The Style Trial.

{photo: style.com}

In my fashion heaven,  Tom Ford is God. But he’s insanely good-looking so he’s like the way hotter, much more dapper version. Anyway, ever since his departure from Gucci in 2004 he’s dabbled in everything from perfume and chic sunglasses to directing the beautifully depressing A Single Man. In recent times, Mr. Ford has designed custom ‘fits for celebs like BFF Julianne Moore while inspiring Justin Timberlake’s new debonair look for his return to music (thank God, er Tom Ford). Most importantly: he just shut it down in London with his namesake collection for fall 2013.

Allow me to explain why this collection is EVERYTHING: the strongest trend of the year is pattern on pattern, but Tom Ford takes this trend one step further by adding texture on texture. Thigh-high patchwork boots and leopard coats might seem a bit much for now (hello: Prince Akeem), but as we head into fall everyone will be ready to bow down! Hopefully, ZARA will answer our prayers by providing accessible knockoffs immediately. In the meantime, let us rejoice in the real deal! Amen.

{Hallelujah!}

{Marc Jacobs finale}

Runways across the globe have begun to fall forward! First up: NYC! My favorite American designers are off and running with bold EVERYTHING in addition to impeccable styling details to match! Going all out is officially back in! Start spreading the news…

{Hey Girl, This post has absolutely nothing to do with how hot Ryan Gosling is!}

Sorry Capricorns, but January has never been my thing. Day one you wake up with a hangover and your first order of business is to go on a diet?! No thanks! During this very cold lull between Christmas and my February birthday I tend to: sleep a lot, watch a ton of movies (Zero Dark Thirty is amazing, Gangster Squad not so much), wear a lot of The North Face and complain about how dry my skin is. Needless to say, I’m past due for a pick-me-up! The time has come to get off the couch and seek greener pastures! Come on, get glowing already!

{cold remedies}

{For Your Consideration}

As New Year’s Eve quickly approaches ladies everywhere will begin to squeeze themselves into  Spanx before zipping into a dazzly little mini. I propose we all stop, drop and roll our eyes at the notion because there’s a New Year’s Option to consider: sassy slacks! Try adding a bib necklace, a pointed pump, a statement jacket, any sort of midas touch or go for a head-to-toe matching ensemble! Hit up this festive holiday from a different angle, and I guarantee you’ll be the one who’s really wearing the pants at the party!

Hello, Dolly.

For me, the best part of the holla-days is surprising my awesome nephews with well-deserved gifts and watching their faces light up as they cherish each exciting moment! I also love to treat my mom & sisters to a little special something, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers that The Style Santa is bringing their way (let’s just say there’s a lot of cowl and turtleneck requests)!

However, I don’t mind throwing a visual hint-hint out there with a few  (completely unnecessary) items of which I wouldn’t exactly kick out of bed on Christmas morning. I’m just sayin… From home goodies to trendy treasures to new workout gear, there are some things that might add a little tinsel to my tree! Feel free to stalk my stocking stuffers and add them to your list too. Ho ho holla!

{may all your Christmases be bright}

To Be (infinitely) Continued…

In May I decided that having long, thick hair was suddenly way too high-maintenance for me and so I had it chopped to shoulder length. By June I was over my new ‘do, and thought that reclaiming the bangs I had just grown out would be a quick fix, right? WRONG! But adding in some layers would balance things out, right? WRONG AGAIN! Now I’m all Girl, Interrupted about it, and my worst nightmare involves being up the creek without a bobby pin! I have even resorted to documenting the growing process just to prove to myself that progress is slowly, but surely, being made (see above).

After 5 months, I finally have some length to work with, and I’ve been experimenting with ways to style my sticky Situation. I seem to have chosen the right time to do the wrong thing because messy looks are all the rage: celebs are rocking some seriously sloppy side parts, street style is all about au natural waves with ombré ends, and even the J.Crew catalog (a.k.a. my Bible) has a fresh take on disheveled ponytails that give a whole new meaning to the term “bed-head.” Though these untidy looks may camouflage unwanted lengths, they are easier said than done.  Don’t be fooled by their disorderly conduct, in order to master the disaster you’ll need some tools of the trade. Trust me: if anyone knows  how to go about completely messing up their hair, it’s Yours Truly.

regrouped.

{Rachel Zoe “dies” for Marc Jacobs, Harper’s Bazaar, September 2010}

Full disclosure: I’m no label whore… but if I could be? Eh, I probably would be! I’ve been slaving over the pages of Vogue since the 3rd grade, and to this day I can tell you more about Linda Evangelista in her prime than I can about elementary school arithmetic. So is it fair to say that I’d be over the moon to own a quilted Chanel bag or Christian Louboutin red soles by now? Hell yes! For now though, this girl must continue to dream.

Each season high fashion houses continue to roll out the red carpet for my imagination and offer more apparel and accessories that I could break the bank for. This is when I must pull myself together and look for inspired pieces at such shopping mall hot-spots as H&M, ZARA, Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters. Sometimes it takes over a year for these such stores to churn out the items I covet (see the case of Isabel Marant V. Urban Outfitters embroidered skinnies), but it’s often worth the wait.

Which side of the fence are you on? Do you always go for the “lust” and make an investment in the real-deal because of its high quality and artistic integrity? Or do you go for the “must” to satiate the compulsive need for what’s new and more accessible? Sometimes there’s no substitute for the top of the line, but if you can skimp on spending to achieve a comparable look then that, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, is my bottom line.

$5,585+  V.  $688