#tights: sheer and classy

The other day I was wearing tights (the few chilly days this winter in California) and had another girl negatively comment on them. Her reaction was that only old ladies wear tights or stockings. Well I am here to say what a load of B.S!
Thanks to the princess they are making a strong comeback and I think no matter the age look and make you feel fabulous.

Here are the few benefits:
1. Warmth:
If for nothing else, when it's chilly outside and you still want to wear a dress, tights are the best way to keep you legs warm. You do not have to expose people to your dry, white goosebumpy legs, which is not attractive especially if you are rocking a fabulous dress and pair of shoes.

2. Sculpting
No matter your age or body type, you will always need some sculpting help. Tights are the perfect assistant with that by sculpting you legs and tummy. I am a big fan of the control top tights and although that sounds unattractive, trust me they help smooth out unnecessary lines and lumps, making you look and feel confident and sexy.

3. Professional
Tights make you look professional. There is no need to bare you legs for the whole world to see all the time ladies. I am a big advocate for modesty and I when a professional setting tights are a must. Now I am not saying you need to wear them all the time, but when your skirt is right at your knee or above it and you seemed worried, a pair of tights will help make that skirt look for appropriate.

4. Tone evener
I tend to be clutsy, which as a result means I have a few scares on my legs, the perfect pair of tights, sheer or black, not only helps hide them but gives my legs an even skin tone. So no one ever has to know that I tripped over my own legs while walking up the stairs the night before.

5. Royalty
Not to bring more attention to Duchess Kate, but she definitely made tights modern, classy, and youthful again. She is the epitome of class and sophistication. I know we cannot all have her wardrobe but her sense of fashion and style is worth imitating.

Now that I bored you with my rant about my love for tights, I will share with you my favorite brands:
Calvin Klein: I have a pair and cannot express how much I love them! PLUS they are control top. My advice buy a pair in every color.
Nordstrom: You can never go wrong with the Nordstrom brand, and their French cut makes all legs supermodel beautiful!
Finally, lets not forget SPANX, If you want some added comfort and sculpting, then you want to stock up on the SPANX brand stocking. They look and making you feel great.

I've worn and own at least a pair from each brand. Plus I stock up from Nordstrom Rack since as I mentioned earlier, I am clutsy and clumsy, I go through pairs fairly quickly.

Hope everyone stays warm and classy.

XOXO

#Fighting the urge

This is what I call a first world problem. I have been fighting the urge, for over 6 months now, to buy cap toed pumps. Now that the holidays are approaching and everyone is asking me what I am putting on my Christmas list, it's getting harder not to take the plunge and spoil myself. What I should be doing is saving money, helping the poor and studying, but thats no fun lol.

Granted this season is a time for giving not receiving, so I am not asking for anything from other people, but it doesn't mean that once finals are over I may not treat myself.

Why I've been fighting this urge you are thinking, becuase the area and profession I work in and will (fingers crossed) have a career in calls for the professional timeless look. The truth is I love it, I love the sophisticated chic look but that doesn't mean don't I like to break out of my comfort zone and go a little wild. Granted going a little wild for me is cap toed shoes but I am an adult, I don't have time or desire to go crazy and wear some crazy spiked shoe with a lions head on it. (I am pretty sure I saw a shoe on facebook that looked like my description, EWWW!). My co-workers were saying that I don't or shouldn't invest in trendy shoes, I normally don't listen to others regarding my style choices but since I am a student on a limited budget I need to act and purchase responsibly. (Oh how I hate responsibility)

So since I should be studying, of course I am actually looking at shoes. So I need your help, should I or shouldn't I? Here are my top picks!

Sam Edelman: I have a few pairs of his and love them all!! The Desiree pump is so beautiful, here are my two color options. The first is black and simple, barely notice its cap toed, perfect for the office:

 So chic I am in love!











The second option is more colorful and I say perfect for the holidays:

Awe don't you just love!










There is also this lovely Sole Society pump by Julianne Hough, the colors are office worthy with a little bit of a twist:

This next shoe's design just drives me crazy at how sexy it would look on my feet, French Connection definitely does this style justice:

I mean seriously, how could you not just fall in love with these lovelies!










Last but not least the always chic Michael Kors, I love how patent leather always makes a black pump look sexy and elegant.

So there you have it, what do you guys think? If only I was a millionaire and could have them all in my closet...oh first world problems!

I hope everyone isn't going crazy getting ready for the holiday season! Remember what the real reason for the season is!

#Remember Remember November

It's been a while since I've done a post and I am sorry but school has been a bit more overwhelming than I had anticipated.
It is finally November, and here in California the air is crisp and the leaves are changing. You know the holidays are approaching when Starbucks breaks out their red holiday cups! I can't wait for the holidays, although they are chaotic and busy, it always means a break from school to spend time with my family. Before I start talking about Christmas (I'll leave that for a later post) I am thinking about Thanksgiving break and travels.
A good friend of mine is traveling to New York in two weeks and I couldn't be more jealous, if I had the time or money I would join in a heart beat but since that is not an option Ill sit in California and just dream of traveling. This season is high travel season, people flying home to see family or flying somewhere warm to escape the cold weather. The other night I had a dream that I was on a cruise to the Caribbean, granted it isn't that cold here yet, it was still a wonderful thought.
So what does all this travel talk have to do with travel, other than give you the itch to hop and a plane and have an adventure, well its about travel essentials. I know way to many people that do not dress comfortably on a plane or who struggle finding the perfect carry on bag.
Since I can't travel I will dream of it while sharing my favorite travel carry on bag options and attire:

First is the bag: The perfect carry on bag has to be spacious enough to carry everything you need, passport, wallet, electronics (phone, laptop, tablet), items to freshen up with, and the bag has to be comfortable, and easy to maintain. Last thing you need is a needy bag that gets dirty every time you might rub it against something or someone, I mean you are bound to touch a many number of things.

My favorite bags that I am coveting and look perfect for travel are:

Lo & Son: O.G. bag in army green

This bag is perfect, the fabric, the color, the texture, the spaciousness..just check out the website on all their bags. They are the ultimate chic travel bag, it has everything you need in a travel bag plus you still look chic and put together, PERFECTION!







There is also Longchamp the Boxford

I've loved Longchamp since I studied abroad in Spain. All the East Coast students had Longchamp book bags, they all dressed so classy with their fancy bags, I was so envious. With this bag you can be the envy of all other travelers.








Although both bags are a bit pricey (a couple hundred) it is worth investing. You need a sturdy travel bag that will last you a while and still looks nice. In order to achieve that you have to be willing to invest.

Now attire.
My mother always told me I needed to look my best when I got on a plane, even when I was headed on a 12 hour non-stop flight. No matter the distance and time, flights can be hectic, there is a lot of bumping into others, squeezing into your seat and past people. All that movement can ruin certain type of fabrics or wrinkle you. God knows I hate wrinkles and I am obsessed with having my clothes ironed at all times, meaning that traveling can be a difficult mental challenge for me. I am always on the look out for chic outfits that will not make me look like I just got out of the dryer after a flight.

So what are the best travel clothes, first is the right pants. I advice against, linen, yoga pants, silk, satin. I love cotton and spandex mixed pants, look chic and comfortable. Or the reliable jean. Once ironed, jeans unless thrown under a pile of clothes tend to stay in a nice unwrinkled shape.

For this time of year I would recommend a fancy t-shirt with a wrap sweater. You never know how hot or cold the plane with get so the t-shirt wrap combo lets you have the best of both worlds, without having ruining your hair.
Plus sassy t-shirts are a big hit now so with a nice skinny pant, sassy t-shirt and cozy wrap sweater carrying one of the above bags, you are ready for any travel challenge that may lay ahead.

Madewell has some great tees:

And this Juicy Couture wrap sweater:

Make a great combo!











I hope you all have a great time getting ready for Fall and Winter travels!! And just remember just becuase you are traveling doesn't mean you have to only care about comfort, you can have both, comfort and style!

#it's harvest time!

This past weekend I went to a U-pick apple orchard and mini pumpkin patch. I went to Clearview Organic Orchard, it was so pretty and 100% organic. It was also a relatively warm day which was out of the ordinary for a Mid-October afternoon. This place is extremely friendly, the guy who greeted us  was very informative about the history of the orchard, the process the farmers take and to top it off they have beautiful picnic tables throughout so you can bring your own lunch and have a beautiful picnic in the orchard.  Best part is that you only pay for the apples you buy, no paying for parking or for the picnic, you can save your money for the amazing honey, juices and apples!

Now I was planning for it to be a but cooler but my outfit wasn't to warm and still very weather and event appropriate.
I wore a Chambray shit, skinny army green utility pants and brown oxfords. I accessorized with a brown belt and my rose gold Michael Kors watch.
Here are similar options of my outfit choice:
Chambray shirt:
J Crew's options are always a perfect fit and shade:

I also like Gap's Options, more affordable but just as stylish

Skinny Cargo Style pants:
The ones I purchased were from Old Navy, super comfy, stylish and the price was right:

Or you can invest in these beauties from Piperlime:

And Finally the shoe options: you can either wear booties or oxfords. I love my oxfords, they are worn in and light: I got mine over 2 years ago from Nordstrom but here are similar options:
The first two are from Nordstrom:
Franco Sarto "Tevi" flat:

Miz Mooz Oxford flat:

And Lastly from DSW Shoes: Mercanti Fiorentini Oxford

These are probably my favorite and the closest to the ones I own. I love the classic oxford look, makes any outfit a bit more polished.







I hope you liked my outfit and I will talk to you all soon!

#plaid is not just for lumberjacks

Plaid can be daunting, becuase the last thing you want to do is look like a lumberjack. However this fall season the trend is bring back the plaid once again! I am a little cautious about plaid shirts but I love a good plaid skirt. I saw this skirt on Atlantic Pacific from Tibi and just fell in love, the problem is that I can't find it anywhere to purchase. Therefore, I went on a the hunt for a similar piece!

Here is the shirt:

I am in love with the whole outfit and her style but cannot get over this skirt!!

Now here are some similar options I am contemplating, let me know what you think!

My first option is this sweater Plaid Skirt from Nordstrom:

Another Option from Nordstrom, that is a bit more pricey but absolutely lovely: This Elizabeth and James Pencil Skirt

Next is also a Black and White Plaid Combo, from White House Black Market, not my favorite but definitely a worthy contender.

Also this Grind Skirt

Lastly, this mini is the perfect plaid with a nice touch of color by Suno

I hope you all get the urge to go out and purchase a nice plaid piece to help complete your fall wardrobe! Until next time!

#sweaterweather

It's October and its that time of year, changing of colors, crisp evenings, pumpkin pies, orange decorations and SWEATER Galore!!!

In California, October is perfect, the weather is perfect for sweaters and maybe a light jacket in the evenings. I love grabbing a coffee in a local coffee shop and reading a new book. Apparently October is also National Book Month so it seems like October and books were a match made in heaven.
Now back to sweaters, I love the fluffy ones, the colorful ones and oversized ones. It is a perfect go to Fall outfit, some skinnies and a cute sweater on top.
I am so excited to finally wear my sweaters and buy a few more, as you will tell from the options I provide below, I am not only a fan of sweaters but also sweaters with a little bit of a funky design that can all be worn with a comfy pair of leather leggings and booties. Here are some options that I am resisting the impulse to buy:

The Oversized Sweater:

This one is from Asos, its adorable and affordable (my favorite combination!)

Another oversized option is this Two Tone Knit from Zara.











The Fluffy Sweater:

With a little embellishment, this Dorothy Perkins has the perfect amount of fluff that can be paired with a nice pencil mini and booties.

Completely out of my price range but the amount of fluff is perfection, Chloe never disappoints.











The Why Not, It looks soooo COMFY!

This Zara knit looks to comfy to pass off.

I think a sassy sweater is in order and for me this one seems perfect for the job!










Have a fabulous and sassy rest of the week!

#First Rule

Actually I am sure there are many first rules for fashion. Make sure it's tailored well, wear your size don't try to get into something way to small or way to big becuase neither will do you any favors and so on. However for those who know me know that no matter how pretty the dress or top is or how well it fits you still can ruin everything if you look wrinkled.
Yes I said it, wrinkled, Ironing is very important, I never understood how people leave the house without ironing their clothes. My iron is always ready to go when I am getting dressed. Granted I may like to iron more than the average person but you have to admit it's important.
My friends laugh at me becuase sometimes I save up my ironing for one evening, where I put on a movie and iron the whole time. It is really relaxing and it gives me quality me time. Plus my closet is mostly ironed, which will save me time in the morning.

My point is that you can have on a wonderful skirt and top combo but if you are all wrinkled, you may have ruined your outfit. Especially when it comes to dress shirts on guys, please iron your shirts and your khaki pants! All men should learn to iron and all people should invest in a good iron. You can find some great irons for under $100 that will last a long time.

But the point of my post is not only that you need to iron but that you need to keep your iron clean so that you don't burn your clothes or leave rust marks. If you keep your iron clean ironing is more enjoyable.

So yesterday instead of doing my reading I decided that I needed to clean my iron, meaning that I will have a ironing day coming up soon!

My iron is very special to me, its a Rowentta, this one to be exact, and lets say that it is wonderful. My mother bought it for me last year as a start of the new school year gift. However irons get dirty, especially when your little sister uses it, doesn't change the fabric settings and burns her blouse. I felt bad for her blouse but the fabric basically melted on to my iron. That is difficult to remove and makes it easier for the iron to stick to other clothing.

So I desperately needed to clean it. There are solutions you can buy but I think the natural way is a lot better. The two ways that I have used and work best for me are the following:

My favorite and I think most effective:
1. Get a wash cloth, one that has ridges, and semi tough (do not use anything with wire in it becuase it will cause scratches in the iron's sole plate and ruin it)
2. While the cloth is laid out get salt (sea salt works best) and make a nice little pile in the middle of the wash cloth.
3. Plug in the iron, put it on the highest heat setting and turn off the steam setting.
4. Once the iron is nice and hot, start ironing over the salt pile, up and down the cloth. Do this for a few minutes and add a little more salt if you want.
5. After a minute you will see the grime come off onto the cloth. Repeat the ironing over the salt until everything is off.
6. It took me about 10 minutes to get the burned fabric off but now my iron is squeaky clean!

The Second Option:
1. Make sure the iron is turned off and cool.
2. Boil equal parts vinegar and salt.
3. Once the salt has dissolved, take the vinegar and salt off the stove top.
(I would use gloves so that your hands don't smell like sour vinegar for the rest of the day)
4. Wait for the solution to be warm, not boiling hot so you don't burn yourself.
5. With a tough cloth (not wire!), dip it in the solution and start rubbing the sole of the iron.
6. Repeat Step 6 until the iron is clean!

After either cleaning process, with the iron cooled and turned off, I'd use a clean and damp cloth to wipe off any excess vinegar and salt. Now you can use your iron with ease!! Let me know if you have any other cleaning suggestions and how these options work for you!

I hope you all are having a wonderful week!!

#fashion is art

One thing I love to do is view the lastest runway lines from my favorite designers that I could only dream of one day wearing.

Some fashion designers are true artists, creating a masterpiece.

I know that some people may think that admiring clothing or fashion designers may be a superficial and superfluous hobby but just as much I would pay to admire art in a museum, certain couture designs are timeless and worth admiration. There are many designers do not design clothing for the masses to duplicate but rather design to make a statement. It's a form of expression, something worth appreciating.

Even when I visit museums, I love viewing the jewelry and clothing, it's such a beautiful way of  better understanding how people lived, thought, and expressed themselves in that time period.

Therefore, fashion is an art form and my current obsession with the Valetino Fall 2013 Couture design is the epitome of elegance, the colors, the shapes, fit, fabrics combined is a stunning display of pure art!

My plan for preparing for Fall (my favorite season out of the year) is to mimic this collection and stock up on beautiful browns and golds with gorgeous designs and spectacular shape and fit. I can't wait to shop for similar look alike pieces for this upcoming season. Just like Adele sang, I will find someone like you!

If Valentino's line was a Man, he would be perfect, it has looks, class, wealth and knows the way to women's heart except these women do not look to happy... I guess they aren't eating enough ice cream! 

The back of the this coat is seen in the second photo above...I swoon!!!

The dress and coat of the first outfit is to beautiful for words!

                                     

#mega trend

In continuance from yesterday's post, I wanted to continue by posting what trend I hope comes back that I am obsessed with.... elaborate hats and fascinators!!!
Like most people I swooned over the hats at the royal wedding a few years ago and the continuous collection the Duchess and the Queen showcase. I love going to consignment shops and finding the most beautiful over the top hat, if I could afford them and had more occasions to wear them to I would invest in hats like I invest in purses. Wearing a hat or fascinator screams sophistication and class, you look important, stylish and absolutely darling!

Weddings, tea parties and Kentucky derbies should definitely not be the only reasons to wear such an extraordinary head piece...so maybe I will just have to start this wishful mega trend.

Who knows maybe they will make a come back sooner than you know!

Here are some of my favorite pictures and finds!

I fell in love with these two pieces Catherine wore instantly, the Duchess is the epitome of elegance and sophistication!

Another Etsy find! One of my favorites from this site!! 

From Etsy, so many great options!

Nordstrom's Kentucky Derby style!

   

Who doesn't just adore the Audrey Hepburn look!

#wishful thinking

This past week I was asked what mega trend I wish would happen soon, although my initial answer wasn't that clever it got me thinking...

Elegance is an essential principal of timeless fashion. Despite the fact that elegance is lacking among the celebrities that appear on the magazine covers and tabloids, I miss the times where the beauty of the modest women was appreciated rather than how sexy her butt and abs look in the scandalous outfit.
The oxford dictionary defines "Sexy" as sexually attractive and exciting. As a female in the modern world isn't that a description that you would want to deviate from. The very description implies objectification. There is a line between accenting various qualities from flaunting them openly without reservation. One is dressing to fit your body type, while the latter is plain disregard for your self-esteem.  Dressing to impress should not be focused on revealing skin, but rather dressing to express your inner beauty, personality, and expose your worth.
I know that this post may seem like a feminist rant but my point is that I hope that instead of ladies admiring celebrities that make a living objectifying the potential of a women, I hope that women start respecting true ladies of achievement that broke the boundaries that society enforced. I wish magazines would do more editions with fashionable successful women, the lawyers, doctors, CEO's, politicians, accountants, teachers, chefs, architects and so on that are worth admiring.

So the fashion mega trend I wish for is modesty and the women that deserve the same commemoration that some mediocre pop star with the auto-toned album and scandalous behavior and outfits do.

Here are some of my favorite women that I admire both professionally and fashionably, I hope they inspire you as much as they inspire me!
Find a beautiful picture and a link to their wiki page below:
Sheryl Sandberg                                             Sonia Gandhi

Queen Elizabeth II                                             Tory Burch

There are so many more... but I am proud to see how these beautiful women dress for success and have

#it's raining men

If you live in northern California you are experiencing the same weather as I am, its warm and rainy! The best part of rainy weather is the attire that men wear, adorable slacks, shirts, sweaters, jackets, and of course lets not forget the shoes!
I mentioned in a previous post that I love Men's Fashion, in my opinion men are so much more fun to dress, if they compile and can endure the shopping. The other day I was talking to a few guy friends and we made a list of some of their favorite designers that could work for any fit. The 5 that were on repeat were Ted Baker, Brooks Brothers, Hugo Boss, Ben Sherman, and Calvin Klein. They all make great clothing options and suits for any fit, and let me tell you FIT is key!
What woman doesn't love seeing a man in a well fitted suit, probably just as sexy as a British or Australian accent.  My thought is that a guy can spout as much game as he wants but if he isn't dressed to impress, he's going home alone.
I digress, so men if you cannot afford to get a suit tailored to you then these are great alternatives at various different price points:

Ted Baker, look at the lining of that coat!!!!!

Well Hello there good looking!
Hugo Boss and on sale!!!

Comes from the Big and Tall section at Macy's
Calvin Klein

Ben Sherman has an amazing fit for the slim fit guy! This shirt can be dressed up or down!
Ben Sherman Clerkenwell Collar Shirt
P.S. I get all my Ben Sherman shirts from Nordstrom Rack. They have a great selection there and most only cost $30-$40 which is such a steal!!!

I think I could shop ties for hours!!!! They are so essential, they can make or break a suit!
Hugo Raise Check


NOTE: For the more slimmer man, skinny or slim ties work best, the classic ties can overwhelm you and make you look bulky and unbalanced. The taller and broader the shoulders the more acceptable it is to wear the classic tie.





Speaking of classic ties, Armani kills me with this gem!! Must abstain from buying!
Armani-Abstract Classic Tie









Have a great Tuesday everyone!!!
Ciao!