A World of Interiors

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to toast the new Charlotte Olympia collection, A World of Interiors, at South Coast Plaza. The new fall line is full of art to wear. So many of the pieces are museum-ready with sculptural heels and bold, classic prints. The leopard dots were my favorite, and the striped/rose cake pops were the perfect touch. Below are my picks from the collection:

Thank you South Coast Charlotte Olympia for dressing up my Wednesday night! Click here to see the full Fall 2015 collection. 

Cheers to a World of Interiors! 

What Happens in Vegas...

What happens in this magical city rarely stays there, especially when it comes to shopping. My mom and I were in Vegas last week for a bit of relaxation and shopcation before I attended a trade show for work. Here are a few of my recommendations:

1. Bauman Rare Books. Most people won't be able to actually shop in here (see prices above), but I highly recommend going in and browsing. They even let you take pics! If I ever win it big while gambling this will probably be my first stop. They have first editions of classics, rare memorabilia from famous authors, and the place looks like Belle's library in Beauty and the Beast.

2. Kate Spade. Kate Spade is everywhere in Las Vegas. There's a store in the Grand Canal Shops, Fashion Show Mall, and in The Forum Shops. The outlet (off the strip) is where you can find some amazing rarities like their partnership collection with Swarovski.

3. Charlotte Olympia. I made my poor mother race over to this new store in the Forum Shops our first night in Vegas. I loved the exclusive Vegas merchandise like the showgirl shoes and kitty poker face flats. I ended up buying the black velvet kitty flats, pretty much a timeless staple and worth the investment. The experience of shopping in this store was like none other. Talk about truly wonderful salespeople who love their job and love making customers feel happy! Definitely go for the experience, and of course, for the cute shopping bags!

4. Ted Baker Outlet. Ted Baker is already an affordable brand, so you can image how great the deals are at the outlets. I walked away with 3 dresses, a top, and am now regretting not buying a wallet for under $60. 

Happy Shopping (no matter where your vacation may take you)! 

Happily Ever After

Maybe there are no happy endings, save for the ones you write yourself. 

I haven't been a big fan of fairy tales in my adult life, but there is something intriguing about Cinderella. It's not all that different from all the other Disney stories, but it does involve shoes. That infamous glass slipper is as much a supporting character as any fairy godmother or ugly step sister. I can especially relate to the Grimm version where women are willing to mutilate and deform their own feet just to fit into that special shoe. Don't we all try to conform a bit, even if it's hazardous to our well-being? I know I am guilty of sometimes thinking I have magical feet that can shape shift to fit any size if I want the shoe bad enough. 

That's the problem with fairy tales. They teach that you can get what you deserve or want by use of magic, so long as you're a good person etc. We all know that real life is quite different. Blood, sweat, and tears are the modern day magic, and oftentimes there isn't a prince or a godmother to help you out. Sometimes you do have to torture yourself a bit to reach a desired outcome.

But one thing I am a firm believer in is that you can choose to wear the right shoes to get the job done. Everyone deserves their proverbial glass slipper; the perfect fit. I love all the designer shoe collaborations that have sprung up because of the upcoming Cinderella movie. You can see these dreamy heels here.  

Another thing I am a big believer in is writing your own story. Sure, you may have helpers and saviors along the way, but don't be afraid to pick up the pen and create your own happily ever after.

P.S. Other cool Cinderella collabs can be found here and here.

The Things We Want

Things I wanted recently that I bought: Champagne sweatshirt from Blonde Design, Vera Wang White booties (purchased from a wedding site, even though I'm not a bride), and a Stace Face mug from Starbucks (the mug is an ode to Stacey Bendet, one of my favorite designers).  

When it comes to shoes and things I have a tendency to get what I want, and it's not always because I work hard for them. Sometimes I get gifts (or gift cards, thanks to Christmas), or sometimes I just wait it out for the ideal sale. Sometimes I even (gulp) charge these items to my credit card. There's nothing quite so motivating as getting what you want, especially when you don't have to wait to get it. I found all of these items via Instagram, and purchased them almost as soon as I was done hitting the "like" button.

It wasn't until today, when people at my work were asked to give feedback on the type of work environment that we want that I got to thinking about wants and needs on a deeper level. Sure, I have a long wishlist of components that would make up the perfect place to work, but I know now that there is no "perfect" place to work. Every job has its perks and occasional drawbacks. I read my email  back to myself and began making corrections; there wasn't a point in presenting upper management with a shopping list peppered with my point of view. Instead, I started off by thanking them for being interested in my feedback to begin with. After all, they didn't have to ask. I then acknowledged their goals so they knew I had heard them out and didn't just read the part that said "Please send your feedback." I offered up my concessions, then offered a few small details about what works for me. The result wasn't a ransom letter (these people after all supply me with the funds to buy my shoes) but a professionally articulated statement of what I thought I would need to be that much more successful at my job.

This exercise reminded me that some things are worth the wait, or worth working for. Take this blog for instance. I almost didn't type this post, because I wanted to go to sleep and call it a night. But it hit me that I wanted to write. Sometimes getting what you want requires pain and perseverance, and knowing this, I have been trying to avoid the uncomfortableness of it all. I had forgotten how good it feels to publish a post; to talk freely with my boss; to save up for something I really wanted. 

If you focus on delaying gratification just a bit, you might actually end up with the thing you never even knew you wanted. Case in point, this cool blue Nubar nail polish, gifted to me by a sweet friend at the company. I have wanted so badly to find my footing in the nail industry over the last two years. I have worked tirelessly because I wanted to learn; to prove that I belonged. At a certain point I forgot about wanting that so badly and just started being myself and doing my best. The result is a pretty great work relationship and cool moments like seeing my name on a polish bottle, something I never would have dreamed of wanting previously. 

I caught myself thinking I would have to go out and buy some new clothes for a tradeshow this weekend, but I stopped and realized how ridiculous that is. The fact of the matter is, I don't need anything new. I have plenty. It's time to stop wanting and start appreciating. I'm so glad I stayed up to write this post. 

What Lies Ahead

I think it's funny that we as human beings are so fascinated with the future. We want to know everything that will happen as soon as possible. Fashion is one of the few outlets that is happy to tell you about the future well in advance and give you ample time to prepare. Imagine if all things in life were forecasted on a runway two seasons in advance.

Fall/Winter clothing and accessories are now out in full-force and since the holidays are a time to really sparkle, it's time to pick up those special pieces for gifting or for keeps. While it still feels summery here in So Cal., the Tweet Up at the Outlets of Orange recently reminded me to think ahead.  

My recommendations for Fall/Winter are as follows:

1. Shine. Whether it's beading, sequins, or chunky rhinestones, add some shimmer to your wardrobe to stand out. I picked up this sequined black tank with large discs from Neiman Marcus Last Call. The movement of the discs adds some shine to my wardrobe, especially when worn underneath a coat.

2. The Statement Shoe. It's no secret that I love shoes, and while they serve the practical purpose of getting me from point A to point B, they can also do double duty as your jewelry of choice. Choose a glitzy shoe (or a really tall one) and have that be your statement-making accessory. Your confidence will skyrocket. I picked up these beaded and silk Charlotte Olympias from Neiman Marcus Last Call for an incredible deal. They are the perfect shoe for me, with some glitter in every step. 

3. Consider a Clutch. If you're like me and you love a big bag, you know it can be challenging to squeeze everything into a tiny clutch. However, these pocket-sized purses are perfect for holiday parties. Take a load off and don't compromise the look of your formal wear by choosing a clutch that has detailing on it. I spotted this smart set at Saks Off 5th. 

4. Feathers. I love feathers! I hope this trend never goes away. As evidenced by the many feathered finds from dresses to shoes at Neiman Marcus Last Call, I don't think it will. Be advised, feather items tend to be a bit more expensive because it's such a delicate detail. I think it's extremely worth it though to buy pieces that have such exquisite movement.

5. Be a Square. If you are going to stick with a bigger bag in place of a clutch, opt for a structured, square shape, the most popular bag of the moment. You can get a bag similar to this anywhere (even Target), but Neiman Marcus Last Call had all of these designer-looking duds in stock.

I for one love the idea of an open-ended future, where tomorrow's a mystery. While you can't always shape the months ahead of you, you can prepare for (hopefully) colder temps and festive events. When shopping ahead of time and at outlet stores you can find a large selection of on-trend necessities for the season at the fraction of a cost. And budgeting for the future is always in style.

Happy Shopping!

NYFW Prep

I realize this sounds ridiculous considering all the purchases I have posted on here in the past, but I went shopping on Friday to get "last minute items" for my trip to New York and ended up spending a small fortune on clothing. That's a small fortune on top of the already big fortune I have spent in the past. After months of honestly saving money, it didn't feel as good as it used to to buy stuff. I did get some amazing deals though, and hopefully come NYFW, I will think it was all worth it.

I have spent the last several weeks researching NYFW street style and pinning things I like from every major online retailer. You can see my Pins here. But I learned that just pinning things didn't help me. I wasn't buying any of the things I pinned, and likewise, I wasn't able to translate any of these pins into items from my actual closet. A lot of what is popular in street style these days just aren't things I like or would wear. I realized that in order to be myself at NYFW, I'd have to bring clothes that were truly me.

I had zero intentions in investing in yet another standout dress, but this one is very New York (it is after all from Kate Spade New York). The silhouette is perfect and so flattering. The color is divine and so eye catching. And the best part: it has pockets. I even think I can wear it with flats. The dress was on sale for Labor Day, but even so, it was a big ticket purchase. The garment bag made it all worthwhile though.

After having blown a lot of money I was in the mood to save. I decided to browse the consignment shops along Corona Del Mar (in my opinion, some of the best in the country) and walked away with steals from my two favorite stores. Recycled Rags had the most amazing silk ombre maxi skirt, Chanel heels, and Miu Miu flats. While I should probably buy more flats for Fashion Week, I just couldn't justify them although they were a great deal. The skirt was beyond amazing, so I took that and couldn't resist the sculptural heel of these champagne colored Chanels that I swear are comfortable (I already wore them this weekend!). I love that the interior of Recycled Rags has the mates of the shoes lined up all around the ceiling. I could live in that store.

Then it was off to On Que Style. Their sales were unbelievable. I walked away with a brand new Halston Heritage dress and a like-new 3.1 Phillip Lim frock for just over $100. One last stop at Beauty Collection to grab a new lip stain and some basics to pair with my statement purchases from Zara and I was done with shopping.

To be very honest with you though, all these purchases aren't completely removing the doubt from my mind. Maybe it's natural to worry a little when you don't know how exactly to dress for the place you're going, or maybe it's a bit of buyer's remorse. I have imagined this moment, of going to New York and going to Fashion Week for so long that I have forgotten to be realistic. I know things never go the way you think and I'm sure no matter what I wear someone will definitely be dressed better, but I didn't want to make it over there feeling like I didn't even try. I am worried about running around in high heels all day. I am worried about getting from place to place in a strange city. I am worried about breaking a sweat in my silk purchases, or worse, maybe even falling over my heels and twisting an ankle. I try not to worry about whether or not people will compliment my outfits or take photos of me, and instead am trying to enjoy it all, because I know it will be over so soon. I'm trying, and hopefully it doesn't look like I'm trying too hard.

I intend to post outfit images when I get back and some via social media. I'll try my best to look my best. Until then, happy shopping!

Dreams DO Come True (& All That Other Good Stuff)

Langston Hughes wrote an entire poem about what happens when a dream is deferred. I hope I am not alone in admitting that I have postponed a dream or two here and there. Right now this poem really resonates, as I have literally gone running instead of working on some of my goals. I have also drowned some of my nights indulging in all things sugary and sweet instead of getting to work. I would have to agree with the ending lines of the poem that a dream deferred will eventually explode.

In a week, two of my lifelong dreams will come true. I will be in New York attending Fashion Week. I am guilty of being someone who has often rolled her eyes when a celebrity/politician/athlete stands on a podium and declares that dreams do come true, so this blog post is my apology to the world. This is my testimony to possibility. I have always been a big thinker, dreamer, believer, I can imagine a great many things, but I have for a long time felt like I had to package these things up and store them somewhere to save for a later date. I have treated my dreams and goals like a nice pair of shoes. I get really excited for them to arrive, and once they do, I tuck them away in their packaging. Sometimes I have a specific idea of when I will take them out, but mostly, I let them sit until the right opportunity arises and I have tried on several other pairs first. Why do I do this? I don't know. Perhaps I am afraid. Perhaps because sometimes it's easier to slip on a pair of running shoes or flip-flops rather than break in something new. Sometimes it's hard to walk the walk.

So here's my podium speech to all those out there who have dared to dream only to defer. I caution you that if you can dream it, it can explode into actuality. A dream is a heavy load to bear, and if it consumes you, you will work as hard as possible to carry this load. It is the work of many days (and night and weekends), it is the wearing of many shoes and trying many more on that get you in shape to be able to walk the path you were meant to walk. I'm not entirely convinced a dream is something intangible that happens only when we sleep. A dream can be a small glimpse, a gut feeling of what's to come. Once detonation happens and things become tangible and present, you won't want to run. You will even forget that you were ever afraid.

Dream on.


*Big heels, big dreams. Dare to stand tall and walk the walk. Shoes by Charlotte Olympia from the Outnet.  Unfortunately, these are probably too tall for NYFW.