Posts from — April 2009

When it comes to online shopping, I’m rather fanatical about where I spend my time and money.   Not only do I look for a diverse selection of unique designers (why hello Beatrez, By Malene Birger and Ishii) but also a clean layout that is equally appealing.  25Park, a newly launched shopping mecca, has me completely covered.  Their site is stocked with adorable jumpers, candy colored pumps and tissue-thin t’s, all of which are ideal for springtime weather.  Here’s a roundup of some of my favorites and as an added bonus, if you enter the code “Cupcakes25” at checkout, you can enjoy 25% off any regular priced item in the entire store.

Since my birthday is this Sunday, I might have to treat myself to an early present (or two).

Aka New York Cluster Jeweled Dress, $368 $276
By Malene Birger Trici Necklace, $160 $120
Nina Ricci Yellow Lame Pump, $850 $637.50
Matta Dupatta Shawl, $150 $112.50
Jen’s Pirate Booty Senorita Top, $110 $82.50
Kain Pocket Tank, $77 $57.75
Beatrez Short Dress, $520 $390
Aka New York Tiny Flowers Romper, $318 $288.50
Elizabeth & James Spring Bell Skirt, $295 $221.25
Antik Batik Cami Mini Dress, $176 $132
Loeffler Randall Checker Yoke Dress, $242 $181.50
Adam Cotton Voile Dress, $372 $279
Elizabeth & James Criss-Cross Tank, $195 $146.25
By Malene Birger Jiva Necklace, $285 $213.75
Ishii Ruffle Shorts, $145 $108.75

As demonstrated before, I’m a huge fan of stripes; especially when it comes to dresses.  They’re perfect for just about any occasion and they lend a crisp and casual vibe when paired with a cropped jacket or colorful espadrilles.   No matter what your budget, these are some of my favorites for spring.

1. Bungalow Dress, Anthropologie: $278
2. Stripe Drape Dress, Miu Miu: $1,270
3. Striped Knit Dress, Bi La Li: $168
4. Sunburst Ray Dress, French Connection: $99
5. Striped A-Line Dress, Charlotte Russe: $29
6. Stripey Tube Dress, McQ Alexander McQueen: $168
7. Beachy Stripe Dress, French Connection: $138
8. Striped Twisted Dress, AE: $19

My closet is filled with neutral basics, which is why I’m the perfect candidate for a shot of color every once in a while.  Whether it’s in the form of a florescent yellow clutch or some hot pink shoes, it’s sure to make a big impact (just skip the crimped hair and fanny pack).

Green Neon Scarf, Paul Smith: $168
Neon Orange Double Wrap Bracelet, CC Skye: $160
Neon Clutch, Rebecca Minkoff: $325
Perky Purple & Punchy Pink, Essie: $8
Acid Wash Bandeau Top, F21: $4.80
Neon Coral Shorts, Charlotte Russe: $22.99
Aqua Sandals, DV by Dolce Vita: $50
Niki Clutch, CC Skye: $310
Mindy Racerback Tank, dELiAs: $22.50
Neon Flash Shoe Boots, Alexander McQueen, $970
Risky Business Glasses, Fred Flare: $11
Neon Baroque Silk Scarf, Matthew Williamson: $350
Striped Burnout Top, Forever 21: $12.50

Vintage Blazer, J.Crew Tank, F21 Pearl Necklace, Handmade Shark Tooth Necklace, 7 Jeans, Seychelles Heels, Vintage Clutch

Even though I live in Los Angeles, where jeans are the staple of almost everyone’s wardrobe, I rarely wear denim.  This pair of 7’s is the one exception since I’ve had them since college and they’re unbelievably soft and versatile.   I threw them on with a vintage blazer and one of my new shark tooth necklaces, which will be featured in my Etsy shop later this week.

As a person who hasn’t fully embraced denim, what’s your favorite line and/or style?

After I read this on Perez Hilton yesterday, I dusted off my Clueless DVD to revisit some of the trends that made the movie so special.  I’m still undecided on whether a remake would be a good idea, but it was fun to see how one of my favorite parts of the movie has become a reality.

Remember Cher’s virtual closet that picked out her daily outfits?  Closet is a new app available for the iPhone and iPod Touch that helps categorize your clothing so that getting dressed in the morning is a snap.  Whether you use it to separate your wardrobe into sections (I’m thinking bubble skirts, tulip skirts, pencil skirts…you get the idea) or tag pieces as favorites, it’s a great way to save time and keep tabs on what’s in your closet.  Now if only I could get my hands on a yellow plaid skirt suit, I’d be set.

In my very first blog post, I mentioned how spring has always been my favorite time of year.  While that’s true to an extent, I’m rather fickle when it comes to deciding, so I’ve started a new section dedicated to all of my favorite aspects of each season.  Since spring is in full force here in L.A., I thought I’d kick things off by sharing my passion for warm nights and cool, easy dinners.

This Citrus Sangria took mere minutes, but added a refreshing complement to our light meal.

Antipasti salad of mozzarella balls, raw asparagus, heirloom tomatoes with basil and avocado.

What’s your go-to dinner when it’s still 90° at 7:30?

During warmer months, all of my pumps/ballet flats/boots are shoved to the back of my closet to make room for my collection of sky-high wedges.  Not only do they add a few necessary inches, but they’re remarkably comfortable.  I’ve probably tried on Cynthia Vincent’s Luella wedges a half dozen times, but simply cannot spend the $400 amount that has not budged since I first spotted them (believe me, I check that often).  That’s why, when I saw Aldo’s Brozek, I was ecstatic.  I’ve yet to see them in person, but I’m fairly convinced that they’re just the perfect alternative for which I’ve been waiting.

EDIT: Thanks to Kristy for alerting me that the Cynthia Vincent wedges are now $218 on BlueFly so if you wear a size 9 or 9.5 and love the shoes, you’re in luck!