Autumn Is Calling

I know I know, with the Summer heat still blasting your skin, it’s hard to imagine that shortly the temperatures will drop with the leaves & boom! Fall will be here. But it’s true & I can’t freaking WAIT. I’m already drooling over 2016 Fall items & color palettes & need to share them with you all…like NOW.

Thus, here are my favorite looks, items & colors from the coming season’s portfolio. Brace yourselves, it’s gonna get good. 

Don’t Choke: one of the best, & slightly nostalgic pieces I’m loving this Fall is the ever-familiar choker. No, not the weird, wannabe barbed-wire ones [although I see those everywhere & basically hate them], but rather the metal, chic pieces that actually exist & are actually really cute. Take your usual layered necklace situation & majorly upgrade it with one simple addition. Or, for a bolder look, wear just the one, but make it chunky & loud. Not too sure you’re ready to go back to the early 90s on this one? Try a simple leather piece & tie it up. The best part about this accessory is there are tons of options & tons of price points, so the possibilities are pretty endless.

gold choker

bold gold choker

wide gold choker

leather choker

mixed metal choker

Velvety Goodness: I know it seems like we’re basically just throwing back to your middle school days this Fall, but in all honesty, it’s like all the weird items we hated then, came back & said, “We want vengeance.” & I mean…they kinda got it. Velvet is back & PISSED; ready to show the world she can & she will. My favorite pieces are light pastels, light weight, & neutral. The louder hues remind me of a weird scene in Eye Wide Shut or something [not cute]. The trick: fit is everything; drowning yourself in a velvet ensemble is not the goal & is not a good look on anyone. Ever.

black velvet

blue velvet blazer

velvet 3:4 top

green blazer

Hood Rat: one of the best pieces this Fall is the hoodie–yes, I said it. The freaking hoodie is here. Hi comfort, nice to see you again. Styling this look is key; it takes layers & accessory additions to assure that you don’t just look lazy & hungover. Note: regardless of what you add, this look is still relatively casual. I don’t recommend hitting your next interview or business dinner in this fit, but for a quick bite or drink with girlfriends…#perfection. A few of my favorite styling tricks with this look [to up the ante]: a front tuck, layered, with heels, or under a blazer.

blzer hoodie

front tuck

kendall hoodie

layered

pink hoodie

tucked front hoodie

Moto Psycho: the moto look is here to stay, no matter how hard you try to remove it from the fashion repertoire. This season, however, it’s coming out everywhere; jackets, denim, handbags…everywhere you look, you will see slight nods to moto style & I can pretty much guarantee you’re gonna like it. My favorite pieces usually pertain to the lower half of the body, as well as layering pieces, but there are seriously cool looks I’ve found that will undoubtedly inspire my edgier babes.

moto denim

moto handbag

moto leather

moto lether

moto grey

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Pierced Purses: this Fall is bound to produce some of the best handbags I’ve seen in probably the last decade. No joke. The absolute love of my life being the Septum bag [as I’ve grown to call it]. Pierced purses are basically any handbag that looks like it spent a few minutes at a piercing parlor. There are so many different styles, colors, metals, materials…but one thing is universal among them–they’re cute as eff.

jw anderson pierce bag

chloe faye handbag

septum silver clutch

septum handbag

chloe bag

Fall Flavors [no pics just a breakdown]: aside from amazing Fall items, comes amazing Fall colors, & this year finally has a few new hues in the mix. Pink meets yellow meets “pumpkin spice” and even makes friends with nudes & florals. Yes, florals, in Fall…WHAT. Just be sure to keep them mild & breezy, kinda like the weather, ya dig?

So whether these styles suite your fancy or you choose to pick your own favorites this Fall, make them yours. As I always preach, customization & fit are everything to identifying your own personal style. My blog is simply here to inspire, not to force. Pick pieces you love physically & visually, because everything else would just be a waste of your time & money.

& remember, Happy Hunting.

xx.

Party Problems

Well babes, November is here, which means it’s officially all-things-holiday. This is the one season of the year where sequins, patent leather pumps, opaque tights & champagne make the best of friends & you don’t have to apologize to anyone for it.

Thus, today I’ve chosen my top five male & female looks to rock this 2015 Holiday. Making a statement during these few months is the name of the game. With so many fun prints & colors && textures to work with the options are pretty endless. Plus, you don’t want to be the one in the corner with Barbara from Accounting eating your feelings at this year’s holiday party, right? So it’s time to rework your wardrobe & accessories && make this your best outfit season ever!

Menswear: the looks I’ve chosen work for nearly any body-type & allow my male clients to feel enough creativity to represent their own personal style, but not take away from the professional atmosphere of work//family//co-worker-realted parties. Each piece varies from causal wear to black tie, all dependent upon the invite.

casual black on blackFor super casual environments, try a black on black ensemble with a subtle pop of metal or color.
casul loafersNot ready for a suit? Work a nice slack, a simple button-up & a great pair of loafers. 
classic and cleanEvent too casual for full suit & tie? Ditch the tie & work in a great shoe & pocket square instead.red suitTime to suit it up, but want to stand out? Try a fun color or print on for size. black tieBlack Tie? Opt for true black hues, a vest, & a unique pocket square & tie [at max].

Womenswear: the looks I’ve selected for my ladies today are versatile, flirty & on-trend with the season, yet they allow serious room for creativity & personality. Women get to cheat a bit with party-wear because our looks often fit somewhere neatly between casual & black tie dependent upon the woman’s tastes & preferences. However, each piece chosen has either a unique shape, texture or print & will help kick your holiday season up a solid ten notches & still be invite-appropriate.

casual black and whiteNot down with a dress? Try a great blouse & unique skirt. Top with a killer heel & you’ll be show stopping.
burgundy lace and sequinKeep it classic & professional with a beautiful burgundy lace dress, but spice it up with some sequins.
sequin pantWant to keep it comfortable? Rock some amazing sequin pants. Tip: keep everything else simple.tulleNothing says Carrie Bradshaw like a tulle skirt. Perfect for holiday parties, but always add tights. emerald green Need some color in your life? An emerald cocktail dress is my go-to this holiday season. #sogood

So whether you have corporate events planned, your in-laws in town, or you just want a night out with friends & a hot-toddy, this season is the time to try new pieces & looks. Put on those leather chestnut loafers, guys. Purchase those five inch Louboutins, ladies. && get ready to own the shit out of Winter. You’ve worked hard the last ten months…

Happy Partying, party animals.

Xx.

Alexis Russell

As you’ve probably caught on by now, I’m basically a slut for jewelry…in the nicest way possible. The more dainty & delicate the piece, the heavier I’m drooling//panting//doing whatever it takes to make it mine. [& yes, I react the same way over statement jewelry, but we’ve already done a few blog posts on that. Duh.] Thus, Alexis Russell has become my new love affair [sorry babe, I’m leaving you for fine, gold & diamond gems]. I legitimately find myself spending countless hours on her website, Instagram & Twitter, imagining all the ways I could style her pieces with my current wardrobe & for my clients. She mixes classic metals with edgy angles & shapes, & tops it all off with a perfect little diamond or stone. Who needs more than that? Oh & Brides-To-Be, she’s got a bridal collection, too. Oof.

Enough talk…just scope her stuff out for yourself. But grab a napkin, you’ll need it.

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[Images Courtesy of AlexisRussell.com 2015]

Be Jeweled.

stacked

Having had about a hundred people compliment//question//touch my stackable, hammered, gold band rings throughout the past few weeks, I’ve decided it’s time to do a post on one of my absolute favorite jewelry staples in my wardrobe; delicate jewels.

Although I can’t share with you the woman who makes mine, because she’s an amazing gypsy-goddess that travels all over the world selling her pieces & only comes to Berkeley a few times a year with her 30 inches of stick straight, amazing, grey locks…I can share with you some seriously swoon-worthy jewelry brands that I’ve been pining over lately.

Deal? Deal.

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Chisel & Chain: Angela Herrera’s designs are absolute insanity; they’re so beyond their years, so unique & seriously sexy. She mixes gold with gemstones & textures that you couldn’t even imagine. Not to mention she’s from one of my most favorite cities in the world [Encinitas, Ca]. Check her pieces & try not to go totally broke. I dare you.

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Torch Light Jewelry: A Santa Barbara based brand, these babes do it all; leather goods, silver, gold, & accessories. Founder, Louisa Kimble is inspired by mystic, vagabond style & seems limitless with her designs. Their Sundown collection is my absolute favorite [I think I’ll take it all, please], but their Lyra collection takes a strong second place. Their entire website is a designers dream; it’s clean, organized & showcases each & every one of their amazing pieces. Just go. Now. Seriously, go.

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Hunter Gatherer Jewelry: Australia is hitting the jewelry game hard lately & this amazing brand is no different. Renée creates amazing jewels for gypsy souls. Her pieces hold authenticity like nothing I have ever seen before & her pricing is incredibly reasonable. I challenge you to not get completely lost in her site…because you will. I promise.

amorilo

Amarilo Jewelry: Ali Heiss’ LA based designs are probably my favorite of them all. Her concepts are delicate but strong, tough but sweet & simple but incredibly unique. She works with 14kt gold, Argentium sterling silver, & high quality gemstones. My absolute favorite piece in her current collection is the Amelia Wrap Ring. It is so chic & goes with literally everything. Not to mention, her Stackbook on the website will have you drooling. Go get yourself a few pieces of this goddesses work before it’s all gone. I mean hello, Christmas is coming soon.

With the holiday’s fast approaching, you deserve a new piece [or twelve] for all the parties you’ll be attending. Not to mention, each of these beautiful designs would make perfect Christmas presents for your girlfriends or loved ones. Not sayin…just sayin.

Happy Shopping & Happy Holidays, babefriends. Thanks for being wonderful.

Xx.

Bejewel My Heart

Bejewel My Heart

Do you ever shop for jewelry  & find that products are just plain cheap nowadays? Costume jewelry is wall to wall at department stores, which is great for one-time wears, but I’m curious where all the good jewelry is? The pieces that will last more than one season without turning brassy…well, here’s one amazing source: Jewelry by Leandra.

This San Diego surfer//mega beach babe [who I know personally] has been making jewelry by hand for over four years now & is unbelievably committed to her craft & it’s quality. Her stackable pieces are fun, creative & so unique & make the perfect addition to any gift for a girlfriend [or mommy on Mother’s Day, hello].

Check out her pieces & what inspires her here or purchase directly through her site here. She won’t disappoint, I promise.

Happy Friday! Xx.

do you have the time?

do you have the time?

Watches are the perfect accessory for any outfit, but selecting the right one can be tricky & slightly exhausting. With the ever-trending boyfriend watch vs. the sleek & elegant feminine competitors, one can get lost in the shuffle. Let’s stop time for a minute & make some sense of it all…

Boyfriend watches: these gold, silver, mixed metal, large, strapped or linked watches can be worn with nearly anything & pull a not-so-polished look together in 1-2-3. This look can be incredibly versatile, but needs little embellishment. More often than not I see women [& men] wearing watch accents, also known as “arm candy”. Large watches are like the loudest person in the room; they need no introduction & less should be is more. Pair a thin cuff [of similar metal] or chain bracelet alongside your timepiece & call it good. I also prefer wearing my bulkier rings on the opposing hand as the watch to even out the weight differential.

Feminine Watches: these watches need friends; the more the merrier with this look. Throw on that giant gold cuff [still matching metal, please] & add varying sized bangles & chains. Texture & volume are what take this look from 0 to 60 with just an ounce of added effort. Mind you, the more wrist jewelry, the less neck & finger gems. Always remind yourself of balance & placement when adding accessories to your fit.

To get inspired or to shop for your perfect new wardrobe addition, browse through some of my favorite watch companies & designers at the moment:

Lastly, have fun with colors; don’t fear the colored dial or faced watches, as these little additions can play up a seemingly simple outfit. Your accent pieces are almost as important as the clothes surrounding them, so choose wisely & be sure they make YOU feel like the Goddess/Gods that you are. Xx.

All Things Jeweled

layered

 

Need a place to shop for the best Spring & Summer jewelry? Gorjana has amazing pieces & just teamed up with one of my favorite fashionistas, Courtney Kerr. Their jewelry doesn’t turn into terrible brassy one-time-wearers & are well worth the investment. Their designs are so unique & fashion forward; scoop up the right pieces for you, today! Xx.