Beating The Heat

Just when I started to think a real summer heat wave wasn't in the cards for Southern California, we're bombarded with temperature advisories. Now, in between desperate trips to the beach or runs to the drug store for some more sunscreen, I was able to brave the sun for an outfit post. Granted, I'm not on the most timely basis, but who can blame a girl when she's soaking up the last rays of summer?

My Leifsdottir pants proved to be a perfect choice for warm weather outings (Because there's nothing I hate more than people vowing never to wear pants when the sun is out.) 

My shoes, pictured earlier above, are Zara. Yeah, they do make a pretty good likening to a certain Isabel Marant spring/summer staple. But I like the height, as I'm not very tall and my pockets are not very deep. 

My Alexander Wang tank is a perfect fit and shape for me. Loose and easy, it looks great paired with a simple necklace, like my favorite Jennifer Zeuner lariat. I accessorized with more rings on rings and some colorful sunglasses.

And with that, I'll be headed back to Broad Beach...

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

Ode to Earth Day

Earth Day can really be any day in Southern California. Foliage is everywhere (usually brown or, rather, "golden"), and landscaped gardens full of greenery are not hard to come by. Dressing in a kaleidoscope of color, texture, and pattern only seem natural in this environment. 

A cobalt blue statement necklace (found at the ever attainable and affordable Anthropologie), with a contrasting black and white cotton jumper by J.Crew, maintains my love of smashing together two unlikely counterparts. 

The skirt, well, really isn't a skirt at all. In fact, it is a strapless dress by BCBG Maxazria Collection. Watching last years Spring 2012 show via youtube induced a color-blocking coma that really hasn't abated. I think it's something I'll be wearing until the day I die. One thing is certain: I'm a freak for pleats. And I paired the entire ensemble with the notorious, tumblr-famous color-blocked Zara heels.

Even though I didn't plant a tree or cultivate any organic produce, I'd say rubbing up against roses and being blinded by sunlight was a small act of appreciating Mother Earth. And it wasn't without casualties  - I regrettably sunk my shoe into a chasm of fertilizer. 

Lizzie Furlong - West Coast