Mexican Lolitas

The Lolita culture isn't just in Tokyo, Japan anymore! These adorable ladies are in Tijuana!
Click here for the full story.

Statement Necklace For a Steal

Don't you love a statement necklace?  They're the best with a simple dress, but the ones I love usually cost over $100.  When I spied this one, I saw the olive stones, the lucite and the crystals hanging like a little chandelier.  I snatched it up and marched to the counter, not even checking the price, just knowing I needed to own it. 

Can you believe this stunner was...


drumroll please...


$8.90!


Run, don't walk to Banana Republic. 




P.S. I don't know the name, the tag wasn't even on it. 

Stripes Forever

I love a stripe.  I wore one sweater to bits a couple of years ago and I still miss it.  The cotton long-sleeved tee was from the Gap, had light grey and white stripes and was the softest sweater I ever owned.  I lived in that shirt, so it practically became a member of the family.  Naturally, it acquired a nickname.  Stripey was my go-to shirt when I wanted to get cozy.  An unoriginal name and a bit on the crazy side, but hey, I get attached to things.  Robert still gives me a look when I'm checking out something with stripes.


Stripes are big right now and without anchors and rope they are classic and chic.  My inspiration is the outfit at top left.  Black tights and boots are kind of my staple.  I love the big loose shirt tucked into jean shorts.  


Check out the Sonia Rykel dress at top right.   It's chic and comfy, but costs $425.  Move to the dress in the middle of page.  It has a similar square neckline, but only costs $20 at Forever 21.


Click here for info on the rest!

Luxe/Less: Something Blue

Remember the beautiful blue satin shoes Carrie wore for her wedding to Big?  Let's forget the whole leaving her at the altar business, shall we?


These Manolos aren't cheap ($1K!) so in my dreams, I imagine wearing them with a chic little LBD or glamming them up with a silver or cream shift.


It's hard to match the original, but Martinez Valero makes the prettiest pair for about a tenth of the price ($130).   For a tenth of that price, you can buy this sweet little ink drawing for $12!

Buy directly from the artist! Kristina Hultkrantz.

Fashion Takes Flight

One of my favorite photographers has a glamorous new ad campaign.  Alex Prager grew up in LA and was raised by her grandmother in a Los Feliz apartment.


For Bottega Veneta, Karolina Kurkova channels Tippi Hedren in a $7,000 dress with those fantastic shoulders.  A little bit of a nightmare and a lot of dream.

One of Prager's earlier photographs.

http://www.alexprager.com

Just One Sip

I first tried a French 75 at The Savoy in London after learning that's where the drink came to fame.  The hotel's American Bar also served up London's first cocktail in 1889.  

On another note, if you haven't tasted brandied cherries, let me assure you they won't remind you of sugary Shirley Temples. Just one sip and I'm transported!

French 75

1/2 oz simple syrup

1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

1 1/2 oz gin

3 brandied cherries for garnish

lemon twist for garnish

- makes 1 drink -   

In an ice-filled pilsner or collins glass, combine the syrup, lemon juice, and gin, and stir to mix.  Fill the glass to the top with champagne and garnish with the cherries and lemon twist.

Source: Unknown!

The hotel was renovated recently for about $200 million.  I'd love to return and pay homage to the hotel's Hollywood history with a decadent outfit inspired by one of my favorite fizzy cocktails.  The Savoy was Marilyn Monroe's favorite place to stay.  There's a suite named after Marlene Dietrich that comes with a dozen pink roses, which she insisted upon for every stay.  It's a magical place.  Gordon Ramsay runs The Savoy Grill and I'm sure he bites his tongue.

Click the photo for the extravagant sources!

Eskimo Chic

I'm heading to the snow.  I'll be honest with you.  This California girl hates being cold.  But these fabulous Chanel creations are warming my heart.

A clutch that resembles a block of ice and crystals on my finger?  Yes please.

Forget a ski suit.  I want to prance around like a chic abominable snowman.

I imagine Karl Lagerfeld looking out his window gazing at icicles while envisioning these beautiful pieces.  Crystals and feathers dripping from ice queens' necks and updos.

Love Me Some Leggings

I can't get enough of my black leggings. They keep me warm in these chilly months, they're extra forgiving when one overindulges during the holidays - guilty! - and dry quickly in the rain.  So when Arlene and Amanda mentioned they need new ideas for leggings aside from boots, I thought I'd give a week's worth of ideas for outfits.

My Little Black Lanvin

I still can't believe it.  I just scored this Lanvin for H&M dress in black.  I was shopping at the Sunset Plaza location this morning and spied a rack of voluminous frocks that outshone the rest.  When an outrageous shoulder ruffle winked at me, I grabbed the dress and saw it was my size.  That's when I looked over my shoulder to see if I was being punked.

The adorable salesboy tells me they've had a flood of returns lately - undoubtedly from gals who wore it once and returned it.  Bless those girls for paying it forward.  Now I have the perfect party dress.  Onto the shoes!

Lusting for Lanvin

I'm entranced by Lanvin for H/M!  Party dresses galore!

Red has always been my color...

 Yellow.  Now that would be a way to stand out at my annual holiday fete!

I need nothing else in life but the faux fur jacket in this picture. It would go with everything!

Santa, if you want to keep shopping simple for me this season, just deliver the entire collection. xx

Where to find Lanvin for H/M locally:

• 8500 Beverly Blvd. Beverly Center, Beverly Hills
• 8580 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood
• 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Westfield Century City, Los Angeles
• 333 Bristol Street, South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa
• 891 Americana Way-­ Americana at Brand, Glendale

Valentino For Gap

I love the pairing of an Italian fashion house with an American clothing retailer, but this line isn't going to be available in the United States.  It makes no sense to me.  If you live/shop in London, Paris or Milan, you're set.

Thank GOD for Ebay.

I never knew how much I'd need a green ruffled parka.

But for how much?  Each piece is being sold for around $300. I can only imagine.

A Paige of Inspiration: Lovely In Lace

Lace has been around since the 14th century. It was in style when you’re great-great-great-grandmother was young and will be in style when you’re great-great-great-grandchildern are around. You can never go wrong with lace.

~Paige
click here for my blog!

"Lace - the invention of a goddess and the occupation of a queen"

Vinciolo

Hey Ombre!

 

Vintage blouse from Swift, F21 leggings, Jimmy Choo heels, vintage door knocker earrings.

I made the plunge into Ombre.  While many of you were concerned I'd come home with a hankering to hop on the back of a Harley and hit up biker bars, I did like the nickname Gypsy.  Thus, the inspiration for my shirt. 

I feel like more a renaissance girl who spends far too many hours washing clothes in a river.  On the plus side, the sun has streaked her tips blonde. 

Color by Rivi at Jose Eber

310-278-7646

A Perfect Pairing

Don't you love receiving mail?  @pattyrodriguez sent me this exquisite birthday gift.  Vendetta is the perfect purple polish and Gondola is a sparkly deep red.

Second to Noni

I just discovered Larchmont Village!  Once you get there, you must visit Noni Boutique.  The store features Alice and Olivia, Anna Sui, J.Brand, Black Halo and House of Harlow.

Check out the sale racks.  I scored a gorgeous Jay Godfrey dress for a song.  While you're there, say hello to owner Elaine Lewis.  She's easygoing, sweet and a fellow Virgo.

I need this Halston Heritage belt.  The earrings too.

Noni features works by local artists on her walls and hosts receptions so shoppers can meet them and get inspired. Go!

NONI
225 N Larchmont Blvd, LA
(take Beverly or 3rd Street toward Hancock Park)
323.469.3239

Treasure Hunting

I found lots of things at The Pasadena City College Flea Market this past weekend. 

I picked up the earrings and wooden necklace for $20.

These vintage peacocks were white gold, around $300.  I didn't bring that much cash, so I moved on.  The $15 dotted purse reminded me of something my mom had back in the day.  I vaguely remember biting off the plastic dots.

I loved this magazine rack instantly.  It had to come home with me.  Tip: Ask the seller the price if it isn't listed.  Make your rounds and return to barter.  Prices drop as the day goes on!

Jewelry arranged nicely is easier on the eye, but it's more expensive.  The stuff on the left, $20-$40.  The stuff on the right?  $2!

Taclking the $2 bins.  I liked this ring, but I didn't get it.  Only get what you love.

I loved this $5 scalloped purse instantly and wore it out to dinner for my birthday.  I recently wore the tribal necklace the with vintage silver earrings from my mother.

Don't let me forget about the budding businesses!  I fell in love with these dainty necklaces by k bird designs.   Her online shop doesn't list much, so if you see something you like in the photo, email here: kellycalling@aol.com

From Russia With Love

Before JLo, Adriana Lima, Penelope Cruz, Eva Mendes and even Kim Kardashian, Cindy Crawford was there for me.  Growing up with all blonde Barbies can do a number on a girl when you're Latina and your mom is a blue-eyed blonde.  Girls need someone (who kind of looks like us) to look up to.

Here she is on billboards for Moscow's TsUM, Eastern Europe's largest fashion department store. She's 44. Go girl.

Gold Is the New Black

I just picked up this vintage blouse and belt at Swift.  You know how it feels when you wear an outfit that really works?  It gave me special powers. Despite being super late to my dinner reservation, the host gave me the quintessential once-over and forgiveness was immediate.  I was seated before I could apologize, which I still did of course.

The hair was a bit of a mess because I didn't have proper time to blowdry, but a little morrocan oil and ratting comb action took it down a bedhead turn, which I'm really liking.

Shirt and belt from Swift Boutique in Burbank, shorts from F21, shoes from Bebe, OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark polish. Guest appearance by @hoverkitten