Girls, girls, girls

My fashionista friends traveled from the Bay to indulge in a little bit of sample saling, food binging, and girl talking with cocktails to end the night, every night. A weekend of full blown estrogen comes with alot of, "cute dress, love your shoes, where did you get that" exclamations. This time was no different.

Fashion "on"

One wonderful man I need to get into my closet is Christian Louboutin - especially when he's so pretty in pink!

5 inches higher, my girlfriend walked tall wearing these Parisian beauties.

Next, came the leading lady of the night, Dianne Von Furstenberg.
I've been loving rompers lately - especially when they come silky, bold, and steller like this one. Right off the rack of Barney's Co-op, she confidently debuted in a bar on the westside the very same day she was delicately wrapped in tissue paper and taken home.

All the way from Shanghai, came my dress. Like painted art meant for a museum but instead picturesquely draped on my body with a belt to cinch the waist. A foreigner perhaps but no stranger to LA's catwalk - speaking a universal language...that is style.

From a sidewalk vendor to runway status. Talk about working your way up in the world!

The day after we find comfort in flats and big sunglasses to mask a night of martini's. I heart heel-less shoes.

It's no longer taboo to wear flat shoes - especially when they're bejeweled and fun.

So to end my GWO (girl's weekend out) -- It definitely includes alot of fashion exchange but it's also just pretty cool to sprawl out on my bed on a lazy sunday and talk about all things "girl" and boys, wouldn't you like to know?

ASOS.com

It's nice to have friends that scour the internet for you to find good shopping sites - like this UK based internet retailer asos.com, formerly known as AsSeenOnScreen. ASOS.com prides itself in offering celebrity fashions for less.

A girlfriend's recommendation led me to purchase this jersey chain top. Paid about $50. Got it in 6 days from the UK. Quality is good for the money. Conclusion? A+.

Rachel Pally Summer 07

Absolutely crazy about Rachel Pally's summer collection. It's bright, patterned, colorful - basically everything worth embracing for summer. Her clothes are so light and airy, versatile in a way that 1 dress can be worn 5 different ways, and easily convertible for night and day.

I had a sneak peak at her Fall line and the pieces are just as gorgeous and Rachel's introduction of cashmere adds another level of luxury.

If you live in the LA area, you can shop Rachel Pally's pre-Spring collection - all at 50-90% off retail! To make an appointment, call 818 785-4486 or email AdrianPB@aol.com to schedule.

Saks One Day Sale

Even though the site is crawling, there’s some great stuff and all 30-40% off! Free shipping too with promo code RUSH4MOM.

Click here to shop!

Bloomie's Friends & Fam

Bloomingdale's
Friends and Family Weekend
is coming.......

Take advantage of Bloomingdale's Friends and Family discount May 3, 2007 to May 6, 2007. 20% off mostly everything! Update your summer wardrobe and bring home the LARGE brown bag. ;)

Reminder!

Rachel Pally Warehouse sale is happening this weekend, starting tomorrow!

For more information:
Rachel Pally Warehouse Sale

Tons of pre-spring stuff to feast on!

BBD & DVF bring you...

Presented by Billion Dollar Babes

Exclusive Diane von Furstenberg Sale – ONE DAY ONLY

When:
Saturday, April 21, 2007, 8am -7pm

Where:
W Los Angeles
Westwood 930
Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024

8am entry
BDB Platinum Members only (sign up HERE)

9am entry
BDB Gold Members only (sign up HERE)

10am entry
General Entry (sign up HERE)

CLICK HERE FOR W LOS ANGELES EXCLUSIVES

Map

RSVP ESSENTIAL: CLICK HERE

RSVPs close for this event on Friday April 20th at 7pm.
For questions, call us at (323) 933-8850 x111.

Cash and major credit cards accepted. PLEASE NOTE: Photo ID is required for all credit card payments.

Forever mine

My neighbor at work is a fashionista. We talk fashion. We love fashion. Fashion on a dime? Perfect. Why? Because really, it's about how you wear it and the attitude behind it that can make it look expensive. No one has to know except you & the shirt & maybe those select few who think like you do.

So she walked in and said, guess where? Looks like Marc. Nope. It's shhh....forever 21.

Amazing.

Don't wear it as if it only cost you $20 bucks. Wear as if it were couture. A lesson learned from my neighbor, my fashionista, and my inspiration.

I'll certainly drink to that. ;)

Donna Dress, $30.00/Lexi Tunic, $24.80

Shoegasm

Damn Barneys for sending me catalogs of beautiful shoes. Once I saw Christian Louboutin on the cover, I couldn’t help myself. I practically drooled with desire at each flip, lusting over pages of Balenciaga, Marni, Chloe, and Lavin. Strangely erotic, I know.

Immediately went from catalog to www.barneys.com to get more.

the WEDGE
yves saint laurent/patent wedge slingback/$630
christian louboutin/slingback wedge/$650

the SILVER SANDAL
barneys new york coop/leather twist sandal/$350
lanvin/metallic flat sandal/$425

the PUMP
miu miu/patent leather pump/$395
christian louboutin/platform slingback/$640

yay or nay?

Flat knee-high boots by Delman. Available at Neiman Marcus. On sale for $225 (leather)/ $198 (suede). Girlfriends bombarded me with IMs of "should I get, what color should I get?" I fancy flat but oh-so-tall boots. I suggested Brown at first. But, Black leather is hot too.

Help me so maybe I can help them?

Big Rings

One day, I’ll get my 3 carat ring. I must be dreaming! One day, maybe in my next life. In the meantime, I can still rock the bling and wave my hands with pride, even if it’s just a $6 H&M sparkler weighing down my fingers. Though I love my David Yurman onyx cocktail ring, the one dressed with glittering diamonds, oh yes, that one. ;) -- it carries with it some bittersweet emotions. I wear it sparingly -- plus I’d be devastated if I left it in the girl’s room absentmindedly. And I would do something like that.

So, I’d much prefer the less than $20 costume accessories; at the moment, rings to be specific – though it would be silly of me to refuse the real thing. I’m talking big jewels and rocks encased by metal or flower petals carrying over your ring and pointer finger – and maybe even funky plastics in polka-dot and leapord. All of abstract shapes and colors, of course. Doesn't a luscious strawberry with gold seeds sound delicious?

Where to find? I scouted some at H&M. Intermix has some but pricey. Kenneth Jay Lane, of course, does not cease to disappoint. All the ones pictured above, Rachel Leigh, Lee Angel, Kenneth Jay Lane, and SuRevolution are all around $80.

Rock me. ;)

Kitson Warehouse Sale

First Ever Kitson Warehouse Sale!

50-80% off designer shoes, tees, bags, denim, and more

Starting Wednesday, April 4th to Saturday, April 7th.

142 N. Robertson Blvd (next to Kitson Men)

Madonna for H&M

The M by Madonna line for H&M was set to debut March 2007 all around the world. In stores, Thursday, March 22nd – I made a trip to Old Town in Pasadena to take a peek that very Saturday. The style of the collection is classy & sophisticated with primarily black and white donning both casual and dressy pieces. While you get the look of Madonna, I wasn't entirely impressed with the feel. The material of the dresses was sub par and to be brutally honest, it felt like something I could buy for $20 on Melrose. But in all fairness, I could only stand being in the store for about 15 minutes before I wanted to escape the masses.

It also wasn't long before my eyes were stuck to something cute. I saw black and I saw patent all over a long leather clutch and soon after, I was carrying it out the store. I'd be searching far and wide for a cute clutch to hold my evening essentials. The clutch also comes in white patent and is part of the M by Madonna line and there's no indication of brand until you look inside. I love so much!

To check out the collection online, visit H&M online!

Save the Date – Rachel Pally Sale!

This is the moment we’ve been waiting for – at least I have!

Spring Warehouse Sale
Friday – Sunday, April 13-15

Huge inventory of Fall, Resort, and Pre-Spring styles!

More information to come regarding the event to follow.

Floral Arrangement

[above: T-Bags chain belt off the shoulder dress, $212]

How better to celebrate Spring than color. Dress yourself with patterned frocks, vibrant with color. Just picture splashes of hotpink, speckles of yellow, shapes of orange, and weaves of green decorating tops, mini-dresses, and accessories. It is quite the bright idea.


[above and center: Milly Halter Top,$325]

From Left to Right...
Tocca - wrap dot top, $230

Mara Hoffman -butterfly sleeve silk jersey mini, $300
Kenneth Jay Lane - Flower Pearl Ring, $115
Missoni - platform sandels, $595

And lastly, no print collection is complete without Diane. above, [above: DVF Abel, $345]

I Love Rachel Pally

Every season I tell myself that I can't fill my closet with any more Rachel Pally but every season surpasses the next - so how can I help myself? I am a basics girl. I like pieces that I can swap and mix easily from one outfit to the next. I remember the time when I used to buy over-the -top but just absolutely gorgeous pieces thinking I would wear it more than two times. The novelty wears off quickly and suddenly, it no longer gives you the same "new" feeling as it use to. If you do the math - $300 top with 2 wears = $150/wear. Yikes! Quite frankly, I would be needing to make more money to enjoy that luxury. The only exception is shoes. ;)

Oh, but Rachel's stuff is great. The fabric is so soft against your skin and so fluid on your body. Since her debut, each subsequent season has encompassed more detail and creativity - whether it be pintucks, buttons, or folds. Still has the same look and feel of Rachel Pally but with more pizazz.

To share some of my favorites from Rachel Pally's Spring line....

Top, from left to right:

• Back Cowl Tee
• Buttoned Baby Doll
• Gathered Mini
• Pin Tuck Mini

Left: Printed Off-the-Shoulder

Tory Burch Ali's

Speaking of warm weather shoes, how cute are these? My girl friends are seriously the devils on my shoulder. Every minute I get links to check out the cute stuff they come across. I love going into new seasons - so many pretty things to look at!

You can find the patent Ali thong sandals here. At $195, they're the same price as the Tory Burch Revas! And also like the Revas, they come in various colors. In patent, you can get them in either white or black. In metallics -- silver and gold.

Peek-a-Boo

We'd all like to think warm weather is upon us and really, it almost is *wishful thinking* -- but even so, it's not too early to think about shoes you can wear for warm weather right?

In every designer collection, you seem to be seeing at least one pair of peeptoe flats and how ingenious of them to bring this style back. I, for one, would prefer to wear flat shoes anyday - especially since my afternoon walks at lunch make up the crux of my exercise regimen.

From left to right:

• Stuart Weitzman, Open toe flat, $215 - Available at Neiman Marcus
• Fendi, Peeptoe flower sling. $510 - Available at Barneys
• Christian Louboutin, Peeptoe crisscross flats, $510 - Available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Let those toesies through!

Boutique Hopping

And how about another digest of the coming soon...

Since I've been here, I've done my fair share of shopping. It's tough though because back home I normally shop in pairs. So naturally - sans my friend's honest opinions - I don't really jump on the opportunity to shop in my spare time (though, admittedly, it's easier on the pockets). Not to mention, the internet has made it easier to "window shop" but sitting in your pjs at home. I know I surf Shopbop , Revolve Clothing , Saks.com, etc. on a nightly basis.

But with Veronica in town, I was obliged to bring her around but thankfully so. First, we hit up Melrose and did the Fred Segal thing and walked across the street to Madison. Madison, by far, is one of my most favorite boutiques. I love their selection of clothes and there's such an eclectic mix of the basics, the trendy, and the dressier pieces with designers like Hip Adventures, Mason, Society for Retired Dress, Young, Fabulous, and Broke, Daftbird, T-bags, and Alvin Valley . They happened to be having sale on Saturday and I picked up a cute summer dress by Tart for $72, regular price $188. There's less of a "Robertson attitude" like when you're at Kitson or Lisa Kline (although, Lisa Kline has some fabulous stuff).

Afterwards, we made our way to W 3rd street, where we visited Satine. Satine wasn't what I expected since I was so used to browsing their online store. The collection is definitely on the higher end of the price scale and the store, small -- but clothing speaks for itself - very chic and elegant pieces decorating hangers. Everything was very well put together and easy to peruse. As a shopper, I hate sifting through racks that are jam packed with clothes. One inch between hangers is a good rule of thumb. Can you tell I've worked retail before?

Next, we stepped into Milk. Now, Milk was having an insane storewide sale where everything was marked down beginning at 50% to 90% off. I so desperately wanted to buy the McQ sweater/shirt that Jessica Simpson sported but couldn't find one in my size. I was also eyeing an adorable navy blue short-sleeved sweater dress by Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent but again, no size. Despite my attempts and subsequent failures at finding my size, it seemed other people were having sublime luck. Amongst the other labels were Johnson, Karoo, and Manoush.

Our last stop was Scout. It was refreshing to see two male salespersons running the store but perhaps that's the reason for its name. By this time, both Veronica and I were running on fumes but I definitely liked the vibe of the store. The atmosphere was much different than the others - almost cold & futuristic, the coloring inside mostly grays and blacks - but not in a bad way. Some labels I remember seeing were Society for Rational Dress and Mike & Chris and I hope I'm correct in saying that Scout has their own line too - with some cute tops I might add. In the end, I left with a good impression. It didn't hurt either that the saleperson (handsome and charming) complimented my outfit. ;)

Well, if you haven't been, I would encourage you to make an attempt to visit either Madison, Milk, Satine, or Scout - especially soon so you don't miss out on the sales!

Madison Melrose
8115 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.651.3662

Madison Robertson
113 South Robertson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
310.275.1930

Satine
8117 West Third St.
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Scout
7920 W Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
323-658-8684

Milk
8209 W 3rd St.
West Hollywood, CA 90036
(323) 951-0330

Scout

Trash or Treasure?

Yesterday, Daily Candy gave us the scoop on Metamorphosis Couture - a resale establishment of designer duds for up to 60 to 90% off.

Michele Pietra, former stylist, is holding her first public sale this...

Sunday, February 11th, 12 p.m -5 p.m
&
Monday, February 12th, 10 a.m.-6 p.m

Where at?
Fabric Salon
152 South Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills

Who to call?
310-248-5227

They say she has Prada, Chloe, Manolo, Fendi, Missoni, and Marni - all deeply discounted!

Wow, I'd say I've found gold.