L.A. (part two)

For the rest of our time in L.A., we had lunch at Lucques, which was amazing.  It was one of the highlights of our trip.

Olives & Almonds:


Menu:

Currently Craving: Liberty Jeans

I have so far been resistant to buying any more brightly colored or patterned skinny jeans, because I feel like they're such a trendy piece that they're bound to be out of style shortly, and look really dated.  I already have red, green (that I sold to Aggie), and gray polka dots jeans, so what other color/print could I possibly want?  However, I tried the J. Crew Liberty of London jeans on last time I was in the store, and they fit beautifully, and now they're on sale.  Queue indecision.



I also was kind of swayed after seeing how Gayle styled them in the look book, with an oxford shirt and updated puffer jean jacket.  She just looks so good.




In my defense, I wasn't so interested in the Isabel Marant Aztec printe jeans.


Or those leopard print jeans that were popping up everywhere for a while.


It's just these Liberty jeans that I find so appealing.  Steph thinks I should buy them while they're still in stock in the my size, because I can always return them.  However, usually once cute clothing items enter my house, they don't end up getting returned.

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4.

Gray & Pink

{Sweatshirt: Target (old, similar here), T-shirt: Nike, Skirt: J. Crew, Tights, Socks, & Boots: Target (old, similar here), Earrings: Harlow, Watch: Anne Klein}

Another all gray outfit, but with the benefit of a bright, Pepto-Bismol, pink skirt (and a messy room).

Dots on Dots

{Dress: J. Crew (old, similar here), Coat: Marc New York (from Nordstrom Rack, similar here), Tights: Target, Booties: Sam Edelman, Purse: J. Crew (old, similar here), Gloves: Target, Watch: Anne Klein, Necklace: old}

A warm outfit for a cold winter day, with the added interest of a red coat, red lips, and leopard print shift.

Photos by Megan Nugent.

Gray & Blue

{Jacket: J. Crew (currently on sale), Dress: J. Crew (old, similar here), Tights: Target, Boots: Fergie (old, similar here), Necklace: Harlow, Watch: Anne Klein}

Some poor lighting, but I wanted to share an outfit entirely inspired by pieces I've seen Steph wear and then went out and bought.  Thanks Steph!  Also, a good chance to wear my new jacket, that's currently on sale - hurry, before they run out of your size!

Photos by Megan Nugent.

Brown & Blue

{Jacket: Michael Kors (old from Nordstrom Rack, similar here), Sweater: H&M (similar here and here and here), Tee: Gap, Scarf: scarf shop, Jeans: Joe's (old from Nordstrom Rack, similar here), Boots: J. Crew (old, similar here), Purse: J. Crew (old, similar here), Gloves: Target, Sunglasses: Michael Kors}

A warm outfit to walk to a weekend brunch with Steph and Chad a couple of weeks ago, with some silly posing.

Photos by Megan Nugent.

Winter brights

{Sweatshirt: Target (old, similar here), T-shirt: J. Crew, Jeans: Target (old, similar here), Boots: Target (old, similar here), Scarf: Fuchsia (old, similar here), Purse: J. Crew (or available on eBay), Sunglasses: Michael Kors}

Often in the winter I find myself wearing all black, or all gray (as above), so sometimes it's nice to throw in a brightly colored accessory or piece, to keep it all from getting too boring.  I was also excited to model some of my Christmas presents, this amazing purse from Stephanie and the killer sunglasses from Megan (even indoors).

Photos by Megan Nugent.

Fashion Inspiration - Winter layering

I've been trying (I said trying) to do less shopping, which inherently means re-working items already in my closet.  Luckily, there have been some great examples of re-purposing more springlike items for the winter through aggressive layering.  It all got started with this image of Keira Knightley at LAX wearing a big sweater and jacket over a flowy skirt with tights and ankle boots.  I only wish I looked this good when traveling.


{Keira Knightly at LAX, via TomandLorenzo}

I love how the proportions work, and are effectively opposite from those above, with this shrunken fisherman's sweater over a tea-length skirt.


{Mary Kate Steinmiller, via The Sartorialist}

Currently Craving: Cyber Monday Sales

Are any of you guys taking advantage of the Cyber Monday sales?  There are some great ones going on.

Here are some of the best, and some of the items I'm craving.

*Shopbop is 20-35% off everything with code BIGEVENT12.
*J. Crew is 25% off and free shipping with code MONDAY.
*ASOS is 30% off with code CYBERMONDAYSPECIAL.
*Nordstrom is having a huge sale.
*J.Crew Factory is having a huge sale - 50% off everything - with code YOURGIFT.
*Net-a-porter is having a huge sale.

However, I don't know that I'll be partaking this year, although that Chloe purse is calling my name, but as my sister said, it isn't silly to want it, but it's silly to buy it.

Chloe Marcie-Small Nubuck Leather Shoulder Bag - Nordstrom.

Trend Following: Burgundy

Burgundy or oxblood or whatever you want to call that beautiful dark red/maroon color has been popping up everywhere for this fall.

I just purged a bunch of my wardrobe to fit into my new closet, so I don't know that I'll be indulging, but it's always fun to look.

Below are some of my favorite looks and pieces.

{Atlantic-Pacific}

Turkish Tile

{Top: Equipment; Skirt: J. Crew (old, similar here); Booties: DV by Dolce Vita (old, similar here); Jewelry: Harlow via Fuchsia}

This is what I was expecting after ordering this shirt online.  Needless to say, the color is quite different in person.

Clothing Swap Black & Gray

{Shirt: Nicolette, via Aggie at a clothing swap, Jeans: J. Crew; Flats: Target (old, similar here), Jewelry: Anne Klein, Fuchsia, BaubleBar}

In the move I went from a double closet down to a single closet, and so knew I was going to have to downsize.  It all took longer than expected, and so after purging and getting rid of half of my closet, I loaded up my car but didn't have time to make a Goodwill/Buffalo Exchange run before I was meant to meet some lady friends.  When they heard I had a car full of clothes I was trying to sell/donate, we decided it only made sense for them to shop through my closet and drink fancy champagne while I got to hold the baby.  It was so much fun, and I ended up with a shirt too!

Summer Tweed

{Tank: J. Crew (old, similar here), Skirt: J. Crew (old, similar here and here), Sandals: Sam Edlman (old, similar here), Sunglasses: kate spade (old, similar here), Necklace: College of the Desert street fair}

Quick summer tweed outfit in the backyard.

Red & Orange

{Sweater & Wrap: Banana Republic (old, similar to this), Tee: J. Crew, Jeans: Mavi (similar to these), Sandals: bought years ago in Madrid, Jewelry: Fuchsia, Sunglasses: Kate Spade (old, similar to these)}

We had a sunny day in Portland, and I wore (almost) all red and orange out to brunch with girlfriends.

Conference Bright

{Top: Ann Taylor; Pants: J. Crew, Booties: Cole Haan, Jewelry: Fuchsia (Viki), Spike the Punch, J. Crew, Michael Kors}

I like being tall at conferences, so I can pick people out of the crowds, and these Cole Haan booties are super comfortable despite the high heel.  Plus a brightly colored shirt never hurts.

Green Jeans

Pink pants

{Sweater: J. Crew (old, similar to this); Long sleeve tee: Banana Republic; Capris: J. Crew; Heels: Zara (old); Jewelry: Michael Kors, J. Crew, David Aubrey from Fuchsia}

My new bright fuchsia pants from J. Crew, which I think are still available on sale. After a couple of sneaky nice days, the weather has been terrible again, so I've been resorting to wearing bright colors as the only sign of spring.

Weekend Brunch

{Jacket: Old Navy (old, similar to this); Sweater: J. Crew (old, similar to this); Jeans: Red Engine from Tumbleweed: Heels: Urban Outfitters; Sunglasses: Kate Spade (old, similar to these); Jewelry: Harlow from Fuchsia, Michael Kors, J. Crew}

Just a quick post of an easy weekend outfit for a late brunch. Layered, comfortable neutrals with a pop of color via my red/orange suede heels.

Edited to Add: Also, just a quick note, my favorite jewelry store is having a Spring Fling tonight and tomorrow, from 5-9, so if you're in Portland you should stop by!

Gray Day

{Sweater: Target; Dress: Jason Wu for Target; Belt: J. Crew (old, similar to this); Tights: Target; Boots: Fergie; Jewelry: Lauren by Ralph Lauren (old, similar to these), J. Crew, Michael Kors}

It was raining like crazy, so I opted for indoor pictures near my CDR Umbrella print, with (oops) my slip showing. Stay classy San Diego.