Articles of Clothing

Shop My Closet: Jeffrey Campbell Charli Platform Clogs

Thanks to Karl Lagerfield, I can barely turn my head in the shoe department without seeing tons and tons of clogs that were inspired by his Spring 2010 line for Chanel.  I love how he paired girly romantic frocks and classic Chanel tweed with the unexpected chunky, tall wooden platforms.

The pair of clogs in this photo retail for a whopping $1795.

And this leather brass studded pair retails for $995 and was shown on the runway in natural leather (off white) and black (above). 

So of course, the fashion collector in me totally wants a pair of the real deal Chanel clogs but I walked into the LF Store on Union Street the other day and they are carrying this fabulous knock off by Jeffrey Campbell.

Naturally, I could not resist so I picked them up in this tan color.  (Please note: tan runs a size small I usually wear a 7 and got them in an 8) They come in black, tan, and natural and are literally flying off the shelves (sold out at Nordstrom, pre-order online, sold out at Shop Bop - you get the idea). See what you did Mr. Lagerfield?

 

The little strap is convertible.  I wore them with tights the other day (black tights and a black dress) - doesn't look as weird as it sounds.

 

I was seriously concerned that I wouldn't really rock them around town - but SF got a full week of sunshine earlier this month (70 degrees everyday) and I literally wore them 4 days in a row.  I paired them with all the flowy, romantic frocks in my closet.  I love them so much that I'm now contemplating the black pair, maybe next pay check.

Jeffrey Campbell Charli Clog $150

Label Watch: Free People March 2010 Catalog

I was flipping through the most recent Free People catalog this evening - and was inspired to do a post about their new spring additions.  Here are some of my favorites...

I love romantic tops for Spring - this one is super pretty.

 

It's actually a button down top - so it can also be worn opened and layered.

Not sure I am crazy about the back

Free People Seneca Rising Aurora Ruffle Top $128

Unleash your inner ballerina?  I am not sure about this one - but I think it could become a really fun layering piece in my wardrobe.

I like the asymmetrical hemline and the purple on the bottom adds a pretty contrast.

Free People Merrie Gossamer Slip $88

I want to wear this dress with cowboy boots or super cute brogues.  I think this one would get the most use - I could wear it to work or on the weekends w/ different accessories.

I think I prefer it without the belt...

We The Free Mala Strana Dress $98

Label Watch: Mulberry Alexa Bag

Oh my goodness. Drool.  The new Alexa handbag from Mulberry that was inspired by London's newest fashion icon, Alexa Chung.  She has such impeccable style...

I absolutely love structured handbags and this one comes in two sizes (Alexa & Alexa Oversized) as well as a wide array of colors and textures - like Pink leather with black leopard spots.  I am smitten by the turn lock gold hardware and I also love that it can be worn as cross body, top handle, or shoulder bag... so so so versatile.

Mulberry Alexa Bag in Oak $1,150

 

Label Watch: Joie Rock Steady Fringe Suede Booties

Love at first sight.  Pink Fringe Sude Booties?  What is not to LOVE!

I am obsessed with fringe and I have been ever since I was a little girl.  My older sister still teases me about it - and always asks me why I like moccasins so much.  I brought home a pair of moccasins (like authentic ones) from Vancouver, BC, last year.

I also owned a pair of suede boots in this same exact color (circa 2007) with fringe running up and down the sides.  I loved them so much that I blew a hole through the heel after 1 month.

Damn, I wish the shoe fairy would deliver these to my doorstep to replace my coveted fringe boots that are now in shoe heaven - because I cannot find a size 7 online anywhere in this misty rose color.

 
 Buy Joie Rock Steady Fringe Booties $345

Shop My Closet: Gemma Mya Dress

I've been having trouble getting dressed for work lately.  I always somehow feel sloppy and frumpy in skinny jeans and t-shirts so I wanted to build up a bigger work wardrobe of comfy, put together looks.  I thought this little number by Gemma would be a great addition to my closet.

I swear I will never tire of these basics.  I love that I can just throw it over my head - add a pair of black tights, a trench coat, heels and hit the road.  I am all about low maintenance style these days.

I like the idea of the printed necklace neckline - and also that I don't have to worry about accesorizing this look!

Gemma Mya Dress $163 on sale for $81.50
 

 
 

Shop My Closet: Deux Lux Handbags

The only time I ever shop at LF is during the "60% off Sale of the Season" - otherwise you have to be willing to pay extremely high boutique prices.

There was a rose gold clutch that was embellished with crystals and pearls that just screamed my name - but I passed because even at 60% off it was still totally pricey for a clutch that wasn't even real leather.  I also had never heard of the brand Deux Lux before.

So today, I made the fatal mistake of logging onto to a Deux Lux sample sale which I received via an online email blast from Hautelook.com.  

A little background about the brand - it was started by a mom and daughter team who wanted to bring more affordable handbags that were fashion forward to the masses.  Deux Lux is currently carried in boutiques across the US and Europe and in well known stores like LF, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters.

Unfortunately, the rose gold clutch was not included in the sample sale so I had to settle for this mini drawstring cross body bag.

I love the studs and the woven chain/ leather detail of the strap (yes, biting the style of the classic Chanel 2.55 bag). I also like to pretend that I go out to bars and such and that this little bag will make me a pretty hip bar hopper (truth is I don't have much of a night life.  I prefer TV and snuggling with my dog, Piccola.)

The drawstring shape is so "IN" right now

 And the lining is a very pretty purple satin (inner beauty).

Piper Cross Body Mini Bag $106 on sale for $53 on Hautelook.com

This larger Drawstring bag was also available shown here in grey.  It was 50% off to Hautelook.com members.

Piper Cross Body Drawstring Bag $124

 

Shop My Closet: Elizabeth and James Shoes

Alright, I just have to come out and say it:  I am wild about the Olsen Twins and their clothing designs for Elizabeth and James and the Row.  I am curious to learn more about their fashion inspirations that I might even order their book "Influence" on Amazon (since I also started collecting Fashion Photography books, recently).  Is that a little weird that I'm looking up to Michelle Tanner for fashion advice?

I find these sling backs to be simply stunning....

I hope some type of event comes up that will allow me to justify ordering these.  I feel like I would keep them in my closet forever and wear them all over town as a signature piece.

Elizabeth & James Beaded Mesh Slingback $450

However, I decided to purchase this pair as they seemed easier to incorporate into my everyday wardrobe.  (The J.Crew Booties - while cute are going back to the store.  They just felt too plain (although chic) and didn't feel very KIM-esque.)  

These peep toe suede booties were a little bit more up my alley.  I love that they draw influence from the Victorian era and the little button details make them feel extra special.  I also really really love a high heel platform. 

 
 Elizabeth and James Ashlyn Suede Peep Toe Booties $385

 

Label Watch: Geren Ford

I first discovered Geren Ford at Barneys.  I was browsing the racks on the Co-op floor one day and was drawn to a simple silk tank with an edgy stud detail around the collar.  I tried it on and it fit like a dream - but had to put it back on the rack due to the price tag.

So I did a little research today, and Geren Ford was created in 2002 by a woman named Geren Lockhart. Interesting enough, Geren draws inspiration for her designs from her upbringing in NYC's Soho and the Bay Area (YAY!).   

And the best part about Geren is that she used to be in advertising (she worked as a production executive at Chiatday in LA) and traveled all over the world for her job.   She was so inspired by her travels that she designed a pair of pants, went to design school at Parsons, and left the whole advertising world in the dust.  How amazing is that?  She's basically my idol now.

How wonderful is this top?  It looks great paired with the skirt - but can easily be dressed down with a pair of skinny jeans.

Geren Ford Ruffle Top $235

And a confession, I am not supposed to be shopping.  I haven't gone to the gym 4 times this week or last week (I've had a cold) - but I wanted to own a little piece of Geren and Gilt Groupe had some of the line on sale yesterday.  I put this into my cart and checked out as fast as I could.  I love the ease of the black shift dress, but also realize that my friends will call me "the black blob" next time I rock this.

You can't tell from the picture but the sleeves are actually ruched which adds a little more style/ funkyness to this plain shift dress.

 

 And my mantra definitely is you can never have enough little black dresses in your closet.

 

Label Watch: Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony has stores in Tokyo, New York, and Los Angeles (please make your way to San Fran, purdy puh-lease) and carries both men and women's apparel and accessories.

Established in 2002, Opening Ceremony is not your traditional shopping experience. It aims to cover multiple layers of fashion with its unique retail spaces, showroom, and gallery.  There is a treasure to uncover for everyone from the fashion/designer expert, vintage junkie, and collector who prefers items from the open air markets.

I actually found out about Opening Ceremony on my first trip to NYC (sadly, that was only a year ago and I have not had a chance to go back and go crazy in Soho) from my friend, Simone. 

Clogs found themselves on the runway for Chanel during Fashion Week!  Leave it to Karl Lagerfield to turn these clunky shoes into something so fresh and fun for spring!  

I love these styles that are at Opening Ceremony... 

How interesting is this Clog + Bootie combo?

 

Opening Ceremony Wooden Platform Clog Bootie $514.00

I also think these wedge boots would be a great contrast to all the ruffles and floral prints for Spring.  A quick way to add some rocker chic-ness to any outfit.

 Opening Ceremony Platform Wedge Booties with Open Toe $472