Digging Through Your "Boyfriend's" Closet

Trend Obsession - The Boyfriend Blazer

Of all the pieces in my wardrobe, the boyfriend blazer is definitely one of my key staple pieces for fall.  For so many years, I have always gone to my trusty - and typically black - cardigan to throw over tanks, tees and blouses.  Well, for this season at least, I'm kissing that cardigan goodbye and trading it in for the blazer.  

 

Somewhere over the past four months, I have managed to quickly expand my blazer collection. From my tweed Urban Outfitters find to the basic black, I have found that blazers pretty much go with anything and everything.  When I returned from London in June, my electric blue, linen blazer from TopShop turned out to be the jacket to have by my side, night and day.  The loose fit and bright color keeps it casual, but since it still has the blazer cut, it can easily be dressed up with slacks or with a black, cotton sundress and heels.  

Here are some of my favorite blazers of the moment.  Loving how the long blazer was styled at the Stella McCartney Fall 2009 RTW show.  Below, the jacket is paired with faux-leather thigh high boots - one of fall's hottest trends.  If you aren't so daring, try pairing with either patterned tights or liquid black leggings to get the look.  The Silence & Noise Ankle Zip Python Legging from Urban Outfitters would give the look a little more edge - great for a night on the town.

Stella McCartney - www.style.com

Silence & Noise Ankle Zip Python Legging - www.urbanoutfitters.com

Silence & Noise Double Breasted Blazer - www.urbanoutfitters.com

*Saving the Best for Last*

BB Dakota O'Sullivan Tweed Blazer - www.shopnastygal.com

Keep it Simple - Would be adorable if paired with jeans and a white or black ribbed tank, wearing the blazer unbuttoned.  Wear gold chain bracelets or necklace and a little bling (perhaps diamond stud earrings) to give it a little more style.

Capturing the Image to a "Tee"

Latest Fashion Obsession - Nasty Gal Vintage

I think what I love most about my London adventures is the shopping - it's seriously the best.  What makes it the best though?  What makes it different from shopping in the states?  For me, my biggest problem with shopping in the states is that everything always seems the same, within the retail means that is.  Here in the states, apparel isn't as interesting or as reinventing as it could be, unlike the fashions you can find up and down Oxford Street in London.  To name one specifically, Top Shop is exactly what I am talking about - it's amazeee.  I've recently been feeling as if finding pieces similar to those found at Top Shop is close to impossible, until I stumbled upon Nasty Gal Vintage online, via twitter.  Shopnastygal.com sells vintage and new apparel pieces for the "discerning fashionista".  I couldn't agree more with this slogan.  Clothing sold on their site is exactly what the fashion diva is looking for - pieces that are distinct and that can distinguish her image & her personality from her peers.  

Nasty Gal has definitely captured a look I'm loving to a "tee" - loose vintage t-shirts dressed up with gaudy jewelry, while keeping it casual by pairing with denim shorts.  Could also be dressed up with a high-waisted mini-skirt.  Loving these looks:

Trend Obsession - Black Boots

I should also note that I am loving the "boot" trend for fall.  Now you might be thinking, "there is always a boot trend in the fall/winter collections."  I would definitely agree, but I think the boot look has shifted to a biker chic image.  These boots look great paired with shorts, as featured above, or they could be worn with tights.  I am definitely digging these boot (below) from genius Sam Edelman.  These would look great with leggings, tights or bare-legged.  They are a little more dressed up as they have a heel, but still very casual with their bulky structure.  I'd recommend pairing with a feminine top (similar to the second image above) to balance the "hardness" of the shoe.

Another Favorite of the moment: The "Hero" Boot from Topshop:

Taking on the Hustles and Bustles of Moving to LA

Since I graduated from SDSU a few months ago, I have been lucky enough to travel through Europe and start my new career path as a journalism & fashion intern in Los Angeles.  It has been quite interesting thus far, and despite some unexpected turns, has been great experience.  Having almost two months of this job under my belt, I have made the decision to move to LA - well, I wouldn't quite say decision at this point, since half my stuff is already in my new West Hollywood apartment.  It still seems so surreal.  I never thought that I would ever live in Los Angeles.  I figured if I were to stay in California, I would continue to live in San Diego and not tackle the devil 405 fwy on a daily basis.  Despite the hellish Los Angeles traffic and congestion though, the opportunities that this city holds practically gives me butterflies.  I have no idea what I will be doing in six months time, but I am hoping that this move will push me in right direction in terms of a fashion career.  It's amazing how life can take unexpected, but good, turns on you.  

Moving is always exciting in terms of getting a fresh start.  I will admit the packing and unpacking sucks (note: "sucks" is a major understatement), but, for me at least, the imagining and decorating of a new place makes it all worth while.  I'm trying to decide what the main decor theme for my new home will be.  I'm thinking shabby chic vintage with an edgy, almost urban outfitters-ish, feel.  Mixing and matching the old with the new can make your home very unique and personable, while still having that trendy feel.  Sometimes though, getting this "old but new" vintage style can be rather expensive.  As a recent college graduate, this realization is a huge bummer since I am living on limited funds.  Therefore, I am finding that Craigslist is my new best friend - you can seriously find some of the best stuff for super cheap.  I highly recommend it.  Other places I'm loving - Ikea (as always - never fails for your basic needs), Pier1 (surprisingly), Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters & Target.