Style Stalker: Winter Tropics

1. Equipment Signature Silk Blouse; 2. Rag & Bone Floppy Fedora*On Sale; 3. 7 For All Mankind Floral Print Skinny Jean; 4. Kate Spade Grove Court Maise; 5. Steven Point Toe Pump

I instantly crushed on this image when I saw it on Tumblr a couple weeks ago. White tropical inspired printed jeans are taken into winter by keeping the rest of the outfit sleek and black. Like the jeans in the original photo from Australian label Bec & Bridge, these 7 for All Mankinds help slim figures by keeping the print on the sides to narrow the line of the legs. I also love that they are a light grey instead of white - just a little more forgiving in my opinion. A must have piece is a black silk button down. Equipment blouses (shown on both sides) are worth the investment, but if you're watching your budget check out this one. For now I'll be emulating this look with the addition of a heavy overcoat, but hopefully Mr. Groundhog complies on Sunday and we can kiss winter goodbye early this year.

**Original image via Native Fox

Paradise Found! Palm Tree Print Fashions

via Madison Magazine  featuring Ksubi

Ksubi's ss 12/13 collection really tugged at my heart strings. The Australian brands' laid back, surf inspired clothing hit a high note for me when I saw their 'Paradise' print pieces (see the entire collection here). No matter how long I've been in San Francisco, I still get home sick for So Cal. These palm tree prints are just what I need to remind me of growing up by the beach, while I count down the days until I head down to my hometown of San Diego next week. 

Clockwise from top left: Finders Keepers Moondance Dress (sleeveless version here), Markus Lupfer Palm Tree Sweater, Ksubi 'Paradise' print Spray On Skinny Jeans, We Are Handsome 'Vacation' Body Suit

Since I found so many cute paradise inspired items, below are a few more to help you get in the mood for warmer spring weather. By the way, if you're digging palm tree prints on clothing, check out the fab palm print wallpapered interiors on GlamourMash!

A Dressing Room to Work In

Do you ever have those weeks when you just know you're gong to be spending an obscene amount of time in your office? Don't you think work would be a little easier if you were to look up from your computer to see a wall of your fabulous designer clothing and shoes*(*wishful thinking)? I know I do! Especially after lusting over these beautiful dressing room/office combinations. Have a peak at a few of my favorites.

Aerin Lauder's stunning dressing room/ home office. Images via Harper's Bazaar and Elle Decor

Home office/closet of Lauren Santo Domingo. Image via Vogue

Feminine dressing room with office space of Elle Rakieten (Oprah producer) via Elle Decor, March 2010

Eclectic dressing room and office space - Photo by Chris Court

After seeing these spaces I'm 100% sure I made a terrible mistake banishing my boyfriend's clothing and computer to our guest room/office. Clearly I should have made it into a walk in closet/feminine home office. Lesson learned... in our next place the extra bedroom is all mine:) By the way, if you have a few extra moments or don't but need to take a break, check out Chris Court Photography - the interiors images are spectacular!

I'm Shopping For - Boyfriend Jeans

*Images via  Man Repeller, Pinterest, Refined Style, Who What Where, Elle

I have a fashion confession to make; I don't own a single pair of boyfriend jeans. I've always loved the way they look on others but worried they would make me look, dare I say...fat. Well, I'm putting that silly fear aside! There are some great styling tips to make baggy style jeans look put together on WhoWhatWear.com. One of my favorite features of boyfriend jeans is that since most are cropped and/or cuffed, they really highlight your shoes. Any excuse to go shoe shopping... ;) 

   Images via Telegraph UK, Pinterest, Refined Style

For those of you that have been following for a bit you're probably familiar with my  "Wardrobe Staple" and my  "I'm Shopping For" posts. I was conflicted on what to categorize this as since boyfriend jeans seem to be a wardrobe staple or at least a denim style every girl needs in her arsenal of jeans, but I'm really shopping for a pair! 

1. NSF Destroyed Boyfriend Painter Jean  2. Current/Elliott The Boyfriend Cropped Jeans  3 .J Brand Aiden Boyfriend  4. Genetic Denim Mason Ex Boyfriend Jeans  5. Gap 1969 Sexy Boyfriend Jeans   6. Citizens of Humanity Dylan Boyfriend Jeans 

Which boyfriend jeans should I buy?! Above is what I've narrowed down my search to so far, but if you have any suggestions I would love to hear them.  

More J Brand...

Fashion Quote Friday: Anna Dello Russo

Quote from an interview with PAPER. 

Image source - thesartorialist.com

Woohoooooo, it's Friday! I love the idea of kicking off the weekend with a fabulous fashion quote, so I decided to start this new series with a little sumpin' sumpin'  from fashion favorite, Anna Dello Russo. The outrageous editor-at-large of Vogue Japan, not only turns it out for street style photographer worldwide, but she is an interesting interview subject as well. Check out all 17 of Anna Dello Russo's best quotes here. Enjoy your weekend!

Jewel Box - Layer It On Me

Image via

How fabulously excessive is this jewelry look? The combination of heavy crystal statement necklaces with a nameplate à la Carrie Bradshaw is enough to make my head spin, but add in some emerald cocktail rings and a hand and ring chain and you have me applauding.

Truthfully, I'm not sure there are many places where one could sport this much bling without looking like a sad attempt of a Kardashian impersonator, but I'm willing to try to find out.. ;)

Baublebar Gold Nameplate $85,  ABS by Allen Schwartz Faceted Collar Necklace $75, Baublebar Savoy Pendant $165, Topshop hand chain $28 (similar here), Lanvin Tutti Frutti Swarovski Crystal Ring $495, Max & Chloe Twosome Ring $121, Alexis Bittar Siyabona Ring $193

These Boots Were Made for Walking

Today I'd like to pay homage to the most comfortable shoes I own - Aquatalia by Marvin K's 'Xcellent' bootie. I'm the type of shopper that laments over an item obsessively for days or even weeks until I can't resist any longer and I go in for the buy. But, as soon as I slipped these on my feet I said "wrap 'em up!" The $350 price tag would usually cause me much deliberation, but after multiple 12 hour days walking around city streets in these babies and not a single blister, so the money has been more than justifiable. 

Now don't get me wrong, these booties aren't big statement makers, but they are totally unoffensive and the perforation and notch detailing at the ankle give them enough style that you don't look like you are wearing "comfort" shoes. I've worn them in rain and they are light weight enough that I'll be wearing them come shine as well. Below is how I styled them over the weekend for an afternoon in San Francisco with friends. 

Joe's Jeans Vintage Reserve Skinny Jeans, Topshop Sleeveless Biker Jacket,  Equipment Liam Carpet Print Tee, Alexander Wang Pelican Clutch (similar here), Aquatalia by Marvin K 'Xcellent' Bootie

Moral of the story? If you care about your comfort and have the money, these Aquatalia by Marvin K booties are an investment you won't regret!

Can't Get Enough - Pleated Maxi Skirts

If you don't have at least one pleated maxi skirt, it is time to go shopping! This gem of an item will take you through the rest of the winter and into the summer with ease and elegance. I already own two (see my style here), but I'm hankering for more. 

Get the looks: Grey pleated maxi skirt, Bright pleated maxi skirt, light pleated maxi skirt, metallic pleated maxi skirt

I used to think of my pleated maxi skirts as summer items, but they are an unexpected alternative to a heavy wool skirt or pants in the winter time. From a leather moto jacket to a dressed up sweatshirt or puffer jacket, there are plenty of ways to make it cold weather appropriate. 

I love how these ladies styled their emerald pleated maxi skirts. One wearing it with tights, boots and a sweater and the other modeling a favorite summer look of mine, a maxi skirt with a simple tank and sandals. 

SHOP PLEATED MAXI SKIRTS

**Images via 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Life as a Fashion Publicist, The Glamour to The Grit

I’m lucky enough to have a job a lot of young girls dream of, I’m a fashion publicist*. This week I took a trip to New York for work, and I'm ready to give a glimpse of my life behind the scenes as a fashion publicist, from the glamour to the grit.

New York in January; The lobby of Vogue (where photos are forbidden - I'm a rebel); Myself   preparing Wallis samples to take on the  press tour

THE GLAMOROUS:

Meeting with fashion editors at magazines from Elle to Lucky to Glamour, and the list goes on. Oh yea, VOGUE. How did I get to go to Vogue?! They obviously didn’t think I was going to take stalker photos, but I did, so shhhhh don’t tell.

What did I do when I met with these fab fashionistas? Well, I can’t reveal all my “publicist secrets”, but it’s mostly reviewing clothing lines and discussing where they fit in the publication at hand.

Getting dressed for editorial meetings is always a challenge. Luckily, I was happy to have an excuse to blow my budget on a new 3.1 Philip Lim blouse (which I was told, O magazine shot for their April issue). I paired it with an ivory Wallis blazer and skinny black jeans and completed the look with my Rag & Bone Pilot bag. (Attempted outfit shot below)

THE NOT SO GLAMOROUS:

Running around New York in heels, throwing elbows in the rain to catch a cab, all with a rolling suitcase and a garment bag in tow. Side Note: This is definitely a time that being blonde helped. In a sea of brunettes and suits I stood out to cab drivers and got lucky not to have any problems. If I lived in New York though, I would invest in these Kate Spade Taxi mittens.

THE REALLY NOT SO GLAMOROUS:

Getting stuck in the revolving door of the Hearst building. Yes, it happened. But I had to shake it off and forge ahead because when you’re a fashion publicist you can’t let things like doors stand in your way.

THE GRIT:

Waking up at 5am to catch a flight and being seated next to someone refusing to take off their Mardi Gras mask and make-shift t-shirt turban…WTF!?  Then there was The Hudson Hotel. Sleeping, eating and working at a “hip” hotel sounds like a dream, until you step into your 8x8 cell, I mean guest room … Usually the hotels I stay at are great, but this time…well, you know, they can’t all be winners. And finally, there is what I'm experiencing now, jet lag so bad I look and feel as if I partied like I was 21 again. 

Myself and friends at the Hudson Lodge at Private Park; cool decor; Let's play spot my Alexander Wang clutch

AND SO:

In addition to 12 editorial meetings, I stopped by a company event at the Bryant Park Hotel and met with a cool new denim line. Sound busy enough to you yet? Don’t forget that just because I was running around the city for two days, my regular work didn’t stop. By “regular work” I mean things such as preparing samples to be sent for magazine shoots, emailing with clients, writing pitches and press releases, following up with media on stories in the works, etc. etc. etc.

  

Tuesday night I met with friends at the Hudson Lodge for some much needed cocktails and girl talk. Despite the lackluster Hudson rooms, the bar area is uber cool and my drink was like an alcoholic chocolate milkshake, i.e. heaven.

Finally, I made sure to squeeze in a bit of power shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue. The sale items were picked over in my size but there’s nothing like a little window shoe shopping to make a girls’ heart sing.

CONCLUSION:

My trip to New York this week was hard but it was exciting, and the adrenaline is what I thrive on.  With all said and done, I can’t wait to do it again!

Extras: View from above; failed attempts at capturing my outfit; where I usually am nights traveling for work-  in my room missing my boyfriend and dog; Shoe dreaming while power shopping


*In addition to working on public relations and marketing for fashion companies,  I also work with products including consumer electronics. 

Shoe Stories with Leopard and Lavender

Today I'm excited to be featuring a fellow Bay Area transplant, Miss Kelli Ryder of Leopard and Lavender. Besides having a great sense of real world style and being the only blogger I know to go without shopping for an entire year, Kelli works as an Editorial Assistant at Rue Magazine - how cool is that?! So, now to the good stuff - let's take a walk in Kelli's shoes ;) 

SHOE STORIES with Leopard and Lavender

Kelli Ryder

Leopard and Lavender

Heels or flats?

I know I’m supposed to say heels… but honestly- flats. I walk almost everywhere, so heels are just not logical for my sanity.

How many pairs of shoes do you own?
As of today- I have exactly 60 pairs. Yikes!

Favorite shoe in your closet?

My favorite shoes right now are my Kelsi Dagger leopard print booties. They are totally my style and over the top- but feel like I’m wearing clouds. Best of both worlds!

Novel Necessity: "Rollin with the Homies..."

Brian Lichtenberg 'Homies' Tee $61: White, Black, Orange

I'm kind of in love with Brian Lichtenberg's "Homies" tee. My only issue is I can't decide which color to get! But of course this sweatshirt version in black with gold screen printing is pretty insane as well... Miley Cyrus has rocked a couple versions of Lichtenberg's Homies design. Instead of going casual like she did, I would dress it up with a blazer or maxi skirt for a cheeky juxtaposition. Oh, and if an ode to South Central isn't your style, check out Brian Lichtenberg's Feline tee. 

Gowns of the Golden Globes

Happy Monday!  As it goes for most award show nights, I spent last night on the couch drooling over all of the fabulous fashions at the Golden Globes. It's always hard to chose a favorite, but I've narrowed mine down to four, which fall in two distinct camps: old school glamour gowns in new school shades of sorbet versus dramatic high neck numbers featuring stunning gold embellishments. Have a look and let me know what your favorite dresses at this year's Golden Globes were. 

Jessica Alba stunned in a sorbet color silk faille trumpet gown from Oscar de la Renta's Pre-Fall 2013 collection. And helloo,  $5.8 million Harry Winston diamond necklace!

Kelly Osbourne showed off her fit figure in a mermaid style, mint green Zac Posen gown. I'm usually not a fan of purple hair, but she really rocked those waves. 

Michelle Dockery turned it on in Alexandre Vauthier. The high neckline and strong shoulders are a contrast to the slinky fit, but it totally works. I love how she kept her jewelry dainty to keep attention on the gown's golden, semi-sheer top.

Kate Hudson dazzled in a sexy long-sleeved Alexander McQueen gown featuring Byzantine-inspired bead work. As connoisseur of blond, I have to say she has one fab dye job going on. 

On a side note, this morning I am off to NYC for work. If you'd like to keep up with me while I'm traveling, follow me on Facebook and Instagram, where I'll post outfit shots etc.

*Images via here and here 

Inspiration Room: Feeling Dotty

How incredibly cute is this polka dotted bathroom?! I have no idea where I found it, but every time I look at it I want to do a little happy dance. The polka dot wallpaper adds an element of whimsy to the small space and by wallpapering the ceiling it actually looks larger. The crystal knobs and gold framed mirror bring on the glam but the white and black color palette prevents it from being overly girly. 

Anyways, wishing y'all a weekend full of your own happy dances;)

Sun Worthy Dresses by Nicholas

Is anyone else craving a warm tropical vacation? Or maybe just a glimpse of the sun..... These saucy little dresses from Australian brand, Nicholas, are making my heart beat a little faster. 

Clockwise from top left: Nicholas white Lace Strapless Dress / Nicholas Printed Cap Sleeve Dress / Nicolas mint Silk Racerback Dress / Nicholas Botanical Haze Dress

Nicholas dresses are both naughty and nice. High hems with asymmetric notch cutouts make a spray tan mandatory, but the ladylike cuts tone them down enough to make them parental appropriate. I could see myself wearing Nicholas' mint mini dress but my eyes can't stop staring at the unique patterns including watercolor-esque sorbet hues to baroque scrolls mixed with digital flowers.

BTW, I'm also kind of dying for this vest. Stand back because as soon as it goes on sale my claws are coming out and I'm snatching it up!