Cannot Wait for March!

I love fashion magazines,  especially the March and September 10 pound issues, but the biggest fashion disappointment is always January. I subscribe to the big four: Vogue, W Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle, and this month (January's issues have already come out, at least for subscribers) were so small, I grabbed two, thinking it was one. 

I will not entirely blame the publications themselves, it is an in between time. Resort has already been featured, and the market for those clothes is a fraction of any of the other seasons. Winter is still heavily upon us, but people are tired of dreary colors and covered up clothing. And Spring is not quite in the air yet, although the runway shows have happened, and there are previews to give us just a taste. Most of the issues focused on Hollywood related subjects or up and coming artists. 

I did find this great quote that made me happy to be who I am. It made me smile, and remember why I love fashion.

This is what I wore today:

Cashmere Sweater Dress: bebe

Skinny Jeans: bebe

Boots: Nine West

Leopard Headband: bebe

Necklace: Betsey Johnson

After Christmas Sales

The after Christmas sales have already begun! One of my favorites is bebe's. All clearance items are an extra 50% off the already reduced price. I scored some pretty nice stuff! Do not forget if they do not have your size, they can find it at another location for shipping or pick up.

These are the deals I scored:

Cropped Tweed Jacket

Originally $169.00, I paid $30!

Maxine Leather Pump

(Previously purchased and price adjusted)

Originally $159, I paid $60!

Laurie Zipper Pump

(I bought them in tan)

Originally $159, I paid $45!

Adele Knit Cuff Boot

Originally $159, I paid $40!

If you are in the San Fernando Valley area, go to the Topanga Mall and ask for Gabby or Katie. Enjoy!

Man Repeller

While laying in the bath tub with a cocktail and the December issue of Harper's Bazaar, I came across an extremely interesting article by fellow blogger, Leandra Medine. Leandra writes Man Repeller, a fashion blog focused on fashion trends that women love and men hate. She uses leopard print and harlem pants as examples. In a nut shell, her point is that sometimes, women wear certain things for sake of fashion, but those fashions sometimes turn men off. So the choice must be made: dress like the runway, or land a man?

I found the question very interesting, as I dated a man who did not always love my fashion choices, (in fact he down right hated the textured tights from last fall), but I always said, "Well, I like them. They are fashionable." So where do you draw the line? It also made me consider the fact that some looks worn on the runway are not meant to be worn on the streets. Take for example the Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 collection. These are the same pictures Harper's published with the article: 

 

The picture to the left is fabulous, and I appreciate it as art, but few women could pull off the over sized flowers in very few places. I love everything about the look, the colors, the inspiration, and especially the over sized flowers, but you would be hard pressed to find a straight man that would call it sexy. The look on the right, however, is more provocative, easier to wear, and still beautiful. It is not my favorite look from the collection, but the comparison is drastic. My point is, certain pieces from the runway are for inspiration and to translate the direction the designer was going. So the real question is: Are you wearing something as a slave to fashion or because it is actually wearable fashion? 

A happy balance can be met in both cases. You should wear what you love and be who you are. Not all men will understand, or enjoy, it, but the right one will. Consider though, everyone wants to be thought of as sexy, so perhaps leave the Alexander McQueen at home for the first date, and then wear it later when you feel comfortable explaining all the feathers. As for going over the top with fashion, leave it to Lady Gaga. I am all for show pieces, but translate them to everyday wear. After all, they are only supposed to be for inspiration. 

PS: This is what I wore today:

Dress: bebe

Tights: The Gap

Boots: Nine West

Christmas Decorations

I spent the day Christmas shopping, baking Christmas cookies, and most importantly, putting up Christmas decorations with one of my best friends. I love all decorations, the garlands, lights, ornaments, candles, tress.... There are so many to choose from. Decorations can get very expensive, so here is a  couple houses I have decorated and tips for brightening up any room on a budget.

If you can invest in a fake tree, do. It will save you money in the future and you can always burn a candle to get that real tree scent. Make sure you get a nice one, it is well worth it. Places like Costco, Sam's, and Christmas decor outlets often have the best deals.

Pick a color theme and stick to it. Ornament sets are less expensive than buying individual ones, and garland is a great way of adding a lot of color with out spending a lot of money.

Thick and pre-decorated garland can be very expensive, but you can make your own and it is personalized to match your theme. Michael's sells garland for $2.99. On your mantel fold the garland in half; on larger areas wrap two strand around each other. Michael's all carries "picks" (small decorative sticks) for less than $1. Choose approximately three different ones and spread throughout.

Use things from around your home. A tray with ornaments and candle holders can add a very classy touch, and costs almost nothing!

The Uglier the Sweater, the Better!

On Saturday night, I went to an always fun "Ugly Christmas Sweater" party. My friend Carrie hosts the annual shindig, and it is always an entertaining runway show of sequins, garland, lights, and ugly, ugly sweaters. On top of all the fun, I ran into a friend from FIDM who I had not seen since school. She is a fellow blogger, and her and her blog partner, Mary, are part of the reason I started She-Q. Check out their page, Fabulous on a Budget, for ideas on fashion, interior design, and best of all, saving money!

This is what I wore to the party.

Sweater: Vintage shop

Skirt: Windsor

Tights, Headband, and Earrings: Claire's

Boots: Nine West

Man: My friend TJ :)

2011's Color of the Year

PANTONE announced the color of the year for 2011... Drum roll please.... Honeysuckle! This stimulating color will hopefully pull everyone out of the "blues" (2010's color was turquoise) and invigorate 2011 into a successful and bright year. For those who do not know, PANTONE, along with the global color authority sat the color standards for the design industry, including everything from clothing, appliances, cars, and advertisements. Their color trend announcements dictate the palettes for most major product releases, like Fashion Week. 

Fashion shows have already been showcasing the color all over the runways. From head to toe looks, or just a touch with accessories, honeysuckle grabs attention and demands a smile. It will brighten up any wardrobe, for men or women, and hopefully catapult us in to 2011 with happier spirits.

Emporio Armani and Issa

This is what I wore today.

Jacket: Forever 21

Tee Shirt: Club Monaco

Jeans: Paige Denim

Happy Sunday!

I have been having a very fun and social week... Disneyland, karaoke bar, shopping, girl's night out, and I got my hair cut... so I have been away. I hope everyone had a nice week and enjoyed their weekends. I bought these fabulous shoes today and it put me in a great mood!

bebe Maxine Laser Cut Pump

PS: This is what I wore out this weekend.

Dress: Blush in Calabasas

Boots: bebe

Belt: Nordstrom

World AIDS Day

Today for World AIDS Day we remember those who suffer and have died from this horrible disease. Wear red, the recognized symbol for AIDS prevention and education. But more importantly, educate yourself on prevention. there are tons of places to get facts, and inform your friends and family. Only we can prevent the spread. If you so choose, donate or pledge. MAC Cosmetics has their Viva Glam collection which is now in its sixth edition, represented by Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper. Every cent of the purchase price of these lipsticks goes to MAC Aids Fund to support men, women, and children living with AIDS. Its a great gift that keeps on giving. 

PS: This is what I wore today.

Sweater: H&M

Skinny Jeans: bebe

Boots: Nine West

Hat: Blush in Calabasas

Scarf: The Gap