Street Style Inspiration for the Weekend

I love this shot because I think it looks like it could have been taken in the 1970s as much as it was taken this season. Full of rich rust colors, textured corduroy fabrics and a mix of textures that make you go "ahhh," everything about this picture is a time warm--save for maybe their ombre hair color. I love it, love how it's new once again and love how I now want to wear a 70's-inspired pansuit or rock some contrasting tweeds and camel colored fabrics.

(photo: courtesy of Vogue.com)

The Latest Beauty Must-Have

About a year ago, I was gifted with this magical ointment from Australia. I thought it was an odd gift, but it came from chic hands, so I kept it close. The red tube of Lucas Papaw is an Australian salve, from Papaya extract, that's known to mend a manner of skin skins and so I keep it close. Now there's a new brand that's launched a new, heightened version, Suvana's that blends Paw paw with honey for skin-treating antiseptic goodness. It's eco, it's magic and it's now available stateside.

(photo: courtesy of Beauty Habit)

Inspired by the Icons: NARS

Inspired by the legend himself, Nars' Andy Warhol collection is full of colors that his muse Edie Sedgwick would have worn in her hey day (think matte nude lip, winged liner and a bit of pink at the apple of the cheek). Now they've created a video giving us an inside look at their mood board and I love taking a look at someone as iconic, as classic, as embedded in art and culture as a reference for style.

 

Winter Layering Trick

I've slowly been relegating my sleeveless dresses to one side of my closet because in this weather, I can't quite figure out how to adequately wear them--and stay warm. But then I was reminded about this easy layering trick when I spotted this cute blogger pic online. I can slip on my favorite chambray shirt underneath a basic shift for two outfits in one, even pair a cardigan over for extra layers. It's a simple way to get extra mileage out of what you've got, no matter the weather.

(photo: courtesy of Chictopia)

The New "It" Boot?

Most anywhere you look these days on fashion blogs and street style snaps, you see the same studded Chloe boots popping up, in red, black and a great cool grey, they're what everyone seems to want to wear. But what about a new alternative that looks this good. In a pretty lizard printed leather, this is the perfect antidote to the black boot in a resort-ready print that'll add legs to Winter and see you right into Spring.

(photo: courtesy of Loeffler Randall)

What's In Her Makeup Bag

Maybe it's because it's Winter but I've become a complete convert of Josie Maran's miraculous Argan oil. I slather it allover my face and like to think that some day I'll wake up looking just like her. This video unearths the contents of her cosmetics bag and if her makeup free face is any indication, I'll take one of each.

A Little Leather Goes a Long Way

I went through such a headband phase when I was younger, so much so that it was considered a treat when I got a new one. Over time, I realized I looked a bit silly in them and realized my huge head didn't quite fit the normal headband size. But now they're an easy way to add adornment to your look, especially around the holidays. This one is from Valentino and pairs the brand's now iconic rock studs on a simple black band. If you can't quite get their rock stud heels, I think this may be the next best thing, in a place where everyone's bound to see your good taste.

(photo: courtesy of Net-a-Porter)

The Ultimate Brown Belt

I can't quite explain why, but I'm all of a sudden hankering for a belt. I've got a great amount of black apparel in my wardrobe and yet I still want a great brown belt to pair with it. I'm envisioning a belt like this, worn with my best black denim, even black boots. The contrast will be perfect and be what sets the look apart, something to offset the rest of the look. 

(photo: courtesy of Madewell)

Inspiration: Grace Coddington

I've long made it a habit of becoming transfixed with certain magazine editors. Though the breed is dying, I'll track their outfits, their careers and read about what got them to their current positions. Maybe because it's a dying breed, I'm that much more fascinated. Grace Coddington takes it a step further, in that she's a bit of a living legend. If you've seen The September Issue, you know just what I'm talking about. She's lived a tenure at Vogue and during that time she's helped transform the way we consume fashion. Her book is a memoir that I've just begun to read. A living legend who's getting the recognition she deserves.

(photo: courtesy of Amazon)

Street Style Inspiration for the Weekend

I'm about two weeks into a new hunter green waterproof lightweight jacket and already I'm somewhat sick of it. Now if I really wanted to jazz things up, I'd step out in this jacket. The whole look screams sophistication but in an age-appropriate way with the cutaway heels and Ray Bans. The leather leggings are something I never thought I'd been into, but am considering more and more, and add a bit of welcome edge to the conservative length of the coat. Just. Love. It. All.

(photo: courtesy of Le Fashion)

In The Studio: Phillip Crangi

I've been on a metal jewelry kick lately, seeing what I can find and the ample assortment of what's out there. Turns out there's quite a bit of shiny gold pieces that you can collect if you're willing. Why I like Phillip Crangi is because his jewelry is of a muted sort, more brushed in design and the effect is altogether edgier. This look at the jewelry designer in his studio gives you an insider look at what really goes on, all the bits of inspiration that are thrown in there and the exciting collaboration that make up the jewelry we acquire.

(photos: courtesy of The Selby)

Street Style Inspiration of the Day

A little leopard goes a long way, just take a look at this street style shot. In unexpected hues, as opposed to the normal brown, black and white spots, these colors create something altogether different. Of course conventional style rules say that you shouldn't wear leopard on leopard, one is quite enough. But the pairing of the two here seems altogether fun, unexpected and something I wish I could pull off.

(photo: courtesy of The Sartorialist)

SPOTTED: Rachel Comey for Pre-Fall

I love the way this suit answers all of my dressed-up needs. Designer Rachel Comey delivers delightfully demure dresses season after season but this takes things in a different direction. Tailored with tuxe details, this one-piece is perfect for New Year's eve and pretty much any dressed-up affair, whether I'm option for a denim jacket, moto style or something tweed and tailored. 

(photo: courtesy of Fashionista)

Winter Wardrobe Redux

I somehow unearthed this photo from earlier this year and it's everything that I'm not--and everything I wish I could be. Between the canary yellow collar, the liquid leather leggings, the hat, the converse and undone oxford shirt that pokes out just so, there are so many elements that go together in this look and so many ways it can go awry. And yet, somehow it all looks great together.

(photo: courtesy of Tory Burch)

Hot-Steppin': Spotted Haircalf

No matter how much I love my flats (and believe you me, I love them), there's something about boots that just make sense come Winter. When it comes to going out at night and finding a dressier pair, that's where things can get complicated. These certainly make a statement. From Ann Taylor of all places, this spotted haircalf print with a nice sold block heel would be bold with all black and shades of grey this season and be a great talking point no matter what you're wearing.

(photo: courtesy of Ann Taylor)

Decadent Gift Idea

Gurus in the beauty industry forever pledge their allegiance to Rodin Olio Lusso face oil for its restorative elements, sweet jasmin smell and wonderful effects that it imparts on radiant, glowy skin. Now the luxe brand that is at the top of everyone's list has released a candle that's the perfect gift for the person who has everything. Candles are the best gifts because expensive ones are the types of things you're always hesitant to get yourself but love receiving--and if you're me, collecting. 

(photo: courtesy of Departures)

An LBD Idea

The holidays are almost here, which means everyone is furiously trying to look their best in holiday garb and the most festive little dresses. While I stake out the dark denim and blouse aisle, I'm constantly mesmerized by dresses that get it right, like this one that takes it to the next level. With a strategic mesh panel, it adds a little bit of sex appeal to the otherwise sweet silhouette. Mix it up and go for the unexpected with a dress like this for the holidays--plus you'll be able to wear it well after.

(photo: courtesy of Lucky Mag)

Book Buying Wish List

There are so many great books right now that are on my list and this cute one could be a really fun gift for friends and young cousins this holiday season. With 40 easy DIY projects for aspiring fashionistas, this guide from A Pair and a Spare blogger gives you tips and tricks to update your wardrobe in a pinch. Plus, it helps you recreate some of the most in-demand looks from the runway--accessible fashion made easy.

(photo: courtesy of Amazon)

Great Gift Idea: Attainable Jewels

Someone quite stylish just alerted me to this new jewelry site, Bagatiba, and I'm loving the affordability of all of their delicate jewelry designs. From made-for-layering necklaces to upper-digit rings and this bracelet/ring combo, they're chock full of perfectly giftable finds at exactly the right time. Plus each piece is subtle enough that any discerning girl would love them.

(photo: courtesy of Bagatiba)

Cocktail Ring + Nails

There's a bit going on in this picture but what struck me most is how the nails match the cocktail ring's stone. What if life were amazing enough that when you got dressed you had the foresight to match your nail color to your cocktail ring. With the holiday season upon us this seems like the perfect time do it. Instead of a rich red, this deep blue seems quite unexpected and a rich statement going right on into the New Year.

(photo: courtesy of J.Crew Tumblr)

Updated Casual

Easy weekend dressing has always eluded me. I'm either stuck in Lululemon in a quest to exercise at some point during my day, or I feel like I'm overdressed with nowhere to go. This picture is a bit aspirational in what I'd like to ultimately be wearing on a stylish Saturday. For days spent strolling through the West Village or ambling through West Hollywood, I'd have a comfy oversized sweater paired with my undone, destroyed boyfriend jeans and come out looking something like this...at least I hope.

(photo: courtesy of Atlantic-Pacific)

SPOTTED: Claire Vivier + Of a Kind

Seems like I'm seeing Claire Vivier just about everywhere these days, with colorful clutches and wonderful leather accessories that make ideal giftables for the holidays. So the designer has just collaborated with Of a Kind on a limited-edition offering that features a wonderfully versatile cheetah print suede in a sleek shoulder bag and coin purse combo. I envision this bag going with just about everything in my closet and the going-price is something that anyone could get behind. Just in time for the holidays!

(photo: courtesy of Of a Kind)