Transition from Summer to Fall, The Ideal InVESTment

Autumn has fallen onto the scene and this means the recrudescence of anomalous accessories, bangin’ boots and luxurious layers: Three of my most adored trends. The vest is one wardrobe staple that allows for a seamless shift into the season. This piece maintains pliancy and can easily be rocked from summer into fall and beyond. The queen of fashion Rachel Zoe exhibits how her flair for styling can be the supreme educator. She dons this fur number with class and confidence. Never fear, this piece takes on many different forms allowing for a plethora of options suitable for every fashionista. The fur form is paradisiacal for the fall and winter seasons. It creates a cozy yet palatial look and feel, and it adds a little spice when thrown over your treasured, go-to basic tee or that one-of-a-kind piece that speaks for itself. Not into the boorish act of enveloping yourself in an innocent creature’s coat; fur or not? Give your look some edge with a sequin, paillette, or glityz metallic vest. Safe for day or night, just be vigilant with the overall look. Choose a sleek black or patterned vest for the office or to add a refined, menswear feel. The ultimate in versatility is the denim vest which acts as a paradisiacal accent to anything from boho chic to rocker sleek. Rock one or try them all – find what works for you and invest!

It’s never too early to catch spring fever…especially if it means new shoe trends for 2010

Have you ever noticed that designer runway shows are always a season ahead? Just when we are starting to break out our favorite summertime sandals, Valentino and VonFurstenburg are filling fashion week with fall boots and menswear inspired loafers. Good news gals, the same runway rule has been applied as we start our transition out of the warm and into the cold. Givenchy and Burberry debuted their spring/summer 2010 shoe trends and it has us anxious to move the boots in…and right back out.

Last season brought the gladiator sandal to ultimate popularity with cutout pumps and platform wedges right behind. Although the same trends will be the foundation for spring footwear, prepare to see significant embellishments to the basics. Braids, twists, bows, buckles and studs will all make a grandiose appearance on our feet come May.

So, what are the top three trends that should find a permanent place in your closet? Start saving some budget for high heel gladiator sandals, heavy metal platforms and some feminine florals.

Gladiator sandals are back with a vengeance. Despite being coined the “worst trend” of last season these Grecian beauties aren’t running scared from the runway. Designers will not only bring this trend back in a flash, they have revamped the sandal in a totally fierce way. You are going to see platform heels, knee-high straps and lots bold, dynamic colors. Wear these with caution, though! They are very trendy so it’s best not to make these your “go-to” pair.

Heavy metal will make its way off the stage and on to your feet. Zippers, studs, buckles, chains and snaps will make their debut on everything from pumps to sandals. It’s true the rocker look is not the most feminine, but they are totally cool and definitely sheik. Just like gladiators these elaborately decorated kicks also need a special soiree. How heavy the metal is on your choice pair will determine where you can wear them. Black strappy platforms with metallic studs will look ultimately fierce with a leather jacket and dark skinny denim. Rock them to your favorite concert or a night on the town with the girls. Cork wedges with gold chain links will look fabulous with white pants and nautical accents to a brunch or afternoon picnic. Don’t let the metal intimidate you –its very rock n’ roll, but we all have a little rebel in us.

Feminine florals take a leap out of the garden on into your closet. Spring and summer will bring bushels of gorgeous bouquets – for your feet. Shoes are going to feature all the most beautiful petals whether it is a beaded rose on your wedge or a stack of daisies on your t-strap. These uber-girly shoes are the perfect accessory to plain summer dresses and solid suits. And don’t worry; you’ll still keep the sexiness of your towering stilettos even with the flowers. These embellishments add just enough femininity without being too over the top.

It seems this season will be about adding some personality to your feet – let the shoes do the talking. It’s important to note that the basics will still have considerable presence in the form of patent pumps, strappy sandals and of course the ever-functional flat. But get ready to mix it up. Designers aren’t holding back on the creativity, and as fashionistas, we shouldn’t be afraid to take a risk and put a sassy foot forward.

xoxo,

Get ready for fall fashion with three tips to smarter shopping

Fall is upon us and its time for fashionistas to prepare for new trends. This means cashmere sweaters, tweed trousers and fantastic boots. Thinking of all the new fall fashions, and the necessary budget probably has you wondering whats the smartest way to get what you want. Fear not stylistas, with three simple tips you'll be ready to shop smarter and look fab when the brisk fall air finds it's way to your fair city.

Tip #1: Get in your closet! Pick a Saturday and clean it out, but only throw away the truly trash-worthy. Keep the basics that you know will transition nicely to cooler weather. Cotton tees, lace camis, light cardigans and fitted denim are all essential basics that will get plenty of use come fall and winter. Spring and summer dresses can take up temporary residence in the back of the closet - time to retire anything with pastel colors and bright flowers. Fall is going to bring deep gem tones and the ever famous black/white combo is making a fierce comeback. Make some space, you'll need it! While you're at it, get rid of any flats and/or sandals that have had their fair share of walking...its the season of the bootie and over-the-knee boots. But, make sure to keep a couple pair of flats, they are the perfect alternative when you aren't in the mood for heels. Finally, make some room for scarves. They made a cameo late last season and they are back for round two. Black, gray and cream are must have colors, but keep your eyes peeled for dark purples and reds...they look amazing with hounds tooth! Once you finish the grand closet cleanse, evaluate the inventory. Know what you have and make a list of what you need. Remember, the goal is to shop smart so only list the essential items that you'll need for fall...and a couple items that you are totally lusting over. Whats a shopping trip without a splurge item or two?

Tip #2: Set aside a seperate budget for all things fashion. Before you hit the store to buy the $270 McQ sweater, make sure you can pay the bill! Nothing is worse that buyer's remorse and with all the great new trends about to hit shopping with caution will be difficult. Have an honest look at your funds and set aside a special budget for clothes, shoes and all other fashion musts. Contribute a little cash every paycheck and you'll have some extra spending money for your fashion wish list. Once you have a decent "nest egg", try to make it last until after Christmas. That's when the sales are at their best! In the meantime, you shouldn't need too many new things since you can ask Santa for some help. Plus, the trends will likely take a shift in early February and you'll want to make sure your cards are armed and chargable when you start eying your faves.

Tip #3: Before you buy uber trendy at full price, consider the alternatives. Yes, of course its ideal to tell everyone that you're wearing Louboutin's, but are a super trendy pair of bondage booties really worth the $1200 price tag? If you want to have a full fall wardrobe, the answer is no! There is nothing wrong with buying the high-fashion items, just make sure you can wear them more than three times...in your life! Booties, liquid leggings and fringe are great examples of trends with a limited life span. They are totally hot for a while but then they fade and get tagged "vintage". Before you spend your entire budget on exclusive items like these, shop around! You are going to find more budget-friendly alternatives and get back some room to spend. Save your spluring for items that have staying power like a leather jacket, black patent pumps and the perfect little black dress. These items will be staples to your wardrobe and worth the investment if they fit properly. Nothing is better than a jacket that makes you feel fierce and a pair of pumps that really work the booty.

So there you have it, three simple tips that will get you ready to shift gears into fall. Stay tuned for upcoming fall fashion reports with key pieces for a fabulous wardrobe, all the amazing sales and the top 5 picks for the week.

Now, treat the street like your runway and work it!

xoxo,

Examiners Report...more of the gals than you probably need...

Hey fashionistas!

Check out the blonde and the brunette on the Examiner!

We are taking our expertise to the masses - sort of...but we would love for our favorite followers to subscribe to us and receive all our fashion news!

Let us know what you think!

CIAO BELLAS!

xoxo,

Not Your Grandma's Hand-Me-Downs

Reduce, Reuse, Recyle: A phrase that has expanded far beyond the jingle you rocked in those elementary school days. Now it's a way of life that even celebrities are looking to adopt. It's all about saving Mr. Earth and recycling your clothes is just another way to contribute to this budding trend. Pop Killer is a saucy little vintage boutique on the corner of Sunset and Gardner that houses all of your inimitable needs. From sassy scarves to bold baubles the accessory collection is unlike any other. Step farther into the wonderland where you can experience the "can't find it at Nordstrom's" dresses, rompers, leggings and tops. These pieces are guaranteed to turn heads and impel jealousy. However, withhold trepidation! With only a few in stock, this shop doesn't support the tardiness of a copycat. Make this your one stop shop for your vintage needs. OR heed the advice from one fashionista to another and visit this little wonder during a night out with your girls. It’s sure to lead to endless hours of entertainment. For you vintage vixens outside of LA search your city for your diamond in the rough. Take a look for yourself; this is more than just your grandma's closet! XOXO

i said DEATH to the track suit and i meant it...

CAPTURED!! - a velour tracksuit hiding in the back of my sister's closet. O. My. G. She claims she hasn't worn this monstrosity in "years" but I wonder - is she sneaking around in this disaster at night - a secret matchy match party featuring the number 2 fashion crime of my life? I hope not, because as I recall (ahem, read post below) the only way a track suit is acceptable is if you are wearing it to the track - to run, jog or exercise. Notice, I did not list any of the following: running out for coffee, brunch with the ladies, jet setting through any airport.

Dearest sister, my one and only sibling - your style is impeccable and I hope this "fashion don't" was simply forgotten in your last closet clean out. I fully believe in your ability and I know this is not representative of your unique style. And because I know the level of your fashion sense, I am confident this little number has already found a permanent home in the garbo!

xoxo,

Zippity Doo Dah!

Its official, the once mundane and simply functional elements known as zippers are moving up in the fashion world and have adopted a new life as edgy, hardware detailing. This minute yet intricate strand of hardware possesses the clout to append the perfect touch of sass to any look. Personally, I couldn’t be happier about this innovative explosion. Now that the zipper is more than just a lyric in an adored childhood song it is time to embrace the trend. Rock your hardware with class and select only one piece with teeth. Zip it up dolls! XOXO

death to the track suit!!

Ladies of fashion, it is time once again for me to discuss one of my ultimate fashion don’ts…first it was crocs and now…drum roll please….the track suit. This little getty up has caused not only myself, but some of my most fashionable friends great confusion. WHY do women insist on wearing a suit that, as it’s name suggests, is made for the track? Okay, it all matches and fine, it’s comfortable, but what fashion trend are you exemplifying when you don running gear to brunch with the girls? Honestly gals, read these words and seal them to memory – track suits are made for the track. Yes, I said it - made for a brisk morning jog or an evening run, not for a trip to grocery store or stop by the spa. This fashion disaster has officially retired (because I said so) and it should now take up permanent residence on the very back rack of your closet, next to the hawaiin print moo moo and the magenta crocs.

Sorry gals, even the “couture” Juicy track suit that you wear to the airport is a no-go. You know my feelings on “rolling out of bed” fashion at the airport, and the ole track suit falls right smack in the middle of that category. The track suit is not flattering, you can’t make it stylish (no matter how cool you think the cami underneath that horrible zip up jacket is) and just because it’s comfortable doesn’t mean it should be your default choice when you have nothing to wear! Remember, that silly little track suit belongs on the dang track.

Okay, now that the velour/nylon/cotton mess has died, it’s time to settle into more appropriate “comfort” wear. You may be wondering what my “default” outfit is, and as a self-proclaimed fashionista, I have decided to lead by example. Whether I’m jet setting to a big city, running to my favorite fresh food market, skipping to a facial or leaving for a day o’ shopping, I always reach for my favorite jeans, a deep-v tee (ahem, American Apparel of course) and my leopard print gladiator sandies. Fashionable, functional and flattering…no track suit necessary. Simple pieces like dark denim, tailored shorts, flowing tank tops and a deep v-necks give you room to move and the chance to display your best assets. An embellished flat will keep you comfortable all day and give a little personality to your overall look. Who can argue with a hot ass, tan cleavage, foxy legs and/or a fab shoe…anyone? See below for a PERFECT “on the go” outfit and check out those gams!! I rest my case.

As I have said many times before, wearing functional clothes does not mean that you have sacrifice style. Yes, I understand that you are a working mom of 8, and yes, I understand that when you rock corporate attire 5 days a week you want to “slum” it on the weekend…but honestly, the second you justify the “slummy mummy” look is the second you’ve officially let yourself go! Being a mama or being superwoman does not mean that you can’t enjoy the perks of how fashion makes women feel....stylish, creative, sexy, feminine!! So, the next time that you have a million things on your to-do list and zero time to finish, fight to the urge to venture to the back of your closet where the fashion no-no’s live…I promise that if you put on something that is stylish (whether its your fav jeans or a super cute sundress), and lets you navigate comfortably through the day (leave the heels at home, ladies!) you will totally have the confidence of a fashion do gooder– and all the dudes will totally check you out in the grocery store!

xoxo,

for the love of louboutin

Hello fashion divas - yes, its true the blonde is back in action after a minor hiatus/vacation/escape to Chicago! My time here has made me realize two things: 1) fashion in downtown Chicago is impeccable and 2) dudes DO notice fancy footwear. Thank. Heavens. The attention paid to my shoe choices this weekend have motivated me to write about my footwear obsession.... I freely admit that shoes are my drug of choice and I have no plans on seeking rehabilitation for this addiction. The truth is I rarely walk into a store and leave without a pair of shoes...luckily I have been fortunate enough to have a career that provides financial support for my habit. However, with my recent decision to pursue a higher education, my funds have taken a significant hit. This assassination of my dispoasble income will force me to cut back on my shoe purchases and put the current 100+ pairs to extra good use. UGH. And, if budget cuts aren't enough, I'd like to personally thank Saks Fifth Avenue for kicking me while I am down. Just when I had started to accept the fact that shoes would be taking a back seat to more importnat things like oh, grad school, our friends in the Saks e-newsletter department had to send the edition featuring the love of my shoe life....Christian Louboutin. As. IF. Of course I clicked and of course the world's most amazing shoes were taking over my computer screen. I shop for Louboutin's fairly regularly and every time I decide I'm going to pull the trigger, I can never decide which ones to splurge on. Its a big investment after all and I want to make the best decision. Do I go all out and get something really sassy and unique (not practical) or do I spend $700 on a shoe that is classically beautiful and will be useful for more than just special occassions? Tough call; so tough in fact that its the sole reason I don't own a pair of Louboutins. C. Loubie has a way with the footwear - the trademark red heel, amazing structure, unprecednted embellishements, one of a kind booties and seasonless pumps. How can you go wrong, really? My entire closet could be full of Louboutins and I'd never miss a beat - there's a shoe for every season, every occassion...I get warm fuzzies just thinking about all the outfits I could create around a pair of these beauties. Work, play, date night, holidays...endless. Don't those cut-out booties just make you melt? Talk about leaving a lasting impression....sighhhhh Thanks to this blog I am able to vent my struggles with high fashion due to lack of appropriate funding - I am also able to shop the designer collections and pretend like I can actually afford these untouchables. This time around it was much easier - since it's obvious I won't be purchasing new Louboutins anytime in the next 2 years, (ahem, happy graduation, here are your new shoes) I decided to pick my top 6 from the latest line. They are impeccably designed and each of them perfectly serves a function for some occassion in my fabulous life (i'm a dreamer). There you have it ladies, footwear at its finest. Someday I'll marry one of the aforementioned dudes who notices and appreciates my shoes. I can only hope he will have no issues helping me purchase $1200 patent booties that I will probably only wear 5 times. But, he'll love me, which means he'll love my dirty little shoe habit...right? Until next time, walk tall in those heels girls! xoxo,

You're Not at the Beach

Once again graced with an incredible opportunity to attend a VIP Celebrity Charity Shopping Event through Buzznet I was able to pull on my spectator pants and witness fashion bliss. The event was hosted by Chic Little Devil, a saucy showroom located on the rooftop of an eleven story structure in downtown Los Angeles. Not only do they house some of the most prestigious designers (most available for sale) but they also offer one-of-a-kind rooftop views (convenient for photo shoots) of the stellar LA skyline. This particular event included tricked out drinks, tasty hors de oeuvres, eclectic accessories, top-of-the-line frocks and fashion industry experts dressed to the nines…well, most of them that is. We spotted one fashion blunder who nearly instigated a fashion halt to the designer savvy shindig. It was almost as though she entered the party through the haunted door of the nineties past. It’s 2009 and the best way to bare your abdomen is in a bikini, in a completely apposite location of course. There are better body parts to reveal if you’re looking to make a sassy or somewhat sexy appearance. For instance, try flaunting your shoulders, back, collarbone or glamorous gams. Any of these options is the ideal way to seize the attention of any onlookers without creating an over-the-top scene. You will be seen as classy and alluring rather than skanky and looking for attention. Keep this in mind especially during the summer months ladies. Reveal yourself! XOXO