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: 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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THE ALEXA FOR MADEWELL FASHION FRENZY!

So ladies did you log on at midnight this week or attend one of the Alexa Chung for Madewell 2011 in store launch parties? I must confess I logged on the minute the clock struck midnight and found myself frantically clicking 'add to shopping cart' on every lusted after item of the collection. When the time came to check out, the total amount sent me into such a state of shock that I slammed my lap top shut and went to sleep empty handed. The next day I nervously ventured to my nearest store, terrified for what may happen to my bank account. I restrained myself and walked away with the flared high waisted jeans, the 'I'm Serious' t-shirt and the round necked polka dot blouse. The palm tree dress and leopard print booties were nowhere to be seen, but I survived and my bank account breathed a sigh of relief! What did you buy?!

DO YOU DARE TO FLARE?

I am particularly excited by the resurgence of the bell bottom but it is all too easy to get the look horribly wrong and resemble an extra from Boogie Nights! My rules when going for the flared look is keep the denim a mid blue (see Dakota Fanning in Elizabeth and James Jimi Bell Bottoms), with a high rise and wear them long with a stacked boot or a 70's inspired wedge (inspired being the operative word here ladies!). On the top half of your body you can't go wrong with a white tee but also consider a tucked in and collared silk Equipment blouse. In regards to your outer layer, flares look particularly great with a belted trench.  They are also a great denim silhouette for a curvier girl as they balance out the hips and bust, just please make sure you wear with a heel, flats and flares do not a good match make! Find at www.shopbop.com x

SUBLIME SWEATERS

I am thrilled that sweaters are so in vogue right now, when I dress myself comfort is key and there is nothing better than a cozy sweater to warm me up and keep me happy. Sweaters are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down; I wear mine constantly over a flared and flirty floral vintage dress, my leather shorts or a mini skater skirt.When reaching for your sweater this January keep a few things in mind; cable knits are great (see above on Rachel Bilson) and super chic but if you are blessed with a generous bosom, steer clear of them, you don't need the added bulk. Keep your sweater round necked and slim fitting, I think over sized equals sloppy and should only be worn whilst sitting in front of the fire at home! Splash out on a cashmere or alpaca sweater, but choose your colors wisely to make them practical investments; you can't go wrong with cream, black or grey. I am a huge fan of the sweaters at www.madewell.com and www.jcrew.com, their cuts are spot on and the price is right! Stay warm and ENJOY! X

GO TO NEW LENGTHS

Ladies have you tried the new mid length skirt? If not then I urge you to give it a go. This Madewell number in the picture above is a great color that can go with everything (don't you just love that girls!?) just replace your mid blue denim jeans with this very skirt! Tee's, button downs, brogues, ballet flats etc will all look great with it. However if you are vertically challenged such as myself then I think it can only be worn with a high heel and a top that has a very slim silhouette. Find this one at www.madewell.com