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