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!

Obsession

I have mentioned in past posts that I am feeling the studded trend. It is still going strong, and I am still buying into it. I love how Sam Edelman adapted this trend for spring. The mint colored trench is perfect for the weather now. And the motorcycle jackets are actually not real leather, so they are light and perfect to throw over a maxi dress. It might seem obsessive to buy three pieces of outerwear, but when they are faux leather they are cheaper, and the deals are even better when you score them at Hautelook. Hautelook is owned by Nordstrom and so you can find sample sale prices on Nordstrom goods while the sale is on Hautelook. Thank you, Hautelook!

Happy shopping!

Tibi Continued

As I mentioned in my previous post, lobsters have a special meaning to me. It is kind of a joke, but it is also an endearing symbol. Eliot writes "I should have been a pair of ragged claws/scuttling across the floors of silent seas" in The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock. I have always appreciated this image of the two lobsters walking together, as Prufrock struggles to find the meaning of a love that is more than just physical. 

But I would never have thought of wearing that symbol in  way that was the right amount of poetic. That is, until Tibi debuted their new looks. I was delighted to find the large lobster prints on silks and shifts. The gray sweatshirt is my favorite. It might just be a birthday/Christmas gift to myself, representing my love for fashion, poetry, and my partner in life. Had to share these playful looks with you.

The Many Faces of Rhinestone

I just bought this super cool statement necklace from Nordstrom and I have been living in it. I love the orange, pink and yellow neon coloring. I also love the different shaped jewels. It reminds me of a Dannijo or a Tom Binns piece. Except, this necklace was much more affordable at just $24. But of course, my favorite thing about this necklace is the possibilities it holds. It is perfect for layering. While it is already a layered look, I love wearing lots and lots on top of lots of jewelry. Especially when my outfit consists of a simple T-shirt. So on Friday I did just that and stacked my vintage rhinestone necklace on top of my pink neon H&M piece on top of my Nordstrom find. I love how expensive and unique this look is. Some other variations on my necklace layering are above: hot pink H&M plus mint necklace from Forever 21; hot pink H&M with vintage necklace.

Needless to say, colored rhinestones are in. It's a trend I love. But if you're like me and will always love the classic clear look of a good rhinestone, layering is the way to go. And if you want to create your own color scheme for this trend, it is super easy. Simply pick up a cheapie rhinestone necklace and use Sharpies, nail polish, or spray paint to create your own color effects as in the DIYs above from State of Unique and Bonnin Designs. And again, if clear stones are more your thing, try layering classic strands on top of each other like Maegan did (this tutorial is also featured in the premier issue of Jewelry Affaire). 

Happy Jewelry Wearing!

Feathered Friends

The next issue of Altered Couture will have a feathered dress on the cover. I am actually really liking the idea of a feathered frock. And it seems like feathers are popping up everywhere. I am so glad this trend is taking flight! I found some of my favorites and decided to share them here. More on Pinterest, of course. I prefer the fuller look of the ostrich feather. The only thing about wearing feathers is that they can shed a bit, so the clothing is super delicate and likewise, super expensive. These finds will require some savings. I already purchased a couple though -- what can I say, they make my heart flutter!

Above:
Fascinator by Batcakes Couture
Dress by Alexander McQueen
Dress by J Crew
The inspiration that started it all (in my opinion), Carrie Bradshaw's wedding look
Dress by Michael Kors
Dress by Jay Ahr
Dress by Milly
Dress by BluGirl
Strapless dresses from ASOS
Blue and white feather purses from Kate Spade
Dress by Erin Fetherston
 Blazer by Elizabeth and James
Headband by Tasha
Skirt by Zara
Clutch by Alexander McQueen
Skirt by Kate Spade

Fashion's Night Out 2012

After experiencing some intensity last month, I am ready to start September and my favorite season (Fall!) off with some glamour. I think it's Samantha on SATC who says she needs "some glamour" in her life. And that's definitely how I felt in the weeks leading up to last night. I knew it would be good and just what I needed and well....I got my just desserts.

Thank you Anna Wintour, for encouraging us to go shopping while stores serve us food, drinks and play music. It's hard to go back to normal shopping after Fashion's Night Out. FNO is meant to encourage consumers to go out and spend money; it's about investing in the fashion industry. Not to mention, FNO kicks off Fashion Week in New York and begins the Domino effect of fashion weeks around the world (Milan, London, Paris). Fall collections (as previewed in the September issues of fashion magazines) debut in stores just in time for FNO. So in my book FNO marks the official end of summer, the time to start buying for fall (or begin Christmas shopping), while the fashion shows you see start you thinking about Spring. The whole of the year in terms of fashion truly eclipses in September.

This is definitely my favorite shopping holiday (Black Friday being my second). I chose to head out to Fashion Island in Newport Beach, because that's where I attended the first FNO three years ago and remembered it being amazing. I'm blanking on what got in the way last year, but it felt good to be back and helping the economy. I purchased the most amazing top at Juicy Couture, incorporating the embellished trend. It has rhinestones and spikes all over it. They have it in black too, so I am thinking I may have to head back for a duplicate in the coming weeks. Especially since I scored an awesome coupon last night that is good for the rest of the year (thanks Juicy!). This was the only piece I bought though, because I am going on vacation next week. And vacation requires $$$.

Well, that isn't entirely true. I was going to resist Casey's Cupcakes but they made the cutest ones for FNO. They were red velvet with pink frosting and topped off with a glittery shoe. I have said many times that I could eat a shoe I love it so much, but this time it felt good to actually eat a shoe that tasted as divine as it looked. Even the cupcake place participated in FNO and gave me a free mini cupcake for purchasing the special edition one. I also made a stop at the new Lette Macarons and indulged salted caramel and dark chocolate wonderfulness. Oh soooo good!!

Other fashionable stops for the evening included Bloomingdales, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus (though they didn't seem to have any festivities); Kate Spade had super cute displays and their salespeople were kind as always serving up lemonade and cookies; it was all about bikinis and martinis at Trina Turk. They served up sparkling wine and a signature pink cocktail. I loved all the prints, colors, and sparkly shoes at that store. By far the most festive FNO party at Fashion Island! Jonathan Adler didn't have much of a party, but I loved the Union Jack coasters (of course). But the people at Juicy Couture are just hard to beat. They served champagne and were friendly as ever. There was also a giant catwalk and mini fashion show right outside.

And since the evening was all about glamour and presentation, I thought it was an occasion that warranted dressing up. I wore some happy color combos including a yellow Jill Stuart , orange Kate Spade clutch, rainbow shoes and jewels from Kate Spade, while stacking my arms with vintage gold and rhinestones along with local favorite Gorjana-Griffin. I got my toes pedicured yesterday and I liked that they matched my clutch. The other color on my hands is really cool too (Bikini so Teeny from Essie). And you know what they say, the happier the colors and you are with your outfit, the happier you will feel. And that couldn't have been truer than last night.

Happy (fall) shopping!!