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.

Courtside Style

Isabel Marant x H&M fringe boots, Adidas Stan Smith sneakers

Gotta make sure the shoes are up to par when sitting courtside. I have to say there's nothing like watching a basketball game with your feet on the hardwood and all the action a few feet away. We've had good seats before but nothing compares to the front row. Plus 1 for a Clippers blowout win against the league's worst 76ers.

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

Vegas, Baby

The view from our table at Hyde at the Bellagio

K and I went to Vegas for a quick work trip in mid-October. I hadn't been to Vegas in about seven years ago so I was excited to check it out. We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental, which was perfect. It's a nice oasis in the middle of the strip, I am glad that I did not have to walk through a casino every time I wanted to go out. I spent the morning seeing the new Vegas, shopping at Crystals and Bellagio and stopping for a lovely solo al fresco lunch at Mon Ami Gabi at Paris. Had a wonderful afternoon massage and spa experience at the Mandarin Oriental, then it was off to Rose.Rabbit.Lie at the Cosmopolitan for a work dinner. We met up with an old family friend who lives and works in Vegas at Hyde at Bellagio, which I really enjoyed. We had a wonderful open-air table right in front of the fountains, and I actually liked the live music. It was busy, as it was a Thursday night, but felt relatively classy for Vegas. I could have stayed there all night. Instead we met up with some work people at Hakkasan in MGM which is the club of the moment. It's been ages since I've been in a club, I think I am too old for it! We had a great table and bottles right in the heart of the action, but it was definitely a little too much for me. Spent the next day detoxing by the mellow pool at the Mandarin Oriental, followed by a fancy dinner at Twist inside the Mandarin Oriental then a flight home.