3 June 2012

             

It’s so wonderful to be around my family and friends now that I’ve returned home to beautiful Southern California. If it didn’t before, it certainly feels like summer vacation now due to the scorching heat the sun is blessing us with. While relaxing within the  comfort of my couch in our family living room, I got inspired by designers who had released their Resort 2013 collections. Oscar de la Renta’s resort collection galvanized me the most with its posh and refined look that still maintained summer-like attributes that I especially adore.

Today, I’ve put together 5 of my favorite looks from the collection and have gathered pieces that are affordable and still resemble the Oscar de la Renta Resort style. Why not add a little Oscar to your summer right?

              
Dorothy Perkins lace blazer, $59 Zara shoes, $80 DKNY Cat Eye sunglasses, $79

              

Oasis belt dress, $90 Topshop sleeved dress, $80 Mango lace a line dress, £45

              

AX Paris fitted shorts, £25 Zara shoes, $100 Jessica Simpson platform sandals, $99 Brahmin genuine leather handbag, $75 Dooney Bourke wristlet bag, $85

              

Elise Ryan chiffon evening dress, £43 Paris Hilton platform high heels, $81 Rachel Leigh teardrop earrings, 98 CAD Mac cosmetic, $15

             

AX Paris three quarter sleeve lace dress, £38 MTWTFSS Weekday blue shirt, $70 Zara strappy sandals, €80 Ettika gold necklace, $63

Photo Credit: Alessandro Somma / GoRunway.com, Style.com & Oscar de la Renta.

1 June 2012

              

Happy First Day of June. ♡♡
I can’t believe we’re already half way through the year of 2012. #TimeFlies.
So on this glorious day, I decided to feature one of San Francisco’s own fashionistas, Jacqueline Wray. “Jackie” is known for her outgoing & loveable personality but also for her fancy footwear that she sashays down the city streets each day. Today, naturally, she wore one of her amazing pairs of shoes in what is coincidentally my favorite color: Soft Pastel Pink.  

           

They’re the Wildfox x Jeffery Campbell Ballet Platform Shoes created beautifully in satin. Jeffrey Campbell continuously comes out with shoes that deserve an “Oooo” or an “Aaahh”, I’m not surprised at how fantastic these beauties are.            

As I said previously, soft/pastel pink is indeed my favorite color.
Here are some items that I especially adore because of its color.  

         

Model: Jacqueline Wray
Photographer Credit: Genesis Martinez

31 May 2012

                                         

               

I’ve noticed that I only write style posts when the weather is wonderful. Maybe because having gorgeous weather increases my mood by a milestone than if it were uncomfortably cold outside. I locked myself in my apartment this afternoon so that I could force myself to be productive and get tasks that I’ve been putting off for a while completed, PLUS packing for my mini vacation back home to Southern California. I really wanted to get outside for a bit and enjoy what was left of the lovely weather and decided to capture the moment through this style post. 

             

My roommate Genesis, who took these wonderful photos, and I grabbed some coffee at Cup-A-Joe and people watched as the day was drawing nearer to a close and the sun was progressively setting. With today’s outfit, I made use of the fashion technique, Color Blocking, which I’m sure everyone does on a regular basis one way or another. For those who don’t know, Color Blocking is basically: “when a garment or outfit is composed of finite blocks of color.”

EXAMPLES of Color Blocking:

           

Summer is a great time to color block, especially with vibrant colors like bright yellows and oranges. In my opinion, it’s my favorite way of dressing because I don’t have to put too much thinking into how I’ll style my outfit. The color technically speaks for itself. For example, I can wear an orange blouse, green skinnys, belt it up with a deep dark blue vintage belt and plop and denim jacket on and it’s basic, effortless yet still trendy. 

                    

I had also noticed with the last denim post that I wrote about featuring my friend Bryan, that I didn’t provide an adequate example of what my vintage Levi’s Denim Jacket, from Wasteland, looked like. I also am huge fan of my green pants that I bought from Australian brand, Cotton On. Everything from that clothing company is so affordable and pretty good quality. I’m friends with one of the employees of the San Francisco store and he says that their designers and merchandisers are developing really great and current collections that’ll improve the Cotton On look tremendously this summer and remainder of the year. Look out for that!!

          

Photography Credit: Genesis Martinez
Sources: http://www.corporatefashionista.com/

30 May 2012

             

            

There’s always something really exciting about discovering a new nail polish that ends up being your greatest find of the month. This experience happened to me last week when I went shopping with my best friend and fellow fashion blogger Chloé. Due to trapping ourselves in her apartment all day, we decided to go out to breathe in that fine downtown SF air AND also get some sushi (Yeah, I know. My love for sushi is still continuously growing.) for lunch. Directly after, we wound up going shopping. In all fairness, it’s kind of hard to not do a little window shopping when you live in the heart of San Francisco. Powell street is brimming with stores and outlets that are always displaying new clothing deals and sale opportunities, taking a peak wouldn’t hurt right? 

             

Strolling down the pavement, passing Union Square in all its glory, chock-full of tourists and children running after hungry pigeons, we ended up stopping at Sephora. Heading straight to the nail studio, Chloé and I came across an abundance of nail varnishes and polishes from various brands. I see Poppy Delevigne’s, a major inspiration of mine, advertisement for the UK’s Nail Varnish brand, Nails Inc and walk straight over, overlooking any of the hundreds of other beauty products surrounding me. My eyes go straight over to the gourd/mustard looking yellow nail polish, called Hampstead Gardens and it was love at first sight. ♡♡♡

             

I figured because my birthday was arriving shortly, among other things, I’d treat myself a little and buy it. I love that it’s such a subtle yet vibrant color, especially against my skin tone. It’s definitely an unusual pigmentation to create for a nail polish, but also a wonderful find because most nail polishes don’t come in this shade or have such a rich quality to it. If you’re ever in Sephora or shopping online be sure to check out Nails Inc.’s products. ♡

Also, enjoy The Clash!!!

P.S. Thank to everyone for wishing me a wonderful 20th birthday on Monday. ♡

27 May 2012

           

Sundays, to me, are generally supposed to be a relaxing day where one can recuperate from the hard working days of the week and possibly even the partying or exciting happenings over the early days of the weekend. Now that summer is here, this past week has been a thousand times less stressful because I don’t have to worry about the various homework assignments or projects that my teachers dump on me, but even after just such a short time as a week, I’ve seriously lost my appreciation for Sundays.

I usually like to look forward to catching up on my bookmarked episodes on Hulu, reading an issue of GQ or further look up on blogs that I checked out earlier that week. Sundays are a way for me to recharge my battery, if you will. It’s just nice to enjoy a day without the hassles of unnecessary distractions that I’m usually involved with Monday thru Friday.

I put together a look that I think about when Sundays come to mind. Something simple, sweet and weekend worthy. Denim buttoned up blouses are a favorite item of clothing of mine, especially when they’re as light as this one displayed below. 

                 

And in case you’re like me and especially appreciate Sunday breakfast but don’t have a reason to cook a giant breakfast just for one person, here’s a simple and yummy treat that can be eaten any time of the week. Even Sundays. 

(Recipe & Photo - Courtesy of Pinch My Salt [dot] com)

         

      

                  

25 May 2012

                        

I’ve probably posted over a million times about Nasty Gal, because if you’re anything like me, you’re a huge, HUGE fan of this popular clothing company. Nasty Gal provides brands from their namesake and from other popular brands that are unique, trendy, feminine and overall, completely stylish. It’s not your typical retail brand that provides cloned versions of the same outfit from other popular retail stores like H&M, Zara & Forever 21. There’s always something that I’m, if you will, “Ooooing & Ahhhing” at because all of their items have different characteristics that each obtain a special uniqueness to them. 

I’ve put together some of my favorites from the collections that have been revealed to buyers as of these past couple of months, as well as some vintage pieces and fancy footwork.

Enjoy. xx. 

             
Sylvie Stripe Knit $75.00
Hannah Floral Romper $70.00
Dotted Mesh Bodysuit - White $38.00

        

Fringed Lace Shirt - Ivory $38.00
Victoria Peplum Dress - Cobalt $58.00
Neon Lace Dress $58.00
Summer Rose Shorts $50.00

         
Sheer Floral Blouse$118.00
Black Rebel Motorcycle Jacket $248.00
High Neck Wool Bodysuit $98.00

         

Salena Platform - Colorblock $95.00
Nasty Gal x Jeffrey Campbell Abby Boot - Purple Nubuck $175.00
Lonestar Platform $168.00
Alexander Spiked Sneaker - White $95.00
Colette Cutout Platform $58.00
Shadow Platform $88.00

If anyone is interested in buying/browsing for clothing, shoes or accessories from Nasty Gal, click the advertisement on the sidebar :) You won’t regret it!!

24 May 2012

             

             

Yesterday, I had the great opportunity to hang out and take photographs of my good friend Connor Pindar. For those who know him you’re aware of his, if you will, rough around the edges, like style. Although an actual sweetheart deep down inside, his exterior style is raw and grundgy.

Roxy, my roommate and I, went to Connor’s apartment and thrifted through his giant heap of clothes that he had provided for the shoot. We were trying to style different pieces of clothing together to create complete outfits that had more of a mature and trendy look. We definitely wanted them to be pieces from his own closet so that he could still exemplify his personality within the clothes. 

If you could describe the way you dress in 3 words or less, how would you?
“1. Rolled, 2. Up., 3. Pants.”

             

Where do you shop for clothes?
“Haha, most of my clothes are hand me downs, which I like because they’re worn in. I don’t know, I pick things up here and there. 

              

Are there fashion icons/celebrities that you find yourself inspired by when dressing each day?
“Definitely old celebrities like James Dean. Bob Dylan’s got great style. As well as, Clint Eastwood. Surfers from the 50s are definitely a big influence of mine in terms of their effortless lifestyle.”

              

What’s an item(s) of clothing/accessory that you can’t leave the house with.
“My ring on my left index finger and my brown belt.”

              


              

5 Things no one knows about Connor Pindar?
“1. My great great uncle delivered Frank Sinatra as a baby in the slums of Hoboken, New Jersey. 

2. I love cigarettes. 

3. I have tendonitis in my left wrist. 

4. I went to culinary school, summer of 2008.

5. The Notebook is a good movie. Not saying anymore, not saying any less.”

21 May 2012

            

Happy Monday Everyone!

In the spirit of the current happenings with the sun & moon wanting to play hide and seek lately, I thought it’d be great to create a style post that showed a contrast between light and dark (like the Eclipse yesterday), featuring one of my great friends and fashionistas of San Francisco, Caitlin Gibbs.

              

Caitlin is the type of girl that I like to call: “The Effortless Dresser”.
She has the gift of literally being able to put on the simplest of clothing and rockin’ some of the best outfits I’ve seen from all of the fashionable people I witness here in the city. Whether it be a summer dress with some clean brown gladiator inspired sandals or a band tee paired with the most minimal of bottoms, black pants, Caitlin creates distinguishable outfits that are clean & flawless.

Accessories are a huge part of the looks she creates each day. There isn’t a day that goes by where Caitlin isn’t sporting a sparkly bracelet or statement piece watch. This also adds a lot to her unembellished style that’s portrayed through her clothes because the adorning she does to herself with jewelry. 

              

Where do you draw your inspiration from when you create outfits each day?
“I think most of my inspiration for my outfits comes from my mood which is usually stimulated by music. I’ve always been moved by deep rock and roll bluesy style bands and ones that remind me of my salty hometown in southern california. The Black Keys and Cold War Kids are usually on repeat on my iTunes with a little Bon Iver or Gotye thrown in the mix. I just discovered Ben Howard from my long time idol, artist Tristan Prettyman’s, blog the other day. I put something on in the morning to wake me up and it usually keeps me in that mood throughout the day, so I like my outfits to reflect on that because it makes me feel like I’m in my own skin. I do get some inspiration from my fav blog apps like chicfeed and WGSN for ideas.”

              

Favorite particle of clothing or accessory?
“I think its easy to say my favorite accessory is this Obey necklace I have. Everyone has seen it haha! Its a long silver chain with a disco ball at the end grasped by a “sawed off” eagle claw. Something about it makes me still feel edgy even when I’m wearing something more girly than usual… I feel the most natural in a band T and skinnys. Another accessory I would say is my addiction to doing my nails!”

              

Things you’re looking forward to wearing this summer?
“I’m really stoked to wear all these dresses I just got from my aunt… She sent me a box full of dresses from the 60s! They’re GORGEOUS and even a fully hand crocheted mandarin collar long sleeve she got in SF back in the day. Such inspiring additions to my closet! I love blending vintage pieces with more modern ones… I’m a second hand shopper for life though.”

             

Tomorrow, (May 22) is actually Caitlin’s 21st birthday.

              


 

20 May 2012

             

              

Summer is finally here for us Academy of Art students and the weather in San Francisco is coincidentally aware of this wonderful time of year by kissing us with the sun rays. (HAPPY BAY 2 BREAKERS BY THE WAY). Today my roommate, Roxy .aka. Rox the Fox came up with the idea of doing a little something different with her hair, saying: “I kind of want to bleach my tips!” and then the shenanigans began. She and our other close friend Breanna called me telling me to rush home to get things started. I say: “Okay, why not?” I head home and we do this old school in the kitchen with The Works .aka. Do-It-Yourself Bleaching Kit & Aluminum Foil. Why she trusted me of all people do this?, I have no clue. ;)

None of us had ever physically dyed another person’s hair before with a kit, so this was a first time experience/project for each of us. Nevertheless, we had a great time. With me applying the bleached formula and Breanna parting Roxy’s hair piece by piece, the team was able to pull off the look Roxy wanted. 

                                               http://picasion.com

              

              

She’s probably going to go lighter so that the tips can be completely white.
I’ll keep you guys updated.

Dolce & Gabbana | Fall/Winter 2012

                          

              

The Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2012 Collection is probably the most beautiful assemblage of garments that my eyes have ever laid eyes on. I viewed the fashion show online through the the D&G website and from start to finish the show was exquisitely produced. The set is designed in a color scheme of black & gold and chandeliers everywhere adorned with flowers and vines. The theme was really old fashioned and almost leaning towards a Roman Catholic meets Queen Elizabeth I. (Ironic?) The room was as if one was in a sanctuary inside of a grand cathedral. The collection was filled with garments that were enriched with gorgeous gold embroidery all over and black lace that kind of modernized the outfit for something practical for this day and age although influenced by the past. Hair were perfectly pinned back with embellished halos of gold and mini handheld purses also with adornments.  

            

            

            

Further in the show, beautifully designed floral print dresses and garments that resembled old fashioned wallpaper were exhibited. Furs, lace, shawls, shorts and floral body suits came down the runway creating an outstandingly cohesive collection. My favorites were dresses that were ornamented with nothing but gold jewels on the chest. For every dress that had these features, my mouth dropped in the amazement for what Dolce & Gabbana had designed. Each and every outfit was stunning and throughly impressive. 

ALSO: CHECK OUT THE SUNGLASSES. Need I say more?

           

 

Be sure to check out the rest of the collection!!