Nordstrom

Half Way There: Cozy Sweater and Trumpet Skirt

sweater1

sweater2

sweater3

sweater4

sweater5

sweater6{Photos by NR}

Top: Tildon puff shoulders sweater | Bottom: H&M trumpet skirt (similar here) | Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell laced up booties | Bag: Louis Vuitton Trevi PM in Damier |Hat: Nordstrom fedora | Accessories: Kenneth Jay Lane earrings

* * *

One of the best things about living in California is of course the weather. During the colder months when everyone is layered in layers, we can still get away with just a sweater. It’s as if we never really have to bundle up all the way. Which is good because I love being able to wear a light jacket or sweater to keep me warm and cozy but still wear flirty skirts and open toe heels when I want to. :)

Holiday Moods: Polka Dots, Chevron & Pink (+ Skirt GIVEAWAY)

midiskirt_dots2

midiskirt_dots8midiskirt_dots3

midiskirt_dots1

midiskirt_dots5

midiskirt_dots6

midiskirt_dots7{Photos by NR}

Top: Forever 21 Chevron sequins crop tank | Bottom: KTRcollection B/W “Connect The Dots” midi skirt | Shoes: Aldos | Bag: hot pink clutch (similar here and here) |Necklace: Nordstrom floral necklace

* * *

Sometimes you surprise yourself by putting together two pieces you had never thought of pairing with each other before and finding a look that you really like.

I’ve never been shy about mixing prints but I have to admit, I never thought about chevron + polka dots. The two prints are lovely separately but when combined, it somehow reminds me of either a toddler’s outfit, a table cloth, or an iphone case, all of which has never really been a style inspiration of mine. :) But when I was frantically digging in my closet for a top to wear with my polka dots midi skirt on Saturday night, this chevron sequin top fell next to to my polka dots skirt and instantly the combination gave each other life! It’s really a fun and bold look, perfect for a holiday, a dinner date or whatever occasion you set your heart on!

– GIVEAWAY –

I haven’t done a contest in awhile so I thought it’d be fun to giveaway one of my favorite skirts to one of my longtime readers (or a new reader)!

To enter the contest please use the Rafflecopter below. Please note: All participants will be verified. :)

1) Log on either via facebook or with your email address (your email will not be public, it’s just for me to contact you if you win).

2) Enter the options provided. (Tip: The more options you enter, the more chances you’ll have to win when Rafflecopter automatically picks a winner.

One winner will be selected for this customized polka dots midi skirt next Monday, November 4th and I will contact you via email with detail information if you are the winner.

Good luck!! xo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Not So Basics

mutedcolors6

mutedcolors1

mutedcolors2

mutedcolors3mutedcolors5

mutedcolors4[Photos by NR]

Top: Stripes crop top c/o OASAP (cropped shorter than original)| Bottoms: Leith tube skirt | Jacket: Free People crop leather jacket | Shoes: Steve Madden | Bag: Valentino

* * *

This past weekend, we attended a lovely brunch hosted by The Four Seasons Hotel MKT Restaurant who partnered with Vince to show off selections from their 2013 Fall/Holiday Women’s and Men’s collections. It was a really neat experience as we get to mingle, sip on bubbly and have an up close look of the collection while the models walk the dining room floor. The special 3 course menu created by Executive Chef Mark Richardson was also delicious! As much as I love the typical “runway” fashion show, this was definitely much more intimate and I love that.

vince1

vince2

The refined but modern simplicity of the Vince Fall Collection is hot, slightly European with a nod to California casualness. It’s “Let’s do Basics” appeal to everyday practicality yet swanky and luxurious materials makes each piece a coveted item. I’m impressed by their “basics” being anything but basics. A total quietly gorgeous line if you ask me. Here are a few of my favorite looks of the day. Price tag is a bit steep but it’s surely worth every penny. I’ll surely have to save up lunch money for those edgy leather pants (bottom right)! :)

Wild Child

bluegreen1

bluegreen9

bluegreen4

bluegreen3

bluegreen7

bluegreen2

bluegreen5

bluegreen8

bluegreen6[Photos by NR]

Dress: Blue leopard dress | Shoes: Vince Camuto (old; similar here) | Bag: Envelope woven clutch (similar here)

* * *

Thank goodness for leopard print for those days when I’m feeling pooped and uncertain. It’s my neutral and instant pick-me-up. Whenever I can’t seem to find anything to wear (that’s almost everyday), I’ll just throw on some kind of leopard print and I’m good to go! Take this dress for example, a totally basic stretch knit dress, but the colorful leopard print makes it a statement piece that’s fun and sexy and is perfect for an evening out! :)

Vintagosity

“Happiness is a wine of the rarest vintage, and seems insipid to a vulgar taste.” -Logan Pearsall Smith

[Photos by NR]
 
Top: Corset from Victoria’s Secret
Pants: High-Waisted Trousers from American Apparel 
Jacket: Cropped Tweed Jacket from Express
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Over-sized Satchel (smaller size here)
Glasses: Christian Dior
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini Tanen Pumps from Nordstrom
Necklace and Beret: Necklace and Slouchy Beret from Nordstrom
Nail Polish: Urban Outfitters
 

There’s something about the 1940s and 50s that oozes gorgeous femininity and vintage glamour.  Being obsessed with high-waisted anything, of course the high-waisted tapered trousers are one of my fave. I adore them not only for the look but also for the reason why women started wearing them. Do you know the story?

During the 40’s men wore high-waisted pants. While they were at the battlefronts, women adopted the style to take over their mens’ workplace. Realizing the comfort, the high-waisted pants were stuck and adopted into many shapes and forms.

In the 80s’s the high-waist pants became less form fitting and more voluminous with pleating around the hips. This continued to be popular well into the 90s and the 21st century, but with bolder and brighter hues. I’m so glad that this look has such a special place in fashion culture because I cannot get enough of these feminist pants!

 :: Style Tips ::

I am no expert and for all I know I might be wearing this all bad, but for me when it comes to wearing high-waisted trousers, I have two essential rules: (i) A fitted or cropped top, and (ii) high heels.

Fitted Top: A cropped or form fitting top balances out the extra material in the pants. If you opt for the latter, make sure the shirt is tucked in (don’t cover up the best element of the pants) and does not add too much bulk under the pants.

If it’s chilly out go for a fitted, structured, and cropped jacket. Avoid outerwear that sits passed your hips as it can make you look dowdy and bigger than you really are.

High Heels: High-waisted trousers look their best with high heels (a must if you are very short) or bold flats (only if you’ve got the height).

Happy Monday and Lunar New Year! Thank you for reading!