Olive Sweater & Lace Slipdress

Sweater: Target, old (also worn here)

Slipdress: TFNC London via Revolve

Boots: BCBGMAXAZRIA

Bag: Chanel

Sunglasses: Dsquared2

You guys, it's been a minute since I put on anything I would deem photograph-worthy.  My uniform these days consists of a lot of black, and flat shoes so I'm working on adding some more interesting versions of these things to my wardrobe.  I'm going for quality not quantity, so it's taking me a while, because not only did we just come off the holidays ($$$$), and then award season (no time for life itself), but now I have several upcoming trips to account for.  All good things, though - weddings, a bachelorette excursion to Vegas, another vacation to Trinidad for carnival (see last year's recap post here - cannot wait for this year's shenanigans) and also hopefully going to be able to squeeze in a quick anniversary trip with my hubby.  We are coming up on 9 years of marriage.  NINE YEARS?! Shit, when did that happen?  We've actually been together for 14.  In this day and age, that deserves a celebration if I do say so myself.  We're thinking Mexico in May, but that's subject to change depending on what mouth-watering places Pinterest shows me between now and then. 

A quick word on slips with lace on the bottom - they work wonders for elongating minidresses and tunics when worn underneath.  Because sometimes you just don't feel like wearing pants. 

Red Blazer + Studded Boots

Blazer: Mango (also worn here, similar here)

Jeans: Citizens of Humanity

Boots: BCBGMaxazria

Bag: Chanel

Sunglasses: Dsquared2

I wore this last week to lunch and a movie with the hubby while the kids were in school.  Something about playing hooky felt really rebellious, but we took advantage of the fact that most people had quit working for the holidays, and did so ourselves - for a few hours, at least.  Not sure if that subliminally influenced my outfit choice, because the red blazer is pretty bold for a matinee show.  Anyway, it turned out to be a great day, without the pressure of feeling like we had to get home to relieve a babysitter from duty.  I'm thinking date days (as opposed to date nights) may become a more regular thing for us in 2015. 

Canadian Tuxedo + Bow Tie

Denim Shirt: J. Crew, old (similar here)

Jeans: Target

Duster: ASOS (also worn here)

Bow tie: ASOS

Shoes: Chanel

Bag: Chanel

Sunglasses: Dsquared2

I love Harry Potter which is probs why I love this cheeky bow tie that makes everything you wear it with a little more Hogwarts-appropriate.  Seriously though, there's something about the whole schoolgirl goth thing that is kind of cool and this removable neck bow let's me dip a toe into that whole look without completely committing (kind of like painting your nails black or wearing super dark lipstick).  I'm not into extremes of any kind but a hint of a theme here and there keeps things interesting.

Marsala Leather + Black Bustier

Blazer: Vintage (also worn here)

Tee: Target

Bustier: ASOS (also worn here)

Pants: Rag & Bone (also worn here)

Bag: Chanel

Shoes: Aminah Abdul-Jillil

Sunglasses: Dsquared2

Finally made it over to the Palihotel this weekend for brunch at The Hart and the Hunter, which was a total treat.  Amazing biscuits, cozy atmosphere, and bottomless mimosas? Yes please.  It's been a while since hubby and I have been able to have a leisurely brunch alone together, so big thanks to my sister and her boyfriend for entertaining the kiddos for the majority of our Saturday morning.  Usually when we go out for Saturday brunch I am shoveling food as fast as possible into my mouth and trying really hard not to let my eggs spill into the hair of whichever child is sitting on my lap.  Also, I dress way more shiteously whenever kids and breakfast are involved. 

This time however, I pulled it together a bit for our date-day.  I maintain that Rag & Bone makes an amazingly-fitting pair of pants.  I'm still in love with them, and even though they aren't exactly the 2015 color of the year (which I'm still on the fence about because it's like a duller version of oxblood, a color I actually love) I'm going to argue that they are in the zone of what's current and happening in the design world.  

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????

Incognito

Vest: Rebecca Taylor (also worn here and here)

Top: H&M

Skirt: Free People (similar here)

Shoes: Converse

Bag: Chanel

Sunglasses: Fendi

I was going to go the all-black route here, but put the vest on at the last minute because it was actually cool outside when we left the house.  Also, I wanted to be a little more incognito for where we were going, and I feel that (ironically) wearing all black during the day to a family-friendly event can make you stick out like a sore thumb in a sea of printed leggings and colorful Nikes.  Not that I'm against standing out, but I'm working on being more approachable (it turns out making new friends in your 30s in a city like L.A. is really hard) so in certain situations you kinda have to dress the part.  Or at least, do the best you can and still be you.

Blue Plaid

Jacket: Nastygal

Shirt: Geren Ford, old

Pants: J. Brand

Shoes: Zara (similar here, love these)

Bag: Chanel

I've had this shirt for going on 5 years and I originally bought it for the color, but I realized the cut and material have always been what made it a go-to shirt for me.  It's baggy but not boxy because it's silk and has movement, and it's not too short and not too long.  Low necked but not slutty, and versatile because of the print.  It's basically a study in toeing the line between sexy and ladylike, and here I thought I was just being cobaltblind again.

Twisted

Top: Hardwear on Larchmont

Shorts: Zara

Shoes: DSW (also worn here, here)

Bag: Chanel

Sunglasses: Fendi

I recycled a bunch of oldies with this new knit top (not cardigan, because cardigans and I got divorced a while ago), which I love because the twisted front keeps the entire thing together, know what I mean?  Like, when I'm walking the sides aren't open and flapping in the wind, so my boobs and post-ramen gut (wore this to Tatsu for lunch) aren't exposed for the world to see.  And, I'm all about an ankle length anything right now for a little daytime drama.  Although I got this one at a local shop, I've rounded up some options (shoptions? ha) below.

 Shop similar items:

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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Floral Purple

Dress: Free People, old

Shoes: Aminah Abdul Jillil

Bag: Chanel

Sunglasses: Fendi

When it's hot as balls (like it is in L.A. right now) the only thing I want to wear is a dress.  I haven't worn this one in ages but I really couldn't bring myself to put any more thought into how to stay comfortable in 90 degree heat, California-style (which is so different from what I was used to in Florida).  I haven't gone through a dress phase in a while so I'm lacking anything new in that department, but I'm glad I kept this one around for the last of summer.  A cute dress is a cute dress, no matter what's currently on trend at the moment.