Fashion Spring 2011: 10 of My Favorite Things

My heart desires many things right this very second. Here are just a few.


1. THOSE leather arm Burberry trenches



2. All things Eddie Borgo, that stud

3. Stripes, stripes and more stripes? Yes, please. Head to toe Prada stripes? Even bettta.

4.  Glossy retro waves

5. Any red article of clothing. Don't have much red in my wardrobe. Need to rectify STAT.

6. THOSE YSL sandals. But ooof over $1K!  Maybe I'll just get wedges that are too big...

7. Elizabeth and James Fairfax sunglasses. Like butterflies on your peepers.

8. Crayola jeans. Will probably make my butt look bigger but will remind me of 1988 so it's all good.

9. Volumnious maxis. The odder the shapes lately, the more I like.

10. Two toned purses. Those amaze Celine totes have created lots o' copycats. Holding out for the perfect one. 

Anything I missed that you're loving?

Zara Spring 2011: Kelly Green and Stripes

The Outfit

Daryl K sweater

Zara skirt

The Accessories

Marc Jacobs purse

Canal Street bracelets

Tory Burch flats

The Grade

A

(Notwithstanding that gross Elaine from Seinfeld meets Big Love compound wife crossed with Snooki hair pouf situation---UGH who am I?!?)

The Commentary

I cannot even stand how amazing Zara has been for the last 6 months.



I'm all about their gorgeous rich colors and stripes right now! Especially the kelly green. Which is why I snatched up the skirt a few weekends ago. Plus, it happens to be incredibly flattering on top of being St. Patrick's Day-rrific.

Paired it with stripes for a bit of a Prada, sporty spice vibe.

And made the whole outfit more unexpected by choosing carmel-y accessories. These new Tory Burch flats I got at Century 21 in NYC are a dream. 

Also added orange pops with the jewelry and the lips for extra on-trend fun.



Thinking it's going to be an inspired and inspiring spring...


The Inspiration

My Interview with Derek Lam for the Neiman Marcus Blog

For the last few months, Jean Bean and I have been discussing the possibility of me freelancing for NM Daily.com. And last week, the perfect opportunity presented itself.



Mr. Derek Lam was visiting the Beverly Hills store and Jean Bean needed a reporter on the scene.




Interviewing one of the hottest designers on the planet as my first assignment?  Don't mind if I do!!! Grabbed a pen, a fashionable pad and my trusty recorder and was there with bells on.  

After an intimate tea, the lovely Mr. Lam narrated a Fall 2011 runway show and worked with clients one-on-one to answer their questions. I can't even imagine getting styled by the actual designer behind the clothes. Neiman's 90210 ladies have all the luck.

As the event was wrapping up, I grabbed a few moments with the gracious, articulate designer. No fuss, no muss. Like I sit around talking fashion with famous designers every Tuesday afternoon. Even snapped a few photos for myself despite having a professional photographer on hand.

Had a total "life is insane" moment as I was leaving and peeped my favorite dress from spring. Flashed back to the first time I saw it on the runway last year and then on Kate Bosworth. Never dreamed I'd be interviewing the man behind that dress a few months later.

And I REALLY never dreamed I'd be writing for the store that was a block away from my grammar school growing up. My parents took me to NM's Mariposa Cafe for popovers whenever I'd get good report cards. No wonder, I had quite the taste for hogging and designer clothing by the age of 12.

Life unfolds in such incredible ways, melding your life experiences together and creating unexpected but somehow destined new chapters. Love.

Here's what I wore for the big interview! Wish I'd had some Derek Lam in my wardrobe to don for the interview. But alas I am Lam-less. So my favorite new H&M dress, Valentino heels and Vivienne Westwood clutch had to do. A+

Click here to check out my full Q&A with Derek Lam on NM Daily.com.

Final NYC post

One last NYC post. Indulge me. Gracias.

At the center of the universe

A Louboutin cake at Chelsea Market

Mami mugging at the Met

The cheese plate at The Oak Room

Matching Canal Street trinkets

My mom's new Uniqlo jacket

My new Tory Burch studs from Century 21

I mean...it doesn't get cuter in the subway.

The rhubarb and lychee dessert at Mercer Kitchen. Go. NOW!

The entry to the Mondrian

The view from Bergdorf's

The last photo on our last day.

Now back to LA posts ;)

DIY: Turn a Fur Bolero into a Fur Collar

The Outfit

H&M tunic, Zara blazer, American Apparel leggings, Banana Republic vest, Tahari coat, BCBG boots, Marciano fur bolero, Marc by Marc Jacobs zipper necklace

The Grade

A

The Commentary

Living in LA for the last 33 years has taught me nothing about layering. But my last few trips to New York have. So I was incredibly proud of myself this time when I started out with an outfit like the one above, layered the the down vest with a furry hood over the blazer.

And added a coat and fur scarf.

But not just any fur scarf. A fur bolero that I bought when I was 21. I never wear it because...well...look at it. The proportions just don't work on me. I was kinda delusional in my early 20s.

But as I was packing it caught my eye and I realized I could just loop it through the armholes and get a fabulous neck warmer. Voila.





I swear, THE ENTIRE TRIP, I felt as I deserved a prize for being so genius.

The Inspiration

p.s. I saw my first Isabel Marant graffiti fur in person during my trip

Sadly the sprayed on green jeans with high tops kinda killed it for me