You HAVE to Wear That!

 We all have that piece of clothing that we saw at the vintage shop, fell in love with, almost fainted when we saw the price tag, walked away from then ran back because we couldn't live without it.  We justified the purchase in our heads and imagined all the ways we'd wear that neon kimono (or in this instance a lace poncho)- we knew we would find a home for it.  Truthfully, oftentimes these items end up hidden in our closets because there's never the right occasion, but I say... make the occasion!

My dear friend Kristina is a very stylish girl with an eye for those unique, incredible pieces.  Her closet is a wonderland for the fashion addicts and I got the chance to see her take some of those great pieces out to play.  This lace poncho is truly phenomenal and we played around with it to make it work for different occasions because really, Coachella is only once a year.  With the different styles in her head, she promised to wear it out sometime soon and to make the most out of her daring fashion investment.

Made for NYC

Back at it, Amy Jo always looks "fierce" and I rarely use that word.  She seamlessly mixes the tough with the charming, the rocker with the ballerina - here perhaps more acutely than ever.  The shirt has rips in it and falls to a perfect length with the "just in case" black bike shorts (a wardrobe staple - I've cut up my fair share of leggings lately because I never use those/always need bike shorts).  The hat is her signature pierce and works with pretty much every outfit.  Pair that toughness with some knee socks, an oversized pink sweater and some ballet slippers and she looks stunning.  Not like she could ever blend in, but her style is one of a kind, eye-catching and pretty much perfect all around.

**She may be moving to NYC soon and doesn't she look the part?

Kristin and Jaimie: Around the Office

I'm so happy to have both these ladies working in the office with me - not only for their indomitable work ethic, charming conversation and bubbly personalities, but for their great individual styles as well.  They are both extremely chic - here sporting a joint sort of equestrian look, or as I told Jaimie perfect garb for "a fall afternoon out in the Hamptons." Whatever the reason, very fitting for the chill sweeping across Southern California and stylish enough to stand out here on the streets of Beverly Hills.

Meet Kasha

 

Kasha is the life of the party, whether that party be at work or at play - she has a spirit which lights up a room and her laugh is infectious, it echoes through the office, leaving in its wake a smile on the face of anyone in range.  She's a Polish beauty with a laid back style - she wears a lot of dark colors, but looks very chic in grey.  She always looks good, but when she dresses up and throws on some earrings, she really turns heads.   

Plus she loves socks with strappy shoes and heals, so that immediately makes me love her.

Meet Jackie

 

 Meet Jackie - that's a real suggestion because she will change your life.  Jackie carries herself with such composure and strength - has a warmth and openness about her that makes you want to be in her inner-circle, which expands with each person she meets.  Her style is reflective of her coolness and confidence, she is laid back and quirky- she makes me want to buy dinosaur shorts, but I know I could never look as good in them.  She is a genuine charmer, she knows who she is and shares everything she has with those around her as her awesome shirt reads, "One fucking day at a time."

Meet Amy Jo

 Amy Jo is a beautiful person who I've been lucky enough to get close to recently.  She has an indomitable spirit that attracts people to her and being gorgeous doesn't hurt!  Her style is really fresh as well, and truly the first thing I noticed about her- she takes risks with her fashion and it's easy to do so because pulls anything off mixing modern looks with vintage pieces (like this mod inspired dress she has on under the fur she got SUPER cheap in her hometown).  Under that adorable hat she has a pixie cut that she styles really well, adding a pop of color on her lips from time to time.  She turns heads with her looks and with her wonderful personality, she's someone you just want to be around.

Meet Kate

Kate is one of those magnetic souls who draws you in with her witty charm and british accent.  Naturally I'm bias toward the English tongue, but anyone who's met Kate will tell you she has an edgy sweetness to her which speaks to all character types making it impossible not to adore her!

Her style mirrors this divide- her fashion choices reflect a casual playfulness - she layers to a T and wears chucks so well.  She balances her girly side with a toughness- a leopard print top and pink shoes with her black leggings and jean jacket.  She always has on some inspired jewelry rings and bracelets, necklaces all over, but it never seems like too much.

Juxtapose for Me

Stepping into her night look, Daisy continues to impress me with her incredible fashion savvy.  The dress is simple and chic, but those wrist cutouts are really great and take away the need for any jewelry really (she has on a classic large gold watch, but leaves it at that).  The tights are the scene stealer and paired with these cropped motorcycle boots the outfits has the rough tenderness that I can always appreciate - I like to keep guessing.  She wore a light gray leather jacket which was the perfect final layer.

Ma Petite Parisienne

Taking a page from the Parisian book we all love to read, Jaimie reinvents the work wardrobe.  The classic stripped shirt has so many uses throughout the week and here it's dressed up as she tucks it into the high-waisted pleated skirt (a great gold color).  The booties are a sensible height and really bring together the outfit. she makes it work for work, but it would be a great date look as well...non?

Tough Little Lady

Nadia has a keen fashion sense with an emphasis on comfort.  She can sport a pair of sweats and an oversized sweater with a knit beanie and make it look so good, then transition into her night garb of high heels, black skinny jeans and an adorably chic blouse.  My favorite look on Nadia is as picture here- with her trademark boots and oversized shirt.  I love her rough, yet girly look. 

  

H/T Nadia

That's a Sexy Mind

Shineh has always been a style icon of mine - she dresses so well with such ease, but also takes risks and is a thrift junkie with a keen eye.  She takes leggings and a tunic to another level and reminds me that fashion can be comfortable and chic.  Always with an impressive piece of jewelry in her ears or round her neck, she dresses up her look and I adore this coat (a child's coat she got for $5), which is the perfect add-on for this erratic LA weather with its fur-lined hood and double breasted front.   

H/T Shineh back in LA change the world with time to play.

Meet Daisy

 

Daisy is always dressed to the nines- even for our casual brunch, she looks so well put together in these harem pants and a white t-shirt - she takes these basics which could just be thrown on and elevates the look with her natural grace and low-maintenance, yet elegant style.  And that bag- she's a classy lady and I want to raid her closet.

H/T Daisy's elegance and wit, thrown together and we fit

NY Chic in LA

This little lady is an inspiration to me and her style is so wonderfully tailored to her unique personality and petite size.  She's always leaping around in a new impressive boot and perfectly fitted number.  Here she's in a cashmere sweater dress, tights and some Jeffrey Campbell boots (which I adore).  She wears a lot of black- works an elegant yet funky look and has a love for fashion which is obvious but not obnoxious (is it ever?).  Her haircut is so chic... isn't it just?

H/T LB is so chic, this dancer could change my life in a week

Another Day in the Office

Kristen is a classy lady, she has a modern edge and really interprets the trends well.  Oh, and did I mention she's a working mom with three young children? I'm constantly impressed by her, but today I absolutely fell in love with this preppy look roughed up with red lips and some chunky jewelry. The brown flats tie in the gold jewelry and off-set all that navy.  With a casual ponytail that she rocks so well, Kristen really embodies that hip mom vibe, but she's anything but a stereotype.

H/T Kristen who's mom chic so sleek make you laugh so hard you almost forget you're in the office.

Cold Day in LA

A cold day in California is just that- a cold day in (southern) California and fashion follows suit.  My friend spends the week in office clothes so she uses the weekend as a chance to show some leg, get creative and always to be adorable.  Today she tackles the weather well with an over-sized sweater belted over a short floral dress with some black boots and socks.  And yes, the glasses match the mood and it makes a difference...to some people...

H/T JMullens NOT a dumpster diver, but a rad designer.