Because She's So Cute

As usual, Miss O. insisted I take her picture after taking mine. She has been wearing her Dora backpack allday. How do I know, because she insisted her papa call me so she could talk to me and she told me, "I am wearing my backpack. That was at 1 pm and now, at 6, she is still wearing it.

She's wearing tights and a shirt I probably would have thrown a skirt on over that, but I have a feel from her unkempt hair that her and papa just lounged around all day. A pretty cute outfit for just lounging around though, don't you agree?

Stripes and Leather -- Oh My!

Yesterday and today I think I was dressed by my former French self. Have I mentioned that I'm convinced I was French in a former life yet?

This morning I was a bit unsure if something that shows my bum so well was work appropriate. I got more concerned when I passed and old man on the corner who proclaimed, "Good God, almighty!" But, I was already late for work and didn't have time to change. Plus, I felt damn chic.

I got tons of compliments on my outfits. I guess people are starting to notice I actually care how I look at work these days and appeciate the effort. I must have looked really bad before or something. lol...

I wish I could live in leggings and tight stretchy skirts and I suppose I could, but my job wouldn't like it. One of the women who works on another floor was told not to wear leggings to work because they were not "office appropriate." This comes from a woman with a faux organge tan, super overly processed bleached blond hair, who always tries to wear as much of the same color at one time as is humanly possible. Life's little ironies can be quite amusing, no?

Jacket: Bona Drag
Leggings: Little shop on Haight St.
Skirt & Top: Forever 21
Shoes: Nine West
Bag: Vintage Macy's brand
Scarf: gift from Morocco
Sunglasses: H&M

My Spring/Summer Want List

I have decided to make my spring/summer "I want" list. The reason I am doing spring/summer combined is because I live in an area with a pretty neutral temperature all year long, so anything appropriate for spring is also appropriate for summer, and generally winter and autumn as well. They are in no particular order. I apologize for the lack of pics. Lazy me, I know.

1. Vintage Burberry trench coat. (I think every chic chick needs at least one simple trench coat!)
2. Gladiator sandals of both the flat and heeled variety.
3. Skinny jeans in a dark wash.
4. Vintage jean jacket.
5. Short plain leather jacket (black).
6. Peep toed booties.
7. The perfect cut-off jean shorts.
8. More basic tops (think white tanks and tees, and neutral colored tees and tanks).
9. Something nautically stripped (shirt or sweater)
10. Men's cardigan that I can belt. (I'm thinking a neutral color like gray or navy blue perhaps. I think I'm entering a navy blue phase.)
11. Vintage Betsy Johnson leopard print dress. (Why I keep obsessing about this one item, I have no idea!)
12. Minnetonka's -- undecided about just going for ankle or knee length.
13. The perfect 80's style bodycon dress -- vintage, of course.
14. David Yurman bracelet
15. Vintage Gucci purse.
16. Black basic designer bag reasonably priced.
17. Some badass black ankle books a la Fashion Toast or Milk.
18. More tights.
19. Black cigarette pants

I think it's kinda funny that my spring/summer items don't really include anything spring or summery. I know that florals are in big time and I'm sure I will, by chance, pick up something floral, but it's not big on my list. Neither are summer dresses. I think it's because I generally wear skirts and I went through a phase when every summer all I wore was dresses. It's not that I won't wear skirts or dresses because I will. I think my list is really about practicality and the most use versus just fun stuff. I am determined to transform myself from a more trendy girl to someone who is actually chic. This list may not get me there, but it's a pretty good start, don't you think?

Easter Attire

I am not religious. I am spiritual though. That said, here is what I wore today, Easter Sunday. The weather was BEAUTIFUL for the first time in a bit, so I thought that the kids and I would walk to Safeway rather than drive to Trader Joe's and stop by Blockbuster. Seemed like a good idea at the time...

Six bags and a hard to push stroller later (not even mentioned the "poor her" stares I got) I realized that it's a big ol' joke to try to go grocery shopping with a stroller. LMAO... Ah well, the kids had a blast.

Going for a different look we took pics in the recording studio/office. My husband is a graphic/web designer, DJ and producer. Love those artsy types.

I didn't actually wear the heels or jacket and ended up swapping for some "I wish they were actually" Lanvin ballet flats and it was way too warm for a jacket. This jacket, which I was unsure about when I initially got it, I am now smitten with. Funny how that can happen with clothes just like with some songs you hear on the radio. At first you're like "i dunno..." and then the next thing you know they're your go to item. This jacket is my pop radio song.

Top: Vintage

Jacket: Bonadrag

Jeans: 7 - thrifted

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Sunglasses: H&M

Guess Who's Bizak!!!

So, yea, I've been MIA for a bit... computer issues... blah, blah, blah. Since my last post, I've been doing a little this and a little that... getting stuff together for my online store (yea, I know, another fashion blogger and another online store... sue me!)

Here are some rather random pics. An outfit sometime this month and a pic from Atlanta, GA's Velvet Room. I'll be posting daily again -- promise!

Velvet Room

Tank: Haight St. boutique

Black top under: Forever 21 skirt pulled up to be a tube top

Leggings: Haight St. boutique

Heels: Jessica Simpson red peep toes (yea, I know you can't see 'em, but if gives you an idea of the whole picture)

The full outfit pic

Dress: Forever 21

Sweater: Forever 21

Tights: Via Spiga

Boots: Andiamo

School Girl Chic

I really like this outfit. I feel very schoolgirl-esque. My tights are very burgandy, but the color doesn't show well in the picture. And my hair is a hot mess, but what can ya' do?

My goal for this week is to think up a character and dress her for the day. That might help with my creativity.

Tomorrow I'm thinking something French... a mona outfit perhaps?

Top: Fresco - thrifted
Skirt: H&M
Tights: Via Spiga
Shoes: Forever 21

Bad Azz Biker Sick

I was really sick for quite some time. On Friday I decided I'd had enough of sweats and tee-shirts and so I wore this ensemble.

I'm not quite sure how I feel about the jacket, but the hubby has convinced me to keep it because he's convinced I can do cute things with it. What do you think?

Top: American Apparel

Skirt: American Apparel

Socks: American Apparel

Shoes: Kenneth Cole

Jacket & Sunglasses: Bona Drag

The Flu Makes Me Shop

I don't know why, but the flu makes me shop... or at least that's my excuse for the following damage:

leather jacket from Bona Drag and a ring from there as well...

and from AA a skirt, two pairs of the Prada inspired footless socks, and a basic top...

and some vintage flat black boots from eBay...

and a really cute tunic from eBay...

I'm already feeling better. Who needs antibiotics when there are cute things to be purchased!

The Fashionless Fundraiser

It's been a few days since I've posted. Not for lack of thought, but lack of energy I suppose. Anyway, yesterday I went to a big whoop-it-de-doo luncheon for a benefit with some friends from work. The bay areas creme de la creme (at least for this one charity) were all in attendance and the mayor spoke. One thing that totally shocked me was that the monied people (as it was a fundraiser with table prices and things for auction that cost more than some make in a year).

Before we arrive, I was kinda bummed at my ensemble. I didn't buy anything red because I don't really like red clothing and I don't have tons of pink. I ended up with my stripped BCBG dress , Elie Tahari top, and pink top from Italy. All the items you can see on the blog already.

So... we arrive and walk the little red carpet and all I could think was, wow, everyone looks WACK. I mean, this women are ridiculiously wealthy and the most eye catching outfit was on a man in his 50's that was a black zoot suit with hot pink stripes and a black fadora with white feather. Everyone looked plain, boring and like a super sale at Marshall's. What the dealy-o?

I know that money and taste are not always paired together. Still, I couldn't help for drooling at Louboutins, or the latest "it" bag, or at least a really well cut suit... damn. My first "high society" luncheon and I left wondering 1.) how any caterer could make such an awful dish, and 2.) why was no one dressed interesting?

At least on the way back we passed Gucci and Prada, where I stared longingly at items that I will probably never own, and then pass H&M, where I am going tomorrow.

So, this whole adventure leads me to wonder... where does style come from?

(BTW, the fundraiser charity part of the luncheon was amazing. The things that everyday people can do reminds me that we all really can make a difference. Even the smallest thing can help to spark change. )

Queen Elizabeth Fires Photographer

I feel like Queen Elizabeth in my shirt. You know in the movie with that big ol' white thing around her. Pardon my lack of creativity in the description, but I'm sleepy and ate one too many wasabi chips. My tummy is not happy.

I will have to find somewhere to set up the tripod to take pics because my photographers have been fired (son age 9 and the hubby). Every sweetly phrased pic request is greeted with "again?!" So, fired! Who needs 'em anyway? (Sorry for the craptastic pics, btw.)

So, this is what I was wearing today in pieces. I can't wait to remix this shirt. It's quite the fun piece.

Top: Thrifted
Belt: Thrifted

Pants: H&M

Shoes: Steven

The French Foundation

I have come to the realization that I need an intervention of sorts. A full on literal and philosophical closet make over. I need to trash (or rather donate) many of the items that have not and will not see the light of day. I hold on to them not because they're timeless pieces that will inevitably come back into style, but because... well... I don't really have an excuse why. They take up space and just sit there. There is the hot pink skirt that was perfect in Cancun with it's scandalously delicious shortness, and there is the teal jersey dress that once had silver studs before I washed it in the washing machine... it seemed like a good idea at the time. Anyway, drastic steps are in order!

I have decided to go French. To adopt the French philosophy of dressing which is to purchase a few quality (i.e. expensive) pieces each season and then to build upon those with trend pieces that are less expensive. The theory being that you hold on to the quality pieces longer and classic styles don't go out of fashion. I realize that I have never had this fashion foundation. I believed that more was, well, more -- even when it was cheap and only got 5 good wears. And more is more, but when you're replacing cheap dress after cheap shirt do you really have more? Me thinks not.

My husband, who is French, has a great wardrobe (although since he works at home he's usually wearing sweats and a white tee shirt or shorts and a white tee shirt). He has Dolce & Gabbana shirts that make him look so hot I need a drink of water to cool off. He has Armani leather jackets, and a nice suit... Chanel, I think. Most of his jeans fit him perfectly. And then he has his flashy colored stripped shirts that he bought here or there and a couple of H&M hoodies. But "the good stuff" is in pristine condition and he always looks perfect in it even when it's paired with a $3 tank top. He didn't run out and buy them all at once. I don't even know how long he's had some of them and I wouldn't be able to guess because they are pieces that are timeless. He set the framework with key pieces and then built around them. For him, I'm sure, this was not on purpose or some conscious thought, like it is with me. It's just cultural and that is what you do.

When I lived there (there being Paris) way back when, my friend was a girl L. She was always impeccably dressed. Her pants fit her well, her shirts always matched and she was the most chic 18 year-old I had ever seen. Quickly, I noticed that when I saw her she was often wearing the same thing. And when I was invited to live in her tiny flat with her, I realized that she would go days wearing the same thing, or the same pants at the very least. It did not have the same feeling of "OH MY GAWD, Becky, she is wearing THE SAME thing that she wore yesterday" disgust that most American youth have, which is probably more related to worries of being seen as poor rather than for hygienic reasons. We shopped together and each piece she picked was done with thought. She always looked great. I always looked for the best deal. When she got one shirt, I got 4. We both paid the same amount. (Ok, so I may be embellishing some here, but you get the idea). She always looked flawless and I just did not compare although I had two times the amount of clothing that she did literally with me there in France.

There is no great mystery to the chicness that French women inherently possess, sorry Cosmo, or Marie Claire. It's about quality control. Pick quality pieces that are perfect for your body (which may require tailoring), pay for quality fabric, cut, etc. Build a wardrobe foundation and then you can buy cheap little pieces to punch it up, so that you actually have more than three outfits to wear. I am American. Here we want more. We want the most -- super size my everything and for the cheaper the better! Even if it hangs in our closets, like my hot pink skirt, and never gets worn. I'm given up more in favor of being chic. I am learning that sometimes less is more.

What She's Wearing

On our way to Target wearing the teal Converse that she picked out herself. Before heading out she insited on her "Chanel" jacket. "This jacket is a darling," she says.

It's A Jungle in Here

My son had three friends spend the night (ages 9 - 11). That is the equivalent of one tiger, a girrafe, and an elephant crammed into our flat.

Dress: Forever 21

Jeans: 7

Socks: Sock Dreams

Boots: Andiamo

Freaky Friday

My son described my outfit as "weird" and my friend and I made jokes all day at work about flashdance and my needing a bucket of water over my desk. I love legwarmers, and thick socks... and anything that reeks 80's. I lived through them. Isn't it wonderful how fashion reincarnation can take place during the same lifetime?

Top: INC Concepts - thrifted

Skirt: The Gap (the ONLY item I own from TG)

Tights: Via Spiga - Ros

Socks: Sock Dreams

Shoes: My shoe pavillion Mary Jane's

My $23 Outfit

My outfit today cost $23 for everything! woo hoo! Ok, not inlcuding the Tiffany's necklacce, but everything else. I like my color mix. I would not have work the pink tank under if I had not been going to work.

Dress: $9.00 at Ross

Tank: H&M

Tights: Via Spiga ($3 at ross)

Shoes: $10 Old Navy

Getting Dressed in the Dark

Getting dressed in the dark is never a good idea. A black skirt with black knee high socks and a brown belt... well, looked like they went well in the dark anyway. The sweater I got at the thrift store near my house. It's new and I think the old lady who runs the place made it. It's cute... kinda. The pockets usually fall out during the day or make me look like an egg, so I don't wear it often. Love the color though.

top: ??
sweater: thrift store (but new)
skirt: Mervyn's (btw, I got a compliment on it at work and when I told the snooty attorney it was from Mervyn's you could just see the look of disgust. Some people!)
socks: ??
shoes: Nine West (and they're grey and open-toed, but who can tell?)

Three points for anyone who can spot the erroneous piece of popcorn in the shot!

What She's Wearing

I thought it would be fun to post pics of my daughter (who is almost three) since she often picks out her own clothing an is quite the little fashionista! Pink leggings and an oversized tee-shirt... heck yea!!! Can you believe an almost three year-old can have this much style?!

Totally Lusting

One of my newest favorite bloggers, Style Bytes, posted these mohop shoes and now I am totally lusting. I. Must. Have. These. Shoes. Period. I want the wedge style in Walnut. Yes, they are $300 and that totally doesn't jive with being thrift, BUT... if you think of all the different ways you can wear them (they come with 5 ribbons of your choice and we can always find ribbon, right?) then doesn't that really make it like purchasing a few different pairs of shoes?

I am going to bring up the idea with the husband and see what he thinks. I'm thinking of a birthday present for myself (god, am I always thinking of myself... lol) and since they take 4-6 weeks that gives him until March to order them in time (or to okay me to order them in time). Damn, combined finances! lol....

I showed them to my friends at work who were all "meh." So, what do you guys think? Should I just go for it?

After Work Chic

Ok, for the record, I am a size 4/5.

Top: FCUK

White tank: Forever 21

Skirt: Arden B.

Tights: Walgreen's 2/$5

Shoes: Forever 21 (Fashion Toast also has these shoes!)

Mondays & Rainbow Sherbet Colors

I'm not sure why, but my jacket/shirt combination reminds me of rainbow sherbert. I have been thinking about it all day! lol... I am going to start taking pics in a new area of the house because these always look BAD. Ugh.





That said, I got loads of compliments on my outfit today. I mean, the most I have ever gotten at work in one day. The receiptionsit said, "I love the fun ways you find to combine color. It always looks great," which was like THE best compliment of the day.

The skirt is fishtail, but you can't really tell so much. It is my fav skirt and my butt always looks perfecto in it! Gotta love it!

Top: purcahsed in Italy by my mom

jacket: Forever 21

Skirt: BGBG

tights: Walgreens 2/$5

ankle booties: Anne Smith

scarf: Paul Smith