FULL CIRCLE

Yesterday I became slightly obsessed with finding the perfect midi length full skirt.  I have an image in my head of what I want to wear to a swanky party in May but I can't find it at a price I am willing to bear. So I have devised a plan.  Put it together with two pieces.  A skirt and top.  

This is the dress that started my frenzy - it went on sale at Bloomies and promptly sold out. I had it in my cart. It sold out while I was checking out. I called, I online chatted with a Bloomies bot, I tried and tried and tried to secure just one... last... dress. Even at the sale price I thought it was too spendy but I really loved it. Would the universe be in my favor? Nope. But then again, maybe the universe was telling me to spend less. 

ML Monique Lhuillier (there is a size 12 back on sale fyi)

For this swanky party I am feeling part ballerina part attitude. Fitted corset/bustier on top and circle skirt on the bottom with some killer shoes.  Shouldn't be too hard right?  Try searching 'bustier top' and see what you come up with. A lot of bar maids and other naughty costumes.

Wish me luck on my quest. I put together a few skirts for you (and me) as I continue on this journey of finding something I love, and something that will not cost a fortune. Although I did include some Tibi skirts as they are just too pretty to pass up. One can hope for a sale right?  

beyond obsessed / Flynn Skye dress

I just had a truly laser-sharp-determined-beyond-obsessed moment over this dress:

image found: here

I had countless browser windows open, Tin Eye searches, Google image searches, pages and pages of 'backless striped maxi dress' searches.  I first saw it on Pinterest and finally traced it to Flynn Skye. And without a doubt without reading a word, I knew this company had to be in LA the minute I looked at the site. Yup - Venice CA.

Phew. Found it. 

Wait. Sold out in this pattern. Sugar. ( I really want to swear here but I refrain).

Where else can I find it? Free People - size Large only, shopbop, no go. Finally this morning I find one on Revolve.  But it is a medium, and I need a small. I order it anyways. Wait! I found one! A size Small!  Wooo hooo! So now I have two dresses coming. Anyone local want a size M before I return it?  

Needless to say, this is beyond slightly obsessed. I am in to official stalker territory over this dress.

Here are more Flynn Skye dresses including a couple of sources for the one I just stalked.  

It is a fun brand with a laid back floaty fresh vibe that I am loving right now. 

(and PS the size S is here)

FLYNN SKYE

slightly obsessed / inspire desire mash up: cross body bags

I have been on the hunt for a (another actually) cross body bag. It all started with my desire to have hands-free airport travel with the littles this summer. I found a bag I like and promptly downsized my wallet and started using it before the travel.  We have traveled.  We are home.  Have been home for a while. I am still using it.  I love the idea, I love that this accessory is back, and I am slightly obsessed.  

Here are some images to INSPIRE...

images via the fabulous WHOWHATWEAR

and some shopping links if you so

...DESIRE

slightly obsessed: Sundry clothing

Today its a trip to So. Cal to Sundry clothing.  The minute I saw this dress/skirt in Mary Firestone's (of the Firestone Sister's blog which you must check out) facebook feed I had to see more from this brand.  

available at hip'tique in LA

I am in a very easy breezy mood when it comes to my clothing right now. Perhaps a skinny jean rebellion? I want loose soft beachy things in my closet. Sundry fits the bill. Understated and incredibly cool, I can't decide what I like more - the site design or the clothes.

Sundry captures the free spirited casualness of Southern California. And for those of you who have read the blog for a while you know that I lived in So. and Nor Cal for 20 years and it informs my style. To top it off,  the site design completely appeals to my sensibilities. 

Which might explain my Friday images... 

doesn't this look like it should be a 'simple pleasures' Friday image?  

I love the use of Pantone colors and collage. This site doesn't feel like the ordinary. And the clothes are, as creator Matt Leblan says, 'staples'.  Sounds like my 'staple style' mantra... can you see how this is a match made in heaven?  

all images: Sundry

The visuals are perfection. I love how the collections are organized and I absolutely LOVE the clothes.

So I did a little shopping for you - yes I did. And perhaps a little for me too.

easy breezy: palazzo pants

We spent some time at the beach this weekend. The first real beach weather of the season and the perfect time to pull out a few favs for the weekend bag. The top of the favorite list is a pair of navy blue slouchy linen pants I bought near the end of last summer... I am so happy to be in them as I write this.

I wasn't sure how much I would wear them last year. They are a mental shift from skinny jeans that we have been living in. I must say, the breezy comfort of a wider leg linen pant like this makes me relax a little and walk a little slower.  Pair with a simple white T or tank - I highly recommend them.

This pantsuit version stopped me in my tracks...

same brand as the black dress I am obsessing about here.

this one from SWELL

Here are a few of my favorites from this season. Whether simple white or a tad boho with a tiny print, these were an experiment for me last summer and a must-have going into this summer.

Happy Tuesday and happy shopping! 

Atlantic-Pacific

Another one of the blogs that keeps popping up in my journey is Atlantic-Pacific.  I've been checking in for quite some time and love the looks she puts together.  In a tumblr journey the other day I found this image:

...and went on a very determined hunt to find the dress.  

First I searched the image back to Atlantic-Pacific. 

Then I found another post in her archives featuring the dress:

Then I searched online for this Adam dress for what seemed like ever. Safely call this one 'slightly obsessed'. No luck. Dress sold out everywhere. Then I thought "hmmm, we look about the same size, maybe I could email her and she would sell it to me.  

Then I realized I was slightly crazy.  

So check out this fabulous fashion blog. It will no doubt inspire you to mix up a few items you already own, or shop for a few pieces to create a look.  I look forward to seeing what she mixes together each week for fresh takes on current trends.  Here is one of my latest favs:

I love a good boyfriend jean and a striped top. It is fun to see another take on the look. 

Do you think she would sell me that dress?

all images: Atlantic-Pacific

slightly obsessed: ankle strap heels

As most of my friends will attest, I do not wear heels often.  But when I do, I have (for years), worn ankle strap versions.  I love the look. They feel classic to me and are my 'go to' heel style.  Since they are having a 'moment' right now I am most happy to see images of new ways to wear them. So what better to do than embrace the moment and indulge a little.

Here are some images to 

INSPIRE

and some shopping links if you so 

DESIRE

The beauty of this fashion moment is that so many designers are offering this style.  

Which means prices for all budgets. 

I tried to provide a high/low perspective when picking these.  

From Zara to Mr. Wang and plenty in between.

happy shopping!

1) ZARA

2) Nicholas

3) Nicholas

4) Guess

5) Schutz

6) Alexander Wang

inspire images (l to r by row)

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 

slightly obsessed: Malgosia Bela

This week has turned in to a bit of a fashion week. Totally going with the flow here and writing what catches my eye when it catches my eye. I don't have a master plan of posts, or a schedule of topics. I just kind of wing it and hope you enjoy the ride.  

My latest obsession is this image from the other day's post. It is one of my favorite images of late.

It keeps popping into my head for a couple of reasons.  I love (love love love) the dress. And the energy of the image is so refreshing. So I dug a little deeper and found the whole shoot  here.

Malgosia Bela by photographer Greg Kadel, Vogue Spain July 2011.

In the spirit of holiday fancy-ness I thought I would share these today. 

Fantastic photography always stays with me so I had to dig deeper. 

I have satisfied my curiosity.  Hope you enjoyed!

INSPIRE // DESIRE: the party

I know we are headed in to Thanksgiving weekend but for those of you feeling the rapid approach of December I thought I would go on the hunt for a few party-ready ideas.

Here is an image to ...

...INSPIRE

 I tracked down the real deal merchant who sells it in ... France. 

If you are reading from afar  or willing to pay for stateside shipping, you can check it out here.

Or you can try this Nasty Gal version of the skirt. 

I must warn you, it is torturing me to tell you, that it is currently sold out. But it is perfection. 

So I had to share and I hope beyond hope that they re-stock it soon. 

I am officially obsessed with this skirt. 

...DESIRE

otherwise there is this BCBG version which is lovely too:

There is something about the drama of this image that had me looking for black ostrich feathers.

...INSPIRE

I think I would wear them on the bottom, like this dress from Warehouse if you so...

...DESIRE

Well friends, this is only the beginning. I have many more holiday ideas up my sleeve. I have to say it is a tad funny to write these 'fancy' posts while I am wearing my usual uniform of old J Brand jeans with a hole in the knee and a Gap white T.  

Until next time...

image found: ostrich girl with bun

slightly obsessed: Emmanuelle Alt

When putting together content for a post on fashion, my searches always turn up one person again and again.  Emmanuelle Alt, ever so stylish editor in chief of Vogue Paris.  She exemplifies the concept of starting with a simple canvas. Basics turn into the coolest outfit ever on her.  She puts things together in such an effortless way and delivers a look that is timeless, a  tad edgy and just plain cool.

So this Monday as you are staring at your closet wondering what to wear to work or to drop off the kids and run errands,  think 'Emmanuelle'.  Start with the basics and add a little Alt-ness.

As I write this I am still in my PJ's 

Wish me luck as I head to my closet...

I'm thinking a la Alt.

images found: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 

all I want to do: is buy Sheryl Crow's house

Today's imaginary real estate purchase is Sheryl Crow's home in the Hollywood Hills. It boasts 3 houses set on 11 acres and has hiking trails, a gorgeous pool and endless views. The main 4 bedroom house is Spanish Revival (my all time favorite) built in 1924 with original Spanish tiles and beamed ceilings. Also on the property is a 3 bedroom Craftsman home built in 1909, and a 2 bedroom cottage built in 1885.

In my imagination, a family started in 1885 with the cottage and as their wealth increased they built the Craftsman and finally the main house in 1924. I am slightly obsessed with this property and would love to know more of its history.

A quick tour of the grounds and each of the 3 houses:

The main house

The cottage

The Craftsman

the view from the pool doesn't disappoint

Now step inside the main house...

Fantasy:  Buy this house site unseen, pack up and move to the Hollywood Hills, 

jump in the pool and take a long deep breath.  

Ahhhhh.  

I highly encourage you to look at the MLS listing and listen to the music as the slideshow plays. I just did it twice. There are many more images to see including the inside of the Craftsman and Cottage. Clearly Sheryl has an eye for history and has been to a few flea markets.  

Girl after my own heart. Maybe she'd cut me a deal?  

Incase you are wondering, Ms. Crow is asking: $15,950,000

images from AD and MLS listing