Ciblek Mania

Labor Day was a glorious day--no laboring.  The Chef had the day off (rarity) so we were footloose and fancy free.  Upon arising in the AM I noticed ominous clouds...and then rain.  Two hours later:  more rain.  "Fine by me", she says to herself, "I think I'll take a nap."

I know you're all probably thinking I scored the Red Poppy Pumps from last week's post.  Alas they still evade me, but I am tracking down a couple leads.  They don't call me Inspector Shoeseau for nothing (remember that one?).  In the meantime, however, I must reveal how it is that I reapproached the search with new vigor.  About a month ago, after once again professing my undying love for Isabel Marant's designs, I received an invite to a private sale where none other than some of you know what was being featured.

Confession:  I almost declined.  What if I got there and even the sale price was just too far out of reach causing me to spiral out of control into a mad depression?  I mean a girl's gotta weigh the odds.

Thankfully common sense took hold and I threw caution to the wind tossing my disheveled mop into a ponytail, donning my favorite fishnet sweater (seen here), a simple tank, some leggings and a pair of military boots to brave the unknown.  Hot damn I was on my way!  However by the time I arrived there was barely anyone left.  My heart sank.  Thoughts raced through my head:  "Why hadn't I come earlier?  There are things I recognize from the runway!  *cue whimpering* Why did I drag my feet?  Thank God I'm wearing a bunch of my faves or I'd really feel like hell. Why did I initially give into fear?  Oh look at that leather vest.  Too bad it's probably too big.  Oh that dress is cute.  Crap there aren't any of the red shoes.  Or the sequin pants.  What is wrong with me?  Wait a hot minute that vest's my size."

Pause.  Retrace steps.

Wait a hot minute.  That vest is my size.

I look to my left and then right.  There's got to be something wrong with it.  It's the best thing in this room and none of these crazy women are even looking at it.  Before someone can shank me and run off with my treasure I gently remove it from the rack, saunter over to the mirror barely breathing with hope and sheer giddiness over holding a piece from a designer that is a dream of mine, slip the vest on and immediately tear up.  I'm not lying.  I could feel the waterworks coming.  You don't understand - or maybe you do - I just love her clothing and it was a moment I really didn't know would ever happen.  But it did.  And they told me a bunch of people had wanted the vest, but NO ONE could fit in it.  Hollar!! Some things are meant to be. 




Outfit details:  Isabel Marant-Leather Vest, James Perse-Cashmere Thermal, Martin+Osa-Skinny Denim, Ash-Boots, Tom Ford-Sunnies

Did you ever see Bridget Fonda in Point of No Return?  It's a little cheesy, but I like it because it's a female spy-type movie and Bridget does a great job balancing hardcore bad a** with an emerging soft side.  Once when I lived in Canada and was out for dinner with a girlfriend, some guy randomly walked up and told us I reminded him of Maggie (Bridget) in Point of No Return.  Normally something sarcastic would have rolled off my tongue, but I was so flattered someone thought I was a spy that I just turned a bright shade of red and muttered "um, thank-you".  Ha ha!!

Last week when we were at the parents it dipped down to -25 one day, so I donned my fur trapper hat and headed off into the trees to live out my spy dreams - sans a hand gun, any secret missions, and a fake identity, of course.  I bet I could kick someone's head off though.  Oh Bridget!

I would have added captions in between, but all we were screaming at each other was "COLD, COLD, COLD, COLD COLD!" and "did that one work?, do we have enough?, did the camera shut off AGAIN?!" before I finally just snapped and went racing off toward the house through knee deep snow while the Chef chased after me in his bright green toque (beanie).

Can you believe we have to go back to work tomorrow?  I'm not even sure I can remember how to get out of bed when the alarm goes off...and what about all the cookies and chocolates?  Whatever will they do without me?? 

Hope your holidays were marvelous!

Outfit details:  Juicy Couture-Fur Trapper, Zara-Velvet Military Blazer, James Perse-Cotton/Cashmere Tunics, J.Crew-Skinny Denim, Ash-Boots, H&M-Cheetah Mittens, Tom Ford-Sunnies, 14 pairs of socks

Christmas tree shopping is a sport - you're in it to win it and you want off that lot with the motherload.  Everyone there is in a tete-a-tete for the best tree, and if you think otherwise you're a party of one (and a very nice person so no worries there).  Now of course, due to size of tree, there will be multiple games occurring simultaneously:  small, medium, large, flocked vs. unflocked - but we're all there for one thing...to make our Christmas wishes come true.  Starting with the primo tree that no one else was able to snag before you did.

While searching for my Christmas tree this weekend I took copious mental notes of the play-by-play so as to prepare anyone out there who may still be waiting to embark on this year's tree journey.  Read and enjoy...and may you score your tree come true.

Step 1:  If shopping for a real tree, pick a lot with many tree choices.  This involves eyeballing a few lots prior to the "big day".  A good tree lot is a jewel in your Christmas crown.

Scenes from the weekend

#1:  On Way to Meet See Jane (didn't get any pictures - fail! - too much good conversation - WIN!)
(Saturday afternoon driving in mad amounts of traffic on the 110 Freeway.  Chef's behind the wheel - I'm riding shotgun)

Me:  What the hell are these people doing on the road?!?
Chef:  I.do.not.know.
Me:  Get in the carpool lane before we go under that bridge into no man's land or we'll be eff'd!!  Ohhhh maaaaaan - there aren't any spacers to get into the carpool lane!!
Chef:  Yes there are.  Just up there.
Me:  No there's not!
Chef: YES THERE IS
silence as lane opens to get into the carpool lane
Chef:  Let's just drive off into the sunset of our love and never look back.
Me:  Dude are you for real? Where do you come up with this crap?? 
Chef chuckles maniacally while I shake my head so hard it almost flies off.

#2:  At Fave Mexican Restaurant
(combing menus over chips, salsa and margaritas)

Me:  What are you getting?
Chef:  I'm not sure.  How about you?
Me:  I was thinking crispy chicken taco, but now I'm thinking one of their specials.
Chef:  You're my especial. (pronounced ay-spay-see-al)
silence
I stare at him.  Then roll eyes.
He bursts out laughing
Me:  (in deadpan voice) Seriously.  What the hell is wrong with you?
He laughs even harder.

If you've been following my blog for even the shortest period of time you've likely noticed that I like to mix studded elements into my outfits. I've recently added a new piece to my wardrobe that many of you have likely seen and some of you probably even own.  Before we get to it - here's a glimpse into my love for studded perfection.  This might be a good recap for my new readers...Welcome everyone!

The Matt Bernson KM Gladiators are one of my absolute favorite pairs of shoes.  This will be their 3rd year with me and they are still my go-to summer sandal:


By adding studs Matt Bernson takes the bad ass factor of the shoe up a notch.  The shoe itself does the same to a more feminine or casual outfit.  You've seen me wear them here and here with sheer glee.  If you are considering I would highly recommend you take the leap.  Remorse Factor = next to zero.

If you're in the market for a brown option, Matt's Barracuda is another excellent option and it's got just a little more stud to it:


Look at the sun catching that one stud on the right giving it just a little gleam!  These ones are entering their second summer and they go great with simple summer dresses or a pair of shorts.  Even though it's been very cool I've paired them with a jersey dress and military jacket for a late afternoon dinner and loved the way the shoes added a spark to the outfit.

And then there's the Alexander Wang Coco.  Remember the story of how I got this bag for my birthday last year?  Complete shock.



That story still brings a tear to my eye - and so does the bag.  The studs are what make the bag.  FACT

And how about the freaking bare-bottomed denim debacle that almost left the Chef  in a muted state.  Neither one of us has fully recovered, but we both agree the rewards of the battle were worth it given this $35 studded score:


This vest has been worn several times already with shorts, dresses and leggings.  It is extremely versatile and adds the perfect punch of za-za-zoo to a very basic outfit (of which I own many).  I almost consider it an accessory.

And finally - how about this little baby?  I paired it with the Lemlem Tiru Tunic and got so many compliments on this particular outfit.


At the end of the day I think it was the soft breeziness of the tunic contrasted with the sharp studded element of Rebecca Minkoff's Studded Rocker that really brought the look home.

Sometimes when people think of studs they think hard or harsh, and I hope these images prove that doesn't necessarily have to be the case.  My newest addition is super simple, but has been a show-stopper each time I've worn them.  J.Crew's Redwood Misfit Chino Short - studded, of course - and coincidentally paired with a belt by Old Stud Handmade.


Without the studs the shorts would still have a wonderful worn-in look and feel to them.  But with the studs added along the pockets it makes them just a little edgy - and the color couldn't be a more perfect compliment for the style.


Notice the worn spots on the shorts and the fray along the hemline.  How brilliant is that?  And the addition of the studs just knocks the shorts right out of the proverbial ballpark.  I had two women stop me on Sunday to ask if these were Current/Elliott.  Woop woop!  Nope!


That day I opted to keep it pretty simple and threw on a simple James Perse white v-neck, a pair of fringed Dolce Vita sandals from last year, and a light denim safari jacket I picked up at J.Crew (I think last summer?).


If the sun ever manages to emerge for more than 10 minutes here at the beach I might actually achieve a tan and the shorts will look even better.  I plan to pair them with a high wooden wedge and a nice blousy button-up for an evening out.


But in the meantime I'm more than content with the laid-back, casual vibe they give off because the studs make me feel like I've dressed up a little even if I'm just running out to the store.  They're on sale right now at J.Crew and if you don't see your size - don't despair!  Call the item locator person and they will find and ship your size to you. 

If you're interested in adding some of the studded element to your wardrobe this summer you might want to consider this super cute summer dress/tunic by T-Bags, this amazing Gryphon jacket (that will go on sale), these hawt Ash wedges, or how about this belt by Madewell or a Free People bracelet (have and love btw).  I'd direct you to this Marni bag, but it sold out within a day of being posted (as she breathes a bitter sigh of relief on behalf of the pocketbook).  Take it as a sign though...it's a pre-fall bag meaning this trend will be around for awhile longer.

You know, there is certain je ne sais quoi about a bunch of studs that, when added to a piece of clothing, a pair of shoes, a handbag or really any accessory, - breathes new life into an outfit. Do you think it could be the bling factor? I mean we are girls after all...And what are your thoughts - studs or no studs?