Wander Child

Lovely Today: Julia, Manhattan

2009-08-06T00:03:00.000-07:00

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld is the daughter of Carine Roitfeld, the editor of Vogue Paris. She's stunning and naturally alluring. Check out the rest of the shots of her, her exquisite accessories, and her photos here.

The Selby is genius. Check it out if you haven't already. And read the handwritten-note-interviews... what an awesome way to have people express themselves.

Lovely Today: Florence

2009-08-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try a new feature - posting a shot each day of people or looks that strike me as lovely, most of which will come from blogs.

The above is from The Sartorialist, of course. Two things strike me: the setting (Florence) and the colors. The piazza is empty - unusual, for Italy - and it's so romantic that way; and the muted tones, everything in shades of beige and taupe and grey, make her stand out. She glows. It's simple, really: a tunic, some strappy sandals, a tan, a trip to Italy. But simple stands out.

pic: http://www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

Kate Moss @ TopShop

2008-09-14T11:58:00.001-07:00

So I finally visited the TopShop US site to check out Kate's new autumn line...
and honestly, there are only a few things that really jump out. I won't be buying anything (so! expensive! it all looked cheaper in pounds, but now it's in $$ signs...)

The best thing in the whole line is by far this:

Babydoll Dress, $135. The back is really beautiful and simple.

Heart Cardigan, $90 -- already out of stock!! Also in brown and grey.

Charlston Dress, $160. Also in navy. This one I really do like - again, the back kinda makes the dress - it is super low with a criss cross spaghetti strap... and I can just imagine the movement of all the fringe. I'm seeing some simple black pumps, a leather bomber, and a slouchy envelope clutch with this one.

The rest of the line is sorta "meh." It will sell out, no doubt, but is there really anything new about a striped tunic top or a printed tank?

All images, clothes available at TopShop US

Fashion Week Favorite #1

2008-09-12T00:12:00.000-07:00

Rodarte.
To be honest it's not revolutionary - it's just a continuation of their last (blockbuster, killer, extraordinary) season. But just these two dresses alone make the collection for me.
They're both ethereal and vivid (an unusual combo)... and, the cuts and fabrics across the chest are so unusual, but so right for the style... it really flows. It's a hit - I'm in!

LookBook: One Fine Evening

2008-09-11T23:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this shirt was bought in London... my only purchase (in real life it's not as shiny as it looks in the pic)
Jeans, J Brand. Shoes, Marc by Marc

LookBook: About Town

2008-09-11T21:59:00.001-07:00

Shirt and skirt, American Apparel. Shoes, Dolce Vita. Bag, B. Makowski. Belt, vintage.

Lure of LeSportSac

2008-09-10T21:07:00.000-07:00

Two summers ago, I purchases my first LeSportSac: a black Tokidoki for LeSportSac simple bag (above right). It was cool because it had multicolored teeth in its zippers, tan leather detail, and a stain-resistant exterior fabric. Plus it was lightweight and held all my things. Eventually I removed the keychain so that it was clean and classic.
When I bought my (relatively cheap) bag, I never knew it would come around the world with me, carry me from day to night in all my travels, and still look as good as new....
I only wish it had a little more detail and a little more style.

Enter Stella McCartney for LeSportSac. The initial collection last year was not really my thing (that bunny backpack was kinda way too kitschy) but the new collection is, I think, a home run.

Stella McCartney for LeSportSac 4619 Classic Carrall in Bark, $225

Stella McCartney for LeSportSac 4624 Convertible Rucksack in Night, $250

These may not be cheap, but they look pretty luxurious (even in nylon, which is a feat). The gold detailing, the color choices - it all makes it both practical and classy. I think I have an item for my wish list - and I know that these bags will endure the test of time and environment. I guess my dream Marc by Marc leather bag will have to wait another season....

On the Fringe

2008-09-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

Gucci F/W 08-09

After Gucci's F/W08-09 show, it seems like the hippy-bohemian-low-slung-belt-and-fringe-boots vibe is back (with a Renaissance twist). Maybe fashion is having a bipolar moment (think Roland Mouret and especially Balenciaga and Prada - all straight, clean, sharp lines for F/W08-09, with Prada's dowdy silhouettes and Balenciaga's austere cuts suggesting a move in one direction ... versus Gucci's 70's-style gypsy movement).

Prada F/W 08-09

Balenciaga F/W 08-09

But there is a common trend here, forgive the use of the word, and its away from sexy in the overt and usual way we see it. Take away Alexander Wang - who is sort of his own agent and his own scene - and we get a lot less skin and a lot more sauve detail. Take a cue from buttoned-up-cute Thakoon S/S09. Even Rodarte S/S09 is more sculptural in chest detailing with long skirts than outright sexy.

Thakoon S/S 09

Rodarte S/S 09

So anyway, back to Gucci. Gucci buttons up some peasant shirts, slings some coin belts across its models' narrow hips, adds rows of studs, throws on layers of fringe, and invents an outlet for girls who are already tired of "line" and "cut."
Cue Kate Moss back in her Minnetonka moccasin boots, cue Sam Edelman bringing out the fringe-glorious flat boots, cue Jeffrey Campbell with fringed sandals and heels.

Sam Edelman "Ursula" $159 at piperlime.com
Jeffrey Campbell "Top" Fringe Sandal, $94.95 at Nordstrom

Kate Moss in Minnetonka

It's a trickle-down effect, alright, and I'm not immune to its lure. I've loved those Minnetonka moc boots since I first saw them swaying down the street on Kate, and now they're mine.
Now the question is, with all my AA cardigans and rather preppy clean-cut tops, how to style them? I think Kate knows, so I'll have to learn from her. What else is new, right?

Pics: FabSugar, Fashion Week Daily

A Black Dress

2008-09-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

a) is never dull
b) is always flattering
c) can't fail at making you feel good
d) all of the above

Dress, Susana Monaco
Shoes, Carlos by Carlos Santana

Here' to You, Roberto...

2008-09-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

Roberto Cavalli Vodka? A friend tipped me off to this one. Cheers, I guess!

London!!

2008-09-10T18:07:00.001-07:00

Then we went to London. It was lovely. We walked and took the tube everywhere, saw as many sights as we could fit in, and even did the whole Oxford Circus march. We came away empty-handed, but that was never the point of London anyway.

Our truly luxurious hotel room:
The British Museum:
The V&A

A moment for fashion reflections, courtesy of the V&A

(I wouldn't mind wearing either of these shoes. What is happening with the Biba revival, anyway? The dress below however... now that is another story....)
Buildings of Parliament...
The London Eye across the Thames (and we went on it. it was raining.)Then there was St. Paul's

And the very expensive Tower of London
(The crown jewels are the highlight there, of course, but no photos and they move you by them pretty sharpish...)

Then we flew away home!

Rwanda, Pt. 3

2008-09-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

And finally, we also went on a short safari. Some shots:

Then, as we drove to the border of Uganda, we encountered these cows with ridiculous horns:And the next day by the pool, the wildlife came to us.

Rwanda, Pt. 2

2008-09-10T17:32:00.000-07:00

I could not fit all my favorite shots in the first post and do it justice.
These are children from the mountains near Ruhengeri, in the northern part of Rwanda. The mountain gorillas of fame dwell above them in the Virunga volcanoes.
And yes, we saw the gorillas.

Rwanda, Pt. 1

2008-09-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

From Belgium we jetted down-world to Kigali, Rwanda. We spent almost three weeks teaching English and traveling throughout the country. It was beautiful, devastating, and uplifting - all at once.
Here are some of my favorite shots (some adults but mainly children, who are my favorite subject).

Belgium - Brugges

2008-09-10T16:41:00.001-07:00

We took the train to Brugges, a one-hour and vaguely stressful affair, then hopped off and walked the entire scenic (and touristy) city. We got a little lost, took a boat ride down a canal, climbed one of the world's tallest clock towers, and saw a few churches.
Favorite moment: a harpist playing in an empty courtyard.

Belgium - Brussels

2008-09-10T16:32:00.001-07:00

Lovely, lovely, lovely. Cobblestoned streets and cool breezes and massive stone buildings, dotted with pubs and modern banks and chocolate shops on every corner.
Best food: Dame Blanche (vanilla ice cream with warm chocolate sauce).

East Coast in June!

2008-09-10T16:20:00.001-07:00

OK, so it's been a while.... but I will return (at least for now, and sporadically).
Anyway - travels over the summer were expansive and exciting.
First off, East Coast! Here we have shots from the Big Apple.
By Day:
And by night (7th & Broadway):
The iconic YSL star stiletto (on sale at Bergdorf):
And the classic floral summer dress (not on sale) at Zara (worn with my own Kork-Ease):
I wore this dress to death over the summer. Very versatile and undeniably comfy.

I went shopping on a mission to find a floral high-waisted skirt. Found at H&M!
My search for the perfect denim shorts was unfulfilled though, and I left a pair of lovely Kate Spade iridescent pink Mary Jane pumps sitting on the Bergdorf sale rack.

I'm a discerning buyer... and though that means good buys, it also means few-and-far-between-buys.

My new glad.'s

2008-05-12T23:16:00.000-07:00

birthday gift from my mom - definitely a home run. i've been drooling over these for ages. does anyone realize how tough it is to find black sandals that are 1) gladiators and 2) look good on the foot and do not clash with all other clothes? dilemma solved.

enter the jeffrey campbell johnny ex in black snake:
they are $69.95 at Nordstrom and also come in a neutral or brown tone. plus they are all adjustable, the top is rather stretchy, and they are comfy. comfy! i have a keeper.

Seriously, what is it with American Apparel?

2008-05-12T23:05:00.000-07:00

I have an unhealthy obsession.
My AA count:
3 basic v-neck cotton t's in black, white, heather grey
2 basic hoodies in sunshine & red (the red has still not arrived but i LIVE in the yellow)
1 polyester microfiber tulip skirt in navy
1 double-breasted cardigan in sahara w/ black buttons

and i continually lust after the cardigans. the orchid/charcoal striped one in particular keeps calling my name... and the basic baby rib cardi, or even the shag one.
i'm also dying for a whole set of their light thermals in fluorescent colors (and it's spring.. weird) and the infamous, amazing skater dress. someday i will have it in peach!what is this strange infatuation with a website that screams semi-porn and a company that mass produces basic things that are decidedly overpriced? it seems really emblematic of my generation, or perhaps just my location and my generation, but i swear the more i buy the more i am obsessed and i see everyone else just as infatuated as i am. i don't think of it as a social movement or anything but it has a sense of meaning - sex really sells, we're all done with the logo craze, we want to buy USA-made things without being overly patriotic.
i think we like the way its subversive and kinda creepy and edgy but safely mainstream. and wearable. no one ever says enough about how important it is for something to be wearable.

Maui!

2008-05-03T21:14:00.000-07:00

My mom and I stayed at Wailea Ekahi Village in Kihei. Some condos are ridiculously outdated, but you get a nice enough private pool and a fabulous beach. Plus, the Grand Wailea, Four Seasons, and other luxury hotels are about a 15-min beach walk away...
the pics are of our building and the view from our patio (the landscaping was really lush).

Our beach!

View from the Four Seasons restaurant, Ferraro's (best. lobster risotto. ever.):
And finally, we took a drive to Lahaina and ate at The Lahaina Grill - the seafood is just exquisite. Huge recommend; best meal of the trip.
Dress: Unknown
Clutch: Nine West
Sandals: Dolce Vita

Restaurant review: So. Expensive. The poke from the grocery store is amazing. The Four Seasons restaurants are fancy. The Haile-Maile General Store is worth the drive for the decor alone. Love The Lahaina Grill!

Shopping review: Absolutely nothing in Lahaina; don't bother. Wailea Shopping Village is very upscale (Fendi, Gucci, BCBG) and has some other more mainstream shops, but the BCBG store is just gorgeous... the runway collection and the shoes were especially attractive. I ended up getting a few things at the Guess store (white high-waist shorts, flowery chiffon blouse, white eyelet dress).

LookBook: MixMatch

2008-05-03T21:00:00.001-07:00

This little vintage-y slip skirt came with a new dress, and I just had to try it out on its own. This is everything wrong - heather grey, cream lace, mustard leather, wood orange, brown - and even a mix of silver and gold accents. But. I kinda like it...

Shirt: American Apparel
Skirt: Odd Molly Uncorporated
Belt: The Jack Rabbit Collection
Shoes: Kork-Ease
Bag: B. Makowsky

and the slip skirt had an adorable waist detailing (although it's a bit big so it looks odd all hoisted up high, but i would try it with a more feminine skirt/shoe combo)

Oh, to be a sailor...

2008-05-03T20:28:00.001-07:00

Everyone has a different "nautical" sailor style - some like the stripes, others go for the Peter Pan collar, and everyone piles on the navy and white. And I love classic nautical, too - there's nothing wrong with a sailor dress and brass buttons. But this is what I'd do:

Marc by Marc Jacobs Glitter Dot Jersey Dress
$298 at shopbop (of course)
(Probably the most wearable dress ever)

Pour La Victoire Dominique Woven Platform Sandal
$226 at shopbop
Marc by Marc Totally Turnlock Teri Bag
$428 at shopbop

ok, this shoe/bag combo is pretty much perfect in my book - similar color range but just off-matching enough that it seems thrown together and not over-analyzed. plus, with the dress it brings an earthy edge.

and the jacket was the hardest part to find. i wanted hot pink, but this bright poppy was the best i could find... alternatively muddy brown patent would be neat. with the dress i think you either go loose/sloppy or structured in a bomber-y way so as to not look too prim-proper-perfect.
Monrow Sweater Jacket
$209 at shopbop

And voilá... edgy sailor, thanks to Marc by Marc. perfect for your summer cruise or just dreaming of the salty seas.

Brunch in Town

2008-03-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

Sunday brunch with the girls, involving huge omelettes and lots of cornbread. Followed by brief shopping... It was rather cool out, but sunny, so I had to do the between-seasons mix and match.
(Pose is a bit awkward, sorry).

Dress: Michael Stars
Boots: Corso Como
Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch
Bag: Hobo International

CyberShopping: Sunburn Clothing Cures

2008-03-15T17:25:00.000-07:00

I'm in Hawaii, and it's about 90 degrees and scorching hot.
And my excellent sunburn has no mercy (I really did wear sunscreen, promise, but still...)
And I have resorted to wearing my loosest jersey dresses in an attempt to minimize cloth-to-body contact and thereby minimize the pain of sunburn.
What I really want right about now:

Rachel Pally Salsa Dress
$238 at Shopbop
(shown in pewter, also comes in white and midnight)

Oh! What I wouldn't give for loose, flowy tiers and effortless movement that will cool my burning back... Better yet, this dress looks made to move to a rhythm; whether Maui or Rio de Janeiro, think fabulous platform heels, a bright clutch, and Mojitos into the wee hours of morning.

Karen Zambos Vintage Couture V-Neck Tank Dress
$284 at Shopbop

So I know this is a tad shapeless, but the color is rich and you just know the silk will be soft and cool and light. I vote for bronze wedges and an earth-toned bag while out and about at night in Athens.

Milly Sardinia Tile Print Portofino Dress
$323 at Shopbop

This looks like the type of dress that you can throw on with your silver flat sandals after a hot day at the beach and check out the sites. The name says it all: Sardinia! or Portofino! Preferably anywhere in Italy, with a dark tan by a pool. Conversely, bring it to the Bahamas with giganto Tom Ford shades and an anti-Lily Pullitzer attitude.

This post has been Shopbop-heavy (and way too expensive) but a girl can dream...
Sending you sea-breeze blow kisses and flowers for your hair!

Battle of the Belt/Shoe Combo

2008-03-10T22:05:00.000-07:00

OK, so I am guilty of re-wearing. But only a belt and shoe combination! They go together so nicely... I couldn't resist! (Plus, the shoes are my fab brand-new ShopBop finds featured in the earlier CyberTravels installment. They are uber-shiny, pretty comfy, and have garnered quite a few compliments!) The belt was given to me by my mom; she found it in the back of her closet from "30 years ago," she says. It's elastic with little gold and silver metal plates, which match the shoe detail.

Look 1 was executed for a semi-casual dinner out with the 'rents.

Top: (unknown)
Jeans: Sass&Bide
Shoes: Dolce Vita
Belt: vintage

Look 2 was thrown on for a casual shopping/errand-running pleasant afternoon.

Dress: Ella Moss
Cardigan: Michael Stars
Shoes: Dolce Vita
Belt: vintage
Bag: (slightly hidden) vintage Coach

Yay for re-wearing! Which combo do you like best?

Tomorrow at 6:00am I'm off to Maui. Adventure posts forthcoming!

Denim Shorts of the Classy Variety

2008-03-06T21:47:00.000-08:00

I really, really want tailored, non-ratty, classy dark denim shorts. Why are they so hard to find? Why, fashion gods, is this such a difficult thing to ask for?
Of course, if you don't mind spending a ridiculous amount you can have these lovelies:

Hudson Pleated High Waist Short
$143 at Shopbop
(Pretty much perfectly fits the bill... with bright flats and a plain tucked-in American Apparel tee, one sees spring fashion perfection. Why, Hudson, do you charge as much for shorts as for full size jeans?)
Forever 21 Pleated Denim Short
$19.90
(and these are a little hot-pant-y. although a nice wash.)

Arghh the search goes on...

Warrior Footwear

2008-03-06T21:20:00.000-08:00

It seems gladiators of the flat, wedge, and high-heeled species are roaming wild wherever one looks in the jungle of shoe shopping. Honestly, every online site has a spread for them.
But let's be honest: gladiators, with all that extra strappy chunkiness around the ankle, can be just plain unattractive. And yet. They have that magnetic draw.
Today, I will explore the depths of gladiator heel territory:

CARLOS by Carlos Santana "Magnum"
$100 at Zappo's
(Comfort-wise these are an excellent bet and are well-priced to boot. They are the most feminine gladiators I have come across and the most versatile.)

Nine West "Gaulla"
$90 at Piperlime
(These have a heaviness and an androgynous edge which means they are bound to be best sellers... worn with the floaty floral frocks or crisp safari jumpsuits of the season, they scream on-trend and are a good price point. And they won't get stuck in cobblestones! I see a remote village in Italy and your most ethereal white eyelet sundress. Bellissima!)

Linea Paolo "Suzette"
$109.95 at Nordstrom
(I see these as the most classic, grown-up of the styles... they are the perfect balance of a hard-edged gladiator with slimmer feminine lines. Think a pastel-colored belt-waisted shirtdress and soft leather bag in Rome.)

So! Gladiator heels! There are so many high-end, heavy-duty versions but they are unwearable if one is interested in looking relatively normal. Chie Mihara is my favorite of those sorts, though...
Funny how I see them mainly in Italy... back to their birthplace with the chariot races, I say!

Next up: gladiator wedges.

Guess vs. Kors: Battle of Cut-out Wedges!

2008-02-27T16:26:00.000-08:00

A friend wore these modern chic shoes to a recent formal event, and I was like, I love!

GUESS by Marciano Savor in Blue Patent
$99.95 at Zappo's

And then I was doing the usual ShopBop browsing ("Neutral Territory: Modern Metallics) and came upon these beauties.

KORS Shoes Danger Metallic Cutout Wedge
$230 at shopbop

And it hit me! Quite a big price difference and the two styles are extremely similar. The Guess ones don't come in silver but we don't always like looking like androids... and electric blue (or hot pink and black - the other options) is so, so major right now.

I am thinking a floaty white dress for the blues, as you cruise through Rome (in a few months). And for the silvers... a killer tan, a jersey LBD, and an oversized neutral clutch. In New York, of course.

Black Pointy Pumps

2008-02-17T23:00:00.000-08:00

I could go on for years about wardrobe basics, but basics are... well, they're basically boring.
But not always!
Example: I just purchased a pair of black pointy-toe pumps, and they are the epitome of basic. But! They are not boring! It is partly that they are classically clean, sexily chic, and businessy in the best way. They are fierce. And I mean that in a very non-Top-Model-ish way; I mean it very literally.
My new pair:

Amalfi "Claudia" Pump
$129.95 at Nordstrom
(This picture makes them look so absolutely blah. And maybe they are. They are a basic! But they really do look good on. And these ones are made in Italy... and they will last.)

Another, cheaper, slightly shinier option:

Nine West "Freda" Pump
$49.95 at Nine West stores (sale!)
(These are surprisingly comfortable. But they are made in China! Ergo, the other pair eased my conscience... and will probably last a bit longer. But these are good-lookers.)

The moral of the story: basics are not exciting, but it is so very satisfying to buy a basic that you know will serve you well throughout its lifetime, come trend or high water...

Self-Tanning Bliss

2008-02-17T22:24:00.000-08:00

This is not mainly a beauty blog, but sometimes one finds little indispensable beauty products that one simply must pass on...

This Bliss "A Tan for All Seasons" self-Tanning spray ($36 at Sephora) fits the bill for pass-on-able. I prepped with my normal body moisturizer, then spritzed this on to my legs. It was cold, and it didn't spray out evenly, but as soon as I rubbed it in, it dissolved into my skin completely.
A faint cold-grape fragrance remained (not my favorite), but it faded after about 15 minutes (not bad!) and the tan was immediately noticeable.
No dramatic fake-bake or orange glow here; my legs were just nicely tinted into a natural tan color.
A day later, and it's still there. The bottle says the color is buildable - I'll be working on that!

LookBook: Sunday Shopper

2008-02-17T21:49:00.001-08:00

Neutrals are the fashion cure to a late-start Sunday.
Sweater Dress: Repeat Cashmere
Tank (underneath): Abercrombie & Fitch
Shoes: Miss Sixty
Bag: Donald Pliner Couture
Necklace: Tiffany & Co.

It's not clear in the pic, but both the bag and the flats have a shimmer in the fabric that ups the fashion factor (otherwise it is just a boring beige outfit).

This is, I think, classic California end-of-winter chic on a sunny day... and with a warm trench coat, it could take you anywhere on the East Coast.

LookBook: Beach Ball

2008-02-17T13:49:00.001-08:00

Please excuse the fire alarm accessory...
This was my outfit for a recent formal beach-themed event.
Dress: Nicole Miller
Shoes: Enzo Anglioni
Necklace: unknown

The shoes were surprisingly comfortable - I lasted for about 3 hours of steady dancing before succumbing to the appeal of bare feet.
And the dress was so light and whispery soft.

This would be fabulous evening wear for tromping around a seaside town in Portugal, don't you think?

Final Sale AND Fabulous

2008-02-15T23:34:00.000-08:00

So the name is a bit scary, but this Rachel Pally Batwing Mini Dress in its soft navy color with silver etching definitely does not frighten, especially when coupled with a price tag of $66.60, down from $220 (at shopbop).
It's honestly adorable, promises to be comfy (Rachel Pally's jersey is tops), and isn't even reminiscent of jazzercise wear (which is the line that Pally sometimes crosses). The loose cowl neck screams sophistication and class.
Plus, it's versatile. Tights or bare legs, silver pumps or even sandals - they would all perfect the look. It is begging for an oversized clutch and charming outerwear, too.
I can see it nonchalantly sightseeing in France with some serious sunglasses and fierce footwear.

A New Favorite Color (Definitely Not Mellow)

2008-02-13T15:50:00.001-08:00

Yellow!
It speaks of sunshine and daisies and-
No, not really. Mainly it is bright, bold, and bang-status.
But yellow dresses seem like they could get dated, so accessories it is:
A few options---

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Posh Turnlock Dot Bag
$498 at shopbop

Lauren Merkin

Lucy Patent Croc Clutch

$250 at shopbop

And shoes! Nothing like a bright patent pair to perfect a lemony look:

Dolce Vita Moritz
$100 at piperlime

Via Spiga "Ensue" Opalescent Patent Sandal
$235 at Nordstrom

And, although it's not technically an accessory, and although I haven't stepped foot in a Gap in about 7 years, this jacket is just the right pop of casual color that I require:

3/4 sleeved cropped jacket
$34.99 at Gap.com

(this would have to be paired with slick dark jeans or a floaty dress and neutral accessories)

The danger with yellow is screaming "CAUTION!" with your clothes, so if you stick to a minimum and use the brights only in unexpected places to offset an otherwise safe outfit, the result will be quirky perfection.

Oh, Happy Valentine's Day too!

CyberTravels of the Week: The Seychelles

2008-02-12T22:27:00.000-08:00

Because it is February, and although it unusually fabulous right now in southern California, I need some exotic destinations to daydream about...
So - the Seychelles; island chain off the eastern coast of Africa, and with a plethora of white-sand beaches and untouched forests.
More importantly: in the Southern Hemisphere! Should be steamily hot!

Attire picks:
A bikini with minimal tan-line-ability is key. Maybe it is just that the model is tan, and it is February, but this is subtle yet not bland:

Ella Moss Raquel String Bikini, $108 at shopbop.com

And the perfect freedom dress, because all you will want is something easy and flowy and loose and soft and simple:

Theory Nanet Dress, $195 at shopbop.com

And finally, one pair of shoes - gold, to set off your perfect tan.

Dolce Vita Cyprus Metal Disc Thong Sandal, $105 at shopbop.com

The Wide Legs

2008-02-11T23:43:00.000-08:00

I searched and searched this fall for the perfect voluminous denims, but failed to find something to fit a five-foot frame...
And now I'm wondering; will wide-legs last, or was it a one-season fluke?

Alice + Olivia
Eric Pant; $253 at shopbop.com

Dresses for Now & Later

2008-02-11T23:30:00.000-08:00

This is one of those perfect dresses.

Alice + Olivia
Patent Band Mod Shift Dress; $330 at shopbop.com

It is body-conscious but fashion-forward. It is black but not basic. It is short but not revealing. It is demure but not conservative. Neither have I failed to notice that it is the perfect transitional piece; with tights, patent pumps (maybe in a bright color, á la Proenza), and a peacoat, you have exceptional winter wear; with bare legs, some nude peep-toes, and a sleek set of lucite bracelets you have the chic downtown spring look.

Oh! Flats! And for Spring!

2008-02-11T21:32:00.000-08:00

I have a love-hate relationship with flats...
But sometimes they are pretty irresistible. And now they come in colors!
My favorites right now:

On the left, these are Dolce Vita on PiperLime, and they are $100... which is sort of that middle range of I-could-get-heels-but-these-are-just-so-cute. AND they come in raspberry and bright yellow. Sold!

I am seeing them wandering through Switzerland with superdark straight jeans and a clean white tee, or browsing the high-end stores on the cobbled streets of Capri with high-waisted denim shorts and plenty of glitzy necklaces.

On the right - also from PiperLime - are a pair of BCBGirls for $89. Perforations = my favorite form of breathability, ergo these are divine. Imagine lots of white denim in spring in Spain. For now, black rocker skinnies and a colorful scarf will set these off nicely wherever you are...

Fashion Week Favorites

2008-02-03T20:56:00.001-08:00

Fashion Week has dwindled down. But still! A girl can dream...

So! One of my favorites, I have to say, is BCBG Max Azria. The cohesiveness - from the belts to the muted color palette - is just plain gorgeous. It may be safe, but it is stylishly wearable.

BCBG Max Azria

Next up: Proenza Schouler. Love the color combos, really rich and moody and complex... And the bright shoes just, really, make everything right.

Proenza Schouler

And also, a big swoon over Oscar de la Renta. I think it's in the fabrics, and the rich luxury of the colors, and the deliciously feminine silhouettes.

Oscar de la Renta

Finally, the return of Hervé Leger. It got mixed reviews, but the style is so iconic and so conscious of curves and beauty... it just makes me want to go on a liquid diet. And find some hips.

Hervé Leger

All runway photos from http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2008/fall/.

The First...

2008-02-03T20:22:00.000-08:00

Well. Here we go...

An introduction is in order.

3 things you should know about me:
1) I am a Taurus. Honestly.
3) Travel = my main passion. And writing. And fashion.
4) I am still in school. So - be patient, maybe.

What you should know about this blog:
1) Fashion blogging is so popular and yet... I can't help but succumb to it's glories myself. So fashion it is!
2) And when and if I travel, photos will be shared and advice will be given and all that fun...
3) Any suggestions of what else I should add will be happily received.

Let the blogging begin!!