American Woman

 This Fourth of July, rather than launching bottle rockets and lighting sparklers, my two friends and I embarked on a cross country road trip from Dallas to Vegas. Pictured sites include the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX, Petrified Forest in New Mexico, and the Grand Canyon.

On Wednesday, the fourth, we arrived at the Grand Canyon. Amongst the masses clad in hiking gear, fanny packs, and cargo shorts - my two friends and I rocked our flag bandanas, geometric patterned silk pants, and Hendrix style 60's-inspired tunic. We may have been out of place during our impromptu photo shoot, but we had so much fun snapping pictures and capturing the gorgeous back-drop.

All pictures were taken by me... My good friend Amylee also captured some great ones at the Cadillac Ranch outside of Amarillo, TX. (I'll feature those cool shots later). If you happen to be heading out west from Texas and love amazing installation art, be sure to stop by the Ranch. The piece was created in the 1970's and still stands today in all its glory - glowing with neon spray paint left from fellow "artists" (tourists). We left our mark in neon pink duct tape. Check it out below!

Amy Lee and Kristen looking cool and put together in spite of the crazy wind on the Ranch.

 

Row of Caddys.

And we left our mark!

 

At sunset somewhere out in wild west Texas, I began snapping shots at a gas station. 

Candids are so great. On road trips, most girls I know would wear nike shorts and ts, but when your friends are gorgeous AND they wear pretty dresses that match the color of the rich Texas soil - your photos are going to turn out beautifully! 

Thanks girls, for being good sports and not ever being camera shy on the trip.

 

 Below Kristen is rocking my OneTeaspoon shorts that I've been oh-so-excited about. I originally wanted the "Trashwhores" - excuse the name that is actually what they're called... but I settled for the Original ZZ's - and I'm SO glad I did. The high cut on each side of the shorts is something to get used to, but these are STATEMENT shorts and are extremely high quality at a relatively low price.

 

"And she walked along the desert path with the wind in her hair and the sun at her back.."

Hope your Fourth was as wonderful as ours :)

Enjoy L.

Desert Storm: 5 Pieces 5 Looks

Desert Storm: 5 Pieces 5 Looks by lela-christiana featuring white tops

Missoni poncho top, €121
Miss Selfridge white top, $50
Ecote chiffon maxi skirt, $89
Cut off shorts, $88
L space swimwear, $58

Road Trippin: the art of mix & match to expand your wardrobe

Road Trippin' by lela-christiana featuring high heel shoes

Missoni fringe poncho, €121
Tie front blouse
Duffy sequin racerback tank, £100
Blazer, €95
Ecote long pleated maxi skirt, $89
Genetic Denim distressed skinny jeans, $198
Cutoff shorts, $88
Patagonia shorts, $49
L Space bikini swimwear, $58
NIKE waffle shoes, $100
Frye shoes, 278 CAD
Nine West high heel shoes, £49
Zara studded sandals, $129

Before I enter the real world and become a stuffy grown-up, I figured I would have one lash hurrah with my girlfriends and embark on a cross country road trip.

Although I typically would bring a U-Haul along for the ride to cart my belongings,  (especially considering I am not only packing for a vacation but for the relocation to New York) my good friend driving has informed my there is only room for one suitcase.. Ah! 

When packing for a long (in my case indefinite) trip, it is important to pack very versatile items that can easily be mixed and matched and transition well from day to night.  

In the collage pictured above, I tried to capture Grand Canyon-meets-Vegas-meets-New York City. My favorites include a pair of ultra destroyed denim shorts by One Teaspoon, a  dip-dyed red ombre chiffon maxi skirt by Ecote, and a vibrant bell-sleeved Missoni poncho. 

The following posts will picture the items mixed and matched. Expanding your wardrobe without buying any new clothes is easy! Just use these tips... 

1. Think like a fashionable French woman. 

When discussing fashion with my fabulous French friend, I asked how Parisian women, like herself are able to afford being so damn trendy every day of their lives. She told me that unlike American women who wear their favorite outfit and then tuck it away since too many people saw her in it, French women wear their favorite items of clothing multiple times a week, but in different ways. 

A French woman will think, "I love this (insert favorite item of clothing here) so much how can incorporate this into my weekly wardrobe every week??" As opposed to an American woman who will think, "I love this (insert favorite item of clothing here) so much what special events could I wear this to?" 

2. Utilize the basics

Be sure to have quality staple pieces like a fitted blazer, skinny or strait leg jeans, a white blouse, and leather boots. Sometimes basics can be worth the splurge. 

My very favorite leather boots are pictured above in the collage; Frye Engineer boots are timeless, can be dressed up or down, and transition well into any season. 

A quality blazer can be worn with jeans for a casual day-to-night look, can be dressed up and feminized by a pretty pleated chiffon skirt, or be sexed up with short lace shorts and strappy heels. 

3. Use the Color Wheel

It is useful to remember these three color combinations that will make almost any look visually pleasing and editorial-worthy. After all, summer is the season for color. 

First is the analogous color scheme. These are colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, like violet and cobalt blue. This pairing is most pleasing to the eye and very easy to do. 

Second is the complementary color scheme. These colors are opposite one and other on the color wheel, like tangerine and turquoise blue. This makes for the most eye-catching look, therefore it is important to not over-accessorize for fear of overpowering the entire ensemble. 

Last, is the monochromatic color scheme. This color scheme consists of different variations of the same color, like lilac and violet. To avoid monochromatic overload, pair the color combo with white or black. 


Be sure to follow my site as I travel from Dallas to Vegas!
Photo journal of the trip to follow. 

L. 

Before Night Falls: Day to Night Chic for Cheap

Before Night Falls: Day to Night Chic for Cheap by lela-christiana featuring tribal skirts

Hedonia crop top, £40
Topshop cropped blazer, $110
Tribal skirt, £60
Zara heel sandals, $80
Tusk leather bag, $118
Amanda Rudey blue jewelry, $100
Anton Heunis long drop earrings, $198
Lizzie Fortunato Jewels disco jewelry, $102

I love the idea of pairing warm tangerine tango with icy cobalt. 

Both colors are so starkly bright but in two very diametrically opposed yet perfect ways - making the pair ideal for warm summer weather, especially when paired with a crisp white blazer. 

For a sexy evening summer look, pair a blazer and cropped top with a bright mini skirt and heeled sandals. Add flashy accessories in complementary colors and VOILA! 


The look pictured above is affordable and very versatile. Every piece is under $200 (what a find!) Personally, I have had great luck at Zara. Their online store offers fashion forward pieces mostly under a $100 price point.  


I can attest to the functionality of this outfit idea. After a long stressful day of work, nothing sounds better than cocktail hour with the girls. But sometimes (and if it's my friends and I - oftentimes) one cocktail turns into four cocktails, which can lead to a full night out. And who wants to wear their drab work wear to the club? Not I. 

So to spice up my work-day wardrobe, I swap my work-appropriate pencil skirt for a flashy mini skirt and bold jewelry. Hence, incorporating the top portion of my work day outfit into my night time look. This concept saves time, money, and space in my bag. Try it out!


 L.

Concrete Jungle: Summer Work Wear

Summer Internship in the City by lela-christiana featuring oversized cat eye sunglasses

V neck dress, $496
Zara ankle tie sandals, $80
Dannijo jewelry, $175
Stella McCartney oversized cat eye sunglasses, $225

My latest splurge..... because sometimes Rent the Runway does not cut it.

A maxi wrap DVF dress in Burma Rose print ^^^ Now that I have a steady income and no longer mooch off my poor parents, I feel entitled to purchasing a DVF dress of my own. 

I say that because in college I rented two DVF dresses via Rent The Runway , little did I realize the cost of renting just one DVF dress equals the cost of purchasing one during a DVF sample sale...

Not to discredit the site. When searching for a killer outfit to wear to a major event that will be seen by everyone; hence, making you not want to wear the piece ever again... I get it.  But for every-day functional pieces and designer jewelry?  C'mon, that is just not practical..  If the piece is functional enough to rent or contemplate renting more than once AND you love it so  much that you would drop 200 plus to wear it, then save up and BUY the thing already!


How did I afford my wrap dress?  Sites like Retail Me Not provide discount coupon codes and links to many popular retail sites (I used retail me not for free shipping from Saks).  Also, if you live in or near a big city, check online for local sample sales.  I frequently peruse  through sites like NYC Insider Guide and Madison Avenue Spy for great insider tips on sales, discount designer stores, and thrifty hot spots.


Happy Shopping!


L. 

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Just For Fun: Spice World

SPICE WORLD by lela-christiana featuring mid calf boots

Alexander mcqueen dress, £430
Jones Jones pink dress, $97
Hervé Léger short black cocktail dress, $1,245
Summer top, £10
Black corset top
Versace leopard jeans, £559
3.1 Phillip Lim draped pants, $375
Platform heels, £32
Giuseppe Zanotti hi top shoes, $650
Steve Madden mid calf boots, $160
Giuseppe Zanotti wedge sandals, $795
B Brian Atwood ankle wrap heels, $171
Betsey johnson handbag, $68
Jimmy choo handbag, $950
Judith Leiber sequin handbag, £3,950
Alexander McQueen studded handbag, £1,095
Yves Saint Laurent round frame sunglasses, $325
Cotton Tea Towel - London City, $10

Update....

According to the most reliable media source I know, Perez Hilton...

The Spice Girls debuted their renewed togetherness TODAY at the St. Pancras Hotel in London (coincentally the same spot the Group filmed their hit video and platinum single  Wannabe  in 1996).
 
Announcing the details of their upcoming Broadway musical, Viva Forever!, all five women, Baby, Sporty, Posh, Ginger, and Scary, made June 26th an epic day in pop culture history!

Because you know you loved them too.... 

Here is a set I created during finals week on a long night of adderal-induced procrastination. 

When I was nine years old, all my friends and I could talk about was the Spice Girls. Sleep overs were spent dressing up as your favorite one (I was always Ginger) and singing "spice up your life!" at the top of our lungs while the melody blasted out of my boombox. 


Ah the days when things were simpler... When a CD was purchased at Blockbuster, not iTunes and Victoria was known as "Posh" not Mrs. Beckham, an internationally renowned fashion-icon/ billionaire. Although it's been over a decade since the group broke up, their outrageous style still influences many stage performers and has shown up in current trends (aka platform shoes & union jack imagery). 


And get this....The group may be making another appearance, providing Mrs. Beckham approves. According to the Huffington Post, film producers are discussing the idea of a documentary on the Group's rise to fame. 

Unlike the Spice World movie, executives say the piece will be a "warts and all" (ew...) depiction of the Spice Girls. However, the Spice Girls have not made an appearance in four years, and since their 2008 performance Mrs. Beckham has gone to great lengths to ensure that concert was their last.... Soo pretty much I wouldn't hold my breath until the alleged documentary surfaces..

Until then, here's a Spice Girl fix from a fashion-obsessed fan. If the Band was a world-wide sensation akin to the likes of the Bieb today, this is how I would dress them. How would you? Which is your favorite look? 






L.

Hot Hot Heat

Hot Hot Heat

Hot Hot Heat by lela-christiana featuring a jersey dress

Just Cavalli jersey dress, £250
Bustier shirt, £15
Elastic waist skirt, $170
Zara strap shoes, $100
Big buddha handbag, $50
Dannijo jewelry, $320
CÉLINE retro shades, $259
Stella McCartney Palm tree embroidered top, €441

Because the weather is sauna-like today.... 

I figured I would publish this collection featuring bright barely-there separates. I love the idea of a bustier top paired with a midi length skirt; Nina Ricci and Prada first showcased the look in their Spring/Summer 2012 collections.. Or at least that's when it became cool enough to acknowledge...

A modest length skirt can instantly be sexed-up by a bustier top and strappy sandals or pointed-toe heels. Crop tops may have become synonymous with Dubstep concerts and raves but can easily be glamorous when paired with more grown-up accessories and separates. The vibrant hues and tropical prints featured in the collection inspired by 1940's-pin-up-girl style make the look much more modern and perfect for summer.



 L. 

Stella McCartney Inspired Set Under $100

Stella McCartney Inspired Set Under $100 by lela-christiana featuring zara shoes

H M floral top, £20
Mint Velvet flare skirt, £59
Zara shoes, $50

Stella McCartney: Florals and Frills On The Runway

photo cred: www.southmoltonststyle.com

 

Feminine silhouettes and patterns took center stage at McCartney's 2011 Spring Summer Shows. 

Stella McCartney's collections are soft with a tough exterior. Although the designer typically executes looks with laces and muted color pallets, she also incorporates hard stitched jackets and every piece has a tailored look to it. 


Vibrant hues rarely show up in McCartney's collections unless the designer is enthusiastic about a certain pattern or print. The collage above is more reminiscent of early McCartney, but with a more modern vibe (hello crop top). 


More collages to come soon! I've been obsessed with www.polyvore.com this past week and will post some of the creations this weekend.

L.

 

Great Looks for Less

Great Looks for Less by lela-christiana featuring metallic jewelry

Olivia Palermo knows how to put together an outfit. Okay, major under-statement... The fashion mogul has been pictured on over six million blogs and sites praising her head-turn worthy street style that appears effortless. 

Although Olivia may be worth millions, you can attain her sophisticated look pictured ^ for much less. Above are two sets emulating Palermo's look; one for under $250 and the other for under $100. Happy shopping! 

Vince knit shirt, £125
Angora sweater, $70
White silk tank, $50
Free People short mini skirt, $98
Ksubi leather skirt, $220
Oasis bow flat, $62
Ann Taylor leather sandals, $198
ASOS metallic jewelry, $15
GUESS gold jewelry, £115
Ray-Ban ray ban sunglasses, $129

An Affair to Remember Part II.

Looking Back: NOLA Fashion Week, Southern Based and Southern Born Designers Showcase Fall/Winter Collections

This past March, I was privet to the Fall/Winter collections of the contributing designers featured in NOLA Fashion Week's killer lineup.

It's been a little over two weeks since I left the Big Easy and I already am a tad bit homesick. To honor the creative talent and diverse mix of amazing individuals whom I will miss, I assembled this photo montage.

 

Please check out the designer's sites linked below and support the growth of the Louisiana Economy.

On March 14, the NOLA Fashion Council hosted the first series of fashion presentations at the Martin Galley located in the New Orleans Art's District. The lush backdrop complemented the elegant creations by the talented designers behind powerhouse brands like Southern-Based Loretta Jane and New York designer by Smith.

My personal favorite of the night was Loretta Jane's Fall collection by Kelli Cooper (featured in my posting - An Affair to Remember Part I and the third photo in this series). The collection is chock-full of retro silhouettes - I was lusting over a pair of cropped structured pants in a vibrant purple hue. However, Cooper keeps the designs contemporary by raising the skirt and dress hems to boarder-line mini length. Any piece from Loretta Jane's Fall/Winter line could easily be any woman's go-to date night collection.

 

 

Presentations featured the Fall/Winter lines from Libellue, by Smith, and Loretta Jane.  

"Leg-Crown" T-shirts on models printed by Fleurty Girl and designed by the Nola Fashion Council Team - a motley crew of crazy brilliant people who I had the pleasure of working with my final semester in NOLA. 

L.

An Affair To Remember Part I.

Looking Back: NOLA Fashion Week, Southern Based and Southern Born Designers Showcase Fall/Winter Collections 

 

This past March, I was privet to the Fall/Winter collections of the contributing designers featured in NOLA Fashion Week's killer lineup.

Here is the first of many pictures taken by me to be featured in a Nola photo montage.

 

Check back soon for more from NOLAFW...

L. 

Tough City Glam: Transitional Work Wear Under $100

Tough City Glam by lela-christiana featuring leather shoes

Pencil dress, $96
Pink blazer, $27
Pink Scuba Blazer With Contrast Binding, £35
Pour La Victoire leather shoes, $143
Bcbgeneration handbag, $88
AllSaints chain jewelry, $95

Urban Print: Under $100 Work Wear + A Designer Focal Piece

 

Urban Print by lela-christiana featuring zara handbags

What's Next?

How to Turn Heads, Not Tricks. 

A 20-something's guide to looking fabulous on a budget

As a post-grad turned working girl (the kind with a 9-5 job) it can be tough staying fiscally responsible and well-dressed (and well-fed).

Once my parents stopped funding my shopping addiction, I quickly realized my days of bringing new Jimmy Choos home from the mall were over - especially when "home" changed from the rent's house in Dallas to my walk-in-closet or, as the Craigslist ad claimed: "cozy bedroom," in New York City.

Although my bank account and shoe collection may be dwindling drastically down in size, that does not necessarily mean I have to show it. Yes, I may not be able to bring Jimmy and Manolo home on a monthly basis, but I can look fabulous for much less and budget so that I may be able to make a little room for the boys after pay day.

In this blog I plan to share budgeting suggestions, style and food tips, and daily inspirational photographs of New York street style. Enjoy :)

Photo Journal: That New New.... New Orleans / New York

Standing in the middle of the road lost, Brooklyn-ish??

Outside the W Hotel, NYC

View from the Dream Hotel, NYC

Lundi Gras with Galactic at Tipitina's, NOLA

View from the Balcony Bar on Magazine Street, NOLA

View from my Mom's backyard, Dallas

L.