Christmas Wish List: Eyeglasses

We are just days away from one of my favorite Holidays: the lights are glistening, the people are merry, the Santas are jolly, and the music is cheerful... You get the picture, I really, really, really like Christmas!

Of course, this season is also about gift giving (ok, and getting)! So, what is on my wish list this year?

Eyeglasses!

A little backstory:
Over Thanksgiving, I fell into a deep food coma and rolled over my fave pair of glasses. Yep, completely demolished.

The pair that is no longer. (Not Warby Parker)

Being the fashion loving girl that I am (and because I refuse to wear contacts), I need a great looking pair of glasses to wear with everything from jeans and a tee to a cute party dress. I know what you are thinking, Where can you possibly find such a stylish pair? Well, Warby Parker of course!

I quite literally want every frame from their new Winter Collection, but I won't spoil the surprise, and only show you my top 3!

Hello adorably nerdy Durand in Saddle Russet (I really hope Santa puts these under the tree).

Found my inner hipster in the Chamberlain pair in Whisky Tortoise (best.name.ever.)

And a hint of chic color a la Edgeworth in Sage.

Even better, each pair is only $95 (including prescription)!

If you aren't in need of a new pair yourself, but looking for that perfect gift for a fellow glasses-wearing fashionista then a Warby Parker digital gift card might be just the thing! Their physical gift cards come with this adorable Make-A-Snowman Kit! (P.S. I still need a new pair ;] )

Don't forget to check out the rest of the Winter Collection Here! 


P.S. I did not receive any gift/product/payment for this post... I just really like fashionable glasses! 

A Double Dose of Jamie Krell

A few weekends ago, I met a real-life fashionista... Now, I know we tend to label anyone and everyone who loves fashion a "fashionista," but when you meet Jamie Krell you realize just how wrong that is.

Jamie Krell is a style and beauty expert who has graced your television screens on shows like EXTRA, E! News, the TODAY Show, The View, Access Hollywood, and really the list could go on for at least five more lines. She also happens to be absolutely gorgeous and incredibly sweet--a fabulous little package (you'll see...).

So, where did I meet Ms. Krell? On the second floor of Neiman Marcas at Scottsdale Fashion Square in the CUSP department where she happened to be giving a lovely presentation entitled "Jamie Krell's Favorite Things." Along with with the CUSP department's manager Aimee, Jamie styled Agency Arizona models a la the spring's hottest trends and, well, Jamie's favorite things.

My favorite piece of advice from the afternoon was, "A leather jacket makes you look instantly cool." And then she spouted off all of the possibilities and I was a believer.  Check out how she paired this feminine lavender and lace look with an uber cool leather jacket.

I also picked up some excellent tips on how to do casual without looking sloppy. It is a fine line that I have struggled with forever. I've never once left my house in pajama's or yoga pants, because I never know who I may run in to. I am armed with the knowledge that it is all about fabric and fit, and can finally be comfortable! Thank you Jamie for setting me free!

Now that we have cool and casual down, Jamie mixes it all up with this glam-but-casual look--layering a jeweled and beaded Alice + Olivia bustier over a white button-up and paired with destroyed denim.

Guess what? You get a double dose of Jamie Krell in this post! Just a few days later, Jamie presented the Macy's Spring Trend Report at Scottsdale Fashion Square to 200+ fashion-loving attendees. There were also yummy treats and beverages on hand.

Though I am obsessed with her personal outfit choices, Jamie showed the crowd how to put together this season's trends in the chicest possible ways. I am especially loving that all of her bottoms choices have some sort of great detail. And of course no one can mix and match print, pattern, and color like Jamie. I am pretty sure I need just about every one of these fabulous outfits.

Check out Jamie's Website and blog HERE! Follow her on Twitter @JamieBKrell

Back & Inspired

Hello again! If you read my last post then you know that I took a bit of a sabbatical (3 months) to re-evaluate and re-prioritize. And to be honest sometimes even the things you love the most sometimes become things you don't like so much. For instance, every great song ever (that is until you hear it months or even years later).

With that said, I wasn't sure how to start again. I missed blogging and interacting with others (you, my lovely readers, friends, &bloggers) about the thing I love most--fashion--but I was still at a loss and wholly uninspired. Until I realized that what always inspires me is the same thing that I love about blogging... YOU!

The ever lovely Joanne at Fabulously Average inspires me with her ability to take an outfit to the next level. She is daring in her choices and it always pays off... She is also a fabulous coffee date.

Angela of Forward Fashion Diary  inspires me with her penchant for color, patterns, print, and amazing/outrageous accessories! Plus she knows how to give you a great pep talk when you are struggling to step out of your fashion comfort zone.

Nadia of Nadia Thinks inspires me with her amazing taste in shoes (the girl has a shoe collection any fashionista would kill for!). She also has a knack for color blocking. One day we will travel the world together shopping at all of our favorite places! 

Molly is a beautiful and stylish lady who I had the pleasure of meeting during my time at college in Tulsa, OK. She inspires me with her ability to mix and match classic pieces, making them fresh and fun.

I hope these ladies inspire you as much as they do me! And be sure to let me know what or who inspires you in the comments! 

P.S. I'm so happy to be back and can't wait to see what the year holds for us!

Let's Talk Pleats

If you follow me on twitter then you've probably already seen this:

Yup, that is me in the dressing room at my favorite store--Gap (more Gap here & here). I originally went in to grab a pair of jeans (I've been wearing Gap jeans for 10 years...amazing I know), but when I saw this dress I had to try it on... Of course I fell in love and bought it! 

Now, I know to you it may look like a simple black dress and not at all Arizona-summer friendly; however, this is the kind of dress I die for. The structure, fit, and pleats = the key ingredients to making me look SKINNY! Not to mention I've been working out for a few months now, but more on that to come soon.

So you may notice this photo looks a bit altered, okay a whole lot altered and no I did not use the "slimming" filter. Rather I wanted the focal point to be the pleated skirt. I find the pleat classic and feminine  (unless of course you try the whole pleated grandpa pant look).

And it gives a simple dress like this just a bit of extra interest. 

If you are not at all a fan of the box pleat you could of course try the pleated maxi skirt which is a huge trend... I must admit I do have a black Vince Camuto one but have no clue how to wear it!

 *read: someone help!*

For a bit more pleat inspiration Click Below on my Style Saint "Let's Talk Pleats" Stylebook! And sign up and follow me!

Designer Spotlight: Jill Aiko Yee

Photo: Hollywood Style Scene

I just love the Internet and blogging community! Why you ask? Because I get to meet fabulous people like Jill Aiko Yee, a Los Angeles based designer who contacted me after coming across the blog. In her email she sent me a few pictures of her most recent designs and I was immediately a fan! Her aesthetic is what you would expect of any West Coast designer--ease, comfort, fun and flowy. Yet, what I think sets Jill apart is her more sophisticated take on these aspects...dare I say there is a hint of East Coast?

Jill was kind of enough to do an interview via email, but we plan to get together in L.A. for some shopping and a visit to her studio next month... So stay tuned for part two. Until then enjoy getting to know more about my new friend Jill Aiko Yee!

FR: You recently started your clothing line, how did you know that creating a clothing line and designing is what you wanted to do? How has the journey/experience been so far?

Jill: Ever since I was young I knew I wanted to have my own company.  My dad did, and so did his dad.  But it wasnt until I graduated Otis College of Art and Design, and worked for Rozae Nichols that I knew I would stick with fashion.  I had an amazing experience there that opened my eyes to all of design, and its possibilities.  The journey so far has been challenging in every aspect, but so satisfactory because of that. 

 FR:You have the Jill Aiko Yee Label as well as ITtERATIONS Workwear can you tell me a little bit about each one and what kind of women you see wearing your designs?

Jill: The two labels together can make up a creative woman's wardrobe from morn to evening.  ITtERATIONS Workwear is all about being comfortable for long hours while still expressing personality and creativity.  My namesake label is for AfterWork - wherever a woman may go, be it dinner, gallery, or theater it's chic, and unrestrictive.  While working with CFDA award nominee Gregory Parkinson, I saw that color, and fabric choice go a long way in defining a collection.  I take that philosophy with to my collections.  The women that wear my designs are creative, positive, and socially conscious.  These women pave their own paths.

Photos: ITtERATIONS

FR: How do you like having your studio in LA's fashion district? Does it help keep you motivated and inspired?

Jill: I've been in the fashion district of downtown for nearly 10 years now, and consider it my second neighborhood.  I love that my studio is in a historic building of the fashion district, surrounded by showrooms, and fabric stores.  There is so much history and glamour in this area, I think people overlook that because many of the storefronts are cluttered.   All of the fabric, and notions stores inspire me... my fave place to go get lost is the cavernous 3 story warehouse of Ragfinders. 

FR: You are currently producing all of your designs yourself, how has that been? Do you enjoy being able to design and create personally for your customer?

Jill: Doing my own production is quite a challenge, but all worth it because it allows me to do what I love.  It's so special for me to be able to work directly with customers in my design space.  I love customizing garments so they fit each individual perfectly, and hearing what they have to say.  Most designers don't have the opportunity to meet the individuals that wear their clothing, let alone being able to share some champagne, and great conversation.  

FR: Why did you decide to take personal shopping appointments instead of selling to stores? Can you purchase your designs online?

Jill: The only places I sell are my own website, and at my shop by appointment studio. I decided to do this because having appointments with customers is the most rewarding part of my job. Its a great experience to help people find what looks good on them, and what expresses their personality.  

FR: Your Ombre silk designs are gorgeous, ombre is obviously a big trend right now, but yours tend toward a more sophisticated palette and style. What was your inspiration?

Jill: Thanks!  Ombre is certainly a trend right now, but is also a classic look that can always be worn.  The inspiration for the ombre group is watercolor painting, and the beauty of transitions.  Transitions are the often over looked experiences and times that are the binder to life's great moments.   We should cherish them.  

Photo: Compliments of Jill Aiko Yee

FR: What has been your favorite or most memorable moment as a designer?

Jill: I love being able to make clothes for my mom.  She's worn everything starting with my school projects, and approaches fashion with a purely experimental attitude, and is never held back by convention.  

FR: What advice would you give to those who are considering becoming designers?

Jill: For those getting into design, I would encourage them to take note that design is all around us in life.  Make your decisions regarding design carefully, hone your eye.  It will guide you, and help establish your own style. Be persistent!

Compliments of Jill Aiko Yee

 A few blogger questions:

1. Favorite designer?

Marni - but the clothes don't fit me! 

2. Favorite stores to shop at?

Creatures of Comfort on Melrose, OK on 3rd st, and Plastica on 3rd st (all in LA, but have stores online), Myrtle in Echo Park. 

3. Favorite blogs to read?

Daily Candy, Tomboy Style, http://cloudcloudny.tumblr.com/, http://twentytwoblog.wordpress.com/

4. Favorite magazines?

National Geographic (love the photographs), Elle, and Summary Magazine (new to LA) 

5. Do you use pinterest?

Yes!  http://pinterest.com/jillaikoyee/ 

6. Favorite Twitter account to follow?

@suchinpak 

Where to find Jill:   jillaikoyee.com , @jillaikoyee , 
Jill on Facebook

Style Inspiration

Style inspiration is all around us these days, I mean just login in to Pinterest and you are faced with thousands upon thousands of images. Inspiration can come from just about anywhere: books, movies, magazines, nature, people etc.

So I thought I would share some of my style inspirations with you today.

Anne Hathaway is a classic beauty and her wardrobe on and off the screen inspires me. I especially love that she really does whatever she wants when it comes to her personal style. And she loves Navy...one of my favorite colors.

I've always been a fan of old Hollywood films and the glamorous women that old school Hollywood actresses portrayed: the prim and proper house wife, the naive bubbly young lady, the femme fatale, and even the rich snobby wife.

Judy Garland in Meet Me In St. Louis

Vivien Leigh in Gone With The Wind

Hedy Lamarr

And then there is nature: 

photo: www.edwud.com

SJP

So tell me, what inspires your style?

A Very Fashionable Week

Last week, I got a little behind on blog posts and my reading plan, but I did get the laundry done (that counts for something right?). Beside washing piles of dirty clothes, I actually had a lot of fun this past week, here is a little recap.

On Wednesday night I hit up Scottsdale Fashion Square with one of my fave gal pals Hannah {of Heroine Chic}. We had fun mingling with the fashion crowd at Madewell and Ted Baker for a couple of private shopping parties. 

At Madewell Celine and Casey from ACI Nouveau gave us some summer styling tips...and the fact is that they both love denim and so do I!

Over at Ted Baker, Hannah and I had a good time with Ms. Scottsdale Fashionista herself scoping out handbags, dresses, cute boys... oh and Hannah met this absolutely adorable nude pink mini bowler bag. Happy Birthday again Hannah! 

Thursday I spent some much needed time with my bestie Vail, and while I was there we did a little hair makeover. So I present to you my copper balayage highlights. I'm in love! I wish I could get better pics for you but I'm sure you'll see more in the future. 

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Just wanted to wish you all a late Happy's Mother's Day... I hope all of you moms had a wonderful day full of love. 

Though I am not a mom (except to my pups Mingo & Moose), I had an amazing Mother's Day:

After church the family headed to Mother's Day brunch and I had myself some bubbles yummmm... 

Mom loved her Kate Spade wallet!!! It matches the Kate Spade crossbody I bought her last year :)

Again, not a mother, but I figured I deserved a gift too... I'm so guilty of buying myself a gift when I'm supposed to be buying them for others (justification = why can't we all be happy?)

Anyway I just couldn't say no to these Kate Spade 'mrs' earrings... and surely the husband can't complain... Now I'm doubly his. I also got my mother-in-law the matching 'mrs' necklace (also a big hit). So Thank you Kate Spade for making it the best Mother's Day and thank you again Hannah for helping!

What did you get for Mother's Day?

Book Style- The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Okay so I'm a little behind on my book-a-week schedule, and it is only week 2. I finished The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo today. The book was a lot different than I expected, mainly because of all of the hype  brought about by the movie (which I can't wait to see now)... let's just say I expected some crazy stuff. That is not to say that the book wasn't intense, it was, but it also had some really endearing parts. As not to spoil anything for those of you who have not read the book or seen the movie I will go ahead and move on to some book inspired fashion. 

Thankfully I have some visual inspiration a la Rooney Mara...

Truly Madly Deeply French Tanks at Urban Outfitters, $29

Salander (a.k.a. the girl with the dragon tattoo) loves a graphic tee... though this is a bit more tame than her risqué tee shirt sayings.

Pippin at yesstyle.com, $138

I've never been a huge fan of leather jackets, faux or otherwise, but Lisbeth Salander makes it seem so cool, and Yesstyle makes it somehow feminine. 

Vegan Leather Pleated Skirt at Free People, $148

I know that more than likely the edgy girl with the dragon tattoo would not be caught in a Free People skirt, but this is after all an inspired list. Pair this with some of these perfect BZR ombre tights in coal. 

BZR, $50

Okay, let's finish with some accessories and shoes! 

At H&M, $14.95

Aeillo Sneakers at Aldo, $50

This week I'll be reading This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald.