Santa Monica

Top: Zara (also worn here)

Skirt: ASOS (also worn here, similar here, here)

Shoes: Zara (also worn here)

Bag: Chanel

Sunglasses: Prada

There are days where I'm utterly frustrated with L.A. life (hello, traffic and parking and out of this world real estate prices), but this city always ALWAYS redeems herself.  Because, there are so many days where I find myself in situations that make me just plain happy to be here (more on that soon.)  This past Saturday afternoon in Santa Monica was one of those days.  I realize the pier is pretty ratchet, touristy and even downright sketchy sometimes.  But the perfect weather, ocean views, amazing sunset, my happy kids with blue cotton candy all over their hands and faces,  and overall energy (laid back yet vibrant?) of SaMo was a great reminder of why we chose to come to the Golden State.  P.S. My name, Hema, means "golden."  WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN, UNIVERSE????

Reppin'

Tank: Brandy Melville, old

Skirt: Free People

Shoes: Zara

Bag: Hermes

Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Just in case you didn't know, eh?

Smize and Accessorize

Jacket: ASOS, old (also worn here)

Tunic: 12th Street Cynthia Vincent, old

Pants: Zara, recent

Scarf: Louis Vuitton

Boots: Gucci

Bag: Lauren Merkin

Sunglasses: Fendi

Earrings: Tory Burch

This outfit is proof that accessories make all the difference.  No one has a clue about your personality if you are running around a la Rick Owens wearing all black (unless you do it all crazy, like the models in his last fashion show).  But if you throw two or three of your favorite gems on with that all-black ensemble, you can just smize (or not, if you're wearing sunnies) and let all your accessories do the talking.  Perfect for Monday mornings when no one wants to talk to anyone.

 Shop similar items here:

The Kooples Pants · Tory Burch Skinny Pants · Wallis Pants

Texturizing

Jacket: Zara, old (similar here)

Lace Top: Kirna Zabete x Target (similar here, here)

Silk Pants: Urban Outfitters, old (similar here, love these)

Shoes: Zara (obsessed with these, be practical here)

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Sunglasses: Fendi

So, for these pics I draped my jacket over my shoulders like every other blogger on the interweb.  For the rest of the day I wore the jacket like a normal person.  Not sure why fashionistas worldwide are doing this except for picture-taking purposes because you obviously can't walk 10 steps without it falling off this way.  Plus if you're trying to stay warm, this doesn't do the trick.  But I will admit it feels super chic.  So although I will call bullshit when I see the Streetpeeper pics from upcoming fashion week of everyone traipsing around NYC wearing their jackets like this in the frigid weather, I do like the look.   

Working Girl

Dress: ASOS, old (similar here, here)

Top: Zara

Shoes: Tory Burch

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Sunglasses: Fendi

This is about as lawyerly as I can stand to get.  

In the fog

Top: Zara, old (very similiar here)

Skirt: Phillip Lim x Target (also worn here)

Boots: Steve Madden, old (also worn here, similar here)

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Necklace: Nordstrom (similar here, here)

Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs Collection

Pants underneath skirts are like, a thing now.  And I thought that I could never be so bold as to try this look again (I did in the early 90s when it first surfaced and wasn't allowed to leave the house until I changed).  Then I saw these photos and realized how much it looks like I'm wearing pants under this skirt, from a distance anyway.  I like it and I think I'm going to get more serious about it.  Here's more badassness for inspiration.       

Shades of Red Part 2

Blazer: Mango (similar here, here, here)

Dress: Zara (also worn here)

Tights: Target

Boots: Madison Harding (also worn here)

Bag: Burberry

Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs

Attempt number 2 at mixing shades of red; see previous results here.  I know I said blues were next but clearly I wasn't done with all the red in my closet like I thought I was.

Radiant Orchid

Blazer: Theory

Blouse: J. Crew, old (extremely similar here)

Pants: Zara, old (similar here, here)

Shoes: Gucci

Bag & Sunglasses: Burberry

Necklace: Zara

So the 2014 Pantone color of the year is "Radiant Orchid" which is a similar color to the shirt I'm wearing here, except more purple.  Blech.  While I enjoy a good true hot pink or magenta, the purplish-pink doesn't do it for me.  Personally, I liked 2013's emerald much better.  Still, I'm just as fickle as the next girl; check back in 6 months from now to see where I stand on "radiant orchid."  

Leopard Neoprene

Sweater: Zara (also worn here)

Blouse: Forever 21

Skirt: Zara

Shoes: Jimmy Choo "Abel"

Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs

Managed to snap this one picture before the camera died.  It was just one of those days.

Burgundy Booties

Blouse: J. Crew

Cropped Sweater: Zara

Jeans: Old Navy

Boots: Madison Harding (now on sale!)

Bag & Sunglasses: Chanel

Who says crop tops aren't office appropriate?

Canadian Tux

Shirt: J. Crew (sold out)

Skirt: Zara (also worn here and here)

Shoes: Zara

Bag & Sunglasses: Chanel

We Canadians are known for many things - Mounties, poutine, maple syrup, an aversion to war, and most sartorially importantly, the Canadian Tuxedo.  This can go horribly, horribly wrong; but when it's right, it's fucking amazingly right.