Category Archives: Fashion Inspiration

Surf City Style

Posted on May 25, 2011 | Leave a comment

In Southern California it is all sun and surf, come on, Huntington Beach is nicknamed Surf City – that’s got to mean something.  When you’re there you’ve got to live like the locals; ocean ready gear, skin protecting sunblock, bold colors and light fabrics.

Surf City Style

Surf City Style Top (L-R): Turquoise or Yellow Jersey Sundress at TopShop, Volcom Stark Mark Womens Rash Guard at Tilly’s, Melissa Odabash Brussels halterneck bikini at the Outnet, Jilbere Crystal Gems Mini Rake at Sally Beauty, Ocean Potion Suncare Anti-Aging Sunblock Lotion SPF 70 at DrugStore.com, Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray at Ulta

Surf City Style Bottom (L-R): Surf Heart Tee at Delia’s,  Women’s Elastic-Waist Board Shorts at Old Navy, Havaianas Slim Ethnic Flip Flop at Piperlime, Roxy Logo Print Beach Towel at Nordstrom, Plastic Wayfarer Sunglasses at Forever21

Stay safe and sexy on the beach this summer, Beach Bunny!

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Black and Blue, a Look for Less

Posted on May 20, 2011 | Leave a comment

First let me say that I am in LOVE with the Diane Von Furstenberg Spring 2011 collection.  It’s like swoon, double take, amble mindlessly through the collection when I visit it in stores, kind of love.  However, I am not currently in the spend $300+ on a bolt of berry blue silk wrapped around me.   It’s a look I love, but I want for a lot less.

Aspire: Reara draped silk-crepe dress by Diane Von Furstenberg at Net-A-Porter, Jimmy Choo Candy Collection Clutch at Nordstrom, AO3541 by Sergio Rossi at Zappos Couture

Attain: Aqua Sleeveless Ruffle Wrap Dress at Bloomingdale’s, Effe Patent Clutch by HOBO International, Sam Edelman Novato at Zappos

What looks are you loving for summer that you want for a lot less?  Style at a steal!

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A Wild Trip for Spring

Posted on May 6, 2011 | 1 comment

The weather is changing, the sun is out, flowers are popping up on every corner, and my Passport is asking to be used.  It is saying, throw me in a bag with a flowing dress, some bejeweled sandals, radiant sunglasses, and lets find some far off land, where spices are sold in burlap sacks, the food is hot and the people are beautiful.

Ashika Pratt in Vogue India
I pulled together these pieces that are all different but tied together but the vibrancy of the colors, the boldness of the print and the ease of wear. 
A Tribal Spring
A Tribal Spring, from L to R: Shine on Dress at Anthropologie, Gibillterra scarf-embellished printed swimsuit by Missoni Mare at Outnet, Belted Print Skirt at Barneys New York, Lottie patent-leather and raffia clutch by Jimmy Choo at Net A Porter, Frayed Straw Fedora at Forever 21

Bottom, from L to R: FALIERO SARTI Ios Sand/Multicolor Pompom Scarf at StyleBop, Alligator skin-print jersey dress by Tibi at Outnet, Alba Mini Skirt at AllSaint Spitalfields, Dollhouse Alfa Slingback Sandal at Endless, Knot intrecciato snakeskin clutch by Bottega Veneta at Net A Porter, Melbourne Sunglasses by Lacoste, Rainbow Ring by Citrine by the Stones at Charm and Chain

The trick for going big with color, prints and patterns is to not be afraid.  Find a silhouette you typically gravitate towards, a slim pant, a waist cinching wrap dress, a pencil dress and go bold.  Step away from the gray and black and add yellow, oranges, limes, cerulean, ruby.
I love the idea of making a splash in a bold and beautiful way, that’s as wild as it is sophisticated.

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Dress Like a Princess, Spend Like a Commoner

Posted on April 29, 2011 | Leave a comment

For as much as Kate loves Will, I’ve noticed a few other things that have really caught her fancy.  Among them, tights, boots, blazers, and a great cocktail dress.  Kate has a style that is contemporary and accessible.  She knows her shape, colors, and what works best for a life in the limelight.

She favors deep v-necklines, which I suspect will become less deep after the “I do”, cinched waists, and fabric details.
Want the Kate look for less?  Try these on for size.
Like any good Brit, Kate often dons the trench coat, but like any savvy shopper we’ll forgo the Burberry for a chic coat for less than $200.
Casual about Town, Top Row: Macks Trench Coat via French Connection, English Rose Kimono Blouse via Anthropologie, Broome Street Jeans via Kate Spade, Calvin Klein Metallic Scarf, Heeled Stretch Boots via Boden.

Kate is often photographed in dresses, like the one in the original engagement photos, the highlight and accentuate her slender waist.  Expect to see more dresses and conservative style in her new role.  She also isn’t afraid to shop off the rack – we should be no different!
Dress for the Occasion, Middle Row: BCBGMaxAzria Ruched Jersey Dress via Bluefly, Tahari ASL Sheath Dress via Bluefly, Contrast Tank Sundress via White House/Black Market, Cole Haan Opaque Tights via Zappos, Michael Michael Kors Flex Low Pump via Zappos,  ASOS SUGAR Bow Court Shoe via Asos.

Will and Kate got engaged while on Safari in Africa, and I am sure they will honeymoon somewhere fabulous.  Whenever they get the chance for some R & R, expect more dresses and chic, simple resortwear.

Princess on Holiday, Bottom Row: Free People Tiered Lace Dress via Nordstrom,  Crisp Chambray Blazer via Anthropologie, Off White Anglaise Bikini via TopShop, Sapphire and Diamond Ring via Ice.com, Melin T-Strap Pump via Nordstrom

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Red Hot, Orange Crush

Posted on April 8, 2011 | Leave a comment

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The other day my colleague swung by my desk to show off her new lipstick.  It was bold, bright and a very happy shade of orangey-red.  I really liked it.  And in my excitement, which fed off of her excitement, I asked, “Where did you get it from?”  She said, “a little boutique called CVS.”  Yea for funny girls!

If you look around orange and red are popping up everywhere: the fresh strawberries, the tart citrus, the tulips sprouting in the neighbor’s flowerbeds, and the Spring 2011 runways.
LA Racked: Spring 2011 looks from (l-r): Prada, Vena Cava, Halston. Images via Style.com
For spring there are endless ways to this bright and vibrant hue; it speaks loudly and with confidence and requires an equally glowing smile. 

Red Hot, Orange Crush From L-R: Rouge Pur Couture by Yves St. Laurent; Acne Pearl Skirt at My Theresa; Tangerine Belted Paper Bag Skirt at Asos; Diane Von Furstenberg Gyls Dress at Bloomingdale’s; Lenny Deep V Mailot at Barneys; 811 Mid Rise Skinny Jean at J Brand; Le Prairies le Paris Silk Crepe Blouse at La Garconne; Juicy Couture Fernanda at Zappos Couture; Kate Spade New York Straw Fedora at Zappos; Kenneth  Cole Reaction Slip Around at Zappos; Beaded Bracelet at Forever 21
So how to wear red/orange in real life…  
  • Be confident in the shape of what you’re wearing, the silhouette will make a huge difference. 
  • Start with something small and work into larger statements.  In makeup maybe test nails before lipstick, in fashion shoes before a sheath
  • Find the right shade for your shade, and find complimenting shades to pair it with
  • Look to nature for inspiration, this is a color that if you’re looking for it you’ll find everywhere.
  • Be happy – these are HAPPY colors!

Daily Batch Red Hot, Orange Crush Color Board

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Lovely Lavender Eyes

Posted on March 24, 2011 | Leave a comment

Yesterday, Hollywood star, human rights activists and beauty legend Elizabeth Taylor passed away.  I have to admit, I have only ever seen one of her films, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.  However, I think her beauty, her marriages and her grand glamour have become the things of legends – so much so, that people “knew” her without ever really knowing her.

Taylor’s most standout beauty feature were her eyes, often called lavender or violet eyes they sparkles and seem to be the centerpieces for all of her beauty photographs.  In a very Old Hollywood way, before colored contacts, fake tanning and botox, a young Taylor was lovely with lavender eyes.

To bring a little bit of that color into your own life, and just in time for Spring, here are some favorites:
Lovely Lavender from L – R:  Plissé silk-chiffon dress by Alberta Ferretti at the Outnet; Brian Danielle Pink Amethyst Pendant Necklace at Max & Chloe;  Lavender Bloom False Eyelashes by Shu Uemura; Waterford “Alana Prestige” Pitcher at Bloomingdale’s; Sweet Lavender Silk Top by Catherine Malandrino; Color Design by Lancome; Natalie bandeau bikini by Lisa Marie Fernandez at the Outnet; Dried Lavender in Clay Pot at Pottery Barn; Barbet Long Dress by Odylyne at Shopbop; Williams Sonoma Essential Oils French Lavender at Williams Sonoma

May we all have a reason, even if it is a rainy Thursday, to be glamorous – just like Liz.

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Kiss me, I’m Stylish!

Posted on March 17, 2011 | Leave a comment

Emeralds have favor with today’s leading ladies and have for long before (and presumably after) St. Patrick’s day.  The richness of emerald stones complement the complexion of today’s hottest stars. 


Most famously first seen on Angelina Jolie at the Oscars in 2009:
Angelina Jolie in Lorraine Schwartz via InStyle
They have since graced red head Julianne Moore at the Golden Globes in 2010
Julianne Moore in Bulgari via InStyle

And, a very blond Reese Witherspoon at the Oscars in 2011
Reese Witherspoon in Neil Lane via InStyle
These looks get their movie-star sized wattage from the simplicity of the design: a stud and a drop, and the mega-size.  In this case, (and with jewelry isn’t it often the case?), bigger is better.

So, perhaps you don’t have velvet rope access to Neil Lane – here are some looks for less:

Go Green, From L-R: Noumea Emerald Pierced Earrings at Swarovski, Courtney Lee Collection Emerald Brittany Earrings at Max & Chloe, Lata K Illusion Green Onyx Long Earrings at Max & Chloe, Nicky Hilton Sterling Silver Bullet Earrings with CZ and Green Enamel at Endless.com, Diana Warner Emerald-Cut Crystal-Drop Earrings at Max & Chloe

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Denim Days in a Variety of Ways

Posted on March 9, 2011 | Leave a comment

Denim is perhaps the most ubiquitous part of the American wardrobe; Marilyn and Jackie both wore denim, and today the style that the president wears gets attention and critique.  Denim also played a major role on the Spring 2011 runways, with a heavy influence from the 1970’s.

Elie Tahari Spring 2011 via Harper’s Bazaar
While denim is truly seasonless I am excited by the crop of fun ways to wear it into Spring and Summer.  Here are my top picks.








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Work Out Bright

Posted on March 7, 2011 | Leave a comment

This weekend was my first six mile run in preparation for the 10 miler in less than a month.  Normally I train in my neighborhood or in the gym, but on Saturday Mark joined me for a run around the National Mall.

We were joined by many other runners and it got me thinking about running/fitness attire.

I really do believe you have to feel good to look good and look good to feel good, and that extends to working out as well.  To paraphrase our favorite yogi, Eoin Finn, there is a difference between surfing in a 3mm wetsuit and surfing in board shorts, your movement is better with less constriction/bulk.

So in search of work out inspiration we go to the runways.  The Spring 2011 runways showed a variety of pieces in a bold variety of neon colors.  

Photo by Imaxtree, via Elle
The goal is to look fashionable and still very fitness ready, keeping in mind you’re running not strutting the runway.

Workout Bright From L – R: Michael Kors Sport Chronograph at EBAGs; Nike Dri-Fit French Terry at Zappos; Sporty Shorts at Adidas; Run Performance Short by Stella McCartney at Adidas; Classic Nylon Slim at Reebok; Stella Cotton Towel at Net-A-Porter
On trend – bright for spring and perfectly functional.  See you at the finish line!

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Travel Inspiration: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Posted on March 1, 2011 | 1 comment

Inspiration comes from so many places: the people you meet, art, life and yes, the places you go (or dream of going).  


One of my favorite trips to date was to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  Talk about big sky, fresh air, and slower living, that is Jackson.  The downtown is quaint and cute, the food is fresh and real, the air is crisp and everywhere you turn there is a scenic photo waiting to be taken.

In designing this inspiration board and the matching Wyoming wardrobe I looked for colors that were natural the environment and pieces that were wearable and utilitarian (while still being refined and dare I say, cute)!

From L – R: Charlotte Ronson F2011; 291 Locals Only Sweater at Shopbop.com; Before and Again Camo Cheetah Thermal at Searle; G.E.T. Drawstring Anorak at Neiman Marcus Last Call; Eternal Sunshine Creations Paca Cardigan at Shopbop.com; Aran Sheer Cable Tall Sock at Free People; Rag & Bone Sweater Dress at Shopbop.com; Tory Burch Howard Wedge Hiking Boot; Steve Madden Perrin Knee High Boot at Endless.com

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