Jetsweater: Michael Kors Sweater Cape makes traveling a dream

This Michael Kors zip & toggle sweater cape is a staple piece for every girl's closet, and let me tell you why...

This is perfect for traveling, broad weave is great for ventilation. Thick & heavy makes it cozy and perfect for cuddling up & making you feel right at home - no matter how many miles away from home you find yourself. 

I love it with skinny jeans. Uber chic, super soft and takes any simple outfit to the next level. 

Those Shoes: Christian Louboutin

"Those shoes!" we're my exact thought when I saw Christian Louboutin's 'Disco Queen' black patent caged wedge. 

Every girl loves red soles, but seriously, CL?!? These are just amazing! The lines. The silhouette. The zippered back. Perfection. 

Day or night, skinnies or a dress, these shoes do not disappoint!

Back to Basics: Chuck Taylor's

Some days there's just nothing like your Chucks. Simple as that. I'm always on my feet & always in heels, so for me, it was a fun change of pace. 

I paired my Chucks with an ivory v-neck tank and black trouser shorts for a spin around the neighborhood. Added my straw fedora to tame the hair and off we go!

Thanks to Ryan Chua for this great shot :) Follow him on Instagram for load of great shot on food and fashion - my two favorite things!

Nice Booties: Donald J. Pliner

Today I was feeling nostalgic so I pulled out a pair of DJP booties and found a dress to match!

These remind me of relocating, exploring, trying new things and meeting new people. 

I can't help but smile when I wear these booties!

Donald J. Pliner, Haiden in Plum Suede and Crocodile

Statement Glasses

I wound up needing new glasses after a flight with a fairly aggressive flight attendant who needed every square inch of my carry-on to be under the seat. With the last shove, I heard the snap. My glasses. My favorite glasses. The glasses I have had for years. That fit perfectly and are so cute. Snapped. 

I headed out thinking I could find the same pair. I trekked an hour away to visit the shop where I had purchased them a few years back. Discontinued. Discontinued? No!!!

So the search began. I have a narrow face and though the hot pink studded children's frames do fit, it's not precisely the looking I would like to cultivate. I scavenged every optical store I could find. Nothing caught my eye ;) 

Finally, I ran into these. I thought they were a little big for my face, or maybe too bold in black and white, but then I realized it. The perfect thing about these glasses just might be that they're not perfect. They are a little different. A little loud. A little much. But that's what makes them me. And so voila, a new era has begun.

Furla frames in black & white

Today's Daily Essentials

Today's daily essentials include my Rayban wayfarer sunglasses in tortoise. My favorite shape, my favorite style. My every day, go-everywhere shades. 

I also have my Gucci wallet, which is perfect in every way... ample slots for cards, four compartments for cash and a zippered change holder on the back. Swoon! 

I can't leave home without gloss. Today I have Juicy Tubes by Lancôme in a nearly sheer pinky nude. 

And lastly, my tic-tacs :)

Walk on the Wild Side: Sole Society Leopard Heels

When I saw these shoes, I have to admit, it was love at first sight. Black patent leather, peep toe, double strap, platform, with just a hint of leopard... How can a girl go wrong?

I have had these shoes for some time now, and it never fails, I get loads of compliments on these shoes. At least four or five every time I wear them. Guys stopping me to point them out to their ladies, women, employees at stores... these shoes are just a hit! And I have to agree, they are downright perfect :)

These are by Sole Society. And here's the best part - they were only $24.90 at Nordstrom Rack!

The Nude Face: Beaded Bliss

These ultra-chic beaded skirts are not only gorgeous, but grounded in a good cause. Cameron Stanley, the owner and founder of The Nude Face, traveled to Africa as a child, and inspired by the kindness of the people, she made the decision to give back in her own way. TNF designs are each named after an African village and a portion of the sale of each skirt goes to that village.

I have tried on a couple of these beauties, and was fortunate enough to get to walk the runway in the Metetsi skirt (last skirt pictured above). Top notch craftsmanship shows when you wear these skirts as they were made to perfectly hug a woman's body. These minis are low-slung and very flattering. Don't believe me, ask the celebs who don these chic little numbers!

Ashley Tislade sporting the Tsholotsho on December 31, 2013. As to be expected, she stepped out to ring in the New Year in style.

Real Housewife Miami's Lisa Hochstein and Shah's of Sunset's Lily Ghalich can't get enough of The Nude Face either!

Follow The Nude Face on Instagram for new designs, Cameron's inspiration and recently released clutches!

Helmut Lang: Chic Chrome Dress

I'm sure you can't tell, but lately, I have been quite smitten with Helmut Lang. 

Today, I have to swoon over his Chrome dress. Very chic, urban-inspired dress with a deep V neckline and sheer panels on the hemline, back and sleeves. 

It's definitely a twist on the classic little black dress. Flats and simple jewelry for the day, but add one of his tailored jackets and some heels and you're ready to go for a night out!

Nails: Ready for Spring with OPI's "Mod About You"

One of my all-time favorite colors is OPI's "Mod About You." I can't even imagine how many bottles I have purchased through the years, and yet I just can't get enough of it! I love the creamy pink shade, the coverage, the richness of color - the perfect pink!

As you can tell, I am ready for spring, so I paired "Mod About You" with Sephora by OPI's "Looks Like Rain, Dear," a gold glitter polish with great coverage (2 coats on me). It's a sophisticated & chic gold that always offers a little pop of fun.

On my pinky & ring tip is Kleancolor's "Neon Sapphire," which if you ask me, is neither neon, nor sapphire. It is actually more of a midnight blue, nearly black.

Lastly, I use gold striping tape from Sally's Beauty Supply to accent my ring finger to tie in the gold.

This is a fun and easy manicure for Spring. Now bring on the sunny days & blooming flowers!

Helmut Lang: Patina Leather Leggings

Helmut Lang has the last word in urban cool with these charcoal leather leggings. 

Essential for channeling street-style nonchalance or for effortless off-duty attire, these are an investment piece you'll keep going back to. 

Sandra Bullock sports them in black. Also come in wine and blue. 

Pair with a tunic and heels for a chic take on this modern staple. 

 

Splurge? Yes. 

 

Worth it? Totally.

 

Sak's Fifth Avenue Lipstick & Gloss: Fascinator

This shade caught my eye as I passed by the makeup counter and I had to give it a try. Today I am wearing Sak's Fifth Avenue, Red Line, lipstick and lip gloss in Fascinator.

This is a beautiful deep pinkish magenta color with a hint of shimmer. 

Just after application - soft and silky

The lipstick goes on rich and creamy and makes lips feel very soft and subtle. The lip gloss is a nice complement to the lipstick without being overly pigmented and is not sticky like some lip glosses can be.

Up close (and personal!)

Though this is not the typical shade I would generally select, it is a very deep and rich color that goes on smooth and stays glossy for a substantial time. I wouldn't call it all-day wear, but it made it through lunch and I retained most of the color (though I did lose a little gloss). This may just be my new go-to lipstick.

After a few hours of work (and lunch); great staying power!

Helmut Lang: Jackets for Days

Helmut Lang, you've done it again! As if you hadn't already won me over with your minimalist, chic pieces, this jacket makes me love you even more!

This jacket has a sporty-chic feel and features a cutaway collar which leads down to the front opening in a classic asymmetrical cut. Sorry for the celfies but my photog had the day off ;)

The thin shoulder pads offer a little definition and the three-quarter length sleeves give you a clean cut, city-slick appeal. 

Two front zipper pockets and gorgeous top stitching are just icing on the cake. Don't believe me? Ask Glee's Lea Michele! 

The Purr-fect Pink: Appeal Cosmetics in Kitten

Need to gush about a fabulous new company and this gorgeous color, Kitten!

Appeal Cosmetics and is a San Jose-based cosmetic company headed by Candace Stanley, an absolute doll and an amazing makeup artist.

Kitten adds a frosty pink shimmer to your lips, sure to make any girl purr. I absolutely love the application and the staying power. It is rich and goes on smooth but sticks to your lips throughout the day. Here's an up-close look just after application:

Still holding tight after coffee and errands:

Can't wait to try the Fine Mink eyelashes and the lipstick in V (vibrant pink) and Mock Up (nude).

Follow on Instagram to find out which celebs are wearing Appeal Cosmetics!

Nice Booties

I just can't get enough of these patent leather cap toe black and nude booties. Perfect little platform & comfy 4" heel make these great for day & night! Ordered these online from Victoria's Secret & lucky for me, they fit like a glove! Classy & chic ~ I'm in love! Paired with a simple black shift dress with a little lace overlay. Romantic chic today.

A Classic: Polka Dots

Today seems like the perfect day for polka dots. Black-and-white. Simple as that. On my wrist is my gold spike bracelet by Stella and Dot. (Renegade, $59, available online) In my cup is a vanilla latte. And on my lips is Milani in Rich Berry.

Life is... Fabulous!

On my way to dinner last night with my Black patent leather Gucci Horsebit clutch. Forces me to just take the essentials. Why don't I just carry the essentials every day?!?

Getting Cozy in Frilly Legwarners

Getting cozy in my Miss Molly Lace Legwarmers, in charcoal, from Grace & Lace. ($34, available online) Soft & comfy. The buttons make them versatile allowing you to wear them over your feet while you're at home or unbutton the bottom two buttons and have them partially cover the heel of your favorite pumps or wedges. Added a little dainty frill to my basic leggings. Swoon! Hope to try out more of these products!

How To: Criss-Crossed Wrapped Pony

I saw this cute criss-cross wrapped pony with a bump on Pinterest and had to give it a try. It's so easy. Here's how I did it:

1) Tease hair at crown, 2) separate hair over ears & put the rest of hair in pony, 3) then take remaining hair over ears (which was left out if pony) & cross the pieces & wrap around the pony, 4) use clear rubberband to tie both segments together & then around the pony.

Voila! 

Casual Friday: Aztec Denim

Casual Friday is the perfect time to bust out my Aztec denim by Rock & Republic. Cute, skinny jeans with a not-too-loud print. 

Paired with my Steve Madden black & gold sandals, style name, Reader. Tossed on a black 3-button tunic by Bellatrix & a cup filled with soy chai latte. 

Perfect for a day of errands & keeping my feet comfy before I switch to heels for the night! 

MAC: Chatterbox and Vegas Volt (Brow Bonus!)

I had six MAC containers to recycle with Back to MAC so I ventured out to find a fabulous new color. 

I couldn't decide, so I went with both Chatterbox and Vegas Volt. ($18 each online or in store) I was inspired by my sweet friend Natalie, who taught me this to color trick. Let's see who notices!

My inspiration, Natalie: 

I gave it a go! Chatterbox on the top and Vegas Volt on the bottom. And here are the results...

Here's Vegas Volt:

And Chatterbox:

 

Moi:

Also wearing Benefit Brow Zings brow shaping kit in light. ($30 online or at Sephora) This is the best brow set I have ever used and always get compliments on my brows. You can use this to make them as dramatic or natural as desired. 

French Connection T-Shirt Dress: Day & Night

French Connection soft t-shirt block color dress with my Allegra Stella & Dot necklace (online, $89) & Vince Camuto black croc espadrille wedges for day. Lots of gold bangles from Saks, along with gold Diesel watch. 

For evening, I added black tights & my Yves Saint Laurent back lace suede platform booties, purchased from Neiman Marcus. The style name is Madge. I kept the gold bangles & threw on a black fitted jacket and rolled up the sleeves to show the grey satin contrast lining. 

What a difference tights & a jacket make!

Casual Friday: Boyfriend Jeans + Helmut Lang

Casually chic for Friday! Gap ultra worn boyfriend patch jeans, cuffed, with a plain white v-neck tee by Banana Republic. Adore my jacket by Helmet Lang! Swoon! One of my favorite designers! Purchased at Off Saks 5th Avenue.

Jewelry by Stella & Dot, "Sutton" necklace. ($128 available online, and can be worn 5 ways) Black patent leather & leopard booties by Sole Society (Nordstrom Rack only $25!)

Mary-Kyri: The Perfect Fix for the Rainy Day Blues

Rainy day blues? Forget about it. Rainy days give me the perfect excuse to bust out my favorite patent leather booties. 

These booties are Mary-Kyri (style name, Jamaya) and from my favorite store, Footcandy, which I'm so sad to say is now closed in San Jose. Footcandy was located on Santana Row and was the mecca of gorgeous shoes. You can still shop online and at the store in Walnut Creek.

The store was absolutely stunning and felt like a princess's closet with the shoes and purses so beautifully displayed. Not overly cluttered and just exquisite.

The store was designed by Eugene Sakai with Studio S Squared Architecture. I recently met Eugene through a partner who had contacted him for a mutual project and I couldn't be more pleased. Now if I can just talk him into designing a shoe closet for me, I'll be in luck!