Fall 2011: How to Wear a Cape

The Scene

One of the reasons I LOVE traveling with my mom is that she's always up for a fancy vagina fest.

And that's exactly what you get at afternoon tea at the St. Regis in NYC. It is girly twirly fantastical.

Highly recommend the HEAVENLY lady-like sandwiches and don't get me started about the scones.

Ugh and this fancy version of a Reese's peanut buttercup---sorry for the blurring, I think I was shaking with joy.

A new NYC tradition is born for this piglet and her mama piggy!

The Outfit

Zara tunic

H&M striped sweater cape

Amercian Apparel liquid leggings

The Accessories

H&M floppy hat, leopard scarf and flats

Louis Vuitton tote

Michele watch

Forever 21 bracelet

The Grade

A for Afternoon Tea

The Commentary

I've never been prouder of my packing skillz than I was during this trip to NYC. Managed to bring a carry-on full of pieces---colors, prints, accessories---that mixed and matched so easily, they were practically idiot proof. They worked equally well for my professional duties as well as my off time with my  mommy. They also managed to make me feel like a local and yet, very me. 

A little relaxed Rachel glam from LA

Mixed with the Olivia socialite in the city chic.

The big floppy hat that I got in NYC while I was there added the perfect dash of Lanvin on a dime.

The only downside of this particular outfit: capes can be a little awkward if you're not wearing the right purse. A clutch or top handle bag that you can wear on your wrist work better than a shoulder bag. Otherwise you end up walking around all kinds of schloppy or with your wrist en fuego from the weight of your huge bag. Live and learn.

The Inspiration

What to Wear to a Janet Jackson Concert: Belle Noelle Hair Jewelry

The Scene
Reason 1,999,999 to love Mr. Diabolina: he surprises me with Janet Jackson tickets.

Reason 2,000,000 to love him: a couple of days before the concert, he manages to snag GREAT seats...that just happen to be right behind two of our closest friends...who bought their tickets months in advance...and are more than a little creeped out. I mean what are the odds????

Me thinks they were convinced I was stalking their friend who they actually DID buy tickets with: one Rupal. Yep, we not only randomly sat behind one of our favorite couples...we sat behind Mr. Ru himself. AT JANET JACKSON. I can die happy.

Everything about Ms. Jackson on stage was amaze: how she looked and sounded and moved. Closest thing to seeing Michael we have left. Tear.

She played it ALL---below is the set list. Felt like the soundtrack of the last 20 years of parties and nights out at da club. Took me waaaay back. Danced all night.

1.All For You

2.Together Again

3.Pleasure Principle

4.Control

5.What Have You Done For Me Lately

6.Feedback

7.You Want This

8.Alright

9.Miss You Much

10.Nasty

11. Come Back To Me

12.Let's Wait Awhile

13.Again

14.Love Will Never Do

15.When I Think Of You

16. I Get So Lonely

17.That's the Way Love Goes

18. If

19.Scream

20.Rhythm Nation

21.Diamonds

22.The Best Things In Life Are Free

23.Make Me

24.Together Again: Dedicated to Los Angeles

Fun, random, nostalgic night in LA.

The best part:  Katherine and Jermaine showed up before Janet took the stage and the crowd went bananas.  So I jokingly squealed, "If Blanket shows up, I'm going to lose my SHIT." 

Little did my loose bowels know that a) Blanket was in the house---he left in tears after Janet's touching tribute to Michael and 2) Rupaul overhead me and tweeted my funny the next morning!!!!!

Um, do you die? I did. Another life bucket list item...accomplished.

The Outfit

H&M tunic and jacket

American Apparel leggings

Tory Burch flats

Lee Angel bangles

Marc by Marc Jacobs zipper earrings

Vintage bag

The Grade

Pass

The Commentary

I've said this many times: dressing for concerts and sporting events isn't my forte. Something about the crowds and alternating between standing and sitting and walking to and from a parking lot...ugh...it all  throws me the fuck off.

At concerts, I also psych myself out and create too much pressure. Like somehow I'm going to get pulled on stage and have a Courtney Cox moment. Like I have to fit in exactly with the staging and what the artist is wearing. I'm insane.

Suffice to say, I'm not so crazy about this end result. Safe and boring. However, I do love the mixed prints.

First time wearing the jacket. Saved it for the perfect occasion. Bought it because it reminded me of McQueen Spring 2009.  Heart.

Black and white was the palette of the night on stage too.

Much like the last diva we saw at Universal: Gwen Stefani.

Added some 80s-rrific bangles that I nabbed for FREE thanks to Neiman Marcus' SCVNGR promotion.

Best part of the outfit: my hair clip/jewelry that I bought at Revolve. Love it in all it's over the top, gaudy, ferosh splendor.

It is one hundred percent signature Kim.

Felt very vegas show girl crossed with a genie in a bottle crossed with a stripper in cake.

With just the right hint of Janet circa Rhythm Nation

Worst part of the outfit: the flats.

Don't get me wrong. I looove these shoes. But I've officially become the kind of thirtysomething that can't survive concerts in heels. I've crossed over into comfort over fabulosity aka the nearing death zone.

A moment of silence for the fashionista formerly known as Diabolina ;)

What to Wear on the Sunset Strip

The Outfit
Forever 21 tank
Dolce and Gabanna blazer
American Apparel liquid leggings

The Accessories
House of Harlow-inspired necklace
Valentino studded heels
Vintage purse
LA fashion District stud ring
Forever 21 bracelets

The Grade
A

The Commentary

Dinner at The Andaz. With three hot menz. My loinz.

Mr. Diabolina regailed us with the latest tales of his big shot trial

And my two newest pretties discussed everything from pull ups to architecture to civic duty. God I love smart gorgeous peoples.  

The Food

Oysters with shallot vinegar and roasted port sausage

12-hour-cooked boneless suckling pig, sunchokes, chestnuts, cahors win sauce 

The Special Duck

Slow Braised beef cheek, farm green cabbage, baby rainbow carrots

Seared diver scallops with farm chestnut and celery ragout, black truffle

The Commenary

Spent the whole day in sweats working from home, riveted to all the horrifying news from Japan. So devastating. Such a beautiful country and a lovely people. Easily my favorite country that I've ever visited.




Was so out of sorts that dressing to leave the house was utterly flummoxing. Decided to be safe. Copied my favorite new go-to, no-brainer work outfit



Switched out the big day purse for a tiny quilted cross-body.

And instead of the wide leg trousers and sensible heels added the leggings and studded heels. Needed a bit of rock and roll since we were heading to see a friend in a band at the House of Blues after dinner.



Piled on the bling

Matched Mr. WeHo's blingy sneaks. He said he wore them for me. Love.

The Inspiration