiar with SITM and their service, I would strongly encourage that you head over to the site and check them out. Basically the site lets you know when your favorite designers, stores, and brands hit the sales floor. When you register you can select your favorite brands in apparel and accessories and then you will be sent bi weekly (or your choice of frequency) emails with updates on your must have discounted favorites. I hope you'll check out their site and their blog.

I'm so excited and honored to be a part of this elite group! Thank you Shop It To Me!!!!

Chasing Pavement

A couple of days ago I went to San Marcos to do a little shopping at the outlet malls. Surprisingly enough I wasn't in the mood to shop, but loved walking around finding inspiration and beautiful things that make me smile. I strolled into Neiman Marcus Last Call and camped out in the shoe department. I feel in love with these three styles.

I couldn't resist these L.A.M.B. heels. I think these were the last pair I tried on. Everything about these screams chic, downtown lady. I would keep my outfit neutral in order to make the shoes and legs the standout component.

These Marni platform heels are adorable. I saw the colors from a mile away and knew it was love. They are a little 70s inspired and were so incredibly comfortable.... that, or I'm just so used to heels now in the city that anything goes!

These were my favorite shoes of the day. Another pair by L.A.M.B. that was taunting me with the thought of purchasing them for New Years Eve. So fabulous with a 5+ inch pin thin heel, grey distressed leather, key hole at the toe, and black elastic at the ankle. Would be the perfect finishing touch for my NYE options, but I'll just have to find something else! While I love and adore these shoes, I can imagine that they would quickly become the shoes I wear out when I'm going to be sitting all night. While I was confident in strutting around in the Marni pair before, now I'm a tad hesitant to boast in this L.A.M.B. number.

Wardrobe Diaries: DIY Legging Patches

Had a somewhat lazy Sunday. I went shopping at the outlet malls in San Marcos with my sister and madre. They went for home furnishing...my sister is moving into a new house right after the new year, and clearly I went for some new garb! I wanted to wear something that was comfortable and painless to change in/out of in the fitting room.

Jacket: Old Navy denim jacket from when I was in high school

Shirt: Reworked men's American Eagle plaid shirt

Leggings: Hard to tell from this pic but I added sequin knee patches to my Target leggings. Still needs a finishing touch, but had to wear them today.

Shoes: Steve Madden cognac boots

Necklace: Horn necklace, gift from Becky

Ring: F21 two finger arrow ring

Found some amazing footwear at Neiman Last Call...images of my new favorites soon!...along with my other fabulous purchases!

Après Baba

I'm channeling and styling around all things Catherine Baba. I'm convinced that she is one of the most stylish and iconic women I have laid eyes on. I'm lusting for everything that's in her closet and to strut around with the same confidence and style conviction she possesses.

In the last year I've started to acquire a small fur collection. It has quickly grown and last night I added my first mink into the assortment. My sister's mother-in-law passed this down to me. A decadent chocolate mink that once belonged to her mother-in-law! It's exactly what I've been longing for. A long fur to keep my warm and cozy during the current NY blizzard!

Ever since I saw this image of Baba I've been longing for my own kimono. I'm heading to the store later to find some suitable fabric, but in the meantime I've been wearing my Grandma Leila's kimono from her time living in Japan. I'm terrified to wear it out because of how delicate it is, but I can't get away from it's vibrant colors. Lounged around this afternoon in a head to toe Baba inspired look.

Turban: Urban Outfitters black sparkle jersey turban

Kimono: My Grandma Leila's (my mom's mom) from her time in Japan

Leggings: Black Ann Taylor Loft leggings

Top: Beige tank I borrowed from my mother

Belt: Vintage elephant belt

Sunnies: Old Gadzook I found in my closet

Necklace: A gift from an old client

Best Accessory: My dog Beau!!

Wardrobe Diaries: Double Denim Challenge

I woke up this morning determined to not let my distaste for some things in fashion defeat me. My dad was notorious for sporting the Canadian tuxedo so today I challenged myself to step into his shoes, or shirt, and see how bad it could really be.

Shirt: denim long sleeve shirt, now taken from my dad's closet

Jeans: Gap bell bottom jeans

Belt: Gap brown leather belt

Shoes: Steve Madden purple ruffle ankle boots

Jacket: F21 hooded leather jacket

Necklace: gift from Becky

Sunnies: early stocking stuffer from my mom

Not going to lie, I was a little insecure trotting around the city today with my mom running errands. I felt like everyone was whispering as I passed and pointing fingers. Then when I really thought about where I was I realized, "Uhhh hello, I'm in Texas and people wear their Wranglers and pearl snap button downs regularly." I passed by a mirror and walked away satisfied and proud of my double denim moment. I can't say this will be happening frequently, but it was a great first run!

Home for the Holidaze!

Yesterday I spent the day in airports and on planes making the trip home for Christmas. It is only day one I'm already thinking the day has gone by too fast. I've spent all day with my parents lounging around the house and catching up on the silly things. I've seen two of my best friends from high school and now it really is starting to feel a lot like Christmas...cold, rainy, and all. As soon as I walked in the house and put my stuff in my room, my mother and I were immediately talking DIY projects, things we've seen and been inspired by in the latest issues of our favorite glossies, and must haves to complete new outfits we've been dreaming up. I walked into her "office" (aka sewing room) and pulled up a picture of a fur collar styled with a sporty hoodie and purple blazer. "Where's the extra fox from my fur vest? I want to make a fur collar like that." Before I could get the words out or blink, this was thrown in my direction!

Does my mother know me or what?! We're still trying to figure out a cool and unique closure (instead of satin ribbon) but right now the verdict is either chains (punk) or pearls (sweet). TBD!

As if the fur wasn't enough...I was then presented with this 3/4 sleeve cowl neck sequin top. BANANAS! I saw it on Ebay a few weeks ago and she bid and won it for me! So excited to start wearing this, possibly sooner rather than later! Could be a very sparkly Christmas morning!

Nope still not done. I also got this white vintage petticoat. It's so big and puffy I can't even handle it. I threw it on under my dress, danced around the kitchen, and don't want to take it off. Already played dress up with it and have the perfect holiday party outfit in mind.

Like I said, do I have the best mother or what!?!? So excited to incorporate all these pieces into my WEARdrobe! Crossing my fingers that my vacation doesn't go by too fast and put me in a holidaze!!!!

What I'm Wearing Today (minus the petticoat):

Dress: Anna Sui for Target Go Tunic

Cardigan: Helmut Lang Striped Cardigan

Shoes: Steve Madden Cognac Knee High Boots

(I have blue hair...well streaks at least. Better picture tomorrow)!

Wardrobe Diaries: Casual NYC Day

Today is my last day in NYC for two weeks. I'm heading home to Texas, to warm weather, to family/friends, and to Tex-Mex. I'm so excited for my extended stay and to catch up on a slower life for a bit! My day today was pretty casual hanging with friends, packing (the bane of my existence, I always over pack), and soaking up a bit of the cold for a few more minutes. I made Becky and Victor head to the roof of V's apartment to take a quick (and hideous) pic of me in the last of the light for the day.

Jacket: F21 hooded leather jacket

Jeans: Express wide leg, high waisted jeans

Shirt: American Apparel Deep V

Belt: Vintage elephant belt

Scarf: Gift from Pop Rocks

Hat: F21 knit beanie

Shoes: Converse low tops

I'll be reporting to you tomorrow evening from Texas (with my dog curled up next to me, and my mother organizing our DIY projects)!!!!!!!!

Melba Toast Monday...

Tonight I had the privilege of volunteering at Charity Ball. The event was a total success raising over 1 million dollars to bring families clean water. To top off the night, Charity Water is now serving over a million people clean, fresh, healthy water. It was such a beautiful event to be a part of and so neat to be amongst supporters, sponsors, friends, and the staff as they not only met their goals, but raised more than what they were aiming for.

So this week's Melba Toast Monday is welling up from tonight's event. As many will tell you, these bracelets have not left my wrist in the last week. I can't help but wear and support a charity that I believe so strongly in. If you are not familiar with the charity and their work, I would urge you to head over to the website here and see what they are all about. Or you can shoot me an email, I'd love to tell you about their efforts.

Canadian Tuxedo

{img the sun}

One of my biggest fashion DON'Ts is denim on denim. I don't know when my frustrated relationship with double denim began, but as far as I can remember it's always irritated me, more than nails down a chalk board. A handful of friends constantly tease me about sporting their own Canadian tuxedo and at those moments I start breaking out in hives and my throat closes up. Apparently, despite my guttural reaction, the pairing is a Spring 2010 fashion trend. As I look through more collections, and even my own wardrobe I'm slowly coming around to the idea of pairing multiple blues. I know, I can't believe I said it and that I'm admitting/submitting to this ridiculousness. However, I still have some rules to set in place.

1- Do not match your denim. One piece should be light blue and the other in a dark indigo stained shade. Anything paired with colors too similar is outdated.

2- Style with bold/statement accessories. You have a plain, neutral palette to embellish upon.

Those are all the rules I have for you now! But I'm sure I'll post more as they come to me, as this is a sensitive topic for me :) Check out the video link below from Elle staffers on how they are tackling this trend for Spring.

Denim Trends – ELLE Shows How to Wear the Denim on Denim Trend

Posted using ShareThis

DIY: Knee Armour Leggings

As if I need another DIY project to add to my already extensive list of wishful things to do, I had to stumble upon another incredible project. Knee armour!!! Again, I'm not sure why I didn't think of this to begin with. I can't bare to wear another pair of solid black leggings or tights and what better way to update them. Originally I wanted to stud a pair of over the knee boots but this could be a better alternative. Instead of studs though, I think I'll use old buttons, maybe a few sequins, and even a jewelry piece or two. So in love with this idea and can't wait to execute it. If all goes well, I might do the same to a pair of skinny black jeans!

{outsapop}

AAS Mid Season Preview

While Pre Fall shows are going on all around the city, Parsons The New School, is putting on their own mid season preview of sorts. I had the privilege of attending their AAS program's show tonight and was blown away by the talent and creativity that was captured and on display. It would be one thing for the students to design and execute the garment of their choice but true to Project Runway competition, a challenge was presented. The students had to create ecologically and socially conscious garments from sustainable raw materials. I have a hard enough time finishing a hem and can't image the process of reworking or recreating a pieces from a garment bag or popsicle sticks.

I attended the show tonight thanks to Roxy (aka Pop Rocks). I was blown away by her creation. I had heard about the design and had seen a small preview in the form of a scarf but was not expecting the finished product. Roxy's dress (which was displayed in the center of the room on a pedestal) was created from vintage denim and took HOURS of man power! She cut the denim in 1"x 3" strips and tied them in a patterned knot to create the skirt. GENIUS. The dress has a back zipper and might be one of the most adorable things I've ever seen. Can you image this as a full ball gown or skirt. I would die! So proud of my sweet friend and so excited for what work and designs the future will bring her way. Congratulations lovely! So proud of you! J'adorable!!!!

I thought this rain jacket was so interesting. Come to find out it is actually a shower curtain that has a few tricks up it's clear sleeve. It's hard to see in this image, but there is a lace applique texture on the collar, pockets, and sleeves. Not to be fooled, there is no lace that is actually a part of the garment. The student (Britt Cosgrove) used a machine and process that makes imprints of objects when placed under extreme amounts of pressure and heat. So adorable!

The next is garment was my Rihanna moment for the night. Jameson Bui designed a look that screamed Run This Town. With mountain peek shoulder details, tons of leather, and a fringe face covered hoodie how could you not love this?!

This was definitely one of the sweetest looks I saw all night. Unfortunately I didn't get the name of the designer but she was just as cute as her dress. The ruffles/pleats were created from various materials (ie. paper, fabric, etc). It was definitely a dress I would love to wear for a milestone birthday celebration!

This is actually a jumper, by Joyce Lo, but I chose to highlight just the top. If you look close enough you'll be able to see that the top portion is constructed from a pair of men's trousers that are upside. The waistband was removed and then reattached inside out. Even the pockets were functional and this might be the only time that a pair of pleated pants is acceptable.

I had so much fun tonight at the event and I left in complete awe of the talent that is being produced in the city, and less than ten blocks from my apartment. It is moments like this and shows like tonight that continue to spur me on and inspire me.

{my apologies if I mixed up any names with their designs}

Style Icon: Catherine Baba

My current obsession and inspiration is...

Catherine Baba

This stylish lady is from Australia, but don't call her Australian. She's firmly planted her roots in Paris for 15 years and counting. She's more than a stylist, she's a fashion icon. Personal style, imagination, confidence, and composure radiate from every inch of her. In the last couple of months I've been falling more in love with 70's style but all I keep hearing is that 80's are back. Baba has found the perfect marriage to complement these two landmarked eras. You look at her and immediately see the aurora of Studio 54 gypsy inexcusably paired with bold colors and patterns. Her style spans beyond her years. She incorporates the 20's and 30's glamour with luxurious rich fabrics that are ornate with a fantasy air and feminine allure. Bangles stacked to her elbows, a closet of turbans, extensive assortment of sunnies, and a collection of one of a kind vintage YSL pieces that would make any fashion obsessed green with envy. How could you not be seduced by her distinctly individual style and unapologetic pairings.

{forum the fashion spot, the ugly earring}

{fr elle be}

{jak and jil blog}

{fashion indie}

{hanneli carousel}

{trendland}

{diane pernet}

My DIY time spent in Texas for the holidays will include turbans for every day of the week and enough kimonos to get me to Japan...and more bangles and sunnies then I know what to do with.

Hair Today Gone Tomorrow!

It's time again for me to get a hair cut. I've realized that the short chops require a lot more maintenance then my previous longer locks. So tomorrow morning I will be heading down to the Flatiron District to pay my dear hair guru (aka sidney) a much needed visit! Keeping it in the same vain but need a little ummmmph to it! As you know, I get bored easily with the same ole' same ole' so I have to spice things up...unfortunately frequently! I'm thinking of trimming down the rat tail/mohawk action, keeping things long on top, and possibly adding some temporary colors!!?!?!? We shall see...

Promise to post the finished product tomorrow!