Da Fashionista.com

The Scene
About five years ago, Mr. Diabolina and his high school buddy Danny B went in on a boat with a few other boys. In the summer, they take it out Mako shark fishing or for joy rides out to Catalina.


But today, the boating excursion was more romantical in nature. They planned a sunset cruise for their ladies complete with champagne, strawberries, cheese and heart-shaped crackers. SWOON!! Best. boy. besties. ever!



It was Daisy Duke's first time on the boat. Quite the fancy introduction!

It was only my second time on the boat. For all these years, I've liked the fact that Mr. D had something that was just his. His space, his hobby, his thing.

I don't think enough women think like that but I know men appreciate it. Makes the time you have together even better.

Plus it's a fishing boat and I naively thought that meant I had to fish to go on it. No gracias, no soy pescadora. AND it has no bathroom. Not a place for ladies like moi, I thought. PLUS, they always cast off EARLY on Saturday mornings when I'd rather sleep in. So case closed - no Diabolina for five years

But Mr. Diabolina finally cajoled me onto the boat last summer and I loved it. Loved seeing someone I know so well in a completely different light.

So the sunset cruise had me giddy all day. We made our way up to the Santa Monica Pier and ended up docking there. We'd heard there was some Red Bull hoopla going on - guy breaking a world record by jumping as high as the ferris wheel. So we tried to peep some of that action. Instead got an amazing vantage point for this stunt plane putting on a big show for the assembled crowds.



Have such a lovely time whenever we see DB and DD. Few couples are so chill and low maintenance but fun and engaging! I feel like I can breathe around them. That's a big deal. Heart them.


Had a bit of a glitch as we pulled the boat into the dock. Think Mr. Diabolina was trying to show off for the hot chicks. He is such a monkey. MY monkey.




p.s. His lawyering saved a client tens of millions today. Got kudos from partners around the country. YAY MY LAWYER MONKEY!!!

The Outfit
Madewell jeans and tank
Fuchsia wrap sweater

The Accessories
Forever 21 bangles and sunglasses
Marc by Marc Jacobs tote
Stuart Weitzman sandals

The Grade
Pass



The Commentary
Built the outfit around the new jeans today. Bootcut in a medium wash called "Broken In." Was shocked when I slipped them on on Wednesday. Better than average fit for me. And I have a tough body for jeans. Primarily because the majority of my jiggle is in my tummy and yet I have no bootie. Winning combo!

So low cut jeans often create too much of a muffin top. While other jeans that fit in the waist, sag in the tush. Jean shopping for me is what bikini shopping is for most women. A horror scene that leaves one despondent and hungry for precisely the comfort foods that created the nightmare in the first place.


Think this has lead me to shop designer jeans strictly resale at places like Crossroads and Buffalo Exchange. When I see a pair at a resale store in my size , know two things: 1) it's likely going to be broken in and 2) it's going to cost me a fourth of what it would cost at a department store. Very appealing. Win-win.

My luxe jean wardrobe currently consists of the following: 2 Blue Cults, 1 Hudson, 1 Citizens of Humanity, 2 Seven For All Mankinds. Each averaged about $30. Have never bought a designer pair of jeans retail. I got anxious at the mere thought of paying $150+. But may have to do it soon. All my jeans are pretty trashed.

In addition to these six pairs of high end denim, I have 2 pairs from Tarjay (gray skinnies and dark wash skinnies) and a black pair of boot cuts from Forever 21. These cheapy, trendy ones averaged about $20.

While today's pair retails for $98, I got them for $25 thanks to Little Miss MBA. Right in line with what I typically pay. Yay recessionista me!

Added the new Madewell tank to keep everything casual and nautical. Find it adorable that Mr. Diabolina and Daisy Duke's were also in a stripey mood. Great boating minds think alike!

Bought this top because it reminds me of a simple Marc Jacobs top I heart. Love it so much, I added it to my "fashion scrapbook." See at bottom/middle on Sophia Coppola?




Have been creating fashion collages since I was 13. I know, how Beautiful Mind of me. But I think it's helped me develop an eye for cuts and unusual pairings. Can also help on fashion emergency days.

I've noticed that most of the fashionista bloggers do this type of inspiration collaging. They just do it online now. But I still like the tactical feel of cutting up magazines and putting them into my very own look books. Just how I like shopping in real stores not online. I guess I'm old like that.


I organize collages around a theme. Like this one is about proffesional looks comprised of easy separates for summer.







This one is about glam sparkle and fabulous furs.








Sometimes I organize them around fashionistas whose looks I love like Kate Moss or Gwyneth Paltrow or JLo. Think it's helpful to do ones with someone who has a similar body type or coloring as you.






This one's about jeans. Love jeans. A good pair can make you feel long and lean. And effortlessly hot. There are so many ways to make them your own too. Provide such a blank palette to build on.





That's why I adore this denim Marc bag. Works seamlessly with so many casual looks. Wore it today because I didn't want to worry about it getting grungy on the boat.


Should have considered bringing this USC bag instead. Danny B felt the need to point out I was decked out in Bruin colors. Ugh.




He would think that. He went to UCLA and is a bit of die-hard fan. It's really the only thing that makes him a less than perfect catch for the delicious Daisy Duke's ;)