Tag Archives: Topshop

Capes in California?

October 14, 2010

Filed Under : STYLE

Sure, cape coats are ideal for windy days in New York City and blizzards in the Swiss Alps, but what is their practicality in California?  Let me just tell you: zero practicality.  But the better question is: Do I care about practicality?

The answer is obviously no.  If it were yes, then I wouldn’t own 3 pea coats, 2 raincoats, a pair of rain boots, and thermal underwear.  So that means I need a cape coat to add to my collection of unpracticals and here are my favorites:

Fall Capes

  1. Ash Grey Woollen Studio Cape, Zara, $169
  2. Hooded Duffle Cape, Topshop, $160
  3. Cynthia Steffe Keegan Cape, Revolve Clothing, $475
  4. Ultimate Military Cape, Topshop, $190
  5. Sessun Cape, Yoox, $195
  6. See by Chloe Quilted Cape, La Garconne, $1145

Before I delve into my fascination with the cape, let me just say that I would never spend $1145 on a coat (see 6).  BUT I’m thinking I can take a trip to the fabric store, buy a couple yards of felt, and whip myself up something similar.  Oh wait, I have no creative abilities?  Shoot.

But back to the cape.  Whether camel-colored, navy, trench, or wool, there’s something luxurious and demure about a cape coat.  They’re like Blair Waldorf meets Kate Moss. All I need are minions and Hunter wellies.  Oh, I must HAVE A CAPE!  Plus, they’ll keep me nice and warm….if I ever go to Moscow in mid-January.

Fall Bedazzling

October 6, 2010

Filed Under : BEAUTY - STYLE

Fall 2010 Accessories

…and by “bedazzling” I don’t mean rhinestoning my favorite jean jacket (been there, done that).  I want to spruce up my fall wardrobe with some new, snazzy accents!

During the chillier months, I tend to stick to a neutral palette of nudes, grays, and blacks, intermingling them with a small splash of color and excitement.  These accessories are perfect examples of said splash.  You know, just a little something to get through the dreary months ahead.

  1. Leopard print scarf: I love scarves in all shapes, colors, and sizes but this Madewell City Camo Scarf ($49.50) is not only on-trend for fall, but super fun and dramatic as well.
  2. Desert boots: These Madewell Suede Sandstorm Boots ($188) are equal parts rugged and chic.  I can imagine myself wearing them with skinny jeans or wool skirts or silk dresses – they would seriously pair well with anything!
  3. Berry lips: I really love the idea of a darker lip for fall but I just can’t pull it off.  Luckily, I have this sheer version, Fresh Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment ($22.50), that gives just a subtle berry hue.
  4. Red belt: One of my favorite ways to break up an all black ensemble (my wardrobe all winter) is with a punchy colored belt like this red Topshop Bow Detail Skinny Belt ($30).
  5. Stackable rings: These Lucky Brand Stackable Rings ($32) are adorable.  It’s just that plain and simple.
  6. Metallic nail polish: I literally hyperventilate with pure elation when I see a new nail polish color, like this NARS Vintage Nail Polish in Mash ($16).  It’s like a metallic army green with specks of gold, SWOON!
  7. Arm warmers: Ever since I first noticed the phenomenon that is arm warmers (here),  I’ve been totally smitten with them.  And because I’ve been waiting patiently for their arrival since February, you can only imagine my excitement when I spotted these J. Crew Ribbed Glovettes ($22.50).
  8. Structured handbag: A small structured handbag like this ASOS Leather Croc Lock Across Body Bag ($84.25) will help me bring out my lady-like side.  Oh wait, do I have that side?

Dream Combo: casual leather

August 30, 2010

Filed Under : STYLE

I love when two seemingly dissimilar and unique items combine together to create something kinda perfect.  Like balsamic vinegar and strawberries, for example.  On the surface, their opposing flavors seem like they’d clash.  But then you splash a little balsamic over a bowl of sliced strawberries and before you know it, you’ve eaten an entire pint and you’re not sure what day it is.

Moral of the story: I love clashing combos.  Especially when I can wear those combos.  Good transition right??

Basically, I live in slouchy, pocket tees and desperately need to break my habit of pairing them with jeans, jeans, and more jeans.  Why not mix in a leather skirt, like this Topshop Leather A-line Skirt?  It’s equal parts chic and sexy.  Tucking a slouchy gray tee, like this T by Alexander Wang number, into the skirt instantly gives it a casual cool vibe, making it a perfect transition tool from summer to fall.  Leathah was everywhere on the fall runways, non?

Summer Lovin’: Shorts Edition

May 26, 2010

Filed Under : STYLE

Shorts are my summer uniform.  Sure, I like to mix it up with a dress here and a skirt there but overall, nothing is more appropriate in the summertime than shorts.  Just like the dresses I picked out, these are my favorite short styles this season.

First of all, I love anything that comes pre-belted.  It adds a sense of refinement to a seemingly casual piece of clothing like shorts.  Just tuck a loose-fitting blouse into those belted shorts and pair them with flats and you have an instant summer office outfit.

As for the rolled denim, I personally think nothing’s better than cutting up an old pair of jeans to mid-thigh length and rolling the hem to your desired length.  A few summers ago, I cut 2 pairs of my high school jeans into shorts and I’ve worn them religiously ever since.  But, if you don’t have old jeans to destroy, the 3 rolled denim shorts below are perfect options!

As I’ve mentioned before, I love a good print.  It instantly spices up an outfit!  All 3 of the patterned shorts below have an almost childish charm to them.  They make me want to ride the ferris wheel and eat cotton candy at a carnival.  There’s nothing wrong with expressing your inner 13 year old!  Am I right??

Belted Waist:

  1. Dejeuner Silk Short, J.Crew, $88
  2. Madewell Paper Bag Shorts, Shopbop, $54.60
  3. ASOS Rope Shorts, ASOS, $37.20

Rolled Denim:

  1. Denim Boyfriend Short, J. Crew, $79.50
  2. Extreme Ripped Boy Shorts, Topshop, $60
  3. Levi’s 1960 Tab Shorts, Steven Alan, $195

Colorful Pattern:

  1. Faded Floral Pocket Shorts, Topshop, $50
  2. ASOS Heart Print Shorts, ASOS, $43.96
  3. Rift Valley Shorts, Anthropologie, $98

[Images via J. Crew, Shopbop, ASOS, Topshop, Steven Alan, Anthropologie]

Soho Park

April 8, 2010

Filed Under : EAT

Whenever I travel to New York City, I make sure to block out an entire day for shopping in SoHo.  I just love the stores in this part of the city.  Of course there’s Topshop (which can take an entire day in itself), but there’s also Uniqlo, Madewell, J. Crew Women’s, Acne, A.P.C, Opening Ceremony, I could go on forever but since this is a food-related post, I will digress….

After a morning of excessive damage to the AmEx, the best place to sit down, sort through purchases, and have a delicious lunch is undoubtedly SoHo Park on the corner of Prince and Lafayette.  They have an assortment of sandwiches, burgers, and dogs but the true shiners on the menu are the Belgian fries and Southern Fried Pickles.  Oh did I mention that this eatery is not for the faint of heart?  Literally, beware if you have high cholesterol.  But a little indulgence every now and then never hurts!

{SoHo Charred Chicken Sandwich}

{Smoked Turkey & Portobello Sandwich that I took several bites out of}

{Southern Fried Pickles}

{Hand-Cut Belgian Fries}

{Variety of dipping sauces, front to back: curried mayo, spicy sambal ketchup, basil mayo, black olive mayo, garlic aioli, and another basil mayo}