Leather = Better

In an age where vegan products abound and the term 'cruelty-free' is more popular than Kim Kardashians impending nuptials on Google search (okay, probably not), leather, fur and other animal sourced materials seem to be a luxury reserved for the morally depraved. Now my opinion on the matter shall remain null and void, but there are definitely some benefits to donning leather. 

The first, and most important, is that leather equals cool. It always has and always will, no matter how hard Stella McCartney campaigns. So long as there are still pictures of James Dean smoking a cigarette in a black moto jacket, leather will be cool. In a more modern context, let us consult Kate Moss in a second-skin leather pant. Go ahead and try finding something wrong with that image. This is why I decided to invest in a clean, ivory I.R.O. Paris leather vest. It transitions beautifully into all seasons and adds just a dash of enigmatic attitude.

I decided to pair it with a breezy pair of silk Mason by Michelle Mason trousers and my favorite Schutz sandals. And obviously only an industrial backdrop would have been correct for my leather topper obsession. 

Neutrals

I can't get enough of this Isabel Marant roll-necked sweater. It is so soft and cozy, the perfect winter layering piece. Same with my trusty camel Zara coat- it never fails. I've really been into flatforms lately, as they are comfortable enough for all of the New York walking I do, but still add some (much needed) height. I love this pair by Circus Sam Edelman. 

Coat: Zara / Sweater: Isabel Marant /

Hat: H&M / Skirt: H&M 

Shoes: Circus by Sam Edelman

Suitcase  Bag: Zadig&Voltaire

Wrap Scarf: J.Crew

photos by: 

http://lacsanahaboon.blogspot.com/

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)

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 

Fashion Ave.

Lacsana and I darted out onto the Fashion Avenue between our classes to shoot this look. I was really channeling my inner man when getting dressed, going for a big, contrast-sleeved coat, since, sadly, it's still freezing. Underneath is just a simple tie-dyed/ bleached button down, with dark jeans, and my new Jil Sander cutout ankle boots. I have a slight obsession with eyewear, and my general rule is if it's daytime, the sunglasses are on. These particular ones are just some cheapies I got from Urban Outfitters, but I love the round metal frame with the tortoise cat eye accent.  

xx, Rachel

East Coast

Jacket: no idea, found at Buffalo Exchange / Shirt: BDG (from Urban) / Jeans: Citizens of Humanity / Ankle Boots: Jil Sander / Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

Patterns on Patterns on Patterns

I came to the conclusion about two things this week: First, while stripes, gingham and checkers are great, they're even better together. Second, I really need a freaking haircut. 

Now, print mixing, in my opinion, is an art. There are those, like Aimee Song and Chiara Ferragni, who pair Kenzo printed shirts with Clover Canyon, and look effortless. In contrast, however, one need only enter the nearest Wal-Mart right before closing to witness the horrifying effects of matching Tweety-Bird fleece pajama bottoms with a camo-print hunting jacket. 

Now you see my dilemma. How do I look like the former and avoid looking like the latter? 

I think the key here is only using subdued prints. Or, in other cases, pairing a dominant, loud print with a subtle pattern that acts as a neutral. Here, I used my tattered red and slate gingham button-down as a base, and paired my striped J.Crew knitted blazer over top. On a side note, it is very difficult to pull off a blazer on the cliffs of Malibu. Having this light-weight knitted yet structured jacket is a dream considering the warm temperatures and casual setting. 

And why stop the layering at just clothing? With an assortment of my fave necklaces at the moment (I have an obsession with arrows), I was comfortable for a weekend at the Malibu Farmers Market with lunch at Tra di Noi. 

All Wal-Mart jokes aside, I'm not the first to admit mixing prints is hard. But naturally I had to add a printed bag to really complicate things. My mothers very old and well-loved Fendi satchel-turned-clutch did the job perfecly. A little Chelsea boot action and I'd say my tame attempt at print mixing paid off. 

Lizzie Furlong - West Coast