Ticked Off The List

After an exhausting but enjoyable ten-mile bike ride, I rushed over to LF to pick up the Jeffrey Campbell "Tick" wedge boots that I just posted about. For those who are curious (or came here via Racked), the boots retail for $170 and are a limited edition style with LF Stores. The heel is about five inches and the platform is one inch, so they're slightly less vertiginous than the Ashish for

Jeffrey Campbell's Done It Again

Spotted in the window display at LF in Santa Barbara - these Ashish for Topshop look alike leopard print wedges. When I peeked inside at the label, I wasn't surprised to see the Jeffrey Campbell logo. They're a close match to the originals, with the exception of a less sculpted and more streamlined heel. Even though I already have the zebra pair, I'm still somewhat intrigued by the combination

Twisted

Today marks the launch of Forever 21's latest Twist collection called "It's Tutu Cute." If feminine pieces such as floral cardigans, frilly tulle skirts, and sheer, lace fabrics get your heart pounding, then you'll appreciate this collection. Since Halloween is a few days away, and I still haven't decided what to wear, the ballerina-inspired offerings are providing me with plenty of inspiration

Janelle Monae featured in Vogue

Janelle Monae will be featured in Vogue's November issue. The eccentric songstress will be showing off George Esquivel's unique shoes. Here is the blurb from the article:

"It's hard not to get ideas when I'm meeting with Gwen [as in Stefani] and the Killers," says George Esquivel. "My work evolves by designing for people." Since 1994, the Southern Californian has been crafting custom shoes, and even with an ever-expanding client list, the majority of his footwear is made to order by hand in his Buena Park studio.

Though they're fashioned out of the same Italian leather used by Louis Vuitton, his boots and oxfords are unique in their colors and burnishes, which Esquivel still does himself. "It's a punk attitude," says the designer, whose wares were first noticed by his fellow music scenesters in the nineties. "I'm not a guy who grew up on the East Coast wearing suits." So not proper, but for Esquivel wearers, just perfect.

Inspired By Zara

It's not often enough that store window displays offer me inspiration for putting together new outfits while I'm out and about shopping. Since I devote a lot of time to photographing such displays as a trendspotter, I'm always tuned in to what retailers are putting on display. The windows at Zara are always among my favorites. They utilize interesting props, they expertly mix various textures,

Another Chic Read

I'm ashamed to admit that I don't read nearly as many books as I used to, but when it comes to fashion and shopping-related books, I'm still an avid reader. I've just finished reading The Fashion Lover's Guide to Incredible Bargains by shopper extraordinaire Debbie Weisberg. As a self-professed bargain lover myself, I could easily relate to the author's passion for finding great deals. In the

Shine. Shimmer. Sparkle.

Serena Williams attends the "Whip It" Los Angeles Premiere held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre Hollywood, California on 29.09.09

Left to right: Sequin glitterglass tank, $495, www.jcrew.com; Sequins Emma Top by Nili Lotan, by $495, www.bloomingdales.com; Sequin Embellished Vest, $95.93, www.asos.com; Sequin & Beaded Tank by Alice + Olivia (Sizes 0 - 14), $396, www.neimanmarcus.com

Left to right: Racerback Tank by Gryphon, $345, www.shoplesnouvelles.com; Rose Sequin Tank, $19.90, www.charlotterusse.com; Embellished Racerback Tank, $24, www.ardenb.com; Allover Sequin Tunic, $26.50, www.wetseal.com

Serena Williams kept things classic and clean on the red carpet of the "Whip It" premiere. Wearing a simple black blazer and matching cropped pants, Serena looked effortlessly chic. To keep the outfit from looking too "day" she added a little sparkle in the form of a racerback tank by Gryphon. If you want to achieve this look you don't have to hand over $345. Wetseal, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe and Arden B all have affordable sequin tops. Finish the outfit with vertigo heels, a metallic clutch and chandelier earrings.

New Nails

With some time on my hands and newly found inspiration courtesy of the Jimmy Choo for H&M ad campaign, I opted to kill an hour's time by attempting a snow leopard manicure at home. In order to get an idea for what I was in for, I tried to watch some instructional videos on YouTube, but quickly became bored and just gave it a go. How hard could it be, anyway?For those of you who want to attempt

More Random Things

This week, I'm:* Excited about finally discovering the perfect Breton striped top at Asos. The icing on the cake? It comes in black with white stripes as well as white with black stripes. Note to self - at a price of only $31.40 (and a discount code with 25% off at Asos), stock up!* I'm loving the convenience that Pebble offers for comparison shopping. After typing in "studded bracelet", I found

The Short List

Admittedly I've become obsessed with height ever since I wore my towering Ashish for Topshop zebra wedges for the first time. I just love the extra six inches of height that those ankle boots give me. Somehow I feel stronger and more commanding while wearing them. As a petite person, I've heard the comment "you're short" one too many times. Yes, I know that I'm short, and just about the only

The Blitzi Boot

In true Steve Madden form, they've created a version of the Isabel Marant studded ankle boot I recently spotted in Santa Barbara. It's called Blitzi, retails for $189.95, and comes in either black or brown suede. There are two minor differences from the originals, though. If you look closely, you'll see that unlike the originals, the heel is synthetic and slightly less cone-shaped. For a truly

Amelle Berrabah

Sugababe Amelle Berrabah performs at BBC2's Music Show ‘Sound’ at Spittlefield Market in London, England wearing a Denim Jumpsuit.

If you thought Destiny's Child had it's ups and downs that was nothing compared to the British group Sugababes. Since it's inception in 1998, the all girl group has been through three line-up changes. The most recent has left not one original band member in the group! That hasn't stopped their flow though. The girls are in the midst of a relaunch that includes a whole new sound and provocative new image to boot. Pictured above is North African (Moroccan) member Amelle Berrabah. She joined the group in 2005 replacing Mutya Buena. She recently shaved the side of her head to give herself an edgier look. I'm loving this Liquorish jumpsuit on her (see below.) Roll the legs up like Amelle to give the outfit a fresh spin.

Steal Amelle's Style

Above: Liquorish Stone Wash Denim Jumpsuit, $61.05, www.asos.com
Heels: HALO Twist Front High Platform Sandal, $34.88, www.asos.com
Bag: Twisted Hardware Doctor Bag, $68, www.urbanoutfitters.com
Nail Polish: Essie Nail Polish in California Coral, $8, www.apothica.com

I'm all about summer nail colors in winter. What else will brighten up those dull, rainy days? Coral nail polish is my color of choice these days, but any stand-out color will compliment these pale pink platforms by HALO. Pair with skin colored tights if the weather is already bone chilling in your area. For night-time chic add a metallic belt and a bright clutch for punch.

Oh, Isabel!

Spotted on the streets of Santa Barbara on Thursday night - these amazing studded boots by Isabel Marant. Like a true shoe fanatic and Tommy Ton wannabe, my style radar zoomed right in on them. Having seen them on blogs and in magazines, I shamelessly admired them with unbridled envy. Although the photo doesn't show the rest of the outfit, the boots were worn by an incredibly chic and jovial

Brush Your Shoulders Off!

Beyonce leaving Movida Nightclub in London, UK on May 26th, 2009

Rihanna arrives at the Balmain Pret-a-Porter show as part of the Paris Womenswear Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 on October 1, 2009 at Intercontinental Paris Grand Hotel in Paris

Halle Berry arriving at the Shangahi Film Festival, June, 2009

Ciara arrives at the BBC Radio 1 studios on April 23, 2009 in London, England

Beyonce leaving dinner at the Waverly Inn, New York in June, 2009

Winter is about to hit us so now is the time to buy summer trends at bargain prices. The Balmain Jacket craze shows no signs of dying down so grab yourself an original (or a budget-friendly inspired version). Net-a-Porter currently sells the originals but you can also find "knock-offs" at your favorite stores such as Topshop in the UK or Shopbop.com here in the US. Beyonce and Ciarahave championed this look by pairing their 80's / Michael Jackson inspired jackets with skinny jeans. Or make like Rihanna and add a little volume down below. Either way, these power jackets will take you well into 2010.

My Picks!

Left to right: Short Extended Shoulder Jacket, $135, www.topshop.com; Cotton-blend tuxedo jacket by Balmain, $3805, www.net-a-porter.com; White army-style jacket by Balmain, $3564, www.net-a-porter.com; Crystal-embellished canvas jacket by Balmain, $6389.60, www.net-a-porter.com

Left to right: ASOS Power Shoulder Tux Blazer, $113.37, www.topshop.com; Ruffle Peak Jacket by Robert Rodriguez, $495, www.shopbop.com; Blade Runner Jacket by Elizabeth and James, $425, www.shopbop.com; Button Detail Denim Jacket by Queen's Look, $85.50, www.yesstyle.com

Ranging from $85 to $6000+, now is the time to buy one of these amazing jackets. Winter may be closing in, but buy one on sale and wear it for the next five years. Every fashionista needs a powerful blazer in their wardrobe and now is the cheapest time to buy one. If you want the real thing be prepared to pay at least $3000 - and that's a bargain! My favorite is the tuxedo blazer from Topshop. At only $135, it's a fail safe investment.

A Plus

I somehow managed to stumble upon these superbly bondage-style thigh high boots during an online browsing session yesterday. I'm not quite sure how I discovered them (perhaps while doing a search on Shopstyle.com), but I'm convinced they're the perfect over-the-knee boot that I've been holding out for. Despite having purchased three inexpensive pairs (a flat pair in faux leather, a high heeled

How To Wear Strong Shoulder Silhouettes

Lately I've been scouring thrift stores for vintage velvet, sequin, and beaded dresses. Luckily, the previously dreaded shoulder pads that such dresses often contain are currently de rigueur, and I've ceased cutting them out of my most recent thrift store finds. After wearing a few pieces with plenty of padding in the shoulder area, I've learned a few tips for trying to make this trendy '

Back For Black

In my recent attempts to snag another pair of Ashish for Topshop wedges (this time in black and on ebay), I somehow stumbled upon a similar version at none other than Asos. Each time I visit Asos, I immediately check their new arrivals section, then I inevitably get sucked into the endless vortex of on-trend, affordable clothing and accessories that they carry. Since my chances of scoring a

Cuz You've Been Nighttiming Baby

Although I enjoy living where I live, for me, the biggest downfall of being in a beach town equates to a casual dress code, even at the swankest bars, lounges and restaurants. So you can imagine that I don't draw much inspiration for going-out outfits from the people I see around town, and I often feel like I'm overdressed. Case in point...Two weekends ago (for a night at a fancy lounge/bar), I

Random Things This Week

I've always got a lot of things (and thoughts) on my fashion to-do list. Whether it's a new site to inspect, a stylish must-have item that I want to purchase, or just something I've seen that's inspiring, sometimes I just have to jot such things down in a notebook. So why not also share them on my blog? Here are a few things on my mind this week:* I've been searching high and low for the perfect

Consolation Prizes

Finally, a slight chill in the air today allowed me to break out one of my new transitional summer-to-fall jackets. When I initially spied this faded denim motorcycle jacket last month at San Francisco Centre's Wet Seal, I scooped it up without thinking about how I'd style it. Little did I know how versatile it would be. Later that night, I wore it out to dinner over H&M's landscape print

Forever Fashion

Many thanks to the folks at Forever 21, who included a photo of me on the Forever 21 Flickr page as part of the Summer '09 Street Style feature. As much as I read the Forever 21 blog, and since I shop and spend quite excessively at Forever 21, it feels great to be recognized by them, especially as I'm wearing their Shibuya Mon Amour bunny tank top and Wang-inspired fringe booties in the photo

Dress Code

It's that time of year again when my birthday is on the horizon and I envision what I'll be doing to celebrate, where I'll be, who I'll be hanging out with, and most importantly, what I'll be wearing. As a clothes horse, I probably place too much significance on the "what I'll be wearing" aspect of the equation, but what I'm wearing directly affects how I feel, and for my birthday, I certainly

Sweaty

In protest of the heat wave we're experiencing in southern California, I'm wearing sweatpants (yes, sweatpants) with a boyfriend blazer. It's not exactly appropriate attire for weather that's edging towards 80 degrees, however, I'm more than ready for fall's cool breezes and somewhat chilly evenings. While many people don't see sweats as acceptable everyday attire, I'm still slightly intrigued by

Profresh-ional

Many thanks to Christina of the newly launched Profresh Style for her interview with me, which can be read here. It's such an honor to be included amongst such stylish bloggers!

Vintage Knowledge

This week I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of Melody Fortier's The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping. As someone who recently began to enjoy shopping at flea markets and secondhand shops, I found the book to be extremely helpful. Unlike many other books in the Fashion/Style genre that I've read, I think this one is intelligently written, and the author clearly has expert knowledge of