Alternative Apparel

Lately, I have been on a shopping binge for basics. Basics are the backbone of a great wardrobe. They can be dressed up and you come out looking chic without trying too hard. They can be worn on it's own and you come out looking comfy and unpretentious. Casual but chic. It's not as easy as it sounds. A lot of people try but get it wrong. If not done right, one can look sloppy and unkempt. As much as don't like her, Jennifer Aniston is the queen of casual chic.

Even in jeans and a tee, she still manages to look great. A friend once told me that the secret is to have great hair and great skin and you'll be able to pull off any outfit. I think confidence is key as well. If you have the confidence to strut your stuff, sometimes that overshadows your outfit...which is a good thing because you can pretty much wear a potato sack and you'll still be able to pull it off.

So, like I mentioned, I went on a crazy basics binge. Normally, I buy my basics from American Apparel and Madewell. As much as it broke my heart to NOT buy from Madewell, I wanted to try a new brand - Alternative Apparel. I previously hear about them from a friend. He told me that they were a "higher-end" American Apparel. Their prices are slightly higher but the quality is much better. So, I decided to take the plunge.

Was it worth it? I'm glad to say it was. Their selection isn't nearly as huge as American Apparel and their shirts aren't nearly as soft as Madewell but the fit is perfect, for me anyway. Most of their colors are very earthy and they also offer an organic line which is great for naturalists. Oh yeah, and I also appreciate that they don't have those cheesy/raunchy model pics like American Apparel.

Some of my faves:

Wedding Outfit

It's my aunt's wedding on Saturday and I finally have my outfit. She didn't want any of the guests to wear black so I will be wearing a gray dress. This is the best pic of the dress I could find:

It's a gray Alice + Olivia pleated dress with sequins. It's not as "spring-y" as she wants but I think it looks festive enough for a wedding. I'm a little worried about the length though since she's having a church wedding. I'll be wearing the dress with my CL Cosmo Python Very Prives!

I'll FINALLY get to wear these babies out! I'm so excited. I'll be wearing these shoes all week in my apartment to break them in. Hopefully they'll have stretched out enough by Saturday night. As beautiful as they are, they are a pain to break in. Still can't wait though!!!

Now all I'm missing are accessories. I don't need a necklace since the neckline of the dress is already embellished. I also have a ring that goes perfectly with the dress so all I really need is a pretty bracelet. I've been contemplating on getting a Clic Clac H Bracelet:
I've been eyeing one since back in February and I'm pretty close to just caving in and getting one before Hermes has another price increase. I don't think I can justify the price tag considering it's made of enamel so I'm still on the fence. If only they didn't come in lots of pretty colors to tempt me. *Sigh* Hermes also has a leather bracelet that I like but I'm shopping for the wedding and I don't think leather is quite appropriate. I also think that the clic clac is better when worn with other pieces. It doesn't really quite stand out on its own.

My other choice would be a brass cuff from Elizabeth and James.

I love that it has sort of a harder edge. The color will match the bronze undertones of my shoes as well. Price-wise, it's a little cheaper (about $60) than the Hermes bangle but it's definitely not as wearable.

I'll shop around some more. I'll give you guys an outfit update on Saturday.

Lunch and Shopping and Chocolate Brown Dillians

I had lunch with some FAB tpf-ers yesterday and it was a lot of fun! We met up for sushi at Midori Sushi in Sherman Oaks. It was my first time there and I was pleasantly surprised. It's an eat-all-you-can sushi place and the quality of the food was not compromised. Granted I probably didn't get my money's worth but I think it definitely warrants a return trip.

After lunch, we headed to the Rachel Pally warehouse sale in Downtown LA. They had a great selection of stuff but if you have ever tried anything by Rachel Pally, you know how much the material clings to your body. Most of the stuff were also a tad too big for me but I still ended up with 2 tops and a cardigan.

Last but not least, we headed to Beverly Hills for some more shopping!!! I was actually a good girl - didn't buy anything although my list of wants just grew another inch. We went to Saks first because they were having their semi-annual Friends and Family event. We visited the shoe department (most of which were excluded from the sale) to check out what CLs they had in stock. Of course they had the Blue Suede Madame Claude that had me drooling, the camel and black patent decolletes that are my ban loopholes and copper VGs which I haven't seen anywhere yet. The shoe department was kinda packed, probably from shoppers taking advantage of the F&F discount.

Next stop was Barney's and boy was I in trouble there. They had my ban loopholes as well but in jazz leather (my first choice), the No Barres which looked so great on, the bone patent differas which I LOVE but I didn't have the heart to try on because my will can be weak, and these:

CHOCOLATE BROWN DILLIANS!!!!! These were my fave color for the Dillians and I was very much surprised when I saw them on display at Barney's. Even better, the display shoe was my size! Talk about kismet. I had to try them on and of course, I immediately fell in love. I didn't want to take them off but I did and gently put it back on the rack. They are absolutely amazing on but I am sticking to my ban. Aren't you proud of me?

Thanks L for taking pics! I'd love to hang out with you girls again!!!

Gerard Darel: 24-Heure St. Germain Bag

I've been lusting over Gerard Darel bags for a while now but I've never followed through on a purchase. Now that I've seen the Spring/Summer 2009 collection, I'm dangerously close to hitting the "buy" button.

As per the title of this post, my fave is the St. Germain in the 24-Heure size. Well, If I'm being honest, I actually prefer the Utah but since python is illegal in California, I'm going to go with something a little more feasible. The St. Germaine is made of calfskin in a wide array of colors. The color which I love the most would have to be Butter (left) and Sky Blue (not the actual color name). And although I have never really felt the leather, I can only imagine that it's buttery soft.

Gerard Darel's line is not widely available in the U.S. so it's pretty tough to actually "try" one of his purses. There's a couple stores in Southern Cali that actually carries his purses so I guess I can start there.

Note: This is probably the worst-written post in the history on my blog. I wrote the whole thing while watching "We are Marshall" so suffice it to say that I was a little distracted. I heart sports movies. =)

Gray

I think gray is my favorite neutral. Of all the neutrals, I think gray is the easiest to wear and pull off. It goes with ALL colors - which is the function of neutrals but you gotta admit that NOT all neutrals can say the same. And although gray is a color primarily seen in the Fall season, I think there are lighter grays that can be worn in the Spring and Summer especially if paired with something bright.I love this shoulder bag. The gray is perfectly light that it will match almost anything....ok, everything. It also has a playfulness to it that makes it perfect as a spring bag.


My gray cardigan (not the one pictured above) is the most versatile piece of clothing I own because 1.) It goes with everything I own and 2.) It can easily go from day to night. It doesn't look as "formal" as black and you can wear it with yellow or orange without risking looking like a bumblebee or a pumpkin.

I've only recently appreciated the versatility of gray jeans. I like dark jeans and most gray jeans teeter on that border of dark and light. What I realized was that gray jeans, dark or light, go perfect with almost every color boots available. I'm not a fan of black and brown together and since I bought gray jeans, I get to wear all my brown boots with them!

So don't be afraid to add a little bit of gray to your wardrobe. It'll do you some good.


All items above available from NAP.

What happened?!?!?

Why does Rihanna suddenly look like Michael Jackson? What's up with the 80s Jheri curl? So sad... I guess even trendsetters have their off days...

Matthew Williamson for H&M

13 more days!!! I'm kinda loving the jumpsuit.

The collection will be available at the following H&M locations:

Atlanta: Atlantic Station, 231 18th St.
Boston: 100 Newbury St.
Chicago: 840 North Michigan Avenue
Los Angeles: Beverly Center
New York: 34th and Broadway
New York: 51st and 5th
New York: 59th and Lexington
San Francisco: 150 Powell St.

Black Tie Affair

When I think of "Black Tie Affair", I think of men in tuxedos and coat-tails and women in long gowns and diamonds...something like the Oscars.

If you Google "black tie affair", you find this definition:

"Black tie affairs are social events where all attendees are expected to wear formal attire. Both males and females attending a black tie affair make efforts to comply with the dress code and choose clothing that is considered appropriate formal dress for the time of day, the season, and the nature of the event. A black tie affair is different from a semi-formal event, where there is a wider range of clothing options considered to be appropriate semi-formal attire."

Notice that there is a very clear distinction between a black tie affair and a semi-formal event.

If you go on NAP, they have a whole section of dresses dedicated to black tie affairs and NONE of these dresses are knee length. Why? Because knee-length (or even tea-length) dresses are considered to be semi-formal attire and semi-formal attires are only reserved for semi-formal events and NOT black tie affairs.

**End of rant**

Christian Louboutin Pre-Fall Collection

Christian Louboutin's pre-fall collection is now available at Neiman Marcus. While I am not totally blown away by each and every shoe, there were a few standouts.

This is my favorite - the Hyper Prive in Nude Satin with Lace Overlay. NM calls it the Bouquet Pump. The Nude/Lace combo is one of my favorite color combinations that CL ever came up with. This version looks totally elegant and classy. While the older versions were just as pretty, I think the lace in the new version makes a big difference.

I love pee-toe booties. I've been looking for the right pair for about a year now. While these aren't the ones I originally had in mine, I still like them. Maybe it's the suede (I've been told I have a thing for suede shoes). I also like that the ruching makes it a little bit more interesting.

I also have a thing for slouchy boots. And while these aren't tall enough (they look like calf boots), they are still gorgeous. I think I'd hold out for the knee-length version. Perfect for when I move to colder climates.


Available at Neiman Marcus.

Christian Louboutin on Gilt!

Mark your calendars ladies, Gilt will be featuring Christian Louboutin on April 8th! If you're not a member, I think I have a link somewhere on this blog. Some of the goodies that will be featured are:

JS Pump
Retail: $775
Gilt Price: $378

Decoltissimo (still full price at Neiman Marcus)
Retail: $575
Gilt Price: $288

I hope Gilt's server will be able to handle the mayhem that will most likely ensue. Good luck ladies!

Happy Dance Time

My order is at LAX awaiting customs clearance. Woo-hoo! Time to do my happy dance!!! Or should I reserve my happy dance when I receive my package? Hmmm... Well, I'm still doing a happy dance. Woo-hoo!

I NEED new clothes!!

I've been on a buying rampage lately but I've only been buying shoes. Now what is the point of a closetful of shoes if I don't have clothes to wear them with? I'm waiting to start buying clothes until after I quit my job though. I need to be out of work-mode because that might skew my choices.

Anyhow, I think I need to invest in clothes that can go from day to night. I'll be back in school soon and I need clothes that will be comfy enough for school but be stylish enough for me to wear any other time. I used to go to school in tshirts and jeans and sneakers and sweats. I think I'm too old for that sloppy look.

For a more casual school look in the summer, I'd go for something like this:

This look is probably as casual as it gets. The shorts and the sandals are perfect for a Southern California summer. The leather jacket gives this casual look a bit of an edge without being over the top. Casual and comfy without being sloppy...perfect for a back to school outfit.

Jeans are my school staple. Skinny jeans are perfect because you can dress them up and dress them down (the trick is finding one that flatters your figure which is harder with skinny jeans than others). A pop of color is always a breath of fresh air and a fitted blazer pulls the whole look together.

A more current take on jeans is the distressed boyfriend fit. This look can be harder to pull off if not done right because it can look sloppy. I personally like pairing these jeans with a more structured top to contrast the baggy-ish fit. I also like pairing these jeans with heels or gladiator platforms for a more feminine look.

Dresses are great for school as long as the weather permits. Lightweight cotton is great for the summer and it's not too dressy. If the classrooms get too cold, it's always smart to bring along a cardigan. They're pretty easy too...you don't have to think about what top or what bottom to pair it with. You slip it on and you're good to go. Perfect for me since I'm always running late.

I'm so excited to start buying clothes again. =)


Everything posted is available at NAP.

Ebay is NOT my friend

Lately, I've been spending quite a bit of time one ebay. I'm not looking to buy anything. But there's a lot of interesting things being sold on ebay that it's entertaining to browse. Now the problem is when browsing turns to buying.

I have quite the long watch list and sometimes my trigger finger just itches to hit BIN. The best offers also get me in trouble. Sometimes I offer a low-ball offer just to see if I can get away with it and I get in trouble if the seller accepts.

Yes, there are great deals on ebay. Yes, I've taken a few advantages of some of these great deals but when is enough ever enough? Someone needs to block ebay on all of my computers. Really. Not kidding.

I've Been a Bad Girl

I'm supposed to be on a ban but it's sad how bad it turned out for me. I'd love to post pics but my mom reads this blog and she might have a coronary. Haha.

It sucks because I know I won't be able to shop for a long time. If things turn out the way I planned (which it hardly ever does), I'll be quitting my job in about 2 months time...earlier than I originally intended.

Well, c'est la vie. I have to start re-learning how to save. This time next year, hopefully, I'll be looking for apartments somewhere a little colder and a bit more expensive.

xoxo.

Hot Mess...Aubrey O'Day

Oh my. Where do I even begin?

Usually, I like the monochromatic look. Aubrey took it a step too far by matching her dress with her shoes and her hair and her tan. It's like watching this golden brown blob walking about. Her dress is actually nice. It's the styling that's all wrong. First off, the hair and makeup makes her look like a washed out tranny. She would've probably looked better if her ponytail wasn't too high. Oh, and those shoes. Yes, the color is a perfect match to the dress but she doesn't have to be matchy-matchy. Wine patent rolandos or something in deep purple would've provided a lovely contrast to her dress.


Note: I understand that it's tough to be under the public's scrutinizing and critical eye because there are always people who will talk shit about you. The least you can do is to try NOT to add fuel to that fire. Start with hiring a stylist. If you can't afford one, start by reading magazines and fashion blogs or at least asking a friend's opinion.

Battle of the Blues

After I bought my Turquoise Suede Ron Rons, I knew I needed another pair of blue shoes (even before I wanted yellow shoes). Actually, I think I've been wanting a pair of blue shoes ever since I saw these Chloe shoes on NAP last year:

I already have a pair of navy shoes and I wanted one in a lighter shade of blue. When I saw these Chloes, I knew I found the perfect shade of blue. I also like the asymmetrical peeptoe. I like that these shoes can be dressed up and dressed down. What I was a little iffy about was the heel. The shape of the heel is a little too old-fashioned for me. So the search continued and then these:

Electric Blue Suede Madam Claudes. I think these were the shoes Elvis had in mind when he sang about blue suede shoes. The color is an eye-catching shade of blue with a perfectly sexy straight heel. Now, I'm am in deeper doodoo with my shopping ban so all I can do is drool over these babies.


Pic of MCs from tpf.

Luke Grimes

As I checked the Barney's website today to look at some shoes, I noticed the new ad campaign and the face looked so oddly familiar. Not familiar in the sense that I knew the person but familiar in the sense that I've seen them before.

It took me a second to realize that the familiar face was none other than Luke Grimes from Brothers & Sisters. I've only started watching that show recently and Luke's character, Ryan, isn't the most attractive/appealing on that show but he looks kinda hot in the Barney's ad campaign.

Big difference right? It's got to be the styling and the lighting.

Anywho, what I was really checking the site for, before I got momentarily sidetracked by some cute boy (ok, slightly cute boy) were yellow shoes. For some reason, I've been wanting a pair of yellow shoes. No, I'm not buying anything just yet. I just checked the site to ogle at pretty shoes.

First up, Christian Louboutin Yellow Suede Ron Rons.
I actually have these in Turquoise and they are really cute and quite comfy. But it's suede and I'm afraid it'll get dirty unless I get it treated. But still, perfect summer shoe.


Next shoe, Christian Louboutin Python Rolando in Yellow.This picture totally does not do this shoe ANY justice at all. Definitely the sexier shoe of the two but I already have these in Gold Laminato. It's a little too close in color but the skin is TDF! I love exotics but I'd probably get these in the Roccia.

Oh yellow shoes. Perfect for summer but not that perfect for my wallet. Maybe I should go back to looking at pictures of cute boys.

Christian Louboutin Differa

JJ blogged about these shoes back in December. Back then (up until lately), I thought they were just whatevs. I mean, yeah they're a little aggressive, a little bit trashy, but like I said I was feeling a little bit "eh" about these shoes. Not something I would consider purchasing. Until recently.

You see, some shoes don't have shelf appeal. This, for me, was one of them. These are the type of shoes that I normally see in a store, pause for a sec, and move on to the next shoe. Not necessarily something I'd pick up and try on. Until recently.

What changed my mind? Seeing the shoe on...aka modeling pics. Seeing these shoes on an actual person makes a world of difference. Seeing them on actually makes me want to try them on.

Uh Oh

Um, I was just reading my blog and I forgot I posted this a couple days ago: Shoes.

Um, hmmm... I don't even know what to say except... I forgot about it. Or maybe I just got too excited. Nevertheless, I am ashamed (ok, maybe not really).

But I promise it was worth it!

Retail Doom and Gloom

When is this economic downturn ending?

I get alerts from WWD and these days almost all the headlines are about losses. It's not entirely surprising with the current state of our economy but it still bothers me. It bothers me because I know it affects us all. It bothers me because I know I'm quitting soon and won't have disposable income (well, I guess I won't have ANY income when I quit). I hate it but I guess it was inevitable. Markets eventually correct itself and the more inflated the market, the bigger the crash. I guess we had to prove that theory the hard way.

On the up side (yes, there is an upside but probably only applies to Americans), the economic crisis has affected exchange rates. Which means, shopping overseas can save you hundreds of dollars. This is also probably the best time to go an a vacation.

Special Gift for a Landmark Birthday

This year I'm turning 30. I figured I'd celebrate it by buying myself a special gift. After going about it in my head for a while, I thought that a special purse would be the best choice. Last year, I missed out on a Black Metallic Reissue. With that in mind, I thought about getting that for my birthday. Yay, right? Not really. Not nearly special enough.

So, I'm back to square one. What is that special purse that will make my birthday all the more special? The answer came to me in about 2 seconds. Hermes Birkin. Now I haven't been a fan of the Birkin. I've always thought they were a little ostentatious for an old lady looking purse. But after looking at a few pictures, I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I'm a convert. I still don't like all of them. I especially hate some of the leathers (Togo most of all) but some of them are just really dreamy. The hard part is getting one in time for my birthday. Well, the harder part is actually getting me to buy one. LOL. I'd like something blue or pink or purple.

30 cm Blue France in Courchevel in GHW

30 cm Rose Dragee in Swift with PHW

35 cm Violet Porosus Croc with PHW
(IN MY DREAMS ONLY!!!)

Pics from TPF

Love the Hair!

One of my friends has been trying to get me to cut my hair. I've had the same hairstyle for the longest time and she thinks that I should think about cutting my hair short. If I did, I'd love to get Heidi's haircut! Doesn't she look amazing? I love her hair!

CL Roccia Python Very Prive

I don't think I've ever been shy about my love for all things python (and fur). I have been waiting for a special occasion for a splurge like my big 3-0 (especially since Python is illegal in California).

Being a regular on tpf doesn't really help my shopping "problem" because the pic on the left greeted my today. How beautiful is that shoe? One of my UHGs, the Python Very Prive. There's a lot of chatter about the red tip, how burgundy tips are better but I don't think it matters. It's so pretty!

Now, I'm banned. Which is extremely unfortunate because these babies usually sell like pancakes. The LV boutique ordered 2 size runs but being a 37, 2 size runs won't help. *Sigh* I'm hoping that with the current economic climate, I'll still have a chance. Oh who am I kidding? The shoe gods haven't been that kind to me in the past...maybe this time I'll be lucky?

March - No New Shoes

Remember when I said I'm limiting myself to 3 pairs of shoes this year? Well, that plan didn't work. I ended up with 8 shoes this month alone!!! Don't give me that look. I returned a pair and I sold another pair so that is really a net of 6 pairs. Um, still a lot. I guess I'm just doing my part in stimulating the economy although I really am not allowed another pair of shoes...at least for the month of March.


Note: Just because I'm not buying anything for March doesn't mean I haven't started my list for April...