January 29, 2012

winter white

winter white
winter white created by fashionparadegirl featuring ivory coats

Let's face it. We, Californians, don't really know what winter is all about. Sunny and 70 degree weather in the end of January? More reason to celebrate white! All the outdated rules of "no white before memorial day or after labor day" remain unfashionable this season, even if you're really in the cold.

1. Knitted Dove
2. Burberry
3. Michael Kors
4. J. Crew
5. Theory

I may not have my ivory coat lined up for the season, but my little daughter is all set to rock her style.
Janie and Jack (via one of her most stylish aunts)

January 19, 2012

forever 21 and over

How many times have you blurted out one of the following replies when a stranger or not-so-close friend inquired about where an article of clothing you were wearing was purchased?

"I can't remember. I got it a long time ago."
"It's actually not mine...just borrowing it."
"It was a gift."


That's code for Forever 21. If you are reading this post, chances are you are probably over twenty-one. I sure am. So when is it a little too over 21 for a girl to shop at Forever 21? Never, really. It's what you choose that makes a difference (age appropriate, please).  Here's a roundup of three of my favorite categories to shop for at my local store:

1. bold solids
Solids are great for layering. Bold hues bring out the personality in any outfit. And who isn't into color blocking right now anyway?

Pair with: Navy linen blazer, camel wedges, stacked bangles, tote.

2. jewelry
Low investment trend add-ons. 

Add a touch of bohemian, victorian, or goth to any outfit.

3. stripes
Always in style, and never age discriminates.

Pair with indigo skinnies, gold belt, white tank, and sandals


Stay young, my friends.

January 11, 2012

feathers and tweed, yes indeed!

feather and tweed

feather and tweed by fashionparadegirl featuring crossbody handbags

The 1920's fashion re-intro of feather and tweed is just so lady-ish and artsy. Above are some staple (and not so staple) items to help flaunt this style.

skirt- Lanvin
blouse- Oscar de la Renta
shoes- Vince Camuto
handbag- Malene Birger
ring- Roberto Cavalli
tights- Malene Birger
jacket- Revillon
clip- Dorothy Perkins
sunglasses- Tom Ford

Being a celebrity junkie and noticing the hair accessories (headbands!) from the 2012 Golden Globes last night,  I am quite content with my contribution to the trend:

Nordstrom: Tasha Headband


January 09, 2012

leopard pumps

There's something so exciting about getting a new pair of shoes (Stuart Weitzman Calf Hair Peep-Toe Pump, in this case). And, even more exciting--- getting a fantastic deal on them (over 60% off plus free shipping, in this case)! Now the painful ending to my story: the shoe doesn't fit.  


As much as I am obsessing over these gorgeous pumps (including trying them on every day for almost a week hoping that one day they will magically fit),  I will have to return them and hopefully make some girl with narrow feet very happy. 

As I sulk, take a look at some of the celebrity looks spotted with leopard heels: 

Michelle Williams

Miranda Kerr

Olivia Palermo

January 05, 2012

organized fashion

You know it's the first week of a new year when Lululemon gear and reusable water bottles are the hottest trend on the streets. I was guilty of wearing my sneakers yesterday as I ran, errands that it, to get some new hangers for my closet. That leads me to my first post of 2012-- dedicated to my top new year's resolution: get my fashion cave (closet and vanity) efficient and organized! Take a look at the five to do's to accomplish my goal:

1. switch out wooden hangers to plastic hangers- 
As much as wooden hangers are cute and boutiquey, they are not always practical (especially when it comes to California real estate). Space is essential in keeping organized so plastic takes up less room. As long as the hanger color and size are consistent, you'll still have a pretty display.
goodbye cedar!


2. store shoes in clear boxes- 
Visibility is key when getting a look together, and shoes are an important part of any outfit. How many times I've forgotten I had the perfect shoe to go with a dress? Countless.
container store shoe boxes



3. sort and label handbags- 
Clutches, small bags, large bags... sort, store and label. If you have more space and handbag inventory, it's better to categorize further (i.e. totes, hobos, messengers etc). I hope to master this one day.
container store storage boxes



4. stash away cosmetics-
Oh, make-up. I feel like every 6 months there seems to be a bigger better cosmetic must have that we all get lured into owning. Keep everyday essentials in a drawer or vanity organizer (brushes included), easily accesible. Everything else--- stash away in a train case. There's no need to stare at those fake lashes everyday when getting your under eye concealer.
sephora train case

5. eliminate any unused items- 
By far, the biggest hurdle for me! If you haven't worn it or used it in a year (designer handbags excluded), it's time to say bye-bye. Donate, sell, or discard these items. What keeps me going from having separation anxiety? Knowing that there is something better out there for me.

Now, this will allow me to be more efficient and give me time to do more enjoyable things in life (i.e. shop and blog).