Things I can’t live without.

When looking at your body type and lifestyle, it’s a great feeling to figure out what works. Everyone says they don’t want to have to spend a lot of time getting dressed in the morning, and once you figure out what works and what you feel comfortable in, you will not have to! Hiring a wardrobe consultant can help you with this.  A lot of people have great things in their wardrobe, just don’t know how to use them. A wardrobe consultant can help you figure out what you need to keep your current wardrobe on trend and up to date. I love to buy trend pieces and accessories at Thrift Store or knock off department stores – some of my best finds are from Marshalls, Loehmanns, and Nordstrom Rack. I say, pick a day to really figure out what you love and what’s working for you – whether it’s a lone or with a consultant. It will make getting dressed much more enjoyable!

It’s All About Accessories!

A while back I did a style interview for R A E N Optics on the lovely Morgan George, Sales Manager for EDUN.  She was so great – one of those people you love instantly after meeting them. She has a zest for life that shines through to her style.  Not only that, she’s socially responsible, stylish and rocks some of the most stylish accessories I’ve seen in a while. Fall in love with these hands and socially responsible accessories.

images by Kristen Conahan

Morgan divulges, “The manta ray ring is from Alkemie which uses all recycled, reclaimed metals. The necklace is from a non-profit called Falling Whistles, which raises money fund rehabilitation centers for child soldiers in Africa.” I also asked her about those killer nails,  “My neighborhood nail salon is called Wink on Vanderbilt Ave., they are an eco-nail salon that makes all their own scrubs and uses non acetone products. Plus they do stuff like this, which you won’t find in Manhattan. These nail decals are called Mynx.”

Sunday For The Boyz – Inside Insight.

Inside Insight – skate, rock and roll…

As you know, I do one post a week dedicated to the guys. “A well dressed man can say a lot, without saying a word.”

Men’s fashion can get a little complicated too – layering, accessories, vest, hats – you have to know what works and what doesn’t to pull off this kind of beautiful complication. Insight does it. For a so-cal vibe look by the beach or at brunch, they’ve got what you need.

images via Insight

Forals, dresses and Spring Love!

1. MM Couture by Miss Me – Revolve Clothing $83
2. Tolani Anna Tunic – Revolve Clothing $99
3. Rachel Roy Day Dress – Macys $99
5. Floral Bow Pocket Playsuit – Topshop $55
6. Floral Bandaue – Topshop $72
7. Petite Floral Knot Back Dress – Topshop $70

H & M’s Garden Collection is one collection you don’t want to miss. They got it right, ohh so right.

I want most of this wonderful collection! All ranging around the 30 dollar mark. Rediculous. Mixing classics with trend pieces for less is the way to go. Especially when we have pieces to chose from like these!

How adorable does Liz look here in H & M’s Garden Collection dress, perfectly mixing it with a Chanel vintage clutch and vintage looking accessories?  She’s based in San Francisco and runs Late Afternoon.  She has a beautiful blog and has great style.

Leather Bracelets, Big Watches – let me re-introduce Ler Mer Collection

One of my first posts ever of last year, I did a post on Le Mer Watches. I wanted to resurface the collection as they still seem to as popular as ever.

OAK NYC, one of my favorite places to shop, keeps  selling out of these babies! Talk about trend forecasting….

Four reasons Le Mer watches rule:

One – I like big watches.

Two – it’s easy to achieve the ‘multiple bracelet’ look in one.

Three – Leather bands are awesome. They take a girly outfit to edgy instantly.

And lastly, they are reasonable price around $100!

What are you doing with your hair today?

images via iluvfashion; image #2 via oui, je suis

Look #1: BIG Beautiful Waves (picture #5)

Feeling Achieved: 70′s chic

How to pull off: Straighen your hair as normal or to almost dry state. Braid your hair into 1 inch thing braids before your go to sleep.In the morning spray some hair spray and loosen braids with your hands.

** Keep the braids all similar in size to keep the wave even.

Look #2: Tassled bed head (picture #1)

Feeling Achieved: I’m chic without even trying

How to pull off: Some of us literally can do this by just waking up. However, if you don’t have the bed head hair you desire, one of the tricks is to get the volume. Try a volume enhancing shampoo. When blowdrying, turn your

hair upsidedown and use your fingers not a brush. Don’t flat iron! Leave the look undone. Add a few curls to here and there with the larges curling iron you have. Take your fingers through the curls to loosen them up almost to straight. Spray some

gloss and hair spray and your done!

Look #3: One Big Braid (picture # 2, 4 , 6)

Feeling Achieved : Hippie chic (loose) or biker chic (tight bid braid)

How to pull off: This look was all over the Alexander Wang runway last Fall for his Spring RTW 2010 collection.  One big braid can be done if a few different ways, but right now the side swoop it in force!  Loosely pull your hair to the side and one loose braid down pulled down to the front. As the braid loosens up through the night, don’t fix it, loose and messy is when it’s at it’s best!!

Things are better BIGGER

images –

top row:  Best Behavior (pixie market), Heather Grey Hooded Poncho (oak), Carmine Blouse (pixie market)

bottom: Enzuvan (oaknyc), T by Alexander Wang (oaknyc), Orange Goddess (pixie market)

Center: Black Med Twill Tote (Oak)

Styling Tips pulled from Real Women

Style Tips : Fall 2009

By Kristen Conahan

I dream of clothes!! and I find it so interesting to see how women express themselves with bags, shoes, hats, accessories and clothes!!! One’s surrounding’s, mood, and daily life, help determine how they are going to express their personal style.  It tells a story to us, the everyday viewer, and gives insight into their lives.  See below some styling tips pulled from the everyday outfits these women have put together. Many of the pieces they are wearing are very afforadable, from H and M, Zara, and Top Shop! 

All cited from Street Chic – from Vouge.com

Tip #1 – Black and White
Chic without trying to hard. Easy to put together and leaves little room for error.

Tip #2 -  Flirty and Feminine

Find your girly side. Be playful and have fun with your outfits.  Florals are not only for Spring and Summer – here perfectly matched with a heavy dark grey tight, for a cute yet cozy Fall look.

Tip #3 – Lighten Your Life With a Bright Shoe

Compliments…think of complimentary colors to work with one another. Here she perfectly complemented the blues (top and jeans) with a bright purple shoe. A shoe can take a so-so outfit, and make it awe-inspiring.

Tip #4 – Leather

Leather done with a feminine heel or as a skirt. Daring and delightful.

Tip #5 - You Can Never Have Too Much Class!!!

No matter the trends, classics and simplicity are always great alternatives to have in your closet. You can never go wrong with a black blazer and jeans.

Tip #6 – Wear Many Hats

Hats are a great accessory to add to almost any outfit – and will keep you warm too!

Tip # 7 – Have Fun!

A little creativity in outfits exemplifies confidence and helps bring out your fun side! When shopping at vintage stores and garage sales, get creative! Bright colors can dress up any outfit. The green headwrap, compliments her red hair, while the other elements of her outfit are nuetral, so it’s not over doing it. FUN!  Loafers with socks look great here on
a simple black dress.  Play around and see what feels right for you -  the key here is to be comfortable.  If you are not comfortable, you will not wear it well, so play within your comfort zone.  Forever 21 and Nordstom’s Brass Plum are not just for teens, and have some great cheap accessoires to play around with.