The Best T-Shirt

Just like my skinny jeans, I've become somewhat of a slave to my collection of white t-shirts. And looking at my closet, I seem to have them all. There's the draped Kain Label that doesn't wear as well as I'd like (not to mention snags every time on my armful of bracelets), the perfectly fit James Perse that gets nagging little holes around the bottom (apparently I'm not the only one with that problem), the wallet-friendly American Apparels (that don't seem to fit exactly the way I'd like), and the Nation LTDs that are beyond awesome, but not entirely work appropriate. I'm looking for something that I can wear to work, launders well (aka, doesn't require me to wield my iron), and lasts for seasons. Because frankly, why shouldn't it? Apparently Joie has a new line of soft cottons (thanks Andrea for the tip), and I've actually gotten a cute (if not a bit clingy) heather grey tee from The Gap. So comment and tell me what your favorites are. Perhaps this is a lifelong journey or I just haven't stumbled upon the holy grail yet. So the hunt continues.

(photo: courtesy of Bloomingdales)

Dream a little dream...

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've been privy to the Isabel Marant mania that has taken the fashion world by storm. The French designer has somehow been able to nail Parisian chic with ladylike jackets, slouchy boots, and flirty dresses that enviable fashionistas can't get enough of (despite their sky-high price tags). So even though the designs may not be in the realm of possibility for most, I think just taking a look at their latest runway show is a great way to get a little inspiration on what you may want to wear in the coming months. You don't have to own the real thing to channel the Marant sensibility. One quick look and you'll see that those slouchy boots are here to stay. Fresh, lilac prints against beautifully tanned skin seems to be all the rage, cinched off with a great, worn-in brown leather belt. These looks are uber-easy to recreate and may just mean that this enviable chic aesthetic is actually within all of our reach. Take a look and see if any of the looks inspire you. I know I can't wait to recreate some myself--the sooner the better!

(photo: courtesy of Style.com)

Pretty Polishes

Sometimes, I am too much of a wuss to be really adventurous with color. White is safe, neutrals always work, and black seems to be universally flattering. So my quick fix? A manicure of course, the hotter the color the better. I've already tried out Essie's Sexy Divide (Thank you, Alyssa), test driven OPI's You Don't Know Jacques (Thank you, Jordan), and lusted after Chanel's Khaki Series (Thank you, Rachel Zoe). So now that I'm pondering what color tomorrow's manicure will bring, I am thinking I'll let myself indulge in a fun metallic that could end in my wardrobe but most likely will stay put on my nails. It's an easy (albeit, slightly wimpy) way to try out new fun colors and see what suits your skin tone best. From experience, my alabaster pallor DOES NOT look good with those mid-range browns. So go for a ride. A mani is sure as hell less expensive than a blouse and a fun way to try out the look for less--and for just one short week. I for one think that blue metallic NARS is calling out my name.

(photo: courtesy of The Lippmann Collection)

HEARD: Club Monaco to Shopbop

I've made no attempt to hide my love for Shopbop. It's insanely easy, has the most incredible selection, and let's me act out my sartorial fantasies on a near daily basis (could their editorials be any better?). So when I heard that Club Monaco was going to be carried exclusively online by Shopbop, I paused in my tracks. I am notoriously horrible at finding anything at Club Monaco. I walk in super excited and leave disappointed--and empty handed--every time. So here's to hoping that now that those wizards over at Shopbop sort the merchandise and create cute outfits, I'll be able to find something great. Plus, there's something totally alluring about not having to try things on, those annoying sales people, you know, those "joys" of shopping. So I may be tempted yet again. Let's see if I can finally make it work. (p.s. if you want proof that these sites make these average brands look beyond amazing, please refer to J. Crew on Net-a-porter).

(photo by Garance Dore)

One to Watch

One of my favorite things to do is track my style icons. Now even though she doesn't come from a typical fashion pedigree, Deborah Needleman is a bit of an epic figure in my book. Among those in the know, she was THE editor-in-chief of Domino magazine, which despite me living in a 12x12 Manhattan shoe box, served as my interior decorating and style bible. Domino, R.I.P. So when Deborah was plucked to man the new WSJ weekend style supplement, I figured others figured out just how good she really was. And after reading a Q&A with her, I realized she just may rival my other favorite editrixes. She says the words that nearly every fashionista on a budget is dying to hear: "I’m more of a pragmatist than a fantasist." Eureka! She's on it. I'm excited to have another means of getting inspired and a new great source of accessible style.

(photo: courtesy of New York Magazine)

My Blue Heaven

So no joke, when I first read that the Repetto flagship (or mothership) is going to be offering completely customizable flats, my first thought was, "this has got to be what heaven is like."  Slightly embarrassing, but even more true. If I'm lucky enough to make it across the pond, I'll be able to choose not only the colors, but the straps, borders, laces, etc. from over 250 options. Metallic mary-janes? Yes, please. Some blue suede oxfords? How could I not? That means my boring black leather pair (which I've resoled a few too many times) will be delicately chucked off my balcony in favor of a cool, colored version that is uniquely my own. Some may call them slippers, but I call these bad boys my everyday uniform, and this may just justify a trip to Paris. What do ya'll think?

(photo: courtesy of Zoe online)

A New Fave

I love more than anything stumbling across an undiscovered store that I get to keep all to myself. It's new, it's different, and I can find incredible things that are entirely my own. So when I found out that a friend of mine was opening an uber cool concept store in an area of town that wasn't already cluttered by Fred Segal, Madison, and the usual mix, I got more than just a little excited. Filled with an eclectic mix of unknown labels, vintage, and more, the store reflects my friend's near flawless personal style aesthetic that I think any girl would dream of having. What's even better is there's an in-house line full of separates that are beyond wallet friendly. I have a feeling they may just become my new wardrobe staples. So in all fairness, I'm not going to keep this one to myself because it's just that good, and because everyone should support this amazing store. Just this one time I'll share. If you're in L.A., run (don't walk) over to Sawtelle and visit In Residence. Treat yourself to some Hide sushi afterward, too.

(photo: courtesy of In Residence)