THROW ON AND GO DRESSES

Firstly I have to acknowledge how long it has been since I last posted! I have a good reason though-I am nearly 8 months pregnant! Juggling my styling work with pregnancy has been a challenge and my journal has suffered somewhat but bear with me!!! SO, it is HOT here in LA with no sign of letting up for at least several months and for me that means time to grab a throw on and go dress! (I'm also 8 months pregnant! but none of my dresses are maternity!!) I love a good dress, preferably loosely cut and 100% cotton or linen. Its such a joy to not have to match separates, all you need is the dress, an interesting flat or block heel, a good bag and sunglasses! Here are my current favorites; I'm loving this frill sleeve loose cut moment from Zara, I can't wait to get my hands on this pre order Madewell embroidered denim dress (which I think looks far more $$ than it is!), I also love the one shoulder silhouette, its a great way to show a bit of skin but not feel too exposed, take a look at this other Madewell offering but hurry up its selling out soon! Last but definitely not least I am OBSESSED with Ilana Kohns S'S16 pieces (see pic above) they are on sale and going fast but check out this maxi dress in white or persimmon, I WANT. Have fun and enjoy! xo

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TREND REPORT: THE CROPPED JEAN/ANKLE BOOT COMBO

Now we have all been wearing our Isabel Marant Dicker boots/skinny jeans combo for a while and frankly this look is feeling a little tired. I love the more current updated take on this wearable everyday look by sporting a cropped mini kick jean with a slimmer and taller ankle boot. It's a little 60's mod and a hint of 70's glam rock and so incredibly wearable. Keep the jeans cropped and tear free and show off your boots a la Alexa with her divine Penelope Chilvers star adorned booties. Swoon. Here is a round up of my current ankle boots; I own these Ecru ZARA boots and I can not take them off! They go with everything!!  If you want to go for a less neutral option check out TOPSHOP'S ankle boot collection, you could even give these gold numbers a go! For a simple cropped jean with a slight ankle kick out take a look at this great pair of classic blue jeans from  MADEWELL or for something more springy you could go for these Rachel Comey white jeans. Divine. Enjoy this trend! CM XO

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MUST HAVE: THE BLOCK HEELED SHOE

We all love the elongating lift that a heel can give us, but if you are anything like me, if a shoe isn't sneaker or a flat, I can only wear a heeled shoe for a couple of hours. That is, unless they are a block heel! They give me height AND stability which really is a must have for running around this city. For a springy sandal check out the Jardin Heel by Marais USA, and I'm obsessed with these Zara blue velvet block heel pumps, they are such a steal. If you want to really splash out consider sporting these TO DIE FOR gold Gucci Marmont loafers, swooning! XO CM

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MUST HAVE: EVERLANE CASHMERE

Its that time of year when come morning, I gleefully reach for my sweater collection, and my first go to is one of my cashmere crew neck sweaters from one of my much loved styling clients, Everlane. Once upon a time, good quality cashmere was seen by many people as an extravagant and unaffordable luxury, but now thanks to to Everlane (and I promise that even though I style for them, I say this without bias!!!!) we can all get our hands on the most gorgeous high quality Grade A Mongolian (the best ever basically!) cashmere sweaters. They come in a plethora of classic and flattering cuts, styles and colors, think a black turtleneck, a cropped camel crew neck or an incredibly wearable v-neck sweater dress, (oh and for those wanting to get extra cozy like Alex, who I styled in the above photo, Everlane also has a line of gorgeous cashmere scarves) all for under $200. Trust me when I say they are a dream to style AND wear- I do both :) Could it get any better?! I don't think so! Find the whole collection here, ENJOY! CM XO

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MUST HAVE:THE CROPPED KICK OUT PANT

I love the playfulness of the new must have pant silhouette- the cropped kick out. Not to be confused with a boot cut or a bell bottom, the cropped kick out is a Jane Birkin esque, ankle grazing mini flare. I have been wearing my blue denim kick outs all summer with a bare ankle and now I can not take off my black H&M mini flares, sporting them with a ribbed sock and boot. They are incredibly flattering, the mini flare balances out your figure, giving you great proportions! If you want to sport a kick out pant here are are my current faves; I'm loving these Alexa Chung for AG blue cord pants, these black leather H&M pants are an absolute steal at $299 and for a classic blue denim take a look at these dreamy Victoria Beckham two tone jeans. Swooning. Enjoy this great pant silhouette!!! Clare XO

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FASHION OR FAD? The Gucci Princetown SLIPPER

I am a proud owner of the Gucci horsebit tasseled loafer (see my IG for proof!) and I keep a keen eye out for their new releases, but even I, lover of all things Gucci and loafers can't quite wrap my head around the Gucci fur lined Princetown slipper. Yes I believe in the idea that some things are so ugly that they are beautiful, and I love to provoke a reaction with what I wear (Stan Smiths with long silk dresses for example!) but the furry, slippery-ness of these shoes just don;t do it for me! They are rather unflattering and at $995 I would rather spend my $ on something that isn't quite so high risk! What are your thoughts?! CM XO

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STORE SPOTLIGHT: & OTHER STORIES..

Firstly, I must confess, I haven't set foot in an actual brick and mortar & Other Stories, in the last year my time in NY has not allowed for much shopping! But I have spent many a minute on their U.S. e-commerce site! Just over a year old and part of the H&M group, & Other Stories is mainstream H&M and minimalist COS's edgy little sister. Sitting in the middle of their price points it has become my new, affordable e-Com go to store! For those of you who are regular Zara online shoppers give & Other Stories a go, it has the same fast fashion but with a more artful spin! Consider its past collaborations with Rodarte and LA favorite Clare V and you get the idea! I'm seriously swooning over their wool blend navy blue coat and these yellow Nike Air Max's. If you are NY based run don't want to their Soho store!

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MUST HAVE: THE TURTLENECK SWEATER

Finally the temperature in LA has dropped (thanks to impending El Nino!) and I can finally sport a sweater! My preferred sweater silhouette is no doubt the turtleneck. There is something so classically stylish about a turtleneck and not only do I love their neck elongating, double chin hiding, flattering cut, they also give us the ability to do the insanely chic turtleneck hair tuck (see above photo, thanks Phoebe Philo!). Throw on your turtleneck with literally everything you own, be it your grey trouser and white sneaker (a la Phoebe) or dressed up with a cropped jean and a block heel. Go oversized and chunky knit or tight and 1960's inspired. Either way you will look tres turtleneck chic! To sport your very own turtleneck take a look at this JCrew camel sweater and this two tone Acne dream!

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On Trend: THE PUSSYBOW BLOUSE

The pussybow blouse is having a moment, and I must confess I love saying 'pussybow blouse' almost as much as I love wearing one! If you are not a big lover of necklaces, scarves and such then the pussybow is a great way to get some detail into your top without feeling over adorned. Avoid looking like you are heading to the office and stay away from pencil skirts a la Maggie Gyllenhaal in Secretary. Instead pair your blouse with something unexpected, be it a full tulle skirt a la Miroslava or masculine tailoring as sported by Caroline Issa (see above photos). My personal favorite way to wear my pussybow Frame Denim blouse is with a pair of cropped denim pants. I always like to throw in a casual element to my style so that I never look like I try too hard! (even though lets be honest, hours of thought are put into my outfits!). To get pussybow's into your closet, take a look at this gorgeous window pane number from Tory Burch (also on sale so HURRY!) and for a real deal take a peek at this ASOS denim shirt. Enjoy! CM XO

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FALL MUST HAVE: THE CAMEL COAT

Oh how I love and long for this time of year, with the cooling temps comes a whole load of fashion excitement, especially when it come to shopping for a new fall coat.  Along with the military parka, peacoat and trench a new classic has emerged-the wool camel coat. Incredibly versatile, the menswear inspired wool camel coat is a highly wearable and neutral item that can go over pretty much anything, be it a a white shirt and blue denim, or a shift dress and sneakers. It serves the same purpose as a trench but in a heavier and warmer wool fabric. Its classic, chic and feels expensive. My current favorite is by Rag and Bone and for a more affordable option check out this incredible deal from Zara! CM XO

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Style Icon: Jeanne Damas

As an avid admirer of Parisian street style, I really felt like I had won the lottery when I first saw Jeanne Damas on Garance Dore's blog. Damas is the archetypal French Cool Girl, her style is an artfully mussed up laissez faire affair! Think leather jackets, espadrilles, over sized blazers, worn in vintage tees and army jackets. Regardless of the tomboy mix of pieces she always adds a feminine element to her look, be it a bare leg, a heeled sandal or her go to blood red lip. Her gorgeous face, hair and figure don't hurt either! To get a little Parisian Cool Girl look in your life check out this great army jacket from TOPSHOP, you can find Jeanne's exact Bella Freud 1970 sweater here at SHOPBOP and get your hands on my favorite French striped tee's at A.P.C. C'est tout chic! CM XO

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On Trend: The Culotte

When I first heard that culottes were making a comeback, I had flashbacks to 1980's childhood fashion fights with my Mother. Before I was allowed to wear short skirts (which I was oh so desperate to do) I had to make do with a culotte. Mother professed they preserved my girlish modesty! Jump to 2015 and you can't part me from my beloved culotte collection! Practical and oh so wearable, culottes give you the elegance of a skirt but the much needed practicality of a pant. Unless you are incredibly tall, avoid wearing with flats, stick to pumps or for more comfort go for stacked sandals. To balance the often voluminous culotte try tucking in your top to show off your waistline and give your look some definition. My perfectly priced favorites can be found at Club Monaco and JCrew. CM XO

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The Bathing Suit: Marysia Swim

I can't believe its already mid August! I have to grab a hold of summer whilst it's still here and get to Malibu pronto! Which takes me to what to wear...I have been recently swooning over the LA based brand Marysia Swim. Launched in 2009 by ballet and wetsuit wearing enthusiast Maria Dobrzanska Reeves, Marysia Swim offers haters of the dreaded triangle bikinis/cut outs/monokini's a simpler and MUCH chicer alternative. Maria's love of ballet shines through in her collections; her elegant simple cuts, love of scalloped edges and the focus on leotard-esque one pieces give Marysia Swim a truly fresh and effortless appeal. My personal favorite is the Mott one piece in white and the Bowery one piece in black. You will see me sporting the Mott this very weekend in the 'Bu! See you there! CM XO

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Must Have Shoes: Marais USA

As an adorer of anything and everything associated with France, I was naturally drawn to the Parisian inspired LA based (and made) shoe brand Marais USA. The North Marais is a divine part of Paris (beautiful shopping, great style, chic cafes) and Marais USA's shoes are just as pleasing. Year after year, founder and creative director Haley Boyd creates impeccably wearable collections of classic must have shoes with a chic 'Marais USA' twist. Priced under $250 and available in a beautiful array of colors, shapes and styles in both leather and vegan options, these shoes are a must have for any style conscious girl's shoe wardrobe. My personal favorite is the Jardin Heel, a gorgeous block heel sandal; the heel is high enough to give me that much needed polish and leg lengthening lift but comfortable enough to wear all day long, its the perfect shoe! J'adore! CM xo

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Brand Focus: Apiece Apart

New York based line Apiece Apart is one of those ever reliable, go to brands featuring classic and wearable pieces that you will hang onto for years. Clean modern cuts, crisp cotton and gorgeous knits are heavily featured, and their price point is highly accessible considering the quality of the clothing. I am a big lover of anything and everything WHITE and have got my eye on their high waist white denim jean and their dreamy white silk Luna slip dress. Enjoy! Clare xo

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NEED IT: MANSUR GAVRIEL BAGS

Mansur Gavriel bags' low key elegance and clean lines has made them the new must have for every laissez faire fashion girl; the one who shies away from loud logos and extraneous hardware accoutrements. Founded just 2.5 years ago in NY by two such girls, these simply chic and exquisitely Italian made bags are a hot ticket and notoriously difficult to get your hands on. List of stockists, both online and in store's, here. Good luck! x

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MUST HAVE: OVERALLS

I recently shocked myself when I began to crave the need for overalls in my life, then I came to the realization that they have been slowly seeping into my fashion subconscious via various channels for quite a while; the Alexa Chung for AG collection (which can be found here) includes the most divine cropped slim fitting dungaree that lends itself to a more dressy occasion and one of my favorite places to shop, Madewell is also having a love affair with all things dungarees (see here). I have to admit the overall can be a little tricky to pull off, the main thing to remember is to avoid pairing them with anything too work wear inspired. Balance the boyishness of the overall with a cleaner and more feminine element. Alexa Chung gets it just right by combining the Americana of the denim overall with her European chic ankle tie espadrille and oversize tortoiseshell sunglasses, j'adore! x

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MUST HAVE: THE TASSEL SHOE

I am always on the look out for a fashion forward and polished flat and am feeling rather tired of the basic ballet flat and loafer. I am currently swooning over JCrew's Harper leather tassel mules. With their elegant pointed toe and whimsical yet oh so on trend tassel, these mules are a must have shoe for spring. Find them here x

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THE REVISIT: FLARES

Now I am a proud wearer of all things pants; Audrey H cropped, Katherine H wide, and the Diane K pleated chino. However sometimes one needs to revisit that mildly controversial pant silhouette, the one that divides all pants wearers to the end, THE FLARE. I have written about flares before on this very blog, but I recently became aware of a trend setting flare wearer that has compelled me to refresh my approach. Fashion Director of Porter Magazine, Gabriele Hackworthy, has long been a devoted wearer of the subversive flare. The key to her successful relationship with them is that she keeps it simple. The pants are black, the layering light. Think a navy double breasted blazer and white tee, or a clean white shirt and solid black fringed cape (beautifully bringing in a little more bohemian influence to her look-see above). Hackworthy ALWAYS wears her black bell's with vertiginous heels and these are a must. Unless you are Karlie Kloss and 7ft tall NEVER sport a flat with a flare! I have found the perfect Gabriele-esque leg lengthening pair for only $50 here www.hm.com. They are such a bargain grab them PRONTO! x

Photo from Twitter @GabHackworthy

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Is this fur real?!

I am having a fashion crisis! Normally when it comes to my thoughts on particular trends I am pretty black and white; flatforms? LOATHE metallics in the daytime? LOVE etc etc...but when it comes to 'faux' (fun) fur I remain on the fashion fence. When the trend first emerged via the faux fur designer du jour British brand 'Shrimps' I chuckled and openly mocked its intentions. But I must confess as I see these colorful and rather huge fluffy coats being sported in different ways (see Alexa above wearing her Shrimps coat in weekend relaxed mode with a hoodie and jeans) I feel a pang of jealousy towards the wearer and wonder if I am missing out!!! I hate to admit to myself that unless you are a)6ft tall b)a size 0-2 or c)a MAW (model, actress-whatever!) then you should probably stay clear of this trend. BUT you can embrace the faux fur fever by grabbing a furry friendly clutch like this one here and here. Have fun with it whatever you do! It sure is a good trend for that! xo

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