Thursday, July 17, 2014

Stripe Hype

Striped Top: Bec & Bridge 'Elements' Top (on sale from $125 to $84 here)
Silk Shorts: Parker 'Pacific Kane' (on sale from $223 to $78 here)
Wool Blazer: Joe's Jeans 'Meredith Blazer' (on sale from $278 to$139 here)
Shoes: Dolce Vita 'Elka' Heeled Sandals (on sale from $170 to $118 here)
Leather Backpack: Stela 9 ($224 at Revolve Clothing here)
Necklace: Chan Luu (similar here for $155)
What's the hype with stripes you ask?! They're simply a perennial and versatile staple. You can style them with just about anything all year long ...which means more bang for your buck! Plus, they can easily be dressed up or down. 

That's why I'm currently obsessed with this Bec & Bridge 'Element' top. It's my ultimate go-to piece at the moment. When I'm feeling lazy, I just toss on this top and pair it with some jeans, shorts, skirt, or pretty much anything. It honestly goes with everything! Unfortunately there aren't any pictures showing the back, which is what sets it apart from other simple black and white striped tank tops. It has an adorable open tulip-style back with contrasting stripes, which shows just enough skin to keep it classy and a little bit sexy. 

Choosing and Styling Horizontal Stripes:

1) Choose a top with thinner black stripes than white stripes. This will help counter the illusion of making you look wider when wearing horizontal stripes. 

2) Break up the stripes with solids. As the name of the top suggests, use the stripes as an 'Element' of the outfit because full stripe outfits will create the illusion of a wider frame. For example, I added my solid black blazer to break up the impact of the stripes, which helped slim my figure a bit. 

So just remember that horizontal stripes are not the enemy. If styled strategically, it could easily become one of your favorite go-to pieces too. Andddd...this amazing top is on SALE! So hurry up and get yours before it's sold out!

*Just as a side note, this was taken while I was in Portland where the weather was significantly cooler than Los Angeles. I wouldn't be caught dead wearing a wool blazer in LA right now...it's too damn hot!!! 

Monday, July 14, 2014

A Hot Mesh

Mesh Crop Top: LF Stores
Chambray Skirt: For Love & Lemons
Hat & Belt: Vintage
Laser Cut Booties: Jeffrey Campbell 'Produce' (here)
With summer starting to really heat up, its mandatory to find ways to shed as many layers as possible without looking too scandalous. Lately I've been combating these high temps with one of my favorite summer trends....MESH! Obviously mesh can be a little tricky to style because if done poorly, you could quickly go from being cool and sexy to just a plain hot mess. Below are some of the tips I used when putting my outfit together.

Styling Tips:

1) A little skin never hurt nobody. Mesh Fabric + Crop Top combo seems a little daring but I styled mine with a high waisted skirt in order to show off just a sliver of midriff. Since my top was already sheer, I tried to avoid exposing too much skin. The key here is balance.

2) Layer wisely. Again, anything sheer can easily turn too sexy if you don't layer properly. Covering your little lady bits is a MUST! So I would suggest layering your solid mesh top over a cute bralette or bandeau but if your mesh has embroidery or designs like mine, you can just opt for a simple slip or nude bra.

3) Never forget that nude shoes elongate your legs! For shorter people like me, this is a very important rule to get dressed by. In this outfit, my skirt hemline is a little longer than other miniskirts that I'm used to so I completed my outfit with these Jeffrey Campbell nude booties to help create the illusion of longer legs.

*Try dresses and tops with mesh inserts if solid mesh is a little too scandalous for your taste. Or even try out one of my favorite mesh accessories...mesh heels! These can instantly add sexiness to any outfit without running the risk of exposing too much.  So no matter what your style is, know that mesh can easily be incorporated into any wardrobe. Stay cool by trying out this hot mesh trend with me this summer!

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

All American

Plaid Top: Rails Clothing (similar here)
Dotted Denim Shorts: One Teaspoon (here)
Laser Cut Booties: Jeffrey Campbell 'Produce' (here)
Cardigan: Maggie Ward (Saks Fifth Avenue)
Coral Necklace: Vintage
Bracelets: Vanessa Mooney

Lunch: Omaha pork burger with bacon!  
Snacks!
The gorgeous view from the backyard.

After being on the road and sleeping in 4 different cities during the past 15 days, I've been dying to crawl into my own bed...and maybe even pass out for 2 days straight to recuperate. Who knew vacation was going to be so exhausting?! lol

Even though I was exhausted from my trip to Portland, I couldn't wait to head down to San Diego with my friends and visit my sister! I was home for a total of 26 hours, which was just long enough to unpack and repack my bags. After 4+ hours of LA traffic, we finally made it and celebrated America's birthday in the most All American way! We drank some booze, ate some burgers & hotdogs, and played on the boat all day! Eddie and I really couldn't have asked for a better 4th of July with better people!!!