Friday Flashback/Friendly Shopping Reminder

Hey Ladies, once again it's Friday! Hope you're gearing up for a fabulous and fun weekend. LA girls it's that time again, the last Friday of the month. Time for the the Los Angeles Fashion District's monthly sample sale. Head over to the California Market Center, New Mart and The Cooper Building (my new personal favorite) for all the finest fashion at a deep discount (check out the info here). The stores have already bought for Fall '09 so the sale is sure to have new Fall fashion to be pushed out of the showrooms to make room for new merchandise. I love Fridays and I'm ready to do my thing (if heading home for an appointment with my couch is considered a thing). This song is a old favorite that always gets me in a smoothed out mood.

Tribe Called Quest -Bonita Applebaum


BONUS "Between the Sheets" Remix
Remember this one? (Cha-Cha anyone?)

L is for Leather...

Leather is everywhere for Fall. I love the tough look of leather and expect it to see it everywhere from the usual jackets, to the unexpected in bustiers and skin tight leggings (yes leather leggings!). I had to investigate for myself the other day and try on a pair of leather leggings and I must say they were incredibly comfortable and overall just rock star hot! But no, the head to toe leather suit is not back. You won't need to be covered in head to toe leather unless you're auditioning to be the long lost member of 80's groups Whodini, Ready For The World, or Cameo (Word up-you never know, it can happen). above photo: Yves Saint Laurent Fall 09 RTW

Helmet Lang Leather Leggings $875. I tried these on in dark grey-pure heaven! Their so versatile, wear with anything from stilettos, under boots and casual t-shirts to a warm chunky sweater or cropped wool jacket.

Vena Cava Leather Leggings w/ Knit Panels $909. Expensive, but there's a brown pair on clearance on the same site for $272 (Don't shoot the messenger, I'm just showing you the hottest and latest).

Slow and Steady Wins the Race Leather Tee $49.99. Please don't wear this with more leather. Cute with a distressed jean or fitted skirt.

Heavy Metal

3.1 Phillip Lim Resort 2010






It's Monday and it's your time to shine (or wish it was Friday again). And speaking of shine, Metallic colors are summer's answer to neutral colors. I swear you never have to wear white shoes again if you don't want to.

Calvin Klein "Electra" Sandal $89









Three simple rules to mastering metallic:

1. Silver metallics are cooler color options that compliment lighter skin tones and tends to go better with light colors.




2. Metallics in the Gold family compliment warmer skin tones and go great with bright colors and add heat to neutrals like White.
   
   
3. Never go for head to toe metallic unless your goal is to look like a robot.

Melie Blanco Diagnal Stitch Tote $79

Report Sigature Newbury 2 Metallic Platform $190

And The Weekend Begins

Happy Friday! Hope you're ready for a refreshing, kick back weekend.
"It's Friday night and the weekend's here I need to unwind, where's the party?" A little Zhane "Hey Mr. DJ" to get you started.

Just Throw It In The Bag

Every now and then there comes a time when your closet just can't take it anymore. When all the closet organization and space saving hangers aren't enough, it's time do you a little summer sweep out. It's time to get rid of anything in your closet that doesn't fit quite right, is totally worn out, or you never got around to wearing (because it's not really your style or you have to lose 25 lbs just to squeeze into it). So gather your things, bag them, and send them off to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill (or your sister, girlfriend or cousin who can't wait to get their hands on your stuff anyway). All the more room for all the new stuff that's about to hit the scene for Fall.

Hot Fun In The Summertime

Happy Monday girls! This past Sunday was a hot and sunny day, perfect for a music festival (emphasis on HOT). We headed out to San Dimas for JazzFest West to catch artists like Najee, Teena Marie and Eric Benet do their thing in the summer sun: Great music, cool people and fun times (did I mention that it was hot?). Break out the hats, umbrellas and cool cottons because after all it was super HOT (I said that already, right?).










Me, Debbie and Sandra soak up the sun!
















This is how you brave an all day music fest with comfort and ease.

• Loose Clothing in Cool Materials-like cotton, and linen.
  
  
• A Dramatic Hat-An essential item to shade you from the sun.
  
  
• Huge Sunglasses-Don't leave home without them.



• Comfortable Shoes-These are all day events, do I really need to get into details?
  
  
• An Umbrella-If it's super hot, you'll thank me later.
  
  

Leaf Print Maxi Dress $98, Banana Republic.

Fab Floppy Straw Hat $6.50, Forever 21.

T-Bags Long Dress w/ Piping $154.







Ella Moss Caribbean Jumpsuit $139.






Broken Rays Sun Hat $48, Anthropologie.




Solid Colored Paper Parasol $6.50, Pearl River Mart. These are always easy to find in Chinatown.















What Not to Wear - These hot #!$ jeans! Granted, I thought they were cute, but they were a high waisted, flared leg, fitted through the hips, heavy, dark denim nightmare (I may have lost about 2 inches from my butt and thighs-can you say sauna).

Do You Know What Today Is?

...It's their anniversary! Today marks the first day of Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale (Nordstrom's pioneered the pre-season sale-no past season clearance sale over here). So break out your glass and let's toast to getting fall hottest new looks now and on sale (until everything goes back to full price on August 3).

right photo: Hinge Leather Motorbike Jacket $198.90 ($298 after sale)

Disclaimer-This is NOT an advertisement. I go to this sale every year. It's a great time to pick up a new Fall handbag (brand new but on sale) or pick up the one of the make-up/beauty specials available only at Nordstrom during this sale (MAC usually has a great one-good time to get a set of make-up brushes and a case for half the price). Are we clear?

Steven by Steve Madden "Bevan" Pump $119.90 ($168.95 after sale).

Michael by Michael Kors "Dessert" Shoulder Tote $298.90 (448.00 after sale)

MAC Look In A Box in "Seductress" $59.50 (Nordstrom Exclusive)

Ooh La La!

Bright lights, big city...I bet Paris is so beautiful in the summertime. At least I hear it is, the closest I got to the city of lights was this party. The other night my friend, Sonia, invited me to a cocktail hour/birthday party at the very modern Blue Velvet Lounge (in Los Angeles not Paris). The theme of the party- Parisian Chic (wasn't quite sure what that was at first). After some thought I figured Parisian Chic probably stood for the feminine ease of French fashion (capri pants, simple black and white, lace, carefree dresses-it was way too hot for a beret). I channeled Paris with cropped silk pants, a vintage lace top, dainty cream colored stud earrings and stilettos (that this picture does no justice-sigh). My girl went with a sexy strapless number and called on Paris' finest, Christian Louboutin (by way of 5 inch, string up leather shoe fabulousness), to add just the right amount of French influence. Here's a look at the fun.

The crowd gets down.

Huh? I'm not one to stifle a man's fashion sense, but I don't know if I'm ready for these shoes. Wow, and with all the the shoe distraction I just noticed the pants (yeah...no, I don't think I'm ever going to be ready).

My boy Boz gets it right (smooth, well tailored and easy on the eyes)!

Lucky Seven: Sample Sale Alert

Lucky for you if you're in Los Angeles this week. Make sure to stop by Showroom Seven's sample sale (I bought the cutest dress and leather purse for a steal at a sample sale here in December). Located in the Cooper Design building in L.A.'s famed Fashion District (my absolute favorite place to be on the last Friday of every month for various sample sales at the California Mart, New Mart and Cooper Design Building), Showroom Seven is one the district's most exclusive showrooms. Find anything from Charlotte Ronson to Issa London for up to 90% off. Grab great clothing and accessories (that are still full price at Barney's and Bloomingdale's) on the cheap so Showroom Seven can make room for the upcoming season's finest. Ahh, life is sweet!

right photo: Issa Fall '09 RTW


Sale from this Wednesday through Friday, July 24.

Showroom Seven
860 S. Los Angeles St.
(213) 316-1002
10AM-6PM


http://www.showroomseven.com/

If I Were A Boy

Looks like the Boyfriend's back for Fall. The borrowed from the boys style is here to stay. So hold on to your button downs, blazers, vests and relaxed fit jeans. I love the carefree and relaxed Boyfriend look (so comfortable and undercover sexy-but I think the look is more a Paperboy Chic). But to keep looking like Genise and not Gerald I better unbutton that shirt a little more and grab a pair of stilettos for good measure.

left photo : Rag & Bone Fall 09 RTW, right photo: Boy by Band of Outsiders Fall 09 RTW











Unisex Pinpoint Oxford Button Down $54, American Apparel.



























Kimchi Blue Long Party Vest $58, Urban Outfitters. Wear over leggings for Fall and pair with denim cut-offs for Summer.
















BDG Boxy Boy Vest $48, Urban Outfitters. Pair the shorter vest over a button down with jeans or baggy slacks.




















Silence & Noise High Waist Harem Pant $58, Urban Outfitters.























Silence & Noise Cropped Trousers $58, Urban Outfitters.












Report Deahne Ankle Boot $90.

Michael, Thanks For Making Us SMILE

...and sing, and dance and be inspired. Yesterday was the memorial service for global superstar Michael Jackson at the Staples Center (it was also my mom's birthday). Overall I thought the service was well done and touching. But you know I had to go down to the Staple center on Monday to check out all the preparations for Michael's memorial. Check out some of the pics.

above photo: jumbo tron @ Staples Center that flashed images of Michael.

The scene outside the Staples Center included a large memorial poster that fans could stand (hours) in line to sign, a large screen continually displaying images of Michael and many (very interesting) fans.

A closer shot of the memorial poster and a guy who was either a big fan or just very interesting.

A lucky fan who was picked from 1.5 million fans who actually received the golden ticket and wristband needed to attend the actual memorial.
I told her she should buy a lottery ticket.

There were so many great performances and tributes. I thought this one by Jermaine Jackson singing Michael's favorite song Smile written by Charlie Chaplain was particularly moving when you really listen to the lyrics.


One of my favorite (they're so many to choose from) and happier Michael Jackson moments from the movie The Wiz. Enjoy!

Wedding Wardrobe 101

With all the excitement of summer, sudden deaths (RIP Michael), and general absent mindedness (not quite sure if that's a word) I completely forgot we're smack dab in the middle of wedding season. I can't believe it slipped my mind (probably due largely to the fact that for the first time since forever I'm actually not in a wedding this summer). So with all the wedding invites we're greeted with this summer brings up an important issue-what am I going to wear? Well, I'll tell you - like to hear it, hear it go!

• Church Wedding- This tends to be more traditional and calls for more conservative attire. I know it's summer but leave the short skirts, bare shoulders and cleavage at home. You want to remember you are in a house of worship and don't want to offend anyone (besides you know your mama taught you better than that). You can always bring in a light sweater or shawl to cover up that shoulder or back baring summertime special.

Adrianna Papell Ruched Dress $118

• Garden Wedding- Bring out the summer florals and breezy, flowing dresses. You can also add extra flair by adding a hat which can also serve as great sun protection (a garden wedding in bright 90 degree sun suddenly isn't as beautiful without the proper protection). And don't forget the cardinal rule of garden weddings, never wear stiletto heels. Choose a chunkier heel or wedge that won't sink into the grass and ruin your shoes.

Catherine Malandrino Coco Camisole Dress $295

Newport News Metallic Straw Hat $29.00

• Formal/After 5 Wedding- Although rare, I love to get this type of invitation. You can pull out all the stops (just remember to never wear white so you can avoid pulling the bride's mother and bridesmaids off of you). This type of affair calls for formal wear but don't feel you have to wear a floor length gown to be appropriate (unless you want to). A cocktail dress will do for an after five wedding (it's 2009, don't put all your stock in what traditional etiquette books say).











• BCBG Faux Two Piece Chiffon and Sateen Dress $298. I'm not really a fan of black for summer but the silhouette of this one is so fresh and summery. Add a dressy clutch and a funky shoe with some color.

• Beach/Destination Wedding- I know all destination weddings aren't at the beach but that's usually the image I get when I think of one (not to mention I've been to three in Jamaica). These weddings tend to be on the more free and casual side. You usually can't go wrong in light sundresses in cool cottons and linens. Depending on the tone of the invite this may be an affair for flat sandals or flip flops. This also may be the only exception to the never wear white rule because couples often dictate the fashion of the the guests and may call for an all white wedding.

Josh Brody Printed One Shoulder Dress $133. This just screams island destination or beach chic. Keep the cool and casual vibe by pairing with a flat metallic sandal. Love that!

Independence Weekend Jam

Happy Friday and welcome to your Fourth of July weekend! I'm sure you're getting set for a fun weekend and at least one cookout (pool party or whatever). A Fourth of July barbecue is about as American as apple pie. Hey, any excuse to get a day off, listen to music and eat all day, count me in. Here's a fun tune I can always count on to get me ready to party.

Ghost Town DJs - My Boo

With all the denim cut offs and Saturday morning car washing this video always make think of the good times of Summer.

Hotter Than July

Wow, time is just flying by this year. We're already into the first day of July. June gloom is over and the July heat is here. And you know what they say, if you can't beat the heat join in (well not exactly but something of that matter). These hot items should be the perfect introduction.

right photo: Guiseppe Zanotti E90286 $459.99

Do I really have to say anything about these?

Heat up your summer wardrobe with casual flat sandals in electric colors.

Dollhouse 'Abena' Sandal 19.99 Cheap & Chic.

DV by Dolce Vita 'Damsel' 49.99

Add some spice to a basic tank and shorts.