virtual closet - April 2014 wish list.

So I've decided to do a monthly (maybe bi-monthly?, if I get ambitious?) post highlighting some coveted designer pieces, wardrobe investments, things that I'd buy without a second glance if my budget could allow it.

First up:

This shirt by R13.  You can get it at sites like Net-A-Porter and LaGarconne.  I pretty much love everything R13 makes, but this one reminds me of zines and drawings my friends and I used to make on the backs of our notebooks in high school. It's a cashmere and cotton blend, and it costs $195.

image, net-a-porter.com

I'm thinking I'd style this with some baggy plaid trousers, and a fitted leather jacket, maybe tuck the pants into the tops of some chunky heeled platform boots.

Next up, a classic.  I've wanted one of these Moschino logo belts for a long time and this may be the year to finally save up and get one.  They've been around since the 80s-90s, and have recently been seen on "celebrities" yet again.  Just a simple way to really give any outfit that always-needed touch of badass.  Moschino has a lot of different styles, sayings and colors on their website, but I prefer this classic black one with gold letters. ($295)

image, moschino.com

Since were on the logo kick, I'm living for this incredible necklace, with "mantra" motto, from I STILL LOVE YOU NYC, and available at internationalplayground.com.  I found out about this site a while back, forgot about it, then rediscovered it (love it when that happens) ;) also, this piece is handmade in New York, which I think is awesome.  There's also a smaller "candy" colored version, and different sayings.  This XL one is $75.

image, internationalplayground.com

This post could probably have something from Swedish designer ACNE on it every time, like R13 they can do no wrong in my eyes.  Amazing balance of a rock / grunge, humor and high fashion.  I'm including 3 of my fave pieces here...

image, acnestudios.com

image, acnestudios.com

image, acnestudios.com

I mean, how awesome is that hard case clutch($1000)? ._.  I'm kind of a whore for accessories, I suppose, but the slashed jacket ($3000) and bondage sandal ($670) ? Works of art. What I like about all these pieces is that they are bold, but still very wearable and add instant sass and irony to an outfit (if both those things are possible at once.) Also, I seem to be leaning toward a very neutral palette for s/s '14.  I have to say I'm not feeling pastels or the crazy florals that I'm seeing on a lot of the interwebz.  How will I translate these ideas to my everyday look? I'll be posting about that in the next upcoming months...stay tuned and as always thanks for reading x

effortless spring/summer style: where to shop

i'm really into uniforms.  winter: it's a long black coat, or a faux fur one, jeans, a grey or black sweatshirt, and moto boots.  now that it's getting to be spring, i'm looking into transforming the look into spring... i felt like drawing today so here's my "fun-with-windows-paint" inspiration (i did this with my finger on the laptop's mouse pad ha ha)...and some ideas on where to get the look x

to make the winter uniform work for spring, i basically turn the long black coat into a summer dress...i'm working on studding the collar of a vintage blazer i found at the thrift store.  denim jackets or boyfriend blazers are pretty easy to find at the thrift shop, and they are perfect for the cooler days. i bought some studded belts at the thrift shop, and took the studs off of them, and now i'm putting them on the blazer's collar....

try looking for a maxi dress here:

http://www.uniqlo.com/us/store/lifewear/women-slub-maxi-dress/076889-57

here:

http://www.nastygal.com/product/own-the-night-maxi-dress/_/searchString/night%20maxi

or here:

http://www.hm.com/gb/product/10848?article=10848-B

and check out these great flats (comfy!):

clockwise from top left: asos, zara, asos, H&M.

for the pendant and/or cuff, and bag, i'd head to etsy or ebay.  look at these gorgeous finds!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/121735055/70s-silver-lion-pendant-necklace-bright?ref=shop_home_active

http://www.etsy.com/listing/117854716/woven-southwestern-silhouette-print-tote?ref=shop_home_active

i'm totally digging that southwestern bag...what a cool piece.  love etsy for the amazing vintage, it's always great when you get an idea of something you'd like to have but can't find in your local thrift/vintage shop.

there are also have amazing sunglasses on etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/119813864/70s-ted-lapidus-sunglasses-red-gold?ref=shop_home_active

http://www.etsy.com/listing/112210420/vintage-1970s-sunglasses-oversized?ref=shop_home_active

but check these out too...they are all amazing.  i'm lucky to have my 70s vintage pair, but if i were going to make a "wardrobe investment" this spring/summer, it would have to be on one of these amazing pairs of sunglasses.  it's an instant statement piece you can wear with anything! (and you'll have it for years to come--this look never goes out of style, imho).

look for a floppy hat in a garden or outdoor store...also there are a ton of hats in department or discount stores..so shop around until you find one that suits you! happy spring, and thanks for reading 

xo