Articles of Clothing

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

 
 

 

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: J.Crew

I never go to J.Crew, not because I mean to skip it, but because its just not in my regular shopping circuit. I forgot how much I adore the modern twist on basic pieces.  The current collection is full of flirty ruffles and floral appliques - and fun pieces, like a light denim blazer with roll up sleeves and a dainty skirt paired with a brown leather studded belt for an unexpected look.  I wanted to go on a shopping spree but refrained, had to settle for the virtual closet.

Now, I've been on the hunt for the perfect booties for a long time.  I was looking for a shoe that could fit the following criteria: 1. Wearable Day to Night 2. Wearable in the Rain 3. Moderately comfortable for a high heel of course.  Well, I think we might have found it - this uber versatile ankle bootie from J.Crew in black and cognac (below).

J.Crew Metropolitan Leather Ankle Boots $265

 
 The Model featured above is supposed to be rocking the booties in Cognac - but they look more like the Birch Suede Ankle Booties that are also available online.  I tried them on and the Cognac booties are a really good neutral that do blend with your skin tone and give off a leg lengthening illusion. I'm just not sure that I have anything to pair with them in my closet - that wouldn't look just as cute with a pair of Christian Louboutin Patent Pumps in biege.

I love this take on the military/ utilitarian jacket that is everywhere this season.  The flowers are a fun, girly spin on doing camouflage. (I should have gotten this one instead of the Anne Taylor Anorak - I tried to do the army look and I just felt like I was wearing really sloppy oversized clothing and should be headed camping.)

 J.Crew Black Blossom Blazer $118

 

Label Watch: What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA)

WGACA - the brand that became famous by bringing vintage finds to its unique boutique stores in Soho and Hollywood is now available online (that is if you have cash to burn).  They carry both Men's and Women's clothing and accessories.

I first stumbled across the brand when I was looking to score some vintage Chanel jewelry on the cheap.  I was thinking some granny is totally auctioning off a logo necklace on Ebay that I can score - boy was I wrong - and thats exactly why you need someone like WGACA. :)

WGACA takes the guess work out of making sure a designer piece is authentic and also has an easy to navigate online store (for those of us who hate digging through piles of merchandise).

Vintage Chanel Bracelet $1,195

I'm not sure that this is part of the Chanel Fine Jewelry collection (as it is only gold plated - over some type of metal) but damn gina, it costs a pretty penny.

Vintage Chanel Necklace $895
 

Label Watch: CC Skye

CC Skye covers everything from jewelry to handbags - and I remember them first making it big with those chain bracelets that look like the straps of a Chanel 2.55 Bag.

I am loving these Pyramid Earrings covered in pave rhinestones - they almost remind me of a piece of art deco.

 

CC Skye Pave Pyramid Stud Earrings $150

Label Watch: Made Her Think Jewelry

A black stone in a rose gold setting makes these earrings by Made Her Think so edgy, interesting, and a little unexpected.  I read that the line is inspired by the Mexican celebration of Day of the Dead - which is funny because I always wanted to open a Dia de los muertos themed bar - with black lights and eerily spooky cool skeletons hanging from the walls...I've always been drawn to goth beauty.

 

  

Made Her Think Stud Earrings with Spike Rhinestone $44 

 

Label Watch: Anna Sheffield Jewelry

Okay, so I have been posting a lot more about accessories recently... if you haven't noticed my desire to create a rocking jewelry collection is growing at an insatiable rate.  Lately, the weakness has been rings - I don't really wear bracelets, watches, necklaces or earrings often - but I always feel instantly more fabulous with a bold ring.

I love the inverted pinky ring by Anna Sheffield - made of sterling silver and featuring a white topaz crystal.  Maybe its the fact that all my friends are rocking beautiful engagement diamonds that prompted my want for a little ice.

 

 
And the current price definitely doesn't break the bank!

Anna Sheffield Inverted Pinky Ring $125

Label Watch: Low Luv x Erin Wasson

Erin Wasson is a model who has also been designing jewelry for her Low Luv collection for the past few seasons.  I absolutely adore her.

 

She recently launched her spring 2010 collection which is available (no suprise) on my favorite shopping site: Shopbop.com.  

Every piece in the collection is priced under $250 reflecting the current economic times and finally making the Low Luv jewelry line accessible and affordable.  The current line uses inspirations from nature and southwest culture (boulders, scarabs, native american tribal pieces) that reflect the models bohemian and earthy personal style.

  

Low Luv x Erin Wasson Faceted Boulder Ring $65

 

Low Luv x Erin Wasson Two Tone Scarab Ring $73