Articles of Clothing

Shop My Closet: Elizabeth and James Button Over Cardigan

OOPS!  I am a total noob!  I was trying to add new tags to my old blog posts and well, ended up deleting this post instead.  

New favorite thing in my entire closet. :)

I keep forking over my hard earned cash to those little Olsen Twins.  I feel guilty every time I contribute to their already massive fortune - but this was featured in Shopbop.com's recent Ultimate Closet and I had been eyeballing it before... the feature somewhat tipped the iceberg to make the purchase (validation,,haha).

It's semi sheer (little holes in the woven cotton) and feels a little distressed which makes it special.

Wear it open..

Buttoned up....

... or even cross it over for a snugger fit!  See, it's versatile two sweaters in one... that's why its OK.. keep telling myself that and proceed to check out!

 

Love how it is styled in the Lookbook

The one thing I don't like about Shopbop.com though is that they DO NOT pay for return shipping.  What does this mean for you?  Well, if you happen to make a purchase that costs upwards of $200 then return shipping gets pricey (shipping + insurance in case a package is lost over $200+). With that being said - please, don't take advice for me - as that acts as justification for my lazy ass to just keep all the purchases. :)  

 Elizabeth and James Button Over Cardigan $345

Label Watch: Gryphon New York

I've seen Gryphon at high end department stores and designer boutiques - but never knew much about the history of the label.  Interestingly enough, the label was started by a woman named, Aimee Cho (woot woot), who was a former fashion editor at Vogue turned designer.  (This basically sounds like my life dream come true, what a bitch!  Just kidding).

The label was founded off a closet staple: the iconic trench coat (hmmm sounds a little familiar, ahem, Burberry) and branched out to include everything from edgy tees to romantic frocks!

Check out some looks by Gryphon on my favorite fashion search engine: Shopstyle.com

 

 

OK TRUTH - I am totally busted.  What inspired this post today?  Well I made the mistake of logging into Gilt Groupe and was lucky enough to put this little number in my cart!  It originally retails for $450 and I actually used an old credit so all I had to pay was $12 measly dollars for shipping!  Woo Hoo!

I am loving the little print - which you cannot see in the picture but they are actually teeny tiny minature hearts.  I am going to pair with the Stuart Weitzman huggie booties and pair with sheer black tights with pin dots ala Balenciaga Autumn/Winter 2009-10 line.

Shop My Closet: Stuart Weitzman Huggie Booties

I've been on the hunt for the perfect pair of black booties, it seems, for the last 3 years.  I just wanted the shoe to do three things:

1.  Be versatile and go from Day to Night

2.  Have a heel that is comfortable enough to walk the streets of San Francisco.

3.  Be functional - meaning that they serve the purpose of covering my feet up and protecting them from the elements, mainly rain.

How do you guys feel about these booties from Stuart Weitzman?  I definitely agree that they look beautiful on the model featured in Shopbop.com's Ultimate Closet Winter edition - so I took a gamble and placed them in my shopping cart.  I showed them to my friend Dreya and her immediate reaction was EWWWWW NOT CUTE or what I expected from you at all, lol.

They definitely stand up to criteria #1, #2 - but fall short of #3 since they are made of a stretch knit fabric vs. leather. 

As you can see they look a little bit funny off the model due to the stretch knit fabric...

But they arrived in the mail and are much much more beautiful in real life.  I love the almond shaped toe.  The skinny little heel is definitely easy to walk in (much easier than my Christian Louboutin Simple 100 pumps).

And one of the main reasons that they are great is because I have skinny ankles and chicken legs.  Often times my calves look like they are swimming in booties - so these booties are definitely hugging you hence the name.

 

The other thing that I really like is that it reminds me of the "SOCKS with Heels" look that is gracing the runways.  I think the first time I ever saw that look and tried to re-create it was from Burberry's Spring Runway show 2008.

Buy online Stuart Weitzman Huggie Stretch Booties $365

Shop My Closet: Anne Taylor Loft Anorak

It's was raining outside - so I bought a new jacket.  

 

 

   

Anne Taylor LOFT Long Ripstop Anorak $98

A few things...

1. first purchase that I have ever made at Anne Taylor Loft - I have no idea.  Is this store cool?  Did I just step into the Old Navy of "young professional/ working girl clothes?"  Not sure, I do like the jacket and I saw a cute floral print dress in the store front too.

2. I want an Anorak.  I have TOTALLY wanted an Anorak for a long time - and a recent editorial magazine spread featuring the army fatigued colored utility jackets kinda inspired this purchase.  Let's hope I can mix and match it to make some funky (not sloppy) looks.

3. I saw a picture of this jacket featured in Harper's Bazaar - that explains the impromptu visit to the mall.  

Label Watch: Wilt

I am loving these flowy, comfortable, yet stylish cotton tops from Wilt.  I cannot find too much information about this label even with a quick google search - but I know that I am falling for these tees!  Even better - machine washable - maybe the worst thing about buying a high end t-shirt is discovering that it has to be dry cleaned... 

  

This one is semi sheer - but I just layer it over a black or tan tank top and that usually does the trick.  Or hey, be risky and rock the bra under sheer shirt look.  I for one am not that adventurous!

 Note: These Tees are a little bit over-sized so I would recommending sizing down if you are petite/ on the shorter side.

Wilt Hi Lo Tunic with Long Sleeves $108 

 

 

I LOVE the pairing of this swingy grey tank with black distressed skinny's.  I know the price tag is steep on these basics (when did t-shirts get above $50 and jeans start at $200?) - but I think the cost per wear will definitely make up for it.  They are great layering pieces and can be dressed up or down with a few accessories.

Wilt Hi Lo Tank $86

Shop My Closet: Frye Boots

I never knew what the hype was over Frye Boots.  I used to stare at them online and ask myself, "why the hell do these Frye Boots cost so damn much???"  I would sit around, surf online, return back to the website and ask myself if it was worth it to shell out for these puppies.

Earlier this week, UPS delivered me my first pair of Frye Boots the "Maxine Trapunto Shortie."  They are ankle booties so the length is a little awkward as they hit mid-calf which isn't the most flattering length - but I will still try to rock them.

 

 

It was definitely a little love hate.  I love them.  The leather is so soft and smooth, and every step feels comfortable due to a nicely padded insole.  No they make my calves look fat, I hate them.  Are they too rough?  I do live in San Francisco... I won't run the risk of being mistaken for a biker chick, ultra feminist, or a lesbian (not that there's anything wrong with that). 

A little history behind the boots - The Frye Company - was founded in 1863 and is the oldest shoe company in the United States that has been continuously manufacturing shoes.  (These boots are the same boots worn by soldiers in the American Civil War - which blows my mind.  And apparently, the hefty price tag is due to the 190 steps that it takes to craft each pair of boots and the fact that with the proper care a pair of Frye boots can last you a decade.

Disclaimer:  I am the most clumsy person on the planet and on day 3 of wearing these boots - I somehow managed to stub my left toe on something and took a BIG ASS Chunk off the front of the boot.  I'll blame that on my lack of coordination not on the Frye company.

Frye Maxine Trapunto Shortie Boots $298

Shop My Closet: Juicy Couture Long Pop Top Mittens

It's really cold in SF and it's really annoying that all the fashion mags and website's are telling me what I need for spring 2010.  I mean - GASP - I really do not need to be worrying about bikini season and the hottest shorts until May.  So I am going to keep it real for all of us that are COLD and still trying to figure out how to bundle up and look chic for the next 3 months...

This weekend, I was on a mani pedi date with a few close girlfriends and my friend, Dreya, made my day with a late Christmas Gift!   I had mentioned in passing that I needed a new pair of black gloves but had not gotten around to replacing my current pair ($5 Marc by Marc Jacobs gloves that looked like I stole them from a homeless man in the tenderloin).

I adore these gloves for two reasons: 1. the gold buttons just scream a little MJ 2. they are convertible and can be worn fingerless (so much easier to do stuff - like pick pens off my desk at work) or as mittens.

 Juicy Couture Long Pop Top Mittens $65

Label Watch: Pencey

I am totally loving these relaxed - girly looks from break out label: Pencey!  I do not know very much about this designer... but I am loving all their tee's, tops, leggings, and take on faux fur this season.

 

Here are some wallet friendly ways to test out this trendy look.  I saw these Pencey inspired tops and raglan crew necks at Forever21.com for a fraction of the price.   I was trying my best to boycott Forever 21 (getting my bargains online from designer sample sales and the retails stores like Nordstrom Rack and Loehmann's) but for funky pieces - I think I must admit that F21 still reigns supreme.

  

Forever 21 Darling Sue Knit Top $19.80

(This is a dead ringer for the Pencey Top at a fraction of the price)

This one just looks uber comfortable!

Forever 21 Striped Pullover $17.80
  

 

Shop My Closet: Frenchie Stripes Inspired by Coco Chanel

Everything old is new again.  My mantra for the new year is to spend less money, shop less, and spend more time investing in timeless pieces that I will enjoy for years to come.  Alas, we will see how long that lasts - as I woke up this morning - stared into my walk in closet and shrieked, "I have absolutely nothing to wear."

I'm loving the modern twists on the classic sailor shirt this season.  Oh Coco - how you created the classic blue and white striped t-shirt inspired by the French Navy and millions of girls are still biting on your style today - like ME!

I saw this take on the sailor shirt from Elizabeth and James and instantly fell in love.  (I fall in love with clothing pretty often if you haven't noticed - some flings - some serious life time infatuations).

Elizabeth and James is a label with a pretty hefty price tag.  Every time I make an Elizabeth and James purchase - I get secretly pissed off at myself for contributing to the Olsen Twins bank accounts and success.  They have been raking in dough since the Full House days - and we all know I could use a little more pocket change and this shirt was probably made in China for $5.  My rational brain, however, was flooded with images of cuteness so I gave in.

 Elizabeth and James Striped Comfy Tee with Pocket $195

In my search for the Coco Classic Striped Sailor shirt, I stumbled across this top that takes a little 80s spin on things by Juicy Couture.  I love the double layer and the bat wing arms - and of course, a must for me is a flowy top that helps to hide a little bit of belly bulge (I'm expecting a food baby in 9 months...).

 

Juicy Couture Bias Cut Double Layer Sheer Tee $138

Shop My Closet: Boutique 9 Pala Suede Riding Boots

I was looking for an alternative to rain boots - that I could stomp around in year long - seeing that San Francisco basically has the same climate all year round... except for those few months of Indian Summer in the fall/winter.

Of course, suede and the rain do not really go together but alas, I had fallen in love with this pair from Boutique 9 and to make it even sweeter - the website (ninewest.com) is offering an additional 50% off the already reduced price tag.

I'm rocking them today in the office with black tights and a flowy black dress with a wide ruffle collar - it's a little bit "Little House on the prairie" but I like it!

Buy Boutique 9 Pala Boots online @ Ninewest.com $240