L.A. Lady

I've always said I'm a New Yorker at heart, but when thinking about what I would wear on NYE in Los Angeles, it turns out I didn't need to stage "costumes" to achieve this look. I simply turned to past blog posts. Four posts, to be exact. Maybe I am an L.A. lady!

Look Over Your Shoulder

White Hot

Summer Suits Me

Friday Night Shimmer

Paris, je t'aime

Dress: Ralph Lauren; Shoes: Valentino (gift)

When I think of Paris, I think of sleek, elegant, simplistic design and Chanel! The only choice for me was this Ralph Lauren dress I've owned for years. The simple column, tiny train, low back and small knot at the base all add up to Paris sophistication. I did add a little "something" with these red patten leather stunners. Now, if only I were heading to Paris to celebrate! Ah well! Instead, I will stay here, drink champagne and dream of the day I'll be standing under the Eiffel Tower or strolling inside the House of Chanel.

Vegas, Baby!

Jumpsuit: Arden B; Jacket: BB Dakota via Piperlime;

Shoes: Ann Taylor; Earrings: Banana Republic

Vegas has no boundries when it comes to fashion. You literally see anything and everything. When thinking about NYE and Vegas, I immediately thought of my black jumpsuit. Jumpsuits date back to the 70s and were so tacky. Tacky yet cool enough to bring back! Mine happens to be strapless so a little sequin jacket is perfect for early evening, and when the party really gets going, just simply remove. This effortless look will get you to the Ball Drop and endless hours of partying in that city of sin! 

Something New...

Top: Ann Taylor (gift); Jeans: Ann Taylor Loft;

Boots: Camper via Habitat Shoe Boutique;

Bracelets: JewelMint, Fossil, Ralph Lauren;

Watch: Emporio Armani (gift)

I am obsessed with this look! I've actually worn it several different ways, and when I say it, I mean the boyfriend jeans and boots. And I've worn two different versions of my boyfriend jeans and these are my favorite. The slim fit looks better with the ankle boot than those of my fuller legged version. I've experimented with three different sweaters and now this top. Both work well. You will be seeing this look a lot, even though I've worn it four times already and you've never seen it before.

The other new look is the hair! I took the plunge and it cut it. I know it's not a drastic cut, I can't possibly do that with all the curl this hair brings, but I did rid myself of about an inch and a half and I'm very happy with the result. Joel is calling it my "mom cut", but I'm calling it my first step to a new me in 2012!

Welcome to Miami!

Dress: BCBG Max Azria via Rue La La;

Shoes: Christian Louboutin via Saks Fifth Ave;

Earrings: made by me; Ring: ??

So, I have been tasked with creating five different New Year's Eve looks from cities around the globe. I'm not quite sure how to dress for this major holiday so I based my creations on the "idea" of each city. The cities are: Miami, Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles and Paris. Today, I took on Miami. And, instead of one look, I created two.

Miami is a high-life city. When I think of Miami, I think of J.Lo, Kourtney and Kloe Kardashian (in their early days) and Eva Longoria. Stylish, "hot" women who know how to work sleek and reveling dresses. Miami brings to mind form figure dresses, slits up to "there", lots of legs and tons of attitude! When dressing for Miami, this girl needed SPANX, an updo and my best SMIZE.

You also need ruby red lips, bling and Louboutin's!

My second dress is the lots of leg look. The palm design is reminiscent of the beach and the short skirt is perfect for dancing the night away! Again, an updo is a must for me. Heat + moisture from the ocean = an enormous amount of frizz!

Dress: BCBG Max Azria via BCBG Outlet;

Shoes: Banana Republic (gift);

Earrings: Silpada; Bracelet: Ann Taylor

This look goes a little more casual so I added simple hoops and a wide CZ bangle. Silver heels add just a little more shimmer for the ultimate NYE finish! 

Sequins, Where?

Coat: Banana Republic Outlet; T-Neck: Ann Taylor;

Tank/Jeans: Ann Taylor Loft; Booties: Tori Burch (gift);

Necklace: Anthropologie

You have to look hard to find the sequins with this look, but I promise they're there! I am a huge fan of cropped coats. Great coverage from the cold, but pulls the whole thing together. Almost like a blazer, they are perfect over dresses as well. I paired mine with trouser jeans, a great alternative to flairs, t-neck and booties. And as for those sequins, they're in the necklace. See photo below.

I got this great necklace from Anthropologie but have never worn it. To be honest, I forgot where I put it. When I did find it, I immediately remembered it was made of crystals and sequins, a great way to tie in yet another alternative to sweaters, scarves and hats. Look for little details like this when picking out jewelry.

Bronze Metal

Coat: H&M; Shirt: J.Crew Outlet; Skirt: H&M

Tights: We Love Color; Shoes: Chie Mihara (gift);

Sunglasses: Tom Ford; Belt: ??; Ring: House of Harlow 

Yesterday I went full out sequins in my H&M skirt! I have been searching for the right skirt for months and almost purchased one from the Kardashian collection via QVC. So glad I didn't because this was a steal at $30!! As most of you readers know, I've been obsessed with the denim/sequin look for over a year, seen here. I like my take. I added the belt because I felt it completed the look. Without it, the waistband was plain and a little sloppy. Paired with a sleek black top, this would be great for NYE!  

B

Loads of Glimmer

Sweater: J.Crew (gift); T-Neck: H&M;

Jeans: Ann Taylor Loft; Shoes: Moshino Cheap and Chic

 I love this little shrug. My mom gave it to me for Christmas several years ago and I don't wear it all that often. Usually, I wait for a dressy occasion and pair it with skinny jeans, a cami and heels. But this time I decided to wear my wide leg jeans and t-neck. Because the shawl collar is chocked full of sequins, I kept my accessories to a minimum and my shoes very neutral.

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Slight Shimmer

 Sweater: Alice + Olivia (gift); T-Neck: Target:

Jeans: Ann Taylor Loft; Boots: Halogen via Nordstrom;

Earrings/Ring: Silpada

 I received this sweater for my birthday and it was the first thing I thought of when I decided on sequins week! I love the small shimmer it provides with its iridescent sequins. Super subtle if  you aren't into the flashy look sequins can project. And, with this swingy sweater, skinny jeans and tall boots help balance out all that volume.

And speaking of shimmer, check out my newest nails below!

 I am obsessed with the Sally Hansen Nail Salon Effects polish strips! I love the fun colors and designs that are available and that there is zero dry time! GENIUS!

Top Five Sequin Must-Haves

Theme week continues, and with the holidays just days away, I've decided to add a little sparkle. This week I am exploring the twinkling world of sequins! Who doesn't like a little bling scattered through out their wardrobe? And, who knew I had so many sequined pieces to chose from? I am never going to get them all in so I'm highlighting my favorites.

My Top Five Sequin Must-Haves:

1) A sequined sweater can be worn casual or dressy. Add boyfriend jeans and booties for weekend casz or sleek black pants and heels for that upcoming holiday party!

2) Sequined pumps are a great way to add bling without going too far. Fun with skinny jeans and simple black t-neck. Or add tights to your LBD and these sparklers. That's all you need!

3) A sequined scarf will add punch to your drab winter coat! This one will look great with either your standard black topper or camel. 

4) This little sequined belt would look great paired with a boxy sweater, at the waist of your skirt or will add that little something extra to your dress. And how adorable is that bow?

5) And for that wow factor this NYE, go for bold in an all over sequined dress! This Rachel Zoe number is one I've had my eye on since she debuted her Fall 2011 collection earlier this year!

Whether it's a little or a lot, sequins are the perfect way to dress up any outfit. And, there are so many inexpensive pieces out there, why not invest in a couple of different ones! Perfect for the holidays or a dreary Monday!

Five Key Brights

If you are considering adding brights to your wardrobe, below are my five key piece investing in.

1) A Skinny Belt

2) A Solid Scarf

3) Tone on Tone Shoes

4) A Colorful Sweater

5) A Winter Coat

All of these items can be paired with items that already exist in your wardrobe. Wrap the skinny belt around your waist or to your favorite denim. Add a scarf to that plain, white button down. Shoes can be worn with all manner of items. Invest in platform heel for comfort and sass! A pull over can be layered with thin t-shirts or a denim button down. Pair that skinny belt in a complimentary color! And finally, if you're here in the Midwest, you know an overcoat is a must during the winter. Why rely on that same ol' black coat from years past. Jazz up your coat closet with one in cobalt or fuchsia. Both go well with black, gray and white. And who doesn't have those colors already floating around in their wardrobe!

Pretty in Pink

 Top: Ann Taylor; Pants: H&M; Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden via DSW;

Necklace: Tori Spelling via HSN; Ring: Silpada

 Pretty in Pink was one of my favorite 80s movies and this color combo would have been perfect during that time! Even the multi-strand necklace reminds me of something Madonna would have worn. In my opinion, the 80s were great!

Yesterday's look is a bolder step in the brights direction. Honestly, you can't really get much brighter than hot pink pants! I tried to tone down the color by adding black, but to really amp it up, pair it with a red bow-tie blouse or wool t-neck. The latter was what I originally thought of doing, but thought the office might not be ready! Are you?

 

 

Bright Tights

Shirt: J.Crew Outlet; Shorts: H&M; Tights: Target;

Boots: Seychelles via Habitat Shoe Boutique;

Necklace: Banana Republic; Belt: ??

  So you started with shoes and now you want to add a little more color but don't want to go too far? Add bright tights to liven up your look. This is not at all what I started out wearing! Actually, the only piece that's from the original look is the denim shirt! That's the great thing about fashion. You just start with a concept and mix it up until you get the look you were going for! Too much color? Add a colorful belt instead!

Blue Suede Shoes

T-Neck Sweater: Target; Skirt: Banana Republic;

Tights: We Love Color; Shoes: DSW (gift);

Necklace: Banana Republic Outlet; Earrings: Gift

 I kicked off brights week with a small dose of color. If you, like me, haven't really played around with color, accessories are a great way to introduce them to your wardrobe. Take colors like charcoal and black and turn up the dial with royal blue and turquoise. Other great brights would be fuchsia, red or tangerine!

As the week goes on, I will continue to boast brights, outside of just accessories, and get a little bolder as the week goes on! You might need to adjust the color on your screen!