jack and jill went up the hill...

  

Here I am, taking an afternoon break from all the sun I've been getting here in Hawai'i.  I've got on a bathing suit (urban outfitters) and a t shirt (american apparel), but I find myself being drawn back to these images from jakandjil.com which feature (from left) Irina Lazareanu, Maryna Linchuk, and Emina Cunmulaj bundled up during fashion week...almost certainly facing chillier temperatures than what I am experiencing at this very moment.

I just think that regardless of season, certain looks can be extremely inspiring, and as Scott Schuman the Sartorialist talks about all the time in his blog, a look may not be sartorial in the WHOLE, but certain elements of it can stand out as something to be remembered.  So starting with Irina, I seem to find myself daydreaming regularly about this shiny top/tattered denim shorts combo. Especially with the beat up shoes.  I'm constantly trying to figure out a way to wear what would usually be considered nightwear (for clubbing etc) in my daywear.  I think Irina has provided a wonderful example of how to dress down a glitzy top and make it perfect for day.  The big black bag is lustworthy as well.

  

Second is Maryna's outfit that is quite wintry but so classy and chic and yet youthful that I can't seem to take my chlorine-saturated eyes off it, no matter how much it hurts to look at the screen after a few hours at the pool.  I love the way she mixed up her layers with the tank and the shorter (luxurious, gold-emblazoned, zipper-saturated, totally worn in the perfect amount) leather jacket.  She wrapped that scarf expertly (i'm still trying to get it right!) and has a commanding presence that doesn't really let up.  I suppose maybe that's one of the many reasons that she's in both DSquared2 and Mulberry campaigns this season...not to mention a few other that I'm sure I'm forgetting.

Finally is Emina, rocking shiny leggings, menswear, a vest, leather, and a fedora...and completely doing it un-ironically.  She's wearing an outfit that has probably been worn in one way or another by every teenager and young hipster.  However, I think it's the little things in this look that make it work.  The well-painted nails (although she probably didn't paint them herself considering this is show season), the big sneakers probably worn for comfort and yet looking like a million bucks, and the wispies sticking out of her fedora (fedora's definitely call for softer hair). I just like how it looks like she threw this on before or after a show and managed to catch my eye in a way that some of the looks on the runway have failed to do.

all pics, jakandjil

B is for Basics

After reading this wondrous post 

by my fellow blogger Fashion Toast (see links), I was completely inspired to do a basics post of my own.  I really had to think about the things that I couldn't live without, and so here's a breakdown of what I need in sunny Southern California...

Denim...

Jeans are hand-in-hand with my identity, methinks.  I know that without these, I wouldn't know what to do every morning!  I tend to go for darker washes, but a couple of pairs (maybe 4 or so) are the ones that I wear on a regular rotation.

Clockwise, from lower left corner: Joe's Jeans, Lucky Brand, AE, AE, J.Crew, Anthropologie

Dresses...

Okay, well I am mildly obsessed with anything feminine, swingy, and breezy (ie..almost any dress).  I've collected them over the years and I rely on them for those days when I need to just throw something on and be ready to walk out the door.  Also, colors in this category are crucial.  I don't think I even own an LBD. Hm, I've gotta get on that.

From left: Anthro, Anthro, Anthro, F21, F21, Anthro, thrifted.

Note to Self: Maybe branch out from buying all dresses at Anthropologie!

American Apparel Hoodies...

I bought my first one of these when I came back from Europe this summer and realized that I was seriously low on basics.  The purple one was inducted into my closet and was quickly worn to shreds.  Then, I received two more for Christmas and haven't stopped the spree of wearing them...anywhere and everywhere.  They are admittedly a bit sloppy, but I mean, every once and a while that's needed (for me at least...)

All three, AA

Stripes...

I just don't think the world would be as happy without stripes.  Black and white, blue and white, brown and white, pink and grey, the list goes on and on.  Some say that stripes make a person look wider, but I think they, conversely, can really flaunt anyones shape! I can dig it, for sure.

From left to right: Urban, J.Crew, Target, Anthro, Urban, Urban.

V-Neck's...

I can't even wear crew necks anymore! I especially like my neck and collar-bone area anyway, so if there's a shirt especially made to flaunt it, I'm all for it!

the white one is Hanes, the rest AA

Scarves...

A key hipster staple, if I say so myself.  I just love giving an outfit that extra flair by wrapping a cozy pashmina or wrap around me.  They are, admittedly everywhere, but I don't mind, especially because I try and make them my own each time I wear them

From left: thrifted, J.Crew, thrifted, ebay.

Cardigans..!

I guess I'm just a sweater type of gal.  I know these colors in this photo are slightly neutral (minus the obvious), but the rest of my sweaters are being washed atm.  I enjoy bright colors as well as greys and blacks and tans, every kind of sweater under the sun.  I'm constantly on that hunt for the perfect sweater, so if you see any special ones...let me know!

Clockwise from top left: AA, Target, Lucky Brand, AA

Headbands...

ANYONE who knows me can vouch for the fact that I wear one of these every day, to any event, anywhere!  Mostly I can just use ribbons or a strip of fabric, but every once in a while I'll buy something actually designated to go around my head.  Without these, I feel like my general appearance would be so bland!

In this selection: H&M, AA, Anthro, Urban, Nordstrom.