A Game of Catch Up

As I mentioned in my last post, my amazing friend Kim visited and we had an unbelievable time. We were catching up and reminiscing on old times the second she arrived. This is just a little outfit post (I know. I never do these! Let me know if you would like more of them.) to show you what I wore to pick Kimba up from LAX and go shopping. We had a terrific shopping day, followed a day later by a trip to Disneyland. Terrific staycation for me with the people I love. To read Kim's blog entry about our first day of hanging out and shopping, click here!

safari jacket: Gap

Skirt: Urban Outfitters

Belt: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Seychelles

Watch: Michael Kors

Bangle: gift

P.S. I don't have grey roots! I have brown roots that look odd in this lighting!

Summer Excitement!

On of my best and oldest friends is coming to visit tomorrow, and I can not contain my excitement! She is having a whirlwind summer of traveling the U.S. (you can read about it on her summer 2010 blog). As soon as she arrives in LA tomorrow, we will be having an amazing shopping day! Kim is looking to add some versatile pieces to her current wardrobe, and hopefully we will find some budget friendly options on our adventure. Kim and I are hoping to chronicle our 3-4 days of fun together, so keep an eye out for updates.

Unrelated, but just as awesome as ever.....the shoes video:

Stuff I am loving

Lucca Couture open back sundress, Joe's cuffed denim shorts, Trouve 'Jenna' bootie, Celia blouse, Indio scarf, Fringed chain necklace, Paul Island earrings

Catching Rays

The other day my boyfriend uttered the words, "No offense, but you look better tan". I didn't take offense, because at the time I was super tan. All year round I feel the need to have some level of color. I am naturally fairly pale, but I look like I need color because I have larger features (people think I am Persian or something but alas, I am just a white girl). I know that tanning beds cause cancer and premature aging, so I stick mostly to faux tanning lotions.

My self tanning quest began years ago when I used the neutrogena tanning lotion. That stuff makes me look super orange but I didn't realize it (I looked a little like Snookie from Jersey Shore). A couple of years later I invested a bit more and bought 'Faux Tan' lotion by Bare Essentials. This stuff was dark as you put it on, and smelled like almonds. It was perfect. Guess what? They discontinued it! *Insert sad face here*

Eventually I came across Xen Tan (which I am convinced has the same formulation as the aforementioned Faux Tan). It makes you super dark and brown (not orange). The key is that it is green based in it's undertone. It creates a natural tan look and smells like almonds or marzipan as well.

So where can you get your hands on Xen Tan? I buy mine from drugstore.com. I think it's a few bucks cheaper than buying from Nordstrom (correct me if I am wrong). Plus, sometimes they throw in free shipping.

Now go forth and be bronzed!

Perfectly Pueblo

I work for Anthropologie, and every time I see this dress, I find it incredibly hard to resist purchasing it. By the time you read this, I may have already caved in and bought it! The canvas-like material on the Pueblo dress is perfect for summer, and could easily be your go to dress all season long. I love how this could be dressed up for a party, or worn with casual accessories for an every day look. I always enjoy a hint of rainbow, so the color combo in this dress is right up my alley. I can't say enough about it! The super flattering fit makes this ideal for all shapes and sizes.

Bonus: although it's a strapless dress, it comes with detachable straps so you could add them on for a different look.

Arm Candy

In my childhood, I had a favorite watch. It was a bubble watch with Ariel from The Little Mermaid on it. I loved looking at my watch- pretending to be a big girl (even if I couldn't tell time yet). When I spotted these Marc by Marc Jacobs watches, I instantly had a flashback. The candy colored hues of these watches remind me of the girly watches of yesteryear. I think these would be gorgeous along with an armful of bracelets this summer. Which color is your favorite?

Where to buy: Turquoise, Pink, Purple

Sweet Tarte

When it's sticky and hot out, the last thing you want is your makeup caking up or sliding all over your face. It's all about fresh, lightweight makeup with lasting power. A great product when you are running out the door, but you need something that will last all day is Tarte's Cheek Stain. With 9 shades, you are bound to fall in love with one of them! These stay on your cheeks, and give you a healthy glow. An added bonus? You can use these as lip stains as well! Buy one (or all 9) and stay gorgeous all summer long.

Life is a Carnaval

I don't think words can describe to you the love I have for the Carnaval Bag from Anthro. From the over-the-shoulder shape, to the fringe, to the feathers....it all works! I am on a budget, so I can not splurge on this baby, but I can tell you about it, in the hopes that one of you can call it your own. This bag is so perfect for summer, and just about every activity that goes along with the warm weather. Alright- time to stop gushing! Enjoy the eye candy, and if you can- get your hands on it!

Summer Joys

There is something about spring and summer that makes me shift from more polished pieces, to something a tad more bohemian. Right now I want to be on the beach in Bora Bora wearing all white constantly, and sipping on pina coladas. Although I am not going on a tropical vacation, I can still fulfill my dream of wearing relaxed whites. The Things & Joys dress from Anthropologie is my current love. I will definitely be pairing this with some embellished sandals (maybe with some turquoise thrown in), and a thick brown belt. The dress can be a bit sheer at the bottom, so wearing something like this half slip by Calvin Klein would be a great solution. If you are like me, and adore this dress so much you wish you could have it in every color- get excited! No, you can't get it in every color, but it also comes in a dusty blue- which would look amazing for a summer lunch with friends. Let me know- what is your favorite go-to dress right now?

Images via Anthropologie.com

Cross Body Bags

During the warmer months, it can be a pain to drag around a huge purse. It's warm, and you don't want to be weighed down by a thousand unnecessary items. What's the solution? Small cross body bags! They are stylish, and can hold all the essentials. I really loved this range at ASOS inspired by Alexa Chung. What's so great is that they can easily go from a lazy day at the beach, to a dinner on the patio of your favorite restaurant- without looking out of place. Which color are you loving?

Flirty Under 30

Hello. My name is Ilyssa and I am on a budget. With the economic climate where it is, it's hard to purchase a $300 item without feeling a little guilty. Fear not fashionistas! There is no 12 step program required to put your wallet into recovery. Old Navy has some great options for spring fashion. All three items above are under 30 dollars (the necklace is under 13)! Amazing! Now you can rock the romper trend, relax in a maxi dress, or amp up an outfit with the layered chains necklace, all while being able to afford a nice dinner. How is that for cheap and chic?

Images via oldnavy.com

Grey's Anatomy

We are all well aware that neutrals are a huge trend for this spring, and with so much spring clothes in stores, it's hard to resist dressing for 80 degree weather. Because I live in LA, I have the option of dressing for spring in February, but for those of you who are in colder climates, you can easily layer spring items with winter and fall favorites to stay warm. Number 1 is aMetallic popover sweater by Vince. It's lightweight fabric is semi sheer, and will carry you into the warmer months. Number 2 on my transitional spring favorite list is the Relaxing Tee by Madigan (from Anthropologie). This slouchy Tee is perfect for a lazy day, worn with raggedy jeans and a hobo bag, or can be polished with a blazer and a fitted skirt. Numero tres is the gorgeous Dresden Moto Jacket from Mike & Chris. The snake embossing gives this jacket an edge, and more spring ready than your all black or brown jackets. Jeggings are everywhere this spring, and the pair in number 4 are perfect for warmer months. The lighter grey color will brighten up your winter wardrobe now, and will fit perfectly with your neutrals and colors for spring. The cutoff shorts featured as number 5 are by Free People. The dark wash pair can be worn with tights now, and show off your legs as it gets hotter out. I love the studded details on the side! Lastly are the only non-clothing item on this list. The Daryl Zip Wedge Sandals by Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent are a great shade of grey, than would look great with nubby tights or socks now, as well as with floaty dresses in the coming months. The gold hardware really makes these a stand out pair.

(Click image to enlarge)

Images from Urban Outfitters.com , Shopbop.com, and Anthropologie.com

Tremendously Transitional

Spring is right around the corner...well, sort of. It's close enough that we can look to spring trends and layer them with our cold weather pieces. This lightweight canvas moto jacket would be perfect worn with skinny jeans and boots now, and equally cute with shorts and sandals during the warmer months. The best part? This is not a piece you need to invest a lot into! Can you believe I found this on the American Eagle website for only $69.50? Now go out and get this tremendous transitional jacket.

Spring Cravings

Despite the fact that it is mid January, I found myself pausing in front of spring clothing windows. Although I am someone who loves the layering options of fall, I find myself, uncharacteristically enthusiastic for spring. One trend that I am loving is safari inspired. The Gap has a great collection out for spring, and I particularly liked the Belted Utility Jacket. It's a lightweight jacket, perfect for chilly spring evenings. Another thing I love (year round) is an armful of bangles. A stylish and budget friendly solution is the Melanie bracelet set from forever 21. When spring and summer finally come my way, I don't always feel like being exposed in a tank top. A sheer button up is ideal if you want more coverage while still keeping cool. Try this breezy button down from urban outfitters. Lastly is the amazing Via Spiga belt from Nordstrom. This waist cinching belt would be beautiful on top of a flowy white dress in the warmer months.

Down by the bay!

So, this is my first outfit post!  I usually forget to get a picture when I get dressed, but I will make a conscious effort from now on. My boyfriend is a little confused as to why I would want a picture taken of my outfit...but he agrees to play photographer anyways. We went to the beach yesterday, and this is what I covered up with. Nothing that cute or complicated, but it kept me decent walking to and from the car! 

Free People Jumper, Urban Outfitters Hat, Forever 21 sunnies. 

Lazy Weekend

In My Shopping Bag...

As I said in my last post, my parents are in town. Although they can  get on my last nerve, I love them very much, and they love me. I am an only child (if you don't count the dog) so they enjoy spoiling me when they can. My Mom misses taking me shopping on a regular basis, so today she didn't hold back when it came to spending. It was so so sweet of her to buy  everything for me, and I am so appreciative. As you can see, I did end up getting that AMAZING necklace from Free People that I desired. It is so gorgeous in person, I can't tell you!! I also bought a few things at MAC that will really enhance my summer look. Now all I need are those Ann D. inspired sandals that I will probably get with some grad gift money. Starting to love my closet again...

photos from freepeople.com, urbanoutfitters.com & maccosmetics.com

Summertime, and the livin's easy...

Despite the fact that it rained today, I refuse to get out of the summer mindset when it comes to clothing. I only own one of the items in this look (the BDG convertible skirt- which I love) and the rest are items that I wish were in my wardrobe. As soon as I have a job, I think I will be buying the shoes and the necklace. This is essentially, my ideal summer look. 

The tank: Organic roll edge racer tank, from La Carconne. 58 bucks too much to shell out on a tank? There are some great alternatives at Forever 21 and Urban. 

The necklace: Pearl Crown Necklace from Free People. For only 38 dollars, you can get this gorgeous statement necklace! What a deal!

The bag: Sabina Simone Satchel from Urban Outfitters. This stunning leather bag comes in black and a vibrant purple shade, and is sure to be a staple in your wardrobe for years to come. 

 

The Skirt: BDG Convertible Skirt from Urban Outfitters: This skirt is such an easy, go-to piece in my wardrobe, and with so many color choices, you are bound to find the perfect one for you!

The Shoes: Sweet Life by Dolce Vita Lace-Up Sandal. Such a perfect budget-friendly version of the Ann Demeulemeesters! Buy at Urban Outfitters.

Taking A Cue From: DVF

When I was 3 or 4 years old, I was Minnie Mouse for Halloween. Even years after, I would go into my costume box, and pull out that polka dot hair bow, and prance around the house in it- just for fun. I still love many of the things I liked as a child, and often wish that I could incorporate my childish desires into my wardrobe, without looking foolish (I am only 5 feet tall- and could be confused with an actual small child). Who else, but my sartorial soul mate- Diane von Furstenberg, would make giant hair bows, so sophisticated? Every season, I look to DVF's runway and wish I had every piece in my wardrobe. For the past few seasons, DVF has included some amazing hair pieces to go with the outstanding clothing, and her most recent show is no exception. If you are like me, and don't have the most padding in your wallet, a great DVF bow alternative is this 'Jersey Bow Headband' from Urban Outfitters. This sweet headband is budget friendly, and comes in 3 colors. If 18 bucks is out of your price range, try DIYing a bow with your favorite scarf or a big piece of material. All I know is that I am a very happy girl, knowing that I can sport a giant bow on my head, just like Minnie.

Valley Of The Doll

I recently was the assistant stylist on a photoshoot for Who What Wear (you can see the story by clicking HERE). It was an amazing shoot, and I got to work (for the second time) with Angela Fink- a fantastic stylist. I just wanted to share with you guys some pictures from behind the scenes of the shoot.