Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Campaign: 100 Bloggers Unite

I was chosen along with 99 other bloggers around the world to take part in a wonderful project for Ralph Lauren called 100 Bloggers Unite to Support a Cure for Cancer to mark the 10th anniversary of Pink Pony (Ralph Lauren's cancer research fund). We all received these Pink Pony polo shirts to style for the cause. The Pink Pony effort is global and year round. It first focused on just breast cancer but has now expanded to include all types of cancers, addressing the needs of the medically undeserved so they can have access to quality cancer care, access to it, and early cancer detection. I am so honored to be a part of this effort because I believe in the importance of this cause and I believe that no person should be denied a healthy life. Thank you Ralph Lauren and Stylelist for having me be a part of this!

This year in recognition of the 10th anniversary Ralph Lauren has many new and exciting initiatives: luxury products, the first annual Pink Pony online public auction hosted by Charity Buzz, and a text-to-donate campaign to raise funds for this very important cause.

The Charity Buzz auction will run on CharityBuzz.com from October 1st to October 21st. 100% of proceeds from the auction will benefit the Pink Pony Fund.

You can also join Polo Ralph Lauren’s worldwide initiative in the fight against cancer during the month of October and celebrate 10 years of the Pink Pony campaign by texting PINKPONY to 501501 to automatically donate $10.

To see the campaign and more click on AOL Stylelist and Ralph Lauren.
And I hope you all take some time to donate or join in the effort in any way you can.

Milan Fashion Week S/S 2011 Faves

Fendi

This was the first show I checked out from MFW and I fell in love at first sight. The candy colors hues made for some delicious color combos. The collection was young, vibrant, and quirky, adjectives that usually do not apply to the brand. But I was so happy to see this sunny change in aesthetic for the spring season because it is just my cup of tea. Perfect for a sunny day out with friends.

Dolce and Gabbana

Who doesn't love white and eyelet for spring? The collection was clean, fresh, airy, and surprisingly modest. I would love to wear each and every one of these dresses to the local farmer's market with a pair of my favorite brown leather gladiator sandals on my feet, my toe nails painted beige, and a basket full of fresh cut flowers hanging from my arm.

Salvatore Ferragamo

It a little bit minimalistic, a little bit bohemian, and a little bit masculine. The Ferragamo show pulled inspiration from a lot of different places, but it all came together nicely together as one collection. I see something suitable for every taste here. I especially love the long, floor skimming skirts with a peek of tummy. It reminds me of an urban gypsy.

Iceberg

The layering at this show was fantastic. Impeccably chic, slightly slouchy, and totally wearable. I want every single piece shown here from head to toe. This collection was totally downtown city chic, but the tailoring and unexpected shapes made it stand out from the pack. A wardrobe from Iceberg is a wardrobe set for life.

Aquilano.Rimondi

Sometimes I am afraid to play with a lot of color in one outfit, usually sticking to just one colorful piece, but Aquilano.Rimondi is making me change my mind. I felt a cool seventies vibe going on here with the funky patterns paired with the sleek hairdos, but the crayola-esque color pairings made it look more modern and now; even futuristic in a way. And how about long skirts and slits? I say heck yes.

And I just thought that I would share with you guys a song that I am totally obsessed with right now, Tighten Up by The Black Keys. I heard it for the first time on MTV over the summer in Philadelphia and laughed out loud at the hilarious music video. It's too cute for words. I love it when the little kid gives the other kids the finger. I heard the song playing at the end of Gossip Girl on Monday night and remembered to look the song up. So I googled "music video with two kids fighting and singing on the playground" and finally found it. It's been on repeat ever since. The Black Keys is basically my new favorite band.

New outfit post to come tomorrow, promise!

Free People October Catalog Sneak Peek

So, for their October catalog the Free People team decided to go a more realistic route by using fashion bloggers we know and love to model their clothes. These are girls like us that we are inspired by every single day. To them, fashion is not a job but a passion that they cannot help but infuse into nearly every aspect of their lives. It just makes sense they they should be the ones wearing and styling the clothes. The upcoming Free People October catalog is paying tribute to all of us who blog about fashion because we love it. Without fashion bloggers, fashion would never feel or look so real (or so damn good). And with Free People, getting dressed for fall is like taking a peaceful meander through the forest and not getting lost at all.


As promised, I would provide you guys with a little behind the scenes footage from the actual photo shoot my sister Natalie and I did in Philadelphia this past summer. It was extremely hot this day (like tropical weather status), so I looked pretty blah with blisters on my heels and mosquito bites on my legs, but my sister looked fab! I love seeing how the outfits we styled together translate into a pretty picture. I know this upcoming catalog is going to be amazing! Enjoy these behind the scenes pics up above taken in the Free People Creative Director's awesome pad, a restored warehouse. It was the perfect setting for the brand's latest collection of knits and earthy patterns. And there is even a sweet video to go with it so you can finally see us in action!

The catalog comes out October 5th, so watch out for it! It also features Rumi from Fashiontoast and Georgia from Dora's Fur.

Indian Summer

Vintage skirt, Theory tank, vintage Bally purse, Kelsi Dagger heels

My biggest fashion obsession right now is the 3/4 length skirt. I love floor skimming maxis too, but there is something romantically refreshing about showing off your ankles without giving it all away like the mini skirt does. I noticed many of the spring/summer shows featuring this length, and this made me so happy and even more determined to continue my hunt for more of these babies. Besides this, they are just too much fun to wear. I found this one last week in Hollywood at a random thrift shop. Its warm and earthy hues pulled me in. It was very hot the day I wore this outfit, but I see it fitting in nicely alongside my leather motorcycle jacket and oxford booties on a chillier day. Even though it is officially fall, we're having a major Indian summer here in Southern California right now. Autumn please come on back to us as soon as you can! Pretty please. With a cherry on top.

Now I am going to dig into one of the books my mom recently got for me, White Oleander by Janet Fitch. It is amazing and I cannot put it down. Strange that I haven't read it sooner, especially with the amount of time my nose is found stuck in a good book. I love it when my mom surprises me with random books every now and then. She knows my taste and she knows what a bookworm I am.

A Little Inspiration Just Because . . .

I haven't created a collage like these in forever. And since my inspiration folder was bulging at the seams, I thought why not?

black leather / slouchy layers / delicate flowers with messy hair / glitter on our faces / sleek hair against sharp black

a big gap-toothed smile / a clean-faced Carey Mulligan (love her) / ice princess white from head to toe / a closeup pout and see-right-through-you stare / knitted headgear

Pictures from The Fashion Spot, Knightcat, Studded Hearts

And I just wanted to show you guys 3 illustrations of me by the lovely Sagalina from A BOLD STATEMENT. They are so lovely! Thanks Sagalina!

And thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes here and on my Facebook page! I spent my 23rd birthday on Thursday relaxing and eating with those I love. I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the weekend! I know I will, even though another heat wave has settled in again.

Style I Love: Joanna Hillman & Diane Birch

I finally found out who that woman in the mustard yellow blazer with the black lapels that I posted on the blog not too long ago is. Her name is Joanna Hillman and she is the Senior Fashion Market Editor of Harper's Bazaar (my dream job). Her smart styling of both classic and trendy pieces all together is riveting and edgy, but she never ceases to look impeccably refined. Like any great editor, she observes everything down to the smallest detail, and it is exactly this that makes her outfits so outstanding. I can see myself wearing these three outfits over and over again this season. Now if only I can get my hands on a pair of sequined pants, leopard vest, and scalloped skirt.

And then there is singer/songwriter Diane Birch. First I fell in love with her deep, soulful voice and unique music that mixes classic soul, blues, and pop rock sounds. But I also became captivated by her cool bohemian style, obviously an impression left from her eclectic upbringing (her parents were religious travelers and she's lived in places like South Africa and Australia as a teenager). She mixes old with new, masculine with feminine, and tough with romantic. Plus, she's got an amazing collection of vintage hats. It's so inspiring when a young woman can have both raw talent and a fashion sense that is distinctly her own. Here is a music video for one of my favorite songs of hers, Rewind, from her album Bible Belt. I've been listening to it nonstop lately. I also love her outfits in the video. Enjoy!

Pictures from tFS

Sun Salutation

Silk Dress - Topshop, Boots - Steve Madden, Bracelet - Seventh Door

It is still very beautiful and warm here in SoCal, so any type of outerwear is really unneeded. Just a simple frock will do. Sure does make getting dressed super easy. But still, I am craving for a change of weather so I can finally bundle myself in layers which is always so much more fun. Once it gets a bit colder, I would love to wear knitted tights with this dress and throw a chunky knitted sweater cardigan with some cool corset detailing in the back on. I saw said sweater cardigan in a rustic pattern at Anthropologie last weekend and I am head over heels. All I would need is a wood burning chimney by my side and a hot chocolate in my hands to complete the mood. But for now, I will wear this dress alone just as it is. Its sweet ruffles and flirty shape suits my body type (tall and flat) the best, and I feel very comfortable in it. Nothing makes a girl feel more beautiful than when she's in a pretty dress and surrounded by nature. I have to wear boots though because I cannot stand looking or feeling too girlish. I want to be able to stomp through mud without worry if the occasion calls for it.

I named this post after my favorite series of poses I learned from yoga. I haven't really been practicing yoga much lately, but I know from experience that it is one of the best ways to rewind after a long day. Now if only there were more hours in a day. Time goes by too fast. Gosh, it's already Monday. Again. Hello new week. What do you have in store for me this time?

On Replay

I have a very eclectic and wide spread taste in music. I love everything from classic rock like The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and The Rolling Stones to modern day hip hop that keeps getting played on KIIS FM day and night. Here are three songs that I have on repeat right now (they are part of my indie rock playlist). Enjoy!!



Cough Syrup by Young The Giant (formerly known as The Jakes).
I saw them perform last year and I instantly fell in love with the lead singer's voice. Their debut full length album comes out Oct. 26 in the U.S., and from what I hear of it so far, it is going to be amazing.

Plus:



Pa Pa Power by Dead Man's Bones



Crystalised by The xx

Gonna go out to grab lunch now! Have a beautiful Friday!

New York Fashion Week S/S 2011 Faves

I've been trying to keep up the best I can with all the shows taking place in New York City, even though I try not to pay too much attention to trends. I just wear what I like. Simple as that. Breaking styles down into categories makes things too restrictive for me. Anyways, here are some of my favorite looks so far that I dream about wearing. I am saving them here so I can remember to come back and try my hand at my own versions of a few next spring.

Rebecca Taylor

I think this is the ultimate downtown city girl dream wardrobe right here. I'm really digging the 3/4 length sheer skirts. This is fashion's new length I think. And those prints just jump out at you, but they are not too in your face. The collection was flirty yet edgy at the same time. Basically everything I want to wear. Oh, and that red dotted dress . . . I die!

Jason Wu

Jason Wu, all I can say is that I love that young sophistication you bring to fashion that is still completely wearable. I have been obsessing with all the skirts shown at fashion week (now I know that I definitely need more of them), and Wu's ladylike ones make wearing cocktail style during the day a snap. Also, I am officially on the hunt for a chic turban that doesn't look ridiculous on my round head. Oh, and that last dress shown here is amazing. There is a 3D cutout illusion of sorts going on in the front. I want to frolic in a garden in it.

Rodarte

There were so many gorgeous and out of this world metallic gold dresses at this show that I would love to wear on the red carpet if I were a celebrity or goddess from another planet. But because I am not said person I found eyes more focused on the collection's more approachable, casual looks. Is that a pastel pistachio-toned skirt and blouse I see? Such a delectable color. And I adored the fall-hued checker and polka dotted patterns. They are unexpected, but totally work for the earthy spring season. Everything was just too, too yummy to ignore, like always when it comes to anything Rodarte.

Rachel Comey

I have always been a huge fan of Comey since I first discovered her last year. Everything is so simple, so wearable, and so effortless. Her latest collection is full of warm-weather friendly essentials that you can rely on season after season. She used to work for Theory, and I see where her practical perspective comes from. Yet, it's still kitschy enough with its prints and micro lengths to appeal to even fashion's most eclectic of dressers.

Michael Kors

Kors was so minimalistic and toned down this season. I felt resonances of a little Celine here and there with the simplistic cuts and neutral color palette, but also some J. Crew with its masculine meets feminine ivy-league approach to styling that was updated with pops of bright colors (that shiny green skirt paired with the preppy collared shirt is genius). I can tell just by looking at these clothes that I will be extremely comfortable in them from head to toe without looking anything but chic, and that is what I appreciate most.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

I watched this show through the live stream on the Marc Jacobs website, and each look down the runway just kept getting better and better. Marc by Marc is always fresh, young, and totally upbeat. I want to wear his clothes with a cool pair of headphones on my head while walking to the beat of my favorite song. Again I was seeing 3/4 skirt lengths and feminine retro shapes. Obviously, the nautical trend is back, but this time it's brighter than ever! This is some serious stripe action going on here and I really like it. From the looks I chose as my favorites, together they create a good old American color palette, but the loud color saturation and fun shapes take things to a whole other level of newness.

What are your favorite looks so far from NYFW?

The Last of the Dog Days

Lace Blouse - vintage, Shorts - vintage Levi's from Crossroads, Belt - vintage, Shoes - Urban Outfitters

It seems like summer is still going to be sticking around a while longer, but I actually don't mind much at all. There is nothing more relaxing than strolling around outside with the sun beaming down on one's bare skin and not a care in the world to ail us with. The dog days of summer can never last too long. We always crave for fall, but once it finally arrives there is nothing like a lazy summer day to put our brains into rewind mode, making us wish that we could turn back time. So I'm going to savor the few days of summer we have left down until its very last drop. And I'm going to do it in airy lace, shorts, and rustic brown leather thank you very much.

Illustrated By Laura Rosenbaum

The artwork of Laura Rosenbaum completely tickles my fancy. Her drawings bring to life a girlish whimsy that truly makes me smile. From dreams of shiny hair to an eclectic portrayal of childhood love, Laura captures what it means to be a wildly imaginative young woman in a stylish and modern world. These are a few of my favorite illustrations of hers, including this beautiful heart-shaped fan she sent me covered in her work. Check out more of her amazing creations on her website here.

Another thing on my mind is NYFW! I cannot believe that the new show season has already started. Time just goes by way too fast! Even though I wish dearly to be back in New York City right at this moment along with all the other fashion bloggers out there already, I will still be enjoying all the fashion week madness from home. But really, I'm completely in fall fashion mode and don't even want to think about next spring and summer just yet! Still, I cannot help but take a peek at the new designs hitting up style.com and I am becoming totally enamored. Hopefully, I will make it to the shows next season! Have a beautiful day :)