Da Fashionista.com

The Scene
Mr. Diabolina planned a romantical dinner at Michael Mina's XIV tonight. Except he called it Michael Medina's 24.

I don't blame him for butchering the name of a world famous chef. After all, Mr. D is hardly a foodie. But not knowing his roman numerals - when he studied Latin - is unacceptable! He's lucky he's pretty.

The main dining room of XIV is dark and sumptuous. Books line the walls and a fireplace bridges the indoor and outdoor space. Makes you feel like you are in someone's ornate study. Feels a little Eyes Wide Shut too.

The outside patio area has an intimate, sexy vibe too. Might make a good setting for Mr. D's upcoming birthday.

As expected, the food was excellent. We started with the AHI TUNA TARTARE, ANCHO CHILE, PEARS, MINT, PINE NUTS, SESAME OIL. Then Mr. D ordered the LIBERTY DUCK BREAST, SEARED FOIE GRAS, LEG CONFIT, PINEAPPLE, STAR ANISE


I had the Kobe burger. With a jalepeno that needed it's own zip code.

For dessert, Mr. Diabolina ordered the fancy root beer float and shared my
MACALLAN BUTTERSCOTCH, WINTER SQUASH CAKE, SCOTCH CARAMEL

Don't worry: tomorrow we hit Runyon Canyon. Hard.



The Outfit
Vintage trenchcoat

Marimekko for H&M top

J Brand skinny jeans

The Accessories

Louis Vuitton earrings

Forever 21 ring, bangles and sunglasses

Tory Burch Reva flats

Fashion District bangle and ring
Chanel bag

Me&Ro necklaces

The Grade
B

The Commentary
Good TGIF outfit today. Comfortable but still sass. Nothing spectacular, nothing revolutionary. But it features a few little recessionista shopping tips ideal for amping up the chic factor in any closet.

1. The well cut trench coat. It's the ideal transition season cover up. Never goes out of style. It works well for day and night. And instantly invokes a clean, classic, Euro vibe.

Your trench of choice could be Burberry or Gap - just look for one that flatters not obscures your figure. Think nipped in waist, smoothed out hips and the universally flattering "right above the knee" length.

Hold out for one with interesting details like a cool collar or great buttons. If you already have one in a classic camel or black color, think about a poppy color that could integrate well with your wardrobe. I would love a fuchsia one, personally.

2. Bold prints. During my wardrobe consultation with Amber last week I was surprised to find that I could count on one hand the number of prints she had in her closet!!! She told me she wasn't sure how to integrate them into her wardrobe full of solids.












Now I know not all prints are for everybody. The Marimekko prints were a bit much even for me - and I have a black belt in fashion and a big personality to match. But I think if you want a style that is playful and memorable bold prints are a must. They are also a simple way to integrate seasonal trends.

That doesn't mean you have to do head to toe Gucci or Pucci. Instead of a maxi dress, start slowly with a scarf or a top in a classic print like floral or paisely. Look for color combinations that actually flatter you not just ones that you like. Get familiar with designer prints and what makes them luxe. Then keep an eye out for similar ones that won't break the bank.

3. Accessories. Recently Lotus posed an interesting question to me: how do you know when you've gone overboard with jewelry? The answer is simple - it's completely up to you. Like most things in fashion and life, it's not black or white.

What's right for an Olsen twin may not be right for you one day but might be perfect the next day. Fashion should be fun and about expressing yourself and reinventing your image. So there is no one "right" way to accessorize. My advice is to go with what you feel and the image you want to project on a given day.

Personally, I wear earrings every day. Today I wore them with two necklaces, four bracelets and three rings. Just felt like matching the loudness of the print with more bling than I normally wear. Plus this season is all about lots of unapologetically look at me jewlery.


So I say live a little. Pile it on Rachel Zoe style. What's the worst that could happen? You feel self conscious? Then just take some of it off and stick it in your purse. Voila. Fashion emergency averted ;)