My life in pictures

Top Row L-R: Toms Jadon Wedge, Pamela Love Tribal Necklace, Big Star Denim
Middle Row L-R: Dresses @ Show & Tell, Awaken Cafe, Candid Art Hand Chain
Bottom Row L-R: Vintage Dodgers Tee, Baggu Leather Bags, Jeffrey Campbell Heels 

Retail Math # 5: Badass Beauty like Balenciaga

 Houndstooth is huge for fall, but my love for the bold pattern was rekindled by Balenciga's spring 2011 collection. Nicolas Ghesquiere turned out several beautiful and badass houndstooth pieces as well as the oh so covetable cutout boot that inspired the Jeffrey Campbell's seen below.

While the traditional black and white pattern normally skews more uptown (think ladies who lunch) the exploded scale and sequins on the ASOS top and skirt paired with edgy accessories make for a look that is 100% downtown rocker chic.

From Left to Right: ASOS Dog Tooth Crop Top, Jeffrey Campbell Roscoe Boot, Vestal Monte Carlo Watch,  ASOS Sequin Houndstooth Skirt

Spread created on Shopstyle

Runway Photos via Style.com

Retail Math #4: Decked out like Dior

Christian Dior's s/s 2011 collection was rife with looks suitable for characters stepping out of a modern day interpretation of South Pacific. While most of the looks were a little too kitschy for my taste one in particular stood out from the rest. Something about the pairing of a casual blue print dress, neutral shoes and bag, and retro cat eye sunglasses done in a thoroughly modern pop color was quite pleasing to my eye.

What drew me to this look and inspired me to try to recreate it is the fact that I could totally visualize an urban fashionista throwing this on whether she was on holiday exploring the market of a tropical locale or on a weekend excursion searching for treasures at the neighborhood flea. All of the pieces I put together to recreate this look can work seamlessly into your warm weather wardrobe, but together they conjure up the casually sophisticated feel of the runway original.

Clockwise L-R: Lilly Pulitzer Dress, Spitfire Daxx Sunglasses, Marc by Marc Jacobs Purse, Jeffrey Campbell Munroe Heels

Christian Dion S/S 2011

Spread created on Shopstyle.com

Runway Photo via Style.com

Budget Buster vs Bargain Buy: Jeffrey Campbell Edition

Left: Prada Platform Brogue $795
Right: Jeffrey Campbell Ad Long $165

Some say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. While I am not sure that everyone in the fashion industry would agree there is something to be said about making high end fashion ideas accessible to the masses.

While I find knock offs that try to pass as the real thing super annoying sometimes I am on the fence about brands that take high fashion ideas and turnout something similar ( sometimes very similar) at a much more reasonable pricepoint.  The peeps at Jeffrey Campbell, on the other hand, seem to have no problem with this practice whatsoever. In addition to their own unique designs they continually turnout lower priced versions of designer footwear.

I am currently lusting after their Ad Long, an excellent stand in for the Prada Platform Brogue that I have had my eyes on. In addition to the Ad Long I've included some other JC imitators below for your viewing pleasure and I'll leave it up to you to decide if they are cool or not.

Left: Charlotte Olympia Bananas is My Business Shoe $1700 

Right: Jeffrey Campbell Fruit Bowl Shoe $159

Left: Yves Saint Laurent Gipsy $795

Right: Jeffrey Campbell Jenna $145



Retail Math Lesson # 1: Recreating Rodarte

Attempting to recreate runway looks at a fraction of the price is a formidable challenge, but one of the most exciting things to do.
I, like many fashion lovers, find myself spending countless hours scouring the inventory of numerous stores to find just the right pieces.

For me, discovering the perfect parts to complete a style puzzle elicits a certain sense of euphoria. For that reason I am starting a new series of post called Retail Math- all about the elements that add up to recreate that runway inspired look or feel.

Lesson #1: Rodarte Spring 2011

H&M WaterAid Collection Dress

Jeffrey Campbell Skate

The elements needed to recreate this look are surprisingly simple- the H&M WaterAid Collection Dress mirrors the lovely blue and white print of the Rodarte original and Jeffrey Campbell's Skate bootie (also available in tan and black) hints at the sculptural beauty of the footwear seen on the runway.

Photos via nitrolicous, singer22, and style.com

Flat Out Fabulous

Jeffrey Campbell  Suebee Wedge



Flatforms, the new hybrid between a flat and platform, are the "It" shoe of the season and several fashion heavyweights including Chanel, Fendi, Michael Kors, and Prada offered up drool-worthy options. Luckily for those budget challenged fashion lovers like me more affordable versions are coming out just in time for the warm weather.

I am currently obsessed with Jeffrey Campbell's Suebee Wedge available now at Solestruck in nude and yellow patent (shown above) for $135 and Lori's Shoes in black patent and nude leather for $128.

Get yours now because these bad boys are sure to sell out!

Sparkle and Studs and Sequins- Oh My!

The imminent holiday has me jonesing for all the studs, sequins, and sparkle that I can get. Check out some of my new obsessions below:

Haus of Price

Glitter Toms

Senso Wilma

Alice and Olivia for Keds

Jeffrey Campbell Tick Wedge

Matiko Leila