Friday, September 30, 2011

Saturated Style, Candy for Your Floors

Normally, my first instinct is to buy things that are black, white and gray. But with all the colors from spring and fall, my house and closet are becoming increasingly colorful. I've been on the hunt for a new rug for my living room. My current one is a black-and-white zebra print which I love, but hasn't worked out so well with my white dog, Mr. Sheds-a-Lot Senna. Sometimes, I want a simple neutral, pale rug. But other times I want to go in the complete other direction with something bold and saturated, like these over-dyed vintage rugs I've been seeing.


Rugs from Kilim.com, Anthropologie, eBay. Links below:
Aqua, OrangePink, Green, Red, Teal

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Aquilano.Rimondi Spring/Summer 2012

So, I'm not sure how I missed this, but um—whoah, hubba hubba. Dear Aquilano.Rimondi, where have you been all my life? Spring 2012 was perfection. I die over every single gorgeously textured, expertly crafted, masterfully contrasted piece. It's love, true love.


All photos: Imaxtree

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Have You Ever Wanted to be a Mermaid?


Jacket: TNA, Shirt: Gryphon, Skirt: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Boots: Rose Gold, Bag: Asos

I think every little girl has fantasies of becoming a mermaid. I've outgrown those dreams, but I would be lying if I said I didn't find beauty in things that remind me of mermaids. Many sequins and other shimmery things make their home in my closet and I pull them out every now and then when I feel like being shiny. Besides, who doesn't love a good sequin?

I'm wearing the same boots from my last post. I love these boots so much that I've considered buying them not only in different colors, but in the same color lest they ever fall apart. They're so comfortable, like slippers—except cooler, and it doesn't get much cooler than slippers. And I apologize for the bag. I'm the type of person who uses a bag over and over again until I get deathly sick of it. But if it's starting to get annoying, let me know and I'll switch it up. The skirt is awesome, with a delightful textured material, cool pleats and sassy zipper all the way down the back. The photos don't do it justice.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Runway Rundown: Spring 2012, Milan

Prada
Oh Miuccia, you've done it again! Who knew car prints could be so chic? For spring, Prada played on the Italian love of cars with a vintage-inspired car print on the candy colored ladylike pieces. There was also a play on contrasts with chunky, boxy jackets and coats topping off the sleek dresses underneath. Man Repeller joked that the collection would be the uniform for her birthday, but with the toys boys love printed on these pieces, man repellers these pieces are not.

Fendi
Karl, that was fantastic. The construction was impeccable on the luxuriously slouchy, yet masterfully constructed pieces. The muted color palette was easy on the eyes and understated, but beautiful. I can see all the pieces making their way into my wardrobe: the blazer with cutout shoulders and the sheer sweater with thick knit detailing, not to mention the dresses with unique tailored detailing. It was original, yet classic at the same time.

Marni
Marni, Marni, Marni, what is it about you that makes me want you every season? Is it your clean lines, adept utilization of contrast and texture, or your masterful print work? Oh wait, it's all of the above. For spring, Marni hit it right on the mark with a bold collection that hit all the sweet spots, but managed to feel new.

Jil Sander
Sleek and innovative, the characteristics that Jil Sander exudes season in and out were executed with perfect precision for spring. The signature structured pieces were present, complemented with sheer detailing and prints that felt familiar, yet new at the same time. I loved all of it, now if only I was tall enough to wear it.

Emporio Armani
It was back to basics at Emporio Armani, although only in the color palette because the pieces were anything but. Luxurious is one way to describe the expert construction that transformed the neutral palette into something rich and full. Who needs color when the pieces are this glamorous? I particularly loved the use of contrasting edges to add depth and texture to the garments, while the slim silhouettes oozed sophistication. Oh, and that cutout collar? I need it in my life.

D&G
Well, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana sure know how to say goodbye. I'm mourning the end of D&G and its flirtatious and whimsical collections, but it's hard to stay sad when their final season is so good—or does that make it even worse? Either way, I smiled from start to finish. The silky scarf prints were used in innovative ways, so that even if they dominated the entire collection, each look managed to feel fresh and new.

Dolce & Gabbana
I wouldn't have thought that one of my favorite collections from Milan would have lifted its inspiration from the produce aisle, but I never wanted to eat vegetables more than after the Dolce & Gabbana show. The innovative print combined with the womanly silhouettes had me from look 1. I can't wait to get my daily serving of veggies now!

Moschino
Moschino's tribute to the bull fight felt a bit literal at first, but hey who doesn't love a matador—well except the bull of course. With the sport disappearing—Catalonia just had its last bull fight—its apt that the brand pay tribute to the elegance of the costume. Intricate detailing felt luxe while the slim lines were undeniably sexy, topped off with a cheerful pop of yellow this collection won me over.

All Photos: Imaxtree

Monday, September 26, 2011

It's Starting to Feel Like Fall


Vest: Eryn Brinie, Sweater: Zara, Shorts: Wilfred at Aritzia, Boots: Rose Gold, Bag: ASOS, Necklace: Lia Sophia, Rings: F21, Banana Republic, misc.

After several glorious days of warmth and sunshine, San Francisco decided to give its residents a reminder not to get used to it by slapping us with a cold and foggy weekend. After lunch on the other side of the Golden Gate bridge, the boyfriend and I took a short detour into the hills next to the bridge's base. It was cold, ridiculously windy and so foggy you couldn't see anything in front of you.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Runway Rundown: Spring 2012, London

Mary Katrantzou
I don't wear a lot of prints, but there's something about their expert execution at the hands of designer Mary Katrantzou that makes me want a closet full of them. With her, they're impeccably designed and never cheesy, as prints can sometimes be. Season in and out, she comes up with new ways to wow the audience visually and come up with something new and exciting. Combined with the abstract shapes and clever silhouettes she uses, Katrantzou proves once gain that she has staying power.

Clements Rebeiro
I almost turned away at the sight of the paisley. But I didn't, and I'm glad I stayed. As I clicked through the collection, something about the execution stuck with me. There's nothing kitchy about these prints, no sign of hippies. The lines are long, lean and ladylike, removing any stigma the pattern may have. Later on in the series, it was blended with more striking black-and-white patterns for a delightful contrast. It wasn't my favorite show of the season, but something about it made me smile.

Erdem
"Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking." I'm pretty sure if Miranda Priestly had seen the Erdem spring collection, she would have taken back her words. Because there's florals, and then there's Erdem florals. Once again, Erdem Moralioglu has showcased the mastery of prints that has put him at the top of the London fashion food chain. The calming water color prints for spring are romantic and utterly elegant, but not without a bit of sex appeal thrown in—subtly of course. These prints, although more muted than seasons past, are anything but stuffy.

Christopher Kane
While I'm kind of bummed that Christopher Kane put the neon's on the back burner for spring, I'm definitely not disappointed in his collection. In fact, it's probably one of my favorites of LFW. I loved the structured silhouettes and use of contrasts. There were sporty knits juxtaposed against flirty florals, somber jacquard suits with thigh-high slits, and textures galore. The things that delighted the most were the unexpected: peek-a-boo cutouts, flirty slits and unique construction. It was all new and left you wide-eyed and grinning. Bravo!

Burberry Prorsum
I didn't love Burberry last season, but they're back on track for spring with the unique brand of British cool that we all know and love. For spring, there's color and texture and contrast, all wrapped up in a neat edgy package. It's really quite perfect, with just the right amount of slouch and cool girl chic to keep you wanting more. The vibe was a bit heavy for spring, with lots of layering and outerwear. But knowing the weather in London, it's totally understandable—SF is the same! Besides, Burberry is known for its outerwear, no collection would be complete without it. I do have a complaint though, why do I have to wait till next year for all of this? I want it now!

Roksanda Illincic
Despite all the color that's come up for spring, I was still thoroughly refreshed by Roksanda Ilincic's take on it for spring. The colors were saturated and rich, luscious and bold. There was a luxurious slouch to the pieces which were done in decadent fabrics, but with comfortable silhouettes. All together, it was a delightful take on the season, where the piece made a statement without being overdone.

All photos: Imaxtree

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

When in Doubt, Stare at the Wall


When I envisioned my inspiration board, it was big. So big, that I couldn't find anything pre-made to satisfy my needs. So, I created my own. Here, you can see exactly how large—and full–my board is. I have plastered every free inch of it with magazine clippings and memorable things I've encountered. Every so often, I'll take a look at my choices with a critical eye and purge the ones that are no longer a source of inspiration. So some of the stuff on the wall is new, others, I collected years ago and they still make me smile.

What you'll need:
Homasote board
Canvas
Staple Gun
Clamps
Drill
Heavy duty wall screws
Washers
Pins

How to do it:
1. Homasote is a material used for insulation that also doubles nicely as a bulletin board. It's thicker and cheaper than the cork you find in hardware stores—meaning you won't end up with a wall full of holes—and easier to deal with. Have a size custom-cut at your local building supply store. But call ahead, it's not commonly stocked in places like Home Depot. We got ours from Discount Building Supplies in SOMA.

2. Cover your Homasote with canvas and use the staple gun to secure it in place. Staple one side, then secure the free sides with clamps. You're going to want to stretch the fabric tightly before stapling the other sides.

3. Drill holes in the four corners of the board. Hold it up to the wall, mark the hole locations with a pencil, then drill into the wall. You might need to check for studs if the board is too heavy for your wall.

4. Secure the board to the wall with the screws and washers.

5. Cover with your favorite inspirational photos!





Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Strolling Through an Indian Summer

Trench: Staring at Stars/UO, Shirt: J.Crew, Skirt: Zara, Shoes: Superga, Necklace: Noir and F21, Rings: Banana Republic, F21, Sunnies: H&M
This was a 'let's get dramatic' moment and BF told me to go behind the tree. It's not very dramatic.
 I look serious in a lot of my photos, but really, half of them are like this.
All those years of gymnastics for nothing.

It's ridiculously hot in San Francisco, thanks to our weird weather timeline. When the rest of the country starts feeling the first brisk notes of fall, we finally get our sunshine and warmth. Spent the afternoon going to open houses and then reenergized with coffee from my favorite neighborhood store, Philz. It's a local SF coffee house where the menu reads more like a wine list than a typical cafe. I normally stick to the dark and chocolatey Jacobs, but opted for a medium-roast Silken Splendor. Nummy nummy in my tummy.