Ten Trends for Fall 2008 August 6, 2008

It seems that each season there are a gajillion new trends. For fall 2008 I’ve chosen ten of the ones that I like best, so start stocking up! (And remember that although I love them, these are just examples of the trend I’m recommending.)

1. The ‘Statement’ necklace; store your dainty chains for another season.
2. Chunky knits. Even though I’m in SoCal, I’m usually able to eek out a few days in January for these.
3. Tall, flat boots. Motorcycle boots are also hot, so I’ve chosen a style that combines the looks.
4. Oversized bags - STILL. I happen to love big bags since I can throw all the kid’s stuff in with mine.
5. Stilettos! The higher the better and combined with a platform, they’re a sexy replacement for your summer wedges.
6. Plaid. I’m not really a huge fan but hey - all things in moderation.
7. Lace and it’s EVERYWHERE; dresses, pants, shoes, bags, tights…lace accessories are an easy and inexpensive way to update your look.
8. Bow tie blouses, but choose carefully - you want to avoid looking like a librarian.
9. Full, calf length skirts can be cozy and chic with some bold tights, not to mention the perfect venue for your new boots!
10. Camel, black and berry tones (Especially berry at night - go for bright!)

(Clockwise form top; Chloe ‘Poppy’ Necklace, Burberry ‘Eura’ Metallic Cardigan, Miu Miu Buckle Biker Boots, Bottega Veneta Full Pleated Skirt, Chloe ‘Pearl’ Leather Shoulder Bag, YSL Tribute T-Strap Sandals, Graeme Black Wool Flannel Dress, Temperly London Crochet Detail Blouse) All items are available at net-a-porter.com except sandals which you can find at barneys.com.

Twig Kids’ Shoes at Gumshoe.com June 30, 2008

Not only have I been receiving lots of reader inquiries, I’ve recently been combing the net myself looking for a cute pair of boys’ sandals. Everything that I found was either an aesthetic disaster or a hundred bucks. Then I happened upon Gumshoe.com and came across the Twigs. WHEW! I just purchased the ‘Bran’ sandals in brown for Z ($34.95 marked down from $48.95) and I love them! (As does he since he keeps showing me the ‘trees’ on the soles of his shoes) Not only are they adorable, I would have to say that they’re as well made (if not better) as some European brands with bigger price tags. The cherry on the cake is that Twig is a small family owned and operated company. They create ‘functional’ shoes with ‘emotional appeal’ and I would have to agree. Ken Proctor along with his VERY supportive wife and three kids, started Twig a year and a half ago after selling their house and moving to another state in order to do so. Ken’s twelve year old son is creating their website, while his nine year old sister helps in making color choices. Their other sister, 3, is the fit test model. Twigs retail for around fifty dollars at Gumshoe, whose customer service is stellar. (Free shipping both ways!)

Twig ‘Bran’ Sandals in Brown $34.95 at Gumshoe.com

Because It’s STILL Summer June 25, 2008

Despite the fact that summer sales are in full swing, summer only officially kicked off this past Saturday. If you have yet to find a swimsuit you love (by the way when did it stop being a ‘bathing’ suit? Probably around the same time a purse became a ‘handbag’ again…) this just might be it. Even though it may not look it, this suit is unbelievably flattering. I’m usually not a tankini fan, but the tank is super long and the ruching incredibly forgiving. Not to mention it’s crazy comfortable; always a plus in my swimsuit world, which entails chasing two slippery little dudes around the pool. Never fear - although it has a hefty price tag of $141? Marshall’s is lousy with them for around fifty bucks. Carmen Marc Valvo Draped Tankini $141 at bloomingdales.com

Loehmann’s For Kids June 22, 2008

Being that I have two boys under four, I’m always hard pressed to find clothes for them that don’t have a) A piece of sporting equipment b) A mode of transportation or c) Some type of reptile, either prehistoric or present day. Since most of you know that I am a huge Loehmann’s fan (I was practically raised in their communal dressing room, much to my horror) I often split my shopping time between the two L.A. locations nearest to me. I have been most pleasantly surprised by their ever expanding children’s section. In addition to the C&C California Skulls Tee pictured here (retails for $35, I paid $7.99) they also carry brands such as Tea, Zutano, Small Paul, Charlie Rocket, Monster Industry, Ralph Lauren and Hurley. (And if you have girls? Don’t worry - as usual there are TONS of girls clothes, Seven, Juicy Couture and Harajuku Lovers amongst them) Due to demographics, the location in Hollywood has less kid’s stuff than the more suburban Burbank store; something to bear in mind if you have a choice of locations near you.

Drive Through Jeans? Only In L.A. June 18, 2008

We can drive through Starbucks and the dry cleaner, or valet at the mall and grocery store. In a city where car culture rules supreme, what’s next? Apparently ‘Drive Thru’ shopping. Stores such as Jonathan Adler, Kiehl’s and Kitson now have curbside delivery. (Which is a good thing since Robertson Boulevard REALLY wasn’t congested enough) Next time you’re in a hurry AND in desperate need of some Silk Groom or a pair of Ernest Sewn’s? You’re in luck. Only in L.A…

http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-ig-curbside15-2008jun15,0,4814146.story