L&G

I’ve decided that there’s no better day than today to share some of my favorite little gems from one of my favorite little websites, Lulu & Georgia. Yes, interior design is also a key component behind identifying who you are & what your personal style says about you. & L&G have some of the most unique, unusual, & beautiful interior design pieces to help you better identify where you stand.

As perfectly worded in their Who We Are, “Lulu & Georgia is for the next generation of trend-seekers. It’s for the modern woman: the 9-5er, the housewife, the artist, the executive, and the one who’s all four.” Sara, the companies owner & operator, has roots deep in the interior design field & her passion shines through each of her pieces. Below are a few of my absolute faves [I think it means my personal interior design style is shabby chic], but don’t just take my word for it…see for yourself.

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Similarly Opposite

As I scoured department stores the past few weeks [not forgetting to add congratulations to us all for surviving yet another holiday shopping season without a warrant for our arrest] for that “perfect gift” [whatever that even means] for my loved ones, I naturally found myself doing what I do best: fashion stalking. No, I don’t get weird or harm anyone. I just look. A lot. I silently survey fellow shoppers, I view mannequins, I look at wall decor, & colors & patterns & sidewalks, & I touch everything; clothes, hardware, curtains, blankets, jewelry…I’m basically a freak for texture. I watch for patterns, trends, habits, pretty much anything that tends to lead the pack in one general direction or another. & then…I break it. Mentally, of course. I imagine a world turned upside-down, where these trends no longer drive a major group & I conjure up ways in which I can educate my clients on how to do it differently & for their own self.

After slamming two [possibly three] Cinnamon Hazelnut Latte’s from Peets & heading home, I reviewed my findings. & I recognized a major common thread among many of the men & women I’d seen during my research: over-planning. Outfits that reeked of over-intention & matchy-ness. & I started to wonder, what is it that makes for a successful outfit?

My answer: the sweet spot. The similarly opposite place in your world that holds all things in balance.

The sweet spot is the tiny nook in your fashionista[o] world where color, individuality, comfort, pattern, intention, practicality, & flair all come together to make a beautiful outfit baby. & it exists. Without much energy exerted on your behalf. Yes, really. [That’s why I’m here].

Where do we start? The color wheel.

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To understand fashion [or basically life itself] one must first know & understand the color wheel & what it all really means. Most importantly: color harmony [the theory of which colors are analogous with others]. Layman’s terms: find the color you’re feeling that day on the wheel above & match it with the three colors next to it. Literally. That’s color harmony. The second most important concept of the color wheel: complementary colors. Take the color you want to focus on//rock the hell out of that day & pair it with the three to four colors across from it on the color wheel. This ain’t rocket science people.

& now you’re a color expert.

But visuals make everything better…

opposing

[Pink meets Mint meets Yellow meets Blue meets Leopard]

opposites

[Chartreuse meets Blue meets Leopard]

purple n green

[Purple meets Green meets Brown meets Stripes meets Coral]

navy n orange

[Navy meets Orange meets Chevron]

sincerely jules

[Gold meets Grey meets Coral meets Black]

Need I say more?

Sometimes those two pieces you never imagined working side by side are dying for you to finally bring them together. & you should. For fashion’s sake & for your own creative identity.

& the next time you find yourself reaching for that black on black ensemble that you’ve been working all Winter long, try some color on for size. After all, creativity drives greatness.

Happy 2015 babes. Xx.

Make A Serious Statement

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I’m not entirely certain that my lower back pain [currently keeping me bed-ridden] isn’t from sheer excitement over this brand & a possible screaming//jumping//dance party I threw once I found their unbelievable pieces. Okay…overstatement? Yes. But that’s the point isn’t it; making a statement.

Dylanlex has hands down the most detail-oriented, loudest, most beautiful statement necklaces I have ever laid my eyes on. Every single inch of these works of art are meant to turn heads & scream “Hell yes, my necklace does rule.” I don’t even rock silver, but I’m considering trading in my entire jewelry collection to rock the crap out of these babies.

Their price points may stop your heart, but if you take nothing else from this amazing brand, let them inspire you to go out & seek your very own mega necklace [at whatever price point is reasonable for your wallet] in the coming Fall season. You, too, can make the exact statement you wish to make & represent your personal style while doing so. After all, fashion is about creativity & helping you identify that much more clearly who you are & what you love.

Now go scream & shout…or just buy a great new piece that will do it for you & your wardrobe. Xx.

Treasure Trove

While most of my posts pay tribute to womenswear, I wanted to take this gorgeous Wednesday afternoon to pay my dudes a little fashion respect. I’m ever-searching the virtual corners of the internet for new & exciting brands to share & today I’m soooooo stoked to share these two gems.

yellowyellow 109108

The first being Yellow108; a headwear & accessories goldmine. Holy. Their designs are so classic, they’ll make any guy feel like a he just walked out of a 50s ad. They’re rugged, meets runway, meets just let me pack a bag & go on a freaking journey. & yes, ladies, they have amazing pieces for you, as well, but this is for the guys remember? ;] Oh, & did I mention they’re an entirely sustainable company? Meaning, recycled & salvaged materials go into all of their designs & they donate 2% of all sales to local LA nonprofits. What? Rad fashion for a good cause? These dudes have it all figured out & I’m honored to share their site & brand with you.

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The second is just pure genius. Olde Soul Merchantile is for any guy’s guy; one of a kind, hand crafted, amazing pottery to get you through the frigid Fall days. A little coffee with your whiskey? I think so. I personally think every dude should have one of these babies on their desk or in their cupboard this coming season. #stockingstuffer

Regardless of your gender, there are unbelievably talented designers & artists out there in the smaller fashion sphere & I’m determined to keep finding them & bringing them your way. As much as I love me a great big designer name, I respect the little guys that much more. There’s something still pure & honest about their work. Just me? Meh…

Happy Hunting, megadudes.

Xx.

Give Me Wings

wings

Everywhere I look I see wings…no, I’m not delusional, I’m talking about the design that is CRUSHING the scene now more than ever; ‘winged’ handbags. They’re on every street corner from New York, to Paris, to San Francisco, but were truly made famous by Phoebe Philo, the creative director behind Céline, when she took the helm in 2008.

In a perfect world, my closet would house about 300 of her handbags, each color of course, to match my every outfit. I’d throw them over my shoulder like they cost me nothing & would even consider using them as I transitioned into mommy-hood. BUT this is the real world & dropping $2,500 on a bag to carry your crap around just isn’t everyone’s reality. Thus, I’ve found some major resources in hopes that you, too, can hone in on your inner designer-handbag-love through mediums that actually fit your budget parameters.

Below are my six favorite Céline-inspired bags that I think you’ll LOVE [& did I mention that they’re all under $100…yeah.] Let’s go!

Click-through to shop:

Screen Shot 2014-07-21 at 10.17.18 AMForever 21, $27.80

Screen Shot 2014-07-21 at 10.18.16 AMForever 21, $32.80

Screen Shot 2014-07-21 at 10.18.57 AMCharming Charlie, $35.00
Screen Shot 2014-07-21 at 10.18.32 AMTarget, $39.99

Screen Shot 2014-07-21 at 10.30.18 AMTarget, $49.99

Screen Shot 2014-07-21 at 10.19.09 AMFrancesca’s, $58.00


The goal behind Lyric is to make fashion relatable & attainable for every single person. I hope this post inspires you to go out & seek your own individual pieces for your wardrobe, regardless of your financial status. Personal style can be so fun & really AFFORDABLE, it’s just a matter of opening your eyes & seeing the possibilities. 

Happy Styling, babes.

Xx.

Suit Up

So it’s officially been Summer for two days & I’m already seeing teeny bikini’s flooding my news feeds, thus it’s time to take on the ever-terriying subject of: Bathing Suits.

Now, there are some seriously amazing styles leading the pack this Summer in the suit department & designers are getting more & more innovative every day, but some styles simply aren’t meant for certain bodies. Fear not ladies, for I refuse to let you find yourself in a dark corner of a fitting room, drowning your sorrows over a candy bar because you “hate the way you look”. I’m here to free you from any guilt you may have from Winter & be real about your body & what suit is right for you this season. So let’s just do this thing…

We’re going to break down this years best selling suit styles & explain who should be wearing them & why.

Style #1: Classic String Bikini

string bikini

This style of suit has been popular since the 60s & is going nowhere fast. However, it is not for the faint of heart. The best candidates for these minimalist, triangular pieces are athletes, small-busted women, & long & lean figures. The best part of styling a string bikini is it’s versatility; pair nearly any top with any bottom & you’ve got a show stopper.

Style #2: One Shoulder Suits

one shoulder

Believe it or not this style of bathing suit is perfect for my ladies with short torsoswide bottom halveslong & lean figures. The solid mid-section elongates the torso [particularly in monochromatic tones], the high cut bottom shows more thigh making the legs appear longer & any added ruffles or embellishments add curves to the places that you want & need. This suit shows added effort without added energy.

Styled #3: The Sport Suit 

sport suit

This style is huge this Summer, particularly with the flux of yoga & athletic wear. Clearly the market for this suit is athletes, but the freedom it allows for activities makes it a perfect candidate for any woman willing to rock a two piece. Other babes that should be snatching this suit up in 2014 are large busted women, as this style gives great coverage & support to the bust without compromising sexiness. & did I mention these suits have some of the BEST color combos.

Style #4: The Cutout

cutout

This suit is for women who prefer a one piece, but don’t mind showing a little extra skin. A cutout suit is perfect for large busted, small busted, small torso, wide bottom & long & lean babes. Given it’s vamped but understated nature, the wearer is provided coverage & support, but still able to feel sexy without giving too much away. Think poolside in Vegas with a slushy drink in hand…yeah, it’s that good. Note: the amount of detailing & cutouts should vary depending on the size of your hips, waist & butt.

Style #5: The High Waister

high waisted

This style is great if you are small busted, large busted, wide hipped, large torsoed, a post-preggo mama, or even athletic, as it sucks you in in all the right places. This is one of the most versatile, comfortable, & flattering styles for the widest range of body types that I have found this season. But being picky & finding the right color & print for your body is everything behind perfecting this look. The height of the waistline should depend directly upon your confidence level & the size of your torso. Thinner torso: lower waistline. Wider torso: higher waistline.

Style #6: The Strapless

strapless

This style has been big for about four Summers now, but I think critics are finally finding it’s flaws. The strapless design is great for sunbathing with minimal tan lines, but should you need to participate in any activities, you may find yourself experiencing a wardrobe malfunction [let alone if you are well-endowed]. The strapless concept is much like that of a strapless bra: small busted & long & lean babes should be the only ones sporting this style any longer.

Style #7: The V-Neck

v-neck

The extended neckline of this bathing suit is great for my pear shaped, large torsos, apple shaped, mommy-to-be, & large busted babes, as this helps highlight one of the most feminine & sleek parts of the female body. Pair this top with the appropriate bottoms or even opt for a one piece & you’ll be beach-ready & more confident than every this Summer.

Style #7: The Bustier

bustier

The bustier is exactly as it sounds: for those who need a bit of a boost. All of the small busted, thin torso, athleticlong & lean ladies should be rocking this look all Summer long. It comes in one piece suits or bikinis & will provide amazing support, major sex-appear & allow you to be active the entire time. Note: as mentioned earlier, the completion of this look will be dependent upon finding the right bottoms & cut.

Swimsuit designers will no doubt continue their studies of the female body & what they believe works best, but it’s truly up to you & your own personal style to decide what makes you feel beautiful & confident. There is nothing worse than planning a great vacation or pool party only to find yourself hiding under a towel or beach dress for fear of being seen. Trust your body, trust your instincts & use the tools listed above & your swimsuit fears will subside in no time. But hurry, because Summer’s only here a few more months babes…

Xx.

Lost Lover

flower crown

lavendar

beach queen

Looking for a few Summer accessory additions or maybe just some amazing inspiration? Head over here to meet Australian mega babe Anna Sinclair & shop some of the most unbelievable home decor & unique bohemian jewelry I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Serious. You won’t be sorry, but your bank account will.

Xx.

make the shoe fit

shoes

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about shoes lately & wanted to address a few key rules to this seemingly confusing area of the fashion world. So here goes…

Round Toe: a round toe shoe [also known as an “almond toe”] gives a much more classic feel to an outfit. Whether it be a cute mary jane or a great pump, round toe shoes are well-suited for those with long, lean legs. This style of shoe is also ideal for those with larger feet, as it makes the feet appear small & more compact.

Pointed toe: a pointed toe shoe adds a more tailored feel to an outfit. Versatility is the name of the game with this style of heel, flat or bootie. The look is perfect from day-to-night & works best for women with short, thick legs, as it elongates the thinnest part of the limb [even more so in nude & cream tones].

As for color requirements- there really are none! Shoes are the most unique part of a wardrobe, as they allow for freedom & creativity to help elevate an entire outfit. There’s nothing more exciting than wearing a simple LBD with a fantastically vibrant pump or boot to make heads spin. The most important element of personal style is choosing items that YOU like, not what the pushy sales person says you should like. Just remember that fit is everything & the rest is yours to decide. If only everything in life were this liberating!

Happy hunting. Xx.