While I love LA, there are actually two other cities in California that I consider my second homes, and one of them is San Francisco. My mom is a SF native, and I grew up listening to her complain about how horrible LA people are at driving in the rain and parking on a hill, etc... and I've adopted a part of that SF snobbery. So when I found Alice and Isa, an online boutique that rounded up the best in independent design (already good) specifically from SF (even better!), I was more than excited.
Want an adorable dainty ring? Look no further than the Carma Branch Ring, and the nature inspired motif makes it a chic addition to any outfit. The Watch Necklace is such a cute way to liven up a simple white t-shirt, and the pop yellow print is a cute play off of a classic accessory.
And if all this SF love made you want to travel to SF, make sure to take this Large Rectangle, sure to be a staple on your travel arsenal.
How can you call yourself a no-name when stars like Carrie Underwood, Lauren Conrad andKate Beckinsale love you? Well, you pronounce it "a-NAW-nah-mee" for one thing, and this is one denim line that you want to remember. Priced at just $100-$120 and yet so flattering, it's a dream come true--finally, a line that doesn't cost a fortune or make you look like a ______ (insert jeans disaster adjective here).
What's the most amazing about the pair is that it fits you like a glove--a mythical characteristic that used to be reserved for fairy tales and teen literatures. It's super hard for me to find a pair that really fits well, but these had just the right amount of stretch to really hug it all in. They have a wide selection of styles and washes, so you're sure to find a perfect pair to wear for every occasion. Who says you have to just have "the one"? Anomane has a whole line of match-made-in-denim-heaven jeans!
My fave will have to be the Paris Skinny. With distressed details that isn't too much, I can keep wearing it even when the acid wash trend becomes a fad. And how did they know that the lightest wash at the thigh will make my legs look impossibly long and skimpy? They just have their ways, I suppose. I can't wait to pair this with cute flats or tuck them in ankle boots.
Check out their website www.anoname.com to buy online, or check out the listing for a store near you to try it out yourself. Trying is believing.
I have been an admirer of city cruisers for a while now, and wished I worked close to home or went to school somewhere close enough that I can bike it every where (would surely save on parking!). The weather has been super beautiful lately to take a little cruise, and it doesn't hurt that its a green lifestyle choice! I also think that cycle-inspired styles really capture everything I love in an outfit--it's effortless, casual, and comfortable enough for a little cruising without breaking a sweat. There's even a blog that's dedicated to cycle fashion. Yum.
For a look inspired by the moto-cycle, a chain headband and tank, along with some navy tights and ankle boots make for a easy cruising style that isn't too frilly. For the classical gal, pair destroyed acid wash jeans and a boyfriend shirt (tucked out, so it can blow in the wind), top off with a floppy hat and make pedaling fun with bright flats. I like this pair because it puts together a girly purple with edgy snakeskin. If it's a cycle date, pull over a hoodie vest on top of a flirty chiffon dress, keep it in place with a studded belt and wear strappy flats.
I don't think I'm the only one wary of this new trend: straw hats. But what with all the buzz about how it's the "it" summer accessory, you're obligated to try it, of course. But how do you pull it off without looking like you're trying oh-so-hard to incorporate a trend that might soon pass? One word: denim. To look like you've been wearing hats forever, pair it with stylish denim to make it effortless.
Pair a hoodie with boyfriend shorts for an outdoor-ready ensemble. The shells on the sandals are great for carrying on the cool, summer vibe. An oversized workshirt (with rolled up sleeves) and a pleated skirt seems like a lot of volume, but the hat and pretty strappy heels will tighten it all up. For an ultimate lazy look, just throw on a dress and rope heels.
I say don't invest too much in a hat this season, unless you know you will love it and wear it for years to come. One thing that's fun about these straw hats is that the ribbon band is easily replaced--so you can really customize it with funky patterns and bright colors for a whole new look. I think a fat, woven/braided band will look so adorable!
I guess one reason why NY gals look down upon us Cali Girls is our tendency to wear flip-flops everywhere. I myself am guilty as charged, and do wear around my narrow strap Rainbows religiously--unless I have a dress code to follow. Yes, I sport my beachy footwear to go shopping (they're so easy to take off, its perfect for shoe shopping), out to lunch, and as horrible as it may sound, to dates too.
Many will think I should plead style-insanity, but on this one, I really think it's worth hearing me out: if a plain white v-neck and shorts can be considred stylistically sound if paired with the right accessories, how are flip-flops any different? It's just as legit to say that these beach sandals can go from sandy to sassy and give off a cool, casual, summery vibe (who doesn't want that?) My proposals: wear it with a pretty embellished top and ankle leggings, and pull the leggings down to your heels for a leg-warmer-esque feel. I usually just do it because they're too long for me, but I get so many compliments saying it dresses up my sandals! Also, wear it with a ruffle top tucked into linen shorts, and the sandals are sure to make your boyfriend blazer look effortless.
Sure, nothing can come close to that feeling of going into your go-to shop and ripping that amazing dress off the mannequin (who always seems to snag your size first), and that exhilaration of getting your new, full shopping bag handed to you by the oh-so fab cashier girl. But, as I've come to admit, it's also something to find that dress waiting for you on your porch, and that satisfaction of opening a seemingly uninteresting box and finding your perfect outfit tucked nicely inside. Alright, I'll admit it, I'm pretty much addicted to online shopping. Really addicted.
The allure of online shops isn't just the fuss-free experience, but the deals you find. Shipping and handling fees notwithstanding, you can still click your way to retail bliss. And with sales that are sometimes online-exclusive, it's a practice that's definitely worth including in your shopping regime.
A site that definitely adds to the hassle-free effect is Shop It To Me. An email service that was aimed to end the perpetual search of deals for wandering cyber souls, it will actually send you sales alerts right when it happens. And with customizable settings for email frequency, stores, and even sizes (AWESOME!) that you want, it's a personal shopping experience that you just won't want to miss out on. The best part? The service is completely free. It'll soon have you saying, "What financial crisis?"
Happy Earth Day! While saving water and turning off your lights are all very noble ways of celebrating this day, I want to ask: what better way to say thanks to our planet than to scour the internet for some eco-friendly shopping spree? Here are some boutiques that say every day is earth day, and collect the most eco-chic finds. And you'll be glad to know, you never ever have to compromise style for green.
Planet Threads
Mother earth isn't the only one celebrating today: it's the official launch of Planet Threads, an online boutique that features an eclectic but always eco-friendly mix of women and menswear, jewelry, accessories and more. You could basically stock your whole wardrobe with earthy finds, like this deux fm bandeau bikini. It's made out of recycled fabric, and comes in 10 splashy colors.
Spirit Beauty Lounge
What's better than getting beauty products that you know are eco-friendly? Ones that comes with a free sample, of course. Spirit Beauty Lounge is the only carbon-neutral online boutique, marrying luxe with green, and you'll always find what you want and even a hint for what to get next time: every order comes with a free sample. Not only is this a perfect place for organic products, but also hard-to-find, coveted Euro lines. Case in point? They now carry Honoré des Prés, the first line of French organic perfumes that is completely natural, designed by French perfumer darling Olivia Giacobetti.
Green With Glamour
Started by a sister of dynam-eco duos, Green With Glamour not only has fab fashion finds, but also features an amazing collection of home furnishing and decor items to fill your home with sustainable style. Can't you just imagine green-ifying your home with this funky IKAT throw. It's made out of pre-consumer clippings cast off during the cut & sew process--all the cotton that never even got to be a T-shirt!