Library Geek

Photo Credit: liveloveshopla.com

I have a confession: recently I've been spending a lot of time at the Library. It's a place for me to clear my head, take in intriguing surroundings, and best of all, acquire unique pieces of clothing at prices that are a steal.

This Library doesn't require a membership card, and the inventory (thankfully) lacks the inevitable mothball smell that most libraries are famous for. Instead, this Library features local and well-known clothing lines housed in a charming vintage-inspired boutique in the heart of quaint Larchmont Boulevard. What's not to love?

Stocked with plenty of burnout tees, distressed sweaters, and adorable accessories, the Library has quickly become one of my new favorite L.A. stores. About half of their well-edited clothes feature designers like J.Brand and LnA with higher-end price points, and the other half features lesser-known but still amazing lines with Urban Outfitters-type pricing. Plus, right now they are having a 50% off sale which makes every shopping trip a bit more gratifying.

Photo Credit: mondette.com

While you're there, make sure that you check out the floors by the dressing rooms that have old gadgets and jewelry embedded in the cement, and the vintage luggage (I spotted a Gucci suitcase) that completes the modern-antique vibe of the store. The staff is also super-friendly and makes you feel right at home in this shopping haven.

So if you're in L.A., or will be in the future, take some time to check out Larchmont and the Library. It has the Rock Law stamp of approval so you know it must be good.

Dress on!

Lisa

Netflix for Dresses

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent

Ruffle Party Dress

Rent $50/ Retail $275

A graduation, a charity event, a wedding, a birthday, a hot date...there always seems to be a reason for a new dress. I, for one, am usually jumping at the excuse to buy something new, and I'm sure that I am not alone in that matter. Now, I usually try and find something in my closet that would be suitable before I hit the stores, but as I sift through my dresses, remembering when I've worn each one, I often run into this problem:

Problem #1 - I've Worn That Too Many Times

Special occasions and events often mean that there will be photos taken. Since Facebook and picture websites are the common medium for photo albums these days, it feels like our lives are being constantly documented for the world (or at least our friends and family) to see. While the pictures we take might not reach as far as the US Weekly audience, it can be embarrassing to be seen in the same outfit in multiple events. After all, who wants to be the girl who's a one-dress wonder?

So I decide that a new purchase is justifiable, and I begin my journey in search of the perfect dress. However, once I lay eyes on it, and it calls to me, it is then that I often run into this problem:

Problem #2 - I Can't Spend That Much On Something I Might Only Wear Once

Due to the above referenced Problem #1, a special dress may only get one, maybe two, moments to shine before it is outworn or out of style. But it's not always affordable or reasonable to get something new. On the other hand, feeling and looking fabulous for a night can sometimes be priceless...

So what's a girl to do? Here comes RenttheRunway.com to the rescue! Rent The Runway is a website of designer dresses that customers are able to rent and wear for 4-8 days for a fraction of the retail price. You browse through the delightful inventory, make your selection, and the dress will arrive at your door ready for you to wear. Once finished, you simply send it back in the pre-paid envelope and they take care of the cleaning. They'll even send you a second size for free just to make sure it fits.

Alice + Olivia Badgley Mischka

Sequin One Shoulder Dress Organza Origami Dress

Rent $50 / Retail $500 Rent $50/ Retail $530

With rentals starting at $50, this is a great way to go if you are in need of an amazing dress but don't want to spend the dough. There may be a waiting list when you sign up, but I only had to wait two days before my membership was activated, so don't be discouraged.

Go to www.renttherunway.com to get started, and you'll never be caught again without something fantastic to wear.

Dress on!

Lisa

Must Love "Kell On Earth"

Kelly Cutrone, Owner of People's Revolution

Photo Credit: bravotv.com

Bravo's new TV series "Kell On Earth" has made its way into the hearts of fashion lovers faster than you can say "If You Have To Cry, Go Outside," which happens to be the title of star Kelly Cutrone's new book. Cutrone is the owner of People's Revolution, an international fashion PR house that represents countless designers and brands. Her no-frills, brutally honest, and tough business approach make Cutrone one of the most sought after publicists in the fashion world. It also happens to make for wildly entertaining television.

On the series we see what goes on behind-the-scenes to produce fashion shows, and what it takes to execute them flawlessly. From incompetent interns, struggling new hires, endless work days, and the sacrifice of any resemblance of a personal life, "Kell On Earth" makes it clear that just because it's fashion doesn't mean it's glamorous.

As a former mentor to both Lauren Conrad on "The Hills" and Whitney Port on "The City", Cutrone is no new kid on the block when it comes to reality TV. But "Kell On Earth" truly brings the business to life and invites us right in to their crazy world. We see Kelly and staff meet with designers, scout locations, plan seating, invitations, set up fashion shows, kick out 'seat crashers', and even get fired if the client is not satisfied. This is no sugar coated depiction of fashion PR - how can you not love it?

Check out the next episode of "Kell On Earth" on Bravo next Monday at 10pm, and gain a new appreciation for fashion. Here's a sneak peek!

Dress on!

Lisa

For more info on "Kell On Earth" go to www.bravotv.com/kell-on-earth

Sonia Rykiel pour HM

Attention all shoppers: Please stop what you are doing immediately and head to H&M for the Spring 2010 Sonia Rykiel pour H&M collection. I repeat, stop pretending to work...take a late lunch and send yourself to the nearest H&M to get your hands on this legendary limited designer collection.

Parisian designer, Sonia Rykiel, shares her works of art at unbelievably affordable prices in this knit collection. It is fun, flirty, and oh so Paris! Bold stripes, bright sweaters, diamond leggings, and berets to top it all off just make you want to hop on the next plane to France with nothing but a baguette and bottle of wine in tow.

I'm in love with the black and white striped oversize sweater, the sailor shorts, and the double breasted jackets with the patch. H&M is extremely protective of their images so I can't post any, but below is a Behind the Scenes video that shows off the clothes.

Word to the wise, it launched on Saturday so you might want to go soon before all the goods are gone.

Dress on, mes amis!

Lisa

Fashion Week Part 1

As you may or may not know, the fashion world is in the middle of Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week. This is when all of the top designers come together to reveal their Fall 2010 collections to the press, buyers, and the public. In other words, we get a preview of what will be hot or not for Fall 2010.

Now since my credentials do not warrant me tickets to the coveted shows (yet), I've been following them on Elle.com so I don't miss out on the buzz. I've picked out a few trends that are popping up all over the runways to bring you a breakdown of what to expect when Autumn rolls around.

Trendspotting #1 - Fur

It seems more and more designers are embracing their animal instinct and using fur absolutely anywhere and everywhere for this season. Now, since the collections are debuting as we speak, I can't be sure what is real and what is faux. But please don't PETA me, I'm just the messenger. Word on the twitter street is that a few hours ago Marc by Marc Jacobs just sent an entire faux fur line down the runway so that soon we can all afford to indulge. Unfortunately there aren't any pics posted quite yet... but here are a couple of hot looks so far.

Vena Cava Fall 2010

Vena Cava Fall 2010

Karen Walker Fall 2010

Zac Posen Fall 2010 Fur Coat and Booties

Thakoon Fall 2010 Fur Booties

Thakoon Fall 2010 Fur Coat and Booties

Trendspotting #2 - Jewel-tone Color

Steel blue, emerald green, deep purple, chartreuse, and ruby seemed to be the colors of choice for the designers, showing that Fall doesn't have to be dark and grey.

Bensoni Fall 2010

Photo: Bensoni via elle.com

Bensoni Fall 2010

Photo: Bensoni via elle.com

Diane von Furstenberg Fall 2010

Peter Som Fall 2010

Jill Stuart Fall 2010

Jill Stuart Fall 2010

Trendspotting #3 - Thigh High Leggings

Of course we are all familiar with leggings, jeggings (jean leggings), and tights - Oh My! But this season we are seeing thigh high leggings all over the place, and I have a feeling they're going to be a hit. Notice that Jill Stuart touched on the trend with thigh high socks under knee high boots in the photos above. Below are a few more ways it was done.

Thakoon Fall 2010

Alexander Wang Fall 2010

Trendspotting #4 - Belts with a Purpose

Whether they have attached pockets, pouches to keep your things, or a design that adds a whole new element of style to the outfit, belts are stepping up and proving they can be great multi-taskers and they deserve to be noticed.

Derek Lam Fall 2010

Derek Lam Fall 2010

TRIPLE TREND THREAT! Jewel-tone color, thigh-highs, and a belt with a purpose!

Jill Stuart Fall 2010

Trendspotting #5 - Posh Prairie

This trend will let you channel your inner "Little House on the Prairie" desires and frolic through the meadows (or walk down the street) in these sweet and innocent looks with a twist.

Peter Som Fall 2010

Marc Jacobs Fall 2010

Marc Jacobs Fall 2010

Rodarte Fall 2010

With the collections and trends that have shown up so far, I can definitely say that I am excited for the Fall. Designers seem to be pushing themselves yet doing so in a way that can be easily translated to the everyday consumer. I will keep you posted on the last few days of NY Fashion Week and let you know what other trends I see coming.

Dress on!

Lisa

All Photos Courtesy of Imaxtree accessed via elle.com unless otherwise noted.

A Tribute to Alexander McQueen

I woke up this morning to hearing the tragic news that international fashion designer Alexander McQueen has passed away. Born Lee McQueen, the British designer was a mere 40 years of age. He was found Thursday February 11, 2010 inside his London home and according to reports, the cause of death is an apparent suicide by hanging. This news comes as designers are unveiling their Fall 2010 collections at New York Fashion Week. McQueen was scheduled to show his latest collection in Paris in March.

This quote by British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman impeccably relates McQueen's contributions to the fashion world:

"His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs. At one level he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashions shows that mixed design, technology and performance, and on another he was a modern day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over. His death is the hugest loss to anyone who knew him and for very many who didn't," stated Shulman on the magazine's website.

I always admired McQueen's unique vision and ability to create things that are almost from another time or another place. His use of bold color, eccentric silhouettes, and perfect tailoring made McQueen one of the most interesting designers in the industry. Even if you didn't agree with his vision, you certainly found it intriguing. That in itself is what made McQueen such a talented designer.

Below are some images of his beautiful and wonderful work, which is what he will be remembered by.

Chiffon Skull Scarf

Photo: Net-a-porter.com

Photo: howtobepretty.com

"Alien" shoe worn by Lady GaGa in "Bad Romance" video

Photo: fashion-stylist.net

Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen

2010 SAG Awards

Photo: redcarpetfashionawards.com

Leather cutout boots

Photo: net-a-porter.com

2005 British Vogue cover featuring

Cate Blanchette in Alexander McQueen

Photo: British Vogue archives

Spring 2010 McQueen runway show

Photo: millionlooks.com

Fall 2009 McQueen Runway Show

Photo: Christophe Ena for Times Online

Spring 2007 McQueen Runway Show

Photo: Jack Hill for The Times

Thank you for all of your work and inspiration.

Dress on,

Lisa

Guys, Are You Well InVESTed?

Since I have had a couple of requests, today's post is for the guys. Lately I've been noticing an obscene amount of men sporting vests around LA, so of course my trendspotting instincts kicked in and I began keeping my eyes open. I must attribute this vest phenomenon to the erratic weather that LA is having. One day it's cold and rainy and the next is beautiful and sunny, so it can be quite difficult to know what to wear to stay comfortable.

Obviously vests have been around for a while, but a lot of non-hipster guys tend to be afraid. However, if styled right, I can be a huge fan of a man in a vest. But when trends come back around, it is important to pay attention to the details so that you don't just throw on a tech vest from "in the year 2000", in Conan O'Brien's words.

Now you have to ask yourself, what kind of vest man am I? Are you looking for something functionable, stylish, or sporty? Don't worry, I've done the leg work and I have you all covered.

Function:

These are the guys who are looking for warmth when they put on their vest. This leather piece from Urban Outfitters and beige Diesel are great options to avoid outdated vests.

Diesel Jomjil Service Vest

$220 at ssense.com

Standard Sleevless Moto Jacket

$48 at urbanoutfitters.com

Style:

For those a little more daring with their style, try these looks with a plain tee underneath and fitted jeans and you'll ooze confidence.

Diesel Stupefy Vest Lacoste Pima Cotton Sweater Vest

$100 at ssense.com $88 at nordstrom.com

Sporty:

For the golfers and tennis players, dressing right for a morning tee time or match means layering. Sporty vests can be a great way to keep your core warm but not hinder your arm motion. I like this RLX Ralph Lauren and Callaway argyle sweater vest to keep you playing and looking great.

Callaway Golf argyle vest

$74 at zappos.com

RLX Ralph Lauren

Tee Time Interlock Vest

$245 at ralphlauren.com

As we make the transition into spring, why not try out something new? I happen to think that an amazing piece of clothing is always a good inVESTment.

Dress on!

Lisa

Snow Day!

Growing up in Tucson, AZ and living in L.A., I've never had the opportunity to benefit from school or work being closed due to the snow. This is probably a good thing considering that cold, damp weather deters me from leaving the house unless it is absolutely necessary. However, just because I wouldn't like living in a snowy place doesn't mean that I don't like to visit them... especially if I can bring my snowboard along!

Yesterday I honored myself with a snow day and headed up to Snow Summit at Big Bear Lake. Only a little over two hours away from L.A., this place is perfect for a day trip. While the snow was terrific, I couldn't help but notice some of the outfits that weren't quite up to par. While some may say it is about the sport, us fashion lovers know it is always about the clothes, too.

Note to the guys: one piece purple outfits circa '92 are not acceptable

Note to the girls: if your ski pants give you a visible wedgie when you are simply standing, it's time for new ones.

I did some looking around and found these items that will keep you looking great as you carve up the mountain.

First up are the pants. I'm happy to see that there are finally options for more fitted snowboarding pants, because I'm tired of feeling like a guy in the baggy styles! I love these fun yet practical picks (I'm a sucker for magenta!). All can be found at www.dogfunk.com.

L1TA Heartbreaker Pant, $89.94

Ride Leschi Pant, $179.99

686 Mannual Bliss $130

Next are the jackets. When you're on the mountain, the last thing you want to worry about is staying warm. These babies will keep you comfortable and have plenty of pockets to hold your snacks, iPod, and blackberry (so you're covered in case work tries to catch you ditching).

Burton Commander System Jacket, $240 B by Burton Harlow Bomber, $249

Pair with the L1TA Heartbreaker pants Pair with 686 Mannual Bliss pants

www.burton.com www.burton.com

686 Mannual Lunar Jacket, $160

Pair with any of the above pants

www.dogfunk.com

Holden Nesta Slub Jacket, $190

Pair with Ride or L1TA pants

www.dogfunk.com

Since snowboarding clothes aren't something that you purchase often and they can be quite pricey, I always try and go for pieces and colors that can last me a few seasons without going out of style. However, you do want to have fun with your look, so try to achieve a balance by having one piece that stands out and keeping the rest more subdued. That way, even if you take a spill and face plant right under the chairlift, at least you'll look good doing it!

Dress on!

Lisa