Category: Outfits

I adore vests. And fedoras. And large watches. And buttons.  And formal pockets.  And collared oxfords.  Basically, I adore a lot of what is referred to as men’s clothing.  I say, “Make it your own.”  The trick is wearing perfectly tailored menswear that shows off your curves, is cinched at the waist, and shows just the right amount of skin.  I kept my color scheme masculine {chocolate brown, tan, and gray}, but the horizontal stripes and snug vest highlighted the feminine assets.  This look is simultaneously professional, edgy, and a bit flirtatious.  Pair it with some large earrings, a large watch, and an even larger handbag and this look turns menswear into something undeniably feminine.

1. Balmain Slit Crewneck Vest $665
2. Alexander McQueen Five Button Pinstriped Vest $860
3. Barena Woven Vest $165
4. Nixon The 51-30 Chrono $400
5. Brera Eterno Chrono Watch $650
6. Nixon Chronicle SS $495
7. Eugenia Kim Max $287.50
8. Jennifer Ouellette Boyfriend Fedora $195
9. Eugenia Kim Reid $238

I love a good ol’ fashioned statement piece.  A statement piece is something that makes an outfit, all by itself.  With a statement piece, you need nothing more than the piece itself.  No jewelry.  No accessories.  You get to play the rest of your look down because the statement piece plays everything else up.  When I saw this vintage linen blouse with pearl buttons, cut-out detailing, and large poofy sleeves… I knew I had found a fabulous statement piece.  The cream color helps add to its allure and makes the poofy sleeves wearable with denim and during the daytime.  I know this blouse will become one of my “go-to pieces” that I grab when a lack of creativity {or a lack of time} hits.

It was one of those perfect Santa Barbara days.  The kind of day that called for cutting the workday a little short and making it just in time for a glass of chardonnay at happy hour.  The kind of day that called for a little {or… at 6’1″… a lot} of leg and a few khaki ruffles.  I am a huge proponent of the whole safari inspired trend {it seems to resurface every three years} and I feel that each and every woman should have at least one safari inspired, yet simultaneously uber-feminine piece in her wardrobe.  It’s the kind of look that you can throw together in 30 seconds flat and just pin-up your beachy, sun-drenched hair… that’s what I did.  Polished, yet relaxed enough to go with that chardonnay you should be sipping.

{accents like ruffles and an oversized distressed leather belt help complete the outfit}

I was overwhelmingly excited for the royal wedding… Perhaps it was the anticipation of history-making nuptials that caused me to channel my inner royal.  What would one wear to meet the queen? To win over a blue blood? To honor tradition and yet still put one’s own twist on a look? I envisioned something like this.  A statement headband with tiny pearls, embroidery, and lacy appliques instead of the standard British hat.  A vintage frock with dainty diamond buttons that nods politely to the conservative nature of the royals… yet still shows a bit of leg.  A bag with a pop of unexpected color.  And, of course, ruffles and bows {around the waist and on the toes}.  I’d like to think that the Queen would {subtly, of course} express her approval of this look should we ever have the chance {keeping my fingers crossed!} to meet.

I do not believe {wholeheartedly} in the phrase “mellow yellow.”  Yellow can be mellow… and muted.  However, yellow can also be a statement piece… and vibrant… and shocking… like electric lemonade.   I am a huge proponent of the power of shock value… and, as I was exhausted from a week full of work and play, I felt that my electric yellow top would distract from the sleepy look on my face.  Yellow is an instant mood brightener that projects confidence, positivity, and the feeling of a free-spirit {we all know that you are all of those things, darlin’}… however, when you don’t feel that you are projecting your brightest self, throw on this hue… and no one {shh… promise!} will notice.

Another full day of design work and a going away party for a dear friend demanded an outfit that would seamlessly transition from business to happy hour.  Cue the jewel toned sheath dress.  Jewel tones are for women what a red power tie is for a man.  It is fashionable, makes a statement, and helps you appear confident/powerful (which… my love… you are!).  Gold embroidery (the dress was custom made in Thailand) negates the need for accessory overload.  A simple belt is sufficient.  And… if you haven’t picked up my rule on color mixing by this point… it’s simple: anything goes! Especially an emerald sheath and sapphire jewel toned shoes.