remixing fashion and luxury for reality

It’s always a challenge to create a layered look without adding bulk or getting misaligned layers… so when designers provide the short-cuts for you.. one must take advantage of it. This Alexander Wang Vest Shirtdress pushes the envelope in terms of faux layers but he’s done a good job and I’m (almost) sold on it. I love the idea of a faux vest.. just not lovin the $481 price tag. Not quite sure if this piece really constitutes itself as a dress that can stand on its own as shown in the picture here… personally I think it would look nice over dirty denim pants or over my tuxedo striped velvet pants. I’m considering hard whether a belt would work here. Prob. not but something tells me this shirt might make me look a little short without a belt. Sigh. You tall girls can have it… can’t afford it anyway!

Available at shopbop.com.

Coats have been boring to the bone the past 10+ years so I’m welcoming Leoffler Randall with open arms as she expands her mine to more than the wedge boots that put her on the map. Like her Studded Coat, this cropped piece is elegant but different. This model is not doing it any justice though… so just ignore her butter face and imagine how cute you’d look in this. I love the way Loeffler Randall breaks the rules or more so deviates from expected shapes and lines.

Available for $545 at eluxury.com.

The Spy Bag was lost on me… but this Secret Code Bag has found me!!! Only problem is I’m disgusted by the fur skins they’ve chosen to make these bags with. On a handbag (that is worn off the body) why does this require the dismal death of a sweet furry critter to adorn the bag? To be honest no (normal) human being would be able to tell the difference if Fendi used a good quality substitute for this mink or the snakeskin. I’m all for the substitute fur skins!! Just don’t skin the cute little mink Ok so I’m a hypocrite for buying and wearing leather but I’ve told myself unless I’m willing to go vegetarian I’ve got to hold on to something on this slippery slope..

I hope Fendi wakes up one day and starts making these beautiful bags with faux whatever so I can floss one these bad girls (and possibly afford it!).

Available for $2210.00 at eluxury.com

It’s about that time! Here are my carefully selected selections for the It Bag line-up for Fall 2008. Kinda depressing though since most of us are too poor or too scared to buy anything nice for ourselves these days. Let’s stare at the pictures!

Katherine Kwei Donna Knotted Lambskin Tote

I’m in awe a million times over. I can’t get over how crazy good this bag looks. Ok so I have yet to see and touch the bag in person but this photo is enough. I’ll hang it on my bedroom walls tonight and drift off to handbag heaven.

Available for $1150 at Neimanmarcus.com.

Bulga Tasia Bag

The color. The shape. I’d wear it with stuff that didn’t match just to show it off!

Available for $763 at Revolveclothing.com.

Carlos Falchi Flat Multicolor Python Clutch

If you eat Saba (sushi) you might get a fishy flavor in your mouth like I did when looking at this bag. It’s a crazy design but I guarantee this one will go with everything, especially those pjs you wore to Blockbuster last night

Available for $815 at Neimanmarcus.com

Nancy Gonzalez Croc Tote

It’s powerful in every way. Perfect for the working ball-crusher at the office.

Available for $3650 at Neimanmarcus.com.

Cole Haan Aerin NS Tote

Here’s one for you simple and natural girls. No frills. Classic. Wear it forever, pass it down to your daughters. At this price you may just be able to fly under the radar!

Available for $425 at Neimanmarcus.com.

Miu Miu Nappa Patch Tote

Texture is the new black this Fall. This bag offers a very unique texture at that. While it may seem trendy it does have a classic appeal to it. It could work for at least a couple years. Hope the flaps don’t fall off..

Available for $1240 at Neimanmarcus.com.

D&G by Dolce & Gabbana Victoria Tote in Grey

Versatile, muted, soft & comfy… A friend for life!

Available for $1324 at RevolveClothing.com.

Juicy Couture Velour Too Cool Smocked Bag

A luxe-for-less textured option.

Available for $250 at eLuxury.com.

Ferragamo Banshee Metallic Tote

This bag reminds me of my Silver YSL Downtown Bag (that I live and die by). Get this if you want an everything everyday bag!

Available for $1550 at Neimanmarcus.com.

Christian Louboutin Braided Clutch

It’s intense and dramatic.. but Louboutin always manages to find balance. This bag screams hotness and intensity but whispers sophistication and luxe-ness.

Available for $1655 at Neimanmarcus.com.

When you’ve exhausted all other means of hooching out, false lashes will never let you down. While it may take several attempts across several occasions to actually apply false lashes successfully, I encourage every girl to get there!! They can make the biggest difference to your look and seriously turn up the volume on your facial features.

My Recommendations
(If you have other types you live by please do share!!)

#1. #4 from Mac Cosmetics
Warning: These are super long and wispy and should prob. only be worn at night where the lights will be dim They are kind of a rip off but I’ve managed to squeeze up to 5 wears out of one pair once.

Available at Mac.com for $12

#2. Shisem False Lashes (Korean brand)

They are cheap and come in various styles, one in particular I absolutely can’t live without are these very natural looking ones that come in a 4-pk. At first I thought these might be under-eye lashes since they are so small but they work really well for the upper lashes if you want to go undercover with your lashes… not look so vamped up. I couldn’t find any online retailers but I usually get mine in Korea or they might be available at the Korean Markets (if you live near one). My favorite is the Hangook Market in Santa Clara.

Some fun options:
My Divas Closet stocks some outrageously crazy lashes and other eye gems. I tried some of the feather style lashes several years back for Halloween and they didn’t stay on very well, not to mention scared my boyfriend shit-less.

Eyelash Adhesive:
Don’t ever use the clear eyelash adhesive. They suck and it’s all marketing BS about how it applies clear. The regular white glue will dry clear too. I use any and all brands of the white eyelash adhesive.

How I Apply My Lashes
1. I curl my real lashes up first
2. Then I smear a large dollop of glue to the back of my hand
3. I run the false lash line across the glue, then let it dry for anywhere from 30-60 seconds until the glue gets tacky to the touch.
4. Then I line up the lash to my real lash line and press on the outer edges of the lashes, scooting the lash back and forth across my lash line until it gets centered correctly and nudges up to the edge of my eyeline. I keep tapping the lash down into the lash line as it starts to dry and attach to the lid.

Hope to see you out with the long and luscious lashes ladies!

I finally got the Summer Scarf I’ve been looking for… or maybe I should call it my Fall Scarf I got this one at Nordstroms, where there was a satisfyingly large selection of scarves — both square and rectangular. I picked this blue, grey, and white checkered one since it seemed muted but still flattering against my face. The sales lady showed me how to wrap it once around my neck (from front to back) and then tucked the loose ends under the “V” shape. Such a simple tip but helpful, thanks lady!

So here I am on University Ave in Palo Alto. Did I manage to attain the casual, just here to kick-back look? Well either way, I was happy and content with my outfit this day since I was comfy and maintained the perfect body temperature with my scarf pairing. Can’t wait to try it again with something else!

There’s really only one reason to look forward to the days shortening and the weather growing colder… FALL FASHION! The gloomy weather ahead promises all kinds of possibilities when it comes to layering ensembles and winter shoes and accessories. Being that most of us are probably on a tighter budget these days.. if there’s only one thing you can invest in this season I’d have to say trust in the black boot. I’ve been on the hunt myself for an over-the-knee boot but have yet to find the perfect pair.

In my quest I bumped into these knee length front-zip boots from Tory Burch. Alright so I’ll admit the Burch is played out or (playing it’s way out soon) and the chunky heel has never been a favorite of mine… but there’s something about these. There’s a luxe-ness to this boot, perhaps it’s the edginess the front zipper gives to the overall look, or maybe it’s the gold trim lining the chunked heel, but it could (almost) pass for Dior or Jimmy Choo. One thing’s for sure this boot says don’t mess with me! I like

Available at Shopbop.com for $565.00