Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Sheer Pleasure

I also picked up this exquisite little number on my crazy shopping spree at the Isabel Marant pour H&M collaboration launch that I wrote about in "I maRant to H&M". 

This silk chiffon dress far exceeded my expectations. The lookbook really does not do this dress any justice (even though Milla Jovovich looks stunning as always). You have to see the dress in person to appreciate the intricate details that include: the subtle metallic embroidery throughout the dress, the peacock-like pattern, the puffed shoulders and ruching on the sleeves, the cinched waist, and the raw edges.  

I really love how this dress just effortlessly oozes class and elegance with its conservative yet form-fitting silhouette and intricate details. This dress hits just below the knee so in order to elongate my legs, I styled it with a nude heel. I kept the rest of the look simple for my boyfriend's family brunch with minimal jewelry, makeup, and a nude lip. For a nighttime look, this dress would look spectacular with some classic black pumps, a long black coat, and some red lips to add some drama. Now show me how you girls styled your Isabel Marant pour H&M silk chiffon dresses! 
Jacket: Isabel Marant pour H&M (here)
(Complete Lookbook here)
 Shoes: Steve Madden (similar here)
 
 

Thursday, November 21, 2013

I maRANt to H&M!

Last week I braved the crowds at a local H&M store and eagerly awaited the launch of the Isabel Marant pour H&M collection. I woke up at 3:30am to wait in line because I was on a mission to scored the most coveted item of the collection...the beautifully embellished cropped jacket! I've been drooling over Marant's jacket since her Spring 2012 collection so I was thrilled to see a similar version of the jacket in the H&M lookbook for a fraction of the price. I did what I had to do to get my jacket and ran to H&M way before the sun came out. Losing a few hours of sleep was such a minor trade off for such a great collection.

The embellishment on the jacket is over-the-top (in a good way) and done impeccably! And since there's already so much going on with the tiedye, beading, rhinestones, embroidery, etc., I kept the rest of the outfit relatively simple. I styled my new favorite jacket with my new favorite heels and completed the look with faux leather leggings and a sleeveless blouse with contrast details made to look like a tie. As my cousin claims, "this outfit is very Sgt. Pepper"! And I'm totally ok with that! Hahaha

Keep an eye out for future posts featuring more of my scores from the Isabel Marant pour H&M collection! 
Jacket: Isabel Marant pour H&M (here)
Sequin Heels: Isabel Marant pour H&M
(Complete Lookbook here)
Blouse: Millau (LF Stores)
Pants: Romeo & Juliet Couture
Clutch: Valentino
Jewelry: Luv AJ and TomTom Jewelry
 

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Takin' It SLO

Life has been moving so quickly, so I slowed it down with a mini day trip to San Luis Obispo (SLO) to relax and clear my head. I started the day off with breakfast at Paula's Pancake house in Solvang and then continued my trip up to SLO to visit some friends. 

I kept my outfit simple and neutral with a white dress, brown knee-high socks, brown boots, and a brown asymmetrical cardigan so I could showcase my awesome new and colorful Stela 9 backpack that I just got! I'm so obsessed with it! The colors, the patterns, and the soft leather...it all just makes for the perfect little backpack! I used it to carry around Mr. Milo's and my water, food, and snacks while we were strolling the beach, shopping, and hiking. All in all, it was a great day trip for Mr. Milo and I. 
Backpack: Stela 9 (similar here)
Dress: Muji (similar here)
Socks: Urban Outfitters (similar here)
Boots: Seychelles (similar here)
Necklace: Vanessa Mooney (here)
Belt: Vintage
Cardigan: Nordstrom
 
Sand dollars make ya holla
At Ron's shopping for home decor and succulents.
Ron's has the cutest ceramic plant decorations like these sheep!
Stopped by an organic farm for fresh veggies on our way home.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

I'm Stumped

There's no better way to enjoy Portland, OR (aka Beervana) than to drink wayyy more beer than you know you should with some of your favorite people...and that's exactly what I did! I spent 8 wonderful days in "Stumptown" exploring the beautiful city, eating my heart out, and drinking my liver to death. 

From the moment I arrived, I hit the ground running and took full advantage of the surprisingly perfect sunny weather there. I roamed the streets, parks, bridges, and so much more. Since this was my first trip to Portland, I visited tons of touristy sites (pictured below). But by 5pm every day, my trip turned into a beerfest with my friends, my cousin and her grad school buddies. 

I left Portland with a crazy hangover, a gnarly cough and cold, and 5 more lbs but it was all offset by the many new memories and friends I've made (including the most amazing 71 year old lady I met on my flight to PDX)! And to top it off...I even learned how to use public transportation! 

I definitely can't wait to head back and visit again soon! 
Scarf: LF Stores
Sweater: Millau (LF Stores)
High-waisted Corduroy Pants: CarMar (LF Stores)
Blouse: OneTeaspoon
Boots: Miz Mooz 'Bono' Boots (here in brown)
Crystal Necklace: Vanessa Mooney
Tanner Springs Park
Enjoyed quite a few Chainbreakers at Deschutes Brewery
Tried the Mexican Hot Chocolate Doughnut (which was spicy but surprisingly tasty) and the Maple Bacon Bar (which was just heavenly because bacon is heavenly)
Elephant!!!!
The Broadway Bridge
The Fields Neighborhood Park and the Fremont Bridge
Director Park
Chess at the park
Portlandia Statue
The Hawthorne Bridge
School
The Elysian Night Owl pumpkin beer tasted like a pumpkin pie in liquid form! So amazing!
A random patch of land the length of two city blocks where the goats roamed. This little bit of randomness made my trip sooo much better!
Rooftop beers at Noble Rot
 
 Top: MinkPink
Sweater: Izod
Green Corduroy: Joe's Jeans
Boots: Miz Mooz 'Bono' Boots (here in brown)
Crystal Necklace: Vanessa Mooney
 
 Picnicking at the Washington Park Amphitheater
The International Rose Test Garden
Talisa caught in the middle of a staring contest at Old Town Pizza
 The beautiful Steel Bridge
Hanging out after our mini dance party on the roof
The Lan Su Chinese Gardens
Enjoyed a Hefeweizen beer at Widmer Brothers Brewery
 
Gaucho Girls in Portland
My favorite roommate ever...Katie!!!
Portland Aerial Tram
Gorgeous view of Portland from the tram
My ladies.