Helmut Lang Simple Basics

Helmut Lang alpaca knit and asymmetric top, Maison Martin Margiela x H&M leather leggings

I picked up a couple of Helmut Lang basics at the end of season sales. They are my first Helmut Lang pieces, but I've always liked the Helmut Lang aesthetic: everyday basics like lightweight knits with interesting details like asymmetric cuts, mismatched hems and draping.

OOTD: Marni Rabbits, Miniskirts and Patent

Marni x H&M t-shirt, T by Alexander Wang skirt, Maison Martin Margiela patent plexi invisible wedges

Outfit of the day for "mommy & me" group with little k: marni x H&M t-shirt, t by alexander wang ruched skirt and black patent invisible wedge heels from Maison Martin Margiela x H&M. A little dressier than normal, but we have a lunch with all our little friends. Little k is fascinated by the colorful rabbit so I wore it for her. The t by alexander wang jersey ruched skirt is a wardrobe staple that I picked up this fall, perfect for all seasons and goes with everything. James Perse makes a nice version, and I tried to buy Isabel Marant's version, but it was sold out in my size by the time sale season came around. It's been gorgeous in LA all week with temperatures in the mid 70's, hence the short skirt and t-shirt.  It was so nice that we even moved S's babyshower at my place out onto the patio by the pool on Sunday; can't be LA in January!

Prabal Gurung x Target: Print Explosion

Prabal Gurung x Target. My favorite dress, in the floral crush print. Image from fashionista.com

updated review here
I am a huge fan of Prabal Gurung, particularly his FW 2012 collection and also the latest SS 2013 collection, so I've been eagerly anticipating the release of the lookbook for his Target collaboration. I love his beautiful prints as well as interesting and varied silhouettes.  The lookbook for Target did not disappoint and appears to be consistent with his aesthetic with some really fun vibrant prints and flirty silhouettes. We will have to see how the fit and quality is in real life, as I haven't been too pleased in the past with the quality of the Target collaboration, lots of the materials are synthetic. A couple of my favorite looks, including the wedges, which are similar to the Alexander Wang Vikas wedges that I missed out on last spring.

Date night print. Image from fashionista.com

Shirtdress is interesting, but love the wedges

Down with Morrocan Prints and Owls

+J x Uniqlo short down coat, Burberry owl shirt, Isabel Marant Itzels and Betty sneakers.

It's been rather chilly the past few weeks so time to break out the down jackets for Southern California. My brother in law from Boston was mocking all the people he saw in LA wearing big puffy coats, but highs in the 50's are cold for us! Only in LA can you get away with a cropped and 3/4 sleeve down jacket from the Jil Sander x Uniqlo collection. The Isabel Marant itzel cords are a new addition from Christmastime. A little hard to pair due to the busy print vs. the Ivos, just need to keep it relatively simple on top.

Jason Wu for Target / Neiman Marcus

My favorite ornament of the three

I think that Jason Wu is the only CFDA designer who put any thought into his pieces for the massive Target / Neiman Marcus / CFDA holiday collection. Even at 70% off, I'm not even tempted to settle for any of the items. I ordered the Marc Jacobs pouch and Oscar de la Renta dog bowl just to check it out, but the dog bowl came broken, and the pouch just isn't even worth $20 (originally $70). I feel like Jason Wu is the only designer who made any effort and whose pieces actually reflect his design aesthetic. I feel like Jason Wu's runway collections have gotten stronger and stronger every season; I  F/W 2012 was beautiful and his S/S 2013 show was probably my favorite collection of the entire season. For the Target / Neiman Marcus collection, his little girl dresses are adorable; I wish he made adult sized clothes for the collection. J. was ever thoughtful and picked up both for little K while shopping at Neiman Marcus the other day, I can't wait to see them! I ordered the set of three ornaments, which I love. This was our first year with a Christmas tree, and we started out with basically no ornaments; my mom had to pull out her 25+ year old dusty ornaments so that we had something on our tree. We got a lot of ornaments as gifts this year; I think it was a hint that we should really step up our game. The Jason Wu / Target / Neiman Marcus ornaments are beautiful and unique, they seem well made, substantial with lovely details such as lace etchings, gold filagree and crystals. Even the packaging is really nice, nicer than most Target collaborations, in a sturdy minimalist box.

Red Prada and Invisible Wedges

Prada dress, Maison Martin Margiela x H&M nude invisible wedges

 Outfit from little K's baptism right before Christmas: red Prada dress from F/W 2008, Maison Martin Margiela x H&M nude plexi / lucite wedges (I also had on a jacket for church). I really like these shoes; I've been looking for a pair of nude shoes for the longest time and I like how the clear plexi wedge makes the shoe float in the air. It's not easy to find a pair of nude shoes that matches my complexion, but these work. I was happy to find these marked down to $99 from $299 at the Sunset Plaza H&M a few weeks ago. Not as great of a deal as $30 for the red and black patent versions, but I like these the best. They are surprisingly comfortable; I don't find the height bothersome even though I rarely wear heels now and they are quite stable to walk in. I took my regular size 37, even though it's marked as size 37/6, and I'm usually a US 6.5-7.

Isabel Marant Obira Cardigan and Ivo Cords (and more MMM x H&M)

Maison Martin Margiela for H&M Dolly Cardigan, Uniqlo flannel shirt, Isabel Marant Ivo cords and Dickers

Two new staples to my fall / winter wardrobe from Isabel Marant are the Obira Cardigan and Ivo corduroy pants in garnet. They pretty much go with everything in my wardrobe; the Obira is the perfect weight for Southern California fall / winters. It's a little itchy, but fine with a long sleeve underneath. It's thick and slouchy, and I like the longer length and pockets. I like the Ivos a lot. I could see how the cropped length might be impractical in colder weathers, but they are perfect for LA with a pair of Dickers or sneakers, and the various zippers make it just a bit more interesting than ordinary cords. The red garnet color is also more versatile than I first expected, and goes with all my winter greys and blacks. I'm kicking myself for not also picking up the Ardoise version when I had the chance during Barney's second markdown. I also bought the Isabel Marant Laloo dress and Itzel moroccan print cords in Anthracite on second markdown, but I am not positive that I will keep either, as I don't expect to get as much wear out of them as compared to the Ivos or Obira Cardigan, both of which I've worn a lot since Christmas. Hard to decide; on one hand, I've done way too much shopping in the last month, but on the other hand, I really only do all my shopping twice a year at the end of season sales. We'll see... I also love this chunky Dolly Cardigan from the Maison Martin Margiela x H&M line. It's a size M so 1-2 sizes too big, but is meant to be oversized anyway, so I'll make it work, particularly for $39 (down from $99). It's thick and cozy, but mostly cotton, so very comfortable.

Isabel Marant Obira Intarsia Cardigan, Uniqlo flannel shirt, Lululemon leggings, Isabel Marant Betty Sneakers

I've been living in these Uniqlo flannel shirts that my parents brought to me from Taiwan. Wish I had more.

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M Bargains

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M beige suede jacket and red patent plexi invisible wedge heels

I did a little post-Christmas shopping and picked up a couple more Maison Martin Margiela for H&M pieces for $20-$30 at the Beverly Center. I had already bought the nude plexi wedges on sale but couldn't resist the black and red patent versions for $30 (down from $299). I also bought the beige suede pattern cut jacket for $20 (down from $299) and the red hitched up dress for $20 (down from $199). The suede jacket is one size too big and a bit stiff, but I can make it work for that price (93% off plus real suede!). The shoes are really comfortable, and the red is flattering red and nice for a pop of color against a neutral outfit and the black will go with everything. I know three pairs of shoes in the same style is a bit overkill, but they cost in aggregate about half of the original price of one of the pairs of shoes. I'm lucky that I didn't buy any at full price, especially with the restrictive 7 day return policy. Luckily I haven't seen anything I bought marked down for less than I paid (yet). The rapid markdowns are indication that this collaboration wasn't as successful as past H&M collaborations, but it is one of my favorites and I bought more from this collaboration than any previous ones. I can't believe that I bought so many things (4 sweaters, 1 jacket, 1 pair of leather pants, 3 pairs of shoes and the candy clutch), but I really do love all the pieces and plan on getting lots of use out of them. I've already worn everything at least once, except for the red dress which is the only non-everyday piece. It's a really pretty red, and for $20, I couldn't leave it behind, even though we have few upcoming formal occasions. The only full priced items were the narrow shouldered jacket and candy clutch (two of the more popular pieces of the collection that sold out), everything else was 60-90+% off. I think it's really well made with some really interesting details, especially at these prices. Stay tuned for more pics...

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M beige pattern cut jacket for $20 and red patent pumps for $30

Welcome 2013!

Yes, that is a mini bottle of Veuve. Perfect for the two of us.

Happy 2013! We had a quiet new years this year; dinner with family and celebrating the New Year east coast time. Definitely different than years past, but very nice.

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M leather drainpipe pants, Isabel Marant Lexy Jacket, Alternative Apparel T, Opening Ceremony boots and Prada sunglasses

Relatively low key new years outfit for a low key new years this year. Been looking for an excuse to breakout these leather legging / pants from the Maison Martin Margiela x H&M collaboration.  The pants are surprisingly comfortable, very soft leather, and a steal at $99 for real leather (marked down from $349). I wear them casually, pairing them with soft knits and loose tunics. Everytime I wear them, I think of that episode of Friends with Ross' leather pants. Fortunately, I have yet to get stuck in them.  I've been wearing the Isabel Marant Lexy boucle jacket that I bought last year a lot recently; it's very versatile paired with skirts, leggings and dresses.