Fashion Blog » Personal Pick of the Week

Ok, so it was in the hundreds in some parts of California today…but fall is coming people! Start getting excited! I was thrilled to feel a drop in temperature the other day and even got out one of my favorite sweaters. I’m feeling that it will cool down sooner this year than it usually does. In that case, I want to be prepared. This season, I really want to pick up a few good sweaters. My old ones have seen better days and if I could find at least one or two new ones that will keep me warm (not hot) I would be pretty jazzed. Always on the hunt for reasonably priced staple items, I thought it would be fun this time to fantasize a little of a bigger budget for clothing. Shopping has been lowest on the priority-money spending list lately (with the exception of three cute thrift shop dresses I picked up yesterday :), so I’ll indulge in my dreams at least. Now…if I could go out and spend big bucks on a few fancy sweaters, what would I choose?

This Alexander Wang Boxy Cardigan would definitely do…

It’s only $350…hmmm. Alexander Wang in the closet, or paying off parking tickets? How does one decide? What do I like the most about this expensive sweater? I love the boxy style, hence the name of it. Drapey sleeves have been one of my favorite looks this year, and I’m sure they’re only going to keep coming as the winter months approach.

I’m picky with cardigans because they are such a common style, but this one definitely exceeds my expectations…

Comme des Garcons Play Wool Cardigan $358

A wool sweater in one of my favorite shades of burgundy, plus–it has the sweetest little embroidered heart detail on the chest. Yes please! I love burgundy. It’s very vintage looking and if you pair it with just the right items, you’ll get a good 1960’s/70’s look going–my favorite of course. This sweater looks great with jeans and a tee, but it would also compliment a pretty dress too. If I did wear this casually, I would make sure the jeans were wide leg, and the t-shirt oversized. The smallness of the cardigan would be a good balance. This would look so cute with a little shift dress and legwear…perhaps those crocheted socks I suggested last week?

Shop for more women’s cardigan sweaters at Smarter.com.

I first saw this look on TMZ when paparazzi filmed Vanessa Hudgens casually shopping around West Hollywood  in only her boyfriend Zach Efron’s plaid buttondown shirt. She looks like she just rolled out of bed looking fabulous. Her  rolled up sleeves and a unique bracelet, coupled with her big, brown bag and matching gladiator sandals make a statement that says she doesn’t need to try hard to look cute.

Unfortunately, not all of us are bold enough to walk around in nothing but an over-sized button-down shirt. And most of us do need to try hard.

As a solution, a lot of designers are carrying a similar, menswear-inspired shirt-dress that gives you an-almost-the-same casually gorgeous look.

Forever21 carries this plaid dress-shirt for $20 that’s belted around the waist to give your body more shape. It doesn’t have the same ultimate casual appeal to it, but the lightweight fabric and the resemblance to a men’s button-down gets the job done. Some celebrities like Alessandra Ambrosio have been seen wearing the same style but with more of a crisper material, which turns this casual day dress to one you can wear to a night on the town and still keep that sexy appeal.

Either way it’s gorgeous!

Image sources: Forever21.com, justjaredjr.buzznet.com, fashionising.com

In this intense southern California heat, tank tops are a must have for almost every summer activity. But this season, the typical tight fitted wifebeaters and plain tanks have evolved. They’re now taking a backseat to the much more loose fitting racer back tanks. Forever21 is now carrying a huge selection of the new graphic and plain laid back version of the classic wifebeater. The racer back tanks are perfect for lounging near the pool. The light-colored and loose racer back tanks are perfect for wearing over your bathing suit when you don’t feel like tanning. The back of the neckline is knotted which gives it a more loose-fitting appeal. The overall length is longer than most tank tops and it is overall more flowy and loose than the classic tanks. This overly loose fitting style also creates a slimming illusion and you never have to worry about sucking in.

H81 Band 101 Tank: $16.90

This one is from Forever21 and has a fun graphic and would ideally be worn with skinny jeans–ideal for the punk rock chick. But regardless of what your style is, this racer back tank will definitely help you relax this summer. I’ve seen Forever21 carry colors from neon yellow to midnight black. They’re reasonably priced too! Graphic tees usually range from $10-$20, but plain colors typically don’t exceed $10.00. Racer back tanks also generally come in the tight fitting form as well; but I think the loose fitting, laid back version is much more relaxing and comfortable–this summer’s MUST have!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more racer back tank tops.

A great accessory that never goes out of style?  Go get yourself a cute summer scarf this month.  The Gap has a colorful collection of lightweight, cotton knit scarves that are just right for adding on top of a dress, t-shirt, tank, or just about anything.  The patterns are bright, fresh, and will give you an instant pop of style as soon as you throw it on.  I’ve been collecting scarves here and there for quite some time now and love having the ability to accessorize instantly and stay looking chic.  A favorite way of mine to wear a few of the different scarves I own, is to pair one with a v-neck tee and oversized striped jacket.  This look is good with shorts and tennis shoes (like my favorite pair of Chuck Taylor’s) or boots.  Rather than wrapping the scarf around my neck in a layered look, I’ll let it just hang longer, when you do this, it adds depth to the outfit.

Another perfect use for light summer scarves is to wear one as a head wrap at the beach.  Not only does it keep the hair out of your face, but it is a total style throwback from the beach days of the 60’s and 70’s.  Think of Jennifer Lopez, (I don’t really like using her as an example, but today I will…)  She wraps up her hair in what is probably a $5,000 Hermes scarf or something like it, adds hoop earrings and big sunglasses, and she looks fabulous…not only that but the really chic way of going about it is to match the scarf to the dress like she did, they are the same pattern..

It’s a total lazy way of looking chic, basically by showing that you don’t really want to style your hair, so instead will wrap this pretty scarf around it ever so perfectly, add sunglasses, maybe a little lip gloss, and you’re done.  These Gap scarves would be good for this, the tricky part is learning how to do the scarf head wrap (in this specific style) and getting it to actually stay in your hair.  If you take the scarf, and wrap it around the front of your forehead, then pull it back with the rest of your hair (hair should be down for this trick) and start twisting both hair and scarf into a big bun that will either end up sitting to the side of your head or to the back, you have it.   It may need some adjusting with bobby pins and the like, I always have to adjust when done, but the purpose is to have minimal hair exposed, only on the sides by your ears and these should only be little wisps.

Lightweight Floral Scarf $24.50

Lightweight Painterly Scarf $24.50

Lightweight Ikat Scarf $17.99

Image Source: dailymail.co.uk

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s scarves.

Ahhhhh.  The Monday after Fourth of July.  Anyone still recovering?  Don’t worry, some retail therapy will fix you right up.  Most retailers have Fourth of July sales over the big holiday weekend, but if you were too busy at a BBQ or away on a weekend trip, you may have missed those sales.  No need to ever worry, there are still some great bargains out there, and thinking of those who wanted to shop but were too busy out having fun, I dug up a few finds for under $50.  Here in California, the summer heat goes through the month of September and even October!  So these summery things will still be worth buying now.

Jolt Denim Boyfriend Shorts: $34

The wash on these denim shorts is nice, darker and distressed.  They have a slightly higher rise on the hips and are also made with a bit of spandex for some stretch.  A benefit of buying the ‘boyfriend cut’ in a pair of shorts is that you can wear them casually with sandals and a tank top, but when the sun goes down, they are great for pairing with a cute blouse and chunky sandals, perhaps a blazer or long sweater on top?

This tank would be a perfect match for these shorts.  This style of tank has a banded bottom so will fit baggier, but this is a good look right now!  This of course would look great with everything else, including your favorite pair of jeans.

Agnes Abstract Printed Top: $17.80

The front of this top has a scoop neckline and the back has a criss-cross detailing.  The print on this is fun, bright and eye-catching.  This would look good with the shorts, now to find a jacket and accessorize…

To be honest, it was really hard to find a pair of chunky sandals for under $50!  I know they exist, but my attention ended up going to these canvas booties that were just the right price.

We Who See Cutout Bootie $49.99 (Was: $78)

I think these would look really chic with the shorts and tank, its something different and more edgy.  These boots would really look great with anything, especially mini dresses and tights come fall.

And finally, this cardigan would compliment everything, and it has a funky look with its open front.

Cinch Back Open Cardigan: $14.99

This is one of those basics that you could always use and sometimes need, but never want to spend on.  I would take advantage now seeing as how its only 15 bucks!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable women’s boyfriend shorts and women’s tank tops.

I’m not the biggest fan of deep purple.  I often think it looks lovely on other women, but on me…not so much.  Sometimes a certain shade of purple gives me a goth look, especially when I pair it with black.  This look I definitely try to avoid.

I was drawn to this Free People ‘Faint Ash’ Ruffle Dress this week.  The color caught my attention immediately because it is a shade of purple that I would wear.  There are about four different color variations in this dress…all in the purple spectrum, and that is something I think is very chic about it.  No lavender unfortunately (and I do love lavender…) but the dress is just as cute without it.  This is a fantastic dress for summer and can even be worn into late September.  To embrace the summery look, pair this dress with some chunky sandals, flat sandals will look just as good, but since the dress is so short, some chunky heels will balance it out.

To carry into the early fall months, combine this dress with some dark grey or chocolate brown tights.  Even dark olive colored tights would work seeing how green and purple are complimentary colors to one another.  Layer tights under the dress and pair with some really cute ankle boots!! Another perfect pairing since the dress is a mini length.  Ankle boots or knee high boots would work too.  Throw a cute boyfriend blazer on top and you have one awesome outfit!  One dress…two seasons!

Free People ‘Faint Ash’ Ruffle Dress: $128

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s dresses.
Discounts on women’s ruffle dresses.

I am overdue for a beach trip already, but summer has only begun so I won’t fret.  Instead, I’ll start fantasizing about what swimsuit I will be treating myself to as a reward for working long hard hours during these warm weekdays.  I’ve always worn two-piece bikinis, it’s my default style of suit to go to whenever I’m at a swimming pool or beach day.  Two-piece bikinis are super sexy, and you will ultimately get a better tan wearing one.  This year however, I am stuck on purchasing a cute one-piece, but it has to be the right one.  As I’ve mentioned in an previous posting, some one-pieces are difficult to wear and end up looking worse than what you may have envisioned.  But there are some styles that will overall be great, and probably suit many different body types including the two most common “shapes”: apple and pear.  A good swimsuit, whether it’s a bikini or one-piece, will range anywhere from $50 (if it’s on sale) to $250.  One-pieces are going to fall into the higher price bracket, especially if they are a higher end label…you know, like Michael Kors or something.  I found two that are definitely ranking pretty high on my list this month, and I just may have to splurge on one come payday!

This Cherry Grass Maillot ($248) caught my eye immediately…

I love this suit for its simplicity, including both the design and pattern.  The top has a sort of balconette look going which keeps it looking quite retro, and the strap is also removable for a flawless tan on your collar bone and shoulders.

My second favorite is this Essaouira One Piece ($178)

At first glance, this suit might look unflattering, but believe or not, the flouncy detail at the neckline is cute and totally sexy.  It’s very 70’s…

Find more cute one-piece swimwear at Smarter.com.

I love the convenience of finding great dresses and tunics for summer that are tough enough to fold up into an overnight bag or weekender.  As someone who is almost always on the go and hardly ever home, I often find myself needing to pack an overnight bag, when this is the case, I begin to appreciate durable clothing that I can take with me…and as much as I love wearing a t-shirt and jeans, I also love being able to bring cute dresses with pretty details, kind of like this Free People Alissa Lace Dress. This dress is really short, but I think it would look absolutely adorable with some short denim cut offs. The lace on it has beautiful detailing and there is a flirty little hem on bottom. This is my first favorite characteristic, the second is the T back with metal grommets. Another classic combination of feminine and rugged detailing.

Alissa’s Lace Dress: $148

This dress would be perfect for throwing into your overnight bag and going.  It would look great with some boyish looking oxford shoes…

I love these Sam Edelman Simona Oxfords ($97.17).  They’re slip on’s!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s dresses and women’s tunics.
Discounts on Sam Edelman shoes.

Right now, I have summer on the brain as well as my latest favorite accessory, my new dog.  She is a pretty pup, whose current hobby is to go for walks and show off.  Also, to bark loudly at other dogs while on leash, but we are working on that.  Pretty is as pretty does.

To that end, being the complete accessories hound, I am working on providing her a small wardrobe of collar and leashes to sport while taking the air around the ‘hood, dog park, or at our local outdoor and dog friendly mall.  Imagine, walking the pup and shopping for purses at the same time.  Almost as relaxing as the beach, but with a lower SPF requirement.

So for all you out there who love to accessorize till it hurts, here are two little treats I found, just for fun.  I have done some research and there are many, many great leashes and collars out there right now.  My own pooch sports a Kelly green leather leash inspired by a Hermes, one I spied on a fellow Neiman Marcus shopper’s dog years ago and never quite forgot.

For summer, may I suggest one of these charming metallic collars I found on GlamourDog.com?

Heavy Metal Collar: $23.95

Additionally, just because I can not resist the idea, how about matching your pooch’s necklace with this candy wrapper Prada bag (happily on sale!) spotted at Saks.com. Pop your (and Rover’s) metallic accessories against white jeans and walk on!

Prada Vitello Diano Tote: $1,760

I will admit, I used to be an Urban Outfitters junkie.  I remember the days when I would go shop the big store on Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, I also remember the first time I discovered an Urban Outfitters.  It was in Georgetown in Washington D.C.  I was fourteen or fifteen and thought I had found the coolest store ever.  Some may not know this but UO used to carry amazing vintage pieces.  I still have one and refuse to part with it despite the fact it doesn’t fit anymore.  The company and stores themselves have changed.  It’s huge. It’s very trendy.  It’s corporate.  This happens to the best of them, and although some of their items scream “Hey there! I bought this at Urban Outfitters!  It also came in nineteen different colors and that girl over there is wearing one too!”  The store and website has such a massive collection of items to chose from, the secret is to choose wisely!  And yes, there is something for almost everyone.  I’ve turned shopping there into an art form of sorts.  First: I would never go there on a weekend…big mistake.  Unless of course you like long lines of hipster and college kids glaring at you, and tripping over piles of clothing.  I like quiet weeknights, and I do a once around to check out the new merch.  I scowl at the price tags and then go straight to the sale section.  This is where I stay, this is also where I’ve found some of my greatest UO pieces, for extremely low prices!  The thrill of finding a shirt I know for a fact was marked at $58 in the catalog now $7.99??!!  Days before my birthday, I stopped in to find a tapestry to put over my bed…not only did I find a rad ethnic printed one for $4.99, but I came across a vintage leather jacket for $9.99. I paid and ran out of the store feeling like I had just stolen something.

Ok, so I sound like a bit of a UO junkie still.  I guess part of me is.  But now to get my fix I just check the sale on the website (which isn’t half as good) but it does the trick, and you can find inexpensive women’s dresses, handbags, shoes and accessories for reasonable prices.  My pics this week aren’t quite $4.99 finds, but they’re pretty neat looking.

These thigh highs are pretty interesting.  They have swingy fringe all along the back.  These would look good with some brown ankle boots and a mini skirt paired with a tissue thin tee shirt.

Bebarouque Fringe Thigh High: $88

Floral leggings are going to be completely overdone this season.  I can feel it.  Oh well, I couldn’t resist picking a pair anyway!

Daddy Long Legs Floral Legging: $38

This dress looks vintage, the cut and the chevron stripes do it for me.  This is an all around perfect summer dress.

Kimchi Blue Chevron Sundress: $58

Yes! Dr. Marten’s are back!  I used to have a pair of knee high Dr. Marten boots in navy blue back in the day, but oh how I wished they were metallic silver! If only…

Dr. Martens 1460 Original Boot: $115 - Find it cheaper at Smarter.com:  Lowest Price - $87.99

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more thigh highs and women’s sundresses.
Discounts on Dr. Martin shoes.