Dollhouse

Keep it Between the Pleats (+ DIY Tutorial)

I have been looking for the perfect pleated leather skirt but my luck hasn’t been so great. A few months back I purchased one from H&M but just the thought of leather at the time made me sweat and when I said sweat, I’m talking the “Sweaty Axe Commercial” sweat… so I returned it. Since it’s getting a little chilly now, I wanted it again but it’s sold out everywhere (don’t you hate that?).

Then I came across the Alice + Olivia pleated leather skirt but too bad it was sold out as well… Plus I didn’t feel like forking out $396 for a skirt. So what’s a girl to do? Make it? Why the hell not.

[Photos by NR]

Top: Forever 21 crop tank, Dollman denim vest (similar here)| Bottom: DIY (faux) leather pleated skirt | Shoes: Classiques Entier cap toe pumps | Purse: Marc Jacobs  Crosby Sutton bag | Bracelet: Michael Kors ‘Collections’ two-tone link chain pave bracelet (similar here and here) | Belt: studded leather belt (old, similar here and here)

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We had the pleasure of attending the GAP Fall 2012 “Icons Redefined” Collection x LookMazing event in the heart of SF on Wednesday night. It was such a blast getting styled by the Gap stylists, took photos in LookMazing’s photo booth and sipped on champagne. My girl Sab from Rouge Spark looked so freakin’ cute with a full outfit makeover and even Nate came back decked out in yellow rolled up pants and an orange shirt! I on the other hand was a party pooper and only changed my top. Booo to me! But I had an excuse…I couldn’t take off my newly DIY skirt! :)

Continue Reading below for DIY tutorial

Summertime Blues

Just when I thought I was over the high low craze, I ran into this BCBGeneration high low hem dress and fell in love with the flowy, flirty and feminine look all over again (similar look here). It was purchased for my Caribbean vacay but I never had the chance to wear it because I over packed a little, but it was perfect for a summer day while out-n-about in LA last week. I added a denim vest for a casual look, which also gave the loose frock a little bit of shape.

When I’m at home I like to have my hair pulled back in a ponytail and tucked behind a comfortable headband, but my head always hurt after wearing a headband for a long time…Recently I tried out these classic headbands from Stone Bridge, an England based company that specializes in luxury French handmade hair accessories. These classic everyday wear headbands felt like they were made for my head. It’s so comfortable I practically lived in them all weekend.

[Photos by NR]
 
Dress: BCBGeneration high low hem dress
Jacket: Dollhouse Denim Vest
Necklace: (similar here) / Bracelets: Kate Spade, Forever 21 friendship /Headband: thanks to Stone Bridge
Shoes: Colin Stuart ankle strap sandals
 

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you had a wonderful weekend and your Monday is off to a great start! :)

Cut Out for Love

I used to feel nervous about wearing maxi dresses because I felt like I was too short…

…but there’s nothing a pair of heels (or a pair of sharp scissors) can’t fix…nowadays I can’t get enough of these long flowy dresses.

[Photos by NR]
Dress: Forever21 cut out twist front maxi dress (similar here)
Vest: Dollhouse denim vest
Shoes: Alexander Wang Isabeli leopard sandals (old)
Hat: David & Young Neo Noir fedora
Necklace: Sequin twirl link necklace / Bracelets:  Cuffs from Bloomingdales / Ring: House of Harlow
 

If it’s one thing I love it’s a dress that can be transformed and styled for a variety of  occasions. This Forever 21 cut out twist front maxi is not only comfortable (the material is so soft) but it’s equally wearable for day as it is for night (and would have been perfect for this ‘holiday emergency’)…For a casual look, I simply added a denim vest and hat. Flats would also be a complimentary addition to this outfit (but forgetful me left them at home).

The twist detail at the front waist and decorative side cut outs adds a chic & sexy vibe while the soft jersey fabric keeps you cool during those hot summer nights…Oh how I adore when fashion collides with comfort! This gorgeous dress is a fab find and a timelessly classic piece that will last all season long, and beyond.

Ladies: Have you ever felt uncertain/insecure about wearing something but overcame it?

Midnight Dreams

“Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.” -Edgar Allan Poe

[Photos by NR]
Top: Victoria’s Secret Bustier
Pants: BCBGeneration high waisted pants (sold out, similar here and here)
Vest: Dollhouse denim vest
Shoes: Zara basic black sandals
Purse: Z Spoke ZAC POSEN Get Happy Studded Clutch
Glasses: Christian Dior
Bracelets: Forever21, Kate Spade, DIY wrap bracelets / Necklace: (removed from a dress)
 

When I saw these high waisted BCBGeneration pants, it reminded me of my dreams: Gloomy, mysterious, and usually scattered without a beginning nor end…

I have passed up these pants over a dozen times on my secret lunch trips to Bloomingdales because I thought the prints were just a little too crazy for me. A couple of weeks ago, on another secret mission to one of my fave department stores, these pants popped up again. Feeling like my dreams are now trying to haunt me at my happiest place on earth (wtf?).

…I gave in. Tried on these things and fell in love with the silky material and the way it flows and moves as I paced around the fitting room. I wore them last week running around, but they are so soft and comfy I could practically sleep in them. I guess dark and gloomy dreams are not so bad after-all. :)

Readers: Ever seen anything you think was hideous, yet fell in loved after giving it a shot?

Playdate

“Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that’s just fabulous.” – Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

[Photos by NR]
 
Top: Boxy Pleat Neck Top from Express
Denim Vest: Dollhouse, similar here
Skirt: Aqua Jacquard Full Skirt from Bloomingdales, last seen here
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Treopli Booties
Purse: Milly Allie Clutch from Bergdorf (on sale)
Glasses: Christian Dior
Necklace: Kenneth Jay Jane Clustered Pendant from Bloomingdales
 

Happy weekend everyone! I hope you’re enjoying your day today. NR and I enjoyed a nice day together in the city, doing a bit of shopping, browsing, and just hanging out. The sun came back out and the warm weather gave me the desire to wear something fun. This Aqua skirt is perfect because it’s so playful, paired with a loosely-fitted blouse and denim vest made for a casual look. This is my perfect day-out outfit.