Fall Textures

I've been lovin' the monochromatic looks for Fall, especially a good head-to-toe black look with various textures.

As I get ready to pick out some new ASOS goodies soon, I'll be looking for deep reds, olives, grays, and, of course, blacks, in the following textures:

1. Suede: love me some good suede. Excuse me while I spend the rest of the day petting my shirt.
2. Quilting: probably my favorite of Fall's emerging texture trends. It's just subtle enough to be chic in that I-look-great-without-even-trying kind of way. (It also tends to be the cheapest of the above textures, so there's that.)
3. Sherpa: although LA doesn't really permit a whole lot of sherpa-friendly weather, it's still a closet staple for that one randomly freezing day in mid January (because there's always that one day).
4. Leather: always, year round, forever.
5. Fur: okay, mostly faux (who am I kidding, all faux) because ain't nobody got $$ for that.
6. Patent: mostly diggin' this texture for shoes, because everyone feels better with shiny, polished shoes.

Makin' my wallet do WORK this Fall.

Cheers to the extra hour of sleep I got today!

Sam

Crushin' on ASOS for Fall

Photos via ASOS Trend Guide

Fall is undoubtedly my favorite time of year. It's partly because of the crisp new chill in the air, partly because of the array of pumpkin flavored treats, and partly because of the anticipation of a new school year, but (let's be honest) it's mostly because of the clothing. 

Layering with warm, fuzzy textures, incorporating plaids and intarsia prints, and topping everything with a pair of trusty, worn-in boots and a knit beanie-- does it get any better than that? 

A true fan of all things 90's, I loved the retro style in the looks from the ASOS trend guide for Fall. It's got that punk edge with a hint of classy British influence that's very Alexa Chung. It's definitely a vibe I'll be channelling for back to school!

Cheers to the best time of year!

Sam 

On My Wish List

It's that time of year again! Time to spend money on things I 'need' for my absolute favorite time of year, Fall!

Since moving in to my new apartment and learning what it's really like to have to pay for things like food and wifi, I will admit I've become a bit stingier with my cash. However, I knew myself well enough to set aside a generous amount of my (minimum) wages to splurge on my favorites for Fall. 

Above are a few of my favorite pieces that will be joining my closet soon (well, at least their cheap alternative counterparts). 

1. Updated Fall basics. A new flannel (perfect for my 90's obsession) and an oversized moto vest can instantly transform my summer favorites to Fall appropriate ensembles. 

2. Victorian-inspired lace. I'm loving a high neckline for Fall, especially with beautiful lace details.

3. Set/ tapestry print. Killing two birds with one stone! I've been looking for a good printed set for awhile now, and Fall/Winter is pretty much the only time you can get away with the heavy tapestry texture. Stoked. 

4. Pointed toe loafers. I've always been a fan of a good loafer, and considering my favorite blue velvet loafers just broke (may they rest in peace), I think this purchase is well-justified. 

5. Tailored bottoms. Because Fall in Los Angeles is notoriously HOT, I'm probably going to be wearing tailored denim shorts on the daily. As much as I love my cutoffs, I'm excited to see cleaner lines and a great fit taking over for Fall.

6. Gold jewelry. Specifically, I'm loving gold minimalist jewelry. Can't wait to get my hands on a chain ID bracelet and evil eye necklace. These are the kinds of pieces I can imagine wearing everyday as a go-to pair. 

Cheers!

Sam 

Good as New

I've always appreciated the idea of thrifting and transforming old pieces into modern staples, however being a germaphobe tends to complicate things a bit. In fact, the only used purse I ever purchased I ended up ruining from a lysol overdose.

However, this past weekend I ended up stumbling into my mother's closet and, low and behold, I found these gems. My mother and I have never been that mom and daughter pair that shares all of their clothing, mostly because my mom is 4 inches shorter than me, and has a taste for pieces with a Southwestern flair that don't exactly fit my style. But, these two jackets, the sweater, and scarf, untouched since the mid nineties, will be the perfect additions to my fall wardrobe (no lysol needed).

Cheers,
Sam

FALLin' for TS

All images via ThreadSence

In love with the Back to Business look book from ThreadSence. They always have such inspiring ensembles andI love the details in their styling! The first look is my favorite by far-- the mustard yellow suede skirt is a must for my fall wardrobe.

All of the back to school previews are driving me nuts. I can't wait for fall, the best season of the year by far!

Happy Monday!

Cheers, 

Sam

The 60's are coming!

Edie & Andy, Twiggy (The original icons)

images via ThreadSence and tumblr

I've been loving all of the 60's mod inspiration that has been popping up as of late. There have been subtle hints of 60's chic around for a while now, with cool geometric prints, peter-pan collars, and graphic eyeliner, but it seems as if the cool graphic details and simplistic silhouettes that I love are making a comeback. No complaints here. Can't wait to go out and by a sleek sheath dress and style it with some boho hair and makeup for a modern update. 

The 60's have always been one of my favorite decades of American culture; they had the best music, the best art, the best fashion. The British Invasion contributed heavily to my infatuation with the times, so maybe I was born in the wrong decade and the wrong country. If I could go back to any era it would be a tie between the 60's and the 20's. Although in hindsight I realize that I would be facing either the Great Depression or the Viet Nam war, so that does complicate my fantasy a little bit. 

Long live Sgt. Pepper and his Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Cheers, 

Sam

It's been awhile...

{Excuse for being absent from blogger: I was working hard at school! (And taking awesome indie pictures of it.)}

In writing this post, I was going to attempt to justify my blog absence with the fact that it's finals week, however I now realize that such reasoning doesn't quite stand considering it's been almost 4 weeks since my last post. Alternatively, stating that I've been working, interning, and participating in awesome Greek life activities seems to let me off the hook (just a little bit). 

I'm definitely going to try to keep up with my blog posts over winter break, which will hopefully include some outfit shoots with some of my new oh-so-cozy sweaters. Thanks to my employee discount, I was able to pick up a chunky knit, a Cosby sweater, and an oversize grandpa cardigan for an awesome bargain! Oh, the perks of working in retail. 

Hopefully the sweater-weather will persist when I'm home for the holidays! 

And one more thing, how is it DECEMBER already?!?  Geez!

by Sam

Adventures in LA LA Land

{The Well Connected Fashion Festival, downtown LA, Nov.5}

Here are some shots from our awesome adventure to downtown LA! Like real troopers, we took the bus and then walked through the beautiful, towering buildings until we got to The Well Connected Fashion Festival on 8th and Hope Street. There were so many awesome designers and well-dressed people there-- it was like fashion heaven! Not to mention, everything was heavily discounted (as in I bought a dress that retails for $120 for a measly $5). It was quite an experience, and I can't wait to visit more of these special events!

{Love me some sequins}

{Fabulous shades, a must have}

{Rawr}

{Definition of "effortless cool"}

{Sparkly}

{Dogtown Dogs}

{A Diddy Riese rival? Coolhaus}

{Sophia and I in front some cool graffiti art}

{Street Style}

{Beautiful finger candy from Laeken}

{Where was this when I needed a Halloween costume? Six Hundred LA}

{Cool Nail Swag by a local nail artist}

{SUCH COOL STYLE. If only I was ballsy/skinny enough to pull it off}

{80's throwback jacket. Megan rocks it}

{This guy was definitely creeped out when we asked to get his photo, but he was nice and smiled for us anyway!}

{Pretty florals}

{Why thank you, anonymous man, I did have a nice day}

by Sam

Insta-Sam: Week of 10/30

1. {Starbucks, reminding us that the holidays are near}

2. {A peanut butter chocolate doughnut from Stan's}

3. {A pretty sunset on the hill}

4. {Same hill, after a rainy day}

5. {These chicks are cool, I guess}

6. {Adorable skillet filled with truffled mac n' cheese from The Farm of Beverly Hills}

7. {Brownie sundae from The Farm}

While from the looks of this post it may seem like all I do is eat and take pictures of sunsets, I promise that in between these various photo ops there are plenty of veggies being eaten and books being read. 

This weekend was especially laid back; we took advantage of the rainy weather on Friday by watching zombie movies and heading to bed early, and then heading to downtown LA on Saturday to check out the "The Well Connected Fashion Festival" (photos coming soon), visiting the Grammy Museum, and eating like Queens at The Farm of Beverly Hills.

Sunday is already shaping up to be quite lazy. I'm on call tonight for Urban Outfitters (feelin' them first-day-on-the-job jitters), so I'll try to get some reading done and head to the gym before then.

I feel like I'm finally starting to experience life as an LA resident, and I must say it's quite delightful. 

1. I've missed my Starbucks.

2. I blame my mother for introducing me to this place. (But don't worry, Mom, I split the doughnut).

3&4. Sunsets are pretty cool.

5. Megan and Sophia at The Farm.

6&7. Presentation really is everything.

by Sam