last year, i wrote something that has recently gained a new level of relevance in my life, so i thought it only fitting to share it with all of you in hopes that it would somehow give you some insight as well. the ‘inspiration’ portion of this whole project really is all about the soul. i’ll be the first to say it— i can be pretty damn vain, but just to get it straight: no pair of shoes is going to make you feel better internally when things are kind of off. there is no escaping yourself. anyway, here are some words to live by:
1. i will not allow delusions or negativity to keep me from experiencing, recognizing, or embracing the good in my life. i will recognize these tendencies when they appear and i will aim to make decisions to overcome them.
2. i will not doubt myself or my abilities.
3. i will try hard. if i ‘fail,’ i will try harder. it is a fool who does not recognize that even so called failure breeds confidence because it results in experience and thicker skin.
4. one word: persistence.
5. i believe that if i want to be perceived a certain way that i must perceive myself in that way first. all things start from within.
6. i know that the worst that can happen is not that bad.
7. i know that there is not a single person who will be able to disregard sincerity.
8. i know that the hardest relationship i will ever have is with myself. this teaches me to treat myself with attentiveness and kindness.
9. i know the formula for creating a personal prison:
a. doubt
b. guilt
c. regret
d. fear
- fall victim to these and i am basically living in chains.
xx
i hate rush shopping. i’d honestly rather not shop at all. so when it came to my birthday dress, i made a rule: i go to one store, if i don’t find what i am looking for then i give up. i guess the stars were aligned properly that day because i ended up finding some incredible pieces:
*my mini photo shoot in the restroom of the sunset marquis after my champagne kicked in ;)
i decided that my one stop would be wasteland (not the obvious choice for something quick, but i was in the mood to dig). the dress is a ralph lauren (30$ at wasteland) in a pale pink that i like to refer to as “dior pink.” it was actually knee length, so i lifted the hem to and sewed on both sides to make it short. angora is a tricky fabric to work with especially for someone like me who is a little scissor happy.
i’m a huge fan of a clean cuts and not too much fuss because its way easier to accessorize and use your creativity to take the dress in one direction or another. the plunging cut in front and the fact that its backless make it all the better.
xx
at a party over the weekend, i spotted a few boys wearing what i like to refer to as a “grown persons baby suit.” i had to get a photo:
these are the creations of a Norwegian company appropriately named, OnePiece. they recently opened a storefront on Robertson Blvd in LA.
the next morning, i was describing my “discovery” to a friend whose style i actually love; he stopped me mid-sentence with this: “oh yeah!!! the OnePiece, i have one. they are great. they actually look really cool with boots. and are great for pajama parties.” lol.
i don’t know what to say.. they look comfortable.. i still wouldn’t be caught dead in one, not even at a pajama party ;)
if you do feel like purchasing this designer “baby suit” you can go to: http://www.onepiece.co.uk/ ;)
xx
there is a saying, ‘you can never be too rich or too thin..’ i’d like to add this to it: you can also never have too many shoes! but before you start decorating, make sure you have everything that you actually need in your shoe closet. here are the five types of shoes that have you covered no matter what you wear:
1. the black pump.
why? it goes with absolutely everything from business, to casual, to cocktail.
(black pumps by Christian Louboutin)
2. the ballet flat
why? aside from being completely comfortable, they are also completely chic (think audrey hepburn in ‘breakfast at tiffany’s’). i love the kind that bend because i just throw them in my bag and go about my day. you never know when you will need a flat. perfect while traveling as well.
(ballet flats by Lanvin)
3. the metallic strappy heel.
why? essential for the evening because it gives your outfit that extra touch of ‘fancy.’ i’d opt for a metallic heel for the night probably with 95% of my clothes. i am especially into pairing them with colorful dresses for example a yellow dress and a metallic gold heel.
(heels by Jimmy Choo)
4. the sandal.
why? perfect for the beach.. or basically anywhere where there is some body of water or a lot of greenery. there is nothing more stupid looking then heels digging into grass. its like the ballet flat for the really hot day.
(sandals by Alaia)
5. the tall boot.
why? i live in la, so its more of a winter staple; but, especially when traveling the weather can get unpredictable. they are comfortable, chic, and perfect when you need keep warm and do a lot of walking.
(boots by Chloe)
xx
one of the many treasures i found at wasteland. it is missing the tag, but this dress serves me almost too well.
dress found at wasteland santa monica, 25$
bracelet by linea pelle, 10$
another great place for fabulous finds: sample sales! i got this at the linea pelle sample sale downtown.
love when things can be multi-purpose (you would be surprised how many things can!) this is actually a necklace that i found in my jewelry box and i used it as a belt.
xx
in february 2008, kate moss’ vintage floor length dior was ripped to pieces. well.. no use crying over ripped silk… within minutes, she turned it into a sexy cocktail dress and simultaneously changed my relationship with my clothes forever….
i’ve since mastered the art beyond imaginable lengths….
this is possibly one of the most useful fashion tricks i can ever impart: how to take one dress and turn it into several different dresses….
meet one of my favorite dresses of all time.
Silk maxi dress by Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent, 235$.
look number one: wrap dress.
the front.
look number two: flowy.
gold braid belt by J. Crew, 40$.
look number three: cocktail (my favorite).
i can’t remember where i got the earrings, but i have them in coral as well.
you can leave the “tie” at the shoulder be… or you can add something a brooch to give it a little something extra..
xx
cheap and chic.
vintage tee shirt, 14.00$ at Wasteland.
shoes by F Troupe, 26.00$ at Atmosphere in Los Feliz.
i am seriously walking on air when I wear these shoes. amazing.
ps: atmosphere is closing so a lot of the items are 50% off. happy hunting!
xx
