Inspiration Board

images via The Cherry Blossom Girl/All The Pretty Birds/Purse 'n Boots/Late Afternoon

Black Friday Finds

As per usual, I decided to brave the Black Friday sales today. And, like always, by 10 AM even in stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks, it was slim pickings. But I did manage to find some things I really love...

Having rediscovered my obsession with red, it's no surprise I went for these luscious cranberry suede pumps. I had seen (and tried on, and cried over) a pair of the most gorgeous berry-colored Prada suede heels (along with the most beautiful pair of YSL platforms every created) earlier in the day, and had decided I needed to find a more reasonably priced pair to tide me over until I can get my paws on those of the designer variety. I want to pair these with cuffed jeans for instant glamour.

I picked up an ultra-preppy blazer at Zara. It actually looks a little frumpy in this photo, but it fits like a glove. And I can wear it year-round. Right now, I'm wanting to put it together with leggings or black skinny jeans and riding boots.

I have been needing some ankle booties for a long time. These are from Madewell (big surprise), and they're my ideal pair. They're ridiculously versatile; I can wear them with almost everything in my closet, especially for the cold weather months. There is also built-in platform inside the shoe, which is great because it elongates my otherwise short legs. I love the height and weight of the heel--just right for wearing these puppies all over town! 

Seeing Red

Maybe I'm just wrapped up in holiday spirit, but recently I've been seriously craving red. Red lipstick, red shoes, red nails, and now this amazing red cocktail dress. I am obsessed with the highly structured skirt and demure neckline, which together make the dress look modern yet retro. I also love how high-fashion this dress looks, especially since it's from Zara. Check out the other amazing pieces from their winter evening collection here. 

'Tis The Season

Of course my favorite part about the holidays is shopping for everyone I love.

But I must admit, I have my own wishlist too...

the love at first sight bag

the perfectly classic ballet flat

And a not-so classic pair. Sure to add some glamour to any outfit.

a vintage-y sparkler to add to my usual stack of bangles

an oversized, two-tone watch that will go with everything

a schoolboy blazer

and this lovely, ladylike red wallet

Now, on to everyone else on my shopping list!

Moto/Maxi

It's no secret that I love a fabulous maxi--as seen here and here. But as the temperatures have finally dropped to fall-weather status in Los Angeles, I thought I'd have to retire my maxi dresses until the warm season returned.

Then I saw these pictures.

images via all the pretty birds

Turns out that a motorcycle jacket is an unexpectedly perfect topper for a maxi. It adds some edginess to an otherwise very feminine dress, while also allowing you to not freeze your tush off. Plus, the combination is incredibly chic. Sidenote--how great are these hats?

I will definitely be using this amazing idea in the very near future.

Soft Rocks

photos: Vogue Germany December 2010 

Obsessing over the combination of heavy sweaters, gorgeously sumptuous maxi skirts, bedhead hair, jewelry everywhere, and grungy boots. These looks are everything I want this season: drama, texture, femininity, and toughness. 

Let Them Eat Cake

For as long as I can remember, I've been intrigued by Marie Antoinette. And ever since seeing Sofia Coppola's 2006 film, I've considered the queen one of my personal style icons.

Which is why, when I stumbled upon the Wildfox Spring 2011 lookbook, I was in awe. Though the designs by Wildfox aren't really my style, these photos are amazing, and are going to provide inspiration for weeks to come.

images via i love wildfox blog

These photos encompass everything I love about Marie Antoinette- they're unabashedly decadent, luxurious, and completely over the top. Oh, and wildly fun.

Topshop

Even though I've always seen Topshop pieces in magazines, polyvore sets, and blogs, for some reason I've never taken the time to peruse the website. Maybe it was because I felt that the store, which until recently only had locations Europe, was so very far away that I'd never have the chance to see the clothes the way they ought to be seen--in real life. Well, now that Topshop has a location in New York, I have no excuse. I had to get educated.

The first thing I noted when scouring the website is the sheer volume of inventory that Topshop produces. Seriously, it's amazing. There is an unbelievable amount of not just clothing, but bags, shoes, makeup, and jewelry, too. They have clothes for every kind of girl: classic, trendy, casual, and glamorous.

I'm astounded by the craftsmanship, quality, and style of the clothing. Not to mention the prices, which are extremely reasonable given the beautiful, rich-looking quality of the clothes.

One of my favorite collections from this season is The Outsiders, which uses classic heritage fabrics to evoke country girl cool.

I could never possibly look through the entire TopShop inventory, but here's a few things I stumbled upon that I fell in love with.

This 90s-esque corduroy dress, with its autumny print and babydoll silhouette, is a must-have. Perfect for wearing over tights!

I've been wanting a 60's inspired shift dress for some time now, and I love the length of the sleeves and subtle embellishment on this one. 

My roommate and I have been searching for a cropped sweater for this fall. This one is perfect.

lace + backless + cropped + boatneck = amazing. 

I found it: the perfect faux-fur vest (re: my last post)! 

It's obviously time to start planning my next trip to New York.

Two Things

image via Hanneli

1. Why is it that, despite the ubiquity of the fur-vest trend, I cannot find a good one anywhere? A girl can't always get herself to every little boutique in Los Angeles! I have scoured the internets for weeks now to no avail and am in desperation for the ultimate outfit-topper this season.

2. I'm in love with the pairing of this heavy-duty vest with this ethereal, dainty shirt. Lately I've only been seeing the fur vest paired with heavier fabrics like flannels and other 70s inspired shirts, and that's why this combination is such a breath of fresh air.

This woman is flawless.

Welcome Back, Mr. Ford

After a six year hiatus, Tom Ford has finally returned to creating womenswear. Though he debuted his collection in secret on September 12, photos of the collection are just now hitting the mainstream, with a great article in the December issue of Vogue. Not surprisingly, the clothing is beyond luxurious, and as always, Mr. Ford (as he now prefers to be called) unabashedly brings the sex appeal.

Red Carpet Queen: Emma Watson

For the past few years I've had my eye on Emma Watson. Sorry all you Harry Potter fans, but Miss Watson's style is really the only thing keeping me interested in the film series at all. 

It's kind of amazing to think that the first time this woman appeared on our radar, she was playing the frizzy-haired, awkward, preteen Hermione. Now she's a polished, stylish starlet.

I loved her as the face of Burberry, and her red carpet outfits are always impressive. Her street style is also fabulous. And though it's taken me a little while to get used to, I think her new pixie haircut is great. 

Emma Watson at the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows world premiere

I don't think I would have liked this LBD on anyone besides Emma. The lacy minidress is just-right for her age; she looks fun but very sophisticated. Her hair also complements the flapper vibe of the dress perfectly. I love that she kept everything besides her dress to a minimum, otherwise the look would have been too overdone. 

These photos make me want to go out and buy a party dress, particularly a fun little black one like this.