Top Handbag Trends of the Season

Some exciting news! Shop It To Me contacted me about being a trendsetter on their blog, and asked if I was interested in writing an article as a guest blogger. I wrote a piece about "The Top Handbag Trends of the Season" and it was posted today on their blog! The list includes fringe, bold colors, studs, crossbody, and clutches. To see the complete post, you can go to the Shop It To Me blog here!

Fashion Tip of the Day: How to Wear Monochrome outfits

Although I'm an advocate of mixing colors and having variation in your wardrobe, I do like to turn to monochrome attire from time to time. Some critics can view this as a bore, but sometimes, going back to basics can be the best fashion choice. Wearing one color can be far from uninspiring; in fact, many designers such as Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren make monochrome appear chic and sophisticated on the runways. Here are some tips to pulling off monochrome without looking like a fashion disaster!

1. Mix textures/styles

Although wearing monochrome can make an outfit appear to fall flat, this can be prevented by wearing clothing with different textures and styles. Embellishments such as draping, ruffles, rouching, pleats, etc...can instantly turn something ordinary to chic. Pair a black rouched top, black jeans, and a black boyfriend blazer. The detailing of the top and the shape of the blazer will give it an element of style. It may seem simple, but simple can be so good!

2. Experiment with Different Hues.

Who says monochrome means sticking to one specific color? Experimenting with different shades will definitely give your outfit variety and prevent it from looking too matchy-matchy. To be safe, experiment with neutral colors such as whites, nudes, and tans. For example, if you're wearing an all gray ensemble, veer away from donning the same hue from head to toe. Instead, opt for different shades of gray to create some contrast. Charcoal skinny jeans, a heather gray tee, and light gray heels is a great combination of mixing light colors with dark ones.

3. Accessories

The simplest solution to add that "something extra" to that outfit is accessories. Whether it be a bright bold bag with an all white maxi dress, or a aquamarine crystal bib necklace paired with a nude colored bandage dress, accessorizing is a guarantee to prevent you from looking boring. However, it is possible to accessorize monochrome as well. Isla Fisher is able to accessorize within the same color palette. She counters her flirty light gray dress with a chunky, hard-metal bib necklace. On the flipside, Angelina Jolie does it right by wearing small gold hooped earrings to slightly accent her cool blue dress. Sometimes keeping accessories to a minimum shows the full effect of your outfit. Use your best judgment!

The September Issue

Just as I was overly excited about the Valentino: The Last Emperor fashion documentary, I have another thing to look forward to: The September Issue. How did I not have this on my fashion radar? Thanks to a friend, I became aware of this film and am counting down the days until its release on August 28th. This documentary chronicles the inner-workings of the most influential fashion magazine, Vogue. I can't wait to delve into the upper echelon of the fashion world filled with beautiful clothes, photo shoots, fashion shows, run-thrus, and of course, the elite editors of Vogue including Anna Wintour! I have included the trailer below for your enjoyment! Will you be watching The September Issue?

Trend Board: Studs

Currently obsessing about studded booties, bracelets, handbags, and apparel. I really like the rocker glam vibe it brings, yet it still retains a type of edgy femininity. Don't commit fashion overkill by wearing studded bracelets, shoes, and a handbag all at once. Keep it to a minimum and wear one studded thing at a time. You don't want to look like you belong in a biker bar! *Click image to enlarge.

What I Wore Today: Layered Necklaces

I wore this yellow/green top out last night; since it was so plain, I needed a statement necklace to go with it. I started off with my rhinestone necklace from Forever 21. Although it made enough of a statement, I was playing around and put my H&M layered chain and pearl necklace on top of that. I topped it off with a dark blazer so it didn't shine so much, and I thought it worked in a different, funky way. I'm usually all about simple looks, but I figured I might as well take a risk!

On The Street: Fashion Don'ts

Went out bar hopping in San Francisco last night to celebrate a friend's birthday. Of course I brought a camera to capture the fun times, but I also found myself taking some pictures of a couple fashion don'ts. I wish I could have taken more pictures, but these were the only ones I was able to capture without being obvious!

I was sitting at a table, and asked my friend, "Is that girl barefoot?!" Upon further inspection, we realized that she had major feet overhang. Ladies, if your feet are sliding so far forward where your toes are touching the ground, you may want to invest in some shoe inserts. I discovered this brand called Foot Petals at Nordstrom. They have a vast array of foot cushions for everyone.

No one should ever were anything that shows off this much skin. This top wasn't flattering at all, and the belt was just a big no no...not to mention that her stomach was showing. No thank you!

How to Wear Mens-Inspired Shoes: Brogues

As noted in the previous post, I was waiting for the train and spotted a girl wearing brogue shoes. I have never seen them worn in public, and they really piqued my interest. Over the past couple years, men's fashion has inspired the womenswear world, and it was inevitable that they would eventually trickle into footwear. One of the hottest trends right now is the oxford heel. Although you can see the menswear influence, they come in a variety of heel heights which can immediately transform a conservative shoe into something sexy and appealing. However, how do you wear flat mens-inspired shoes? This can be quite a tricky trend, but with the right styling, anyone can pull this look off!

1. Cuff your jeans. Cuffing the pantlegs not only allow you to show off the shoe itself, but also, if shows off your ankles, which gives it a more feminine appeal. Not doing so can make your feet appear a bit clownish. Here, Sienna Miller keeps her overall outfit simple, and adds that surprising element with her white brogues.

2. Brogues also look great with shorter dresses. Selma Blair does it right by pairing cream colored ones with a gray dress. The color palette is neutral and cool, but makes her appear effortless and sophisticated. Alexa Chung pulls takes a more funky approach with knee high socks, black dress, and plaid coat.

How would you wear brogues?

Word of the Day: Brogue

brogue n. 1. A heavy shoe of untanned leather, formerly worn in Scotland and Ireland.

2. A strong oxford shoe, usually with ornamental perforations and wing tips.

I saw a girl wearing brogues last month, and it sparked some curiosity...then I saw Sienna Miller wearing them in a gossip magazine, and the way she styled it works for me, and I knew I had to write about it. Stay tuned for my post on brogues and how to wear this tricky men's-inspired trend!

The Magic of Couture

With so many looks that come down a runway for a single show, we immediately think "I love it" or "ick, no!" But rarely, do we get the chance to examine in detail the artistry and skill that goes into making a garment. That's why I was delighted when I came across this video that FabSugar posted on their website. Chanel has put together a clip of how one single outfit was created for the Chanel Haute Couture Fall '09 show (image above). Keep in mind that this is haute couture which refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing that are usually made from high-quality, expensive fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail and finish, often using exquisite techniques. I can only imagine how many countless hours it takes to perfect one garment, let alone a whole collection's worth for a fashion show! Now you all know why one couture dress can cost tens and thousands of dollars. Be prepared to be in awe of the rare behind-the-scenes footage!

Fab Trend: Watch Necklaces

I was on Macys.com and came across this Marc by Marc Jacobs zipper watch necklace. This necklace is so adorable; the gold isn't too yellow or overbearing, and the teardrop shape is very sleek. I've seen watch necklaces at various stores, but never gave it a second thought. After seeing this zipper pendant, I was inspired to look into different types of watch necklaces. You can essentially wear these pieces with anything and everything! The first/second row of necklaces are very versatile, so feel free to experiment-whether it be with a casual knit dress or bold colored top. The third/fourth row of pendants are more antique and have a vintage feel to them, therefore, I would pair these pieces with more feminine and flirty attire like the ones shown below. The last row (both Marc by Marc Jacobs) are more youthful and fresh, and I would wear them with anything--you can never go wrong in jeans and a fitted tee! What a cool way to tell time! *Click images to purchase

Fashion Tip of the Day: The Perfect Pant Length

Women: a good length is about a 1/2 inch from the floor. You want the pants to just skim the surface of the ground when standing up straight. This length will elongate your legs and make you appear taller and slimmer. However, many of us girls have several shoes that vary from flats to 4-inch heels. So the question is, what to do? I would recommend having various pant lengths to accommodate your various heels. Also, since skinny jeans are in, you can wear them with both heels and flats without worrying about heel heights, since they work for both!

Perfect Pant Lengths


Pants that are too long and too short, respectively

Men: Before I delve into men's pant lengths, let's cover some basic vocabulary. The "break" (according to AskMen.com) is where your pants fall on your shoes, creating a horizontal crease in the fabric across the front of your pant leg. The golden rule is for the pants hems to finish with a single break (generally speaking) at the front of the shoe. In the back, the hem should end where the heel meets the lower back of the shoe.

The perfect pant length for men



Pants that are too long and short, respectively

Newest "It" Bag Craze: Alexander Wang's Coco Duffel Bag

Mary Kate Olsen was one lucky girl when Alexander Wang gave her the Coco Duffel bag several months before it even hit the stores. When I first saw the bag, I didn't see what the hype was all about-until I saw the bottom of it. I absolutely love the gold studs that cover the entire bottom of the bag. It's really unexpected, different, and funky. I'm also digging the leather; not only does it seem really soft, but it looks like it has an amazing texture to it. This bag is totally rocker chic, yet, it still maintains some femininity as well. The price isn't too bad, considering it's designer--only $850. However, the Coco Duffel is sold out at places like Shopbop and Barneys...but keep checking back on the websites so you can get the season's "it" bag!

Recent Purchases: A Forever 21/Bloomingdales Bonanza

Last weekend, I went to Bloomingdale's just to look around, and was shocked to find a pair of gold Enzo Angiolini sandals for an additional 40% off. To top it off, I used my associate discount (yes, I can use it at Bloomies too!) and the total came out to be about $18. I left the store happy that I found such a great deal! I tried to link the picture to the Bloomingdale's site, but they don't carry the shoes. I found them on Zappos, but they're selling them for $59...sadness.

After work today, I walked a couple blocks to the colossal 3-story Forever 21 store in San Francisco. I must admit I was very overwhelmed with the amount of people in the store as well as the endless merchandise. Nevertheless, I managed to navigate through the store and found a few cute things...(click on pictures to purchase)

• Pleated denim dress for $29-- I feel a little naked in this dress, so I might wear it with a fitted blazer. If that doesn't work, then I might return it, stay tuned!
• Gray ankle boots for $27.80-- I'm already preparing for the fall!
• Stone drape necklace in black for $13.80--This comes in white too!
  
• White necklace for $7.80--I love this necklace because it kind of has an Egyptian-esque feel to it.
  

In attempts to control my spending I brought a specific amount of cash with me, but I couldn't narrow my choices, which resulted in not having enough. Thus, I gave up and broke out the credit card. I can't believe I bought 3 pairs of shoes in the last few weeks. I'm going to be scared to open my credit card statement. Eek!