Heads Up

A couple of quick photos to share a faux leather skirt I picked up this weekend; very excited about the possibilites :)

Faux Leather Skirt: GO International/Target, ACDC Tee: Chaser NYC, Yellow Top: Ecote, Studded Clutch: Abas, Necklace: Hollywood Intuition/Target, Bracelet; Kenneth Cole

Good Golly. . .

I'm late! I'm late! I'm late! and BOY... do I know it! Thanksgiving was a beautiful, restful day. My sister and nephew were in town and I turned 31 yesterday- that's right, no shame in my game-- I'm 31!

No gift in the world could match my sweet little nephews face each and every day that he was here. I couldn't get enough of him and it broke my heart to see him leave but I'll have my memories and pictures to remind me until we see each other again.

Good & Proper

Winter White, Satin, Fitted Blazer. . . Favorite, Destroyed, Boyfriend Jeans. . . Printed, Silk Top. . .

All Work = Some Play :)

"I've tried to find a new elegance. It's not easy because people want to be shocked. They want explosive fashion. But explosions don't last, they disappear immediately and leave nothing but ashes." -Giorgio Armani

Blazer: BCBG, Top: Old Navy, Jeans: American Eagle

Metal Feathers

Though the sharp edges on this dress could prove dangerous when I'm bleary-eyed at 5:00AM, trying to yank it over my head. . . I'll roll the dice :) I adore the weight and mix of textures. OH! and the second I find a lightweight, fitted pale yellow sweater to layer underneath this lovely. . .it's on!

Dress: Anna Sui for Target, Sweater: Isaac Mizrahi, Boots: Miss Sixty 'Bliss', Fishnets: Victorias Secret

Date Night. . .

. . .well this was what I had in mind for dinner last night, but the week was so brutal that I couldn't muster the energy to flip the party switch. Fortunately, the pretty dresses and leopard heels will wait.

While on my last 'signal' during lunch-hour yesterday, I did a quick thrift run and scored an adorable 'Built By Wendy' yellow sheath dress with embroidered anchors AND an equally adorable, deer-print, v-neck Primp tee. Can't wait to test run that Wendy dress with a grey cardigan-- am sort of obsessed with that color-scheme right now.

Dress: Target, Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Out of the Bag

This is the dress from the previous post and while I'm excited to finally get to wear it, I've found that it's a tricky little number. . . At any given angle, it either looks like I got a boob job or a butt lift-- and neither in a good way :( Oh well, it's comfortable and the length is work appropriate. I'll throw on a cropped leather jacket and see what gives.

P.S. Don't mind the shoes. I didn't intend to pair them with this dress, but I was traipsing around my house, intoxicated by the height of the heal and couldn't bear to take them off-- You understand :)

Dress: BCBG, Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Slight Alteration

So here's the thing, I haven't had many opportunities to take pictures lately so I asked a friend to grab the camera as I ran out to pick-up my dry-cleaning. We only had a few minutes so there wasn't much time to zoom, position myself in the best lighting etc. Long story short, they're not good and I wouldn't have shared this photo if it wasn't for the man in the top right hand corner-What in the world????????? *Note to self: Find a new Dry Cleaner*

Dresses: BCBG, Leather Jacket: Old Navy, Shoes: GUESS

Cocoa

HUGE Saturday morning haul at the American Cancer Society Discovery Store! Do you have one in your neighborhood? Google it; there are amazing finds every now and then. This weekend, they hosted a designer sale with racks upon racks of BCBG pieces- Nothing over $10!!! I arrived a day late but still managed to score a few lovely additions to my ever-growing wardrobe. This one is 100% silk!! Excuse the wrinkles, I'm not going out, just slipped it on to share. I love the effortless quality of this look, the fabric, the feminine cut, the sash, the straps-- my kind of dress!

Dress: BCBG, Necklace & Earrings: Kenneth Cole, Shoes: GUESS

Stand and Deliver

Yes! I'm slapping my own hand for allowing two solid weeks to go by without a single post! I've been having much too much fun with house guests and the change of season and the upcoming Halloween weekend; October is my favorite month and of course, it's almost gone *Insert Sad Face Here*

In any case, I finally got to do some thrifting with my besties last weekend and scored an insane LaRok mini dress. The fabric is a rich, thick, winter white and the details are gold which has me thinking I might have to debut it at a holiday party or two this year. Also, I'm stoked to have an option outside of Black or Red. I promise to share it very soon.

Dress: Twelve by Twelve; Studded Leather Biker Jacket: Zara, Shoes: GUESS, Clutch: Kenneth Cole

Taboo

Some of you may recall a former post featuring this dress; It's one of my favorites and I've been counting down the seconds to the first signs of Fall to pull it out of hibernation. When Wednesday morning brought with it a cool burst of air, Alas! we were reunited.

Dress: GO International, Shoes: Jessica Simpson 'Manica'

Circa July 23, 2007

"The Good China" is the title of a blog entry I wrote back in 7/23/07- in the days before blog awards, followers and outfit posts, but I wanted to share it with my new blog family. . .

There is a collective sense of apathy, with respect to our personal appearance, that is reverberating across mirrors and throughout closets worldwide. Save the obligatory sneaker and occasional flip flop, some of us have simply given up and given in to the slippery slope between the yoga pant in private and the pyjama bottom in public.

It's unfortunate and ironic that although we are taught not to care what others think of us, in every moment, we are unwittingly authorizing perceptions of ourselves that are inevitably affecting the regard to which our peers hold us, and the extent to which we are willing to go to perpetuate our best selves.

Giving care and consideration to the images we are projecting in our outward appearance is imperative because the compound effect of negligence and apathy, over time, could hinder our professional growth and the personal goals we've set for our lives.

Please consider this message a friendly reminder to put your best foot forward; wear your beautiful things with pride, and remember that your freedom, your health, your life today IS the special occasion.

*Illustration Courtesy of Renie*

"The bottom line is, blowing your rent money on one outfit isn't dressing to impress. What matters, he says, is how you present yourself. "So many people say to me, 'Oh, I'm not a fashion person,'" Gunn says. "Well, I don't expect you to be a fashion person. What I do expect is you to accept responsibility for how you present yourself to the world. It's the semiotics of clothes: The clothes we wear send a message to the world about how we want to be perceived. So accept responsibility for that." - Tim Gunn

Giovanna. . .

How ridiculously chic is she?!?! and I loved Karla's take on this look in her Pretty Mountains post

*Photo Courtesy of The Sartorialist*

P.S. Politics aside, I must give credit where credit is due and in this case I think we can all agree-- Three Cheers for Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC)!!

Dupree

If money grew on trees, these would be in my closet.
Sam Edelman Dupree's

*Photo Courtesy of Zappos*

His Closet

I don't normally purchase t-shirts for myself so I was stoked when this little lovely fell by the wayside in my boyfriends closet, subsequently landing right in my grubby mitts :) Honestly, what's better than throwing on a vintage Black Sabbath tour shirt on a lazy Sunday afternoon. . .

T-Shirt: Trunk Ltd., Harem Pants: Twelve by Twelve, Shoes: GUESS, Bag: Paquetage

Cherry Limeade

Back in July, my mom bought a couple of handbags for my sister and I. . .3,000 miles apart and without notice, it turns out that we had each exchanged our bag in favor of shoes. There's just something about that bond between sisters; no matter the distance, we continue to find ourselves prompting thoughts or executing ideas in unison, even after all these years. Sis, which shoes did you choose?

Cropped Denim Jacket: GAP, Dress: Old Navy, Bag: Leflesh, Shoes: Nine West 'Mavis'

Inside My Bag

Most all of my favorite bloggers have done it, so here it is. . .the contents of my bag:

Make-Up Bag: Wilsons Leather, Wallet: Celine, Sunglasses: Vera Wang Luxe, Phone: Blackberry Curve, Altoids: Creme de Menthe, Chanel Glossimer: Pagoda, Gloss/Perfume Duo: Vera Wang 'Princess', Perfume Roller: STELLA by Stella McCartney, Hand Lotion: Decleor, Emergen-C, Twinings Camomile Tea, Travel-Sized Deodorant, Flash Drive, Keys, More Keys, Loose Change

Multitude

I came pretty close to wearing the black version of this dress into the ground, so I snapped up the khaki one with what can only be described as a cat-like reflex just as soon as it crossed my path. No matter the occasion, it has never failed to disguise that extra 5 pounds that creeps up out of nowhere and make me feel like a lady, all the same.

Shirtdress: Forever 21, Shoes: Delicious

Grimace...

...not my expression, rather what the boy likened me to, when I don't stand up straight in this dress. . . and now I want a Happy Meal ;)

Tank Dress: Target, Jersey Chain Scarf: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: GUESS

Median

I haven't gotten much sleep lately and while I'd like nothing more than to rave and rave about how much I love this vest and the versatility it offers, my pillow is calling-- I owe you one.

Bandleader Vest: GO International/Target, Shirt: Express, Trousers: The Limited, Shoes: Franco Sarto, Bag: Forever 21

Serenity Now

La Jolla Cove when mom and dad came for a visit in July. . .

7:27PM Sky. . .

When life gives you lemons, do Yoga :)

Hope you are all having a peaceful holiday weekend.

Smoke House

I'm 5'4 and this is quite literally the ONLY maxi dress I can wear with flat sandals; and while the plaid was a bit much at first glance, the length and prospect of incorporating it into the last of my spontaneous jaunts this summer, sold it. . .for $6 to be exact. Get it while the getting is good- Target, Clearance, $6. There was another plaid option, but this was the least rowdy ;)

Dress: Target, Bag: Regina, Shoes: Leather Shop in Cabo

That Last Sunday

This week has been a blur of boxes and lists and trucks filled with things and hangers spilling out of closets filled with boxes full of things! I moved into a new house, or should I say- 'new to me' and getting everything organized and in its place has been an undertaking, the likes of which mere words cannot describe. . . More about that later. Anyway, I've received a few 'Where are you?' messages and figured I'd better post something, anything quick. . .so here I am, in the park on my last Sunday in my old neighborhood. I promise next week will be filled with posts :)

Dress: Bebe, Shoes: GUESS 'Rally'

Calendar Girl

Some rely on electronic devices to keep order of their tasks, messages and special occasions-- I, on the other hand, am the lone descender. Voice messages that I cannot immediately return, directives born of conference calls, grocery lists, book recommendations, gift ideas, strokes of genius and other incessant musings- are all tucked away safely, between the fine lines of the diary-style calendar I've kept since I was 17.

Why won't I let my Blackberry do the work? Colorful ink, pretty paper, little red check marks and the wine that compliments the evening ritual of planning the day that follows :)

Golden Oldie

I bought this dress 2 years ago and I've worn it about a million times. I love the colors, the deep v-neck, the pockets, and the high waist- so you can imagine how excited I was to find a belt that helped breathe new life into this old favorite.

**Disclaimer: I know it's easier said than done but please disregard the red hot mess that is my hair in this photo. It's hot, I'm sweating and the mop on my head is bearing the brunt of it all.**

Dress: Old Navy, Belt: Thrifted, Shoes: GUESS 'Rally'

Path of Least Resistance

When you're standing in front of the coffee maker, in a daze, willing the drip to completion, while flipping through the mental catalog of your wardrobe, contemplating stylish options for navigating an unexpected heat wave-- a romper is your saving grace.

Romper: Urban Outfitters, Belt: Forever 21, Shoes: GUESS

Pegasus

What do you do when the Sake runs out? Slip into a silk camisole, hit the deck, bottle a pretty flower and give yourself a pedi :)

Ginjo Sake: Sho Chiku Bai, Camisole: Legends, Necklace: Thrifted, Polish: Clinique 'Hotsy Totsy'

Forecast

What can I say? Some days are leather and some days are lace. I rushed and raced all morning, anxiously awaiting a date with my girls and all too stoked to debut my mummy leggings (Thanks Baby!)-- While yesterday, I sat pretty on conference calls in a pencil skirt and a button down. I still can't decide if the rough and tumble days are more fun than the prim and proper days :)

Cropped Leather Biker Jacket: Tracy Feith for Target, Top: Forever 21, Mummy Leggings: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: GUESS, Bag: Angie & Lola, Bracelet: Kenneth Cole