Friday Favorites

Now comfortably in my 30s, I have to admit when I go in to an actual Forever 21 store, I feel like a grandma.  The vast majority of the store's content is too short/tight clothing in tiny sizes.  But online (and in some stores) they have this great section called Love21, which clothing is more modest and sized a half size larger than the standard Forever 21 line (why ALL the clothing can't be of the same sizing, I don't know. But that's another rant.)  F21 (and L21) is a great place to get seasonal trendy pieces without breaking the bank, and actually even some classics that could last you a few years.  And since everything looks better/more expensive when it fits you perfectly, the pieces here are so cheap that even after the cost of the tailor it was a steal.  Here are some pieces I'm eyeing. 

Clockwise, from top left: Great Double-Sleeve Cocoon Coat, trendy fringe sweater, boucle coat in a great color, fall season maxi in a great tribal print, backside detailed sweater, great for work blazer with faux leather trim, dress up or down chevron shirt, and too pretty retro midi skirt.

Scandalous Attire

Do you watch the Shonda Rhimes' show "Scandal" starring Kerry Washington?  If not, you're missing out on some fun characters, but even more enjoyably some great professional style.  Washington's character Olivia Pope is a great, strong female role, and wardrobe for the show does a great job making her look strong and confident and professional while retaining femininity and, well, just looking pretty.  Olivia Pope proves suits can be sexy.  And thanks to The Limited, we can all feel confidently dressed à la OP.

Fashion Irony

The average American woman is just over 5 feet 4 inches tall.  The average fashion model is 5 feet 9 inches, and many are even taller than that (think the lovely Karlie Kloss, at 6"1", and Elle MacPherson, at 6'.)  However, there are two initial problems with that 5+ inch discrepancy:

1. The obvious one: the models do not reflect what most women will look like in the clothes. This is the problem most women find frustrating, and understandably.  If these models are the standard for ideal physical beauty, and height is nothing we have control over, then women are judging themselves in a comparison that was never even comparable to begin with.
2. But the less obvious one--at least less obvious to anyone of average height--is that for those of us who are 'model' height, ironically the clothes actually for sale are not made for us.  We cannot assume because an item of clothing is photographed on someone we know is our height, that if we try on the same item it would fit us. 

Bet you didn't know being average height was actually a shopping blessing, did you?  I am 5'11". A good height for sports, yes, and a good height for modeling (if I were 10 years and 20 lbs lighter - and I'm only 140. I'm not saying I need to lose weight, its just the industry....).  But it's not a good height for buying clothes off the rack.  Pants are never long enough. And even if you decide 'hey, that's ok, I'll rock these regular length skinny jeans as crop pants', the proportions are off, so you can't pull them up past your knees. Try on a cute, fitted sheath dress, and the narrow of the waist is at your rib cage, and the width of the hips is at your waist. That look may have worked in the days of the bustle, but not so much today. A full length sleeve usually ends up being 3/4 length.

One of the wonderful things about this world is all the diversity of life; all the beautiful shapes and sizes and colors we come in.  So I understand, practically speaking, that mass-produced clothing cannot be made in every single size and shape.

Thankfully, many companies are beginning to make more clothes in tall length. Not just longer limbs, but longer proportions, so the waist is where the waist should be, and the knee-length hem is actually at the knee (and not pushing decency boundaries.)  ASOS is increasing their line, and I could not be happier about this. I honestly don't know how I dressed before I discovered ASOS.  They have super cute, affordable maternity clothes (which I shopped when I was pregnant, and will again next time) and their tall size styles are increasing. With free shipping on any order over $25, free expedited shipping over $125, free returns, petite, maternity, average and tall sizes, and a massive inventory, what more could you ask for?  If you're not shopping there yet, set some time aside and check it out (you will find dozens of things you love, I promise). You're going to have to start an ASOS wish list board on Pinterest.

Fitted dresses are always a tall challenge. These are so cute and in tall proportions. (Here, here, here and here.)  They have styles for work and play.

Peplum tops are always a tall girl challenge. Here's a cute one with longer proportions.  And a fun, tribal top that is long enough.

A beautifully colored shift dress that's not a mini; and while many brands carry basics in longer lengths, its often hard to find trendier pieces.  These plaid pants look great for the fall.

 

Royal Inspiration

I think its safe to say that, generally speaking, office/professional attire are not the most fun, fashionable pieces a girl has in her closet.  But for so many of us, they are the clothes we spend most of our lives in.  Every morning - actually beginning the night before - I try to figure out how to wear/style/assemble my outfit that I'm professional in appearance, yet youthful and feminine and even fun.  One of my new fashion inspirations in this regard is the Dutchess of Cambridge.

Clearly becoming a Dutchess does a wardrobe good.  She didn't have bad style before she got married, but her style now that she's officially a Mrs. has been flawless.  If you google "Kate Middleton Fashion Blooper", all you get are images of the wind blowing her skirt up almost too much.  If those are your only fashion bloopers and you live in the public eye as she does, you are doing very well.

What's so great about Kate's style is that we can all see ourselves wearing the same thing. She may have the ability to spend more than most of us, but her sensibility is classic and tasteful, and what really makes her look good is that everything fits her perfectly. And while she does have an enviable figure, even models can't wear everything right off the rack.  Buy a cheap dress but have it tailored to fit your body, and you will look more expensive than what you spent.

Kate has a way of making frumpy not-so-youthful pieces look youthful and lovely.  Some of the tweed and high-neck suits and dresses she has worn would make me feel like and old lady, but she doesn't look matronly in the slightest.

And of course, who doesn't want to be a princess for the gowns?  Don't we all wish we had lives where it warranted wearing beautiful dresses regularly? Kate has great taste picking the loveliest gowns. She really does look like a princess.

And can I just say I don't know why we don't wear hat/fascinators in the US the way they do in the UK?  It's a shame.

I'm working on filling my closet with my version of Kate style. Classic sheaths in a variety of colors, dresses and skirts of midi length, and well-fitting blazers and jeans.  And I will be making friends with a good tailor...

The interest in the details...

Sometimes when picking what to wear, I battle mentally over wanting to just be comfy, and still wanting to look polished.  I think this outfit looks put together, but is deceptively comfortable.  The pants I love, they're super soft and lightweight.  The shirt is jersey, and the jacket is lightweight and cotton.  If anything in this ensemble foils my attempt at comfort, its the heels, but even for those, these ones are good. A little platform in the front makes a tall heel feel not so tall, and also allows for a little cushion in the front.

Jacket: Forever21 // Necklace: Mango // Top: J. Crew // Pants: Mango // Shoes: Calvin Klein (similar here)

Pattern and lace...

As I'm sure you can imagine, much of the attire you see in a law office is drab. Most business suits are drab, even the decor, walls and carpet here are drab. I, however, am not drab.  And I refuse to allow my drab environment to suck me in. So even if I'm alone in it, I will bring color to the drabness I spend the bulk of my day in.  By my clothes and by my smile.

Shirt: Zara (first seen here) // Skirt: Mango // Heels: Calvin Klein

Thought it's hard to tell from the pictures, my skirt is actually navy lace, and my blouse is more of a sheer fabric.  The shape and length of the skirt are totally work appropriate, but the texture of the lace is more fun than just a solid.

Necklace: Newport News (old) // Shoes: Calvin Klein

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Engagement party ensemble...

Hubby and I had the pleasure and honor of helping our friends celebrate their engagement this past weekend. It was a beautiful but cool day in Los Angeles that day, and the party wasn't until dusk. They told us it wasn't anything fancy, but still wanted to look a little dressy for the special occasion.  Plus I didn't know anything about the location, so I wanted to be warm enough in case I had to spend time outside.



Blazer: Zara // Top: J. Crew // Pants: Old Navy // Shoes: Prabal Gurung for Target // Bag: Michael Kors // Necklace: Mango

Be our guest....

What kind of fashion blog would I be if I didn't do a post today about the Oscars? Did you watch? I have to say, about the show, that I liked Seth McFarland as a host. I felt like his humor was just enough and mostly non-offensive, and the intro was a performance that actually made the show a Show, and it was great to see all the other actors that participated performing with him. But of course, the real reason anyone watchs is the fashion. Who is wearing what. Here are some of my faves and least faves, from the Oscars and the after parties.



HIT: Halle Berry in Armani Prive - Sometimes its hard to tell if someone looks gorgeous because of how they are put together, or if they are gorgeous just because they are gorgeous. I think Halle is both. She looks gorgeous in street clothes, so here she looks like a movie star.  She said she wanted to go to the awards looking like a Bond girl, and this is what they made for her.  Unique and flattering, just enough skin.



HIT: Charlize Theron in Dior - she looks stunning, though I think you could put her in a burlap sack and she'd look stunning.  Actually, the dress itself is kind of boring, but as a complete package (I love that she can wear hair like that) she looks like a movie star.

HIT: Nicole Kidman in Elie Saab - This picture doesn't do her hair and makeup justice, but Nicole looked flawless last night. I read somewhere that this dress looked like liquid, and it really did. I want to know what undergarments she was wearing, b/c her figure was flawless.
 

HIT: Lily Colins in Zuhair Murad - I don't know what the front looked like, but from the back everything works: the hair the dress, the earrings.  Love the color on her.

Dressed up for dinner...

I've never followed the "no whites after Labor Day" "rule".  That's just silly to me.  Granted, I find that 'winter white' feels a bit more seasonally appropriate during the colder months, but white white works year round.  You just need to incorporate it in seasonally appropriate ways.  Like in a jacket. A fun, structured jacket with extra detailing.

Jacket: Forever21 // Necklace: Forever21 //  Dress: ????, got it on HauteLook (old) // Heels: Calvin Klein

Red-y or not...

As I mentioned earlier, I am going to try to post more apparel pictures, and today is one of those days. I must disclaimer that the pictures are not the best possible.  Saturday turned out to be a great day for talking pctures outside, but I ended up sick.  Then Sunday when I was feeling better, it was a bit sunny, plus it was Super Bowl, and my husband and I spent the morning in the kitchen prepping food, then the afternoon at our friends house to watch the game. Didn't get home until after dark, so the pictures ended up just being in the house (boring!) with the iPhone.  Ah well. Next time.

Color of Love...

So its the last day in January. How is that possible already? 11 more months and its 2014! Whoa, I know, getting a bit ahead of myself there.  One day at a time.  Or 14 days until Valentine's Day (for those in love) and Singles Awareness Day (for those not).  And regardless of your love status, I think we can all enjoy a reason to buy a new outfit.

Modern Hawaii style...

I'm going to try to start posting more of my personal style pictures, to document my attempts at finding my adult style. (Finding a good photographer to help with that is on my to-do list. Or at least getting a better camera for my husband to use. For now, these will have to do.)

First attempt here, some images from an outfit I wore for our first nice dinner out while visiting Kauai.  We went to The Beach House Restaurant, which is right on the water's edge facing the west, so it has a gorgeous and unobstructed view of the sunset every night.  It's one of the "fancier" restaurants on Kauai, which is still extremely casual by LA standards.  The food was delish, I had a watermelon feta salad and the seafood bisque. Very full by the end of dinner, and all diners were happy.  We've dined there every time we've visited Kauai.

Currently Craving...

I think I'm really digging the (faux) leather legging/skinny pant look right now. 

Currently Craving....

Clearly I'm not the only one!  If I had my Pinterest items in my actual closet, I would have no problem getting dressed every day.  Remember in the movie Clueless, with Alicia Silverstone, her character Cher had that computer program that would put outfits together for her? That's what Pinterest is for me ('cept I don't actually have most of the clothes in my pins!) Oh well. That just makes it more of a goal board.

An Expert Reveals....

It is my goal when I shop to be frugal yet to buy things that don't look cheap.  I also don't want to settle for something if its not EXACTLY what I was envisioning in my mind's eye.  But my mind's eye seems to have expensive taste.  You know those pages in fashion/beauty magazines that show multiple options of a current trend? Like "Oxfords are in this season! Here are 8 different styles all of different prices."  Inevitably, even before I know what the brand or price is, just by looking at the style, my favorite on the page will be the most expensive.  Never fails!  So annoying!

Well, I discovered this book yesterday that I have started reading and I'm hoping it will transform my shopping (and by consequence my wardrobe and style!).

Blazer hunting....

Well, another weekend has come and gone.  I am not a morning person, and especially not a Monday morning person.  Because of that, Mondays are especially hard for me to care about what I put on for work.  'Cept it matters, I need to look somewhat pulled together even if I don't feel it.
Blazers and jackets are a great way to look pulled together regardless of what you are wearing under them. A blazer over jeans and a tee or a sundress can make a weekend look work appropriate (at least in laid-back LA/Hollywood), and as we start to head in to cooler weather, can prolong the wear of some warm-weather pieces and transition them in to fall. (Some ladies who are always getting it right here, here and here.)

Currently craving...

Do you Etsy?  If you haven't discovered etsy.com yet, you are missing out.  Its like a wonderful land of creativity and, for the most part, loveliness.  Its like the ebay of homemade/handmade items, except its all sales and no auctions.  And I've discovered its a great place for jewelry. Not for gemstones, though you can find them too, but for unique and costume accessories without breaking the bank.  Here are some items I've been eyeing - though I better get to buying before they get snatched up!




Love the aqua shade.  www.etsy.com/shop/jennymasa

Currently Craving....

Yesterday when I was getting out of the car at home from work, one of my neighbors walking their dog asked me, "Are you a lawyer?" I smiled and said, "No, not yet. But I'm in law school."

"Oh," they replied, "Because you look like one."

I laughed. I'm not sure what about yesterday's outfit was particularly lawyer-ly - a pencil skirt and blouse can be any professional occupation - but I was flattered. For a moment. Then I thought about it and I don't want to LOOK like a lawyer, LOL! I used to get asked if I was a model (I'm tall and slender, and I THOUGHT fashionable). Things have changed, I guess. But I can still dress appropriately for my future profession without "looking" like a lawyer.

So here's some things I'm craving for their professional quality AND fashionability: