Sunday, August 25, 2013

In The Dirt








           As my summer in Cali came to a close, I wanted to put together a few western-  inspired looks with some recently acquired pieces before I headed back east. I was immediately drawn to the tiny pleat detailing and billowy shape of the Twenty8Twelve blouse when I saw it. I love it's versatility, and ability to be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. I stuck to a purely black and white color palette, pairing the top with leather paneled pants, wide-brimmed leather hat, and my go-to strappy sandals for a little bit of unexpected juxtaposition. I also paired the same look with some flat Franco Sarto western ankle boots for a more casual version in some of the photographs.





I threw in a few shots of my Blu Moon long-sleeved romper and my new Alexander Wang velcro bootie things that I've also been obsessed with since I bought them. The shoes have yet to fail me, they are so comfortable and go with so many different outfits- definitely one of my favorite purchases of the summer. 




With the final look, hemlines were raised and necklines lowered for a bit of a dressier vibe. I wore my leather mini skirt I found at H&M in New York right before I came home, and my simple silk tank I have literally been living in since I purchased it at J.Crew a few weeks ago. It is such a perfect staple piece, as the silk makes it look nice enough to be worn on its own, and it looks equally good layered under a sweater or blazer. I threw on my calf hair, leopard-print belt, (also from J.Crew), and a handful of rings and snake hand wrap to accessorize the look. 


                       


xx, Rach // East Coast

First Look: Top: Twenty8Twelve by Sienna Miller / Hat: Minnetonka (from Free People) / Belt: J.Crew / Pants: Tory Burch / Shoes: Prabal Gurung for Target // Boots: Franco Sarto

Second Look: Romper: Blu Moon (from Planet Blue) / Sunglasses: Vintage  (from American apparel) / Shoes: Alexander Wang

Third Look: Silk Top: J.Crew / Leather Skirt: H&M / Rings: J.Crew, Vintage Native American rings, and a brooklyn jeweler / Hand Wrap: Alkemie Jewelry (from Wasteland)

Friday, August 16, 2013

Estival Dressing


Estival: (adjective); of or pertaining to summer. Didn't expect a vocabulary lesson today? I say every day is a day to learn more SAT words, even if the test in question is irrelevant. With a newly advancing heat wave here in Southern California, estival dressing is the only way to survive. 


A comfortable and more importantly breathable tshirt is necessary, this particular favorite is from Zara for a thrilling twenty American dollars. Yes, I know, it is black, which is pretty terrible in direct sunlight. But theres something so rebellious about it. Also it masquerades any trace of pit stains, which are really a summer bane. 


The shorts are Rag & Bone in a sticky sweet over saturated salmon. I'm a particular fan of drawstrings, as they ease my inner claustrophobic. 


Jewelry is by Madewell, whom I may add has provided its trend conscious consumer with numerous sets of rings in all styles and sizes. I picked up a few sets over several weekends and have paired them with more miscellaneous rings. My necklace, a birthday gift, is by Jennifer Zeuner. The lariat style was inspired by Aimee Song, my California style spirit animal. 


No estival ensemble is complete without a pair of J.Crew wedges that mimic looking into a noonday sun. My sunglasses are the ever-trusty Prada Cats Eye. 



by Lizzie Furlong - west coast

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

skateboards, denim, and mandals.
















Liz and I shot this little editorial type thing last week, and we wanted it to be a grungey, California summer looking theme. Naturally, I went for my favorite OneTeaspoon cutoffs and denim/ white leather contrast jacket. Not to be left out of course, the "east coast" makes a little appearance in the form of my "New York City" tee by Chaser Brand, and topped off the look with a leather baseball cap for added sportiness. 

Leather Hat: Winner (from Owen NYC) / Jacket: BCBG /  T-Shirt: Chaser /
 Shorts: OneTeaspoon / Sandals: Dr. Martins / Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Stripes on Stripes






The location for this look took place in the Bobby Berk Home store in SoHo in NYC. When I put these striped pants on I was unaware that I would show up somewhat matching the wall. But it ended up working out wonderfully because it made a cool-looking backdrop for the photos. 









The sharp lines and angles of my outfit reflected the style of the store's theme of bright colors and geometric pieces, and I fit in perfectly as I sat in a slick modern chair and happily sipped my tasty marg.

Tee: J.Crew / Blazer: Zara / Pants: H&M / Necklace: H&M / Shoes: Badgely Mischka 


Tuesday, August 6, 2013

School Spirit Vision


Being at school is the last thing I want to be doing in August, let alone high school (I think we can all vouch for that.) However, when I received the pair of platform loafers in the mail, I had a vision. Bouncing on football field bleachers and pretending to skip class appealed to me in a whole new way. 




First, I'd like to brag about my triumph in the Zara sales. Online a few weeks ago I saw the same pair of said loafers that blog prodigy Chiara Ferragni wore in a few photos. When I got all my funds together to make the purchase, the shoes were gone. I kept my calm and said my nightly prayers that, along with good health, I would find those shoes again. And then, on a chance browse of the sale shoe selection, I found the same loafers I had been panting for weeks before. And 70% off no less!


The pants, by Vince, are a school staple. When I was actually in high school I probably would have rather filled my mouth with acrylic poster paint than wear khakis. But now, looking back on such naiveté with a cultured and open-minded outlook, I scoff at my prejudice. They're softer than jeans, more versatile, and with a clean pressing look a lot more crisp. The top, a breezy number by Helmut Lang, is soft enough and thin enough to be completely bearable in the summer heat. 



I accessorized with a duo of gold cuffs, a Jennifer Zeuner lariat Rayna necklace, and a few more gold chains. My sunglasses, Ray Ban, are perfectly dark enough so that if I was still in grade 12 I could keep them on during Calculus and comfortably snooze. 



By Lizzie Furlong
West Coast