Tag Archives: blogger

London Calling

05 Sunday Jan 2014

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Hello and Happy New Year to all! I hope that each of you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season filled with family, friends, love and laughter. As we are thrust into 2014, I can’t help but feel a sense of disbelief (and slight panic) at another year gone.

Since we aren’t getting any younger and there’s so much to see in the world, the hubby and I decided to take a mini Euro trip right before the holidays. Our itinerary included 10 days split between London, Paris and Amsterdam.

First, some highlights from the fascinating, charming, historically-rich city of London…enjoy!

Chapter 1: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard

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Chapter 2: Westminster Abbey (no cameras inside), Parliament & Big Ben

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Chapter 3: South Bank with London Eye & Tate Modern

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Chapter 4: The Tower of London

This royal palace and fortress held the executions of many a famous Englanders including King Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn. Guarded over by Yeoman Warders (also known as Beefeaters – where the gin got its name), the Tower is the home of The Crown Jewels and served as the residence to Kings and Queens for nearly 500 years. Its brutal yet fascinating history is superceded only by its impressive architecture and still-fully-functioning role in the modern British monarchy.

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A Yeoman Warder aka Beefeater. Guards of the tower/amazing tour guides

london4  london5  london6 Unfortunately no cameras allowed inside. But take my word for it, they’re STUNNING.

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Long & Short

16 Wednesday Oct 2013

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Please accept my apologies for my hiatus the past few weeks. Busy weeks fed into busier weekends and before I knew it September had come and gone (and then half of October!).

While I was away from blog land, I decided to go even shorter with my hair. I can’t get enough of this messy long bob look. With celebs like Jennifer Lawrence and Heidi Klum also going for the chop this year, I can’t help but think I started a trend. Ok, I might be reaching, but it’s a fun thought. This cut makes me feel confident, in vogue and refreshed—I’ll be keeping it around for a while.

To debut my shorter ‘do, I chose a long flowing skirt to create a stylish juxtaposition. I kept the look simple by pairing the skirt with a vintage cami and sky-high platforms, and added a textured skinny belt to break it up a bit. The result? Effortless chic for day or night.

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longshort2edited longshort3edited Top: vintage. Skirt: BCBGMAXAZRIA. Belt: Karen Zambos. Shoes: Zara.

Master Class

29 Thursday Aug 2013

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With all the back to school buzz that’s been in the air, I couldn’t help but put together my own school-girl inspired look. While it’s not a plaid skirt and knee-high stockings, there’s something very prep-school-meets-street-style about the final product. Gold studs and leather shorts put my own personal spin on the trend and take it from elementary school to master class. Let’s just say if we were on the Upper East Side, I’d be giving Miss Queen B, Blair Waldorf, a run for her reign on the steps of the Met. Studs beat headbands every time.

Feeling the back to school trend? Style your own look and share with me on Twitter/Instagram @herwritemind. Can’t wait to see!

MasterClass1 MasterClass2 MasterClass3Vest: BCBGMAXAZRIA. Top: GUESS. Shorts: BB Dakota. Sunglasses: Gucci. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Shoes: Zara.

Laser Cut Leather

13 Tuesday Aug 2013

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If there’s one thing that I dislike about summer, it’s that the warm temperatures can hinder my affinity for leather. We’ve all seen the Friends episode where Ross sweats in his leather pants – it doesn’t end well for him and it was enough to teach me to proceed with caution on the leather situation (see, you CAN learn from TV!).

Alas, laser cut leather is here to save the sartorial day. With its intricate patterns and built-in breathability, it’s a current trend of choice for this leather-lover. A sheer draped back makes this style especially warm-weather-ready.

Teamed with black skinnies, wedge sandals and a mini arm party, this easy top gives me a defined look and keeps the heat stroke at bay.

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lasercutleather4 Top: English Rose. Pants: rag & bone jean. Shoes: Zara.

A Sheer Summer

04 Sunday Aug 2013

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Sheer blouses with cutoffs has become my unofficial summer uniform. I love how flowy, diaphanous fabric can transform a traditionally preppy button-down into a subtly sexy shirt that’s perfect for sunny days. On weekends, I usually slip one on with a bralette or bandeau to get the most out of the laid-back look.

This top by Free People has a casual oversized fit and the pattern begs to be worn with denim. These Car Mar cutoffs from LF are easily my favorite because they aren’t too short, too tight and are just the right amount of distressed. When I’m in cutoffs, I want to be comfortable, and an inseam that rides up is less than ideal. Also, I’m older than 16 so booty shorts are out of the question. Let’s be honest…no one wants to see that.

All in all this look keeps me cool, comfortable and, even though the top is sheer, I don’t feel overexposed. It’s just right for warm LA days!

What’s your go-to summer look? Send me a pic on Twitter or Instagram, @herwritemind.

summersheer1 summersheer2 summersheer3Shirt: Free People. Shorts: Car Mar. Shoes: Topshop. Sunglasses: Gucci.

On Balancing a Mini

21 Sunday Jul 2013

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One of my most important styling rules is balance. If you’re wearing something short and fitted on the bottom, opt for more coverage and a relaxed fit on top. Finding the right balance is key in creating looks that aren’t overly sexy or, on the other end of the spectrum, overly conservative.

When I pulled this studded mini out of my closet, I knew that I needed long sleeves to get the right look. I landed on this butterscotch-colored knit to bring out the golden tones in the embellishment and add a laid-back contrast to the skirt. My new (old) Marni wedges that I picked up from the designer resale mecca, Decades, finished the look with sharp lines and a touch of shine.

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DSC_0271 DSC_0279Sweater: Marciano. Skirt: English Rose. Clutch: BCBGMAXAZRIA. Shoes: Marni.

Fresh Crop

01 Monday Jul 2013

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It’s official: the crop top is back. And this time it’s not just for tees and tanks. Chic, polished crops are gracing the pages of fashion mags and have won over the front-row fashion crowd. This time it’s all about crops with high-waisted pencil skirts or wide-leg pants. A classic silhouette on the bottom tones down the bold top and reveals just a hint of skin.

As with any big trend, getting the look right is about balance. When trying something more daring, keep the rest of the look simple. Mixing trends on trends on trends rarely works out to your advantage, and it pays to find the right pieces.

When I came across this faux-leather crop at a boutique in my neighborhood, I knew it was the one that would lead my journey into the intimidating bare-midriff territory. While it took a while to find the right skirt to pair it with, this color-blocked black and white pencil style eventually made its way into my life (via a Zara blowout sale – go now!) and the final outcome makes it clear that it was worth the wait.

What do you think of my cropped look? Are you willing to give it a try?

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Top: Olivaceous. Skirt: Zara. Sunglasses: Gucci. Bag: Zara. Shoes: Alexander Wang.

Love in the Ojai Air

22 Saturday Jun 2013

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It’s certainly beginning to look a lot like wedding season! If your schedule is anything like mine, this time of year means two things: plenty of weekend trips and lots of dress options. There’s no better excuse to purchase that just-marked-down beauty you’ve had your eye on. People like getting married. You like buying cute dresses. Weddings require cute dresses. It’s basically a fool-proof formula.

The Event
At my cousin’s Ojai wedding this past weekend, it was all about the one-of-a-kind details that made the day truly unique. From an extremely personalized ceremony to the Pinterest-worthy decor, Amanda and Travis’ deep love for each other could be felt throughout the entire event. Hand-crafted touches of rustic charm brought an extra special, inviting mood to a beautiful Mediterranean-style villa where the ceremony and reception were held.

The Look
For this summer day-to-night occasion, I chose a bright Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent dress I picked up a while ago at a sample sale. Mint accessories and nails added an offbeat vibe that fit right into the playfully romantic scene. My latest obsession, hot pink lips (specifically MAC Candy Yum Yum), were the finishing touch.

Cheers to the beautiful bride and handsome groom!

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Black, White and Chic Allover

11 Tuesday Jun 2013

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An early evening outing to the Griffith Observatory followed by dinner in Los Feliz called for a multitasking outfit that was both comfortable and cute. My solution? An oversized Zara jacket (which I lovingly refer to as my lab coat), wet-look leggings and flats with a splash of leopard print.

During the nearly mile-long hike from the car to the building, I was thoroughly grateful for my choice of footwear. Remember, sometimes practical is the most chic.

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Jacket: Zara. Tank: Joe’s Jeans. Leggings: Topshop. Sunglasses: Balmain. Bracelets: Kate Spade, Katie Dean Jewelry. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Shoes: GUESS.

 

The Best of Cannes: Days 8-12

27 Monday May 2013

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Confession: 12 days of red carpet recaps is too much for even the most style obsessed (this girl). Please accept my sincere apology for grouping days 8-12 together in the epic red carpet journey that is Cannes 2013.

Day 8 Official Selection: Alessandra Ambrosio in Elie Saab

With so many neutral palettes flooding the French Riviera this year, Alessandra’s canary yellow gown was a refreshing contrast.

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Day 9 Official Selection: Rosie Huntington-Whitely in Dior

Effortless, sexy and timeless: this high-low Dior dress suits RHW perfectly. Plus, she looks ultra-comfortable and supremely confident in her choice…always important.

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Day 10 Official Selection: Olivia Palermo in a Roberto Cavalli dress and Zara jacket

Olivia definitely brings the shine factor in her shimmering gold halter gown. While the dress is gorgeous, what I really like about her look is how she mixed high and low fashion and took the risk to wear it on the red carpet. Points for Miss Palermo.

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Day 11 Official Selection: Bianca Balti in Dolce & Gabbana

I can’t even imagine how much this dress weighs – possibly more than the stunning Italian model – but it is worth its weight in glamour. The deep red color and black underpinnings are made to be shown off on the red carpet. This is what all of Cannes should be.

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Photo credit: Dolce & Gabbana

Day 12 Official Selection: Nicole Kidman in Giorgio Armani

At the film fest’s closing ceremony, jury member Nicole Kidman did not disappoint. The structured plunging neckline and touch of beading look divine on her statuesque silhouette. This is one of my favorite looks of the entire festival, and I’m so glad she saved it for the final day.

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Which look was your favorite? Let me know in the comments or tweet me @herwritemind.