Street Style Inspo: The Art of Simple Summer Dressing

Here are a few street style looks pulled from Pinterest that we are loving right now. Be it a simple shirt-and-shorts combo, a pair of slouchy boyfriend jeans, or a breezy dress, these looks are a great go-to for when you need a little inspiration should you ever find yourself staring into the abyss  your closet for 15 minutes while complaining that you have nothing to wear.

Now go try it, and get yourselves street-style-snapped!

xx,

Rach + Liz

On the Streets with LINE MAGAZINE

I am finally posting the looks I shot with Martina and Sarah from Line Magazine during my last trip home to Los Angeles. We headed over to Melrose for its excellent selection of walls to shoot this series of black and white looks- my favorite (anti)color combo right now!

You can see the looks plus Q&A on the magazines website, here:

http://line-mag.com/on-the-street-with-rachel-nosco-of-eastwest/

Dress 1: For Love & Lemons / Hat: Janessa Leone / Boots: ACNE

Dress 2: Alexander Wang / Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Grid Shirt: Equipment / Long Shorts: Tibi / Sandals: Zara / Sunglasses: Celine

Heat Wave

Battling this constant drought here in Southern California has been exhausting. With the Santa Anas sweeping through and record temperatures, all I really want to wear is a bathing suit. But since that is neither appropriate for school nor work, I'm forced to don more acceptable garments. 

My top, a comfortable number by All Saints has a sleek set of satin sleeves, paying homage to this years athletic trend with a play on the baseball tee. My burgundy leather skirt is a staple from A.L.C. Both afford the right amount of dark colors, my paying of respects to the Fall/Winter that never was. 

The shoes are also by All Saints, allowing me the essence of grunge without fully committing. They were also a lovely surprise from a certain someone who knows my taste exceedingly well. 

And finally, the bag, which really needs no introduction at all. The only thing I can say is that they will have to pry this box of lambskin from my dead fingers before I stop using it. 

Everything You Need for Spring: Los Angeles

The transition into spring, for many, means discarding any and all woolen apparel. However, for those of us lucky few that rarely even delve into our stock of cashmere sweaters and weather-proof hats, spring dressing is less seasonal and more perpetual. Here in Los Angeles we have been enjoying winter temperatures that rarely dip below 65 - which translates into a unfair amount of bare legs and distinct lack of winter coats. But for all this bounty of sunshine, spring is still an exciting time of eschewing old trends and embracing new (and sometimes questionable) ones. 

Cream Coverings: 

Now I've never been one to buy into the whole "Never wear white after Labor Day" mantra. Especially when white, specifically cream, has been such a force this year. Warmer weather calls for less material, and I'm favoring vests as of late. They're chic toppers to any occasion and add a dynamic layer to any look. Try the above pictured vest by Rochas, or IRO's selection of moto-style ivory leather looks. 

Minimal Adornment:
Typically the age-old adage of "Less is More" doesn't really agree with the nature of fashion. Until this season we self-proclaimed sartorially inclined were apt to layer on necklace after necklace, and recently knuckle ring after knuckle ring. But this spring, here in Los Angeles, its decidedly more 'effortless' to actually put in less effort - meaning choosing one or two statement accessories radiates the coveted "California cool" aesthetic. I suggest designers like Lionette NY, Rachel Zoe, Auden, Givenchy and Madewell for this look. A strategically placed lariat necklace or cuff really is more dramatic than an overwhelming amount of friendship bracelets. 

Sportswear:
Sportswear is having a moment, and I'm not talking about the soft-casual wear your mother has in her closet. It's taken on a very literal effect. Notice all the perforated materials? It's no coincidence that the current must-haves remind us of the singlets we used to wear in middle school gym class. The silhouettes are athletic and sleek, as seen through designers like Alexnder Wang, Tibi and Elizabeth and James.



The cherry on top: Here in Los Angeles there is always the constant pressure to obtain the perfect bronze as the thermometer continues to rise. Instead of doing it the old fashioned way (ask anyone who has skin the texture of burnished leather) I suggest any sort of self-tanner. Not only does it emit a healthful glow, but it complements any colored outfit, bright or neutral. It's a California essential. 

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)

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