WAITIN ROUND 2 BE A MILLIONAIRE

I'M BACK...and I've moved!

2011-06-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

I'M BACK! Did you miss me?

While I was on hiatus I thought a lot about what I want to achieve with my blog, and came to the realization that I want to write about more than just fashion. I've been writing on WR2BAM for over three years, and it just feels like time for a change. I'll still be blogging about outfits and clothes, but I'll also be blogging about feminism, pop culture, punk rock, my personal life, and anything else that interests me -- so I decided to start fresh with a brand new blog.

www.cartoon-heart.com

CARTOON HEART is going to be the open book of my whole life, not just my wardrobe. I'm really excited about this new journey and I really hope you guys will like the new site as much as I do. Update your bookmarks, become a fan of my new site on Facebook and Twitter, and please keep giving me your honest feedback! WR2BAM thrived because of you guys, and I hope CARTOON HEART will thrive as well.

XOXOXOX,
Sara M.

WR2BAM is taking a break.

2011-04-06T14:32:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed I haven't been posting much recently, so it probably won't come as a huge surprise that I'm going to be taking a short break from WR2BAM.

I've been running this blog for more than three years now and I'm constantly surprised by the support of my readers. I love blogging about fashion and blogging in general, and WR2BAM has been a real labor of love, but right now I have a bunch of other stuff going on in my life that has to take priority.

But I'm not leaving for good, you guys! I have a lot of big plans for this site and over the next month or two, while I take some time off, I'll be thinking a lot about where I want to take WR2BAM in the future. I'm not done blogging by a long shot, and after this little break (I promise it'll be short!) I'm confident I'll return refreshed and brimming with all kinds of new content for you guys.

If you'd like to be updated on what's going on with WR2BAM, go ahead and leave your e-mail address in the comments, and I'll let you know when I start moving forward again. You can also become a fan of WR2BAM on Facebook for updates on the site, and I'll continue to post outfit inspiration photos on the WR2BAM Tumblr. In the meantime, you can keep up with my band (part of the reason I've got to take this break!) over at www.cuntsparrer.com, or follow my online window shopping habit at Svpply.

I'll miss you guys, but I'll be back soon! Thanks for your loyalty and support over the years. I love you!

XOXOX,
Sara M.

LTK: March 18, 2011

2011-03-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of updates this week, guys! My band has been my top priority lately and we have a lot of things on the horizon, so I've been pretty busy trying to get all that stuff squared away. But I'm still here! Here's what I'm wearing today:

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Sometimes I just want to listen to Witchcraft all day and get my '70s rock 'n roll American gypsy on. Ain't nothing wrong with that.

Click for full size.

Outfit details:
Cropped fringe jacket: H&M, a gift.
Black-and-cream striped cami: Xhileration, $7, Target.
High-waisted bellbottoms: Grey Antic for Urban Outfitters, on sale for $20, Urban Outfitters.
Black suede platforms: Sam Edelman, $90, Nordstrom.
Bird skull necklace: Moon Raven Designs, a gift.

LTK: March 8, 2011

2011-03-08T14:30:00.000-08:00

A quick, simple outfit post!

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This is a really basic look, obviously. It was essentially a blank canvas for a couple of new items in my wardrobe -- this rad pentagram-print scarf from Panda Eyes as well as these killer Sam Edelman platforms:

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They're a pretty faithful interpretation of the classic Sergio Rossi slingback platform for like a tenth of the price, and so fucking comfortable it's ridiculous. I love the tiny teardrop-shaped cutout at the toe, which feels fresher than a standard peeptoe.

Also apparently I am now kind of obsessed with my fingernails. I've always been into nail polish but was never much for getting crazy with the designs, but lately I've been obsessively following nail art Tumblrs (my favorite is fuckyeahnailart) and wanting to change my polish every other day. For the past couple of days I've been working this look, which I can hardly believe I did myself:

Click for full size.

Believe it or not, both the base shades above are the same color nail polish, Katy Perry for OPI's "Not Like The Movies." It has an irridiscent sheen that varies from purple to green and reminds me of beetles' wings, these photos really don't do it justice. The glitter coat on top is Deborah Lippman's "Happy Birthday," also known as my new favorite thing ever in the entire world. Getting this effect was really, really easy -- after painting on the base coat and letting it dry, I started my first coat of glitter halfway up the nail, added a second coat halfway up the first, and then put two more coats of glitter just at the tips. I'm completely uncoordinated so I'm stoked with how it turned out; I think it would look really cute with a neutral base too or even just over bare nails.

Outfit details:
Black boucle babydoll coat: Zara, a gift.
Black trapeze dress: Old Navy, $18.
Black cardigan: Mossimo for Target, $17.
Suede peeptoe platform slingbacks: Sam Edelman "Novato," $90, Nordstrom.
Pentagram-print scarf: Panda Eyes Shop, $16.

LTK: March 2, 2011

2011-03-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

Now that it's March I'm starting to think about transitioning into spring, even though it's still pretty chilly out (at least for my delicate Southern California composition). I haven't yet fully formulated my "character" for the new season, though I'm thinking there's going to be a healthy dose of John Waters-inspired camp and whimsy involved. With that in mind, here's today's outfit:

Click for full size.

Short socks with open heels is one of those hyper-fashiony trends that I've attemped and discarded countless times before. I love the look whenever I see it on the runway, on other bloggers, and on the street, but when I've tried it myself in the past I've always gotten discouraged; it's just a little risky. This morning I decided to bite the bullet and give it a try once and for all:

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Verdict? Stoked. Turns out it's one of those looks you just have to kind of get used to wearing, and then all of a sudden, it's fabulous. And my killer Louboutin-inspired N.Y.L.A. studded platforms definitely help.

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How cute are they, right? As far as I'm concerned, studs will simply never be out of style. And I love the nude patent for spring, I feel like I'll wear these all the way through AW '11.

Also working a new set of those Sally Hansen nail art decals today:

Click for full size.

Honestly I'm pretty obsessed; I can't recommend these things enough. I took off last week's set last night and they still looked nearly flawless after a full week of wear. Originally I thought $10 a pop was kinda pricey, but compared with the price of a professional manicure it's a steal, and even if you don't get regular manicures (I definitely don't), you can't beat how quick and easy this shit is, and not having to wait around for them to dry is awesome. I'm officially devoted.

Outfit details:
Cropped leather motorcycle jacket: H&M Divided, on sale for $20, H&M.
Black-and-white-striped boatneck top: Rampage, I've had it literally since high school.
Black scarf: Urban Outfitters, $18.
Black denim pencil skirt: H&M, $25.
Black ankle socks: L'Eggs, $4 from the drugstore.
Nude patent studded platforms: N.Y.L.A., $109, Nordstrom.

LTK: March 3, 2011

2011-03-01T10:07:00.000-08:00

Just a quick little LTK this morning. The outfit itself isn't anything to write home about, but I wanted to show you guys the Betsey Johnson heels my mom bought me:

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Leopard and lace and satin, oh my! These shoes are so out of control I had to keep everything else super simple.

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These heels are admittedly so far off from what I would usually go for. A pointy toe? No platform? A busy animal print, satin finish, and big girly lace bows? I know they're totally tacky, but that's why I love them -- they're one of those things that, for me, are so wrong they're right.

Outfit details:
Black windowpane-back sweater: Thakoon for Target, $30, Target.
Black bodycon dress: MaxStudio, $40, Marshall's.
Black patent belt: Stop Staring!
Leopard-print heels: Betsey Johnson, bought for me on sale by my mom because she loves me!

LTK: February 24, 2011

2011-02-25T10:07:00.000-08:00

Here's what I wore yesterday:

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I kept it super simple in my beloved Stop Staring! dress, partly because (real talk) I'm lazy and partly because my fingernails are so outrageous that nothing else was really needed!

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After weeks of them being sold out everywhere I was finally able to get my mitts on the new Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail art decal strips at my local CVS a couple of days ago. I was a little skeptical about how they were going to work out, and for $10 a pack they seemed a little pricey, but in the end they were totally worth it -- super easy to apply (even for someone as uncoordinated as yours truly) and so far I've had them on for three days with hardly any chipping. The package says they last up to ten days, but between constantly typing and playing my organ I'm pretty rough on my nails, so we'll see what the real verdict is. They're adorable though, so far I can't recommend them enough!

Click for full size.

This pattern was not one of my first choices when I saw the ads, but I really like it on my nails.

My turquoise ring and little stud earrings are vintage and were given to me by my mother. I've been wearing them almost every day for a couple of months now and I love them. Turquoise has protective healing properties in many cultures -- supposedly it banishes negativity from the energy of the wearer. I don't know if I buy that, but frankly I'll take all the negativity-banishment I can get, especially if it looks this great.

Outfit details:
Black boucle babydoll coat: Zara, a gift.
Belted black dress: Compliments of Stop Staring!
Taupe scarf: Forever 21, $7.80.
Blush suede platforms: Steve Madden, $80.

Runway Roundup: Fall 2011 RTW Part 2

2011-02-24T08:11:00.000-08:00

Let's hammer out the rest of my favorite looks from NYC real quick so we can start moving on to London! No commentary today because I have so many to get through. As always, you can click the images for full size and check out the complete collections over at style.com.

Vivienne Tam

Alice + Olivia

Bibhu Mohapatra

Doo.Ri

Erin Fetherston

Jason Wu

Jeremy Scott

Jill Stuart

Karen Walker

Kevork Kiledjian

Marc Jacobs

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Milly

Peter Som

Proenza Schouler

Rachel Comey

Rachel Roy

Ruffian

Steven Alan

St. John

Suno

Timo Weiland

What do you think about AW '11 so far? Which designers are turning it out? Got any favorite trends you've identified yet? More to come, of course! Don't forget to "like" WR2BAM on Facebook to see sneak peeks of my runway picks.

LTK: February 15, 2011

2011-02-15T16:00:00.000-08:00

My concept for today's look was kind of like, what if Wanda Woodward (Traci Lords' badass bombshell in John Waters' Cry-Baby) worked in an office in 2011? How would she dress? I don't have the perfect bangs or the killer curves, but here's my interpretation:

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My leopard-print cardigan, opaque black tights, and crimson platforms really amped up this little dress. I like how the outfit feels kind of girly and retro while still having an edgy quality. The oversized animal print looks surprisngly sweet alongside the dress' antique-lace neckline:

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One of those days where everything just kinda worked for me, I guess. It always helps to have a reference!

Outfit details:
Faux shearling jacket: Piko 1988, a Christmas gift.
Cream lace-detail dress: Zara Basic, $40, Zara.
Leopard-print cardigan: H&M Divided, $20, H&M.
Patent croc skinny belt: included with a Stop Staring! dress.
Opaque black tights: Merona, $4, Target.
Scarlet suedette platforms: Wild Diva, $19, Go Jane.

Runway Roundup: Fall 2011 RTW Part 1

2011-02-15T12:26:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's that time of the year! Here's the first batch of my favorite fall looks fresh off the New York runways...

Diane von Furstenburg

Click for full size or check out the complete collection here.

This collection felt more youthful than DVF's often do (in my opinion, anyway) -- the bold graphic prints, while perfectly in keeping with the house's aesthetic, had a fresh, modern feel, and I really liked the pops of green throughout the collection. The standout for me was the floor-sweeping gown at center above with its Epcot-esque circular cutouts, and of course those sunglasses are to die.

M. Patmos

Click for full size or check out the complete collection here.

This collection is the first for M. Patmos, Marcia Patmos' eponymous line, and it feels like an obvious sequel to the smart, luxurious knits from Patmos' previous collaboration, Lutz & Patmos, which saw its final collection last year. I like the neutral tones and the relaxed fits of the sweaters paired with slim skirts or leather shorts on the bottom; this is sweater dressing made easy yet still somehow very chic.

Gary Graham

Click for full size or check out the complete collection here.

Gary Graham had me at the Siouxsie-wannabe '80s rocker mullets on his models, and then drove it home with his eclectic mix of vaguely ethnic-feeling prints, styled charmingly with slouchy socks and colorful Converse All-Stars. I like the loose, devil-may-care vibe of the collection, which feels as if it were thrown together from the closet of some super cool punk rock world traveler.

DKNY

Click for full size or check out the complete collection here.

DKNY is another one that surprised me this season; usually it's a little too buttoned-up for my tastes but I was really feeling the primarily monochromatic, low-key collection that came down the runway for fall '11. The collection had a mod, tomboyish feel that at times came off almost rude-boy-esque (cute!), and the sharpness of the menswear-inspired looks was nicely tempered by sweet Peter Pan-collared minidresses.

Chris Benz

Click for full size or check out the complete collection here.

Chris Benz went a little darker this season than is typical for him, and I really love it. He's now spending a lot of time in Savannah for his mentorship at SCAD, and he says this collection was touched by his experiences down in Georgia. For sure, the clothes have a Southern gothic feel, but are still imbued with Benz' trademark sense of playfulness.

ADAM

Click for full size or check out the complete collection here.

Royal blue is going to be everywhere for AW11; the shade has been prevalent in New York all week, and ADAM did it especially well, mixing it with sexy black lace, chunky knits, and a smattering of earthy-feeling neutrals in done in luxe fur and feathers. The collection has a very subtle Native American theme that's touched with a retro, kind of '70s sensibility.

Organic by John Patrick

Click for full size or check out the complete collection here.

I liked Organic's mishmash of styles for fall -- sort of '90s feeling floral prints on floor-sweeping gowns, calf-length skirts, and babydoll dresses, juxtaposed with boxy sweaters and jackets and a few pieces (beaded belts, loopy knit sweaters) that felt vageuly indigenous, all topped off by sick platform Hunter boots (I die!). What I really like about this collection is its ease; you could pull together similarly louche looks out of pieces already in your closet.

More to come as the shows continue! You can follow along at Style.com and see sneak-peeks of my picks at the WR2BAM Facebook. What are your favorite looks so far?

LTK: February 10, 2011

2011-02-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

Went for a pretty basic look today. I wore a dress that my friend Hillary (who recently started her own really excellent fashion and lifestyle blog, Thoreau's Daughter!) gave me for Christmas:

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Floor-length stuff is tricky, especially if you're a shorty like me, but what I like about it is that if you wear it right it can actually make you look long and lean. The key is to keep the waist defined and the proportions slim. It's not the most exciting look in the world, but it has some polish and some elegance to it for being so laid-back. The little lace-up oxfords felt more unexpected than ballet flats and lend the whole thing a vaguely '30s feel.

Also gotta mention that that Justin Bieber nail polish with the heart-shaped glitter that I mentioned a couple of days ago has arrived, and I'm a little obsessed with it:

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Totally obnoxious and really not my style, but I'm loving it. The Justin Bieber for Nicole by O.P.I. shade is called "Step 2 the Beat of My ♥" (I know, I know), and I painted it on over Essie's "Silken Cord" fron the Holiday 2010 collection. I'll be honest, the Biebs polish is a real pain in the ass -- the hearts don't cling to the brush very well, so getting them on your nails requires patience and a good deal of maneuvering -- but if you have the extra time I think it's worth it in the end, I think they came out looking really cute and totally tacky in the best possible Valentine's-y way.

I guess this (combined with my embarrassing, unbridled affection for that "Baby" song, which is like really bad-for-you ear candy) makes me a Belieber. Don't tell all my punk rock friends!

Outfit details:
Floor-length jersey dress: Forever 21, a Christmas gift.
Taupe leather motor jacket: Forever 21, $32.80.
Taupe ruched scarf: Forever 21, $7.80.
Tan oxfords: Forever 21, $18.80.
Black cardigan: Mossimo for Target, $11, Target.
Sunglasses: AJ Morgan, a Christmas gift.

Worth A Look: 15% Off at Lulu*s!

2011-02-10T10:49:00.000-08:00

You guys know I feature pieces from this trendy, super-well-priced online boutique pretty regularly, so I'm really stoked to be able to exclusively offer my readers 15% off over at Lulu*s (www.lulus.com) this week! Here are some of the items I'd drop that discount on:

I love Lulu*s for unusual jewelry (like the extremely sick lion's head cuff above), an awesome range of edgy, on-trend footwear from the likes of Jeffrey Campbell and Bamboo, and really cute dresses and tops at amazingly affordable prices. WR2BAM readers in the U.S. and Canada get 15% sitewide off through Saturday, February 12th, using the code BAM at checkout! (The code is case-sensitive, so make sure your caps lock is on.)

I hope you guys will use this code to get some rad stuff for yourselves! Valentine's Day is just around the corner and the discount might be a little incentive to spring for two-day shipping...use it before it goes away!

LTK: February 8, 2011

2011-02-08T10:09:00.000-08:00

I've never really been particularly attracted to heart prints for the same reason I don't usually go in for florals -- they're a little too girly for me, typically -- but lately I've been finding myself drawn to them. Case in point: I just ordered that Justin Bieber nail polish with the heart-shaped glitter in it (seriously, what's wrong with me?!), and when I spotted this skirt on the Forever 21 site last week, it was one of those things I just immediately had to have:

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I think it's the combination of the neutral color palette and the broken-heart motif that sold me on it, and it's kind of perfect for February, as Valentine's Day is on the horizon (not that I have a Valentine this year or anything), without getting too cutesy or in-your-face about it. Because the material is lightweight and the silhouette is fairly springy, I anchored it today with over-the-knee socks over tights and chunky platforms to keep it feeling seasonal. Here's a closer shot of the print:

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I picked up a new ring from Forever 21 as well. I know the double-finger cross rings are a bit of a cliché lately, but frankly I don't give a fuck. As long as F21 keeps making big tacky cross rings that cover more than one finger I'm going to keep wearing them upside-down.

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And I'll wear it with my Jeffrey Campbell platforms to complete the "fashion blogger uniform," thank you so very much. For less than two bucks I ain't too proud.

Outfit details:
Nude faux-leather motorcycle jacket: Forever 21, $32.80.
Black dolman-sleeve sweater: Mossimo for Target, $11, Target.
Heart-print skirt: Forever 21, $16.80.
Black cable-knit tights: Merona, $4, Target.
Over-the-knee socks: Merona, $6, Target.
Platform "Lita" ankle boots: Jeffrey Campbell, $160, Need Supply.
Gold cross ring: Forever 21, $1.80.
Nail polish: OPI "Fiercely Fiona."

Click for full size.

Finally, guys, my hair is getting out of control. I need to have my bangs cut so bad but I just can't decide what I want to do! Anyone got any suggestions? Help!

Fantasy Outfit: February 1, 2011

2011-02-01T15:27:00.000-08:00

When it comes to prints, you know I'm not exactly a girly girl, yet every year when winter starts to wind down, I inevitably start craving florals. (Call it spring fever or temporary insanity -- either would be equally accurate, probably.) Lately I've been really taken with small-scale ditsy floral prints, but how to wear them and still maintain my aesthetic? I could go the easy route and throw a leather jacket and a belt on over a flowered frock, but that's so expected. So when I came across these edgy jeans printed with tiny posies, I kinda thought, bingo -- totally what I'm looking for. Here's how I'd style them for a casual daytime look...

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1.) Alexander Wang-esque black superhero sunglasses with hyper-exaggerated cateyes lend a sense of cartoony edge to the look. Cat eye sunglasses, $12.99, Girlprops.

2.) A chunky cardigan keeps the outfit grounded, and choosing a neutral tone instead of no-brainer black adds lightness. Knitted stone tape yarn kimono, $80, Topshop.

3.) This is me we're talking about, so of course I'd have to temper the sweetness of the flowered denim with a rough-and-tumble tank with a skate-inspired Grim Reaper graphic. "No Future" tank, $34, Actual Pain.

4.) Loving this scaled-down take (it's just shy of 10" square) on the classic Birkin bag -- it adds a certain degree of ladylike polish. "Madison" lock and key mini-bag, $76, Melie Bianco.

5.) A lot of readers have asked where I got my titanium quartz ring. I bought it from a friend, but I recently sourced some serious hunks over at La Dama if you're interested. Gather titanium quartz cocktail ring, $58, La Dama.

6.) I'm loving this super-vibrant magenta polish from OPI's new Texas collection; it'd be a fun alternative to classic red for spring. OPI Texas Collection nail polish in "Too Hot Pink To Hold 'Em," about $8, beauty supply stores.

7.) The pièce de résistance -- I really love how the high waist, cigarette legs, and zipper details keep these jeans from getting too preppy or too '90s. Play Me Jeans high-waist zipper super-skinny jeans, $62, Karmaloop.

8.) Sweet little suedette flats with just a little bit of interest, perfect for kicking around on the weekend. Top-tie flats, $16.80, Forever 21.

LTK: January 31, 2011

2011-01-31T15:30:00.000-08:00

When it comes to color, y'all know me -- I mainly go in for blacks, whites, and neutrals, so much so that you could shoot my clothes rail in B&W film and still get a pretty accurate representation of my general color palette. I can appreciate intense color on others, but it's rarely really been my thing. That's why I was surprised to find myself so taken with Prada's Spring '11 collection, which was so loaded with hyper-brights that it looked like Miuccia had designed it using highlighters:

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The artful clash of colors is so unexpected; it feels edgy and playful and fresh and for the first time in ages it made me want to break out some fluorescents. But of course, I'm possessed of precious few brightly-hued items in my wardrobe, and most of what's available currently in these outrageous shades is either really, really expensive or really, really cheap-looking. So I tabled my yen for brights -- that is, until I came across this hot-pink 1960s wool pencil skirt at a vintage store last weekend:

Click for full size.

I never thought I'd see myself in this much hot pink but honestly I'm kind of obsessed with this skirt right now. I decided to take a risk and pair it with my red platforms, going for a subtler take on Miuccia's clashing colors concept, and while I'm sure it's not for everybody (I did get some weird looks at the gas station today), I think the effect is pretty sick.

Because the outfit itself is kind of a statement, I wanted to go for sweet, delicate jewelry, so I'm lucky that I was recently sent some really adorable pieces from Melissa of Little Pancakes. I love this teeny-tiny locket and set of miniscule bullets, both strung on extra-long delicate chains:

Click for full size.

I have to say that the photos really don't do these necklaces justice. They're seriously amazing, and I've been wearing them nonstop (and getting tons of compliments!) since I received them. They go with everything and look great layered with other pieces. Little Pancakes carries tons of feminine, charming items, including feather two-finger rings and Harry Potter-inspired necklaces -- Melissa even sent me a necklace with a tiny can of Pabst Blue Ribbon hanging from it! -- and the prices are, like, ridiculously affordable.

Outfit details:
Black windowpane-back sweater: Thakoon for Target, $30, Target.
Hot pink wool pencil skirt: Vintage, $10, Fancy Pants Vintage, Long Beach, CA.
Red suedette platforms: Wild Diva, $18, GoJane.
"Littlest Locket" and "Tiny Bullets" necklaces: Courtesy of Little Pancakes.

What do you guys think about hyper-brights for the coming season? Too much or just right?

Runway Roundup: Spring 2011 Part 4

2011-01-28T14:58:00.000-08:00

I'M NOT DEAD! I'm sorry for the total lack of updates lately. It's been kind of a weird couple of weeks for me and unfortunately updating hasn't been my first priority, but I miss you guys and I'll be back on track next week! I have a lot of amazing stuff to show you, including a killer Melie Bianco studded bag, some really adorable jewelry sent to me by Little Pancakes, and this truly amazing hot pink '60s wool pencil skirt I scored at a vintage store for all of ten bucks last weekend.

In the meantime, though, I realized today that I somehow totally dropped the ball on my Spring '11 coverage, and as the season is drawing nearer by the day (it already feels uncomfortably spring-like in Southern CA this week!), I thought I might as well throw up what images I have left from the runway shows -- especially since the fall stuff will be coming out in February. As usual, you can check out all the collections over at Style.com; here are the rest of my personal favorites for the season...

Sonia Rykiel

Paul & Joe

Neil Barrett

Miu Miu

Jean Paul Gaultier

Hermès

Giambattista Valli

Elie Saab

Chanel

Carven

Alexander McQueen

Valentino

Back to regular posting next week...I promise this time!

Runway Roundup: Pre-Fall 2011 Part 2

2011-01-20T10:35:00.000-08:00

Oh, guys, sorry about the lack of posts lately. The past couple of weeks have been intense and busy and on top of it I came down with the black plague (read: flu) on Tuesday and am still recovering. I'll be back to my regular posting schedule next week. In the meantime, here are the rest of my favorite looks from the Pre-Fall 2011 collections...click the images for full-size or check out the complete collections at Style.com.

Versace

Bally

Giambattista Valli

Louis Vuitton

Sonia Rykiel

Pucci

Matthew Williamson

Lanvin

Proenza Schouler

Stella McCartney

Nina Ricci

Got any favorites from this batch? I'm obsessing over Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney, and Nina Ricci, and of course no one does a lookbook like Lanvin...though Louis Vuitton came close this season. Gorgeous.

On My Radar: January 12, 2011

2011-01-12T11:45:00.000-08:00

A few things that've been on my mind lately...

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1.) On the weekends lately all I want to wear are big tees and sweatshirts over leggings, the more unusual the shirt, the better (part of that whole "sneaky pajamas" thing I like to do). I find the Engrish print on these two South Korean sweatshirts super appealing, and a closer look at the horse t-shirt reveals that that particular quadroped is apparently a Cro-Mags fan. CLICK "Money Is Blood" sweatshirt, $15.40, and Miss Hong "We Hole In The Earth" sweatshirt, $13.50, both from YesStyle; All Saints "NYHC" t-shirt, $24, All Saints Spitalfields.

2.) I'm fully obsessed with these turquoise earrings, which have a semi-creepy ethnic feel, like something you might buy from a witch doctor in South America or something. Full disclosure: I totally ordered a pair yesterday and I can barely wait for them to get here. Melissa Barber "Ex Boyfriends" earrings, $28, La Dama.

3.) Right now I've got my eye out for wear-with-whatever jeans that have a little extra interest to them. These charcoal skinnies have quilted knee patches that feel kind of motorcycle-inspired without trying to get all in your face about it. Cheap Monday "Padded Tight Very Stretch" jeans, $50, Karmaloop.

4.) Mark my words, people: 2011 is going to be the year of the ridiculously tiny bag. Like, so tiny you can only fit your credit card and your ID and maybe your apartment key. You'll have to leave your iPhone at home and bum cigarettes off your friends all night, but man, it's going to feel good to be traveling light. Ecote leather pouch, $18, Urban Outfitters.

5.) My roommate gave me this nail polish for Christmas and you guys, it is too good for words. When I wear it I keep staring at my fingers, that's how good it is -- the perfect true orange-red, with just the slightest, slightest hint of pink to it, which gives it a deliciously subtle coral tint that looks amazing on olive skin. Essie Winter 2010 Collection nail polish in Silken Cord, $7, eNailSupply.

6.) I'm really loving everything about this little peeptoe wedge, from the dove-ivory suede to the loafer-esque tassel details. I could see this being my go-to shoe for transitioning from winter to spring in a couple of months -- they'd be so cute with opaque black tights but would also look great with denim cutoffs. Hmm... Jeffrey Campbell "Mary Lou" platform peeptoe wedge, $130, Solestruck.

7.) This Indian-blanket-print coat is an elegant alternative to my BB Dakota toggle coat, right? I love the color scheme and the relaxed, draped silhouette. "Navaho" coatigan, $160, Topshop.

8.) I've been mixing metals like nobody's business for a couple of months and right now I especially like a couple of lengthy necklaces in competing colors and textures. The chunkier chain and almost bib-style pyramid stud pendents on the gold necklace create a nice balance for the delicate silver bird necklace, which reminds me of Hopi jewelry from where I grew up. Gold Blu Bijoux "Pyramid Bib" necklace, $17.50, Max & Chloe; silver "Valley Of The Birds" necklace, $28, Free People.

9.) The right record for these picks, I think. Blood Meridian's Kick Up The Dust came out in 2006 but I've been loving it really hard lately -- it's poignant, plaintive alternative country from Canada (the band members are part of the Black Mountain Army) and every song is gorgeous and arresting. Kick Up The Dust by Blood Meridian, $12ish on iTunes.

WR2BAM in Genlux!

2011-01-07T14:31:00.000-08:00

It's finally here! The magazine article that I shot for with fellow bloggers Almie, Molls, Ami, and Amy back in October (remember my behind-the-scenes post?) is out in the current Winter 2010-11 issue of Genlux!

Click for full size.

Kind of surreal, right? It turned out great, I'm so excited! You can download an electronic issue of the magazine online to read the article -- all five of us answered a quick Q&A about blogging and fashion. You have to sign up for a VIP membership to download the .PDF, but it's free and only takes a couple of seconds. Can't wait to get my hands on a print copy!

LTK: January 6, 2011

2011-01-06T15:14:00.000-08:00

Looking over my clothes rail last night I came to the realization that I am something of an outerwear girl. I have so many statement coats and jackets -- black leather motorcycle crop, nude leather motorcycle crop, fringed leather jacket, camel cape, classic denim jacket, black-and-navy shaggy faux fur, turquoise ruffled peacoat, cropped shearling, black boucle trench, '60s yellow swing coat, oh my god, the list goes on and on.

What I like about interesting outerwear is that it makes the rest of your outfit easier. In winter, having two or three unique coats in rotation will distract everyone from the fact that you've been wearing the same leggings, Poison t-shirt, and motorcycle boots for three days. And in summer, a little statement jacket (black leather crop dripping with fringe, anyone?) can make cutoffs and a Hanes tank into a Lookbook-worthy outfit.

So I was blessed this Christmas (as I am, actually, almost every holiday season -- I guess my friends and family have my number!) to get a couple of rad new coats to add to my ever-expanding collection. You already saw my cropped faux shearling on Monday; here is the other, with which I am kind of obsessed:

Click for full size.

This BB Dakota coat has been all over the magazines the past couple of months, making it kind of a hard-to-get item all of a sudden, but I actually first featured it here on WR2BAM over a year ago! At that time it was called the "Albuquerque" jacket; it's since been renamed the "Flagstaff" jacket (at least at Fred Flare), which is all the more appropriate, considering Flagstaff is my beloved hometown.

What I said about a good jacket distracting people from the fact that you might be basically wearing pajamas earlier totally applied to me all last week while I was off work for the holiday; I pretty much just bummed around in leggings and big t-shirts for ten days, but I'd throw this coat on top of it all and trick everyone into thinking I'd actually made an effort. Honestly, this is really a pretty casual piece, but with black tights and a solid, chunky platform heel, it works over my look for today just as well as it works with jeggings and flats.

I just love this thing, you guys. Not only is it completely in line with my aesthetic, it has so many great details, like the brown suede and acrylic "horn" toggle closures, the brass zippers at the sleeves, and the surprisingly lush-looking faux fur trim:

Click for full size.

Can't you tell how happy I am?

Click for full size.

Outfit details:
Indian-print coat: BB Dakota, a Christmas gift.
Black scarf: $18, Urban Outfitters.
Black dolman sleeve sweater: Mossimo, $11, Target.
Khaki arrow-pocket miniskirt: $20, H&M.
Black cable-knit tights: Merona, $6, Target.
Black cable-knit over-the-knee socks: $4, Forever 21.
Platform clogs: Jeffrey Campbell, $160, Solestruck.com.
Leather-and-brass scarab medallion necklace: Loschy Designs, a Christmas gift.
Brass stacking rings: $5/each, Nikki Montoya.

Runway Roundup: Pre-Fall 2011

2011-01-04T15:12:00.000-08:00

Here's a little Pre-Fall '11 eye candy to usher in the new year. I'm going to keep my mouth shut here and let the looks speak for themselves. Click the images for full size or check out complete coverage of Pre-Fall 2011 here at Style.com.

Erdem

3.1 Phillip Lim

United Bamboo

Preen

Rachel Roy

Michael Kors

J. Mendel

Jason Wu

Fendi

Chanel

Burberry Prorsum (I know I don't usually feature men's, but you know how I feel about Burberry and this is too good, plus those are some hot male models)

BCBG Max Azria

Rag & Bone

What are your favorite looks from the season? Anything particularly inspiring you?

LTK: January 4, 2011

2011-01-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, darling readers! Feels good to be back after a week off. Working with a kind of casual outfit today:

Click for full size.

Putting together this outfit, I was inspired a little bit by the classic gamine look -- skinny ankle-length black pants, striped shirt, and ballet flats (see Hepburn, A. and Seberg, J.)-- and I wanted to take that concept and put my own spin on it. When I'm looking to inject a bit of my personal style into a traditional look, I tend to look toward pieces that have a kind of retro rock 'n roll quality with a little bit of a Southwestern vibe. While I could have just gone with a black cardigan or a denim jacket for this look, the cropped faux shearling, paired with a few strategic pieces of jewelry and an almost cartoonish pair of shades, is what makes this outfit feel personal and really in line with my aesthetic.

Here's a detail of the shearling and my necklaces:

Click for full size.

I really love the dramatic oversized collar on this thing, it's just one of those elements that takes a piece of clothing to the next level. The shearling jacket, sunglasses, flats, and bronze cast bird skull necklace (which I've long lusted after, from Moon Raven Designs on Etsy) were all Christmas gifts from my family -- how fortunate that they should all work so well together!

Outfit details:
Faux-shearling cropped jacket: Piko 1988, a Christmas gift from my mom.
Sepia oversized sunglasses: Nasty Gal, a Christmas gift from my mom.
Striped camisole: Xhileration, $16, Target.
Black jeggings: Mossimo for Target, on sale for $12, Target.
Patent croc belt: included with my dress by Stop Staring!
Black quilted suede cap-toe flats: Sam Edelman, a Christmas gift from my mom.
Scarab medallion necklace: Loschy Designs, a Christmas gift from my BFF.
Brass cast bird skull necklace: Moon Raven Designs, a Christmas gift from my sister.

How were your holidays? Anyone else get any new additions to their wardrobes?

LTK: December 23, 2010

2010-12-23T15:01:00.000-08:00

I've coveted a fringed leather jacket for pretty much as long as I can remember. (Maybe it was my southwestern upbringing, or the fact that my dad rides a motorcycle? Or maybe it's just because they're fucking badass. Hard to say.) So needless to say, when H&M threw this sucker up on their Facebook page at the beginning of the season, I might've lost my shit a little bit. I went to scope it out with my coworker, who is similarly obsessed with H&M, but couldn't swing the $60 price tag.

So imagine my delight when a couple of days ago that same coworker strolled into the office and flung an H&M bag across my desk, saying, "Merry Christmas, this was on sale. It was the only one and it was your size." This makes the second time I've scored a killer leather at H&M in just this only-one-on-sale-and-in-my-size kind of scenario! Clearly I'm thrilled:

Click for full size.

Très moi, right? I'm especially stoked on the brass hardware because all the jewelry I want to wear lately is in the same tone. Here's a detail shot (and check out how rad it looks with the Loschy Designs necklace my BFF gave me for Christmas):

Click for full size.

Yeah...basically can't wait to wear it for, like, the rest of my life.

Outfit details:
Fringed leatherette jacket: H&M, a gift.
Black cutout-back sweater: BCBG Max Azria, $40, Loehmann's.
Ankle-zip jeans: Miss Sixty, bought on sale when I was 18.
Taupe ruched scarf: Forever 21, $7.80.
Red knee-high boots: Vintage, $16 or so on Ebay.

This will probably be my last post of 2010! I have all my Pre-Fall '11 images loaded up and ready to post, but we'll see how festive I get while I'm off work for the next week. I hope you guys all have an awesome holiday!

LTK: December 20, 2010

2010-12-21T10:24:00.000-08:00

Oh my god, you guys, the past few weeks have been so busy for me, sorry for the lack of updates! Things are going to stay kinda slow around here until 2011 rolls around, at which point I'll be back to my regular posting schedule. In the meantime, here's what I wore yesterday to brave the torrential rain that's been slamming Southern California for the past few days:

Click for full size.

I saw these riding pant-inspired leggings at H&M over the weekend and while brown is not usually the first color I tend to reach for, something about them called to me. (It's hard to tell in the photo, but the dark knee patches are made of some kind of suedette material -- that might've had something to do with it.) At only $15 I figured they were worth the risk, so I snatched them up, and I'm pretty glad I did; I ended up really liking them. This is how I wore them yesterday, though when I got home I swapped out the Oxford and cardigan for a plain, oversized black sweater, and I think the overall look was a little more effective. Still, I'm excited to see what else I can do with these -- I think with casual t-shirts they might be fun, too.

My necklace was an early Christmas gift from my best friend and bandmate Jennie. She knows me so well -- the piece is by Orange County designer Melissa Loschy of Loschy Designs, and I've swooned over her incredible hand-stitched, leather-heavy jewelry more than once at local craft fairs. The necklace Jennie picked out for me is totally perfect:

Click for full size.

So good, and it totally meshes with my steez for winter; I've been in the mood for brass and sort of old-fashioned, talisman-feeling stuff.

Outfit details:
Camel wool cape: ASOS, $120.
Black slim cardigan: Mossimo for Target, $17, Target.
White button-up Oxford shirt: H&M, $12.
Brown suede knee-patch leggings: H&M Divided, $15, H&M.
Lace-up platform boots: Jeffrey Campbell, $160, Need Supply Co.
Leather scarab necklace: Loschy Designs, a gift from my BFF.

LTK: December 8, 2010

2010-12-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

Recently I was lucky enough to get an email from Eva over at Stop Staring! Clothing -- did I want to try out one of their incredible dresses? Um, of course I did!

If you're not familiar with Stop Staring!, they specialize in gorgeous, high-quality dresses and separates with a pinuppy, retro-inspired feel. The company has been on my radar for eons -- they originated in Long Beach, where I live, and I remember my rockabilly friends swooning over their '50s-style frocks on our regular pilgrimages to the Electric Chair in Huntington Beach back when I was a teenager. Check out some of their bestsellers:

From L to R: Stop Staring!'s Wildcat, Majorette, and Twilight dresses. Click for full size.

You guys know my personal aesthetic doesn't typically lean toward the retro, but I jumped at the chance to pick out a dress to style -- first of all, Stop Staring!'s dresses are breathtaking no matter what era you're into, and second of all, it seemed like a fun challenge to see if I could make something a little more ladylike and demure mesh with my own style. It was tough making a decision, but in the end I picked out the Classic Ashley dress for its super-simple, classic silhouette:

Click for full size.

And, well. I'm in love. I don't think I have ever owned a dress that fit better -- seriously, this thing is impeccable. The millenium stretch fabric Stop Staring! uses feels amazing; the dress feels like it was tailored to my precise measurements. The included skinny croc belt and seam at the waistline create the ideal hourglass shape:

Click for full size.

It's so flattering I think it actually improved my posture, and I got compliments from strangers all day long. I don't usually wear something with a hemline of this length but the narrow waist and high neck created the perfect proportion; I felt so tall (a feat when you're 5'4"!). What I love about this dress is how versatile it'll be -- seriously, I could pretty much make it work for anything. It manages to be sexy and demure at the same time and feels both traditional and contemporary. Stop Staring!'s dresses hover around the $150 range, and I can say confidently that they are worth every penny and probably more. If you're looking for a showstopper for the holidays, you should check out their site (www.stopstaringclothing.com).

I felt like I did a pretty good job of making the look my own -- I tried to nod to the dress' vintage roots with my red lipstick and stilettos, while keeping it personal and contemporary with the black leather and big yellow scarf. For the office, I threw on a little cropped cardi to cover my tattoos:

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Don't I look festive? The red lipstick helps, I think -- I've been craving a true scarlet shade lately, so I'm layering my standby tomato-red NARS Velvet Matte lip crayon in Red Square over Revlon's Super Lustrous lipstick in Raspberry Bite and blending with my finger:

Click for full size.

For winter I've been trying to keep my makeup look in general more pared-down (really just eyebrow filler, mascara, liquid liner and a swipe of Benefit's Dallas over luminizer to brighten up my winter skin), so a bold lip is a fast, easy way to add a little extra polish (plus it's just about the only thing I can bring myself to do as far as getting in the holiday spirit).

Outfit details:
Cropped leather moto jacket: H&M Divided, on sale for $20, H&M.
Yellow scarf: Forever 21, $7.80.
Perforated leather driving gloves: Deena & Ozzy, on sale for $10, Urban Outfitters.
Black "Ashley" dress: Stop Staring! -- a huge thanks again to Eva for contacting me!
Blush suede platforms: Steve Madden, $80.

LTK: December 4, 2010

2010-12-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

December is always kind of insane for me -- the holidays are a huge deal at my office so I find myself working a lot of overtime, driving my car all over Southern California delivering wreaths and bottles of wine to clients, and generally eschewing my focus on fashion in favor of what's most comfortable for a lot of intense running around (usually leggings, boots, a big sweater and a swipe of bold red lipstick to keep everything festive).

Since that's pretty boring, I thought today I'd share with you what I wore on Saturday night to perform at a charity event with my lo-fi Cock Sparrer cover band, Cunt Sparrer. I've been sick for a couple of weeks, so the idea behind this outfit was basically for me to feel like I was wearing pajamas, without other people realizing that I felt like I was wearing pajamas:

Click for full size.

I don't usually gravitate toward stuff quite as cutesy as this sheep sweater, but something about the gormless look on its stupid little knitted sheep face really kinda got me, and people want to talk to me about it whenever I wear it (I hear "is it vintage?" a lot, which makes me laugh -- no, it's from Forever 21!). I got a lot of compliments on this outfit on Saturday night, so I guess my Secret Pajamas plan fooled everyone. Now the cat's out of the bag and people will know I'm just really lazy.

In action:

Click for full size (thanks to Emilio Venegas Jr. for these photos).

Outfit details:
Sheep sweater: $17.80, Forever 21.
Denim shorts: Cut off from a pair of Earnest Sewns I bought when I was like 19.
Black tights: Merona, $4, Target.
Black OTK socks: Xhileration, $5, Target.
Black engineer boots: Frye, a gift.
Motorcycle jacket: H&M Divided, on sale for $20, H&M.
Black scarf: Urban Outfitters, $12.
Lipcolor is Revlon's Super Lustrous Rasberry Bite layered over NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square.

Oh -- and this seems as good a time as any to also mention that Cunt Sparrer is playing this coming Saturday in Long Beach with CH3 to celebrate the release of Black Hole Records' Cashing In On Christmas Vol. II, which totally closes out with our adorable cover of the Vandals' "Oi To The World!" and I would love to see WR2BAM readers in the audience! The show is $5 at the door and should be a lot of fun.

LTK: November 30, 2010

2010-11-30T15:25:00.000-08:00

Those cheap suedette platforms I posted about a couple of weeks ago arrived yesterday and it turns out that a pop of scarlet and some patterned tights were totally what my wardrobe needed to move from fall to winter:

Click for full size.

Doubling up on black leather is tricky; one wrong move and you end up looking like Olivia Newton-John at the end of Grease, but when you pull it off I feel like it's pretty much as badass as you can get. I've been wearing my leather motorcycle jacket under my ASOS cape lately for added warmth, and today I thought it looked pretty cute paired with my leather skirt -- the silhouette and proportions came together just this side of biker babe.

Polka dot is not necessarily my favorite pattern but in taupe on black tights -- especially paired with these platforms -- I'm into it:

Click for full size.

Feels fresh and a little quirky but still not too over-the-top. I definitely want to invest in more patterned tights for the coming months -- anyone have any suggestions on who has the best ones?

Outfit details:
Camel military cape: ASOS, $120.
Cropped leather motorcycle jacket: H&M Divided, on sale for $20, H&M.
Taupe ruched scarf: Forever 21, $7.80.
Black sweater: Thakoon for Target, $30, Target.
Skinny black belt: Forever 21, $4.80.
Leatherette circle miniskirt: Forever 21, a gift from my friend Hillary.
Polka-dot tights: Forever 21, $6.80.
Fingerless leather gloves: Deena & Ozzy, on sale for $12, Urban Outfitters.
Black plastic sunglasses: Chloe, $75, Loehmann's.
Red suedette platform pumps: Wild Diva, $21, GoJane.

LTK: November 23, 2010

2010-11-24T09:19:00.000-08:00

Here's what I wore to the office yesterday...

Click for full size.

Getting the proportions right here was a little tricky but I think I handled it OK. Last time I wore this skirt I wrote about my issues with the length -- I was bummed it didn't graze the floor a bit more -- but yesterday I hiked it up a bit higher on my waist and wore it with my most extreme platforms and found that it worked for me. (I got a lot of compliments on this look yesterday so it must have worked for other people too.) I think accentuating the waist with the skinny belt was part of what made the whole thing effective.

I've been rocking my Lita boots pretty much constantly for the past couple of weeks (I love that they're comfortable enough for me to walk the few blocks from my apartment to the bars at night!), and reader Chesca of Friday Night Confessions had some questions a couple of days ago about the fit (she has the glitter pair and they are killer). I know a few other people have asked me about the sizing on these, too, so -- I have the black pebbled calf leather, and I don't know whether the other styles run differently, but mine seem to run about a half size large. I'm a pretty true 7½, and I bought the Litas in a size 7, which fits perfectly (my Charli-C clogs are a size 7, too, incidentally, so maybe it's all JC shoes).

I've really been piling on the jewelry lately, even moreso than usual -- stacks of bangles on both arms, rings on almost every finger. Mixing metals is my total shit right now.

Click for full size.

I found the little brass stacking rings at the Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Show in Long Beach last weekend (yes, reader appletwo, that was me you saw! Don't be shy next time -- come say hi! I'm friendly!); they were made by an L.A.-based jewelry designer named Nikki Montoya. The rings were her simplest pieces, but all of her jewelry is really incredible. Seeing all the local vendors' work at Patchwork is always really amazing and I always wish I could drop a lot more money. If you have any similar indie craft events like this in your area, seriously, you should go.

Outfit details:
Beige motorcycle jacket: Forever 21, $39.80.
Leopard cardigan: H&M Divided, $20, H&M.
Beige slub tank: $8, H&M.
Taupe pony hair belt: Deena & Ozzy, $20, Urban Outfitters.
Floor-length black skirt: Lush, $29, Lulu's.
Platform lace-up boots: Jeffrey Campbell, $160, Need Supply Co.

Jewelry details:
Black leather and silver KISS bangle: LyricCulture, $20, Hautelook.
Skinny gold bangle: H&M, $6 for 2.
Faceted black stone ring: Forever 21, $3.80.
Silver signet ring: Compliments of Like Beau.
Mixed-metal chain ring: Banana Republic, $20.
Brass stacking rings: Nikki Montoya, $5 each.
Silver two-finger cross ring: Forever 21, $4.80.
Egyptian rhino horn snake bangle: A gift from my sister.
Leather-wrapped black bangle: H&M, $5 for 3.
Gold pyramid-stud bangle: Forever 21, $3.80.
Nail polish: OPI's Quarter Of A Cent Cherry.

The Lucky List: December 2010

2010-11-23T14:36:00.000-08:00

There were some fun holiday finds -- especially new beauty stuff! -- in this month's issue of Lucky, and look how appropriately festive they all look together:

Click for full size.

1.) The wear-with-everything paperbag skirt, rendered in a shiny material that makes it a little more special-occasion. Perfect for making the holiday rounds, but I feel like it would look cool with opaque black tights, flat ankle boots, and a well-worn t-shirt, too. Silky paperbag skirt, $59, Gap.

2.) Touting Vitamin C as "the ultimate glowifier," Lucky recommended a $70 serum -- intrigued, I tracked down this cheaper version, which should tone, tighten, and brighten with the best of 'em. Avalon Organics Vitamin C Vitality Facial Serum, $11.79, Amazon.

3.) I don't think I'm going to have time to do another WR2BAM Holiday Gift Guide this year, but if I did, I'd definitely include these classic Penguin paperbacks for Project (RED) -- the graphic illustrated covers are shockingly stylish, and the price is low enough that you can probably find something for everyone on your list. Penguin Classics (RED) Editions, $11 each, Penguin.

4.) As a longtime devotee of the matte lip, I'm surprised to find myself gravitating lately towards juicy, sheer shades. That no mirror is required for reapplication is definitely attractive, but there's also just something fresh and effortless about a see-through wash of color; it's very just-back-from-a-roll-in-the-hay, but a chic one. This coral/berry balm is universally flattering, and you can't beat the luxe gold tube. Yves St Lauren Gloss Volupté in Frozen Cherry, $30, Bloomingdale's.

5.) When I was a freshman at my preppy Orange County high school back in 1999, all the popular girls lugged their textbooks around in understated Kate Spade totes; therefore (in my 14-year-old estimation) the brand had aligned itself with the enemy and could never be trusted. But even my ninth-grade self would be taken with this new perfume with its notes of bergamot, white peach, red currant, and amber and its way-too-precious-but-still-somehow-appealing tagline: "She had a cocktail in hand and confetti in her hair." Twirl by Kate Spade eau de parfum, $65, Sephora.

6.) Like everyone else in the world I'm pretty obsessed with the MINX shrinkwrap nail system, but like a lot of other people in the world, I don't need to shell out more than $30 for a mani, no matter how fine it might look. So Sephora by OPI's Chic Prints are kind of a godsend -- precut patches in cute prints that rub onto your nails and stay there, chip-proof, until you peel them off. Reviews online say they can last up to a week, which is way longer than my typical manicure makes it, anyway. Sephora by OPI Chic Prints for Nails in Tiger, $15, Sephora.

7.) Such a simple idea for a belt, but so genius too: extra long and skinny, braided, and tied in a sweet bow around the waist. I could see this being worn with literally pretty much everything, cinching the waist of a loose jersey t-shirt dress or pulling in a long cardigan over a pair of jeggings. "Never Belt This Way" tie belt, $15, ModCloth.

8.) Listen, you tell me something has been specially designed so that it goes with black, and even though I know logically that wait a minute, everything goes with black, I'm still a sucker. Urban Decay's new Black Palette is just such an item -- a compact featuring six black-based eyeshadows, a travel-sized black eyeliner pencil, and a mini bottle of the brand's Primer Potion. Consider me sold. Urban Decay Black Palette, $36, Sephora.

9.) Remember what I said about sheer lip colors? How enticing are these glossy crayons looking right about now? Seriously, the juicy, near-neon shades are so cute I think I might actually have a crush on them. Lipstick Queen Chinatown glossy pencils in Thriller, Genre, and Crime, $20 each, Barneys New York.

10.) Essie's winter collections are almost always my favorites of the year and this one is no exception -- I'm pretty obsessed with the super-rich dark browns, and the slightly orangey red has an offbeat feel to it that I'm really excited about. Essie Winter Collection 2010 nail polishes in Silken Cord, Luxedo, and Hot Coco, $8 each, Essie Shop.

On My Radar: November 19, 2010

2010-11-19T16:36:00.000-08:00

Just a handful of things I'm totally coveting right now...

Click for full size.

1.) These circular-lensed clubmasters are amazing, right? I love how the straight angle of the tortoiseshell frames along the top offsets the glasses' roundness. They come off kind of retro-glam, but there's an appealing quirkiness to them, and of course you can't beat the price. 80's "Rotunda" clubmaster sunglasses, $10, 80s Purple.

2.) I am so, so obsessed with this creepy finger ring. The enamel makes it seem almost antique, the red nails give it kind of an '80s Nagel vibe, and it's also kind of giving me shades of Blade Runner, specifically replicant-maker J.F. Sebastian's spooky sentient-doll-filled apartment. A hundred bones is a little pricey for a ring (I mean, for me, anyway), but this thing is so incredible, I might have to see what I can do. Calourette finger ring, $100, Urban Outfitters.

3.) Nothing fancy, just a really nice, simple, understated tan shade that's low-key but feels on-trend for the season. RGB nail polish in Camel, $15, Need Supply Co.

4.) You guys know me, I'm not big on the color red, but lately I've been kind of weirdly fixated on getting some crimson platforms to take me into winter. The color looks amazing with all the tans and beiges and browns I've been wearing lately, and this particular suedette pair is so cheap it's practically free, so why not? Suede platform pump, $25, GoJane.

5.) This jacket has an inherently '70s bohemian vibe, but what I'm loving lately about fall's neutrals is how easy it is for me to move them in a more heavy metal direction. I'd load the shearling lapel down with a few silver biker pins and pair this with a loose tee, black leggings, and black platform boots, plus a ton of jewelry, to make it more "me." Ryu "Melrose Heights" jacket, $104.99, Modcloth.

LTK: November 16, 2010

2010-11-16T10:32:00.000-08:00

I know all I've been posting is outfits lately...I'm sorry for the lack of more regular updates. I've been going through a...transitional period (I hate even using that phrase but it is what it is) lately and have had a lot of things going on, but things will pick back up here at WR2BAM in the next few days. Anyway, here's what I'm wearing today:

Click for full size.

In the far left photo I'm loaded down with my two constant accessories of late, Jonathan Franzen's Freedom (I have less than 100 pages to go and I seriously cannot put it down) and holiday peppermint mocha from Starbucks, to which I am hopelessly addicted.

This was a last-minute outfit -- honestly, they all are lately -- but I really like how it came together. My denim shirt had been relegated to the back of the closet with my summer stuff, but I don't really know why I did that because it's clearly fall-transitional. I like how it lends a traditional counterpoint to the leather circle skirt, especially paired with black tights and my little lace-up oxfords; it's feeling kind of youthful and girly and cheeky but not in a weird fetishy way.

Piled on the rings, of course; these three are my favorite combo right now:

Click for full size.

And I also just want to point out how great my treasured vintage Slayer War Eagle pin looks on my tan leather:

Click for full size.

Totally one of my signature items. I thought I'd lost it recently (forgot I'd switched it from my black leather to this one) and I nearly flipped my shit. Phew!

Outfit details:
Tan faux leather motorcycle jacket: Forever 21, $39.
Ruched taupe scarf: Forever 21, $7.
Denim shirt: Gap, on sale for $20.
Black faux leather circle skirt: Forever 21, a gift from a friend.
Black cable-knit tights: Merona, $10 for two pairs, Target.
Perforated lace-up oxfords: Forever 21, $24.
Black plastic sunglasses: Chloé, $75, Loehmann's.

LTK: November 9, 2010

2010-11-09T16:08:00.000-08:00

A quick update to celebrate the fact that my ASOS cape finally arrived yesterday, forty-two fucking days later! Frankly you guys it was totally worth the wait.

Click for full size.

Clearly the rest of my outfit doesn't even matter because I'm so obsessed with this cape. Everyone from my Starbucks barista to my coworkers to the UPS guy has complimented me on it today, so I'm thinking I made the right decision. I love it. I know a couple of you have expressed interest in ordering this for yourselves, so for sizing reference I got a UK 6 (which is an American size 2) and it fits perfectly; I'm a pretty true size 2 so I think it's pretty true to size once you convert. I also can't stress enough to shell out the extra cash for expedited shipping so you can avoid the customer service nightmare I experienced. It was worth it in the end, though!

Outfit details (like anyone cares):
Camel hooded military cape: ASOS, $130.
Striped oversized sweater: H&M, $20.
Burnout black leggings: H&M, $12.
Black scarf: Urban Outfitters, $18.
Black platform lace-up boots: Jeffrey Campbell, $160, Need Supply Co.
Tortoise sunglasses: Isaac Mizrahi for Target, $20.

LTK: November 6 and 8, 2011

2010-11-08T15:44:00.000-08:00

Got a couple rare weekend outfit photos for you! Granted, they're not great (at all!) but I thought I'd share them anyway for the sake of mixing it up a little bit. My small, cramped bedroom isn't super conducive for self-taking outfit photos, but I actually kinda like the way the pictures turned out -- seeing me in my 'natural habitat' gives the whole thing some context. So, this is what I wore to go see my friends' band Goatripper play with Witchhaven at a little bar in South Gate on Saturday night:

Click for full size.

It actually can't really get any more basic -- this outfit is literally just leggings and a long tank top -- but the details elevate things a little bit, from the pleather panels down the sides of the leggings to my Lita platforms to all the necklaces I had on. This is pretty typical of what I've been wearing on the weekends lately; I like to keep it relaxed and comfortable and then just pile on the accessories.

Outfit details:
Taupe leather motorcycle jacket: Forever 21, $32.80.
Cream tank top: H&M, $10.
Pleather-panel leggings: Forever 21, $16.80.
Platform lace-up boots: Jeffrey Campbell, $160, Need Supply Co.
Pyrite chunk necklace: Free People, $30.

And here's what I wore to the office today. Normally I pull together my work outfits the night before, but every so often something pressing comes up (like the season finale of Eastbound & Down, duh!) that has me scrambling in the AM. That was my situation today, and normally when that's the case I come up with outfits that are uninspired at best, but I'm actually pleasantly surprised with how my look turned out this morning:

Click for full size.

I normally belt this trapeze dress to reassure everyone that I do have a waist under all that fabric, but with this long unbelted sweater the looseness was kind of working for me -- the silhouette feels relaxed but not lazy. I think the sky-high platform heels help keep this outfit from looking like pajamas or something.

I picked up the sweater last week at H&M; the cream-and-black diagonal stripes were just calling to me. I knew it would be a great addition to my fall wardrobe and honestly I wore the damn thing all weekend so I'm pretty sure I was right. Glad my coworker talked me into buying it instead of an equally fabulous but probably not as practical fringed leather jacket (which will probably end up going on sale anyway because everything I really love from H&M does -- the perks of being tacky). Here's a close-up of the knit:

Click for full size.

And finally, people have been asking about my hair a lot lately and in real life people can't stop commenting on how long it's getting, so I thought I'd post a quick shot to show my hair progress:

Click for full size.

This is practically as long as it's ever been, I'm pretty sure! It's been nice getting re-acquainted with my natural texture after years of bleaching it right out. I don't even blow-dry or brush it anymore.

Outfit details:
Striped long sweater: H&M, $29.99.
Black trapeze dress: Old Navy, $18.
Blush suede platforms: Steve Madden, $80.
Ruched scarf: Forever 21, $7.80.
Gold bangle: Forever 21, $3.80.
Black plastic sunglasses: Chloé, $75, Loehmann's.

LTK: November 5, 2010

2010-11-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

Still ungodly warm out for November (98° in Long Beach yesterday?!), so I'm putting together more outfits that will work for the hot weather but that still have a fallish feel. I was running on little sleep this morning, so today's look is pretty low-key:

Click for full size.

What I'm loving about these Lita boots is how they can elevate basic jeans and a t-shirt into a Real Outfit, but they're so comfortable that you still feel like you're schlubbing around. That's pretty much what's going on here today -- I tied on the Litas and put on a big honkin' statement cuff and called it a morning.

The cuff bracelet was a birthday gift from my sister's boyfriend -- he picked it out himself and everything. I like getting clothes and accessories as presents because people often get me things I wouldn't necessarily choose for myself, and it's fun working them into my existing wardrobe. I don't generally gravitate towards big rhinestones or the color green, so I never would have picked this up of my own accord, but I like that it stands on its own and adds a little whimsy to the outfit.

Click for full size.

Can I also just say really quick how happy I am with my hair lately? It's finally long enough for me to achieve what I consider to be the ponytail archetype -- that bouncy, high-on-the-head, curled-on-the-ends style that I kind of always associate with Barbie and Betty Cooper and other wholesome retro blondes.

Click for full size.

My hair's natural texture lets it do pretty much exactly what I want it to, which is, after years of battling with my hair at every turn, pretty exciting. We'll see how long I can let it go before I end up inevitably chopping it all off again.

Outfit details:
Zip-up dolman sleeve jacket: Covet, on sale for $10, Urban Outfitters.
Striped oversized t-shirt: $20 at Cinema in the L.A. Fashion District.
Ankle-zip skinny jeans: $80, Miss Sixty (I bought these jeans when I was 18 years old and they are still my ultimate favorites seven years later).
Taupe ruched scarf: Forever 21, $6.80.
Platform lace-up boots: Jeffrey Campbell, $160, Need Supply Co.
Embellished acrylic cuff: Nine West, a birthday gift.

On My Radar: Late Fall Wishlist

2010-11-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

A handful of things I've been daydreaming about for the colder weather (assuming it ever gets here!)...

Click for full size.

1.) A camel cape is my #1 most wanted item for fall/winter this year; I just want to wear one over everything. I ordered a great one from ASOS a month ago but was recently informed that if it hasn't arrived by tomorrow I should consider it lost forever, which totally sucks because the style is now sold out! If it doesn't show up I think I'll replace it with this military-styled version from Topshop. Ultimate military cape, $190, Topshop.

2.) I know I post about Blood Is The New Black tees pretty much nonstop, but deal with it because I really love them and if I could wear one every single day I probably would. I really like the scribbly artwork and kinda tea-stained off-white color of this one -- so easy to throw on and basically call yourself done. BITNB for Urban Outfitters UK "Bumper Sticker" men's crew t-shirt, $25, Blood Is The New Black.

3.) Tan plaid with touches of red is just inherently wintery, and I feel like this classic little scarf would lend a traditional feel to edgy weekend outfits. Wool plaid scarf, $8.90, Heritage 1981.

4.) I'm a little obsessed with Kvoll right now -- the Chinese shoe brand is all over YesStyle, and while a lot of what's on offer is a little too quirky, a lot of it is just quirky enough, like these little lace-up cutout heels embellished with gunmetal studs. I'm imagining them worn with skinny jeans rolled at the ankle and a loose boyish tee. Kvoll studded platform lace-up shoe-boots, $65, YesStyle.

5.) I always want to wear a lot of gold come winter and rings are my thing more than anything else. I like the idea of piling on novelty rings like the enamel lip ring and oversized initials above (I've always wanted T-C-B rings, but you know, go crazy) with more understated pieces like the simple double-finger style. Double finger ring, $14, Urban Outfitters; "Loose Lips" ring, $18, Nasty Gal; 1" high large initial rings, $4.99/each, Girlprops.

6.) I'm a tights girl as soon as the mercury starts staying under 65. This year I want to experiment with more textures and patterns. I love the subtle Swiss dot print on these sheer stockings, and the sexy, retro seam up the back of the leg really ups the ante. Polka-dot back-seam tights, $22.50, J. Crew.

7.) I'm on the lookout for winter flats and these check all my boxes. The pony hair, patent cap toe, quilted detailing and tiny gold-studded embellishments all lend a certain upscale feel, and they'll look equally cute with black tights and a dress as they will with ankle-zip jeans and my Motörhead t-shirt. Sam Edelman "Calypso" flats, $98.95, Nordstrom.

8.) Something in a luxe-feeling, kinda wild-looking faux fur is on my agenda this season and I can't wait to see this little jacket from the new Lanvin ♥ H&M collection that'll be hitting stores later this month. I love that it's a riff on the classic Chanel jacket -- super sophisticated, but with a sense of humor, which is pure Alber Elbaz, of course. I can't wait to see the whole line when it hits stores on November 20 (in the U.S. and Canada anyway; the rest of the world gets Lanvin ♥ H&M on the 23rd). In the meantime check out the image gallery here on H&M's Facebook page.

LTK: November 2, 2010

2010-11-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

Oh my god, it's November, yet somehow it's eighty fucking degrees outside. What's a girl to do? I couldn't deal with the idea of pulling out summer dresses again -- no matter where the thermometer is, I'm officially in fall mode, and today I wanted to wear something that would be temperature-appropriate while still speaking to my aesthetic for the season.

Click for full size.

On a Forever 21 spree last weekend my friend Hillary spotted this little faux leather skirt and thought it looked like me, so she grabbed it. (This isn't the first time a girlfriend has picked something up for me while shopping -- there's something to be said for having a really clearly defined sense of style!) I thought the skirt was kind of perfect for today because the short length and swingy shape say 'warm weather,' while the material is more fallish.

Pairing it with my eyelet batwing sleeve top and taupe accessories really pulled it together, but I still felt like it needed something, and my black straw boater, which I haven't really worn since summer, ended up being just right. I feel like the effect is both chic and quirky -- that's me -- and on my lunch break today a guy in the parking lot told me my whole look was "ridiculously cute," so it must be working!

Outfit details:
Beige faux leather motorcycle jacket: Forever 21, $32.90.
Eyelet batwing sleeve top: H&M, $19.99.
Taupe ruched scarf: Forever 21, $7.90.
Faux leather skirt: Forever 21, a gift from my girl Hillary.
Black straw boater hat: Forever 21, $10.90.
Taupe cutout booties: Forever 21, on sale for $13.
Faux Goyard St. Louis tote: Canal Street (obvs), a gift.

LTK: October 29, 2010

2010-10-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

Oh, the Friday before Halloween, the one day a year on which I can wear one of my favorite blouses to the office! Even though I'm not typically a fan of skeleton prints, I'm obsessed with my silk Zara blouse, which has a skull print that's somehow kinda subtle:

Click for full size.

I wear it year-round, but today is the only day it's really work-appropriate. Last year I wore it with skinny jeans, black suede pumps, and a dark lip, and while that totally worked for me at the time, this year I tried to incorporate it into my fall story a little more seamlessly and I really like how my outfit turned out:

Click for full size.

Everything feels kind of relaxed and easy here, which makes the edgy print that much more unexpected. Because the skulls themselves are naturally colored I feel like it works really well with the taupes and beiges of my scarf and jacket. You can't really see them in the photo, but I'm wearing my Lita boots again, and the wood heels and brass hardware kind of help tie everything together too.

I wore it with huge brass-colored saucer earrings that my best friend gave me for my...twenty-second birthday, I think.

Click for full size.

I hadn't worn them in a couple of years because the size never worked well when my hair was shorter, but I really like how they kind of blend in with my hair now that it covers them up a bit. I love re-discovering stuff you've had in your wardrobe or jewelry box for ages and getting excited about it all over again.

Outfit details:
Beige motorcycle jacket: Forever 21, $34.80.
Taupe scarf: Forever 21, $6.80.
Silk skull-print ruffle blouse: Zara Basic, $40, Zara.
High-waisted wide-leg jeans: Grey Antics by Grey Ant for Urban Outfitters, on sale for $20.

What are you guys dressing up as for Halloween? I'm pretty sure I'm going to be Tom Cruise from Risky Business -- I'm lazy, and it's just so easy.

LTK: October 27, 2010

2010-10-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

My Jeffrey Campbell "Lita" boots arrived yesterday!

Click for full size.

Oh my god, you guys, I just die. I love them so much. They look incredible and they are so comfortable it's kind of ridiculous. You know I had to wear them immediately, so this morning I put together a pretty simple outfit, since the shape of the boots is so over-the-top:

Click for full size.

I picked the wool buffalo check jacket and camel mini because they have a more traditional, old-school feel to me, especially compared to most of my clothes. I thought they might lend this outfit an element of class. Instead the whole thing came off kind of more lumberjack-chic than anything, but I'm OK with that.

The button on the jacket is from my dad's high school reunion. I just happened to stumble across it in one of my jewelry boxes this morning and decided to throw it on. If nothing else, I know for sure that no one else in the world will be wearing this piece of jewelry! It's one of those goofy touches that make a look truly personal -- inevitably those are the best things about any given outfit.

Click for full size.

Outfit details:
Buffalo check jacket: Gap, $40, Gap Factory Outlet, Sedona, AZ.
Black windowpane-back sweater: Thakoon for Target, $30, Target.
Black sheer stripe scarf: Forever 21, $6.80.
Black perforated leather driving gloves: Deena & Ozzy, on sale for $10, Urban Outfitters.
Camel arrow-pocket skirt: H&M, $25.
Opaque black tights: Merona, $6, Target.
Brass and black stone ring: Forever 21, $3.80.
Platform ankle boots: Jeffrey Campbell, $130, Need Supply Co.

LTK: October 19, 2010

2010-10-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

I wasn't planning on photographing this outfit -- honestly, this isn't even the outfit I was planning on wearing today! -- but the rain is really coming down out there this morning (I mean really -- we Southern Californians don't get much by way of storms, so when thunder and lightning is involved, we get excited) and I ended up adjusting my look for the weather and kind of feeling how it turned out.

Click for full size.

I don't really own anything with a hood at the moment (I have a hooded camel cape on its way to me, but unfortunately it hasn't arrived yet) and I don't have an umbrella, so in inclement weather I tend to use my ever-present scarf in an attempt to keep my head dry. I admit it brings out the Edie Beale in me; I appreciate the kind of eccentric-chic vibe it adds on to an outfit.

Kept the rest of the outfit really easy. This trapeze dress is my old standby for when I don't know what to wear. I was originally going to wear this outfit with my perforated lace-up oxfords, but it's so rainy I kind of had to reach for my Frye engineer boots, which were a birthday gift this year. I'm still breaking them in so any excuse to wear them is a good one.

Click for full size.

They're not an especially feminine shape, but I like that about them; with an outfit like this one they lend a heaviness that feels kind of casually tough.

The brown perforated leather driving gloves were, I think, my first purchase at H&M; I bought them at the Beverly Center back in the winter of 2006. I never got a lot of use out of them because I've never worn much brown, but this season I think I'll be wearing them a lot more, as they fit in with my color palette for fall/winter. Recently I cut the fingertips off so I can do things like use a lighter and manipulate my smartphone.

Click for full size.

The thing about driving gloves is you have to keep track of your rings. I like to throw whichever ones will fit on my fingers on top of the gloves, à la Miss Piggy (I'm lucky I have tiny fingers). The effect is a little tacky and kind of costumey, but I like that, duh.

Outfit details:
Tan leather motorcycle jacket: $39.80, Forever 21.
Leopard cardigan: H&M Divided, $19.99, H&M.
Black scarf: $18, Urban Outfitters.
Trapeze dress: $20, Old Navy.
Black woven belt: $6, Forever 21.
Brown leather driving gloves: $24.99, H&M.
Engineer boots: Frye, a birthday gift.
Black faceted stone ring: $4, Forever 21.
Black wrapped leather bangle: $5 for a set of three, H&M.

Follow Up: Glitter Nail Polish

2010-10-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of updates lately! I've been crazy busy but I'll be back on schedule soon. I have a couple more runway roundups left for Spring '10, the November Lucky list, and some other stuff on the backburner that'll be posted in the next few days. I just wanted to make a quick post to show off my new nail polish!

Click for full size.

I wrote about OPI's Burlesque collection for Winter 2010 a couple of weeks ago, thinking glitter nail polish was not generally my shit, but that it might be fun to try out. Then, last weekend at the Genlux photoshoot, manicurist Marsha Bialo applied China Glaze's "Fortune Teller" to my digits, and I was kind of smitten. So when I spotted the new OPI polishes at 2nd Street Beauty on Saturday, I figured I would give one a try. There are six super-sparkly shades to choose from:

Top, L to R: Simmer & Shimmer, Show It And Glow It, Sparkle-iscious.
Bottom, L to R: Bring on the Bling!, Glow Up Already, Extra-Va-Vaganza.

I ended up going for Bring on the Bling!, a sparkly gold with hints of rainbow glitter sprinkled throughout. As I painted on the first coat I wasn't so sure it was going to be my thing, but halfway through my second coat I was getting kind of excited. Three coats later (though really, two would suffice just fine), I have a new favorite nail polish for winter:

Click for full size.

Love. It. The pictures don't really do this stuff justice -- it's crazy sparkly in real life, more of a true sparkle finish than any other sparkle nail polish I've ever used, like you dipped your fingers in ultra-fine craft glitter. Somehow it actually manages to be accommodatingly neutral -- I'm really loving it with all my mixed metal rings and I've been getting a ton of compliments -- I'll probably pick up another shade from the collection soon. (Oh yeah, and don't be jealous of the really sick Iron Maiden charm my best friend Jennie found for me at a flea market. Pretty much never taking it off.)

What do you guys think? Better left to elementary schoolers or surprisingly chic?

WR2BAM: Genlux Photoshoot Behind-The-Scenes

2010-10-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

And now for a break from our regularly scheduled cheap-ass rock 'n roll fashion programming so I can tell you guys about the awesome photoshoot I took part in over the weekend!

I've known Almie Rose, who runs the great blog Apocalypstick, via the internet for a couple of years now. We're both L.A.-area based, but we'd never met in person until Saturday, when Almie was amazing enough to invite me to take part in a fashion shoot called "BLOGGERS GET SHOT" for Genlux magazine, featuring the two of us and three other Los Angeles bloggers. The other girls involved were Amy, who blogs for My Fashion Database, Molls, who writes for several sites (such as The Smoking Jacket) and blogs at Molls She Wrote!, and Aimee, who blogs for Smashbox Studios' Yello!

The shoot took place at Smashbox Studios in Culver City on Saturday. Driving up on the 405, I was super nervous that it was going to be really intimidating and I was going to make a total fool of myself, but the second I arrived all my worries went out the window. All the girls were sweet, funny, friendly, and as beautiful as could be, and the entire crew was totally warm, welcoming, and incredible. Uh...not to mention that stepping into the makeup and hair room was pretty much like stepping into Fashion Heaven.

Rodarte and McQueen and Gucci, oh my!

Surrounded on all sides by Jimmy Choos and Cesare Paciottis in just my size.

We had our makeup done by the charming and talented Patrick Tumey, who as it turns out lives in Long Beach, just like me, and who made us all look like ourselves, but better. He kept me in my signature winged black liner, cleaned up my brows, and gave me a strong lip (which kept getting stronger and stronger as the day wore on). The hairstylist, Jason Stanton, wanted to expand on the "Iggy Pop thing" he says I have going on, so he kept my hair pretty loose and wavy with lots of texture. Both Patrick and Jason were incredibly talented and so much fun to be around all day.

Marsha Bialo was the manicurist for the shoot and she was a total pleasure as well (and she takes private appointments, L.A. readers!). When I sat down in her chair they hadn't decided yet what dress they wanted to put me in, so she picked a shade based on my personality, and let me tell you guys, she had me pegged from go. She said she got that I was "edgy, but quirky" and picked out an awesome shade from China Glaze called Fortune Teller:

So cute, right? And totally my steez, even though I might never have picked it out for myself! I'm still totally loving it.

George Blodwell was the stylist for the shoot and I would just like to say that I fell in love with him pretty much on sight:

He really had our numbers -- each girl ended up in a dress that was completely perfect for her. When it came my turn, he whipped a studded leather Roberto Cavalli number off that rack -- "you're the rock and roller" -- and you guys, it was pretty intense and I was pretty obsessed.

Have I ever had something that cost this much on my body? Clearly not. Will I ever have something that costs this much on my body ever again? Well...with some luck!

Then it was time for us to get our model on. Jon Cottam was the photographer for the shoot, and I think we were all nervous, but he made us feel totally comfortable and soon we were working it like we'd been on America's Next Top Model or something.

Here's Molls in Zac Posen:

Almie, also in Zac Posen and some truly sick YSL wedges:

Last-minute prep with Jon (in tee) and Jason (in vest).

Aimee in Valentino:

Amy in Alaia:

And, of course, yours truly in Cavalli! The platforms are Cesare Paccioti. I fucking die.

Overall it was a seriously awesome experience meeting other bloggers and getting to work with some really incredible fashion industry professionals. Being dressed in thousands of dollars' worth of designer shit was just the icing on the amazing cake. I can't wait to see the final product in Genlux's winter issue, and I can't thank Almie enough for getting me involved!

Almie posted a video about the shoot over on Apocalypstick. Getting back to my normal, totally unglamorous life is going to be rough!

On My Radar: October 8, 2010

2010-10-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

Just a few things I've had my eye on this week...when I arranged them all together for this post, I realized they all look kind of great together!

Click for full size.

1.) Shocker, another Blood Is The New Black tee, but you guys, they're so good I'll just never get over them. I basically live in BITNB's boyfriend tees when I'm off the clock -- they're so soft and perfectly fitted and easy to throw on with anything and automatically look cool. Right now I really want this Andre the Giant tee, and only partly because I might have had a little bit of a crush on Andre's Fezzik in The Princess Bride when I was a little kid. "Andre's Posse" boyfriend tee, $42, Blood Is The New Black.

2.) Really liking the short chain length, burnished color, and antiquey feel of this dagger necklace. I think it would add edge to fall's neutrals layered over longer necklaces in a mix of different metals, and it would also look cool and dramatic worn with something higher-necked. SOOS Rocks Jewelry "Vintage Sword" necklace, $50, Karmaloop.

3.) OK, these jeans are admittedly a little on the tacky side, but you know I like that, and I think the corset-style lace-up detail is pretty sweet. Worn wrong they could come off really goth-lite or dominatrixy, but I feel like if you paired them with the right relaxed t-shirt and a generally laid back vibe, they would come off really cool. I have my eye on them, you guys. Cheap Monday "Tight Strap" jeans, $88, Nasty Gal.

4.) I can't help it. I want a turban. I have no idea if I have the balls to carry one off, but I'm gearing myself up to give it a try. There are a lot of really cute sweater-knit headband turbans at ASOS, but I feel like if I'm going to go for it, I might as well go all the way with a full-head style. This one is cheap and just about right. Polyester turban, $7.99, Luxury Divas.

5.) I've seen these Frankensteiny boots described as "shoes only a fashion blogger could love," and, well, you've got me on that one because yeah I'm basically obsessed with them. The huge platform, lace-up styling, and chunky wood heel is totally on-point with what I want right now, and I feel like these would be wearable with everything from jeans to leggings to dresses of all lengths to shorts and tights. They're a little spendy, but I'm considering them fall's version of the Charli-C clogs I manned up and bought for summer, and like the clogs I think they'll be worth it. Jeffrey Campbell "Lita" boots, $160, Solestruck.

6.) When I was a teen I was fanatically devoted to Revlon's glittery red Ruby Slippers nail polish -- it was pretty much the only shade I would wear. After it was discontinued, all other glittery polishes seemed to pale pathetically in comparison, so I haven't done sparkly nails since about 2003, and I never thought I missed them until I saw OPI's new Burlesque collection for winter. You can consider me re-converted because these super-glittery shades look incredible and fresh and I can't wait to wear them. OPI Burlesque Collection in (from left) Sparkle-icious, Show It & Glow It!, and Bring on the Bling, $6.25/ea, M Beauty Lounge.

LTK: October 5, 2010

2010-10-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

So, after building last week's fantasy outfit with that floor-length jersey knit skirt, I got kind of obsessed so I went ahead and ordered it. It showed up yesterday, so today I wore it pretty similarly to the way I styled it in the original post:

Click for full size.

I was a little iffy about it when I first put it on, but after editing the above photos and just generally getting used to it, it's really grown on me. I feel it comes off surprisingly elegant, which is nice considering the rest of the outfit is pretty low-key. I do wish it was just a couple of inches longer; I'd like to be able to wear it with platforms but it's my opinion that if the hem isn't skimming the floor, the skirt loses a lot of its drama (not to mention I'm already short, so I need all the length I can get), so I may still be in the market for a longer one. Today I made do with my ballet flats, which weren't my first choice, but whatever.

As for the rest of the outfit: first off, clearly I'm obsessed with my nude motorcycle jacket, but I can't help it. I had no idea when I bought it that it would lend such versatility to the rest of my wardrobe -- thrown on top of pretty much anything, it feels really current and contributes to my narrative for the season, but because it's still the classic motorcycle style it lines up with my aesthetic and doesn't feel out of place with the clothes I already own. I still adore my black one, but the taupe one adds a different dimension to outfits like today's.

And I keep telling my boyfriend that I haven't stolen this shirt from him but clearly I've adopted it. I love it. It's so easy. With this outfit I felt like it struck the right casual balance with the impact of the skirt, and even though it wasn't intentional, I ended up really liking the way the plaid bounces off the Goyard print on my (faux, as if that's a secret) St. Louis tote; it's a nice contrast of low and "high."

Outfit details:
Nude motorcycle jacket: Forever 21, $32.80.
Black scarf: Forever 21, $6.80.
Black matte plastic sunglasses: Chloé, $75, Loehmann's.
Plaid buttondown: Rusty's closet. Sorry babe.
Floor-length jersey skirt: Lush, $28, Lulu's.
Black pompom peeptoe flats: Report, $32, Shoemall.
Faux Goyard "St. Louis" tote: A gift from a friend.

Runway Roundup: Spring 2011 RTW Part 3

2010-10-05T11:54:00.000-07:00

OK, let's bang these bitches out! Here are more of my favorite looks from Spring '11:

Marchesa

Click for full size or check out the complete collection here.

Looking at Marchesa is pretty much like looking at porn. I can't hope to afford anything by Georgina and Keren (and if I did, where would I wear it -- the bar?), and it's not like you can really draw any kind of real-life wardrobe inspiration from these fantastical concoctions, but who cares? They're just so pretty. I'm loving the ethereal moment this collection is having; the Childlike Empress-feeling headpieces and lace jumpsuits are especially breathtaking.

Milly

Click for full size or check out the entire collection here.

There have been a lot of Peggy Guggenheim references on the runways recently; I like Michelle Smith's take for spring because it's a little less obvious, a little more tongue-in-cheek (as Milly is often wont to do). As I have often said, I'm not the biggest fan in the world of a lot of red, particularly when paired with true green, but it's really working for me here in conjunction with the kind of '70s yellows and browns. I'm loving the turbans (still desperate for this to be a look I can eventually master), and the prints strike the perfect balance between playful and ladylike.

Tess Giberson

Click for full size or check out the entire collection here.

Tess Giberson called her Spring '11 offering "Shift," and it has a smart, sensible minimalism that jibes with the overall vibe of the upcoming season. I like this collection for its cool simplicity, its wearability, its appealing color palette and overall ease. There's something to be said for a lot of fanfare and frippery but there's also something to be said about laid-back collections like this one, collections that inspire you to look in your closet and build something similar and actually have the ability to do it. The slightly oversized blazers and vests are especially inspiring.

Reem Acra

Click for full size or check out the entire collection here.

Mmmm, Reem Acra is so good. I really adore her kind of haute hippie aesthetic -- she's huge in the Middle East, where the upper crust like their gowns especially bedazzled, as well as with Hollywood's flower-child-glam set (see Nicole Richie). I liked that this collection married Acra's ultra-luxe embellishments with pieces that felt a little more organic but still hyper-chic, like the belts of twisted gold or dark brown leather and the chunky agate jewelry. That last dress in particular is kind of killing me.

Ralph Lauren

Click for full size or check out the entire collection here.

You guys know me, All-American prep is not exactly my thing and for that reason I'm not usually especially titillated by Ralph Lauren, but this season I was really taken by his collection. It felt personal for me because it was so obviously inspired by the Southwest, a reference that's incredibly dear to my heart for myriad reasons, least of all my Arizona upbringing. I liked the way he mixed traditionally luxe textures and concepts with the Western feeling -- all that silver fringe is kind of genius, and the saddle blankets and big belt buckles are nicely unexpected over sexy cocktail dresses and floor-length gowns.

Rebecca Minkoff

Click for full size or check out the entire collection here.

Too cute -- this collection is kind of downtown and young and hip and fresh and not trying too hard and I like that. The layering and sense of proportion at work here is pretty genius, and I really appreciate how the clothes feel dressed up but not dressed up, you know? They're chic but they also have a thrown-on, effortless feel. I especially like the shrunken navy blazer and the heathered gray long-sleeved t-shirt with cutouts for their simultaneously polished and edgy vibe.

Burberry Prorsum

Click for full size or check out the entire collection here.

As I apparently pretty much always do with Burberry Prorsum now, I could not even begin to try to pick just six looks, so instead I whittled it down to 12 (and even that was a struggle). I can't help it. Everything Christopher Bailey does totally gets me going. Like, can we please just talk about all the studs on those jackets above and how fucking good they look? What is it about Bailey that allows him to take something that's derivitive at best and tired at worst and just make it look so incredibly new? The pops of neon and his stalwart devotion to khaki and beige keep the collection from veering too far into Balmain territory, and as always, the silhouettes are about as close to perfect as you can get. I totally die.

More to come in the next couple days, as usual! I'm getting down to it, but I probably have two or three more updates to do before we're totally done with Spring '11. Keep up with me by becoming a fan of WR2BAM on Facebook, or just check out all the collections over at Style.com.

LTK: October 4, 2010

2010-10-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

Feeling fallish out today, and I'm transitioning one of my summer dresses into the new season:

Click for full size.

I have never been a huge fan of sheer tights -- they make me think of pantyhose, to which I have a very serious aversion -- but I wanted to mix it up a little bit this season, so I decided to give them a try. My addiction to opaque black tights for fall and winter is not going to go anywhere, but I have to admit that for this look, the sheer tights feel pretty fresh. I'm still not completely sold, but I like them here, and I'll keep experimenting with them as autumn progresses. What are you guys' thoughts on sheer legwear?

As for the rest of the outfit, I feel like the neutral accessories pushed this little dress into fall pretty nicely and also helped to get the whole look in line with my narrative for the season.

Outfit details:
Taupe faux-leather motorcycle jacket: Forever 21, $32.80.
Tank dress: Forever 21, $12.80.
Black cardigan: Mossimo for Target, $18, Target.
Sheer black tights: Merona, $7, Target.
Perforated lace-up oxfords: Forever 21, $24.80.

Fantasy Outfit: September 28, 2010

2010-09-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

Even though we're currently experience record-breaking heat in Southern California (seriously, 109° in Long Beach yesterday? I thought I left Arizona over a decade ago!), I've still got autumn on my mind something fierce.

I've been thinking a lot lately about the concept I created for fall and the pieces I want to add to my wardrobe this season to further that concept, and one thing I'm really longing for is a basic jersey knit maxi skirt, preferably something with a relatively high waist. I haven't sported a floor-length skirt since 1997 (I wore mine with chunky-heeled patent oxfords and a polyester 70s floral blouse, natch), but the new styles coming out feel loose and fresh and really easy and I'm feeling like they're going to be really versatile over the next couple of seasons. Here's just one way I'm thinking about styling one:

Click for full size.

1.) Even rendered in casual fabric, a floor-length skirt can seem formal, so I'd pair it with a loose, easy button-up -- whether it's pilfered from a dude's closet or just looks like it might've been, a tomboyish vibe keeps the whole thing effortless and casual. (Who What Wear recently showed one tied at the midriff with a maxi, which is also an appealing idea if you're daring.) BDG "Fall Breezy" shirt, $38, Urban Outfitters.

2.) I'd pile on a tangle of necklaces to personalize this look -- long silver pendants with a talisman-like feel work well paired with more organic materials like horn and bone, and the resulting eclectic vibe is in keeping with my fall concept. Double chain with acrylic horns, $6.99, Girlprops; silver bird skull necklace, $24, Urban Outfitters.

3.) This is basically the perfect maxi skirt -- incredibly simple, with just the slightest flare to its silhouette, an elastic waistband that allows you to sit it where you want it on your waist, and totally affordable. I'd cinch it with a masculine belt to make it look a little richer. "Breeze On By" maxi skirt, $28, Lulu's; leather boyfriend belt, $30.33, ASOS.

4.) I almost went with big lace-up platforms for this look, but these utilitarian-feeling flat boots called to me; they have a kind of army-surplus-luxe vibe that's unexpected peeking out from under the hem of a lengthy skirt. "Leeds" boots, $78, Need Supply Co.

5.) I'm not much of an eyeshadow girl, especially for daytime, but I feel like something about this look calls for a touch of cosmetic drama and I like the idea of a wash of rich color around the eyes with the rest of the face left dewy and bare. This deep reddish plum is fairly neutral so it'll flatter most skintones, and it's also on-trend with fall's purple moment for beauty. Make Up For Ever eyeshadow in Plum, $19, Sephora.

6.) This outfit called for an unfussy handbag in a manageable size. I picked this beige bucket bag for its unexpected shape, and I also really like the embellishment -- silver studs can admittedly feel a bit tired, but the varying sizes and shapes here are really working for me, and they also add a little bit of flash to the outfit. Cozy studded bucket bag, $70, YesStyle.

7.) I really like this hefty ring -- it almost looks like stone and feels earthy enough that it doesn't conflict with the necklaces I selected, but when you get a closer look at it and realize it's clear resin set with metallic foil, it takes on a cool, modern feel that I think really works with the overall look. Naked Label pyramid ring, $46, Shopbop.

What do you guys think about maxi skirts -- is it a trend you'll try this season? Any updates on your fall concepts? Also, don't forget to check out my Lucky magazine featured guest post today over at luckymag.com -- I wrote about dressing like one of my favorite movie characters of all time, Bud Cort's Harold from Harold & Maude, who just so happens to be totally on-trend for autumn.

Runway Roundup: Spring 2011 RTW Part 2

2010-09-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lag in updates last week, guys...I spent most of last week pulling my posts together for the Lucky magazine blog, as my guest blogs start today and will continue all week long over at luckymag.com! I'll edit this post when my first post goes live later on today!

Update (3:53 PST): My first guest blog is live at luckymag.com, check it out!

So I'm a little behind in my Spring 2011 coverage, but you guys know me, I'm intrepid as hell and I'll soldier on, even if I'm still talking about fashion week in November. Here are a few more of my picks from the recent S/S collections:

Z Spoke by Zac Posen

Click for full size or check out the complete collection here.

Zac Posen's newest venture, the lower-priced little sister line Z Spoke, had its runway debut in true Posen fashion -- the clothes were bright and bubbly, the styling was fresh and youthful, and the models looked like they were actually having a pretty good time. Zac says the new collection is his bid at opening up a dialogue with "the bloggers and the fans," and by that I assume he means us normal gals who aren't about to splash out a couple thou for a blouse. Honestly, I'm not holding my breath for Z Spoke to be any more affordable than any of the other "less expensive" little-sister collections out there (See by Chloé, MBMJ, etc., where t-shirts still push $100), but I do appreciate Zac's effort to connect with the common folk, and there's something undeniably appealing about his silhouettes here, especially taking into account Daisy de Villeneuve's joyful prints of fruit and faces.

3.1 Phillip Lim

Click for full size or check out the complete collection here.

Much of Phillip Lim's spring show played with a curious, puzzle-like take on layering (evident in the first look above), a concept that was intriguing to look at but that as far as I'm concerned doesn't translate into the real world as well as the more straightforward looks from the collection -- the tailored pants that seem to have been inspired by mens' pajamas, for instance, or the simple, impeccably cut blazers and dresses. Everything felt very luxe and at times a little Parisian, and I liked the pops of sky blue scattered throughout an otherwise very neutral palette.

Anna Sui

Click for full size or check out the complete collection here.

Anna Sui celebrates 20 years as a brand this season, so it was only appropriate that her spring collection should feel a little nostalgic for seasons past, but it also felt fresher than Sui's shows have in a while. I guess the whole multi-culti-gyspy-hippie thing was wearing a little thin for me, and while this season definitely hasn't shaken that vibe (how could it?), Anna returned to a kind of American-girl sensibility for spring that feels more accessible and is in line with my aesthetic right now. Citing the '78 dust bowl flick Days of Heaven as well as Joni Mitchell's '60s Laurel Canyon posse among her inspirations, the clothes have a sun-drenched quality that's part frontierwoman and part folkstress, yet they don't feel any more costumey than Sui's clothes ever do. The dewy, all-natural styling was on point as well.

Bibhu Mohapatra

Click for full size or check out the complete collection here.

I really loved the relative simplicity of Bibhu Mohapatra's spring looks -- the nipped-in waists, traditional silhouettes, and general sort of dressed-up everyday chic all comes off both ladylike and inherently cool. I got a bit of a '60s vibe from the collection thanks to the outsized round sunglasses and overall kind of Sex & The Single Girl feeling. Mohapatra said he was inspired by early feminists, and if the second wave is indeed what he's referring to, then yeah, I can definitely see a little Gloria Steinem and Ms. magazine in these clothes. Gorgeous.

Elise Øverland

Click for full size or check out the complete collection here.

I'm a big fan of Elise Øverland's aesthetic -- she always works with a lot of leather, making clothes that feel seasonless and sexy and kind of rock 'n roll without ever getting over-the-top or costumey. She went in a slightly lighter direction for spring, working featherweight dresses that have real softness and movement to them in among the structured leather pieces. I'm really into it, especially the third and fifth dresses shown above -- the clothes still have Øverland's signature badass motorcycle babe vibe, but tempered down a little bit, and the effect really has me.

Jeremy Scott

Click for full size or check out the complete collection here.

Listen, as a designer Jeremy Scott certainly isn't reinventing the wheel with his looks, which tend as a whole to be pretty derivitive and which often seem meant to shock more than anything else. There are always a few things on his runways which are just too far over the line into tacky for my tastes, but that said, there's still a lot to like about his very unserious take on fashion. For Spring '11 he celebrated New York City with silky tanks made to look like corner bodega plastic sacks and dresses made of flattened beer cans (his 'prosciutto' dress, which appeared to be made of raw meat, might have felt fresher had Lady Gaga not shown up to the VMAs in an actual meat dress only a couple of nights before) and riffed on gay culture (the bear t-shirt above, not to mention an infantry of male models in assless chaps that would make Rob Halford blush). Silly, absolutely, but there's a a spirit and a sense of humor to these clothes that you can't deny.

Lela Rose

Click for full size or check out the complete collection here.

Lela Rose is sometimes a little too sweet for my tastes, but that sweetness really worked this season in conjunction with her focus on sheer paneled details -- the cutouts added a sexiness and an edge to clothes that might otherwise have been too treacly (or, in the case of the striped pieces, a shade too reminiscent of Stella McCartney's fall sheaths). I liked the mix of prints at work, too -- the floral short and sheer striped tee in the fourth look are working together for me particularly well.

More to come this week! Don't forget to follow WR2BAM on Facebook for sneak peeks at my favorite looks from the spring shows, or check out Style.com for complete fashion week coverage.

LTK: September 22, 2010

2010-09-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

This is so embarrassingly fashiony-pretentious, but something I really like to do at the beginning of every season is to come up with a kind of narrative for where I want my style to go for the upcoming months. I like to create a kind of character, using a conglomeration of references running the gamut from films to books to places to personal experiences, and then conjure up that 'character' when I'm putting my outfits together. I know it might sound like kind of a load of sartorial escapist bullshit, but honestly, it's shocking how helpful having a concept to call upon can be when you're getting dressed in the morning. I'm not saying it works every day, but when I'm staring blankly at my clothes rail, thinking about my imaginary "character" for the season can really help me pull things together.

My fall concept is kind of Belle du Jour by way of the American southwest -- effortless and vixenish, with an emphasis on vintage boots and neutral colors, chunky jewelry and a vaguely 1970s feel, with touches of L.A. punk rock and white trash. The character I'm thinking of is an independent girl with a secret, the kind of broad who's made herself at home in Los Angeles and can appreciate the finer things but remembers what desert wind smells like and how to handle a rifle. Her personal soundtrack is heavy on psych rock and doomy stoner metal -- Blue Cheer, Leaf Hound, Witchcraft, Sir Lord Baltimore, Acid King, the new Black Angels record that just came out. I try to reference her when I'm selecting jewelry, putting on perfume, or picking out which boots to wear. Today I thought of her while I pulled together my office outfit:

Click for full size.

It's a slightly more subdued take on the concept (work and everything), but having that character to pull up was totally helpful in putting this outfit together, in deciding on a taupe scarf instead of black, for instance, and on my burgundy vintage boots instead of a platform heel, in going easy on the jewelry and picking stuff that has a slightly rough-hewn quality, like this simple leather-wrapped bracelet:

Click for full size.

It was part of a set of three (also including brown and cream) from H&M, and although it's totally no-frills I really, really like it on its own -- something about it is just appealing to me -- and I feel like it works with my style narrative for the season.

Outfit details:
Taupe faux-leather motorcycle jacket: $32.80, Forever 21.
Taupe scarf: $6.80, Forever 21.
Black sunglasses: KISS, $5, OC Swapmeet.
White button-up shirt: $7.99, H&M.
Black denim pencil skirt: $20, H&M.
Burgundy leather knee-high boots: Vintage, $12, Ebay.
Black leather-wrapped bracelet: $5 for a set of 3, H&M.
Rough titanium quartz ring: Bought from a friend for $20.
Silver signet ring: Compliments of Like Beau.

What do you guys think about coming up with a 'character' or a style story? What's your concept for fall?

Runway Roundup: Spring 2011 RTW Part 1

2010-09-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! September is my favorite month, not just because it's my birthday and I love fall (though that helps), but also because fashion week keeps me busy and excited through October! Even though I can't even begin to hope to afford anything that's coming down the spring runways, poring over the collections is therapy for me and I love thinking about how I'll interpret my favorite looks and trends when the season arrives.

Speaking of designer fashion, before I get to the collections today, if everyone could please turn their attention to the sidebar at the right! H&M is holding a competition for fashion bloggers -- whichever blog gets the most votes will get the worldwide exclusive trailer for the upcoming Lanvin ♥ H&M fashion show! Regular readers will know how obsessed I am with both Lanvin and H&M, and WR2BAM Facebook followers have already seen me flipping out over the very thought of this collaboration, so needless to say it would be pretty rad to win. I feel like WR2BAM is the perfect place for H&M to debut the Lanvin collab, considering how I'm all about champagne tastes on that High Life budget. Please, please vote for me by clicking on the button below or on the sidebar to the right!

OK, now that that's over with, let's get on with Spring 2011...

Organic by John Patrick

Click for full size or click here for the entire collection.

What's not to like about this laid back, effortless collection? These are clothes for prep school girls who drink whiskey after curfew. The color palette is appealing (especially considering a lot of fall/winter's neutral pieces will transition right into this type of look come spring), and I like how the clothes feel very "oh, this old thing I just pulled on" but have a definite kind of old-money refinement to them.

Lyn Devon

Click for full size or click here for the entire collection.

I really adored Lyn Devon's Fall '10 collection so I was thrilled to see the same crisp simplicity, not to mention more delicious pops of unexpected yellow (for fall it was a mustardy chartreuse, for spring we get a nigh-fluorescent citron that comes off surprisingly refined). Devon isn't reinventing the wheel with her updated classics, but there's a clever spirit to these clothes that make them seem youthful and fresh.

Cushnie et Ochs

Click for full size or click here for the entire collection.

Another collection that clearly took some cues from Fall's camel moment (thank you, Phoebe Philo). Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs mixed in feminine florals with their more structured suits, shirts, and leather pieces for a group of looks with a transitional feel -- these looks overall have a nice lightness to them, which is a new direction for the label, which tends to go a little harder-edged. Still, the girls haven't gone totally soft, as evidenced by the cool covered platforms sprouting killer, thorn-like spikes.

Peter Som

Click for full size or click here for the entire collection.

God, how cute is Peter Som? His collections always bring a smile to my face; I bet he's fun to hang out with. For Spring '11, Som was inspired by Miami Beach, op art, and Peggy Guggenheim, and the run-of-show notes flung about spirited terms like "popsicle" and "mimosa" to describe these looks. Perfect! These are totally outfits in which to lounge in the cabana, to sip mojitos, and to tempt the 18-year-old pool boy -- they're bright and poppy and bubbly and don't deign to take themselves too seriously, which is one of my favorite things about all of Som's designs.

ADAM

Click for full size or click here for the entire collection.

So sweet, am I right? ADAM's Adam Lippes has a flair for making clothes that feel attainable and wearable but still have that special something. This season I like his mixture of girly eyelet lace with rough linens and leathers, and I'm really feeling the pops of tomato red sprinkled throughout a palette of mainly white, gray, and khaki -- I'm not a huge fan of red, but in small doses it really works here. My favorite looks are the third and fourth above -- the little shorts outfit looks so easy, and I'm kind of dying over the embellished cocktail dress.

A Détacher

Click for full size or click here for the entire collection.

If A Détacher were a person, she might be the ultra-cool, downtown rich girl whom everyone wants to be around and kind of secretly hates -- these clothes have that effortlessly chic, I-never-try kind of feeling that only the hippest ever seem to be able to attain. The quirky prints have kind of an urban-tribal quality to them, and the loose, lengthy silhouettes, cut slim but relaxed, fall just right. I'm especially taken by the graphic printed dresses and the jumpsuit farthest to the right. Something to aspire to.

Band of Outsiders

Click for full size or click here for the entire collection.

The Band of Outsiders family is getting a little confusing as it grows -- above are looks from Scott Sternberg's BOY by Band of Outsiders, his always-impeccable collection of tomboyish looks (numbers 2, 3, and 6, if you couldn't figure it out) as well as from his latest addition, Girl, which, as you might be able to guess, has a focus on (in Sternberg's words) "sugar and spice and all things nice." It's to his credit that the two lines work so cohesively together; BOY or Girl aside, these clothes could all still come from the same woman's closet. I like the vaguely retro sensibility of the BOY stuff and the effortless, romantic feel of the Girl pieces -- everything just works.

Cynthia Rowley

Click for full size or click here for the entire collection.

Cynthia Rowley has been growing on me lately. In the past I've often found her work a touch too sweet for my tastes, but after her rather feisty recent showing as a guest judge on Project Runway and this collection of spirited little dresses and separates, I'm really getting on board. I love the cutout effects going on here, both the perfect porthole circles cut out of the skirts (so very cute!) and in the see-through mesh stripes of the "invisible" sweaters. The slightly washed-out color palette has a vibe that's at once retro and refreshing, and even the less embellished pieces have a bit of flirtiness to them.

Jason Wu

Click for full size or click here for the entire collection.

Jason Wu is another perennial favorite of mine and his looks for Spring '11 didn't disappoint in the least. First off, I'm completely in love with these colors -- the mix of blues that ranges from azure to deep indigo, the pale dove grays and sensual sheer nudes and whites. Gorgeous. And the clothes themselves are pretty much impeccable, from the neat high-waisted trousers to the proliferation of hyper-feminine see-through blouses. Also really feeling the turbans (will I ever be able to pull that off? Doubtful) and the ladylike nipped-in waists.

Jill Stuart

Click for full size or click here for the entire collection.

Jill Stuart took a similar path to Jason Wu, turning out a series of looks that marry a sort of traditional, ladylike demurity with an innate allure that's more about femininity and flirtatiousness than it is about in-your-face sexiness. The charming silhouette border print that adorns the second dress and fifth blouse has a sweet whimsy to it, while other pieces, like the slim pencil skirt/shell combo and smartly belted dresses, are more grown-up. I also appreciate the fresh-faced styling on the models -- I love their slightly disheveled swept-back hair, dewy skin, and glossy red lips.

More to come in the next few days! Check out all the collections as they come out over at Style.com, and if you're not already a fan of WR2BAM on Facebook, go ahead and become one for sneak peeks at my favorite looks before I post them here!

LTK: September 14, 2010

2010-09-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

Been going pretty hard on camel and tan lately, but I can't help it, I loved them all so much on the fall '10 runways that I can't resist them now that September's here. Right now I'm into experimenting with using a lot of neutrals in similar shades without losing any of my edge. I feel like I managed to pull it off today by mixing in solid black accessories that ground the whole thing a little:

Click for full size.

Who would have thought that at 25 years old I would finally master the over-the-knee sock? It's one of those elusive looks that I've always been into but felt like I could never get quite right (at 16, or 19, or 21, or 24...), but I'm feeling like I turned it out today. I think the key is in this outfit's proportions: the miniskirt isn't too short or too tight, the roomy striped sweater keeps everything relaxed, and the heels are high but substantial, so everything feels balanced out and the socks don't seem too fetishy or vulgar (or overly Constance Billard School for Girls).

Details:
Nude faux leather motorcycle jacket: $32.80, Forever 21.
Tortoiseshell sunglasses: Isaac Mizrahi for Target, $20, Target.
Striped oversized sweater: $17.99, H&M.
Camel miniskirt: $25, H&M.
Black scarf: $5.80, Forever 21.
Black cable knit over-the-knee socks: $3.80, Forever 21.
Platform clogs: Jeffrey Campbell, $130, Solestruck.com.

LTK: September 12, 2010

2010-09-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

I was so stoked to receive an envelope stuffed with seriously rad t-shirts from Blood Is The New Black last week! I know I'm going to be wearing them constantly for the forseeable future. Here's how I wore one yesterday to kick around Long Beach in the morning and then hang out with my family down in Orange County in the afternoon. (Excuse the fact that these photos were totally taken in my kitchen, it's the best-lit spot in my apartment!)

Click for full size.

My jacket is new, too. A nude leather motorcycle jacket is something that's been on my fashion want list for years, and this weekend I found this one, which is kind of perfect, at Forever 21 of all places. It's pretty much just what I was looking for and the price was definitely right. I like how it lends a little toughness to outfits while feeling a little fresher than my standard black leather (not that that's going anywhere anytime soon!).

Click for full size.

Seriously loving the silhouette on Blood Is The New Black's boyfriend tees -- so soft and comfortable and perfectly loose. I'm sure I'll be ordering a bunch more, like, any second now.

Outfit details:
Nude faux leather motorcycle jacket: $32.80, Forever 21.
"Freak Out" boyfriend tee: compliments of Blood Is The New Black.
Black skinny jeans: Cheap Monday, $60, Barney's CO-OP.
Beige perforate lace-up oxfords: $24.80, Forever 21.
Gold bamboo heart hoop earrings: $1, Compton swap meet.

The Lucky List: October 2010

2010-09-08T10:28:00.000-07:00

The October issue of Lucky was especially exciting for me. Why, you ask? Well, in case you haven't heard yet, let me show you:

Click for full size.

YES! I'm so friggin stoked to announce that I'll be guest blogging for Lucky the last week of this month! I never would have gotten this incredible opportunity if it wasn't for all my amazing readers (as well my amazing boyfriend, who was on a Lucky shoot a couple of months ago and pointed the girls towards my blog -- thanks, Rusty!), and I really hope you guys will all check out my guest blogs when they go live on the site the week of the 27th. Don't worry -- I'll definitely keep you updated!

Incredibly, there was even more to be excited about in this month's issue:

Click for full size.

1.) This wool peacoat is kind of falling right in line with what I'm envisioning for my fall/winter look. I like that it has a definite edge to it -- the bold stripes could feel almost "Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!" depending on the styling -- but its traditional shape and big brass buttons also lend it a certain sophistication and I could see it coming off really chic and polished, too. Jack BB Dakota "Fonda" coat, $79.95, Buckle.

2.) Lucky featured a pretty epic steer-head ring in the issue, and when I went to the site to check it out I was even more taken by this incredible gazelle skull -- it's intense and really beautiful and has a vaguely sinister feel, which you know I'm into. It's a little pricey, but I could see it being the kind of investment piece that I would wear pretty much constantly. Gazelle skull ring, $125, LAS Jewelry.

3.) I'm completely on board with dark cherry lips for daytime this season, and I'm excited about a couple of different options -- Clinique's cult fave Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, which goes on kind of sheer but leaves an unmistakble tint, and Korres' Lip Butter in Plum, an ultra-nourishing shade that's layerable for more intense color. Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, $14, Clinique.com; Korres Lip Butter in Plum, $10, korresusa.com.

4.) Deep teal nails = this year's mint green, yes? That's what I'm thinking. I've been loving my dark peacock shade from Urban Outfitters for a couple of months now, but I'm pretty intrigued by this bluish-green, semi-matte shade, which I think will incidentally be pitch perfect with the above dark cherry lip colors. Priti Polish in "Rabbit Tracks," $12.50, Priti NYC.

5.) Regular WR2BAM readers will probably know that I have a bit of a thing for saddle shoes, and this pair with a small heel is really ringing my bell right now. I like that they're kind of dirty-sweet -- I could see them looking naughty but nice with a short skirt and black tights -- but the heel is low enough to keep them from veering into fetish territory. "Glenbrook" saddle pumps, $69, G.H. Bass & Co.

LTK: September 7, 2010

2010-09-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

It was my 25th birthday over the weekend, so I treated myself to a minor H&M shopping spree! As a result, almost everything I'm wearing today is from H&M, but seriously, if you've seen their fall offerings you'll understand -- they're so on-point for the season it's actually kind of overwhelming. I'm a little obsessed with all three pieces in this look:

Click for full size.

Took a cue from the fall runways by leaning heavily on a neutral color story, and gave the look a little weight with my trusty platform clogs (and a sheer, lightweight black scarf which you can't really see here). I love how all the pieces in this look coexist pretty much perfectly but can also stand alone -- I wore the slubby taupe tank all weekend long and the leopard-print cardigan is great with my high-waisted denim bellbottoms.

I love the arrow pockets on the camel skirt:

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It's little design details like that one that take basics to the next level for me.

I also got this kind of amazing pyrite (or fool's gold) necklace over the weekend; I wore it alone today as it's a bit of a statement:

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I love the length and delicacy of the chain, and I'd been looking for a good piece of jewelry in a more burnished, less "true" shade of gold to wear into fall and winter. This is basically perfect and it has a hefty, organic feel to it that will toughen up more delicate outfits.

Finally, I have to mention that lately I'm really loving the French braid on days when I just don't feel like dealing with my greasy hair:

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Starting it high -- literally right at the top of the forehead -- keeps my bangs under wraps and allows for a look that's pretty similar to the soft, swept-back styles seen at Marni, Cynthia Rowley, and Elise Øverland's fall shows, to name just a few. My hair has some longish layers in it and my technique is pretty sloppy so I end up with what you see above -- I think it feels simultaneously laid back and polished, and it's nice to switch it up every once in a while.

Outfit details:
Tortoise sunglasses: Isaac Mizrahi for Target, $18.99, Target.
Black sheer scarf: Forever 21, $6.80.
Leopard-print cardigan: H&M, $18.
Beige slub tank: H&M, $6.
Camel skirt: H&M, $25.
Band-print canvas tote: Smoothie, $25, YesStyle.
Pyrite necklace: Free People, $28.
Black platform clogs: Jeffrey Campbell, $130, Solestruck.

Fantasy Outfit: Fall Fever Part II

2010-09-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's already September, you guys. The skies are getting darker earlier already and fall will be here before we know it! I've been lagging a little in making my fall shopping list, but that doesn't mean I haven't been daydreaming about the kind of looks I want to be pulling together in the coming months. I want to incorporate pieces I already own and love (see: trusty motorcycle boots and loosey-goosey Blood Is The New Black tanks and tees) with cozier separates like chunky knits and leggings that have a little extra something going on.

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1.) This chunky knit cape is a clever and affordable riff on the camel cloaks that were all over the fall '10 runways -- it can stand on its own in September and October and get layered over a leather motorcycle jacket once it gets chillier out. Taupe "Couture" cape, $54.99, ModCloth.

2.) OK, these earrings are a little out of my price range but they're so fucking cool I can't stop looking at them. The faceted diamond-shaped zircon stones are really old-school elegant, but the tiny sterling skulls make them feel badass. I would seriously wear these every day -- they're the kind of thing that don't really go perfectly with anything, which in my book means they go with everything. Iosselliani skull stud earrings, $104, Bona Drag.

3.) I will never get tired of Blood Is The New Black's super soft, super rad printed shirts. Right now I'm a little obsessed with their mens' tanks, which fit loose and cool and look totally effortless with leggings and boots -- pretty much perfect. Men's "Teenage Stray" tank, $42, Blood Is The New Black.

4.) I don't really give a shit what kind of mood my nails think I'm in (uhh, I'm pretty in touch with my emotions, thanks), but I do give a shit about the cool ombre effect the new heat-activated "mood changing" nail polish gets on your nails as you go about your day. I'm especially into this obnoxiously bright orangey-red that switches it up to a mellow pale tangerine. Color changing nail polish in "Hyper," $8, In The Mood.

5.) To think that I used to be anti-leggings! These days they're an indispensable staple of my cool-weather wardrobe, and this fall I'll be on the lookout for pairs that have a little something extra, like this oiled denim style that has an almost leather look. Quiksilver "Sheath" oiled denim leggings, $78, Karmaloop.

6.) This season I'm thinking about retiring my oversized, everything-but-the-kitchen sink handbags for crossbody styles that hold only the essentials (and will be easier on my poor beleaguered shoulders). I'm really liking Pendleton's rendition, which feels simultaneously like a weathered classic and hyper-chic, in that NYC Chloë Sevigny I'm-not-even-trying sort of way. Pendleton cross-body bag, $48, Urban Outfitters.

7.) Finally, I'm crossing my fingers that I'll be receiving a real pair of Frye boots on my 25th birthday this Sunday, but in case I don't, this pair from -- go figure -- Target are a startlingly close approximation for, like, a tenth of the price. Mossimo Supply Co. "Katherine" leather engineer boots, $39.99, Target.

LTK: August 31, 2010

2010-08-31T09:43:00.000-07:00

Feeling a little lazy today, so I didn't take "real" outfit photos -- here I am in my office instead, wearing what I'm wearing at the office today. Go figure!

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Not the greatest look in the world, but I actually feel better about it than I did when I first put it on this morning -- cuffing my chinos helped give it a better silhouette, and the boyish oxfords help to even out the innate girliness of this vintage bow-collar blouse. I think the skinny pony-hair belt is what pulls the whole thing together.

Outfit details:
White bow-collar blouse: vintage, $7, ¡Ay Que Vintage!, Long Beach, CA.
Black skinny chinos: Banana Republic, on sale for $19.99.
Beige pony-hair skinny belt: Deena & Ozzy, $20, Urban Outfitters.
Gold pyramid-stud bangle: Forever 21, $4.
Beige perforated oxfords: Forever 21, $24.80.

LTK: August 25, 2010

2010-08-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

Today's outfit...

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Kind of a low-key outfit, but I feel like there's enough going on that it's not boring or anything. I am still pretty obsessed with this striped tee I got at Cinema in downtown L.A. a couple months ago -- I ran it through the wash on hot by accident so it shrank up a bit, but fortunately it retained its cool, slightly boxy shape. It's been one of my go-to tees this summer.

You might recognize the lace-up oxfords as the pair I featured in one of last week's fantasy outfits. I just couldn't resist them. Oxfords have appealed to me for a while -- love them on other girls -- but until now I had never met a pair that I really got along with. These ones changed that. They are perfect. I don't know if it's the color, the perforations, or the slim and ever-so-slightly elongated shape, but they're just right for me:

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I really like them. I'll be pairing them with cutoffs on the weekends for the rest of the summer, and they can transition into fall with opaque tights or cropped trousers.

The lightweight taupe scarf I'm wearing is also a new item from Forever 21; I guess I was subconsciously stocking up on nudes and beiges as autumn approaches. What I especially like about this scarf is that the length of one side is ruched with elastic, which gives it a little bit of structure when I loop it around my neck and makes it easy to arrange.

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As someone who wears scarves almost every day, details like that appeal to me, so I see myself getting a lot of use out of this in the coming months.

Outfit details:
Black sunglasses: KISS, $5, Orange County swapmeet.
Black-and-white striped tee: $24, Cinema in the L.A. fashion district.
Black lantern skirt: $40, H&M.
Faux Goyard St. Louis tote: A gift (as I've said before, I don't really support fakes as a rule, but this tote is great for schlepping stuff around all day).
Taupe scarf: $6, Forever 21.
Tan perforated lace-up oxfords: $25, Forever 21.

LTK: August 23, 2010

2010-08-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

Another pretty basic LTK -- here's what I'm wearing at the office today.

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I grabbed this MaxStudio bandage dress at Marshall's over the weekend and I'm kind of enamored of it. It's a more understated than the things I usually tend to gravitate to, from the longer hemline to the simple scooped neckline and cap sleeves, but it really appealed to me on the rack, and when I tried it on, the fit totally convinced me. I rarely wear clothes to look sexy -- it's just not my thing -- but this dress has an innate sexiness to it that feels chic and not at all in your face, which I like.

I think the other thing that I liked about it is that it feels very timeless -- I'll be 25 in two weeks (!) and I guess I need to start working things that are a little more sophisticated and grown-up into my clothes arsenal. It was easy to make this piece office-appropriate by flinging on a little shawl-collar cardigan, but I can also see myself wearing it for family events or dressing it down with flats and a denim jacket for weekend nights.

Details:
Black-and-white woven scarf: Heritage 1981, $12.
Black sunglasses: KISS, $5, Orange County Swapmeet.
Black bandage dress: MaxStudio, $40, Marshall's.
Gray shawl-collar cardigan: Mossimo, $17.99, Target.
Blush suede platforms: Steve Madden, $80.

Fantasy Outfit: Hello, Sailor

2010-08-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

Another fantasy outfit today -- I can't help myself.

I've had my eye on this little sailor dress from YesStyle for a while now, but it's really riding the line between cute and costumey. I wanted to figure out a way to style it that would tone down its whimsy a little and keep it from looking too "Hi, I'm six and I'm wearing my sailor outfit!" I chose neutral accessories with a sophisticated feel and then threw in some fun jewelry to add a little edge:

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1.) Plain black sunglasses or a traditional Ray-Ban style could quickly feel a little too retro with this dress, but slightly oversized tortoiseshell frames (à la Carrie Donovan) add a level of cool sophistication. "Carrie" sunglasses, $11, Fred Flare.

2.) Yes, it's kitschy and looks like something out of a little girl's closet, but I'm finding this sailor dress pretty irresistable. I would stick on a couple of punk rock-feeling pins (these ones feature the divine Divine in Pink Flamingos and as one of my personal heros, Female Trouble's Dawn Davenport) to keep it playful while cutting down on the cartoony factor. Moss 3/4 sleeve sailor dress, $48, YesStyle; Divine pins, $3.99 for a set of 8, Darby's Badges.

3.) A little bit of grown-up makeup might be required here to remind people that yes, you are an adult. I'm intrigued by this new red from DuWop, which purports to adapt to your body's natural chemistry to magically create the perfect red for your coloring. Even if it doesn't change I'm still really feeling the lush brick shade. DuWop Private Red lipstick, $22, Sephora.

4.) Dripping with spikes, this bracelet has the same edge as a studded cuff but feels more chic and grown-up, especially rendered in ever-so-slightly burnished gold. "Out of Spike" bracelet, $26, Patricia Field.

5.) Going with a neutral shade and classic shapes for accessories here was key to keeping this look from looking too rockabilly or too much like a costume. Ultimately I picked a very light tan; I love the look of this skinny calf-hair belt. Deena & Ozzy pony belt, $20, Urban Outfitters.

6.) I like this luxe-looking tasseled crossbody bag's rich brown shade, which reflects off the colors of the tortoiseshell sunglasses and isn't too matchy-matchy with the belt and shoes, but still belongs to the same color family. Leather pouch cross body bag, $55, Topshop.

7.) A high heel would have been too obvious with this look and it would have been hard to find one that didn't end up looking unintentionally pin-uppy, so I thought a flat oxford or similar would probably be the best bet. These little lace-ups are menswearish in silhouette, but the color and the perforations keep them looking really fresh. Perforated oxfords, $24.80, Forever 21.

I know this outfit won't be for everyone but it's really calling to me right now -- seriously, don't be surprised if you see me wearing it pretty much head to toe in the future.

Fantasy Outfit: Fall Back

2010-08-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

Even though it's just now starting to really feel like summer in Long Beach (and I'm not even close to being ready to retire my denim cutoffs!), I'm already brainstorming for fall. Mid-August is always when I start formulating my "look" for autumn -- just keeping my eye out for pieces that appeal to me and trends I can hang with.

One of my favorite AW10 collections was Burberry Prorsum:

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So the fantasy outfit I put together has a similar Wild Ones vibe, with a color palette and silhouette that would be at home in my wardrobe. I imagine this look worn with minimal makeup and loose, unkempt hair -- I can picture myself putting this kind of thing together for a laid-back night at the bar or something (who am I kidding, all my nights are laid back):

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1.) The big shearling collar is what really makes this motorcycle jacket -- it has such a classic, Brando-esque feel to it. Fleece collar PU biker jacket, $125, Topshop.

2.) I like the subtle speckles of color sprinkled across this basic tank, and its swingy, slightly cropped shape is a nice update from the extra-long pieces I've been wearing the shit out of for a couple of years now. Speckled tank, $9.99, Madewell.

3.) The random facets on this metal ring call to mind a big hunk of raw quartz or similar, giving it an organic, earthy vibe that still feels fundamentally tough. Cheap Monday "Rock" ring, $15, Karmaloop.

4.) As a devotee of Kiehl's Original Musk I'm currently obsessed with their little rollerball bottles of essential oils -- Amber is my favorite for this look, with its musky, cool, no-frills kind of scent, plus you can just throw it in your bag and go. Amber Essence Oil with rollerball applicator, $26, Kiehl's.

5.) This bodycon skirt is a familiar silhouette by now, but it manages to feel fresh and seasonal thanks to its textured sweater-knit construction, and the clingy shape is a nice balance to a loose tank top and a boyish jacket. Silence & Noise bodycon sweater skirt, $29, Urban Outfitters.

6.) Over-the-knee socks can go trashy real quick, but in a nubby, cable-knit oatmeal hue, worn a little bit bunchy, they have almost innocent appeal. "Aran" sheer tall cable socks, $20, Free People.

7.) Lace-up, utilitarian-feeling boots will be having a moment well into 2011; I appreciate this pair for their relative simplicity as much as for their staggeringly cheap price. Leatherette lace-up bootie, $29.00, GoJane.

8.) This buckled, blush-colored bag feels very uptown, which makes it a nice counterpoint to this downtown outfit, and honestly it could go with pretty much anything. Sabina "Fold and Buckle" bag, $89, Need Supply Co.

What are you thinking about for fall? Are you thinking about fall yet?

Worth A Look: Topshop A/W 2010

2010-08-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

I know these images from Topshop's August/Winter 2010 lookbook have been floating around the web for a few weeks, but I finally got a chance to give them all a good solid once-over and I'm psyched enough on this collection to post them here. I have a lot to say about these pieces -- the knits! the spikes! the capes! -- but I'll just let the photos speak for themselves.

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Personally (like everyone else in the blogosphere) I'm especially dying over that spiked leather bomber helmet, and all the capes are really killing it, particularly the royal blue one paired with the gray and tan riding pants.

What do you think of the collection? Will you be buying any of it? What are your favorite pieces?

LTK: August 11, 2010

2010-08-11T15:19:00.000-07:00

My office outfits have been pretty basic lately which is why there haven't been many LTKs over the past couple of months. Today's look is still basic, but I thought I'd share anyway:

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The short striped sweater is something else I picked up at ¡Ay Que Vintage! here in Long Beach last weekend. I'm not great at dating vintage clothes (unless they're heavy metal t-shirts, obviously), but I would guess this little guy probably hails from the early- to mid-1980s. It's not quite my usual style, but I couldn't resist its slight batwing sleeves and kind of tomboyish vibe.

What I felt like it really needed was a brooch or something to add a little visual interest. My boyfriend has a great vintage Rolling Stones pin the size of a campaign button which would be perfect. Since I'm at work today, though, I picked this delicate filigree brooch with a llama on it, which was given to me by my good friend Jill when I was up in the Bay Area back in June. I have no idea where she got it, but it definitely looks old:

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Outfit details:
Blue-and-white striped sweater: vintage, $7, ¡Ay Que Vintage!, Long Beach, CA.
Black denim pencil skirt: H&M, $25.
Black suedette platforms: Michael Antonio, $40, Endless.
Gray Clubmaster-style sunglasses: Forever 21, $5.
Black scarf: Urban Outfitters, $18.

The Lucky List: September 2010

2010-08-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

Oh my god, fall already? What with this record-breakingly-chilly summer we're having here in Southern California, I definitely didn't think I was ready to start thinking about autumn already -- I've barely gotten the chance to break out my cutoffs! -- but this month's issue of Lucky was full of fallish stuff that got me in the mood for what is admittedly my favorite season. Here are a few of my picks:

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1.) I've been craving the right pair of tight leather pants for ages now, and somehow this taupe pair is calling to me way louder than any of the black versions I've tried and passed on. There's something unexpected and vaguely equestrian about the neutral hue, but the toughness and rock 'n roll attitude maintains too. BB Dakota leather "Geary" pants, $140, Lulu's.

2.) I'm definitely going to be in the market for the cutest low-key ribbed and pointelle socks to wear with my summer platforms as we transition into autumn. With clogs or open-toed chunky sandals, how perfect are these thin ribbed socks? Madewell ribbed trouser socks, $11, Shopbop.

3.) And, seriously, how perfect would a pair of socks like those above look with these intensely blocky platforms? At nearly six inches with a major half-covered platform in front, the wooden heels add an earthy vibe to an otherwise decidedly streetwise pair of shoes. Jessica Simpson "Dany" platforms, $98.95, Zappos.

4.) I know Paul & Joe's new Lipstick C (from the Clair de Lune collection) has already been talked to death in every corner of the internet, but seriously, it's too cute too ignore, from the adorable cat-shaped sticks to the excellent printed tubes to the pitch-perfect shades -- my favorite is the rose hue, shown here. Paul & Joe Lipstick C, $25, Urban Outfitters.

5.) Now that my hair is getting longer I've been letting it do its natural thing, which involves a little bit of wave and a little bit of curl and really lends itself to that whole textured "I just spent the day at the beach" thing. This goopy product promises to help me achieve ropy waves and big volume sans the sand and seawater, so I'm sold. Redken Wool Shake 08 Gel-Slush Texturizer, $17.95, Amazon.

6.) This crane dress is a little out of my price range but I'm also a little obsessed with it, mainly because the sweet white-on-navy literal animal print can only mean that the Miu Miu Spring '10 collection's influence is starting to trickle down -- if French Connection has a hold of it, lower-end retailers can't be far behind, and I like that. "Flight of Fancy" dress, $158, French Connection.

7.) Fall's nail colors are coming out (OPI's Swiss Collection and Essie's Fall 2010 Collection) and they're rich and moody and feel a little old-money. My favorites, from right: OPI "Just A Little Rösti At This," Essie "Merino Cool," Essie "Little Brown Dress," OPI "William Tell Me About OPI," OPI "Ski Teal We Drop," Essie "Limited Addiction" and Essie "Sew Psyched." All approximately $8 at beauty supply stores.

8.) Loving these lace-up brogue-style boots, which feel at once old-school utilitarian and surprisingly fashion-forward. I could see them with over-the-knee socks and short printed dresses for early fall or with skinny jeans tucked in as the weather gets cooler. Leather "Bradly" boots, $99, Bass (or go to www.basshoes.com/lucky to get them at a 35% discount for a limited time!).

LTK: August 5 and 9, 2010

2010-08-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

Two different outfits in today's LTK post -- here's what I'm wearing today:

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There's not a lot going on here, which I'm OK with was because the idea was to let this kind of dramatic, feminine blouse take center stage. I picked it up while thrifting over the weekend for all of six bucks -- stoked! I don't usually wear stuff this romantic, but I'm really into this blouse. For the weekend I think I'll wear it with black cigarette pants and my straw boater for a gamine feel.

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Since the skirt I chose is pretty short I went with my trusty Report flats, which have been getting a lot of wear this summer. The peeptoe and pewter metallic leather pom pom detail give these flats a little extra something that adds a lot to a basic outfit, and makes them feel polished enough for work (and speaking of polish, my teal toenail polish is Urban Outfitters brand; I think it's "Green 6"):

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The other new piece I'm obsessed with at the moment is this awesome chunky titanium quartz ring, which I bought off my friend Ashley because she recently found an even bigger one. I picked it up from the post office on Saturday morning and I've already gotten about a million compliments on it. Even my guy friends, who wouldn't normally notice my jewelry if it jumped up and smacked them across the face, were commenting on it Saturday night:

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SO COOL. Thanks again, Ashley!

Outfit details:
Bow-collar blouse: Vintage, $6, ¡Ay Que Vintage!, Long Beach, CA.
Black lantern skirt: H&M, $39.99.
Black pom-pom peeptoe flats: Report, $29, Shoemall.
Titanium quartz ring: $20, bought from a friend.
Gunmetal cutout ring: BCBG Max Azria, $18.
Silver signet ring: Compliments of Like Beau.
Black sunglasses: KISS, $5, Orange County swapmeet.

And I never got a chance last week to post this look, which I wore on Thursday:

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Pretty basic, but I stepped outside my comfort zone a little bit and still managed to pull together an outfit that felt like "me," so I was pretty happy with it. I wish I had a skinnier black belt, but I made do. I like the contrast of the baggy men's t-shirt with the skinny chinos, and the color palette of dove and heather grays was definitely working for me too. The black buckle wedges are leftover from a summer wedding I went to last year -- I'm not a huge fan of these shoes in general but I find they look much better with a pant than they do with bare legs, so they worked for this look and I even got a couple of compliments on them.

Details:
Slim black cargidan: Mossimo for Target, $21, Target.
Heather gray men's t-shirt: BDG, $10, Urban Outfitters.
Skinny chinos: Banana Republic, $19.99.
Black buckle wedges: Forever 21, $26.
Black braided belt: Forever 21, $4.
Black sunglasses: KISS, $5, Orange County swapmeet.

Make Like: Lambda Lambda Lambda

2010-08-05T15:38:00.000-07:00

My roommate and I happened across the 1984 comedy classic Revenge of the Nerds while flipping channels last weekend. I hadn't seen it since I was a kid, and I was surprised not only by the fairly copious amount of bare tits and full bush shown, but by how cute those Lambda Lambda Lambda boys really were (let's face it -- Booger? So my type). The Alpha Betas were supposed to be the hot ones, but their jocky fashion sense just couldn't compete with the Tri Lambs' classic Poindexter style. By the end of the movie I knew what Pi Delta Betty meant when she said "I can't believe it...I'm in love with a nerd!" These days, geek chic is pretty much the rage, so here are a couple of looks inspired by the coolest fraternity at Adams College:

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1.) Nerdy cutie pie Lewis Skolnick (played by Robert Carradine) made geeks look good in his uniform of checked oxford and impeccable tie. I picked a man's button-up to keep things authentic but went with a satin, oversized bow tie to add a little girly flair. Men's checked western shirt, $39.50, American Eagle Outfitters; black shiny bow tie, $12.99, Hot Topic.

2.) The gold stretch band is all about tradition, while the green digital display is totally dweeb-friendly -- kind of like the Lamdba Lamdba Lambda fraternity. Timex Gold Core digital watch, $48, Urban Outfitters.

3.) These jeans manage to hit all the nerdy hallmarks -- high-waisted, dark washed, and crisp as a sheet of loose leaf paper -- yet they're still totally sexy. (Kind of like Lewis, to be honest.) Cheap Monday "Tight Italian Uniwash" unisex raw denim jeans, $64, POP!.

4.) A classic little leather handbag with a rope strap and a shiny gold kisslock would look right at home on a library table or perhaps on the arm of an Omega Mu, don't you think? Mariner leather purse, $77.50, L.L. Bean Signature.

5.) Perforated with a sweet teardrop pattern and the lowest-profile rubber sole, these little lace-ups are a feminine take on standard geek footwear. Kimchi Blue "Teardrop" oxfords, $48, Urban Outfitters.

6.) Cherry red or Barbie pink might look a little out of place on she-nerd fingertips, but this barely-there shade is just right. Essie nail polish in Au Natural, $8, Essie Shop.

7.) Classic Clubmaster-style glasses are a nerdy no-brainer (or would that be all-brainer?). I don't go in for clear lenses personally (don't need 'em, so I'll let those who do have all the fun), but there's no contesting that these are the clincher for ultimate Tri-Lam style. 80's "Clubmstr II" half-frame clear lens glasses, $10, 80s Purple.

8.) Oh, wait, I take it back -- an authentic Lamba Lambda Lambda cardigan sweater is actually the clincher for ultimate Tri-Lam style. I know it's cheesy, but isn't it also kind of subtle and really, really good? "Revenge of the Nerds" Tri-Lam cardigan sweater, $55, 80s Tees.

9.) I like this classic ringer t-shirt's worn-in, vintage feel -- it looks like it really could have come right off the set of the '84 film. Speckled boyfriend tee, $44, Topshop.

10.) Nerdy khaki shorts complete with matching canvas camp belt aren't quite so nerdy when they're only a few inches long. I like to imagine this is the kind of thing Betty Childs would have worn after she embraced her inner geek. Canvas belted short, $16.90, Heritage 1981.

11.) Classic Chuck Taylor All-Stars are something all outcasts have in common, be they stoners, nerds, or punks. All-white low-tops were Gilbert Lowe's pick in the movie. Converse All-Star oxford sneakers, $45, Zappos.

12.) A full face of makeup is way too much work when you've got a full course load on your hands. Still, those lips can't be chapped -- after all, what if you want to get up on the Alpha Beta boys' kissing booth at the fraternity carnival? I'd go with this old-school favorite. Lip Smackers lip balm in "Cotton Candy," $1.75, Bonne Bell.

13.) This sweet necklace makes me laugh because it looks classic and innocent, but the inscription -- "Finger Bang" -- is basically the end game of all nerds everywhere. Like Lewis told Betty, they think about sex all the time. In God We Trust "Sweet Nothings" necklace (also available with "Sweet Tits" or "Let's Make Out"), $40, Bona Drag.

Further inspiration:

Click for full size.

NERDS. NERDS. NERDS. NERDS. NERDS!

LTK: August 3, 2010

2010-08-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

Listen, it's finally starting to feel like summer, so today I dragged a maxi dress out from the very back of my wardrobe. My friend Allison handed this peacock-print maxi down to me a couple years ago, if I remember correctly it's from the very early days of Forever 21's Twelve by Twelve line, back before that particular sublabel took a turn for the weird and fugly. This particular dress is meant to be a halter, but I tied the straps in a bow in front to wear it as a bandeau instead -- way more flattering to my small frame.

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One of the things I like best about lean maxi dresses is that with a pair of heels they can make even a shorty like me look like a total long tall Sally. I wore mine with my Jeffrey Campbell clogs to add a dose of boho heft, and belted the dress for a little more structure (I'm in the office today, so it can't be too casual). A random sprinkling of gold-toned jewelry rounds the whole thing out -- big cocktail ring, single gold bangle, and my mini harmonica necklace:

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I wasn't sure when I put this outfit together whether I was actually going to like it, but I feel pretty good today -- summery and kind of eclectic and also incredibly comfortable.

The details:
Peacock-print chiffon maxi dress: Twelve by Twelve, a gift.
Long black cardigan: Mossimo for Target, $11.99, Target.
Black leather "Charli-C" clogs: Jeffrey Campbell, $130, Solestruck.com.
Gold faceted stone ring: Forever 21, $3.80.
Gold bangle: H&M, $6 for a set of two.
Mini harmonica necklace: Hohner, $5, New Stone Age, Los Angeles, CA.

Fantasy Outfit: July 28, 2010

2010-07-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

I wanted to put a look together with a kind of traditional, almost retro feminine feel, and I came up with this girly little fantasy outfit that is two parts sugar and one part spice. The New York Dolls' 1973 self-titled album (which I always have on repeat in the summer) and my current obsession with Vargas girl-style mules are what really informed this look for me.

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1.)You can't really tell in this photo, but this cute little chiffon dress with a great big bow at the neckline actually has little cats printed on the skirt -- so cute and totally unexpected. Choya cat-print chiffon dress, $25.20, YesStyle.

2.) Classic Wayfarer-style sunglasses get an edgy update with a matte finish and the slightest architectural detail at the nose bridge. A.OK black matte sunglasses, $32, Oak NYC.

3.) A basic cable-knit cardigan is easy to slip on and off and adds a dose of appealingly old-fashioned demureness. Cabled 3/4 cardigan, $19.90, Heritage 1981.

4.) This weighty, unusual cuff kind of resembles a deer's antlers at first glance and has a cool chevron shape to it when on the wrist. It's actually a cast of a vertebrae bone, which lends it a satisfyingly creepy toughness. (Thanks to my longtime reader Linda for turning me on to this jewelry brand!) Martha Rotten vertebra cuff bracelet, $50, Mode Merr.

5.) This dusky lavender is kind of the perfect shade, and its name, Demure Vixen, is also kind of the perfect name when you consider what I'm going for here. Essie Summer Collection 2010 nail lacquer in "Demure Vixen," $8, Essie Shop.

6.) I'm so all about finding the perfect pair of sky-high platform mules at the moment -- they feel retro in a sexy, pinup girl kind of way and seem like a natural progression for fall after the chunky clogs moment I've been having lately. "Underhill" platform sandals, $49.98, Aldo.

7.) A small-sized bag with a heavy metal finish feels like the right finishing touch for this look -- it's dainty but still has some hardness to it. ASOS Premium gunmetal shell hard case, $58.96, ASOS.

Runway Roundup: Fall 2010 Couture

2010-07-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

Couture is a different animal than Ready-To-Wear, because when I look at RTW collections I can get inspired and think about how I might try to translate my favorite runway looks into something I can actually afford. Couture, on the other hand, is pure fantasy -- there's nothing I can do except admire. Here are my four favorite couture collections for Fall '10:

Chanel

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Karl joked that the inspiration for this collection came to him in a nightmare, and while it's hardly nightmarish it definitely has a certain moodiness to it that's a little heavier than what Herr Lagerfeld normally trots out for Chanel. I liked the mix of weighty, dark fabrics alongside lightweight embellished nudes and blushes, and while the clothes were unusual they didn't veer into outlandish territory too often. My favorite looks are the third and fourth above -- I love that soft-looking camel dress, and the floral brocade is killer.

Christian Dior

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A Ready-To-Wear collection this heavy on ultra-feminine florals would probably not tickle my fancy, but for Couture, John Galliano took it so over the top that it's kind of impossible not to love. Inspired less by flowers in nature and more by the indulgent floral arrangements that adorn the homes of the very rich (note, if you will, the plastic-wrapped coifs and raffia belts that turned the models themselves into human bouquets), the element of fantasy here is really driven home by the models' Dr. Suessian hairstyles and dramatic makeup. If Galliano were a gardener, his plots would resemble this runway show, for sure -- unapologetically vibrant and arrestingly lovely.

Elie Saab

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Saab focused on richness and luxury ("If a woman doesn't want 'rich,'" he said, "she doesn't come to couture," which, let's face it, makes plenty of sense) and drew his inspiration from Venice's La Fenice operahouse, so the collection was heavy on deep reds, rich navies, and ethereal golds. The former shades weren't really doing anything for me -- a lot of the dresses seemed heavy or overwrought somehow -- but the golds, as you can probably tell by the image above, were totally incredible. The movement, the variety in silhouette, the way the dresses seem like poured liquid metal -- incredible. My very favorite gown is the fourth one from the left; love those elegant sleeves.

Givenchy

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OK, there's so much to say about this collection but it pretty much strikes me speechless when I look at it. Honestly, enlarge the above photo and really look at these gowns, because they are so ethereal, so creepily gorgeous, so unusual and intense, that I can barely form words. Tim Blanks' write-up at Style.com explains it all, from Ricardo Tisci's inspiration (Frida Kahlo) to the exquisite-sounding details difficult to see in these images. I die over this collection, seriously.

On My Radar: Prep's Cool

2010-07-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

In junior high and high school, preps were the enemy -- and in affluent Newport Beach, where I was quite the misplaced misfit, my ragtag crew of girlfriends in our holey thrift-store cardigans, torn fishnets, and gobs of black eyeliner were vastly outnumbered. We were surrounded on all sides by ponytailed blondes in crisp button-ups and khaki capris, all smelling of Clinique Happy and making subtle but cutting remarks about our lunchbox purses and tarnished skull jewelry. After school my friends and I would shoplift boxed hairdye and cheap eyeshadow from the drugstore and then congregate around iced coffees and solemnly swear never to be caught in Ralph Lauren.

A lot of things have changed since I was fifteen, and not just the fact that I no longer feel the need to relieve my local Rite Aid of its inventory of Wet-N-Wild products. My teenage self would balk, but these days I can see the appeal of a little bit of preppiness. Now, I'm talking everything in moderation and tempering the whole yacht club feel with appropriately edgy pieces, but I have to admit there's something satisfying about subverting the uniform of my adolescent rivals -- so maybe things haven't changed that much after all.

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1.) I started thinking about this whole aesthetic after one of my Livejournal galpals showed me a little boys' Big Pony oxford she'd recently scored for cheap. The oversized, detailed polo ponies on the Big Pony stuff appeal to me for their sheer scale, and snagging boys' stuff for a fraction of the price of womens' is one of my favorite shopping tricks. I'm loving the idea of these kids' oxfords worn loose over torn-up black skinnies or tucked into an edgy bodycon skirt -- maybe even with the sleeves torn off or something. "Blake" Big Pony oxford shirts, $24.99, Ralph Lauren.

2.) One thing all my well-bred high school enemies had in common was an infuriatingly fresh-faced complexion that was just the right mix of sunkissed and prettily flushed (another reason to hate them, as when I was that age I was spending evenings trying to wrestle my acne to the ground with a battery of harsh chemicals), but with this mix of pink and bronze powders anyone can fake that just-spend-a-weekend-on-the-duffy glow. Benefit "10" blush/bronzer, $28, Sephora.

3.) These slightly oversized cat-eye sunglasses just strike the right balance between uptown chic and downtown cool. "Bridget" sunglasses, $11, Fred Flare.

4.) Like I said above, I'm really stoked on the concept of a preppy blouse or crisp button-up tucked into an aggressively sexy, body-hugging bandage skirt like this one. I like the dark color palette here -- I'm a big sucker for black and navy together, and it adds the right amount of edge to an old-school shirt. Bandage skirt, $13.80, Forever 21.

5.) This sophisticated little cross-body bag is totally hitting the right chord for this concept, marrying some preppy staples -- chic tassels, pebbled brown leather, understated size -- with an excellent leopard-print rendered in cool pony hair. Kind of perfect. Leopard tassel cross-body bag, $60, Topshop.

6.) It's hardly a Rolex, but this gold link watch has a similarly classic feel, but the wraparound style is thoroughly modern. I'd love it layered with a whole stack of classy/cool bracelets. UO gold wraparound watch, $38, Urban Outfitters.

7.) I was on the hunt recently for a classic white blouse with a Peter Pan collar, and just when I thought I would have to give up the ghost, someone turned me on to Lands' End's school uniform selection. Lo and behold -- traditional, no-frills Peter Pan-collared blouses in short and long sleeves for shockingly low prices. Peter Pan woven uniform blouse, $27.50, Lands' End School Uniforms.

8.) I think this gray leather bracelet is just plain low-profile cool, a perfect marriage of subtle toughness and delicate charm. Gorjana "Tinsley" leather bracelet, $38, Shopbop.

9.) My whole concept here is kinda good-girl-gone-bad, and what exemplifies that more than a really classy-looking leather-colored flask full of something stiff? Perfect for nips of whiskey at the country club, or, you know, wherever. GSI Sports stainless leather-wrapped flask, $22.82, Outdoor Pros.

10.) These jeans are exactly what I would want to wear that classic Peter Pan collared blouse with -- skinny, fairly high-waisted, with a nice light wash. That unexpected wedge of black leather running down the thigh is kind of the coolest detail ever, like a tuxedo pant but tougher, and takes the whole thing to the next level. Cheap Monday tight jean in "Blue Wedge," $48, Karmaloop.

11.) Loafers are a prep staple and I was hellbent on finding the most relaxed, luxe-feeling pair around. This quilted suede pair complete with traditional tassels is my pick -- these things are classic enough to wear with pretty much anything and they just have that old-money attitude. Enzo Angiolini "Lizzia" loafers, $68.95, Zappos.

12.) Admit it -- even if you loathed the jocks in high school, those varsity jackets were kind of cool. Now there are websites where you can custom-design your own varsity sweater, complete with whatever logos and colors you want, and I'm into the idea of having a personalized one to fling on over heavy metal t-shirts or little dresses. Hell, get them for all your friends and start a gang. Custom-embroidered varsity sweater, $67.95, Logo Sportswear.

13.) Taking this look to the next level clearly requires a pair of completely unreasonable heels. I like these black suede peeptoes for their luxe feel and absolutely towering platform. Black suede "Pumped" peeptoes, $79.95, Bakers Shoes.

What do you guys think? Would you mix prep and punk? How would you do it?

LTK: July 11, 2010

2010-07-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

A rare casual outfit post! I love when I get the chance to do these because most of the outfits I post here in WR2BAM are work looks, and I feel like my weekend outfits better represent my actual style. This is what I wore on Sunday to ride bikes, barbecue, shoot BB guns, listen to records, and drink beers!

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I'd been eyeballing straw boaters with an aim to buy for a couple of months already when they started turning up in the Resort 2011 collections (Erin Fetherston and Jason Wu, to be exact), so even though I'm not much of a hat person I bit the bullet and ordered this one. You guys, I'm obsessed with it now. I love it. I hate that I can't wear it all the time. I feel like maybe it makes me look a little more "L.A. hip" than I really am (which is neither here nor there), but I'm so into the dimension it adds to really basic outfits that I don't even care.

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The super-oversized striped tee is a recent find from Cinema, a rad little shop in the fashion district in downtown L.A. Right now I'm loving clothes that basically feel like really comfy pajamas.

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Obviously I'm also wearing a ton of jewelry in these photos and I'm amped up on all of it. Here are some not-so-high-quality webcam photos of what I'm working with at the moment:

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The ring connector chain bracelet I'm wearing was made by my friend Amanda, who recently opened her Etsy shop, Chain Mansfield (the second photo is a product photo from her shop) -- check it out! Besides these web bracelets, which I'm loving so hard, by the way, she also has incredible thigh garters and shoulder chains and they're all super reasonably priced.

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The big gunmetal cutout ring (adorned with teeny-tiny smoke crystals, I'm a little obsessed), wolf's head and cross pendant necklace, and mini Hohner harmonica necklace are all finds from a recent shopping expedition to L.A. My Slayer war eagle pin (AKA one of my favorite things ever) is vintage, a couple of my girlfriends found it for me at a thrift store here in Long Beach.

Overall a super, super basic, low-key look that I bungled up by just throwing on a ton of jewelry, which is pretty much my weekend M.O. right now. This was fun, I'm going to try to be more proactive about getting shots of my casual looks as the summer wears on!

Outfit details, duh:
Striped oversized tee: $24, Cinema in downtown L.A.
Black leggings: Cherish, $6, Red Apparel in Long Beach.
Cropped leather motorcycle jacket: H&M Divided, on sale for $20, H&M.
Black canvas peeptoes with pompom detail: Report, $35, Shoemall.
Straw boater hat: $5.80, Forever 21.
Gunmetal cutout ring: $18, BCBG Max Azria.
Sterling silver signet ring: Compliments of Like Beau.
Brass faceted stone ring: $3.80, Forever 21.
Chain web connector bracelet: Compliments of Chain Mansfield.
Mini harmonica necklace: Hohner, $5, New Stone Age in L.A.
Wolf's head and cross pendant necklace: Boos & Besito, $28, Virgo in downtown L.A.
Stud bar necklace: $18, Banana Republic.
Slayer pin: Gifted, vintage.

Runway Roundup: Resort 2011 Part 3

2010-07-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

Time for the third and final installment of the Resort '11 runway roundup! I'd like to spend more time on these collections but with the fall couture shows already in full swing I need to get a move on, so this is another 140-character Twitter-style roundup.

Alexander McQueen

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Sarah Burton's first collection for McQ is bittersweet, but it proves she was the right choice to fill his singular shoes. It's...perfect.

Chloé

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Spare, youthful, slightly '70s -- Hannah McGibbon is on a roll lately. These clothes feel romantic but still edgy, classic and fresh.

Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony

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Perfect in every way, from the prints down to the styling. A little punk, a little street, a little preppy. Chloë, be my best friend!

Givenchy

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Apparently Frida Kahlo-inspired, I like the juxtaposition of cheetah spots with vaguely Spanish romance here -- it's demure, but with teeth.

Jenni Kayne

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Love this -- laid back, preppy-cool, a little bit '80s L.A., "Valley Girl" meets Bret Easton Ellis. The yellow leather skirt/tee combo kills.

Lanvin

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Can Alber Elbaz do any wrong? This is just sickeningly good -- the perfect balance of cruise and safari -- and the styling is too adorable.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

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Haven't been a big MJ fan lately but this is pretty fucking cute -- kind of ideally casual and youthful for summer. I want all those onesies.

Marc Jacobs

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This is beautiful too! Sweet and ladylike and kinda '60s Parisian, but still fresh, with appropriately modern touches. I'm back into Marc.

Matthew Williamson

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I'm a sucker for Matthew and these looks are no exception. As usual: rich prints, clever silhouettes, great accessories, and a little edge.

Miu Miu

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How amazing is this? Completely wacky but SO chic and SO good. I think I would wear anything Miuccia could come up with, sight unseen.

Moschino

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Typical Moschino: playful, funny, sexy, and smart. That pearl print is killing me, and the pops of cherry and fuschia are totally working.

Nina Ricci

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I don't usually go in for stuff this girly, but something about this is totally doing it for me. The softness, the lightness...so pretty.

Preen

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I love this collection -- so low-key and minimal it's almost futuristic, but the flashes of blue leopard-print keep things playful.

Proenza Schouler

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Such a cool mix of prints -- I love the tribal elements and Baja weaves alongside the stripes and plaid -- and the silhouettes are too good.

Stella McCartney

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Stella. OK, I'm fucking dying over the floral-print dresses; they're so dreamy Georgia O'Keefe chic, and all the laser-cut lace is killer.

Temperley London

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This collection is perfect. Love the crisp B&W and the sharp graphic elements, and I really want that tent dress (OK, I want everything).

Vena Cava

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Adore Vena Cava and this is the greatest mix of jet-setting cool and American classic. For the first time in years, overalls appeal to me.

That's it for Resort '11! Phew. Look out for the first of the Fall Haute Couture roundups in the next few days!

LTK: July 8, 2010

2010-07-08T09:55:00.000-07:00

Nothing too exciting, but here's what I'm wearing today:

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Can you believe I still need my leather in the second week of July? The East Coast may be having a heat wave, but over here in CA it's still weirdly cool. I wasn't planning on wearing this scarf today, either, but it's only in the low 60s outside (listen, I'm from southern California, that's chilly for me!).

This dress was from the "Fabulous Finds" section of the Forever 21 site and I have to say, especially for $13.50, it is pretty fabulous. I love it when you can just pull something on and be totally ready to go, and this thing is flattering and comfortable -- perfect for the weekend, even though I couldn't help wearing it to the office today.

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This leopard-print scarf was a total last-minute impulse buy. Regular readers will probably know how often I say I'm not really into leopard print but I guess I'm getting over that because lately it's been kind of appealing to me. Maybe my punk roots are showing a little. Anyway, I kind of like this scarf because it adds some sass to work outfits, and the splashes of pink and blue give it a slightly '80s feel that might be a little tacky, but in a way that I'm totally OK with.

Also, can I tell you guys about my newest obsession? Because this NP Set lipstick in "San Francisco" is officially my fucking jam.

I was moseying through the beauty aisles at Target last weekend (something I don't usually do, when it comes to makeup I'm pretty tried-and-true) when I spotted this stuff and I'm so, so psyched on it. Nude is hands-down my favorite shade for lips, and I usually go for a matte crayon (NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "Belle du Jour," to be exact), but this sheer, glossy lipstick has pretty much the greatest shade of nude ever and feels fresher than a matte for summer:

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Totally loving it. Plus at $15 it's well within my price range and I don't have to make the haj to Sephora to buy it.

Cropped leather motorcycle jacket: H&M Divided, on sale for $20, H&M.
Leopard-print scarf: $5.80, Forever 21.
Striped skirt tank dress: $13.50, Forever 21.
Black cropped cardigan: $16, Forever 21.
Black patent cap-toe flats: Wanted, $30, Piperlime.

The Lucky List: August 2010

2010-07-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

Here are a few things I was really feeling in this month's Lucky:

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1.) Shown belted here, this loose, basic little polka-dot shift is kind of perfect -- it's one of those things you could literally wear a hundred different ways. I'm thinking a silver concho belt and pumps à la Debbie Harry or fringed boots and a ton of gold jewelry for an updated Laurel Canyon vibe. Minkpink "Maggie" dress, $86, Need Supply.

2.) Lucky recommended e-tailer Shock Boutique for affordable trend items, particularly the jewelry, and it's a pretty sweet resource. I'm all about this antiquey ring -- I know crosses are so trendy right now but I'm like Ozzy and will never ever get tired of them. I'd wear this with about five other rings in different metals. Vintage cross ring, $22, Shock Boutique.

3.) I know I just featured something from the Erin Wasson/Low Luv collaboration a few days ago, but I can't help it, this shit is everywhere right now and it's super good so deal with it. I love this striking, 30s-feeling ring for its heft and its cool textural details. Low Luv x Erin Wasson "Deco" ring, $38, Shopbop.

4.) Fresh's stuff is all so good and I'm kind of obsessed with getting my hands on this lip balm right now because it has that incredible lemon sugar smell and leaves just the right amount of super-sheer plummy tint, which I am really into as the summer wears on. Plus the little tube is just really cute. Fresh "Sugar Plum" tinted lip treatment, $22.50, Sephora.

5.) There's something about these simple, chunky sandals that I find really appealing -- the sturdy wooden heel and thick platform give off a clog vibe, but the basic straps are low-key and transcend trends. They almost have a vintage feel, and they're low enough to wear all day long. "Steenrod" platforms, $65, Aldo.

6.) Listen, I feel a little weird about wanting a Jessica Simpson fragrance, but to be honest, when it comes to celebrity scents I feel like there's no room for me to be too punk -- I can't stand Gwen Stefani but her "L" perfume is one of my favorites, and I may or may not have even dabbled in Britney Spears' "Fantasy" in my younger years. So when I see this admittedly cute Moroccan-inspired bottle and read that J.Simp's newest scent has notes of jasmine and rose on top of patchouli, well, I'm not too cool to give it a try. Jessica Simpson "Fancy Nights" eau de parfum, $49, Macy's.

7.) I don't usually do this, but this street style shot featured in this month's issue was just too good for me to not show you guys. The trousers this girl is wearing are my ultimate dream right now -- everything about them is exactly right, from the perfect shade of steely navy to the roomy hip to the sharp crease to the expertly cuffed ankles. Topped off with that strong-shouldered blazer, crisp white shirt, cool ethnic-feeling necklace and those great pumps, I don't know, this is basically my fantasy look. Please holler at me if you know where I might be able to find a pair of trousers like that!