Spring Inspiration

     Each spring I either follow one of two trends. I either get engulfed by stripes donning the nautical look, or the inner hippie comes out in a plethora of bohemian looks. When I feel the need to look more polished, nothing is more crisp than pairing a blazer or vest with stripes and jeans. When I want to look more carefree, a printed dress with sandals and statement making jewelry usually does the trick.


    Here are a few of my picks for the season and nobody rocks them better than one Miss Jenny Lewis. She has the perfect bohemian rocker look, and it never looks like she's trying too hard.

          

- Alice and Olivia Sequin Tank $395
- J Brand Mid Rise Cigarette Jeans $165
- 3.1 Phillip Lim Double Breasted Vest $525
- Kenneth Jay Lane Earrings $75
- DvF Opal Wedges $295


- DvF Beaded Dress $525
- Cut Out Gladiators $38
- Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace $88

I'm just Sayin'

  

                                                     Photo courtesy of Gap.com

           Why can't Stella McCartney do a collection for adults? Am I the only one who finds it unfair that she designs for Gap Kids? Why not do a collection for Gap instead? The clothes are so adorable, but I find her talents wasted on kids. The last time Stella did a line for a retailer, it was for Target Australia-not Target here in the states. She did do a small collection for H&M, but I need more Stella!!! What to do?

Lukewarm Feelings

       On April 22nd Banana Republic presented their fall collection. How did I feel about it? Eehh? It certainly wasn't bad, but it didn't make me giddy inside. (See J.Crew's fall collection and you'll know what I'm talkin' about!) I think that they had a good showing of fall basics, but their was no wow factor. I also think that they need a bit of help with the styling. Most of the looks that walked down the runway were under-styled to me and this is where I think Banana misses their mark. I was also much more impressed with their men's looks than their women's. Here are a few, of men's and women's looks that I loved. 

Photos courtesy of Style.com

Looks for Less

       Being a fan of designer fashion, without the designer budget makes life rough sometimes. While I wish I could wear Chloe to work, Lanvin to parties and Rag and Bone on the weekends, it just ain't gonna happen. On of my favorite websites to peruse designer looks is net-a-porter. They have quite an impressive stock of different labels and ship to something like 140 countries. I picked a few of my favorites of late and found some options for those of us that want the look but can't afford it. 

Helmut Lang Leather               Free People Terry 

   Jacket $995                       Jacket $98

    

                         

  Donna Karan $1295             Urban Outfitters $28

               

3.1 Phillip Lim $650            Forever 21 $22.80

                       

Kara by Kara Cross 3 Stone     Arden B 2 finger Ring $14

      Ring $ 250

                     

   Chloe Bag $1995               Forever 21 Bag $17.80

Coffee Comfort

      Yesterday, I went shopping with my cousin and found two pairs of J Brand jeans for less than half the price of one! I was in denim heaven. Now, the last thing I need is more pairs of jeans, but no other brand of jeans fits my like they do, so I took it as a sign and grabbed them and ran.   

        Since I've had such an emotional week, and since the weather is such a gray mess today, I decided to comfort myself with things that bring me joy. I started off my day at my favorite restaurant for some brunch. Then, off to see Hot Tub Time Machine (hilarious!) for some humor. Although it was disgusting outside I didn't want to go home just yet, so my brother and I headed off to Amoeba to shop for records, always a comfort. And don't forget a trip to Starbucks. I decided on a Carmel Macchiato. Not my usual drink, but when I need something sweet that is sure to do the trick. 

Happy Easter Everyone!

 

Seriously Skirty

   Well here's my first outfit post. Although my face is quite serious, I think the outfit is quite fun. I had somewhat of a tough week so I wanted to do a little retail therapy to make myself feel better. I also didn't want to regret the money spending the next day, so I chose to go to forever 21 where I could shop without guilt. I swear by them for the most amazing jewelry deals (I get compliments daily), but am not always successful with their clothes. I scored this time with the top, skirt and necklace. And my wallet is thanking me for not going to Bloomingdales instead. Ill try and smile in the next one ;)


Top, Skirt, Necklace: Forever 21; Belt, Ankle Boots, Tights: J. Crew.


Photo by Danny Munso.

"A Silence Broken By A Whispered Wind"

     If you know me, you know I'm a fan of country. What I love about this song is that it's bluegrass sounding, and alternative at the same time. It's also not a sound you would normally hear from Laura Marling. I can't wait for her new album to come out on Tuesday. 

Jenna the Genius

    Yesterday, J.Crew showed their women's and men's fall collections to fashion editors. I look forward to their fall collections every year, although this past fall wasn't as I hoped it would be. There were too many ruffles and sparkles in almost every piece, rather than amazing textures and colors with pops of sparkle thrown in. Well, this year I am happy to say, they are back. 


    Jenna Lyons, women's creative director used the girl scouts as an initial inspiration for the line. I also see Amelia Earhart and sexy librarian in this year's designs. A beautiful color palette of hunter green, black and an array of brown tones from tan to mocha ground the collection and make the details pop.


     Here are a few of the amazing looks the designers and stylists put together. 

It's A Woman's World

      I fell in love with these three collections the minute I saw them. The thing about these collections is that they felt very wear now to me, even though we're into the spring months now. It may be because I'm in San Francisco where the outside elements change 4 times on any given day, or I just love fall collections so much that I want to wear them year round. 

    Or, it's just that these designers are successful in creating pieces that will live in your wardrobe year-round and for many years to come. When you break down each piece, none of it is trendy, but each look feels so fresh to me. Isabel Marant's collection felt very playful while Tina Lutz and Marcia Patmos of Lutz & Patmos made even neutrals feel new with a crisp looking line. And, of course, Stella never seems to disappoint. Her collection is chic to the extreme, yet very cool and laid-back. 

Isabel Marant Fall 2010

Stella McCartney Fall 2010

Lutz & Patmos Fall 2010