Splendid Top, Forever 21 Skirt, H&M Tights, Steve Madden Booties, Rebecca Minkoff Purse, Handmade Necklaces, Michael Kors Watch

One of the best things about L.A. is all of the separate neighborhoods that make the city feel a lot smaller than it really is.  On Saturday we ventured over to Larchmont Village, one of my favorite areas that’s filled with coffee shops, boutiques and plenty of dogs for me to lurch after.  I walked in my shoes for about an hour before my feet started to resemble swollen hooves.  Luckily, we passed by a Crumbs right as I started to break into an awkward limp and promptly rewarded myself with a red velvet cupcake.

With New York Fashion Week only days away, it’s hard not to get excited by the influx of über stylish women that are about to descend on the city. Every season brings with it new trends, but I love how a basic black ensemble never goes out of style.

All images via Jak & Jil

H&M Top, Urban Outfitters Skirt, Marc Jacobs Bag, Seychelles Heels, Vintage Jewelry

Ever since my realization last week that there are essentially no prints in my closet, I’ve been trying to incorporate them into my daily outfits.  This H&M top is such a fun departure from my other blouses and it only seemed appropriate to pair it with my girliest skirt.  I’m still trying to figure out its proportions since the sleeves billow out at the slightest gust of wind, but it’s hard to deny its mood-boosting effect.

For as long as I can remember, honeycomb has been one of my absolute favorite treats.  My love affair began when I was five years old and my next door neighbor’s mother brought some back from England.   I was immediately transfixed by the light and crunchy candy and have been trying to satisfy my cravings ever since.  Though nothing compares with that initial excitement of my first honeycomb, this recipe comes pretty close.

There are only two days left until Barney’s warehouse sale in downtown L.A. and I’m proud to say that I’m well prepared.  I take these events rather seriously and over the years have learned a few tricks to make sure that my experience is more rewarding than catastrophic. While you may leave with some bruises on your arms, if you’re carrying a killer pair of shoes, you won’t even notice.  Here are the rules I stick to when attending a major sale.

1. Dress the part.  As tempting as it may be to show up in your most fashionable outfit, resist the urge.  Instead, opt for comfortable basics that are thin, breathable and hug your body.  I typically wear a good bra, tank top, leggings and ballet flats (plus a pair of socks in your bag for when you try on boots).  This way, when you’re battling the hordes of women in the dressing room, you won’t waste valuable time contorting your body into awkward positions so people won’t see your thong.

2. Know what’s in your closet.  Do you already own four pairs of black pumps?  If so, put the ever-so-slightly-different pair back on the shelf and carry on.  It’s easy to get caught up in a great sale, but if you already own something similar, you don’t need duplicates crowding your closet.

3. Do some detective work.  Did you find the exact pair of shoes you were looking for…in the wrong size?  Instead of dropping them to the floor and collapsing into a sobbing mess, scour the other racks since shoes are often misplaced.  Case in point: these were in the size 5 section.  I wear an 8.

4. Know your lifestyle.  If you’re a jet setter that needs an array of fabulous cocktail dresses on hand at all times, check out the evening wear.  If you’re more of a jeans and t-shirt kinda gal (nothing wrong with that), stay away from the floor-sweeping numbers that will simply collect dust in your closet.

5. Make a budget (and stick to it).  It’s really easy to get caught up in all of the killer sales and while the savings may be substantial, they eventually add up.  Go in with a particular game plan, (like a pair of sky-high heels and a sparkly clutch) and try not to deviate too far from your original goal.

Image via C&G Partners

Forever 21 Top, Vintage Necklace, Glasses and Clutch, Gap Jeans, Alexander Wang Pumps, Planet Blue Ring

I’m often drawn to statement jewelry for my wrists, but when I spotted this vintage elephant necklace at the flea market last weekend, I knew it would be the perfect complement for just about any outfit.  After shopping, we pulled into the parking lot at Johnnie’s, an old school coffee shop that closed years ago, but still has its illuminated sign flickering out front.   Despite its desolate interior, the royal blue walls add a much needed dose of color to the corner of Wilshire and Fairfax.

I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day and not because of the sappy romantic stuff.  I love the process of doing little things for other people, even if it’s as simple as making cupcakes or writing a sweet note.  I’ve been gradually collecting festive baking supplies for months and since February’s only days away, I found it appropriate to bring them out and put them to good use.

Also, I’ve added several pink rings (just in time for Valentine’s Day) and necklaces to my Etsy shop!

Update: All necklaces and rings have sold out.  I will be adding more pieces to my shop shortly.  xx