Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle.

They say when in Rome, do as the Romans do.  So when in Silverlake (the quickly gentrified, hipster-y neighborhood of northern LA often compared to Brooklyn), I say do as the Brooklynites do…

For an afternoon spent browsing the record/vintage/cheese shops of Silverlake that meant a nineties style button down maxi dress (one of the most surprisingly versatile pieces I’ve bought in a long time), layered under a plaid button down (the calling card of hipsters on either coast), and a utility vest (ditto on the versatility of this piece).  This is one of those outfits that combines several pieces that aren’t typically my style (vests are few and far between in my closet and this is honestly the only maxi dress I own), but somehow manages to still work.  Just don’t try and get me to wear ripped tights.  

Dooney & Bourke Bag (Vintage)
Dolce Vita Shoes (old, similar here)
CrewCuts laces (old, similar here)

First it was in a mod inspired feature in Matchbook Magazine.  Then it was this post from blog ‘A Piece of Toast’.  And by the time I was browsing the Urban Outfitters bedding section, I officially felt like I was being watched.

Eyes, it seems, are the new lip.  While kiss prints seem to cycle through fashion fairly often, the eyes motif feels fairly novel.  From closed eyes on pillow cases to heavy lashes on loafers to cat eyes on a clutch, the key is to keep it bold in black and white (with maybe a touch of baby blues).  They’re the perfect accent to other bold pieces – carry that clutch with a houndstooth dress, hold that phone case while you text with glitter covered nails, and wear those flats while you sport swiss dot tights.  I promise, all eyes will be on you.

(1. Urban Outfitters pillowcases; 2. Kate Spade iPhone cover; 3. Modcloth flats; 4. Etsy notecard; 5. Kate Spade Clutch)

So it’s safe to say my goal of outfit posting didn’t really get off the ground last year.  After my inaugural post, life (like moving, holidays, work, house guests…) sort of got in the way.  But now that we’ve turned the calendar page I’m more committed than ever to make my ‘Real Deal’ series in particular stick. 

In New York I always wore neutral coats.  Since you had to wear them every single day for practically three months straight I was afraid to buy something colorful that I’d tire of or wouldn’t match with my whole wardrobe.  But since moving to Los Angeles, and realizing I would only need a “winter” coat a handful of times, I decided to go with something really fun and bright.  To play up the girly, retro style of the coat, I added a mix of patriotic patterns, trusty ankle boots, and my favorite vintage clutch.  

Double Breasted Military Coat 
H&M Dress (old, similar here)
Forever 21 Blouse (old, similar here)
Zara Heels (old, similar here)
Vintage Clutch

For the first time in my apartment renting life, I have a second bathroom (technically a half bath, but still).  And obviously, that means the chance to decorate.

Since it’s not the bathroom I use every morning, I plan on making it bright and cheerful and more geared towards when we have friends visit or guests stay over.  That being said, I don’t exactly want to break the bank on the room that will get the least use in the house.  Above are a few suggestions on how to make things welcoming while also staying on budget.

Nest: In a small room, a soft and pretty rug goes a long way in adding some life.  I plan on using this Urban Outfitters geometric rug as the starting point and adding art to the walls that is in the same range of colors.

Dressed: I once read that Kelly Ripa bought hundreds of pairs of hotel slippers so that whenever she has guests she can put out a fresh pair for each of them.  Clearly that’s beyond my means, but a nice robe (freshly washed for each guest) is a nice touch in case they want to throw it on over their pajamas before breakfast.  This Gap Body option is now on sale.

The Rest: Bar soap has no place in a guest bathroom.  These foaming soaps from Target are just a few bucks, smell clean but not overpowering, and have pretty packaging.  It’s the little things that make people want to visit your home again, I swear.