Black Gaucho

Shirt: J. Crew

Pants: Just Female via Shopbop (on sale!)

Shoes: Dolce Vita, old

Bag: Chanel

Sunglasses: Fendi

Almost a year ago, I posted about culottes and how they were back.  Over the summer they maintained a steady presence, although they were overshadowed by other things like denim shorts and crop tops and kimonos.  Now that's it's time to put all that shit away, let's again focus on being cute in these flattering pants.  Because seriously, when you find a pair that fits you right (higher-waisted, mid-shin, flowy and easy but not so easy that you get a perpetual wedgie like you used to when those jersey ones were in style a few years ago, yikes) it's the best thing ever.   You know we're all in search of that "fashion forward and not even trying" look.  I think the right pair of culottes can point you in that direction.  

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Grunge-ish

Dress: Hardwear boutique in Larchmont Village 

Boots: Zara

Bag: Chanel

Sunglasses: Prada

Watch: Cartier

I never like to dive too deep into a trend because it makes me feel like a poser.  These boots are SO hi-I'm-into-kurt-cobain-and-i-have-the-boots-to-prove-it, and who are we kidding - I love Beyonce and all things pop.  And fro-yo.  And showers.  But I do also love a chain-embellished anything, genuinely, so I wore these the best way I know how - with an asymmetrical black dress that says orchestra pit more than mosh pit.  In actual fact, I wore this dress starting at 9am to shop the sample sales in grungy downtown L.A., followed by afternoon drinks at the Ace Hotel, and then switched to these shoes for dinner at Lukshon.  This dress made it a full 14 hours and worked the entire time. Cha-ching. 

White coat

Coat: Banana Republic, old

Top: Equipment "Brett" in Pine(sold out)

Skirt: Zara

Boots: Jeffrey Campbell

Bag: Lauren Merkin

Continuing on with this week's white theme (totes unplanned but I'm going with it), I broke out this coat in lieu of the many black options I have.  I think it takes the edge off a bit.  Not that the plaid shirt wasn't doing that too.

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Rails Button Front Tops · J.W.Anderson Skirts · Asos Skirts

Pink Scarf

Scarf: can't remember, but like this similar one

Cape: Zara, old

Jeans: Blank Denim, old

Shoes: BCBGMaxazria "Wane"

Clutch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs

Ring: Gift

I bought this scarf on some trip years ago at an airport souvenir shop, because the airport was so freezing and I was unprepared for it (oh to be young and carefree again).  Since then I've worn it a shocking number of times, and considering it was only $10, it's held up pretty well.     

Mall basics

Stripe Shirt: Forever 21

Sweater: American Eagle (similar here)

Jeans: Old Navy "Diva" 

Boots: Dolce Vita

Bag: Gucci

I call this "mall basics with amped up accessories."  Good enough for brunch at Bottega Louie and an afternoon strolling around Santa Monica.  

Oxblood Leather in L.A.

Suede Fringe Jacket: Zara (also worn here)

Leather Pants: Rag & Bone (also worn here)

Boots: BCBGMaxazria "Wane"

Bag & Sunglasses: Chanel

Scarf: Louis Vuitton, old

I recently visited my younger sister in L.A. and forced asked her to take these pics since my trusty other half wasn't with me.  Can I just say, if ever there were a more perfect place to own a pair of leather pants, I don't know it.  L.A. weather is just cool enough during the day, and chilly enough at night to make them appropriate all day long (not that it stops me from wearing them here in Florida anyway, just an observation).      

Plaid Tee + Vegan Pants

Shirt: Torn by Ronny Kobo, old

Pants: Juicy Couture

Boots: Betsy Johnson

Bag: Gucci

Sunglasses: Chanel

When I was 9, I used to wish I was allowed to dress like this.  Instead, this was me.  Thank god for adulthood.

Buckle Booties

Sweater: Forever 21, old 

Jeans: Forever 21, old

Shirt: J. Crew (love this print)

Boots: Report Signature "Fairfield" (on sale at Amazon!)

Bag: Burberry

Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs

Prepare to get tired of seeing these boots because I love them and plan to wear them a lot.  That's kind of what I do.

 

Ruffled Collar & Jeweled Sweatshirt

Blouse: Rebecca Taylor, old

Sweatshirt: J. Crew, sold out (also worn here)

Velvet skinny jeans: Blank NYC, old (similar here)

Boots: Betsey Johnson, old

Bag: Lauren Merkin 

Sunglasses: Ray Ban

I wore the crap out of this Rebecca Taylor white button down; so much so that I can no longer wear it on its own.  There are like 6 buttons missing and it may or may not be one size too small for me now, but that collar still looks brand new.  That's my favorite part about the shirt anyway, so, it stays.

Mixed Textures in Black and White

Jacket: H&M (also worn here)

Dress: ASOS, sold out (also worn here)

Boots: Nine West, old (similar here)

Bag: Burberry

Necklace: Nordstrom, old

In any arsenal of ankle boots, I think a wedge heel is necessary.  I can always use more comfort and more height.