Fashion Blog

A mini vacation this weekend up northern California’s coast in Carmel. It was a lovely little girls weekend for my friends birthday…and boy was it chilly at night! If you ever happen to be interested in going to Carmel, I’ll warn you now the way I wished someone had warned us: prepare to PAY high prices for food and lodging, and pretty much everything else. We found out that Carmel is infamous for its high prices of course after we were there throwing down $20 per dinner plate. The weather was splendid though and I even got to dress warm. I took a cute scarf and actually kept it on my neck almost the entire trip. So well it may not quite be fall weather here in Los Angeles, we can at least get ready for it for when it finally decides to arrive. If it’s too warm to wear tights, and sweaters still, a light scarf will do the warmth trick and look stylish. I’m not really recommending a wool scarf yet, unless of course your current weather trends are already calling for one. Loop scarves will be big this season, I’ve already seen them in a few places, they kind of look like chic neck warmers basically.

Chan Luu Paisley Infinity Loop $125

This scarf also comes in a deep plum color which is probably the one I’d pick. I was drawn to the orange first though since October and pumpkins are only two days away!

DKNY Luxe Knit Infinity Loop $75

This infinity loop is longer, but you can find practically any size and thickness in these infinity loops. Some will look like a small loop only large enough to wrap the neck, others are a medium length, and then there are extra long ones like this. This can be doubled up too for extra warmth and volume, but I would save that for some extremely cold temperatures since this loop is a wool and cashmere blend. This DKNY one comes in a few other different colors including a bright kelly green color.
I now leave you with my favorite style in this new kind of neck candy…

Don’t worry, this loop won’t make you look like little red riding hood, you’ll just feel like her. I LOVE this Rag & Bone Twisted Merino Hood Loop! $175

I am not only a fan of the very plain color but there is also a beautiful little brown button detail in the back of this loop. This would look gorgeous on anyone and you can just pop that hood when the cold winds or rains start to pick up.

Shop though a variety of women’s scarves at Smarter.com.

Every time I turn around I see yet another celebrity sporting a pretty scarf with a plain white tee and blue jeans or with a simple summer dress.  Very French and tres chic!  Personally just the thought of a scarf around my neck in the hot summer months makes me break into a sweat…But I love the look!  So I decided to think of all the reasons why I need to get one.  Here we go…

First of all summer scarves unlike their winter counterparts are thankfully quite light and airy.  They could be the perfect solution for air conditioned restaurants or cool spring evenings.  Scarves could change up the whole look of an old outfit without breaking the bank.  They even look great as a head wrap or wrapped around a handbag strap.  They add a happy splash of color and elegance to a drab number.  Most importantly summer scarves are so pretty to look at and make a great fashion statement!  OK-I’ve convinced myself now!

Here are some really nice ones I found online:

Fluorescent tribal scarf: $9.80

  Juicy Couture small gauze triangle scarf: $85

Simona triangle scarf: $8.80

Bohemian love scarf: $7.80

Light weight ombre scarf: $19.50

Retro posies scarf: $ 7.80

Top stitch woven scarf: $7.90

     Wish for peace “peace sign” silk scarf: $85

Fab braid corner scarf: $6.50

Lurex ombre crinkled scarf: $ 9.90

Women’s printed gauze scarf: $12.50
     City style washed tie dye scarf: $16.95

Sequin chiffon scarf: $39

Photos courtesy: Glam magazine,Celebritynewsspotlight.com

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

Any fashion forward girl wants to stay on top of the current season’s trends which this year include a broad range of styles including chunky denim sandals, paisley scarves, zipper skirts, and boyfriend blazers.  The mix is eclectic this year, but it also includes the spring season mainstays like the trench, aviator sunglasses, canvas flats, check and plaid patterns, and the one I am particularly tickled pink by is the return of denim jackets!  Finding just the right denim jacket can be challenging, being picky is best.  I’ve held out on this one, and I finally found the perfect fitting Levi’s denim jacket with just a bit of lycra in it so it stretches on the arms.  I’ve broken it in like a good pair of boots and now I admit I am a bit sad when I take it off at the end of the night.  Finding cute trench coats seems to be a breeze these days.  Old Navy has a super cute khaki belted trench for only $49.50.

Denim Sandals?  Who would’ve thought those would be a trend for this spring. They are a total retro throwback, but I dig it…hopefully you will too.  Look for ones that have chunkier heels, and maybe some sort of ankle strap. Paint your toenails bright red, and rock it out.

Denim Chunky Heels: $39.99

I can appreciate paisley patterns, but they can be difficult to find on clothing unless you are scouring the racks at a thrift or vintage shop, this is because it’s an old fashioned pattern and look.  Something your mother may cringe at hearing if you were to ask her.  The scarf I found isn’t quite paisley, but its pretty darn close and I actually like it a bit more.  I’m predicting florals on scarves are going to come back as well which makes me happy since they will be a fresh change from the keffiyahs which have been trendy for like two years now.

Hersey Shibori Scarf: $34

Since I’ve had such a wonderful last few weeks with my Levi’s denim jacket find, I thought I’d see If I could dig up one for ya’ll.  Levi’s has some great stuff and the jackets are no exception.  I wasn’t too keen on the darker denim ones they have right now but this white re-issued Trucker Jacket looks like it would fit quite well.  Made of 99% cotton and 1% lycra, the Trucker Jacket is cropped at the waist and slimmed down to fit curves.  It never hurts to keep looking for an actual blue denim jacket, but this white one is fresh for spring and should get you through the season.  Perfect for throwing on over dresses and tanks.

Levi’s re-issued Trucker Jacket $98

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more khaki trench coats and denim jackets.
Discounts on paisley scarves.

2009 is nigh underway. This crossover time is when we all privately carry out a mental inventory of the highs and lows of the past year. For many of us 2008 presented us with more lows than expected and far less highs. The spector of the Credit Crunch, crunched it’s way into our lives, our homes, our families, our joy.

This global economic crisis has pervaded our consciousness. Even to the extent of how we see ourselves.  For those of us who possess the malady of social short sightedness - those who equate their financial status with who they are, who measure their self worth in dollars and cents, pounds and pennies, shares and bonds  - this is the worst of times.

After the Christmas binge, looking in the mirror to assess the damage, may be an even more painful exercise this year. So dear reader, it’s time to lighten up. So what if you gained a few pounds over Christmas, but didn’t you have fun gaining it? Wasn’t the turkey succulent? The frosting on the cake oh so sweet? Well then! We’ve all had to face a bit of gloom in the past year, why add to it?  Relax.

I don’t believe in making New Year’s resolutions. I believe in making lifetime resolutions, being on a journey of continuous self improvement and achievement. A journey of learning to love myself more, like myself more and give more of myself to others. Working towards a more content, peaceful, whole, happier me. So far, so good. Hence the title. Let 2009 be a year of loving yourself more, liking yourself more. Stop trying to emulate the emaciated airbrushed illusions on the magazine covers and start emulating yourself. There is only one of you and you’re wonderful.

Invest in a ‘pet’ scarf, colorful and cozy, something that makes you feel happy and warm every time you wear it.

These soft and mushy scarves from The Spirit if The Andes are just the trick! The Ana Scarf ($27.74) pictured below is made from pure Alpaca, available in a variety of delicate, rainbow shades.

Why not celebrate yourself with a Funky Bear?  He comes with his own designer hoodie, in a range of colors, and a personalized message.  Don’t be afraid to have something like “I am cute!” printed on the front, why not?

I’m thinking of getting one and buying a hoodie to match!  Click the link to order your FunkyBear from FunkyBears.com.

Keeping to the cozy theme, there is nothing I like more than wearing a pair of cozy bed socks and snuggling up in bed

These wool bed socks, $26.28 from The Wool Company are ideal.

What can be more fulfilling than making a fashion purchase and giving to charity at the same time. Give more of yourself. Gap Red offers you this perfect opportunity when you purchase any item from the site. Half the proceeds go straight to the Global Fund, to help fight against Aids and HIV in Africa. Some major fashion labels have also come aboard to help. Visit the ‘Learn’ page to find out more

Finally, take a read of Susie Orbach’s latest book, entitled Bodies. Orbach discusses the issues that contribute to women feeling inferior about their physical appearance. Available in various bookstores and online, $10.58.

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

This week’s look comes to us from the Akris Resort 2009 collection. If you have a moment, definitely check out the entire line, it is stunning.

There are some really sleek and classy cocktail dresses that have sheer organza neck and hemlines, but this dress was one of my favorites. I loved the pleated skirt, and the drapey, sheer colored fabric that was used. This look could be imitated with a vintage slip and low-slung belt, but it is very reminiscent of an Ella Moss dress as well.

Moss is known for her super-soft jersey designs that hang comfortably and delicately on the body, a perfect throw-on when everything else is feeling too tight or sticky.
                   

   Ella Moss Layla Tiered Dress in Ink, $155 revolveclothing.com

             
              Plaid Gauze Square Scarf, $20 urbanoutfitters.com
             

Jeffrey Cambell ‘Maya’ Sandal, $96.95 nordstrom.com

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more cocktail dresses.
                                       Shop through all women’s sandals.
                                       Shop for more women’s scarves.