Miss Monroe.

The other day I was eating at an old fashioned hamburger shop in San Francisco, and they had a poster of Marilyn Monroe on the wall. She was lifting weights. It was the first time I had seen this image, so I was surprised it was her. We see so many images of this fashion icon, but it is rare to see her lifting weights. As it turns out, Marilyn was quite the tomboy and always competed with boys when she was a child. I love to hear these stories about style icons who are more than they are made out to be. Here is the picture of Marilyn!

I came across another photo of her wearing this striped top. Marilyn was the perfect style icon.

I love her shirt. It inspired me to find this dress, a handmade item on Etsy!

You can buy it on Etsy from Silks Story for $69.99.

Here are a few runway shots also sporting the nautical stripe.

Antonia Marras, Fall 2011 RTW, simple and elegant.

Douglas Hannant Resort 2012 - Such a creative Stripe!!

An oldie but goodie, Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2009 Couture.

Ruffian Spring 2011 RTW - I love the way this stripe was used!

Sorry to be all over the place today, but I was given too many amazing things to look at.

Russian Textiles

A few years ago a friend got me into an amazing Russian Textiles show in San Francisco. It was seriously one of the coolest things I have ever seen. It was a private collection of a Russian Textiles enthusiast/historian. I am going to be a little bit of a scholarly textiles nerd today, but I wanted to share a couple of textiles from that show because they were truly amazing. I was lucky enough to walk away with a book featuring the beautiful textiles from the show. (And by lucky, I mean I couldn't pass up buying Susan Meller's book). She signed it too!

The most amazing part about the textiles featured below, is that they are well over a century old, and they still have the perfect balance of design and color that we would expect in today's market. Beauty never changes. The two textiles below are both art nouveau designs from the late 19th/early 20th century.





If these two pieces weren't enough on their own, notice how they used the second textile on the inside of a little boy's coat. It was such a beautiful surprise to open the jackets and see the stunning fabrics that graced the interiors.

This reminds me as a designer that for me, surprises are always pleasant ones.

A little BOHO

So I was inspired by the 1969 vintage photo I posted yesterday, and I pulled together a little boho number with vintage pieces from the 1970s. Also, I have to give a shout out to Dab Chick Vintage Gems for making the gold chain cuff. I've never seen anything like it and I LOVE. I pulled everything from Etsy today, so it's all one of a kind. Check it out:

Suede Shorts $75.00 Etsy (Seller: EHClassicVintage)
White Blouse $18.00 Etsy (Seller: DressYourDrawers)
Sunglasses $42.00 Etsy (Seller: Mellowdayss)
Cowboy Boots $59.99 Etsy (Seller: VintageCowboyBoots)
Gold Chain Cuff $128 Etsy (Seller: DabChickVintageGems)
Earrings $35.00 Etsy (Seller: TriniEmpress)

The earrings and the cuff are handmade items, all other pieces are vintage. Hope you love everything as much as I do. Happy Hunting!

Hitting the books...

I was lacking inspiration today so I decided to look through a book I've had for a while, "Vogue" a history of Vogue Magazine through illustrations and photos. My little brother gave it to me for Christmas a while back. He has given me a few fashion books which has been incredible. Fashion books are not something I normally spend money on, but I will always be grateful for eye candy. I decided to just share a couple of my favorite images today.

The first image is a photo shoot featuring Cindy Crawford in St. Tropez from 1991. Beautiful, classic, amazing fashion photography - at its best. Photographed by Helmut Newton, she is wearing a Giorgio d Sant'Angelo crystal studded bikini.

The next photo is very vintage...1969. It features Marisa Berenson in an Yves Saint Laurent minidress. This is back when she was one of the highest paid models in the world. She shot the cover of Vogue shortly after, in 1970. As amazing as this photo is, it was the dress that caught my eye. Everything from her jewelry to her boots would fit in perfectly in today's urban setting. This reminds me how much I LOVE Vintage!! PERFECT rockability.

I honestly would have shared more but my arms cannot hold up this book very long on my teenie scanner. Hope you enjoyed today's post.

Alexander McQueen at the MET

Can we just talk about Alexander McQueen for a second? He has been on everyone's minds lately because of his exhibit at the MET in NYC. I am heartbroken to be missing it. I know he has inspired me on a number of occasions, as well as countless others around the world. Here are a couple of highlights from the exhibit that I could find online.

If any of you happen to be in NYC before Sunday 8/7, please make it over to the MET to see the work of a modern genius.

I'm back!

Sorry to everyone for the hiatus. I've been really busy with our estate liquidation business and watching baseball and haven't had time to post! Today is going to be a bit of a shortened version of the usual, but I'm pretty much in love with the ensemble I pulled together.

I'm going to be singing at the wine fest on Treasure Island (San Francisco) in early October. I want to have a fabulous 1940s dress for the occasion since I primarily sing music from that era. I was inspired by a favorite dress on Etsy to create this ensemble. I will be keeping my eye on it, although it might be a shade out of my budget. The shoes were a surprise to work beautifully with the dress, since it was a totally separate incident when I came across them. Ed Hardy can be thanked for those beauties. I love how it updates the dress. I love taking something incredibly vintage and making it modern and edgy. Check it out...


And of course what is the perfect dress without the perfect lipstick? I selected Viva Glam I by MAC, it is the perfect shade of red and it also helps support men, women, and children living with HIV & AIDS. For more information you can go to www.maccosmetics.com.

Lipstick: Viva Glam I by MAC $14.50
Red Pill Box Hat: Vintage Etsy (seller: BombshellPaperDolls) - $14.85
Cuff (with Shakespeare Quote): Etsy (seller: Uniqueartpendants) - $25.00
Vintage Dress: Etsy $215.00
Shoes: Ed Hardy (Zappos.com) - $69.00 (Free shipping!)

Thank you to all of my followers for checking in!! It means a lot. Happy hunting! (For fashion of course!)

Don't fear color!!

A few years ago I worked in a corporate office for home fashion goods. I was a part of the creative design team. We were sitting at a table in our conference room discussing product, and when I looked around the room, I noticed for the first time that I was the only one wearing color. I was surrounded by gray and black. This is in a creative group! As time went on, I noticed this wasn't a fluke, I was the only one who wore color every day. The other designers were trying to pass Navy off as color. I'm sorry, I love a smart navy blue jacket like everyone else, but color, really? I think people feel that black, navy, and gray are safe. A lot of people don't know how to put color together and they feel silly. I'm saying don't be afraid of it! We could all use a little more color in the world. If nothing else, use nature to inspire you. I've always said nature does it perfectly.

A co-worker at the time, and now a good friend, showed me a picture one day of her native Brazil. The photo was so inspiring, and I remember saying it was my heaven. Here is that inspiring photo:

The buildings and people are so beautiful and COLORful! I imagine that to be a happy place.

What better way to express color than with birds of paradise. This beautiful tropical flower was growing on the side of the road and I snapped a picture of it on my blackberry while walking to the post office.



I pulled together a little ensemble based on this palette. I didn't use all of the colors, because you don't have to in order to make it work. If you're doing solids, I would advise no more than 3 colors. If you want to incorporate a print, you can go crazy. =)

Orange Dress: Nordstrom $44.00

Necklace: Etsy (Seller: Dejoc) $34.00 (Includes matching earrings)
Shoes: by Black Rooster $44.70 Available on Zappos.com
Blue Leather Purse: Etsy (Seller: TheLeatherStore) $135.00

For home goods I would suggest scaling the colors back even more. A neutral base allows for easy updates. The rug, pillows, throws, all of these things can be changed out to update a look. Check out how I accessorized with these colors in home decor.
Painting: Etsy (seller: LubaLubin) $500.00
Solid Yellow/Orange Pillows: Etsy (seller:  DreamPillows) $20.00 for the pair
Pink Silk Pillow: Etsy (seller: Mazizmuse) $55.00
Reclaimed Wood Tables: Etsy (seller: TheSteelFork) $910.00
Greenwich Sofa: Pottery Barn $1899.00
Vintage Uzbek Rug: Ebay (seller: uzcraft 777) $249.00 (4x6 - this is a steal!)
Medicine Bottles: Etsy (seller: ckaufmannpotter) $17.50 (pink) and $15.00 (gray)

A couple of beautiful picks from Gucci - Resort 2011:

Vintage Bohemian Quilt

Today's inspiration came from this beautiful vintage quilt I found on Etsy. (Seller DrowsySwords $65.00) The colors were too perfect to pass up.


The fashion ensemble I pulled together today is a little boho like the quilt. The feather earrings are the "must haves" of the moment. I paired it with the beaded head band to dare to be a little different. I am completely in love with the Simply Vera by Vera Wang Shoes. They are a great deal too at only $51.99 at Kohls.


Coral Dress: Urban Outfitters  $69.00
Simply Vera Shoes by Vera Wang, Available at Kohls: $51.99 (sale)
Green Leather Handbag: Etsy (Seller: Zhenunleathers) $179.00
Feather Earrings: Etsy (Seller: SouthernBreezeStudio) $10.00
Beaded Headband: Etsy (Seller: Mignonnehandmade) $48.00

Now check out these great home finds in the same color scheme.


Anderson Wing Chair: Williams-Sonoma Home: $2550.00
Cable Knit Throw: Pottery Barn: $79.00
Big Flower Pillow: Crate and Barrel $49.95
Coral Floral Pillow: Etsy (Seller SundryDesigns) Set of 2 $26.50 (What a steal!)
Bottle Photography: Etsy (Seller RebeccaPlotnick) $30.00
Flower Photography: Etsy (Seller: MoonlightPhotography) $28.00



Here are a couple of Spring 2011 dresses by Jasper Conran. The colors and fabrics are absolutely beautiful.

Coolest Ikat ever...

I found this beautiful ikat online months ago, and saved it for no reason at all. I just thought it was amazing. Now it's today's color inspiration. I am most in love with the Emerald Green.


The ensemble below has a few vintage pieces mixed in. Most of it came from Etsy. I like to bring in the specialty items when I can. After I put it together it reminded me of Shelley Long's "Uniform" in Troop Beverly Hills. I still think it's a great ensemble =)

Shoes: Guess $110.00
Skirt: Ann Taylor $108.00
Vintage Belt: Etsy $28.00 (Seller BoroughVintage)
Vintage Shirt: Etsy $14.00 (DesignersVintage)
Vintage Beret: Etsy $18.00 (TheParaders)
Bracelet: Etsy $20.00 (MiahsDreamfulJewels)

Issey Miyake brought in Emerald in a big way for his Fall 2011 show.


Marc Jacobs Fall 2011. I love that the tights are polka dot too. =)


Elie Tahari used the two shades of red (Fall 2011)

And finally, a classic Chanel sweater in Emerald from the Fall 2011 show.

Don't think I forgot about home today! I have to say I semi-cheated because it's all from Pottery Barn. I did try to pull together a selection though. Their outdoor product is great! I wanted to do an outdoor collection since Summer is on its way. Check out these picks from Pottery Barn.

Chesapeake Love Seat: $1198.00
Chesapeake Coffee Table: $349.00
Diamond Kilim Indoor/Outdoor Rug: (this is my favorite) $499.00
Outdoor Sunbrella Pillows: $30.00 each
Punched Ceramic Lanterns: $39.00-$79.00

Metallics are still hot...

Apparently metallics never die, because they are just as big as 3 years ago. Just in time for your summer sandals. Metallics speak for themselves, so I'm not going to post a palette today.

Here are some recent show highlights with some majorly flashy metallics:
I was completely in love with this ensemble by Balmain (Fall 2011):

A different take, with metallic blue, Armani Prive Couture Fall 2011:



Since most of us don't parade around looking like a disco ball/Lady Gaga (if you do, more power to you!!) here are some great metallics to layer into your summer wardrobe, or wear together if you choose:

This ensemble is for a night (or day) out:




AMAZing pair of brown metallic peep toe boots: Apepazza available at Nordstrom on sale for $94.90
Handbag: Michael Kors: $548.00
Sequin Shorts: Express: Sale $41.93
Drape Neck Top: Express: Sale $27.93
Sunglasses: Fantas-eyes: Available at Victoriassecret.com for $22.00
Gold beaded hoop earrings: Express: Sale $16.90


Some mix and match pieces for the office, or a casual date:

Metallic pants: Anne Klein Sale $43.99
Sequin tank top: Express $34.90
Tunic:  French Connection
Metallic Flats: J.Crew $128.00
Metallic Caged Slingbacks: Victoria's Secret online sale $90.00
Multi-chain necklace: Etsy (Seller Nicobel) $68.00
Earrings: Etsy (Seller designbykara) $37.00

And finally some great home products bringing metallics into the mix:

Calvin Klein Home $90.00

Hammered Metal Jars by Williams-Sonoma Home $498-$598

Crate and Barrel Metallic Black Placemat $11.95 each

One for the boys...

I was torn today about whether I should talk about menswear or metallics, two things that I would have a hard time successfully blending. As much as we want it to work, menswear and metallics just isn't something I want to venture into. So we're just going to talk about menswear. As always I will start with my color inspiration:


The scarf pictured above is available on Etsy by seller: Justfortheshellofit, for $25.00. I got a huge kick out of their seller name.

I think the key to a man dressing stylishly, (and I mean truly stylish and not just the bare minimum of being acceptable), is to layer. My little brother (now in his 20s) recently took an interest in a vintage shirt and made me so proud. This is the little boy who was in his superman briefs and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle t-shirt well into his teens. (I'm sure the TMNT shirt is now a sought after item). And bless his heart he actually reads my blog. This little ensemble is for him:




Shirt: Vintage Western: Etsy.com (Seller: UmberVintage) $24.00
Leather Jacket (Vintage): Etsy.com (Seller: VintageSuzyqclothing) $42.00
Cashmere Sweater: Lightinthebox.com $139.99
Scarf: Amazon.com $29.95
Belt: American Eagle ae.com on sale for $11.95
Jeans: American Eagle ae.com on sale for $29.95
Boots: Xelement (These are real motorcycle boots) Amazon.com $74.95

Some cool get-ups by Marc Jacobs: (Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2011):

Today is about purple and orange...and your budget!

First, I always want to start with today's color inspiration. I am always amazed at what we are able to find in nature. This flower is so beautiful on its own. Nature will always produce the most perfect color combinations.


Now I am thinking of those of us on a budget. It's funny because we look in the magazines and we see things that claim to be for those of us on a budget, and they produce a $400 outfit instead of $3000. Although I realize that putting together an outfit with all of the accessories is always an expensive venture, I did my best to budget this one as best I could. My hope is that some of the staples (white shorts) may already exist in your closet!




Pink Tank Top: JCrew $39.50
White Bermuda Shorts: Old Navy $26.94
Handpainted Scarf: Etsy $54 (Seller Tanja Design)
Hat: Gap $29.95
Hand Bag: Etsy $29.00 (Seller Marbled)
Orange Shoes: Timberland $75.00 (Zappos.com)

Here are some cool things on the runway now also venturing into purple and orange:


 Badgley Mischka wowing us with a glamorous purple dress!


Betsey Johnson Fall 2011 RTW.
Here are some cool home products that are a great add to today's entry:


The ginger jar is available through WShome.com for $125, and the rug is at CB2 for only $79.95.
And finally, this great print of a painting from Etsy. A steal for $10.(Seller LUUvre)