SPOTTED: New from Free People

It's funny, wrong or not, I usually think of Free People as a high school brand. They're pretty perfect for sunny SoCal but their boho-chic aesthetic reminds me of long days spent in the valley and my ever-evolving style as a youth. I am always quick to pass over their store and selection in any department store but the artistry of their latest lookbook caught my eye. Juxtaposed against New York's city streets, I all of a sudden am intrigued again by their loose fits and hippie prints. I kind of love the floppy hats and envision their designs fitting perfectly well at Coachella. May be time to reincorporate a few select pieces into the wardrobe. 

(photo: courtesy of Elle.com)

The Short Suit

I have never really been a fan of shorts, but lately the "it" thing has been reinterpreting the basic pant suit in a shorts version. I mean if I had legs like this, I would too. I love this fresh new version in a fun, almost dizzying print with crazy cool accessories (just look at those Miu Miu polka-dot heels!). I think I am such a huge fan because as great as this looks worn together--perfect for a fresh take on dressed-up occasions--that blazer would be a perfect wardrobe staple for many seasons to come and those shorts would definitely get their wear on a beach vacation or two. It's many outfits in one, which I can absolutely get behind.

(photo: courtesy of Mr. Streetpeeper)

Perfect Party Sneakers

I've always had somewhat of a soft spot for Keds. They're just so Baby in Dirty Dancing and represent such simpler times in my childhood. That's why I'm jazzed that Suno, the brand that does these amazingly fresh ethnic prints has come up with their own iterations of the canvas lace-up and slip-on classics. I see these being favorites through Spring and Summer with skinnies, boyfriend jeans and pair of white jeans imaginable. Plus, can't you just see them with your favorite LBD? Perfection.

(photo: courtesy of LA Times)

Expect the Unexpected

I think that one of the things that I say over and over again is that if you're going to wear the same conventional designs as everyone else, you might as well go for different shapes and textures to make them you're own. This new leather version of an anorak is pretty fresh. I even love the way it gathers like a classic nylon one we're used to sporting. In blue leather it's all of a sudden dressed up and new. I've never seen a version like this before but it looks like it just stepped off the runway which is just about perfect for me. Frankly brilliant.

(photo: courtesy of Style Bubble)

How To: Incorporate Neon Into Your Look

As far as I am concerned, neon is quickly becoming a neutral. It's one of those shades that will just never go out of style. And if you think it's only made for days spent in the sun and hours baking on the beach, think again. This great outfit shows how you can wear the shocking hue with some of Winter's best darker shades, plaids and still look pretty damn good. I think the darker the contrast the better, because then the neon really pops. I particularly like the look of the neon yellow against the almost tartan plaid for something you absolutely wouldn't expect (though it's kind of very J. Crew these days). Great little extra accessorizing tip to add into your arsenal.

(photo: courtesy of My Style Pill)

DIY: Embellished Shoes

Here's a somewhat easy step-by-step in case you want to get crafty over the holidays and recreate Miu Miu's amazingly jeweled heels for a fraction of the cost. Kinda looks fun...

(photos: courtesy of Honestly WTF)

All-Natural Skincare

I know I really know nothing about most things but I've been on a new natural skincare kick that has gotten me quite obsessed. I spend most of my time smelling the original musk and coriander lotions at Kiehl's, but when it comes to buying time, I'm trying to go paraben-free, which means I'm loading up at Whole Foods actually. This new-to-me line, Ren Skincare has become a favorite. The sweet, natural smells are just that-- you just know no chemicals have been used. I feel great every time I slather on my new serum or a radiance mask and feel good about buying the products too. I'm also really loving Weleda, also Whole Foods available. Seriously guys, get on the wagon. Loving the ride.

(photo: courtesy of Into The Gloss)

Great New Color Combination: Poppy and Purple

In looking at the dresses coming out for a sun-drenched Spring, I'm already delighted by the rainbow palette of colors. But I think what I love most is seeing unexpected pairings of colors that I would never think or consider putting together myself. This combination of a bright, almost citrus-y yellow with a beautifully rich purple (not too violet) is just right. It's really vibrant and saturated and makes the clothes stand out, even if the purple shoes are strappy sandals. I love the combination of the two and the way they work together. Looks nearly straight off the runway.

(photo: courtesy of 9to5chic)

Holiday Dressing: Keeping Things Festive

There's something about getting dressed up for holiday parties that makes the endless shuffle seem all of a sudden worth it. This gorge number from Tibi screams holiday with its metallic sheen and darling brocade that I could see wearing all year round. Paired with some long necklaces in a complimentary gold hue and I think the mixed metals would be a nice touch. I love the look of opaque black tights against the dress and black booties to create an element of edge against the demure silhouette of the dress. It's holiday dressing done right, courtesy of Tibi!

(photo: courtesy of Tibi)

Great Holiday Gift Idea

Hurry up, it's not too late. I happen to have a soft spot in my heart for British brand Mulberry. They have this amazing, thick coffee table book that is a colorful and beautiful book celebrating the brand's wonderful 40 years in business. It shows the history of the bags, their craftsmanship and much much more and if you're anything like me, it's an absolute collectible. I am absolutely fascinated by the read and guarantee anyone who loves fashion will be too. It may be too heavy to be a stocking stuffer, but it will sit nicely under any tree this time of year.

(photo: courtesy of Net-a-Porter)

Spotted: Iris Apfel for MAC

I've known about her for a while because one of my fave jewelry designers (Alexis Bittar) always sports her as arm candy to awards shows. Uptown society lady Iris Apfel (pictured) is all the rage these days, so much so that MAC has teamed up with her on a new makeup collection that I promise appeals to every generation. Just take a look at the pic. Is it not the coolest thing you've ever seen? Those glasses? I mean, come on. She's so damn cool. The collection is pretty red-heavy and includes all different types of products. It hits counters Jan 5th!

(photo: courtesy of Stylist)

A Favorite From Pre-Fall

Sometimes I like more than anything when a designer gets back to something that they really started out with, something they really are known for, and something that makes you think of them with every stitch. When I was looking at the Pre-Fall designs from Proenza Schouler the first thing that stood out for me was the fact that they went back to their original bustier silhouette from what seems like ages ago. But now it's been modernized in new fabrics, a bit of a sleeker cut and all of a sudden it's a fresh new take on what has become a signature of the design wunderkinds. I absolutely love how fresh it looks when paired with such a ladylike, textured fabric, suddenly becoming uptown meets downtown all at once.

(photo: courtesy of Style.com)

Watching Jenna Lyons Sketch

I couldn't quite figure out how to embed this cool new video-type thing, so follow this link to watch Jenna Lyons in her element sketching a dress for J. Crew. It's always inspirational to watch a genius at work and this gives us a sneak peek at the woman doing what she does best. Plus, it gives us another look at the lady who has really transformed the brand, which is chic in and of itself!

(image courtesy of New York)

Street Style Inspiration for the Day

I simply love this image for the proportions. The way she mixes the bulky sweater over a button down, the slim denim, cuffed just so just so that you can see the ankle booties, it's nearly perfection. I also love the way the different denim washes play on eachother. Any other way that sweater would be oversized and bulky but here it's all of a sudden so chic and stylish. So well done.

(photo: courtesy of Vanessa Jackman)

SPOTTED: Madewell for Spring '12

Taking a look at the latest from Madewell and I see glimpses of early Phillip Lim--and I like it! Love that beautiful green which is just beautiful, especially what we'll want when Winter begins to wane. These pics show Madewell's beautiful designs in a toned-down, casual way done the only way they know how. They're equal parts hipster, weekend and perfect for every day. I love that they scream California comfort and easy, breezy. Simply perfection.

(photo: courtesy of Fashionista)

Great Gifting Idea

Anyone who knows me (and loves me) will make endless fun of the fact that I refuse to part ways with my bright orange Filofax. Even with my new iPhone, I can't quite make the switch to digital when it comes to my calendar. And in that vein, I like a good notebook just as well. J. Crew has just started carrying these wonderfully colorful versions just in time to stuff some stockings and with cute little sayings on front, they're perfect for my generation. I think they make a great hostess gift (a topic of tonight's dinner convo) and would be a great collectible to have on stand-by.

(photo: courtesy of J. Crew)

How To Wear: Leather Leggings

This time of year it's so easy to get in the rut of wearing leggings every day. Throw on a pair of boots and you're done. But if you're anything like me, you see one photo and you instantly regret it. I love this dressed-up version in leather, which gives you a nice simple Winter uniform for every affair in between. I also particularly like the length of the shirt she's wearing--it's not too short or too long. I would tend toward a much longer shirt for comfort and I think it'd be too bulky and a mistake. Also, once you add some more layers on top it balances out the sheen of the leather on the bottom making for near perfect proportions. A great look for the season.

(photo: courtesy of Song of Style)

SPOTTED: Pre-Fall from Rag & Bone

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Rag & Bone. None of their clothes are too sweet, their blazers are killer and their denim fits me to a tee. I love seeing their latest designs because it always seems to be what I'll end up wanting months down the line. The latest they just showed during their Pre-Fall presentation (a small collection before the official Fall show) and I particularly love the colors. That rich red paired with an ice blue is fresh and so different than the navy I always wear. I love the way they turn tailored clothing on its head with great silhouettes and masculine-meets-feminine lines. There is nothing I don't like.

(photo: courtesy of Style.com)

One to Watch: Lana Del Rey

This has nothing to do with anything except for the fact that I think she's spectacular. I was lucky enough to see her perform the other night when the British brand Mulberry hosted her for an acoustic poolside session. Needless to say, everyone should download her music and follow her intently, she's poised to be huge. Plus, could she be any prettier?

(video: courtesy of YouTube)

How To Wear: A Sequin Skirt

It wasn't until I saw this street style photo last week that I remembered that I actually have a sequin skirt in my very own closet and since it's actually the holiday season maybe I should take it out and actually wear it. Ages old and from J. Crew, it's itching for another round of wear and looks particularly chic when muted with a chambray shirt, schoolboy, shrunken blazer and booties (penny loafers are an adorable alternative too). If you're going to go for the glitz, keep everything else pretty undone, otherwise you'll look too much like tinsel--especially this time of year.

(photo: courtesy of New York Magazine)

New Blog to Bookmark: Ripplustan.com

The always lovely, ever-chic Jenni Kayne has already conquered the realm of effortless designs. Now she's letting us into her world of entertaining, home, cooking and kid-friendly secrets with her just-launched blog, Ripplustan.com. Filled with stunning photos and an insider lens into her best kept tips and know-how. If you've ever been into her store or seen how she flawlessly executes a dinner party or cooking class, Jenni's taste is flawless and now we all have access to get there, with a little bit of Jenni's help along the way.

(photo: courtesy of Ripplustan.com)

A Visit to Valentino

This is something completely unique and different so I figured I might as well share it with you all. The Valentino movie, The Last Emperor, has become one of my all-time faves. It endears you to the designer so much that you begin to think of him as adorable and just want to be his pal--which I know is never going to happen. This new online museum allows you to take a virtual look inside his archives and get a first-hand look at all of his amazing archives, which is why I found the movie so special. It's a trip to Rome without the cost of a ticket and a chance to get up close and personal with some real spectacular show-stoppers.

(photo: courtesy of Refinery29)

Street Style Inspiration of the Day

So apparently while I was sick and busy hibernating, the tastemakers were in South Beach at Art Basil last week looking all cool and stylish. Of course the street-style photogs hit the pavement and got some cool shots of those interminably cool ladies that just make you swoon. If I could look like anyone, I am pretty sure it's her. I mean could she be any more chic? I love that there' such a timelessness about her outfit. I could see wearing those shades and those fits and those pieces for seasons to come, which makes it all the more appealing.

(photo: courtesy of Vogue.com)

In the Clutch

I have to tell you, I bought one of Clare Vivier's brilliant blue foldover clutches at some point last year and without fail, every time I use it, someone compliments me on it. It's this gorgeous Yves Klein blue that is a little brighter that plain old Royal and is a floppy shape that just gets better with age. Now the LA native has gone and collaborated with Refinery29 to offer special holiday editions with neon racer stripes and cool leopard prints in 4 exclusive designs. I personally think a girl can never have enough of these day-to-night designs and I love their affordability. How could you not be sold?

(photo: courtesy of Refinery29)

Inside Chloe Sevigny's Closet

Chloe Sevigny definitely has a distinct style. I think you either love her or you don't, but I know that I'll take any chance to spy into her closet. The uber-cool folks at Opening Ceremony did just that (makes sense they got the access since she designs a line for them and I love this little glimpse into her quirky, yet somehow impeccably styled world. Take your own peek inside.

At Home with Chloë Sevigny: Part 1 from Opening Ceremony on Vimeo.

The Art of the Side Barrette

My hair is in this awkward growth phase and while I still think it's super short, it's not. I've never worn a barrette this way, sweeping around the side just so, but I think I really like it. There is something that's really delicate about the placement and I like that an embellished barrette is a welcome additional accessory if you do it right. Try keeping the hair loose, sweeping it back, but leaving the ear still covered with hair. Secure the barrette just where the top of your ear is and the effect is very feminine, reminds of Virgin Suicides in the best possible way. Try it next time you go out, I promise compliments.

(photo: courtesy of Jazzi McG)

New From TOMS Shoes

I am actually in the market for a new pair of TOMS Shoes and when I stumbled across this embellished pair I got giddily excited. You see just about everyone has the navy (or grey) pair I used to have. I mean they sell them at Whole Foods. But no one I know has a velvet pair with a crystalline skull and cross bones on them. I've been looking for velvet flats and these may just take the cake, what with their supreme comfort and do-good status. Well played, TOMS. You've done good. Literally.

(photo: courtesy of The Accidental Executive)