Tangerine and Cobalt…

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IMG 2403 303x450 Tangerine and Cobalt... Color blocking is like a past time for me, I just love doing it! Taking full advantage of Spring and the warm weather, pairing bold hues is what I do best.  For a recent afternoon lunch, skinny cobalt blue jeans, with a silk tangerine blouse, were just the thing. To complete my outfit, I debuted my new Valentino studded stilettos.  Without any hesitation, I confess my undying love for these beauties.  The sex appeal is as eminent, as is the effervescent, and feminine quality of the shoe.  They carried me through several hours of walking up and down Robertson Blvd too! Passing that test is major… My triple cross Kenneth Jay Lane statement necklace, really pulled out the colors of my House of Olia stacked beads.  Top it off with a Chanel bag, your favorite watch, and off you go!

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The Mondrian Soho

A stay at the Mondrian Soho http://www.mondriansoho.com/, transports you to an ethereal wonderland, where everything is much better then home. The moment we stepped into our 23rd floor room, we were enveloped by sweeping views of the city.  Arriving at the wee morning hours (we took the red eye), we caught a rare glimpse of  Imperial No*9.  Remarkably beautiful, with magnificent chandeliers looming above… IMG 09921 450x337 The Mondrian SohoIMG 5009 450x450 The Mondrian SohoIMG 50071 450x339 The Mondrian SohoIMG 4987 336x450 The Mondrian SohoIMG 4990 450x336 The Mondrian SohoFrom the moment we arrived, we were treated to an extremely early check in, and an incredible breakfast! It was truly unexpected.  We were so grateful to take a hot shower (amazing water pressure btw!) and take a snooze before hitting the streets of Soho running.  Every single person working at the Mondrian went above and beyond.  From the bellmen (all hot), to the concierge (completely connected), and the reception (totally lovely)! It is rare to find a staff that works in such harmony. I highly recommend! Here are some shots from all over the hotel, photo ops galore…IMG 2370 337x450 The Mondrian SohoIMG 2364 337x450 The Mondrian SohoIMG 2312 450x337 The Mondrian SohoIMG 1010 337x450 The Mondrian SohoIMG 2331 337x450 The Mondrian SohoIMG 2353 337x450 The Mondrian SohoMy packing choices proved to be ideal, as I managed to match myself with the decor quite often! A powder blue blazer, leather vest, and “God Save LA” ruffled train coat got just the right amount of air time. Black suede boots, whether heeled, flat, or wedge, are the staples to always include on a trip to the city!

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High Low Notes…

Capturing the look of the season, I wore a “high-low” dress to host a trunk show for my favorite silk scarf line, the LOV Project.  http://www.liveonevisionproject.com/  My blush tone Ark & Co dress, proved to be the perfect backdrop for grey accessories.
IMG 2304 337x450 High Low Notes...My trusted Nina Ricci boots, (translucent heel included), Stella McCartney chain bag, and Chanel chain link sunglasses, softly compliment my dress, adding a touch of whimsy. A grey one of a kind dye print LOV scarf added the final touch, pulling together this look with a subtle elegance.  Instead of wearing pumps, boots toughen up a dress, giving it that edge, and you don’t feel as formal for daytime.  IMG 2303 397x450 High Low Notes...

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IMG 2308 337x450 High Low Notes...This is going to be a style that I gravitate to for Spring, I can feel it! If you find a high-low dress you love, don’t hesitate and snag it.  When the moment comes to wear it, many compliments shall follow…

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Cross Processed

Everyday there is a new photography app for the iPhone, but a tested favorite of mine is “Cross Process”.  Taking a simple camera pic to artist quality in seconds? Sign me up! Here are some of my fav’s from recent outfits over the fall.  Experimenting with various looks is a pastime of mine.  I find inspiration in the every day, my mood, and often times, the venue or event.  Dressing is the best way to express yourself daily, like a living canvas.  Make yourself the work of art!
IMG 3651 336x450 Cross Processed Zara long sleeve, side slit gown, Louboutin slingbacks, St John gold box clutch, LV cuff and vintage necklace. Went for a clean black and gold look.

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Tracy Reese scarf print dress and Sergio Rossi shoes.  Feminine and sweet! IMG 3787 336x450 Cross Processed

God Save LA ruffled and tiered coat. Obsessed with the color and drama of the fit. IMG 3759 450x450 Cross Processed

Madewell Fedora, Chanel bag, T by Alexander Wang dress, vintage chain necklace, Jagger Edge iPhone case.  Wore this to the Jay Z and Kanye West concert!
IMG 3513 336x450 Cross Processed Club Monaco oversize cardigan, Banana Republic scarf, Madewell plaid button down.  From dressy to casual, there is always an occasion to put together something that makes you feel and look fabulous! Get your “Cross Process’ game on!

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Pleats Please…

IMG 2274 337x450 Pleats Please...To go shopping in search of the perfect outfit, one can easily return empty handed.  This is typically the case for women, as too much thought is put into it. Instead, as I like to say, let the look come to you.  It can be as easy as waking up and thinking, “I need something bold and bordeaux in my life”! This was such the occasion for me, stumbling upon these super wide-leg, pleated pants. One of my favorite little boutiques, http://shop.norestforbridget.com/, always has such particular finds. This is an outfit that I like to call, a “super score”, as both my top and pants were marked over 50% off.  Mixing high and low is a skill I have perfected, along with finding the best deals out there.  Retail is a world that is always in a state of “sale”.  Unless something is so incredible, (typically shoes or a bag) there is no reason to pay full price.  With new inventory always coming in, your local shops have to clear the way, so be there to help them when they do!  I always look to sale items first.  Often these discounted pieces are more forward, unique, (thus why they did not move as quick), and what I like anyway.  If you have built up your wardrobe with strong accessories, staple shoes and bags, getting creative with clothes is that much simpler. Invest in the foundation, you always build from the ground up!

IMG 2275 337x450 Pleats Please...Pants by “Lush”, Chanel bag, and BCBG knit cardigan.  I loved the long cardi and pleats together, it created the breezy relaxed look I was going for. IMG 2276 450x337 Pleats Please...

IMG 2280 450x337 Pleats Please...The pleated pants are so long, thank goodness these Alaia platforms saved me from them dragging all over the ground.  I truly believe that once you alter the hem of pants or jeans, they never look the same.  Therefore, buying extra high shoes is essential, (wink)! When I found them on www.theoutnet.com, a sensation of true love overcame me. They are one of the most comfortable shoes I own, and I still marvel over the black studs when I wear them!

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New Years Resolutions…

IMG 2251 285x450 New Years Resolutions...A new year means new beginnings, and the will to implement changes in your life, for the better! Looking back, there are so many things I could have done better.  Yet, there is no time like the present to rectify it. My goals for this year are to give back even more, listen intently, react less, and enjoy every day for what it is. The only thing we have control over, is ourselves.  Luckily, this also applies to style, and how we put it together.  Dressing for my mood will always dictate my outfit choices.  As I evolve, I find myself leaning towards looks that are sexy, in a very subtle way.  A sequin and chiffon dress, with cobalt Fendi sandals, was what I needed to ring in the new year. Leave something to the imagination.  Add an element of the unexpected, like a bold colored shoe. These are the details that are memorable, and get people talking. A first impression is the only one that stays! IMG 2249 337x450 New Years Resolutions...photo 7 336x450 New Years Resolutions...IMG 2246 232x450 New Years Resolutions...IMG 2258 245x450 New Years Resolutions...Adding the blue details of my shoes and ring, was a last minute choice that I loved! It broke up the black and white sequins perfectly.  Sometimes monochromatic just does not work, and in that case, always go for color.  Often people don’t think to do this, and your look ends up lost in sea of LBD’s.  My dress is Aubrey 3+1, and was a steal at $60! Wishing everyone a year full of hope, heroism, charity, and fabulous outfits!

 

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All Dressed Up…

Throughout my life, people have always asked me, “where are you going all dressed up”?  My reply is simple, “Here, now, exactly where I am”.  I find inspiration in the mundaneness of every day.  Never needing a reason to creatively put together an outfit.  Fashion is a daily evolution, a way to use yourself as a canvas for self expression.  We identify ourselves with other individuals of our same “tribe”.  Beyond the physical elements of the attire and accessories we choose, is the energy and attitude exuded.  The eternal question when we admire someone is, “How did they think to do that, and how can I do it too”!  We take mental photographs of someones style that we admire, or look at real ones through social media.  Every person is completely unique, and trying to replicate something exactly, is nearly impossible.
In a culture where going about your day in pajamas or sweats has become acceptable, one must remain steadfast against it.  The image you project, is what people take away with them.  Would one not rather be known for always presenting the best version of themselves?  I have always said, “I would rather be over-dressed, then under-dressed”.  No one ever got noticed for not taking risks, and people appreciate that.  The holidays are the perfect occasion to go all out, and I did just that! St John makes the most beautiful knit wear, and wearing a couture suit makes one feel regal.  http://www.discoverstjohn.com/Monica by the tree 251x450 All Dressed Up...monica angled 337x450 All Dressed Up...Monica sitting pretty 337x450 All Dressed Up...Monicas back 337x450 All Dressed Up...IMG 2243 450x337 All Dressed Up...The intricacy of the gold threading, beading, and, fit, is simply a work of art.  I typically wear these pieces separately, but together just feels so rich! I tucked my Leifsdottir silk top into my pencil skirt, which is extremely flattering and elongating.  For accessories, I kept it simple, making the focal points the Gucci patent bow belt and clutch.  Patent “Bianca” Louboutin’s always seal the deal, wrapping my outfit up in a classy, and sexy little bow!

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Consistently Colorful…

Combining colors of the same hue is a tricky feat.  Yet when accomplished, provides the most stellar results! I have long been a fan of looks based on palettes of color.  It draws in the eye, and creates the illusion of a synchronized, extensively thought out plan. The past few weeks these ideas have inspired me, and several outfits came to fruition. IMG 2769 335x450 Consistently Colorful...IMG 2775 450x450 Consistently Colorful...IMG 2777 300x450 Consistently Colorful...On a day with mild temperatures, I like to wear very light fabrics layered together.  My pièce de résistance, was anchored by Rag and Bone “elephant bell” salmon color jeans. They are dramatically long, and add so much leg length, that pairing them with triple platforms are a must.  I found my jacket at Urban Outfitters for seven dollars, which was less then the lunch I had that day! My vintage necklace brightened up the monochromatic tones, and compliments my rings perfectly.  IMG 3385 335x450 Consistently Colorful...IMG 3390 450x450 Consistently Colorful...Green was my next color venture, so I naturally reached for my jewel tone Club Monaco cropped jacket, Zara snake embossed pumps, and GoldenBlue clutch.  In this case, keeping your base super clean is of the essence.  Dark denim and a simple white blouse, allows the pairing of eclectic colors and accessories to be the focal point.  IMG 3409 335x450 Consistently Colorful...IMG 3408 335x450 Consistently Colorful...Pink and red always looks so good together, everyone should wear it more! I was amazed by the amount of compliments my blazer received, it seems all women secretly wish for a perfect pink blazer. No matter what your coloring is, hot pink is an extremely feminine, flattering, and pleasing tone to wear.  I grabbed my Fendi tote, added a McQueen silk scarf, and slipped on gold YSL Tributes for the final effect.  IMG 3245 335x450 Consistently Colorful...IMG 2161 274x450 Consistently Colorful...IMG 2160 287x450 Consistently Colorful...IMG 2162 337x450 Consistently Colorful...Blue and orange has long been a favorite pairing of mine, especially a beautiful cobalt.  This paint splattered silk top, allowed for wide leg trousers and a baby blue blazer to easily come together.  I layered up on House of Harlow accessories, my LV Alma, and Hermes orange cuff to seal the deal.  This is an outfit that I want to wear at least two more times. If you have not tried color blocking yet, you must.  You will light up the room in a flash!

 

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3 days of Style…

Last week, I was a guest speaker at a bloggers conference for the OC Fashion Association.  Admittedly, public speaking has never been a fear of mine, so when I took to the platform, the words just flowed.  In preparation for the event, I took great care to execute the perfect outfit.  Since our clothes send a message to the universe, I wanted to convey my personal approach to style.  Edgy, glamorous, and subtly sexy, while staying ahead of trends.  Extra wide, high waisted black silk trousers, paired with cozy knit sweater, were just that. My friend and jewelery designer, Nancy Fusco of http://www.nanfusco.com/, was so kind to loan me her exquisite pieces for the night.  Including the one of a kind Green Garnet necklace, priced at $525. I loved the way the black and gold chain “Hook” necklace, that I tied as a lariat, draped behind the garnet pendant. Her jewelry feels so beautiful against the body, is extremely high quality, and light weight. The perfect combination in my book! IMG 2122 391x450 3 days of Style...IMG 2123 337x450 3 days of Style...The Cuattro necklace wrapped on my left hand is so pretty, and I love the way the fringe hangs delicately around the wrist. See all the ways you can wear it here http://www.nanfusco.com/chain3.01.htmlIMG 2137 309x450 3 days of Style...On Friday, day 2 of the OC Fashion events continued with a presentation at Toni & Guy. There are moments when I am so close to not going out, when suddenly an inspiration for a fun outfit comes to mind, so I go with it.  Forever 21 is a place where one has to be extremely discerning.  Having longed for red denim skinnies, and stumbling upon a pair whist there, was fate.  My sheer leopard top was also a Forever find.  A nipped waist mini satin blazer, Bianca slingback Louboutin pumps, and my classic Gucci patent clutch, made the look very dressy.  Doing the “anti” cocktail dress just right, is the best way to stand out. IMG 2141 337x450 3 days of Style...IMG 2142 337x450 3 days of Style...My third day came to close celebrating a friends birthday at Katsuya in Laguna Beach.  Getting ready in a rush can prove excellent results for me. When the pressure is on and you don’t have excess time to over think, an outfit can be born from items you never thought to pair before.  On this night I pulled my favorite orange silk blouse from Reiss, navy velvet Madewell shorts, patterned tights, and Lanvin for H&M trench together. Having staple shoes and clutches by YSL, like my Tribute stilettos and Y clutch, rescue you from what could potentially be a stressful accessorizing situation! Invest in key pieces, they always pay you back in the end! Color block for extra pop..IMG 2157 337x450 3 days of Style...IMG 2158 337x450 3 days of Style...veg 450x450 3 days of Style...Veggies are fabulous! Eat more and live compassionately! Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

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Celebrating Louboutin!

This past week my local Christian Louboutin boutique at South Coast Plaza, celebrated the launch of CL’s new book and collection.  Clearly this was one party I did not want to miss! A beautiful custom made cake greeted everyone upon arrival, the artistry of this creation was spectacular.  What a unique and awe-inspiring design! I have had similar cakes made for my own birthdays over the past three years, but this one is clearly on another level…IMG 2925 450x336 Celebrating Louboutin! As the DJ played music, and sharp waiters handed us glasses of Veuve Clicquot, we attempted to contain our excitement.  The bevy of incredible red soled shoes that engulfed us, was almost too much to bear! Each pair was more enticing then the next, so what is a girl to do? Try on as many as she can of course…IMG 2926 450x336 Celebrating Louboutin! IMG 2941 335x450 Celebrating Louboutin! I was clearly going into meltdown mode when my size was not available in a single pair I wanted.  The hot pink Daffodil pumps, peep-toe gold spikes, and silver spikes, are too hot to process! Thankfully, there are many other styles to console a girl when she is down…IMG 2111 337x450 Celebrating Louboutin! IMG 2110 337x450 Celebrating Louboutin! IMG 2945 335x450 Celebrating Louboutin! My leopard print obsession is getting stronger by the day, and I felt it essential to pair my sweater dress with red tights, in homage to my hero.  Clearly I was channeling leopard, since the Daff peep-toes’ in my hand told me to take them home. No really, they did! IMG 2107 337x450 Celebrating Louboutin! Red photo ops galore, I could not resist a flip up of my own “Madame Butterfly” heels I wore to the party.  After several wears, I can finally enjoy them without the pain. IMG 2112 337x450 Celebrating Louboutin! The new Louboutin book is a true work of art, and must be on every Stiletto girls Christmas wish list. Sadly, the crystal pumps do not come with the book, what a shame! IMG 2120 337x450 Celebrating Louboutin! 10 gals 450x300 Celebrating Louboutin! My girlfriends and I could not leave without our goodie bags, which included red Essie polish, brow gel, makeup remover pads, and discounts at the Kim Vo salon.  At least we go the “illusion” of walking out with a CL bag in our hand! Yet we left with the best gift of all, the bond between great friends, and a of love of shoes! Who could ask for more… Check out the fab oversize blue clutch my girl Rasha is carrying by Emily Cho.  The entire collection is beyond, find it here http://www.emily-cho.com/ and contact her directly for orders at RRyen@emily-cho.com! Fall is here and new accessories are a must!

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