I Couldn't Help Myself

It was just a fleeting glance, as I walked by the shoe store on my way to my Saturday yoga class.  But as I saw those shoes in the window, I knew I would be back.  The clever camel and black combination, the oh-so-current bootie style, the cunning little black bow, the tough zipper.  It all spoke to me.  And so I did go back after yoga, I walked into Heidi Says Shoes (a lovely little shop on Fillmore St.) and immediately saw them, tried them on, and had to have them!  I am already imagining all of the outfits they will go with!  Sigh...

 (and here they are on my feet, courtesy of Moschino Cheap and Chic!)

My Favorite Time of Year

It's that time again - the time when magazines are the biggest, style is the boldest, and 726 is not too many pages for Vogue.  Yes that's right - the September issues are here, and that means its Fall!  Imagine my excitement today when I opened my mailbox to find the September Vogue, there waiting for me.  Of course I had been expecting it for days, waiting to curl up in my favorite chair and devour it cover to cover.  So now without further ado, I am off to do exactly that!

Friday's Favorite Look 8.27

I was reading a great feature this week about Diane von Furstenberg opening a store in Sao Paolo, Brazil on Elle.com, and I got to thinking about what an icon she is.  She is basically the inventor of the wrap dress, a style that is flattering on practically every woman and most body types.  I am also writing this in honor of one special friend of mine whose signature look is and has always been the wrap dress - a friend that is moving away from San Francisco in the coming week.  I have learned so much from her about style, and so this post goes out to her! 
I found this fabulous picture of Diane below - a classic look of her in the signature dress, and I love the quote below: "Feel like a woman, wear a dress!"  So true, Diane, so true. 

Style Your Favorites from Polyvore and win $1000!

I was so excited to find out today about a contest that Polyvore is having!  If you aren't familiar with Polyvore, they are a fabulous fashion site - I could spend hours on there, looking at items, making outfits and putting things together.  Sigh... if only I didn't have a day job! 
In honor of the launch their new Mini Editor widget, they are letting people create their favorite looks from Fall and win $1000!  I couldn't wait to put together my own mini editor list and post it so you could start creating.  Below are some of my must-have items from fall - believe me, it was tough to stick to just a few... there were so many amazing pieces, I almost couldn't stop!  The full scoop is also on the Polyvore site, if you need more information: Polyvore Contest.
So have at it, and good luck! 


Powered by Polyvore


Powered by Polyvore

Second Time's a Charm?

A few weeks ago I purchased this cute red fall cardigan on Madewell's fairly new site.  I have loved Madewell as a brand since their launch a few years ago, but alas I could only visit them in NYC.  But with the launch of their site, I could browse and shop whenever I wanted, and I love their site, with stylish looks, great features, and occasional tie-ins with their sister site, J. Crew. 
But I digress... after only wearing my new red cardi 3 times, I unfortunately lost it while out on the town.  I could only wish and hope that Madewell still had it in stock, and thankfully they did!  Now it's back, and I will never lose it again! 

 *image courtesy of madewell.com

Now and Later

This time of year, while the weather is still warm in many places, changing and being inconsistent, all the stores are full-on FALL.  Gorgeous fall hues, cozy sweaters, jeans, and boots.  So while I can't stop myself from shopping, I am always thinking about how I can incorporate new pieces into my transitional wardrobe.  I am seeing a lot of retailers and magazines doing this too. It's a fantastic way to combine new with old and move into the new season with style. 

*images courtesy of luckymag.com

Friday's Favorite Look 8.20

I love this look from Reese Witherspoon, wearing a casual summer outfit while out with her son.  And judging from the bags in her hand, it looks like they are coming from the farmers market, one of my favorite weekend activities. 
Every girl should have the perfect summer white skirt, and I love how Reese is pairing it with long sleeves (seems like a great alternative in the finicky California weather!).  And of course the hat - I still keep seeing the straw fedora everywhere.  Great to shade your face from the sun (or from paparazzi). 

*image courtesy of people.com

This Pant is Everywhere!

Just when you thought the cargo trend was over, J Brand has come back with a new iteration - the Houlihan skinny cargo.  I feel like I have been seeing this pant everywhere for months now, and many designers and retailers now have their own version of the popular pant.  I myself have tried it on a few times, and finally bought one a few weeks ago from Piperlime.  I will say - it is a very flattering pant, and the fabric is washed down just to the point of absolute comfort.  Sizing runs similar to J Brand's jeans, and the length is cropped (perfect for a petite girl like me!).  I find this pant to be best paired with feminine tops and heels to offset the rough utility cargo look. 

Color Combo: Navy + Black

I am really loving the sophisticated and unexpected pairing of navy and black I am seeing lately.  Traditionally, pairing the two has been a no-no, with the 2 shades being so close.  And finding navy shoes is always a challenge, so being able to mix these 2 dark shades is a new easy way to wear dark neutrals.  Evidence below...

Friday's Favorite Look

I am starting a new feature this week: Friday's Favorite Look.  All week I have been looking at who's wearing what, in anticipation of choosing my favorite.  Today's pick is Christy Turlington, shown in Water Mill, NY.  I chose this picture because she is at an outside day event.  I myself am going to the Outside Lands Music Festival this weekend, and wish it would be as sunny and gorgeous as this and that I could wear a cute dress.  I will probably be layered up due to the San Francisco "summer" weather.  Anyway, I love Christy's summer look - casual printed Steven Alan dress and Alaia shoes.  And don't forget those Tom Ford aviator sunglasses.  Well done!  (And stay tuned for next Friday's look and many after that...)

*image courtesy of vogue.com

New Discovery: the OutNet.com

Recently a co-worker and I were discussing how fabulous Net-a-Porter is, with every designer under the sun, plus great features and a mini-magazine about trends, fashion shows, etc.  But then she said the 5 words that have now changed my life: "Have you tried the out-net?".  I had no idea that Net-a-Porter also ran this sister site, an outlet of sorts for all their designer goods.  Oh, the trouble I will be in!  I am not really an outlet shopper, but this is totally different.  The first time I went to the site, I ended up buying an amazing Halston clutch (which unfortunately couldn't be shipped to me due to some ridiculous python restrictions in California, but that's a whole other story...), and I browsed collections by all the designers I love.  The Out-net's emails are fantastic too, highlighting new designers, flash sales, or great finds and new arrivals.  I am hooked! 

*images courtesy of outnet.com

Style Muse

Everyone has a person or two whose style they admire, whether it's a friend you know or a public figure that every time you see them, you think, "wow, I wish I could dress like that"!  For me, one of those people is Sarah Jessica Parker.  Not only has she played some very stylish characters on TV and in movies, her personal style is one that I always find unique, fashion-forward, and thought-provoking.

*images courtesy of vogue.com (that glorious May 2010 shoot!!) and people.com

Project Runway is Back!

Well I sure it's no surprise that I love me some Project Runway.  What a fabulous show that showcases up-and-coming designers and always brings the new and creative challenges.  So of course I am already excited about this new crop of designers and what they will bring this season.   For the first episode, I loved the twist that they were still auditioning to actually be on the show.   I loved the challenge of picking something from your suitcase... and then passing it to your neighbor!  And that they had a "bottom six" vs a "bottom three" like they usually do.  Very dramatic!  Plus new to the ever-present accessories wall this year is Piperlime (previously followed by Macy's, Banana Republic, and BlueFly).  I think it's a great update - I love shopping their site!
Early favorites for me this week, even though some were in the "bottom six", were: Andy, Christopher, Ivy (liked some of her outfit, despite the styling, but what an ego!), Kristin, and Gretchen (the first winner).

And my favorite comments of the night: From Nina, "She looks like an 80s streetwalker."   And from Michael Kors, "Side cleavage is a rare thrilling moment for anyone."
Can't wait to see what happens this season!  Stay tuned...