Here Comes The Bride

So, I am going to a wedding in Nebraska this summer, and was told it was semi casual. Now I don't know if that means semi formal (being that I have not seen the official invite, and was casually told by my boyfriend). So far, my favorite option is this dress by Matty M. Opinions? Better options? What are your favorite dresses out there right now?  Thanks loves! 

Beam Me Up, Scotty!

It's a common theory that many people will end up in a relationship with someone much like a parent of theirs. I always swore to myself that this would not be the case. Enter the love of my life: a film student (check) who loves star trek (check) and at times wears the same type of sneakers as my dear old dad. With two men in my life that love the USS Enterprise, right now I can't avoid the subject! I figure, if you can't beat 'em...join 'em! I don't know if I can stomach a Deep Space Nine marathon, but I can certainly enjoy some space worthy shopping. A pair of pants that are definitely deserving of a space age award, are these Bandage Silk leggings from Pixie Market. You can also find a pair with the same effect at American Apparel. Next up is a bodysuit that would look fitting outside of our atmosphere, also from AA. Being the beauty addict that I am, I needed to include Too Faced's Galaxy Glam eye shadow. It looks like a planet, so how could I not? The stellar ring is by Alex and Ani, and can be found on shopbop. As soon as I saw this blue cape from Pixie Market, I knew that it was perfect for this story. It doesn't get much more spacey that that! Oh wait...it does! Last and definitely not least is the silver sequin jacket from Pixie Market. It comes with a detachable zip cap/face flap hood. I think it would be perfect for throwing on before taking a moon walk. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go buy tickets for the afternoon showing of Star Trek.

Adventures in DIY!

I had the day free today, and decided to get crafty! I headed over to Kit Kraft in Studio City, because I knew they would have everything I needed. That place is amazing! It's so easy to blow money there! Anyhoo, I bought supplies to may some DIY bracelets- something I had been wanting to do, when my friend Marisa made a post about it! I ended up making 2 bracelets with chains in them- and even added clasps so I won't destroy them by wearing 'em in the shower. Of course I was mainly going to Kit Kraft to pick up my studs- the selection was pretty sweet, but I think you can get better deals online. I'll be doing that next time. I bought 2 bags of big studs and two of little guys- the little ones are going to be for that jacket/vest project. All that's left is to try the big studs on my cap and gown (which I picked up today)! I think it's pretty awesome that I will be graduating in the Staples Center! w00t! Watch out world, here I come! 

Taking It Into My Own Hands...

Tomorrow I will be picking up my cap and gown for my college graduation, and we were told we could do anything we like to decorate them. Hooray! So what else would yours truly do? STUD IT of course! That's right- I am going to stud my cap and a bit of my gown! I am going to try and get studs and a stud gun tomorrow, and start playing around with it. Also, at the internship today, our story featured this amazing Levis studded vest.  I had seen it in the office a few weeks ago, and just about keeled over with excitement. I am going to attempt to stud a fabulous vest as soon as I can. Right now I have so many DIY projects that I want to do! I will be sure to show you what I come up with!

Photo Credit: Who What Wear

Crazy About: DVF

Despite the fact that it's been quite a long time since the spring collections came out, I find the hippie in me keeps finding inspiration from the Diane Von Furstenberg Spring collection. The juxtaposition of ethnic prints, and floral details is so whimsical, and I am completely obsessed with the headpieces. Obviously, you can DIY the headpieces with some ribbon and faux flowers, but for those who would rather just put down a few bucks for a pre-made piece, I have found 2  fabulous DVF- inspired options. The first is the Gold Dust Flower Headband from Free People. Its pretty gorgeous, no? And for 24 buckaroos, it won't put too big of a dent in your wallet. The next option is a tad more expensive, but handmade from an artist on Etsy (just click to check it out)!  

From your wannabe hippie,

-Ilyssa

Space 15 Twenty

Today I checked out Space 15 Twenty in Hollywood. This place is amazing. It is a creative 'retail experiment,' where Urban Outfitters is collaborating with new art, literature, and music establishments, as well as other amazing stores, like We The Free and What Comes Around Goes Around. In a gallery-like setting, amazing finds are everywhere- including Free People's new concept store: We The Free. This store is only the third in existence- with an older sister's closet feel. Think distressed denim (yum), studded converse sneaks (i'm in heaven)! If you want to see a truly spectacular and original shopping experience, check out Space 15 Twenty, at 1520 Cahuenga Blvd, in Los Angeles.

Photo Credit: Kitsune Noir

Goo Goo over GAGA

Lady Gaga's songs are constantly getting stuck in my head, and while shopping, I found myself having her style stuck in my head as well.  The woman has balls- she is a real risk taker. I admire that, but could never walk around in what she wears. Today's Get The Look features pieces that feel like Ms. Gaga, without going overboard. 

1.This gorgeous Alexander McQueen Crepe Fitted Jacket  would fit perfectly on our inspiration, and could just as easily be worn to a corporate office. (www.net-a-porter.com)

2.Sweet Life by Dolce Vita Lace Heel- $128.00 urbanoutfitters.com

3.Nasty Gal Vintage Circle Sunnies- $48.00 shopnastygal.com

4. American Apparel Coton Spandex Micro-Mesh Gloria V Bodysuit

5.Grandeur Bow Headband- $4.80 forever21.com

photo credit: eonline.com

Is it so bad to covet?

I covet you. 

Jeffrey Campbell Mel Studded Platform  

$178.00 

shopnastygal.com

A Few Favorites

My mind is currently flooded with desires for a romper. My boyfriend thinks I am a little odd because I am occupying my free time stalking all rompers online. It's clothing porn at it's finest. The one I want the most is this little lady from Topshop. I also love this pair of sandals from Tory Burch. They remind me of sting ray skin! Last but not least is the beautiful bracelet by Jill Golden. The cluster of turquoise mixed with the tarnished chain had me from hello. 

Topshop 'one shoulder playsuit': $90.00 -  topshop.com

Tory Burch 'Reid' ankle cuff sandal: $310.00 - nordstrom.com

flutter by Jill Golden 'Gracia Natural Turquoise'  bracelet : $350.00 - shopbop.com

Top 5: Statement Jewelry Picks

I am a person that loves the Autumn season because I feel like layers of clothes looks far better than a little tank top and shorts. Despite my pleading with the man upstairs, the world still gets hotter ever year, and I am forced to wear the lightest clothes possible in order not to die of overheating. If you are like me, and need something to make your summer wardrobe pop without adding bulk, Never Fear! Statement jewelry can add complexity to an otherwise simple outfit. Today I give to you my top 5 picks for statement jewelry pieces.

1. Giles & Brother 

   'Irular Collar Necklace'  -  $540.00  

    shopbop.com

2. Marquis & Camus Brooch

     style # 6FBC12

    $185.00 (used to be $265.00)

    www.marquiscamus.com

3.  Urban Outfitters

      'Dreamers Bracelet' - $28.00

       urbanoutfitters.com

4. Jacquie Aiche

    'Double Prong Geode Ring'- $255.00

     shopbop.com

5. Gara Danielle 

    'Green Turquoise Ring' - $180.00

    www.my-wardrobe.com

Crazy About: Studs

This inaugural edition of 'Crazy About' is dedicated to my current obsession: pyramid studs! I simply can't get enough of these bad boys, and here, I'll show you some of the easiest studly pieces to incorporate into your wardrobe. 

1.  The fabulous Urban Renewal Studded Denim Vest: This former jean jacket is the perfect addition to add some punch to an otherwise simple outfit.  

$148.00 Urbanoutfitters.com

2. Pyramid Stud Earrings: At only 16 bucks, these babies will up your badass quotient, without putting a huge dent in your wallet.

 Urbanoutfitters.com

3. Free People Juno Stud Wedge: A studded leather wedge is the perfect, yet unexpected addition to your summer attire. $168.00 FreePeople.com 

4. Bona Drag Studded Ballet Slippers: The former ballerina in my nearly had a heart attack after setting my eyes on these. The perfect blend of girly fantasy, meets biker chic.

 $48.00 bonadrag.com

5. Urban Renewal Studded Short: Each pair of these vintage cut off shorts are different, yet they all have one thng in common: a pyramid stud trim. Each pair has been naturally distressed by their original owner, which gives the shorts some character. 

$58.00  Urbanoutfitters.com

I see Italy, I see France...

On the 24th I will be leaving for Paris, then Florence and Rome. With lots of walking to do, I decided to buy another pair of flat boots. I am crazy for fringe, so I decided on a pair of 3 layer fringe boots from Minnetonka. I already have a short pair of flat fringe boots (a light grey pair) and a brown pair of tall Minnetonkas so this was just a nice darker addition to the collection. 

Rome has a really high rate of pick pocketing, so I chose two bags that fit close to the body for extra protection. These two are from urbanoutfitters.com. I will post pictures when I get back!

Jonesing For Basassery

Perhaps it is the stories that my dad tells me, of his cross country trips on his bike, or my mom's fond memories of her favorite worn out jeans. Maybe it's even my way of rebelling, but however it came about, I am jonesing for some badassery. I find myself daydreaming of zippers, leather, distressed denim, and a cancerous cigarette behind my ear (not that I would smoke it). 

The whole distressed denim thing intrigues me. I was tentative at first to get on the distressed bandwagon, despite the fact that I love the look. My fear was that it would look abercrombie-esque and not sophisticated. The wave of distressed denim that is surfacing right now is more tame than those worn by Sienna in her prime. Brands such as Current/Elliott, Levis, and J brand are making great worn out jeans right now. Soon enough I will post pictures of my own adventures in distressing denim- until then, these pictures will just have to do!

photo credit: Shopbop, Urban Outfitters

Spring Is In The Air

Hello lovelies! My apologies for my leave of absence! So right now I am quite obsessed with the harem pant trend. Although they can be intimidating, I decided to give them a whirl. I figured that if I were to buy a pair of harem pants, I would buy a pair that served multiple purposes. That's when it happened: I stumbled upon the AMAZING Free People convertible harem pant. They can be worn as a jumper, or harem pants, or shorter drop crotch pants. They look so cool, and I can't wait to throw them on with some serious heels. At the end of March I am going to Europe and these babies will be perfect for multiple uses when I am traveling. While I was in Free People, I found myself falling into my yearly style cycle. I tend to feel more bohemian as the warmer months begin. Lightweight fabrics, and embellished accessories are swirling in my head right now and are making it quite hard to focus on homework!  I suppose I should go be productive and clean right now...my walk in closet won't fit most of my stuff, and I seem to be taking over all of the storage (my poor boyfriend- he is such a champ)! 

Off I go to try and put a dent in cleaning the mess!

photos: freepeople.com