PS11 Tiny

Proenza Schouler PS11 Tiny in Verdena

Braving the mayhem at Saks at 8am on December 26th was worth it for this pretty little find.  We actually got there a little late, at 8:15am when the shelves were pretty bare, but happened to be at the right place at the right time, right next to the sales table when it was replenished by the staff. I grabbed this Proenza Schouler PS11 tiny right away (years of sale experience) and it was love at first sight, and for an extra 50% off the sales price (about 65% off total), it was too good to leave behind. I love little crossbody bags; after over a year of carrying huge and heavy diaper bags, love the freedom of a tiny little bag. I like the structure and polish of the PS11 as well as the lovely teal shade, just the right pop of color for a small bag. The same day, I also bought, but then returned the 3.1 Phillip Lim large Pashli in Cobalt at Barneys, even at 60% off plus a Barneys giftcard, just didn't make my heart race, unlike the PS11. I've seen some really good deals on Proenza Schouler this sale season at 50%+ off; also picked up a PS1 Zip Wallet in Plum and my mom got the Courier. It seemed like not so long ago when the PS1 never went on sale. Pictured below with my new Isabel Marant Dewar booties, love these little flat booties for running around town.

Helmut Lang Tee, Isabel Marant Dewar booties in khaki, Proenza Schouler PS11, Isabel Marant x H&M kids shorts and belt, and K's Raybans

Well Done

Isabel Marant pour H&M ruffled silk skirt, Madewell sweatshirt, Isabel Marant Prescott boots

A black and white outfit for the warm LA winters. I had originally overlooked this Isabel Marant for H&M ruffled skirt at launch as I was focused on the more statement items like the wool cardigans and boots. The tiered ruffle miniskirt is such a signature Marant silhouette though, I was really close to getting the Sandrine skirt last spring, but opted for the Salome shorts for practicality, and this skirt is quite similar even in pattern to the Zelia skirt from the upcoming spring 2014 Etoile line.

I couldn't resist these mainline Isabel Marant Prescott boots when I stopped by Barneys on my way home from Christmas errands last Friday. Always dangerous to just "stop by" Barneys. They aren't the most practical boots, as I don't have that many opportunities to get dressed up with a busy toddler, but couldn't resist them on second markdown... Plus they were the last pair so I had to at least take them home to "contemplate"...

Leather, Lace & Snowmen

Ugly Christmas sweater bar crawl outfit: third-hand snowman cardigan from the Fairfax flea market, Isabel Marant x H&M boots and lace top, Maison Martin Margiela x H&M leather leggings, Prada sunglasses

This year, I attended not one, but two ugly Christmas sweater parties, plus I get bonus points for having two different ugly sweaters. First outfit was for a rather fancy bar crawl in Santa Monica, so I had to class it up with a real going out outfit underneath just in case. I can't remember the last bar crawl I've been to, but it was loads of fun; we hit up Bungalow at the Fairmount, Hotel Shangri La rooftop for sunset, Copa de Oro and King's Head for the best fish and chips (an opinion likely heavily influence by the numerous cocktails consumed prior). Definitely less fancy as the night progressed. I actually came home with this snowman cardigan from the first ugly sweater party; I was complimenting another guest on this sweater and he insisted that I take it home. I actually think it's kinda cute, snowmen juggling, making snow angels... I've been wearing it around even at non-ugly Christmas sweater related events.

Ugly Christmas sweater party #1: matching H&M reindeer and snowflake sweaters

Leather and Zips: Isabel Marant Kady Love

Etoile Isabel Marant Kady leather jacket in black, Etoile ivo cords and Dicker boots in cognac leather

In addition to spending way too much on the Isabel Marant pour H&M collaboration, I've been busy picking up some of my favorite Etoile / mainline Isabel Marant pieces during my favorite time of year, sale season. I am seriously on a shopping ban after this! I've been eyeing this Etoile Isabel Marant Kady jacket for a few seasons now, and picked up the jacket in black on sale at Creatures of Comfort. Love the easy style of the jacket, the quilted shoulders and epaulets, zippers, and super soft lambskin leather. Like all Isabel Marant pieces, mixes and matches with everything easily, from pants to dresses. I also got these leather Dicker boots a few months ago on sale. Not as comfortable as my suede Dickers, and also scratches and stains easily; probably needs time to break in. In addition to the Kady Jacket and lovely Prewitt dress, I also got the Prescott knee high boots and Dewars booties yesterday on second markdown while stopping by Barneys while "in the area" (always dangerous), and have the Ralf blouse and Iti cords coming to me from Net-A-Porter's second mark down. A little bit of everything and spending way too much...

Girls Night Out

Isabel Marant pour H&M lace dress and fringe boots

Love any chance to get a little dressed up. A pretty much all Isabel Marant x H&M ensemble for a dinner and drinks with the ladies in Brentwood. Can't go wrong with a little black dress; I bought the black lace top from the collaboration at launch, but the dress, in my normal size 4, fits better, plus is lined. These boots are great, quite easy to walk in, even for someone that is not accustomed to heels. I've had this Chanel purse for 5-10 years now, one of my most enduring purchases.

Isabel Marant x H&M loop cardigan, fringe boots, Chanel reissue

Holiday Party Season

Etoile Isabel Marant Prewitt Dress in Midnight, Isabel Marant x H&M fringe boots, Prada sunglasses

I've been loving this Isabel Marant Prewitt dress all season long and finally bought it a few weeks ago, one of my two regular Isabel Marant purchases for the season, since I spent way too much on the Isabel Marant pour H&M collaboration. I don't wear a lot of blue so it was a nice addition to my wardrobe. Plus the color and style is workable into spring, even though its from the fall / winter season. Perfect dress for K's company holiday party with little k, not too revealing for a daytime corporate holiday party with families but maintaining at least some semblance of style. While I wore the dress with the fringe boots and the PS1 for a baby shower in the morning, I changed to regular Dicker boots (and a diaper bag) for the holiday party to tone it down a bit.

Etoile Isabel Marant Prewitt dress, Proenza Schouler PS1 in raspberry, Isabel Marant x H&M fringe boots and Prada sunglasses

Winter is Coming

Isabel Marant for H&M hooded cardigan and knit sweatpants, Madewell sweatshirt, Isabel Marant Betty sneakers

It's about as cold as it gets here in Southern California. I've been wearing this hooded cardigan from the Isabel Marant for H&M collaboration pretty much non stop. As much as I love the looped black and white cardigan, this one is a lot more practical and easy to throw on over any outfit for any occasion. And I know I will be living in these knit sweatpants from the same collection, so comfy! At first I balked at paying $35 (or especially $59 for the women's version) for sweatpants, but now I get it.

Blinded by the Light

This shiny silver pilot jacket from the Isabel Marant for H&M collaboration is a pretty awesome piece. The reversible silk side is super soft and puffy and the jacket is just the perfect weight with a little flash for LA. I actually got it for my mom, who has been wearing it nonstop, but will be borrowing lots. It runs oversized; I like the fit of this size 2 the best. I also love these kids knit sweatpants from the collection. So soft and cozy. This is the kids size 10-11; I would probably prefer one size up for a baggier sweatpant like fit, but I'll be keeping these as I doubt I will find them in a larger size. I tried on the women's version was nice, but not enough for almost twice the price. Obsessed with this collection...

Isabel Marant pour H&M silver pilot jacket and knit sweatpants, Toms Nepal Boots

Catching Fire

Movie date night outfit for Catching Fire. I think this is the first movie that we've seen in a theater in at least two years. So happy I was able to grab this Isabel Marant pour H&M shaggy coat and fringe boots at the launch date, adds a little pizzazz to an otherwise casual outfit.

Outfit: Isabel Marant pour H&M Loop cardigan, embroidered jeans (kids) and fringed boots, Alternative Apparel v neck and Isabel Marant belt.

So Thankful

For family, friends and food. Happy 2013 Thanksgiving! First time hosting Thanksgiving at home since three years ago.

Excellent 2009 horizontal Pinot Noir (loved the Rivers Marie Silver Eagle Pinot)

Smile! Like You Mean It

Some items from the Isabel Marant for H&M kids collection, including the Smile sweatshirt, embroidered "Renell" jeans and fringed "Yuli" scarf. I ordered the Smile sweatshirt online, picked up the fringed scarf at a random H&M that didn't carry the collection and JK brought the embroidered jeans all the way from NYC for me. The Smile sweatshirt (size 12-14 kids) is very soft, better quality than the 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target Boom sweatshirt and the jeans (size 13-14 kids) are also very comfortable (even after a thanksgiving meal!) and love the embroidery detail.  A very typical hang around the house outfit with little k. I love these Toms Nepal Boots: cozy, cute mix of patterns and fabric and easy to walk in.

Isabel Marant for H&M kids scarf and embroidered jeans, Isabel Marant Betty sneakers and Capu belt

Isabel Marant for H&M kids Smile sweatshirt, Uniqlo jeans, Isabel Marant belt and Toms Nepal Boots

Toms Nepal Boots Mixed Woven

More Isabel Marant for H&M

Isabel Marant pour H&M cream turtleneck sweater, Etoile Isabel Marant pants and Dicker boots

I have a problem; every time I set foot inside an H&M, I end up leaving with another piece of Isabel Marant for H&M. I should be satisfied with my launch day haul (and I do love everything, have been wearing pieces everyday) but the collaboration is so good, I always end up finding something that I just have to take home. This cream men's turtleneck is an example. I had my sights set on this sweater in the cardigan version in either men's or boys, as I have always loved Isabel Marant's Yosemite / Yoan sweaters, but both versions were gone by the time I got to them. They let the first 25 people in line in the door 15 minutes early to shop childrens and mens, so they cleaned out everything by the time the doors opened. I haven't seen it in the stores at all, which is why I grabbed this turtleneck when I saw it. It definitely is big on me; it's actually a men's size L, but I love the design so much that I had to bring it home, at least to ponder it further. It is so soft and cozy; wish I could find it in a smaller size, but I will keep this one if I can't, which is a longshot.

This scarf was another example. I've admired, but have never purchased, Isabel Marant fringed scarves, as they are quite pricy and I'm not much of a scarf person. I was so focused on the clothes and shoes from this collaboration that I didn't pay much attention to the accessories, and by the time I saw pictures of this scarf, it was long gone. I found it today at the H&M on the promenade as I was headed to the farmer's market for some Thanksgiving shopping. Must be meant to be! It's like a smaller version of the Isabel Marant Yuli scarf, really lovely, 100% silk (but rustic feeling), and I prefer it to the women's fringed scarf, the color and pattern is easy to incorporate into any wardrobe, giving a nice finishing touch to any outfit without being overwhelming.

As for other pieces that I picked up post launch, I got the silk black and white patterned blouse and silver bomber jacket for my mom that I am going to be borrowing a lot, as well as some basics from the kids line. Love this collaboration!

Isabel Marant pour H&M Launch and Review

Isabel Marant x H&M jacket with beaded embroidery, linen tee from the kids line and fringe suede and leather boots

I think I'm officially retired from queuing up for these collaborations. Of course I say that now, but we'll see who the guest designer next year (Marc Jacobs please? Maybe he has some extra time now that he's left Louis Vuitton). I haven't waited in line since Lanvin x H&M, but since pretty much all I wear these days is Isabel Marant, I just couldn't miss it. The ad campaign, featuring some of my favorite models and familiar faces (incl Daria Werbowy, Devon Aoki, Alek Wek, Milla Jovovich) was gorgeous and quintessentially Marant with amazing clothes. It didn't bother me that I already own (and paid more for) some mainline and Etoile Isabel Marant "originals" that may have served as inspiration for this collab (ie Ivo cords in burgundy with zips, morrocan printed Itzel pants, the Obira wool cardigan, quilted jackets, linen and feather printed tops, comfy pants; there were so many pieces I still loved; hard part was editing down my list. In the end the early rising was worth it, I picked up most of what I wanted from the Isabel Marant x H&M collaboration and several items for friends, thanks to my fellow line members, an understanding husband and grandmother (babysitter). I arrived at 4:00am at Beverly Center and was number 43 in line, the 3rd person in the second group. which was perfect. The wait wasn't bad, got the time to read half a book, watch the sunrise, listen to my ipod, things I never do with a busy toddler... We were let into the mall around 7am and H&M doors opened at 8am and I grabbed a couple of items from kids and mens for some people I met in line that were in the first group who helped me get the fringe boots, and then waited for my turn for the womens area to open at 8:20am. They replenished everything I had my eye on and I was near the front of the line so I could see where to go first. I immediately grabbed the black and white wool looped cardigan / sweater coat and beaded jacket, followed by the hooded wool sweater coat and some other items for friends and was done fairly quickly. I looked at some of the dresses and separates, but they weren't of as much interest, I really thought the outerwear were the most unique pieces. After trying some things on and chatting with friends I met in line, I was on my way home around 9:30. Not too painful! It's actually worth the lack of sleep to line up early and shop first and get what you want in the right sizes as opposed to stand around and watch other people shop and all the items disappear while waiting for your timeslot which I experienced with Lanvin x H&M. The only way I got so many things from previous designer collaborations was by stalking the stores for returns, something which I do not have time for these days with little k.

Isabel Marant x H&M black and white looped wool cardigan and fringe boots

Isabel Marant x H&M hooded wool-blend cardigan and fringe boots

Sizing / Fit / Quality: Size wise, the wool sweater cardigans are huge, particularly the black and white (both are the XS), the sleeves go way past my hands and the fit is baggy all over, but I like the oversized look. They are really cozy and comfortable. Honestly, I like the H&M Isabel Marant sweater coats more than my Etoile Isabel Marant Obira cardigan sweater coat, they aren't itchy at all! The XS fit of the H&M versions is comparable to an Etoile Isabel Marant size 36, perhaps a little bigger. I know so many wool sweater coats may be a bit overkill for LA (particularly this 80 degree sweltering heat). The embroidered jacket runs a little small, particularly around the sleeves and underarm area, since it's a little stiff because of the thickness. I'm wearing my usual 4 in the jacket. It's thicker and stiffer than my Etoile Isabel Marant Sumac jacket but a pretty similar cut. I also have the black lace top and find that the lace top also runs a little tight in the arms. I was only able to grab a size 6, and it is pretty fitted in the arms though loose in the body. Not sure if I will keep it because I think a size 4 would still fit better. The linen tee is a size 12-14 kids and really similar to the Etoile Isabel Marant linen tees that I've seen in store, cut and feel. Shoes are regular H&M sizing (H&M sizing is weird), I am normally US 7 / EU 37 and got the 37/6 in the fringe boots. I am a size 37 in my two pairs of Isabel Marant Dicker Boots (one suede, one leather) and Betty Sneakers. I love these fringe suede and leather boots; I've been wanting a pair of Isabel Marant Monys forever and almost settled for a pair of Isabel Marant Sailor cone heel canvas fringe boots a few seasons ago (that I returned) which were almost twice the price on sale at Barneys. They aren't as comfortable as the Dicker or Betty shoes that I wear practically everyday, but similar to the Sailore boots that I've tried. Definitely need some practice walking in them and will put some rubber grips on the bottom.

Quality wise, I'm impressed, particularly for the sweaters and boots. Then again, all of the H&M designer collaboration pieces that I've bought have been nice quality. The black and white looped cardigan is 100% wool and the hooded sweater coat is mostly wool and alpaca with 13% acrylic (my Etoile Obira cardigan is also wool and alpaca with 25% acrylic). Boots are real leather and suede.  The sweaters snag easily because of the loose knits, there is a small scuff on the leather of the boots and a bit of the beading has fallen off of the embroidered jacket, so the pieces are a bit delicate. I picked them up straight off the rack, so I would be wary when looking at returned pieces. As for the other pieces in the collection that I tried on, the silver jacquard pieces are too shiny for my taste, the chiffon pieces didn't really fit / lie well (random puckers and wrinkles) and the silk gold pieces were a little flimsy.  I like but don't love those pieces, and would purchase them on sale but not at full price. As for what I love the most, it is a toss up between the two wool cardigan / sweater coats. The shape and style of the black and white looped cardigan is amazing, but I also really fell in love with the hooded coat after trying it on and I know it's the piece I wear wear the most. I love Alek Wek, but the hooded cardigan didn't jump out to me in her ads for the collection and I think the coat looks a lot better in real life. As for what is going back, the only pieces that I'm iffy on keeping are the quilted jacket since its expensive and I already have an Isabel Marant quilted jacket as well as the lace top which is a bit big. We'll see...
Some detail shots:

Isabel Marant x H&M preview

On the Sunset Strip

H&M collab overload: Lanvin x H&M dress and Maison Martin Margiela x H&M candy clutch and black plexi heels

I am always looking for excuses to dress up as I have a closet full of fun clothes that don't nearly get enough wear. For K's birthday, I took him to Rivabella on the Sunset Strip. Sunset is probably the only place in LA where one doesn't totally feel out of place getting really dressed up. One of the things I miss about New York, where getting dressed up rarely looks out of place. Anyway, perfect night to break out some of my H&M designer collaboration greatest hits. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I love this H&M Lanvin dress. It's one big poofy statement piece and I think reflective of the genius and whimsy of Alber Elbaz. Ugh, I can't wait for Isabel Marant x H&M, love everything way too much!

Underwood Farms

We had such a fun time today at Underwood Farms in Moorpark. Looking forward to it becoming an annual fall tradition.

New Chanel!

Canvas Chanel Espadrilles in Ecru / Black

I have not bought any Chanel in at least five years but I had to break the drought with these lovely canvas Chanel espadrilles, just in. I put my name down on the list at the Chanel boutique several months ago and have been waiting patiently ever since. Imagine my panic when I checked my voicemail this morning and picked up a message from a few days ago from the boutique saying that the espadrilles had come in. I already had plans to take little k to Underwood Farms for some pumpkin picking, so my mom was kind enough to go to the boutique for me this morning. Since I wasn't there to try it on in person, she came home with both the size 37 and 38. I am normally a 36.5 / 37 but heard the espadrilles run small and indeed, while I can fit in the 37, the 38 is a lot more comfortable and will be the pair I keep. There was a beige on beige version in the store, but I prefer this pair. Love the contrast black toe with the textured ecru body and raw edges, a fresh yet classic color combination. As fun as the colored ones from the upcoming cruise collection could be, I'm glad I got this classic combination, at least for my first pair. I am a little worried about getting them dirty and they are a little summery, but I'm sure that I will make good use of them in LA, even in winter. They looked great with cropped pants or rolled up jeans, as well as shorts and skirts. I prefer the canvas versions to the leather ones which look strangely formal to me. Love these new shoes!

Pumpkin Tossing

Isabel Marant Ariana Jacket, Garland Skirt and Dicker Boots

An all Isabel Marant outfit for chasing little k around amongst the Halloween decorations. Had a nice very fall meal at Rustic Canyon last night, including some apple fennel radish salad, chicken with spaetzle and pork chops with cheddar polenta, topped off with a maple pot de creme and apple hand pies. It was a good meal, I definitely like what Jeremy Fox has done at the helm. Menu is a little bit limited, but understandable given the emphasis on seasonal local fare. It veered a bit on the heavily seasoned side but also understandable given the hearty fare. Wine list was a little pricy so we brought our own bottle of 2009 Rivers Marie Occidental Ridge Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir which went well with the meal. Overall, preferred our meal at Tar & Roses, but glad that we tried Rustic Canyon again. Nice to have some options in Santa Monica

Summertime Casual: Quilted Jackets and Shorts

Isabel Marant Etoile Sumac Jacket, Uniqlo shorts, Zara tee and Swedish Hasbeens x H&M clogs

I've been living in shorts all summer, busy chasing little k around. With the exception of the last month or so, it's been an unusually cool summer, so this quilted Isabel Marant Sumac jacket has been the perfect piece to throw on for the cooler mornings and to add just a little polish to my very casual outfits. So happy that I was able to pick up this jacket on second markdown at Barneys, I've been coveting it all season long.

Tar and Roses: Simply Wonderful

Image from www.tarandroses.com

We had one of the best meals that I've had in Los Angeles at Tar & Roses last night. We try to go out sans little k a few times per month, trying new places, such as Hinoki & the Bird and old favorites like Gjelina. this was the best meal that we had by far. Every dish but one was an absolute knock out, we savored every bite. We ordered nine small plates to share and skipped the entrees, we wanted to try as much as possible. The standout dishes included: lamb heart kabobs, chicken liver pate, vietnamese beef tartare, charred little gem lettuce with dates and blue cheese, squid ink fettuccine with octopus, wood oven roasted sunchokes with goat cheese and hazelnuts, and the strawberry crostini with honeycomb ice cream. Everything just exploded with flavor, just perfect. Paired nicely with a bottle of 2010 Palmina Barbera.