Living in Los Angeles has its rewards and challenges – and one of the more ‘fun challenges’ is the fact that it’s so casual and relaxed that apart from the toniest of red carpet events, it’s really easy to just go casual 24/7.
And so living in Los Angeles – one of the trends that I actually hope won’t go away anytime soon is the art of the casual chic. And one of the more iconic casual brands – Keds has joined the bandwagon of elevating their designs to include more sophisticated looks for women like me – who now would rather wear comfortable shoes on a daily basis.
I mean aren’t these shoes just adorable?
I love how classic American brands like Keds continue to evolve with the times – taking a classic design and making comfortable shoes that also look great so women like you and me can just go where we want to go without thinking about our feet.
So are you taking the plunge to get more comfortable soon? Because if you haven’t noticed more and more, I am over shoes I can’t walk in and looking forward to more shoes like these Keds
This blog post is created in partnership with Keds. However, all thoughts and opinion are my own (as always.)
If there’s one fashion item that I’d have to invest on, it would be delectable Italian-leather made bags. A popular guilty pleasure but you know it’s worth every penny. Aside from shoes, it’s the one thing that could make or break an outfit or better yet, exist on its own as a fashion statement. Ladies, you’ve got to agree, everyone’s been a bagaholic once in they’re life! On this week’s IT LIST, see my must have bag list!
Go ahead, cop one of your own– it will be our little secret! 🙂
See more on how I styled my recent favorite studded bag in
white is from Thomas Wylde on this post!
When I hear kids using the word “totes” instead of “totally” I can almost feel my high school English teacher sighing loudly and muttering “how much time does that abbreviation even save you?”
So when I first overheard a friend singing the praises of Le Tote Subscription, I was momentarily worried that this was some variation on the slang. As it turns out, Le Tote is destined to stick around, unlike a passing verbal phrase.
Basically Le Tote sends 3 pieces of clothing and 2 accessories in each delivery and you can keep what you like for as long as you like and send back what you don’t. If you want to own something outright they’ll just charge you a discounted price. It’s like having your own personal shopper, deliveryman and assistant to return things for you. All for $59 monthly price!
Now, as we know, I love to shop. But I just don’t have much free time these days. My favorite thing about Le Tote is the amount of time it saves me.
I have to admit it sort of feels like Christmas every time I get a delivery. What will be in the box?!? (Although I also sometimes use their “preview” option so that I can see what’s coming and swap out some of the items that I don’t think I’ll want. It’s less exciting, but the control-freak in me love this feature.
The Le Tote shoppers get to know my style preferences over time by looking at my virtual “closet” and watching what I keep and what I return, and how I rate the items they’ve sent. It’s so eerie that I almost feel as though they’ve become my close friends. Is it awkward to invite them to a party I’m throwing? Probably. But at least I know they’d pick out something great for me to wear to it.
I don’t get sick of the clothes in my closet because there’s always something new to wear. And I don’t feel guilty about packing more clothes into my very-real closet, because I can send the Le Tote clothes back when I’m tired of them. When I miss the piece, I just ask for it back!
I like that I can try out wearing pieces before committing to buying them. Sometimes I’m sure I love a piece and then a week later I realize I don’t really have anywhere to actually wear it. Or I wear it and then see a picture of myself in it and think “why did I think that neckline would look good on me?!?” This takes away that pressure.
Fortunately Le Tote has done a better job picking than I have in the past. Of course they see me for who I really am, not a 5′ 10″ , size 0 and blonde. ( Note to self: Do not buy something just because Gigi Hadid looks fabulous in it … because Gigi Hadid looks fabulous in anything.)
Well… it could happen – I’m just one hair-dye job and a couple of pilates sessions away. Right?
Some Le Tote Member Perks
Shipping is FREE both ways
Unlimited pieces at one low price
No styling fees
You always get to customize your tote
Convenient — forget crowded malls, buyer’s remorse, and poorly fitting products!
Le Tote takes care of the laundry
Brands: Vince Camuto, Sam Edelman, Kate Spade, French Connection, House of Harlow, BB Dakota, BCBGeneration, Max Studio, Levi’s, Free People, Rebecca Minkoff and more.
Photographed by the lovely Sabrina Hill. Makeup and Hair by the talented team at StyleBee
Having a signature look is what defines you, It represents your own personal style and It is the best start for your fun style journey.
Being unique doesn’t mean you have to be bold and different in every way. Unique means that you’ll be able to stand out, let’s put it this way you’re at a tea party and when you entered the room a lady from the corner table is also wearing the same turquoise skirt that you have on. How do you stand out girl?
Make sure that whatever clothes you’re going to buy fits you perfectly, it hugs your body on right places
Consider the fabric and texture, find clothes that will flow and accentuate your features
Accessorize! Accessorize! To help the outfit stand out find the right accessories to match your dress, but remember less is more. Too much component can make you look like a chandelier.
Make up, it is not required to wear it every day or whenever you go out even a natural look can be your signature, you just have to check your face and skin, pamper yourself once in a while to freshen up and to wake up your inner glow. If ever you have to put on make-up, yes definitely it is fine but then again ladies LESS IS MORE you wouldn’t want to look like a clown or even a zombie with those beauty products that you put on, the key is find your asset, if it is your eyes, focus on making them pop up, if it is your lips make that as a highlight on your face.
This beautiful tea time garden setting was taken at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Photography by Mandy Aileen | Gorgeous Pink Gown Designed by FIZIWOO
Makeup by Anna Sherie
Like many women, I juggle a number of lives every day. I can go from a corporate business meeting to a casual lunch to running errands and then a dressy event in the evening. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have the clothing budget to have a different ensemble for every facet of my life.
This is where having a split personality comes in handy. I look for pieces that can play as many roles in my wardrobe as I have to in my life. And that doesn’t just mean a pair of black pants or navy blazer that goes with everything.
This year floral is in fashion. And I live in drought-ridden California where only the fake-grass is still green. So I’ll take flowers wherever I can get them. Which is why I gravitated to this amazing print at Banana Republic. Look how versatile it actually is.
Here I paired the blazer with the pants but added their monotone (but with a great silver sheen) sweater. The button-up collared shirt underneath really pulls the outfit together as a formal suit.
Later I removed the blazer and shirt, leaving just the sweater and crop pants. It’s casual, sporty and fun.
I wore the same earrings with both outfits (“cat’s eye” stones! Need I say more? They had me at “cat.”) Changing up my hairstyle took the looks from reserved to relaxed.
I find it ironic that the store is called “Banana Republic” which was a phrased originally used to refer to a country that relies on only one exported crop to survive. The actual Banana Republic store has such a wide range of attire and their pieces can be used in so many different ways. That’s not one crop – that’s the entire produce department!
OK, maybe I don’t technically have a split personality, but I am starting to sound bananas…
Shot on location at the beautiful Culver Hotel Los Angeles
Photographer Sabrina Hill.
Makeup and Hair by the talented team at StyleBee
What’s your favorite Banana Republic piece?
Form should always follow function and Banana Republic holds true to this mantra by presenting us with perfectly tailored ready to wear pieces during New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016. From sleek trousers to cashmere sweaters, tailored coats, bright blazers and textured turtlenecks, their array of colorful clothes paired with bold patterns and textures definitely leave more than just a lasting impression– it is the must-have RTW collection of the season!
Here’s my favorite looks that would be perfect outfits for work from Banana Republic’s NYFW Fall/Winter 2016 Collection :
1. This chic yet comfortable turtleneck poncho layered onto a black and white striped long-sleeved top and paired with cigarette pants is perfect for the smart contemporary office. A classic striped clutch and black heels completes the look. Saunter into work on Monday looking like this and its a work-week slam dunk.
2. For a classic yet modern office look I love the blues in this outfit. The deep sapphire blue blazer looks amazing with other shades of blue here, or with other neutrals you would likely have in your closet. And if you can wear it with almost anything else in your wardrobe, isn’t that an investment?
3. Feeling a little femme fatale-ish? 50 Shades of Grey is not exactly office appropriate but wearing different shades of this classic neutral is always a good idea. Banana Republic gives us ample options from the deepest charcoals to the lightest smokey shades. I especially love the fact that because of grey’s muted tones here, The fur cardigan, leather gloves and pointed clogs in black gives the look just enough edge.
4. Almost the weekend, but you’re filled with meetings? Well secretly enjoy making an entrance to your appointments with chic ensembles like the ones below. The best thing is they look modern, yet still classically tailored that they would last you a few seasons. That is if Banana Republic doesn’t come up with yet more gorgeous coats for their next FW season.
5. Casual Fridays is finally here! Add some color to celebrate – I LOVE the mustard yellow blazer and distressed boyfriend jeans and lets not even talk about that brown leather jacket in the background.
So the question is – should I switch my king-size bed for a twin bed in my bedroom so
I can have more space for all this fabulousness?
PS: Thank you Gina Doost for attending the NYFW Banana Republic FW16 show for me.
Photos are important. When you’re sharing moments with somebody or looking back on your life when you’re old and grey (but still fabulous), you’re going to want photos to help you relive those once in a lifetime opportunities. In this day and age, selfies are all the rage.
In fact teens seem to think they are the only way to take a photo. But let’s get real, the most beautiful photos show off your gorgeous outfits and stunning surroundings and you can’t take that photo yourself. Sometimes, selfies just don’t cut it.
When you travel, you want to freeze the moment and carry it with you when you go home. If you are travelling alone it is especially difficult to capture those special moments you may never experience again. And even if you are travelling with your partner or your BFF, you still want somebody else snapping the photos so that you can both be in the frame.
Introducing Flytographer: it’s a company that specializes in capturing those special memories. It comes in handy on vacations with many photo ops, special events, or capturing a once in a lifetime moment (like a proposal!) The company boasts 280 handpicked photographers across the world. They make it easy to find someone talented who you can trust.
I recently had the opportunity to check out Flytographer and the experience blew me away. It was easy and left me very satisfied. I was visiting NYC and wanted some beautiful shots of me in Battery Park.
I filled in a simple form and the concierge quickly recommended a photographer. I had the chance to peruse her portfolio in advance to make sure her style and my own matched. I was lucky enough to be paired with the lovely Sam. She knew the city well and was extremely talented and professional. She shot me in Battery Park and also took some in my hotel room.
I was so pleased with the service (and it’s reasonable price) that I used it again in Singapore on my next solo trip! Again, I was left satisfied and with beautiful photos.
Let’s get real: just because selfies are on trend doesn’t mean you want them to be your only documentation of an amazing trip. For a reasonable price, you can preserve priceless memories and that’s something you’ll never regret.
All Photos c/o Flytographer
