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| Photo: Streetfsn |
This picture reminds me of last night. Literally. I mixed prints and my outfit was sniffed out. It was a big night out for me: a mini high school reunion of sorts. Dinner with my four best high school friends visiting from New York. It had been over three years since our last get together, back east. So, the pressure was on: I needed to look good, without looking like I was trying too hard. I tried on multiple outfits: a simple Marni dress, an H&M black sweater with high-waisted Chloe pants, thinking basic is better (less room for error, less vulnerable to judgement, etc.). But then I settled on my J. Crew leopard print pants with a black and white striped sweater--an outfit I've worn several times over the last few months. The mixed prints are playful, but not over the top. And it's kind of statement-y, but still safe. Most importantly, I felt comfortable, not contrived. After a glass (or two) of wine, my friends and I were all smushed on one sofa at Soho House reminiscing about our days at school and Saturday evenings spent on the steps of the Met, hanging out with friends we knew from other Manhattan schools. My friend Jenny said to me, "You look exactly the same, Marlien." Of course, that was music to my ears. But then she added, "And mixing those two prints--leopard and stripes--is so you." It felt good to be surrounded by people who know me so well. And to know that not a lot has changed!
Bright, cheery and spring-perfect. Wear it with...
4. River Island sandals, $69, riverisland.com
We've been enjoying a mini heat wave here in LA. Hence, the warm weather outfit.
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| Photo: Phil Oh |
While this blog is inspired by today's endless stream of up-to-the-minute chic things, I also very much appreciate the forever-stylish classics. Like the Chanel bag above. My husband gave me one a few years ago for my birthday, and I don't think I'll ever tire of it. It's a wardrobe workhorse. But, with every new season comes so many fresh and alluring bags. Most of them will have their day in the sun and then disappear into the recesses of our closets (or hopefully be given away). Thus, I often find myself asking, which one will stand the test of time and become a classic that will never go out of style? My friend (actress, discerning vintage hound, blogger, and gorgeous mother of two) Shiva Rose and I were talking about this at lunch yesterday. We were contemplating the current "it" bags out there (like this, this, and this) and we asked each other, which ones will evolve into forever bags? It's like investing in stocks. Which ones would you place your bets on?
I love the lacy see-through sleeves. I love that it can go from the office to dinner. Good for weekends too. Wear it with...
P.S. This faux leather-sleeved jersey top by Karl (Lagerfeld) deepens my obsession even further.
One of my best friends is Stephanie Johnson. She designs amazingly stylish and immensely practical travel bags, from compact jewelry cases to plastic-lined makeup pouches to compartmentalized Dopp kits. She is hilarious and chic and generous--and adoringly Type A. We traveled to Capri, London and Madrid last summer. She packed seven days worth of outfits for various climates and swanky events into a single carry-on bag. I did not. And even though I brought an inordinate amount of evening clutches for the trip, I found myself poaching one of her gorgeous little makeup pouches to wear instead. Day and night. (See the pic below of Steph and I in a water taxi, off the coast of Capri. She's on the left, with an SJ bag in her lap, holding our Euros, cell phones, and whatnot). Over dinner the other night at my new favorite Santa Monica spot Milo and Olive, Stephanie showed me her spring collection look book, filled with glinty metallic clutches, raffia totes and patent pouches. As she succinctly said, "There's not a dog in the bunch." And I love how functional they all are, doubling as wear-everywhere bags. The ones above cost about $35. How brilliant is that? I will be toting them proudly.
A friend bought this top, and it's way cute. Wear it with...
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| Photo: Glamour.com |
An editor/colleague of mine buys herself at least one new winter coat every year. She believes it's the most important element in her winter wardrobe. I agree with her: it's what you wear day in and day out (in the colder climes, at least). It defines you and your style. And it adds a finishing touch to your outfit. Model and blogger Natalie Suarez (pictured above) proves this point with her red coat. I love how it pulls together her camel sweater and basic black jeans--and makes a very bold and stylish statement.With the end of season sales upon us, I found a few marked down coats that will transition perfectly into next winter. Check them out here, here and here.
It's Marni. And it's on sale (reduced from $900!) at The Outnet which is Net-a-Porter's outlet. The shimmery, elegant jacquard--a major spring trend--makes it even more of a must-have. Wear it with...
1. Topshop mesh sweater, $56, topshop.com
4. Miu Miu heels, $795, barneys.com
5. Marni jacquard skirt, $225, theoutnet.com
Scoped out this matching print blouse and pencil skirt at H&M yesterday (the floral print is of the ilk discussed in today's earlier post) and snatched them both up. I think the two pieces work best together--and are in line with that whole suit-y head-to-toe thing. Done and done.
Rich, floral, Italianate (think Versace, late 90s') motifs were all over the spring 2012 runways. Which means this bold bomber is spot-on. Wear it with...
P.S. Check out Tibi's and Gucci's takes on this bold print trend.
1. Old Navy bird print charmeuse blouse, $36, oldnavy.com 
1. Topshop mesh sweater, $56, topshop.com
