FASHION: [accessories | styling tip #2]

• Tip #2:

It's all about the accessories!
Your outfit won't look complete without the accessories. The way you accessorize can either dress up an outfit, dress it down and if you're not careful it can also ruin an outfit all together.

When it comes to accessorizing, remember the phrase "less is more" and/or "simplicity is key". Here are a few simple rules when it comes to accessorizing: Never wear earrings, a necklace(s), and bracelets all at one time. If you want to wear earrings go with a bracelet(s). If you want to wear a chunky necklace pair it with a cocktail ring and if you want you don't always have to pair them up with another accessory. Some times being extra simple can be best. Keep in mind like i said in Styling Tip #1, there's SOME exceptions to every rule. For example, if you're wearing a dainty/simple pendant necklace (like this one by Marc by Marc Jacobs at Shopbop.com) you're able to pair it with a bracelet(s) because the necklace isn't over powering.

One of the most important accessory to any outfit are the shoes because it sets the tone of the whole outfit. Flat boots to dress it down, heeled boots to dress it up, strappy heels to feel fancy or pumps to make it classic. Shoes are actually one of the accessories I don't think you necessarily have to spend a lot of money on. With so many shoe companies out there creating knock-offs it's not hard to find shoes that look great for less. Just remember to pay a little for something that looks like it would cost a lot more and also keep in mind the higher the heel the nice your legs will look. If you do have some money to spare, it definitely wouldn't hurt to spend money on classic staples, you can never go wrong with a black pump. Like these Christian Louboutin Rolando pumps.

And for the guys, more of you should start looking into more men's accessories like watches, shoes, and even ties clips, neckties, pocket squares like the ones by Gentry. Accessories aren't just for women you know?! Go for it. Add some character and style to your everyday look.



Until next time!
xoxo,
J

FASHION: [cost | styling tip #1]

Style some would say is subjective and in a way I would have to agree with this statement. But i do think there is always a stylish way to wearing anything and this is my 1st tip on styling.

• Tip #1:

Looking well put together has nothing to do with how much an outfit cost.
this is probably one of the most common misconceptions about being stylish. How much you spend on your clothes and/or what brand you're wearing doesn't automatically mark you fashionable. You can still look like a "million bucks" without spending a million bucks and you can look like a hot mess even when you do. Style is all in how will you can put the clothing and accessories together.

My husband and i aren't rich and haven't won the lotto (yet!), so one of the #1 key rules I live by when it comes to putting outfits together is being able to mix a few key pieces that may cost a little more money and match them up with pieces that are more on the cheaper side, like from Target (my favorite store), H&M, Zara and even Forever 21.

Certain key items I personally think needs to have the quality/details and in most cases that mean spending more money on these items. For instance, I personally think that you always have to have a good pair of jeans and a nice bag/purse. If you're wearing a bad pair of jeans (which normally mean the fabric is cheap and the fit is horrible) added with a cheap looking bag, it doesn't matter how nice your top, jacket and/or accessories are it's a recipe for disaster. But of course there's always SOME exceptions to every rule, so I'm not saying this is the case all the time.. but most.

Tops, Jackets and Accessories (costume jewelry, shoes, etc.) are always easier to find at the cheaper stores. You just have to know what to look for. Make sure you're not picking out something that looks cheap even though it is. Always try to buy items that look more than they actually are. If it's $5 and looks like it's $5 DON'T get it but if it's $5 and looks like it's $50, those are the items you want to buy.

Also on the items you do decided to spend more money on, unless you're financially able to, make sure these items are versatile and not trendy. Try to spend your money on timeless pieces and keep the trendier items on the cheaper side. Their called trends for a reason and you don't have be into every single trend in order to be in style. Unless you're rich and/or a celebrity be smart with your purchases.

Here is an example to help you understand the styling tip a little better:

the Tapered Leg Trousers to the left are from Forever 21 for $22.50. But because they have a look and feel of a silk blend even though it's actually polynosic/polyester, it looks like it could be a lot more expensive than they actually are.

Pair these trousers with a loose plain white cotton tank like this T by Alexander Wang on Shopbop.com along with some simple accessories... you have yourself a effortless look for less.

I hope in reading this tip it has helped you to look at your purchases differently and hopefully it will guide those of you in need into developing/sharpening your own personal style.

Best,
xoxo
j

FASHION: [bibhu mohapatra | spring 2011 | ny fashion wk]

Bibhu Monhapatra | Spring 2011 Collection

FASHION: [halston | spring 2011 | ny fashion wk]

Halston | Spring 2011 Collection

Unlike his Spring 2010 for Halston which was more structured/hard lines, it looks like Marios decided to channel in on some of Halston's signature soft looks.

JEWELRY: [cartier | love collection]

Since the 1970's Lovers all over the world have been giving the Cartier Love Bracelet to their hearts desire. It's locked in place on the arm of the receiver by the giver to symbolize an everlasting commitment/love.

Not only is it Cartier but with what this bracelet symbolizes... what women wouldn't want their loved one (or husand.. hint hint ha) to give them one of these?! The only set back is the nice hefty price tag... $3950 which going up every year. It is Cartier after all.

{source: Cartier.com}

CAREER: [good things | good experiences]

Sometimes you wonder what's the next step for you and your career and if you're anything like me, you're super quick to jump to the next thing so you can learn more and experience more. I've definitely had plenty of moments where i've felt questionable about the path that I'm on, especially being at the age that I am now (30) my mind and body are quick to move along and move up fast. But I know that I'm very lucky to be working for an amazing stylist that truly and honestly respects me and that's hard to find. In the fashion/Entertainment Industry It's not often you're able to work with/for someone who says "Thank you for everything!" on a pretty regular basis, appreciates you and gives you uplifting words of encouragement.

Plus it definitely doesn't hurt that the stylist thinks of me when cleaning out her sample / kit / her closet. Today she gave me this Dolce & Gabbana champagne satin sheath dress (shown in photo). I have to get it tailored to my body, fix a little tear and steam out the wrinkles but other than that... i think its safe to say I definitely scored!! (on top the the V&F flowerbomb purfume and YSL platform pumps she already gave me >_<)

Did i ever mention how i found the lovely Stylist that I'm currently assisting?! It's actually from a contact a picked up while living out in NYC for 3 months during the winter. The person i was working for at Halston recommended me to the stylist and told her that i was going back to LA and lucky for me the Stylist was looking for a new Assistant a few months after i had returned to LA. That just goes to show you that every and any experience is worth it... you never know what may come of it. Don't let anyone or anything thing hold you back from your dreams and experiences. So go out and explore the world in any way your heart desires!

I may not know what my career path has in store for me in the future but i sure can't wait and I'm definitely excited to see what's going to happen next. Stay tune...

xoxo
j

MUST HAVE: [essie | matte finisher polish]

Look what I just found...
Essie has a top coat polish that makes your shiny polish have a matte finish called "MATTE about you". I'm so glad they decided to bring this back. I had one from Maybelline back in high school and LOVED it!

Also I just looked online and it looks like Maybelline either brought it back or still has their matte polish line.

I don't know about you guys, but I love me so matte nail color sometimes.

Xoxo
J

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PERFUME: [viktor & rolf | flowerbomb]

a few months ago i went on a search for my "new" signature scent. a scent that i wouldn't mind putting on everyday. for a while it was Versus "Time for Pleasure" until it got discontinued (still love it!). then i went on to Victoria Secrets body spray "love spell" until i felt i needed a change... which was for a while now.

i actually went into a store to purchase YSL "Parisienne" when i finally came upon my new favorite fragrance, Viktor & Rolf' "flowerbomb". at that time i think my nose was going crazy so i decided to buy the petite 0.68 oz just to try it out and one day the Stylist I'm currently working for liked it on me so much she gave me her 3.4 oz bottle because she liked how it smelled on me better. Now how nice is she?!... Love her!!

{source: sephora.com}

PERSONAL: [moving | editing | unpacking]

Hi Lovelies!

It's been a while since my last post... I've crazy busy assisting the Fashion Stylist and in the middle of her busy schedule the Hubs and i had to pack up and move once again. Luckily as of lately the Stylist's schedule has died down a little, so I'm getting a little extra time to unpack and de-clutter our new apartment. You really never realize how much crap you have until you move. Right now I'm in the process editing out 90% of the things we have.

I think the Stylist I'm currently working for is rubbing off on me. I mean as much as i hate clutter, she REALLY hates it. Just last week we were going through her styling kit and she had these YSL platform high heel textured black pumps in my size (retail $795) and she gave them to me. SCORE!! {source: ysl.com} One of the many perks of assisting a stylist.

One of the negatives is wanting everything you see, pull and can get your hands on. sigh! For now, I'll just unpack de-clutter and make room for future items.

xoxo
j

ACCESSORIES: [knuckle clutch | alexander mcqueen]

{source: alexandermcqueen.com}

need i say anything besides post pics of these knuckle clutches by the late great Alexander McQueen?!

I'm currently assisting a stylist and we pulled the studded one just the other day. oh how i want thee. such genius! both edgy and functional. It can also be used as a weapon if anyone were to try and rob you. heehee.

anyone want to become my BFF and buy it for me. this is art in the form of a handbag i tell ya!! don't you agree?

xoxo
j