Obsession of the Week - A Moto Jacket for Spring/Summer

Obsessed with the moto jacket, I love all the moto style variations available that are more suitable for the warm weather of Spring/Summer.  Whether its less material (no sleeves), less leather or no leather (faux or alternate fabric), the tough chic look of the moto design prevails.

Some of my favorites...

Karl Lagerfeld - sleeveless with stretch-jersey and faux leather mix

MICHAEL Michael Kors - sleeveless

Karl Lagerfeld - stretch-denim

Mango - sequin

Mango - lace

Have a great weekend!!

OOTD - The Dressed Down Blazer

An easy way to inject chic and effortless cool into an outfit is to contrast traditional, conservative pieces with more edgy and/or casual pieces.

One of my favorite outfit "uniforms" of late is a tailored blazer worn with skinnies or distressed/cropped jeans.  

Outfit details:

Blazer- Theory (similar here and here)

Tank- Rag & Bone

Jeans- Hudson "Muse"

Shoes- Ash

Bag- Thursday Friday (gifted)

Sunglasses- Ray-Ban

Watch- Michael Kors "Runway"

Bracelet- Julie Vos (gifted)

Use bags, shoes, and jewelry to mix up the look or to make it more refined, or add some whimsical touches like my Thu/Fri tote (gifted) above and my Ash wedge sneakers.

Still in love with Ash wedge sneakers, especially these!!!

Obsession of the Week - 3.1 Phillip Lim Cracked Mirror Leather Clutch

I'm a sucker for oversize clutches that I can throw effortlessly under my arm or boldly in my hand.  I also have a thing for metallics and gold lamé, and 3.1 Phillip Lim bags.  So this 3.1 Phillip Lim bag which appears to have the lightweight, reflective sheen of gold lamé and also happens to be an oversize clutch is calling my name...

CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara

This CoverGirl mascara was gifted to me by P&G Beauty & Grooming at the LuckyFabb Blogger Conference this past April.  Since this particular mascara was never personally recommended to me before, I did not have high expectations.  Nevertheless, I tried it with an open mind and am happy to report that I love it!  It lengthens my lashes and fulfills its promise of no-clumping!  Also, the CoverGirl Clump Crusher mascara comes with a brush with comb-like bristles which makes it easier to apply.  In a couple of previous posts(here and here), I did a review of some mascara brands and I would definitely add this as one of my favorites.  Its only cons were that it did not add as much volume as, for example, Benefit "they're Real" and the handle was a little hard to hold on to.  But given the fact that it is only around $6 (compared to $20+ of other great mascara brands), I think these may be some cons worth overlooking!

Mother's Day Gifts for the Chic Mom of Any Age!

1. Dogeared Necklace - Adorable, understated, and has a great message..."There's nothing you can't do!"

2. Charbonnel Et Walker Truffles - Who can't resist a pink, trimmed with gold, heart-shaped box of chocolates?!  Would buy it for the packaging alone!

3. Frends Headphones - Functional, beautiful, and cool...

 4. Pinch Emergency Kit - A necessity for the fashionable woman on the go!

5. Julie Vos Necklace - Love the Smoky Topaz color of this pendant necklace.

6. Aurélie Bidermann Bracelet - A sophisticated touch to any wrist.

7. Julie Vos Cuff - Opulent yet affordable luxury at $210!

8. Yosi Samra Flats - These tres chic flats are a godsend for sore feet! Roll them up and carry in your bag.

9. Thursday Friday Together Bag - This bag has replaced my Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote!  The marriage of fun and functional...

10. La Mer Eye Balm - Have used this for years.  Still my fave for fighting under-eye puffiness.

11. Trish McEvoy Beauty Set - Compact and great quality.  Looks great too!

If you haven't yet picked out a gift for the chic mom(s) in your life, you have a few days left!

Happy Shopping...

Obsession of the Week - Boyfriend Cropped Distressed Jeans

In warm weather, I'm obsessed with this style jean.  Love how the lighter color denim, slouchy fit, and rolled up cuff create a look that is relaxed and effortless. Also, the distressing suggests a well-worn and loved pant.  Boyfriend cropped jeans look best when contrasted with a tailored and/or feminine top and skinny heels.

 These jeans, in particular, are by Current/Elliott.  Love these because the distressing, fading, and whiskering are not overdone; and the back pockets are oversize which is universally flattering!

Julie Vos Jewelry and an OOTD

Although Julie Vos jewelry was launched in 2006, it wasn't until recently that I was introduced to her beautiful, luxe collection.  Now, I'm hooked.  The collection is affordable and wearable luxury at its best.  Designer Julie Vos uses semi-precious stones, 24-karat gold plating, rich textures and colors to create jewelry that is sophisticated, high quality and timeless.  But what makes her collection so much more attractive is that most of her pieces are in the $50-$200 (some less than $50) price range with the most expensive being less than $500.  So go ahead, collect and have fun!

In the pic above and the ones below, the Julie Vos pieces that I am wearing are the Verona pendant in green onyx necklace and the Byzantine cuff with emerald colored stones.  Love how the casual, sporty-chic look of my outfit (my top is perforated!) is offset by the sophistication of her jewelry.

These Chie Mihara heels (bought them a couple years ago) are hands down the most comfortable 4 inch (maybe 4.5") heels that I have ever tried.  

Outfit details:

Top - Rag & Bone (similar one here)

Tank - Vince (Great layering piece!  I have several in different colors!)

Pants - CLOSED

Clutch - Urban Expressions*

Shoes - Chie Mihara

Necklace - Julie Vos*

Bracelets - E.Kammeyer (wrap), Cartier (bangle), Julie Vos* (cuff)

Watch - Michael Kors Runway

Disclosure: Items marked with a " * " were gifted.  All opinions and reviews are my own.

Voilà!

Spring 2013 Look #4

A look that is edgy, sophisticated and chic!

Jacket: All Saints, Top: Sandro, Pants: Sara Berman, Earrings: Dannijo, Cuff: Dannijo, Shoes: Alexander Wang, Bags: 1. Botkier, 2. Botkier(on sale!), 3. Rebecca Minkoff

Happy Monday!

Obsession of the Week - Caroline Issa x L.K. Bennett Shoe

In love with these shoes...

Parrot Embroidered Pointed Toe Heel 

New for Spring/Summer '13, this gorgeous yet whimsical shoe is the result of a collaboration between luxury shoe brand L.K. Bennett and style icon Caroline Issa.  

Can't resist those pom-poms!!

Fashion Coffee Table Books & Mags: My Tiffany's

Coffee Table Books to buy...

How to Dress for Success, Vogue: The Editor's Eye, Postcards from the Edge of the Catwalk,

Taschen's 4 Cities, How to Walk in High Heels, Kate Moss by Mario Testino

"What I found does the most good is just to get into a taxi and go to Tiffany's. It calms me down right away, the quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there..."

- Truman Capote, Breakfast at Tiffany's

Today I had a case of the blues, or maybe even "the mean reds" as Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's would say.  There are many places and activities that I would refer to as "my Tiffany's".  You know, your happy place...your sanctuary.  Today, "my Tiffany's" was sitting in a comfy chair in my living room flipping through fashion coffee table books and magazines.  My zen...