Madison Boutique in Pacific Beach.

I was wandering in PB one afternoon with some friends, we had lunch, and decided to do some shopping. I am not one for board shorts and T-Shirts, so my girls peeked into a few shops. We went into Madison on Garnet, where it turned out an old acquaintance of mine had opened shop! Eric had previously owned MINT shoes, one of my favorite shoe shops in not just San Diego, but all California. We chatted for a minute or two while we caught up, and I perused the merchandise. He had done a really great job putting together a super cute, perfectly on trend collection of tops, skirts, and dresses. I finally took a peek at the price tag, and was baffled by the fact that the sheer button up, tie neck blouse was only twenty two dollars! 
  I didn't really think much about it, until later when I was pulling looks for a fashion show, for a local up and coming fashion mag, and we returned, to have Eric share that there was actually nothing in the shop for over forty dollars! Looking around at the quality of the goods on hand, I was completely thrown! This was Fast Fashion? The pieces were cut and shaped really well, and didn't have the generic shapeless style you see so often with inexpensive clothing!
 I went back with my friend Jennifer, to examine deeper, and asked Eric what his store was about. He said that he wanted a place that girls could come in and find something new every time, he shared that they get new looks once to twice a week, and he shops hard to keep EVERY THING in the store under forty dollars. There are both dresses for parties, and for days in the park, and don't get me started on the tops! I had Jen try on some of my faves looks.

 I really loved the sheer, lilac, blouse with ruffles. It was so delicate and had such ladylike appeal, paired with a purple zipper skirt, to add a little tough, it was a great combination! There was a "shearling" style, Aviator Jacket, that we paired with a bohemian printed skirt, and a faux tortoise shell watch. The dresses I mentioned earlier were available in long and short, and the one I chose was a lavender maxi dress with a really sweet bird print, and open back! I put this with a masculine style belt and played it against the shape and femininity of the dress. Last but definitely not least were the pants! they were carrot shaped trousers, with a tie belt, and the perfect (nearly) high water length! Jen noticed a shredded, knit tank top in the front of the store, and we played the distress against the prep style of the trousers! Eric has done a really great job curating this shop and keeping the focus on his regulars, while still keeping tourist friendly! When you are having a day at the beach, planning a night out, or just shopping around, check out Madison Boutique!

Madison Boutique
located at: 1031 Garnet Ave
San Diego, CA 92109-283
Phone #:858.270.2222

Jennafer Grace Trunk Show This Saturday!

  My friend Jennafer Carter is having her trunk show this weekend, at Cecilia Boutique. I first worked with Jen when I was fortunate enough to have been assigned her as my Designer in a production class, and was blown away by the sense of style Jen brought to the entire production. As a stylist Jennafer's vision of what's hot has brought to life many photo shoots, music videos, and runway productions, but her skills as a designer are her main focus! Jen's pieces are all lovingly hand crafted at her studio here in San Diego. Her prices are great, most just around $100, and she takes custom orders, so there is little to no chance of seeing someone else in YOUR Jennafer Grace creation!! Join her this Saturday for her Trunk Show! There will be fresh spring samples, and Micro-Lines, an eyelash bar and refreshments! Enjoy discounted items, and giveaways. Cecilia's Boutique is located at 928 Fort Stockton Dr. Suite 115, (92103) in Mission Hills by Falcon & Washington Streets! More info in the link below!

Cecilia Boutiqe!

I Am Not Gonna Lie...

Gucci Fall 2011 From Style.com

  Last seasons Gucci collection was a little off for me. There was still a late 70's early 80's "Dynasty vibe", and although I loved the bright mixed colors, the shapes were just a tad too "Alexis Carrington" for me. Today in Milan, Frida Giannini showed Gucci's 90th Anniversary collection, and blew it out of the water! The show was so strong, and unique, while still following all the Fall trends! The wide leg trousers are there, and the 40's via 70's feel was there again, but wow! This was done in such a grown woman direction, with such glamor, I could see everyone from Emmanuelle Alt, to Anna Wintour wearing (select) pieces!
  I really loved the springtime color blocking, pattern mixing trend, but Frida Giannini turned those into vivid satins into toned down silks, and matte jerseys. A navy wool trench over Teal silk blouse. The tops, are a major LIKE for me! The high necked blouses, in vivid jewel tones, had the 40's tied neck that I love, were worn with contrasting colored trousers (see right), or put with flowing calf length skirts, and anyone from Ingrid Bergman, to Diane Kruger could rock it out!
  Even the evening wear dresses toward the end of the show, with the long sheer skirts over panties, were reasonable to me. I know that last season when Givenchy did it, I wasn't crazy about it, but somehow this was more ladylike, more womanly!
  In short, this collection has that element of subversive sexuality to it, that hides most erogenous zones but is still a little perverse, and definitely strong. Here is a link to the whole collection!

Gucci Fall 2011 at Style.com

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty May 4th-July 31st!

  Alexander McQueen will be honored at this years Met Costume Institute Gala, and Instillation. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty will run from May4th until July 31st, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in NYC. After the party on the 2nd of May the doors will open showcasing some of his iconic designs, spanning his sixteen years as Fashions most creative and intense "Bad Boy"! McQueen took his life just over a year ago after losing a long battle with depression, and lifelong insecurities. His mother passed just one week before him, and his biggest fan, and closest friend, Isabella Blow took her own life a mere two years before. McQueen's instillation will be co-chaired by his friend Stella McCartney, and long time collaborator Sara Burton, who now designs for his label. Some of the garments to be showcased were announced today, and the opportunity to see these amazing, and (fashion) historic pieces should not be passed up! I know that I will be making a trek to NYC to see this once in a lifetime collection!
  Among the items to be shown are the gold crusted feather dress from his last collection for fall 2010 entitled Angels and Demons, the black feather finale dress from his Fall 2009 collection, a sample from his Platos Atlantis collection, featuring the much ridiculed "McQueenadillo" 12" platforms (spring 2010), and the embroidered straight jacket dress, complete with flower  box headpiece, from spring 2001!

My Aunt said something that got me thinking...

Many times designers portray an image that would be too much for non-fashion folk. After my Aunt looked at the Jonathan Saunders review I posted, she said "I liked a few, but these mixed prints are too busy for  my liking". It really impacted me, my Aunt, like most women, is not involved in fashion, but designers are obligated to give them something translatable, even if it is just trickled down versions of their collections. So, I say take one of the printed pieces off, these looks are meant for the (maybe) 10% of the worlds population who are involved, and to draw attention to the collection on the runway! What about the brightly colored solid shirt (above right) and a more muted skirt with a fantastic print (below right). It really is about translation and what works for your life! If that is still to exotic, the first looks from his show were very simple suits, think of those as the mixers, put the mohair skirt with the prints. So when you are looking at a collection, or mannequins, or a spread in a magazine, and thinking "Wow, that's a lot of..."  just imagine the piece mixed with pieces you already love, and put it together in a way that works for you!

Photos From Style.com

So, it's almost here! My first (and maybe last...) solo production, Fashion Show... It's for a new publication based here in San Diego, called FASHION 5.0! The publishers approached me a while back about working for the magazine, and I was in the thick of a crazy runway production schedule! I am super excited about doing this show, but am more excited to do more for the magazine. This show is gonna be super cute, and really well curated, using products from Junc Boutique in South Park, San Diego, Madison Boutique, Rip Curl, and Tutto Cuore shoes in Pacific Beach California. It  should be young, hip, and most importantly FUN! The Ying Yang Twins are performing, and DJ Till spinning for the show! The show starts at 11 at Stingaree San Diego, and a lot of local girls will be modeling! Come on own and support your friends, and local boutiques! Check out the FASHION

Do you guys know what I mean when I say "classic"?

Michael Kors at 2011
From Style.com

  Michael Kors showed his 30th anniversary collection yesterday. It was pretty. Michael Kors definitely knows his customer and what they want, which seems to be to live in 1978. The lines of Kors collection were the same as nearly every season, and although the Beige and Sand colors are more Camel and Mocha in the fall collection, as shown at right, the silk jerseys, and harem pants remained. Mind you, I am not saying anything negative about his collection, it was really pretty and fluid. Mr. Kors is obviously doing something right, he has been in business for 30 years! He has just always shown, with the exception of his stint at Celine in Paris, relatively the same silhouette...
  For the men. the suits were a combination of Williamsburg hipster deep, DEEP V-necks, and London mods, structured and skinny suiting all under a slim over coat. Again, all the required trends were floating around in all that jersey, there were sheer blouses, and full legged trousers, etc... but all done beautifully, in the requisite shapes and styles we expect to see a la Maison De Kors! See the collection in the Style.com link below, and judge for yourselves!

Michael Kors Fall 2011

Obviously... I mean, it IS the Olsen Twins!

The Row Fall 2011
From Style.com

  So the Olsen Twins line The Row, launched a handbag line yesterday, to compliment their luxury clothing line. Included in the line are crocodile backpacks, and leather bags, which will apparently be priced in the Hermes, and Celine range... WOW! Confident?
  The Row has been really well received among the fashion set, the tailoring is apparently impeccable, and the look is sleek and minimal, which, will be noted, is, and will always be on trend. As anyone who knows me will attest, I LOVE them, they have been cutting edge for years, and never been ones to mold to a caricature of young Hollywood, and this collection is more of the same!
  The presentation was really grown up, and actually wearable. Obviously excluded from that comment are the full length fur dress, and huge fox fur head wraps. There were a selection of black suits and cream minimalist dresses, but the strengths of the show were in the statement pieces.
   The ocelot duster in the first exit, is brilliant! The pattern is natural, and the shape is so glamorous, it could easily be rocked over flared jeans and a t-shirt, or a cocktail mini. Also worth noting were the beaded cocktail numbers, and the crocodile top and leather skirt combo shown to the right that is so stunning, it will probably only be worn by a very select few, but it is amazing none the less. The lace nouveau harem pants in white or later shown in black, are a clever reinvention of the nearly passe hipster trend! In face all the lace is beautifully done, and spot on with the trend that has been sweeping NYC this show season!  actually forgot to mention that the Olsens collaborated with the shoe company "Toms", on a cashmere version of their buy-a-pair/donate-a-pair classic! Said shoe will retail for about $150! But I wonder, will Toms donate a cashmere shoe to the kids? How practical is that in most parts of the world!?
Did the twins show work for you? View the entire look below at Style.com.

The Row Fall 2011

Aye, Carine...

Carine Roitfeld
Pic From Style.com

This is such a great article on Carine Roitfeld. She was a fashion inspiration for 10 years as Editor in Chief at Vogue Paris, not to mention the queen of the Street Style Bloggers "Editors as Celebrity" phenomenon. Her aesthetic was sexy, and dark, and often compared to soft-core porn. Her racy photo spreads prior to her position at Vogue Paris were among my "childhood" favorites. Tom Ford, both at Gucci, and YSL, used her as stylist, and consultant on ads ranging from pseudo hippy party scenes, to "G" shaped pubic hair. Long time collaborator Emmanuelle Alt is taking over the reigns at French Vogue, after speculation that the notorious Tom Ford edited issue (seriously people check it out!!!), caused her to "resign" from her post! The article doesn't shed any light specifically on her departure, but is a really great read anyway! I personally am excited to see what the industry hold for Mme. Roitfeld!

Carine Roitfeld: "Whats Next?" at Style.com

The New Shoe!

 This Is It! Miuccia is GENIUS! Seriously, I am in love with this shoe in EVERY incarnation! Obviously the loafers for me, brown for day, with my American Apparel shorts (ALL summer), and the black for evening, with skinny trousers! They are thoroughly modern, and edgy, except they are classic oxfords! I love the Espadrille effect of the rope layer mixed with the chunky colors! I seriously need them, and want my girls to have the wedges!
  The wedge version seems like THE new cool girl shoe! I love the idea of denim shorts and a man's shirt, or even a bathing suit on the boardwalk! The leather work is so pretty on them, and they come in not only different colors of leather, but different styles for women! I just prefer the contrast of the mens style shoe, and the platform wedge! Of course, being as we are in the USA, and most American's have a little "tamer" tastes, they seem to be hard to find! The easy to find versions of the mens espadrille oxfords are available at Neiman Marcus for $650, and similar styles for women range from $885-$990!

HOW DARE SHE!!!?

It has been 3 weeks since the state dinner in China, and there are still new artivles popping up regarding Michelle Obama disappointing the American people by wearing an English design to the meeting... Look, I understand, she is the Presidents wife, however, she is also a stylish, and wealthy woman! She has the pick of anything in the world she wants to wear, and has already brought HUGE amounts of attention to upstart American designers (lets mention Jason Wu and no person outside the fashion industry had ever mentioned Maria Cornejo's name as much as when Michele Obama wore her!), not to mention huge brands, think Oscar De La Renta, and even J.Crew! I also get we need help, our garment sales are relying on Chinese labor to create them. But I personally believe that M. Obama, could draw attention to a cause, wearing a mudcloth, or a dish towel! She is well spoken and more importantly active! She gets involved, and if she happens to be wearing a gorgeous gown by McQueen's Sara Burton, or a dress made of Pepsi cans welded together by Peruvian orphans (obviously done in NYCs garment district), at least she is using her power, and words for something better than critiquing what YOU are wearing America! Because God knows even she doesn't have the energy for that mission! 

Again with the $50 Challenge (on NBC)!

Okay, so today is the air date for my Style on a Budget on NBC! So there are exciting developments! Here is the accompanying article from NBCsandiego.com, in which I am quoted! Okay, that is all! So the next post will probably be the actual segment, and then I will move on to covering fashion week, or my upcoming show for Fashion 5.0 Magazine @Stingaree... Or whateves...

Style on a Budget!

NBC $50 Fashion Challenge!

i figured Fashion Week is a good time to start my blog... after alll, fashion is all i talk about... EVER! so last week, NBC gave me and five dear friends, also stylists, $50 each under the idea that we should prove fashion is accessible at every price point... it was a rough challenge! we had to find the ENTIRE look! shoes, accessories, everything. i ended up with an Hermes Kelly INSPIRED hand bag for $2.99, well look for yourselves!, here is the slideshow preview for the segment airing tonight (feb 9th) at 11pm!
NBC slideshow for the $50 Fashion Challenge!