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: 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 BOMBER JACKET

So having grown tired of the varsity jacket and blazer I looked for a new lightweight layer that I can throw over my striped shirts and white tee's. As luck would have it I happened upon the silk bomber jacket. Versatile and oh so easy to wear, the bomber can look just as chic with a pencil skirt and heel as it can with a white jean and Superga plimsoll. Wear oversized for a louche relaxed look. I am currently coveting this Equipment bomber, it can be found here www.saksfifthave.com.

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PROUD TO BE A TOMBOY

If you read this blog its safe to say that you know I am a true tomboy when it comes to my personal style. Since that fateful day when I turned seven years old and my mother handed over the responsibility of dressing myself, my closet has predominantly comprised of striped tee's, button downs and crew neck sweaters. So imagine my joy when I discovered the truly inspiring fashion book 'Tomboy Style'  by Lizzie Garret Mettler at the Clare Vivier store in Silver Lake. I devoured the pages filled with both photographic and written tributes to various tomboy style tribes be it 'The Adventurer' tomboy or 'The Girl Next Door'. All of my style favorites made it into the book; Diane Keaton, Lauren Hutton and Ali MacGraw to name but a few. What I truly loved about this book was not only is it an homage of some of the most fabulous style icons throughout history but it is also a celebration of women's spirit and aesthetic identity in society over the years. How much I admire those brazen young women who strutted into Brooks Brothers in the 1940's to buy their blue button down men's oxford shirts. I take my tomboy hat off to them for their rejection of  girdles and high waist skirts and their embracing of the far more practical loafer and pant; all trademarks of tomboy style. Not only did it give these women aesthetic experimentation but enabled them to live freer and with increased practicality. If anyone tells you that fashion trends don't have substance and depth send them this book, this proud tomboy says its a must read.

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MUST HAVE: GEOMETRY BAGS

I am always on the hunt for a well made, versatile and simple leather bag that doesn't break the bank and I'm thrilled to say the search is over! A fashion industry friend recently introduced me to the new LA based, California made bag line Geometry. I was immediately drawn to the bags clean lines, impeccable quality and simplicity. In highly practical colors tan, white, navy and black, Geometry bags combine classic style with modern elements; think a ladylike handle purse in the contemporary combination of tan and white (see photo above) or a super practical solid black or tan cross body bag. These are the kind of bags you keep forever that only get better with age, and at accessible price points (the bags range from $190-$585) there is something for everyone. Start your collection of Geometry bags here:

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KITTY FEVER

The Charlotte Olympia Kitty Flat is THE must have flat for spring. Its kitschy kitty motif, silken satin and delicately feminine profile is adorning the feet of all of my favorites fashion plates- Alexa and Kate to name but a few. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and versions of these flats are popping up all over the high street but for the real deal head here http://www.charlotteolympia.com/kitty-flats-black.html xo

MUST HAVE: KAREN WALKER SUNGLASSES

Sunglasses really are a lifesaver, on a day when you just need to run out of the door and don't have time to beautify, you can avoid scaring people with your eye bags by throwing on a pair of glamorous sunnies. In my book bigger is better; not only for their level of coverage but also to achieve the Jackie O meets Audrey look. My choice for loud and proud sunglasses are by the uber cool designer Karen Walker. Opt for a tortoiseshell pair for the ultimate sunglasses. To be found here http://www.karenwalker.com/

MUST HAVE: THE PEA COAT

It is currently sub zero temperatures in New York and even in my adopted city LA, there is a distinct chill in the air (we even had a hint of frost the other eve! don't hate me too much east coasters). Now more than ever there is a desperate need for a good, warm coat, and year after year I turn to my ever reliable classically chic friend, The Peacoat. Acquire a good quality wool peacoat in a neutral shade (think gray, navy, camel or black) and you will have a coat that will take you from day to night. It works fabulously well over a casual day look such as a cashmere sweater, black skinny jeans and chelsea boots and will be just as chic over a slick pantsuit and pumps at night. Make like one of my favorite style icons Kirsten Dunst and grab this peacoat by Club Monaco here www.shopbop.com.

STORE SPOTLIGHT: CLARE VIVIER

As a proud Eastsider in my adopted hometown of Los Angeles, I couldn't have been more delighted with the opening of the Silver Lake flagship store of the fantastic bag designer Clare Vivier. Clutches, totes and cross body bags at affordable prices and in rainbow colors galore decorate and illuminate the simple space. My particular favorites are her monogrammed clutches, I am a sucker for anything monogrammed! Check out her collection here http://www.clarevivier.com/

MUST HAVE: THE FLORAL PRINT PANT

Yes minimalism is my thing but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the more playful side of fashion. One recent trend that I have been admiring is the floral print pant. For myself I will stick to a black and white print but if color is your thing, I highly suggest you grab yourself a rainbow bright pair! The key to anyone pulling off the floral print pant is keep the rest of your look simple and neutral. Go for a solid top (pull a color from the pant as seen in the photo above), for your outer layer stick to a simple, sharply tailored blazer, trench or military jacket (army green is the new neutral don't you know!) add a sky high sexy pump and you are SET! I have seen some fabulous floral pants at my old faithful www.zara.com Have fun! x

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?!

RIP THE BALLET FLAT?

When packing for my trip to London and Paris I grabbed my trusty tan Repetto ballet flats but then a wash of hesitation came over me, dare I ask myself the question; are my ballet flats feeling a little tired? Sadly the answer was yes, I had a moment of fashion focus and thought of just as comfortable alternatives. I came to the conclusion that while my ballets flats are eternally chic and will always be easy to wear, a tan Repetto loafer felt far more current and more interesting, a little more sturdy and a better contrast to my favored polka dot maxis and trench coats. Don't worry my ballet flats are not going anywhere and they are certainly not going to fashion heaven, they are just going to take a little break :) Find your  Repetto loafers at www.openingceremony.com or for a cheaper alternative go to www.stevemadden.com x

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

MODERN CLASSICS: The Equipment Shirt

Back in the early 90's when I was 7 or 8 years old, my Mother's outfits often involved blouses of the silky variety. In subtle shades of ivory, blush pink and grey they seemed so feminine, grown up and womanly. The predominant blouse brand in the 80's and 90's was Equipment and last year the French company relaunched with a new CEO and have returned to the forefront of the fashion scene. Fashion editors and taste makers are professing their undying love for Equipment shirts and I couldn't agree with them more. They are practical, stylish and classic and look just as good with a pair of cropped pants and flats in the office as they do with a mini skirt and shoe boots at night. Find your nearest stockist at www.equipmentfr.com and start collecting them asap!

CRAZY FOR CAT EYES

In LA there is rarely a day that goes by that sunglasses are not required and for the last four or so years I have worn nothing but Ray Bans. I own the classic gold rimmed aviator, a vintage tortoiseshell Wayfarer (thanks Mum) and a black modern mid size Wayfarer. But I must confess, as much as I love these old faithfuls I am getting a little tired of them. Only the other day I was chatting to a fashion photographer friend of mine who has irritatingly exquisite taste, and he brazenly declared 'Ray Bans are over, we need to find something new'. And he was right. After years of wearing unisex Ray Bans I am craving a more feminine silhouette, and one in particular is the cat eye (see above on New York fashion maven Olivia Palermo). Prada kick started the rejuvenation of the cat eye trend and I for one am embracing them wholeheartedly. There is something very flattering about the upturned angle of the cat eye shape, its uplifting, rather like an immediate mini facelift via sunglasses wearing! Who wouldn't want that!? Find at www.netaporter.com

CHLOE LOVES CAMEL

AND SO DO I! If I was rich I would own every piece from their most recent collection. Hannah MacGibbon is a wonder woman! LOVE LOVE LOVE. Recreate the look with a trip to Zara, its full of camel and mid blue denim (THE two colors to covet this season) xo