Supersize Me

Finally, you can say yes to that second helping of dessert and still be in fashion. There's a new trend leaning toward oversized clothing. I'm talking about cozy slouchy sweaters and long and relaxed cardigans to be exact. This look is best served when paired with a fitted bottom (i.e. leggings, skinny jeans, a fitted pencil skirt). Let's all rejoice in fashion's answer to the fat day. above photo: Knit Chunky Cape $100, Topshop


You know I was just kidding about that second helping of dessert right?










Knitted Chunky Long Cardigan $100, Topshop
So cozy and comfortable with leggings and boots (try ankle, knee high or over the knee looks).

Try this at home

Start with a sexy oversized sweatshirt (say hello to Flashdance Chic)...

Unisex California Fleece Big Sweatshirt $47, American Apparel

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Add a dramatic statement necklace...
Fallon Jewelry Infinity Necklace $265

+

Super slim skinny jeans...
Goldsign Misfit Skinny Jeans $238








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Finish the look off with a sexy pump. A classic shoe pulls together an intentionally slouchy but polished look.
Christian Louboutin Decollette 100 Jazz Pumps $595

Happy Birthday MJ: Celebrating Michael Jackson's Unforgettable Style

Michael Jackson may be gone but the spirit of the King Of Pop will live on forever. In celebration of Michael's birthday tomorrow (August 29-sorry mama doesn't post on Saturdays), I thought it would be fitting to acknowledge how much influence he's had on the world of fashion. If you've been anywhere on earth in the last half a century you've seen the enormous impact of Michael Jackson's style- then, now and forever.
Photo courtesy of Icoline @ Photobucket

Here's a couple of Michael's standout fashion statements (I could go on and on but managed to edit it down to some undeniable favorites):

The Hat

Complete your look with one of Fall's hottest accessories.
Twill Fedora $24, Arden B.

The Glove: For everyone else who is not Michael Jackson I suggest both gloves : )
Leather Bow Gloves $28, Urban Outfitters.

Superstar Sequins

This jacket adds major flash to anything from a white-T and jeans or dressed up tuxedo slacks and stilettos.

Aqua Sequined Strong-Shoulder Jacket $198.

And my personal favorite...

The Thriller Jacket-I loved it as he danced in it with zombies in the video. You'll love how this hot number will turn heads when paired with jeans and boots for day or over a little black dress for night.

3.1 Phillip Lim Leather Motorcycle Jacket $588.

Michael gets sexy with fashion icon Naomi Campbell- Are those skinny jeans?

Whimsical Watches

There's no easier way to add a little kick to your wardrobe than with accessories. Why not start with a really fun watch? At least you can have something cute to look down at as you countdown the minutes until lunchtime. Funny how time flies at the office when you have Facebook, It's Better Than Drugs, and now a mesmerizing watch to hold your attention.

Adidas 'Small Candy' Watch $65. I have this one in White and absolutely love it. The digital face is such a blast from the past.

You can mix and match different faces and straps to create your own custom look. The face and straps come in a variety of fun colors and are sold separately.
Toy Watch 'Jelly Head' Watch Case $110
Toy Watch Jelly Watch Strap $65














All that color not your style. Keep time under wraps as a creative statement piece or a charm bracelet.





Swatch Fashion Collection Watch $70






























Burberry Engraved Charm Bracelet Watch $495

Monday Trend Alert: Biker Shorts- I Just Can't Do It

Another week is here and I can't let another day past by without directing our attention to a serious problem in fashion. I know retro fashion is hot, but I just can't condone the resurgence of biker shorts. Why? The scary part is, all levels of fashion have begun to embrace the biker short (yes even you high fashionista's can purchase a pair for over $300). If you do decide to go along with this trend I can't say you have my support. However, I can loan you my New Edition NE Heartbreak tour t-shirt to wear with them.

right photo: Printed Nylon Cycle Short $30, American Apparel Friends don't let friends wear these!




JUST SAY NO !

























Nylon Cycle Short $28, American Apparel

Digital Ottoman Biker Short $395, Alexander Wang. My bad, you can actually buy biker shorts for almost $400. I love Alexander Wang, but why?

Fridays Are For Fun

Happy Friday girls! The week is winding down so I naturally start to look to the weekend for some fun. Well look what I found, an old Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam performance. Here's a blast from the past from some horrific Scottish dance show so typical of the 80's (gotta love 'em). You can't deny the girl was a trendsetter and it's always fun to go back to a time and pinpoint when trends were started (a time long ago when even breasts were real). Check the clothes, dance moves and you can't miss the hair-just priceless. See if you can spot any current trends. Enjoy!

Watch the first 4 minutes of this video. For a real time warp keep watching and see what videos were on the countdown. I wish I could figure out what year this was ('85 maybe?).


Check out the original video for Lisa Lisa's I Wonder If I Take You Home here! BTW, I can't even handle those mesh/net shirt contraptions Full Force are wearing, you gotta see this.

Fashionable Reads

Hey, I read. But I'm not really the one who reads a magazine for the articles if you know what I'm sayin'. I've always been fascinated with clothing and beautiful images (READ: lots of pictures). That's why I love a good coffee table book. They're page after page of big, shiny photos and there may be a paragraph or two thrown in for you to read if you insist. Here are some of the books that caught my eye.

The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman $110.25, Amazon.

I already love the site, now I can bring two of my favorite activities to my living room (people watching and fashion). It's a huge book full of candid shots of fashionable people on the street (like stalking unsuspecting people around the world-oh like I'm the only person into that). Thanks for the heads up Son.

Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture by Valerie Viscardi et al $53.55, Amazon.

I can't afford the luggage collection, but I can afford this book. For LV fanatics and novices alike. Hurry up and buy this book before they try to knock it off too.

Domino: The Book of Decorating by Deborah Needleman et al $21.12, Amazon.

They discontinued the magazine (sad face), but they can't keep a good book down. I love this book and think it's the ultimate do-it-yourself style guide for the home. Hey, don't you think your house (apartment, room at your parents house, or possibly back seat of your car in this economy) deserves to be fashionable too?

The Monday Quick Fix

Found 'Em! Over the Knee Boots in the "see, I'm not crazy" price range.








This Fall's hottest boot has been on my wish list since June (see here), but I couldn't seriously consider purchasing them at that price. This just proves that if you have laser focus and put your mind to something you can accomplish anything (as said in the tone of the underlying message in an after school special).



Restricted Vamp Boot $110

Destination Style: The Cayman Islands

All those who love a sandy beach and a beautiful sunset raise your hand? Now, who wants to go on a relaxing Caribbean vacation surrounded by cool waters, endless luxury and some of the warmest people you'll ever meet (ooh, ooh...pick me, pick me)? Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands of the Cayman Islands and it's not your stereotypical Caribbean island. Don't expect to buy coconut off the side of the road here, but you can plan on bringing your best designer bags (the island is no stranger to living in the lap of luxury). The main activities here include diving, snorkeling, yachting and doing some serious relaxing. I live for Sundays when those that have yachts (someone is going to know someone with a boat and you better make it your business to get on one) sail out to Rum Point, park and party all day in the shallow water.

above photo: Beach area @ The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman



One thing's for sure this small island is a safe haven for locals are travelers alike. Everywhere you go you'll think Is this bag okay to leave here while I walk around on the beach? you'll hear, girl please,"This is Cayman". Aren't you going to lock that car door while we go in this store?...(strange look) "This is Cayman." I'm certainly not used to that but, this is Cayman.


Locals get down during karaoke at a local bar, The Office, singing to one of the island's favorite types of music, Country (Huh? Yes, I'm just as shocked and confused as you are-but fun to watch though).














Me and local artist, Al Ebanks (watch that hand buddy).












STAY
At The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman. Make sure to stop by their spa, Silver Rain (I can almost visualize the pearly gates of heaven open as I think about this place-just heavenly!).

WEAR
Leave your high fashion pieces at home or save them for your next trip to NYC. It's all about low key style with a little luxury bag or pair of sunglasses thrown in for good measure.













Prada Butterfly Frame Sunglasses $245

Tory Burch Slim Leather Tote $550

Bring It On: L.A./ NYC Sale Special

Mama didn't raise no fool and if you know what's good for you, you'll mark your calendar for the Barneys New York Warehouse Sale. It starts tomorrow and goes through August 23 at a new location this year, the L.A. Convention Center. So get in while the getting's good (or however the saying goes-You think Christian Louboutins are just going to wait around in your size until you take your sweet time to get there?). Now this sale is only for those who like to save up to 75% off designer clothing, shoes, and accessories. If not, please ignore this message and continue to pay full price somewhere else :).

August 13-August 23

L.A. Convention Center -South Hall

1201 S. Figueroa St.

Los Angeles

*Thursday & Friday (August 13-14 only) 8AM-9PM

*Saturday (August 15 only) 9AM-7PM

weekdays 10AM-8PM

weekends 10AM-7PM

Coming to New York August 20-September 7 check out all the details here!

Feel The Vibes

It's Monday and I'm not going let the end of the weekend get me down. Why can't we go into our work week with the same excitement and enthusiasm as the start of the weekend (I love Fridays)? To be fair I must admit Mondays always go over a little easier when you're on VACATION. That's right, I'm off to the Caribbean (finally)! I wish I could take each and every one of you but they only allow two bags and a carry on. So, I thought it would be good idea to vibe for like 5 minutes or so (hey, it's the best I can do). Enjoy!

Relax, Relate, Release

I NEED A VACATION! Not because I deserve it or there's this great Bed & Breakfast I've always wanted to check out. I need a vacation so I won't go insane. I need to take a break and I prefer to be on some fabulous beach while I take it. But the reality is, I can't just pack and up go whenever I please (unless I suddenly develop the urge to stop eating and no longer wish to have a place to live). No amount of shopping can save me this time. When the going gets tough, the tough (meaning me, you and everyone else out there who needs a break) take a mini vacation.

• Take a deep breath. When you've had enough, a couple of quiet deep breaths can really take the edge off.



• Act like a tourist in your own hometown. Take the day and check out the local attractions (museums, exhibits, etc). You'd be surprised at what's going on in your city.



• Get away if only for one day. Grab a girlfriend, boyfriend/husband or just go solo to a nice hotel (doesn't have to be too far, keep it close-no more than an hour away). Just relax in an environment without all the daily stresses of home (and don't forget to have a great meal and a even greater massage).

Coming soon...

Hello, Kitty!

The cat's out of the bag, Fall fashion is full of animal magnetism. Welcome back the old cougar favorite, animal print (and let's stick to the cat family, no zebra please). While I can't bear to cover my entire body in a leopard dress (I'd feel like I'm about to pour a dry martini then take a trip past the school yard to lure a new boyfriend), I have been known to pull out a blouse or wear a great accessory in leopard. So, it wouldn't hurt to be armed with at least one item in animal print this Fall-it's a jungle out there.

photo courtesy of Peggy Bundy's Facebook page

D&G Dolce & Gabbana Ocelot Print Chiffon Blouse $415. The sexy secretary blouse goes wild. Dress this up or down by adding a fitted blazer and dark skinny jeans or a black pencil skirt and pumps.

Don't have $400, buy this one for $49 from the Spiegel catalog here.

Betsy Johnson "Caelen" Pump $200. I love the pink sole on this shoe-fun. Throw these on and make a basic outfit pop. Anything from jeans and t-shirt, a black suit or neutral dress.

Monday Blues: Delightful looks in Denim

Hey girls, Happy Monday or IWIWF (otherwise known in my mind as I Wish It Were Friday)! Yes, it's Monday again and I'm already looking forward to the relaxed style of the weekend. Nothing gets more relaxed than denim (with the exception of sweats and your old terry cloth bathrobe) and now there's so many opportunities to get it right. Think beyond jeans to achieve the laid back feel of good old reliable denim. Casual Fridays here we come!

above photo: Sunner "Florent" Jumpsuit $262






Charlotte Ronson Strappy Dress w/ cutout detail $128








Lark & Wolff by Steven Alan Sail Suit Blazer $98

When a blazer is done in denim it's instantly less stuffy and more down to earth.

Levi's Bracelet Trucker Jacket $79.50

Make no mistake, the jean jacket is back! Throw it over a sundress or with shorts when the evening air cools down. Or use it to toughen up your evening looks and don't forget to scrunch up the sleeves for a carefree look.