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

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: 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

 
 

 

Shop My Closet: Maggie Ward Drawstring Cropped Pant

I went down to Los Gatos a few months ago to have brunch with my sis at Fleur de Coco, my favorite French Bakery in the South Bay.  

After a delicious brunch of Tomato Soup with a puff pastry crust and a side of mixed greens in a classic vinaigrette, we took a little shopping detour in a super cute boutique: Bella Rosa.  

I left with a pair of these Maggie Ward Drawstring pants in Navy blue.  I must be honest and admit, I usually only wear these pants around the house.  I am not brave enough to pair them with a blazer and actually wear them to the office.  Maybe, one day...

Maggie Ward Drawstring Cropped Pant $138

 

Label Watch: 5 Preview

Okay, I stumbled across this Italian brand, 5 Preview, by accident while surfing the web for a Chanel Logo T-Shirt.  (I have a friend who finds the best vintage tees on e-bay but I am never that lucky or persistent enough to do online bidding.)  5 Preview started in 2008 and began the line with tailored white t-shirts inspired by iconic fashion design houses, like Chanel/YSL, and also classic characters from pop culture, like Mickey Mouse.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE the label's use of my two favorite colors: white & black ala Coco Chanel.  

These are some of my favorite tees:

5 Preview "Y5L" Shirt $95

 

5 Preview "COCO" T-Shirt $95

 5 Preview "CARTOON" T-Shirt $95

They also make Jewelry...

 

5 Preview Plexiglass "Fiftyfive" Necklace $55

And Tote Bags!

5 Preview Totebag WHAT $55 USD

I think I am in love!  I just wish I knew how the t-shirts fit since they are unisex and pricey - I'd like to avoid having to make exchanges (and conversion rates, etc.) on international purchases!  Also, do I have to be as tres chic as the model to rock these tees?

So I am trying as hard as possible to stop buying so much shit --- (I live in a tiny studio - that's undergoing a foreclosure sale right now. Economy.  Ugh - and I can't afford much more clutter). I am not allowed to buy one of these tees until I really deserve it.  For example, if I hit the gym 4 times this week (remember I am incredibly lethargic and it's raining outside) maybe I will pick one up. :)

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.