Caped Crusader

So there seems to be a bit of little red riding hood to this, and a dash of Phyllis Neffler after she remade her Troop Beverly Hills uniform. But I think this modified cape looks fresh for fall. It has breathable arm holes which means it's not the conventional style, and a generous cut that would look rad over skinny jeans. Paired with a great striped or print top and you can let the colors or pattern peak out, turning this into the ideal layering piece. I am pretty sure this will work for those with a flair for the dramatic. Who, me?

(photo: courtesy of Intermix)

Think Pink

I think pink is one of those colors that is nearly impossible to get right. It certainly depends on the skin tone, and you run the risk of going too bubblegum or too pepto with the slightest variation in shade. So what's a girl to do? Well I was reading Cupcakes and Cashmere, an adorable blog by another LA lady, and saw this pic of a petal pink bedroom that gave me an idea. It wasn't the dusty rose that has been a Pantone favorite, and it wasn't the totally pale version that washes me out. It was just bright enough to catch my eye, which means it'll catch other eyes if I wear it. A delicate silk or chiffon dress would be ideal or maybe even one of those sweet camisoles I have been on the search for. I have a feeling Urban Outfitters may have an option or two. The color is a bit of a stretch for me, but it makes me happy every time I see it. And what better reason do you need? 

(photo: courtesy of Cupcakes and Cashmere)

Showing Some Skin

So I'm slightly embarrassed to admit this but there was a day all too recently when I had a conundrum. I had to spend a credit but couldn't find anything to spend it on. I know, tough life. But here's the thing. Because there weren't any boxy grey sweaters and navy dresses to focus on (my go-tos), it forced me to get out of my comfort zone. It was a use it or lose it type situation. So after the sales girl prodded I finally took some soft camisoles and a vastly unsupportive bra into the dressing room. The camisole was a no-brainer. Clemense Poesy wore a delicate one on Gossip Girl a few weeks back (she's French, go figure), and ever since I've been thinking about how they look so amazing underneath just about anything. I'm thinking boy blazer or motorcycle jacket. I did drag my feet a bit on the triangle top, but turns out it worked. And now I can't seem to get enough of it. Not only is it insanely comfortable, but I prefer the look of its thick straps and bold colors underneath my dark sweaters for fall. It's a peek-a-boo style that covers a lot (thank you) but still catches the eye--which is my favorite kind. VPL makes great versions too (available on Shopbop) in fun colors that look great with the season's darker colors. A cool trick to try when you're in the mood for something just a little bit different.

(photo: courtesy of Glamour.com)

Not So Fast!

I don't think I need to go on and on about how inspiring Paris street style can be. That certain je ne sais quoi does exist, I swear! So looking at these pics taken criss-crossing the right and left banks gave me some very fun ideas. This one in particular made me rethink color combos and what I like to think of as conventional style rules. After cleaning out my closet over the weekend I was just about ready to stash away those light shoes and box them up for next spring. If I had my way, they wouldn't see the light of day until the summer months. Wrong. Again. My tan skin heels will look amazeballs with my new black opaque tights. I think some grey ones will look awesome too. And just when I thought I'd cleared some stuff out of my cluttered closet. Looks like these pale colors (even tans and beiges) are here to stay through fall and winter--but only paired with some dark, contrasting knits and tights.

(photo: courtesy of Mr. Newton)

HEARD: ASOS in the USA

So for as long as I can remember (or for as long as I've been paying attention), ASOS has been one of the go-to sites for shopping fanatics. The only problem? It wasn't available to the US---yet. I like to think of the British website as kind of like a mix between a high-end H&M, Shopbop, and Urban Outfitters all rolled into one. It interprets the season's latest trends in pieces that are actually well made, and has cute cuts, and might I say, the very best jackets and coats around. So now we here in the states can have our fill of this UK fave (which has long been an obsession of Teen Vogue). Take a browse and you'll see why. I particularly love the shoes. They're like well-made versions of Steve Madden that you'll actually want to wear next year. 

(photo: courtesy of ASOS)

Closet Curation

Being home sick always incites a bit of cabin fever in me and I end up pacing my apartment trying to figure out ways to occupy my time (I only had so many episodes of Mad Men on my DVR). A great way to spend a day at home? Cleaning out the closet of course, and trying to swap out some of my summer basics for fall's freshest finds. The best part? Stumbling across things that I forgot I owned, which I'll admit happens way too often. The most exciting (re)find was a pair of old Vince wool shorts. That's right, shorts. I kind of hate shorts, but the reason I love these is because they're meant for fall which means I can wear them with my favorite opaque tights. The heather grey color goes with just about anything and they look great with any kind of boot you can imagine. I may hate summer's cut-offs, but I do love winter shorts. And even though I can't imagine myself wearing them, I'm envious of anyone who can pull off some cute leather shorts with tights for fall. I'm just hoping the temperature actually drops in LA so I'll find a chance to wear them...

(photo: courtesy of Shopbop)

For the Coffee Table

As I sit here typing, staring at my book shelf, I am beginning to notice that my habit of buying "Style" books has gotten a bit out of hand. It all started with the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen book "Influence" (which still gets comments every time someone sees it) and was most recently forwarded by Nylon's new book about street style. If it's about style, I tell myself it's fair game, and part of my growing collection. A collector's item? In my mind (and in my apartment), the answer is always yes. This one has a bit more edge than The Sartorialist. Think hipsters in Los Feliz vs. chic fashionistas in Bev Hills.  Since I am always looking for a new source of inspiration, even if it's a bit out of my comfort zone, count me in. Another great read, inspiring photos, and plenty of eye candy that will help me rethink the way I dress.

(photo: courtesy of Amazon)