Childhood Relics: Birkenstocks & Fanny Packs

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I remember first wanting a pair of birkenstocks in the 90's. As a teenager, I could never afford a pair, but now, a few decades later, I finally have my first pair: the Arizona in mocha suede (narrow, with the soft footbed). I love them, it's just like walking on a very supportive yet cushy cloud. It will be hard to go back to flip flops. Another relic: the fanny pack. I'll admit, I have a Lululemon one that I use all the time when riding my bike, walking the dogs, going to Disneyland. This Clare Vivier for Other Stories one is just a dressed up version. Worn with my new but old (ss '13) Isabel Marant Aidan shorts from Yoox. I love Isabel Marant shorts / skorts, and this pretty white studded pair is perfect for summer. It's been in the 80's over here, crazy.

Spring Forward

Isabel Marant Etoile Vicky Blouse and Salome Shorts, Swedish Hasbeens x H&M clogs

It sure does feel like spring over here with temps in the 80's. I picked up this new season Isabel Marant Etoile blouse last week. It's gauzy soft and casual with lovely embroidery detail. Goes well with my shorts from a few seasons ago. Perfect for LA as well my upcoming European travel in a few months.

Resort at Home

Malia Mills tunic top and swimwear

It's so nice to not have to even leave the house to bust out resort wear. It feels like vacation today; with temps in the 80's, we had a little picnic lunch in the front yard. Perfect timing as I have just rehauled my resort / swimwear wardrobe. After having a kid, my old swimsuits just don't seem to fit the same, nor do they feel appropriate for running around after a toddler. Earlier in the week, I happened to be at the Brentwood Country Mart to mail a package (and to stop for a scoop of Sweet Rose Creamery ice cream), when I noticed the "sale" sign on the Malia Mills store. Encouraged by the warm weather, I decided to check it out. Definitely stepped out of my normal swimsuit comfort zone and experimented with some new styles, including high waisted bottoms and a slightly retro tankini, but also picked up some conventional pieces, so will be able to mix and match depending on my mood (and how much I've eaten for lunch). Paid full price for one of the tops, but everything else was significantly discounted. One tip about swimwear shopping is that you have to try the pieces on. I tried on pretty much all the styles in the store before deciding on the four pieces that I picked out; the others simple didn't fit / were not flattering at all, no matter how they looked on the hanger.

The Isabel Marant Boots Obsession Continues

I am obsessed with Isabel Marant shoes in general, but in particular her boots. I have a pair for every occasion: Dickers (2), Prescotts, Dewars, fringe boots and now my latest, the Nowles snow boots. I just love her boots, they can be dressed up or down, they are of a flattering yet comfortable height and pretty much all that I wear all winter long. The Nowles snow boots may be a bit overkill for Southern California (as it was in the 70's today) but I still wore my new Nowles, to the beach no less. My justification for the purchase was that we have an upcoming Mammoth trip, but I'm secretly just excited to wear them around LA. They are so fuzzy warm and comfortable, somewhat ugly cute, and I of course love the hidden wedge for that extra boost. Perfection with leggings or skinny jeans.  I got them for an amazing deal, for more than 80% off, even thought they are still full price at most retailers, so well worth it I think...

New Year, New Clothes, New Hair

Isabel Marant Samuel Sweater and cords, Isabel Marant x H&M boots, Alexander Wang x H&M backpack and sunglasses

It's not saying much considering my recent splurges on Hermes, Chanel etc, but this Isabel Marant Samuel knit is the only piece of clothing that I've bought this winter (since Alexander Wang x H&M). Usually I buy several pieces of Isabel Marant mainline / Etoile every season but fortunately this winter, there wasn't really anything on my must have list. I'm definitely more into her spring / summer clothes, given that I live in LA, and I still love and wear a ton the knits from a few seasons ago as well as the H&M collection. I do love this oversized Samuel sweater, it's one of her signature looks from the runway and I find the cream and bold wave graphic to be a refreshing pop amidst the usual dreary winter hues. Especially on second markdown from Barneys, it was a great score. Worn with a pair of her patchwork cords from several seasons ago, the fringe boots from the H&M collaboration, as well as some Alexander Wang x H&M: the leather backpack (that is actually K's christmas gift) and sunglasses.

Chopped off all my hair before Christmas. Every few years I get sick of the long hair and chop it off. Got a Sephora curling iron for Christmas which I've been using regularly along with some texture powder and / or dry shampoo for some waves, choppiness and texture for the longer front locks to keep it from looking too prim and proper.

Alexander Wang x H&M leather backpack

I have to admit that I overpaid on eBay for this Alexander Wang x H&M leather backpack before Christmas. Kicking myself because I could have bought it on launch day but didn't. In the end though, even with overpaying on eBay, it's still cheaper than any leather backpack out there this season. I've used it about as much as K has, it's really handy for all the toddler stuff I have to lug around without being overly heavy, plus both K and I can carry it (as opposed to my usual purses). The little rain cover has even come in handy as we were caught in an unexpected downpour over the weekend.

Logo Happy

Alexander Wang x H&M jacquard leggings, topshop tunic, Isabel Marant sneakers

I know I said I wasn't into the logo'd pieces from the Alexander Wang x H&M but I'm kinda loving these logo happy leggings from the collaboration. With little k in preschool a few days a week, I'm finally able to work out on a regular basis so a new pair of workout leggings was a practical purchase.  Had a great thanksgiving with the family, made a truffle turkey, cauliflower mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, apple chestnut cornbread stuffing, roasted root vegetables and a terrible icebox pumpkin pie (no thanks to GOOP). These nice compression leggings were perfect for the typical overstuffed thanksgiving feast.

Sporty Chic: Alexander Wang x H&M Perforated Top

Alexander Wang x H&M Perforated top, Lululemon leggings, Isabel Marant Prescott boots

The one Alexander Wang piece that I am keeping from my online purchase on launch day: the black perforated mesh long-sleeve top. I find this piece quintessentially Alexander Wang, sporty with a little bit of edge. Kept it simple and toned down for a casual family outing with black leggings, but would look great dressed up with a black short skirt and boots for a night out. I returned the t-shirt and tank top from my online purchase already; I didn't like the feel of the fabric and the drape of the tops. Most of this collaboration didn't work for me as I don't need sporty outerwear and can't see myself wearing clothes with "wang" plastered everywhere, so I'm quite content with the two pieces that I'm keeping from this collaboration, including this top. Pics of the other piece to come...

Alexander Wang x H&M Perforated top, Lululemon leggings, Isabel Marant Prescott boots

Monogram Me: Burberry Colour Block Check Blanket Poncho

Burberry Monogrammed Colour Block Check Poncho, Isabel Marant Boots, Alexander Wang x H&M perforated top, Lululemon leggings

Poncho at the beach? Only in LA. Love my new Burberry colorblock poncho, perfect for one of our favorite Saturday morning routines: brunch at Gjelina in Venice, a stroll around Abbott Kinney (with a cold brewed coffee stop at the brand new Blue Bottle Coffee) and then a walk around the bluffs overlooking the ocean in Santa Monica. I love everything about this poncho: the combination of colors, the asymmetrical effortless drape, the weight of the fabric, the monogram; it is the perfect outerwear piece for LA fall / winters.

This pic is just for the scenery in the backdrop. Love Santa Monica!

I really like wearing it this way, like in the runway show. Due to the way it's cut, it stays in place well.

Sneak Peek: Burberry Monogram Poncho

I tore open the box to my fresh from the boutique monogrammed Burberry colorblock poncho while stopped at a red light on my way home from the Beverly Hills boutique, just couldn't wait to get home to open the box. I love ponchos / capes and instantly fell in love with the monogrammed burberry poncho from the Burberry Prorsum runway finale for FW 2014. The monogram just looked so cool and I love the personal touch. More pics to follow....

Burberry Prorsum FW 2014 runway finale, image via

Return to Hermes: Evelyne III Bleu Electrique

Hermes Evelyne III GM in Bleu Electrique

So while the blog has been quiet as of late, I wish I could say the same about shopping, but unfortunately it's been quite the opposite. I've been on a bit of an Hermes binge; there's something incredibly addicting, albeit incredibly bad for the wallet, about Hermes. I've been searching for the perfect Evelyne for almost a year now. I wanted an everyday Hermes bag that I could use with little k, big enough for all her toddler stuff and hands free when I need to chase after her. All my Hermes bags have been sitting on the shelf since little k was born since they just aren't baby friendly. I knew I wanted to diverge from Hermes classic colors, as I already have Hermes bags in black, Etoupe (taupe) and Blue Jean. I originally had my eye on Anemone, which is a pinkish purple, but the bag never came into my local Hermes boutique. About a month ago, I spotted a Raisin Evelyne PM on the shelf and immediately brought it home; Raisin has always been one of my favorite Hermes colors as I love purples, but it is also dark enough to be a neutral. Unfortunately, when I put my stuff into it when I got home, I realized that it was way too small for all my stuff. I knew I needed a GM and just had to keep my fingers crossed that a GM Evelyne came in before my return period was up. Just as the 30 day return period was expiring, my sales associate called with an Evelyne GM in Bleu Electrique. I absolutely adore this Blue Electrique, it is just a gorgeous shade of blue, bright and saturated enough for that happy pop of color, but dark enough to go with a lot of clothes and various seasons. I think I love it even more than the Raisin. Size is perfect too, fits everything I need. It was truly meant to be. There's just something to be said about Hermes bags, the quality of the impeccable craftsmanship, the supple pebbled clemence leather, the beautiful rainbow of colors. My other Hermes bags still look brand new after over 6 years; I can't say the same about any other brand, including Chanel, Balenciaga, Proenza Schouler. Hermes is incredibly pricy but worth it to me, due to the quality, durability and longevity of the designs. I never tire of carrying Hermes bags.

I picked up this adorable little Hermes Rodeo Grigri Horse while on a quick Vegas trip with K. I don't have any interest in gambling so instead of losing my money at the tables, I put it towards this little horse, a win-win if you ask me!

Hermes Rodeo Horse PM in Anemone / Bleu Izmir

These two items were only the beginning of our October Hermes binge. K was awesome enough to queue up and go to the amazing Hermes sample sale while in NYC for a business trip. I begged him to go as I heard they had watches at the sale, and I've been looking at Hermes watches for awhile. He came home with an orange MM H Heure watch, a barenia double tour Cape Cod GM watch, as well as a bunch of enamel bangles, scarves and ties (for himself). Quite the haul. I have one more very special (non-Hermes piece) coming in the next month, but other than that, I am so banned from shopping until at least the New Year....

It's that time of year again...

My favorite time of year: the launch of the H&M Designer Collaboration. I didn't queue up before dawn as I did last year for Isabel Marant, but I managed to pick up a couple of items online from the comfort of my home as well as one piece in store after dropping little k off at preschool. I didn't go as crazy for this line as with previous collaborations, notably Isabel Marant and Lanvin, two of my favorite all time designers. I still wear pieces from those collaborations all the time. I definitely was not into any of the loud logo-d pieces of this collaboration, and my style isn't particularly sporty (unless I am actually working out). Nevertheless, I picked up a couple of pieces which are distinctively "Alexander Wang" albeit without the logos. Pics to come...

Alexander Wang x H&M

Roland Mouret for Banana Republic Review

Roland Mouret for Banana Republic colorblock One Shoulder dress, Isabel Marant Poppy pumps and Prada sunglasses

I have been a fan of Roland Mouret since he first shot to fame and one of my favorite dresses of all time that I own is from his Galaxy dress days. In fact, I remember trying on the infamous Galaxy dress at Bergdorf Goodman; gorgeous dress, but I could neither breathe nor sit down in it. I noticed his dresses again this last season at Neiman Marcus, and was intrigued when I heard he was doing a collaboration with Banana Republic. I hadn't set foot in a Banana Republic in several years, but stopped by the Third Street Promenade store the day the collaboration launched last week. This one shoulder dress was my favorite, the cut is relatively flattering and with an identifiable "Roland Mouret" silhouette and details, and I like the fun but tasteful colorblocking. It's not a perfect fit, a little too big in the rear and bunchy in the chest, but I can't really expect it to fit seamlessly. This is a size 2, probably my regular designer size these days. Size zero fit, but was a little hard to breathe in. I liked the bright pink strappy sheath dress online (the only style dress which struck me as identifiably Roland Mouret), but the bunchiness with the darts in the chest area is exacerbated with the lighter colors like the pink. The sheath dress runs a little larger, I am definitely a size 0 in that dress. Not really a fan of any of the other styles in the collaboration; they seemed more Banana Republic and less Roland Mouret. I wish the dress had been released earlier before the series of weddings that we attended this summer; I had been shopping endlessly for a wedding appropriate dress before settling on a lovely but plain blue Chloe dress, but this dress would have fit the bill quite nicely (at a far more reasonable price).

Father's Day Outfit: Chiffon and Studs

Etoile Isabel Marant Zaggy dress, pink Valentino Rockstud kitten heels and Prada sunglasses

We had a lovely Father's Day dinner in West LA at Tokyo Kalbi, which is one of our favorite Japanese / Korean style bbq places; I like it even more than the traditional Korean bbq we usually have in Koreatown. We had a pretty ideal day today, starting with breakfast on the patio by the pool (blueberry pancakes from scratch, chicken apple sausages, cheesy scrambled eggs, smoothies), a bike ride to the ocean and back, lunch at the Brentwood Country Mart, the requisite walk around the neighborhood with the dog and finally dinner at Tokyo Kalbi. Yes, we eat a lot. I really love these Valentino rockstuds; I think they will go with a lot of my wardrobe, including this new-ish Etoile Isabel Marant Zaggy dress that I bought at the latest Barney's sale. I like this dress a lot too and have been following it all season; it's an easy daytime casual dress that I've already worn a few times.

Rockstuds: Go Kings Go

Pink Valentino Rockstud Pumps, Isabel Marant x H&M ruffled skirt, Prada sunglasses

Congrats to the 2014 Stanley Cup champs, the Los Angeles Kings! They have a special place in my heart as I will always associate their last championship win a few years ago with the arrival of little k. Perfect time to break out my new Valentino Rockstuds. Love these shoes: the strappiness, the shiny studs, the deep pink color; definitely very different from anything else I own. I'm usually in some sort of Isabel Marant boots or sneakers, but needed something just a little dressier for going out, especially in the summer. The mid height kitten heel is quite comfortable; I just can't wear high heels anymore. Wore some Christian Louboutin Prive heels to dinner last night and my feet were killing me by the end of the night, even though I spent most of it sitting down. Love the pink color of the Rockstuds, a good pop of color for a neutral outfit like this one but also matches a lot of my more colorful clothes. I really lucked out with these shoes; got an amazing deal on them from Saks, plus free overnight shipping, score!

Ruffles, Stripes and Studs

Etoile Isabel Marant Sonia blouse in black, Cooper jeans in fuchsia and Edris sandals

This is one of my favorite sale pickups of the season: the Etoile Isabel Marant Sonia top in black. I've wanted this top all season long and have been patiently waiting for it to go on sale, and luckily tracked it down at a local LA boutique; most places sold out of it long ago. I also got the ecru version on sale from Barneys, but debating whether or not to keep it as the black is a lot more versatile. It's such a great blouse though, I might just end up keeping both (especially since they were both on sale). As usual, I've done way too much damage this sale season already: in addition to the Sonia top in black and ecru, also bought the Zaggy dress in blue, the Gustave shorts, Bela top and Charlotte Olympia Kitty flats shown here, a Ferragamo wallet, and possibly Valentino Rockstud sandals. Yikes! Bought and returned a couple of Alexander Wang pieces that just didn't fit.

Isabel Marant Gustave Shorts, Bela Top and CO Kitty Flats

Isabel Marant Bela top in blue, Isabel Marant Gustave Shorts, Charlotte Olympia Kitty Flats and Prada sunglasses

So I've taken a month of shopping hiatus in anticipation of the imminent spring / summer sale season. Bought a bunch of items that I've really wanted but not at full price. I love this very casual summer outfit of the Isabel Marant Gustave shorts in pink, the embroidered Bela top in blue. The Charlotte Olympia velvet kitty flats in black don't really match but arrived in the same UPS shipment so just threw it all on together.

Isabel Marant Olympe @ Connie & Teds

Isabel Marant Olympe blouse in antique pink, Uniqlo denim, Isabel Marant x H&M fringe boots

I can always tell if something was the right buy if I rip the tags off right away and start wearing it immediately. If it's still hanging in my closet with tags on months later, it probably was a mistake. Fortunately, this ruffly pink Isabel Marant Olympe blouse was a case of the former, it arrived yesterday and I wore it to a Friday date night dinner at Connie & Ted's in West Hollywood. Love this blouse, plus it's versatile: weather has been a little chilly so paired it with dark denim and boots, and will pair it with white pants and skirts (and of course my fave Oriane shorts and Edris Sandals) for the spring / summer to lighten it up. Hopefully this concludes my Isabel Marant splurges this season. This blouse is pretty much sold out in my size everywhere (finally tracked it down in Italy via Farfetch), so I knew I couldn't wait until sale season.

Isabel Marant Oriane & Edris meet Madewell

Madewell Memento Tank, Isabel Marant Oriane Shorts, Isabel Marant Edris Sandals and Prada Sunglasses

The heatwave earlier this week was the perfect opportunity to break out what is sure to be my go to outfit for the summer, the Isabel Marant Oriane Shorts and Edris Sandals from her SS 2014 runway collection. Paired with the black embroidered Madewell Memento tank, an easy breezy summertime outfit. Perfect outfit for a morning preschool toddler class followed by a couple days getaway to the Four Seasons Westlake Village, sans toddler. I love skorts, the Zara ones were my first foray back into skorts a few months ago and now I'm addicted.

It's been hard to keep up with the blogging with little k around; her new favorite thing is to insist on being part of all the pictures. The shot above was my only solo pic, this is what most of the pics looked like:

Just in: Isabel Marant Oriane Shorts & Scopa

Isabel Marant Oriane shorts in black, Isabel Marant Edris sandals in black, Helmut Lang sweater and Etoile Isabel Marant Kady leather jacket

My second Isabel Marant runway piece of the season: the Oriane shorts in black. As much as I try to exercise self restraint and wait for sales, I just had to have both the Edris sandals and Oriane shorts from the amazing SS 2014 collection. Glad I took the plunge because both pieces have been hard to find as they have been selling out quickly. They are both practical, easy to match in black, everyday wearable pieces that I will get a ton of use out of. Even though it's been slightly chilly here in LA, I couldn't wait to wear them, so here they are adapted for early spring, paired with a cozy knit and leather jacket. Better detail shots of the Oriane shorts to come.

An easy outfit to transition from day to night; I just swapped out the Edris sandals with the Isabel Marant x H&M fringed boots for dinner and drinks at Scopa Italian Roots, a newish restaurant on the border of Marina del Rey / Venice. We had a great time; reminded me of our old NYC days: a combination of spending hours sitting at the bar, eating and drinking, and chatting with the bartenders at two of our favorite places: Babbo and Lupa and our regular late nights at the original cocktail haven, Milk & Honey. We got there around 8:45pm and waited about 45 minutes for two seats at the bar, assisted by some regulars. The bar is definitely where it is at; the bartenders definitely know their stuff, from well crafted cocktails, to the extensive brown liquor, tequila and rum lists, and the food. All the food was delicious, starting from oysters in the halfshell, followed by humungous perfectly fried squash blossoms stuffed with ricotta, then the decadent uni toast served in a cast iron skillet with generous amount of cockles, the two pastas: a chitarra which was basically a cacio e pepe, and the pork shank pappardelle. Everything was delicious and quite generously portioned. I thought the food was better than our similar menu at Bucato a few months ago. I like the feel of the restaurant a lot more too, just more my style, a large box of a space with exposed brick walls and a very impressive soaring lit up bar. Since they clearly knew their stuff, I stuck with the cocktails for dinner, starting with the Barbados #1, a strawberry and rum based cocktail, followed by off the menu concoctions from the bartender: a strawberry mojito, a honey rum drink and a nightcap with aged rum, coffee liquor and heavy cream (basically a white russian with rum instead of vodka). K stuck with the bourbons and tried lots of great stuff, including Rocking Hill and 4 Roses. It's the perfect spot for 2 people at the bar; I would otherwise recommend getting a reservation for larger parties but the experience won't be quite the same.

Venice Saturday

What could be a better morning: brunch at Gjelina followed by wandering up and down Abbott Kinney. Used to be a pretty typical Saturday before little k's arrival, and happy she's old enough now that she can enjoy it with us.