Designer Watch: Amanda Archer

Today I dropped by one of my favorite SF boutiques-Two Skirts, and fell in love with a gorgeous sea foam silk dress. With a black collar complete with a tasteful design of black jewels and a well place black silk flower and a black silk sash on the waist, this dress screamed "TAKE ME HOME!" Sadly, my college wallet couldn't afford it and I sadly had to leave it behind. The dress was designed by a local San Francisco designer Amanda Archer, who has a great collection and a true knack for design. Her collection of dresses are soft and feminine, and are drop dead gorgeous from the minute you glance at them. Check her collection out at amandaarcher.com.

The dress pictured above is the dress I described but in ivory white instead of green. Still as pretty as ever!

P.S. All dresses at Two Skirts are 30% off. They have a fabulous collection of dresses, so many steals to gain from this sale!

image via amandaarcher.com

Cheapie Tweed

Tweed is such a flattering fabric that it will never go (and has not gone!) out of style...hopefully. This little Forever 21 dress is so perfect with its black knit top and tweed bottom. And the little tweed bow! So adorable! And the only thing better than cute is affordable, and this dress comes in at only $22.80. Throw on a cropped jacket or fitted blazer, pumps (I'm thinking patent) and a large handbag or small clutch (whatever the occasion!) and you're set to go. And if you're a tights fan like I am, throw on a pair of black opaque tights to top it off. Long chunky necklaces would make the look even more perfect! Very chic for very cheap!

Day After Xmas Sales!!

While some find the bustle and hustle of post and pre xmas shopping tiring, I find it to be the perfect daytime activity. Who doesn't love amazing sales and the competitve rush of grabbing that marked down top before the pushy woman next to you does? I found Juicy to have a great sale. My fav knock down? A black bow waisted mini skirt marked down from $200 to $130 AND its available online! Its the year of the mini, so why not take a great deal when you see one?!! I took the deal of a shirt marked down to a reasonable $70. It was a black sleeveless blouse with pleated detailing around the neckline and gold buttons arranged down to the middle of the shirt. A classic piece I can definitely get a lot of use out of.

Juicy had great winter coats on sale from warm wool fitted pea coats to fitted down jackets (long and cropped). Some say Juicy is overrated, I say one of the better sales out there. Definitely one of those days you wished you were made of money...

Dear Jimmy Choo...

Can you please stop making such irresistible items that a girl like me will not be able to afford for twenty years (at least)? The Jimmy Choo 'Ramona' Shopper is from the new 2009 Resort line, and is available for pre-order! Too bad I will not be pre ordering or ordering this pricey gorgeous little number from the promising collection. Although I do stare at this beauty every time I frequent Nordstroms, it will remain on my ever growing wish list (the one that I will never receive anything from). Feel like you could drop $2200 at any moment? Then grab this fab patent light purple bag that will carry you happily and stylishly through the spring season. And if you can't afford it? Don't even try it on, it will be near impossible to pry it from your grasp.

Lauren Conrad is Style Icon 2008

Here comes 2009! A new year which means new fresh fashions-we can't wait! But in honor of closing down the year 2008, I have decided that Lauren Conrad is the 2008 style icon of the year for gossipless fashion. This year was totally her year. From her simple and chic clothing line which flourished to her own personal style which I personally think is fabulous, she owned this year. From flannel with stilettos and oversized sunglasses to skinnies and suspenders, and of course...stilettos, this girl's fashion hit every trend dead on, not to mention she set a few herself.

I doubt there will be a day that this girl commits a fashion faux paus. Pictured above, a few of my fav outfits. A fitted red dress with a casual cardigan makes the outfit completely day appropriate, and a skinny black belt with an attached flower spices it up. And lets not forget the ever classic Chanel quilted bag, which makes her even more of a fashion queen in my eyes. One trend I will never let die? Oversized sunglasses, which Lauren is also a huge fan of. Another fav? Lauren at an event in a two tone sleeveless dress, with gorgeous detailing in the bust area and a fitted purple skirt to top off the outfit. And of course we love that she chose to pair it with black tights. And lets not forget her own fashion line, which we find perfect in such a simplistic classic way. We love that this girl never seems to forget that simplicity is always best. She definitely takes a page out of Coco Chanel's book, and we like it!

Merry Merry!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Xmas from the west coast! Have fun, drink egg nog and enjoy your family!! Christmas eve and Christmas...two of the best days of the year to dress up! Mini dress, tights and black patent pumps are my uniform tonight! Happy Holidays!

M.A.R.C

My new favorite trend is the gray bag. I personally LOVE big gray bags, enough to carry all your stuff in! But thats just me talking as a big bag junkie. This Marc Jacobs bag is so adorable. I love the quilted pattern and the gold chain for the shoulder strap. It can also be used as a regular purse with a small strap, and its only $173. I think thats a pretty good bargain for how cute this bag is! My ideal outfit with this? Skinnies (black or dark navy), high boots, a Lauren Moshi tee and a black blazer! Perfect! And if you're feeling super daring, you can even throw on a fedora! Voila! Find this bag at ptsell.com

image via ptsell.com

Fav Fashionista hits NYC

I cannot wait for the premiere of Whitney Port's The City! This girl has class and style, something that seems pretty rare right about now. This show looks like it will have some of the best style we will have seen in quite some time, and I cannot wait for it to start! Whitney Port is one of the best dressed celebs out there right now, and we cannot wait to see her and report on her NYC style!

Its OK to fall in love...

with a shoe. I have found my one true love, and its a Jimmy Shoe Ankle boot. The Erica suede shoe boot from Jimmy Choo's fall/winter08 collection has every aspecta girl could want. The color is fun and can surprisingly mix with many different outfits. For a night out, think mini skirt and fitted top with a fitted leather motorcycle jacket and tights. For a daytime outfit, I would love them with ink or black skinnies and either a tunic or a tank underneath a fitted blazer. These shoes are actually a dream come true for anyone.

images via jimmychoo.com

Day or Night...

This Monrow racer tank is perfect for day or night. Wear it with skinnies and boots during the day (and black ray ban wayfarers would make the outfit even more perfect) or throw on heels and grab a cropped blazer and long necklaces to make this shirt perfect for any night out. I love love LOVE this top. Buy it at pinkmascara.com for $106. I know its not the cheapest, but its a good investment if you ask me! The loose fit makes it flattering yet doesn't hug you in the wrong places, always a great feeling!

image via pinkmascara.com

Prettiest of All the Pretty Party Dresses

I have found the most adorable eye catching dress that screams holiday party. Charlotte Ronson's (yes, sister to Samantha Ronson) Audrey dress is my new love. The shiny fabric is fun but not in an overly flashy way, and the dress can be worn in so many different ways. Wear it with black tights and pumps or ankle boots with a clutch, or lose the tights and throw on a pair of flat or heeled boots with a large bag! Like the mid-line black strip but want it thicker for the night? Find your black chunky belt in your closet and make the dress a little more your own! Find this dress at pinkmascara.com for $246 to look like the belle of the ball at your next holiday party!

image via pinkmascara.com

love love love

I will be the first to admit L.A.M.B is an obsession of mine, and these shoes prove why. Not to mention the fact that I love uber tall boots, but the leather mixed with cloth design is eye catching only in a good way. Love the L.A.M.B "Essex" boots too? They are available at zappos.com for $479, which is sadly out of my price range...tear. My ideal outfit with these? A tunic or short dress with black tights and a perfect oversized clutch=perfection.

images via zappos.com

Fa la la la leopard!

A perfect gift for any fashion loving friend is this Kate Spade leapord clutch. Its so adorable and I especially love the yellow flower on the side. This clutch is the perfect companion to a little black dress! Although I am so in love with this clutch, it sells for $299, which is not in my price range for gift giving. However, it is within my price range to ASK for, so if you can't afford it, why not top your Christmas list with it! You can find this at zappos.com

image via zappos.com

Tis the season day 4

The Sir Alistair Rai Rajah Karma scarf is a perfect gift for the holiday. It is a favorite of celebs such as Jessica Alba, Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie. The design is adorable and chunky scarves are still a fav of mine. This scarf goes for $128 and is available at boutiquetoyou.com

images via boutiquetoyou.com

She's Done it Again.

I don't care if you are a huge fan of Madonna or not, her campaign with Louis Vuitton is going to be incredible. This picture just shows that this Queen of Pop is always on top in the fashion game, no matter how much time goes by. From the fitted jacket to the overembellished accessories to her fabulous shoes, every part of this photo is fierce. Enjoy this shot of her new campaign!

Trend Alert: Bowler Hats

Bowler hats seem to be back in style, but this time for ladies. I am...baffled. I think if worn with skinnies, cute ankle boots and a cute casual top, this look can maybe work. Do I think they can be worn nicely, like how Penelope Cruz wore hers? No. Unless you see a bowler hat you LOVE and can't live without, I would leave this trend alone.

Tis the Season: Day 3

The Vita bangle is a perfect gift for the holidays. These bangles caught my eye because of the gold, but I personally love the blue bangle. It will give the simplest outfit a little more sass, but can also be worn with a nice little black dress.

Go to winknyc.com for this gift ($86).

image via winknyc.com

BIG BUDDHA IS A BIG FIND!

I just recently came across a handbag brand called Big Buddha. Not only is it very chic and sassy, its AFFORDABLE! For all of us in college out there, we don't have a lot of money to spend on gorgeous bags, so here are some that are within budget! Hit up shopepic.com for Big Buddha's handbags. Pictured above are the Big Buddha Groupie Handbag in brown ($77) and the Big Buddha Jackson Wallet (only $26!). Finally, our wishes came true-adorable everday bags for less!

images via shopepic.com

"Tis the Season: Day 2

The Tarte Lip Case Set is a great little clutch full of adorable mini lip glosses. Not to mention the great selection of lip glosses you get, you also get a gorgeous clutch which is easily used as an evening clutch for a nice event or a night out with the girls! My aunt just gave this to me for my birthday, and I am OBSESSED! There are a variety of lip glosses not to mention they are hydrating and don't wear off easily! Find this gift at Urbanoutfitters.com or Sephora for only $39! Two gifts in one? Perfect.

p.s don't worry all the gifts won't be make up I just couldn't put this one off any longer!

images via urbanoutfitters.com

L.O.V.E

I love, love, love this L.A.M.B Twiggy Plaid Coat in red plaid. It cinches at the waist which complements any body shape, not to mention that its a fun print to keep you going throughout the winter. With eye catching shades of red throughout, this gorgeous coat puts a new spin on the everyday coat. Fun for occasions but also appropriate and adorable for every day wear, this coat may end up being number one on my christmas list! Available from shopbop.com for $465. Just splurge, its worth it.

images provided via shopbop.com

High Waisted=High (and everyday!) Fashion

Going from day to night can be tricky, but the high waisted skirt is any girl's friend. It's so easy to take the high waisted skirt from day time to night in such easy ways! I found some great high waisted skirts, some staples for any wardrobes, and some more sassy ones for occasions. My personal favorite is the Sara Berman Frill Pocket Tulip Skirt( shown in black, left). This can be found at Nordstroms. This also comes in midnight and gold, and the gold is my personal favorite. Pair it with a white tank, blazer and flats for an easy day style, and easily change it to nighttime attire by putting on a pair of pumps, a blouse and a heavier fitted jacket. Voila! For an extra effect, pair your skirt with a contrasting pair of tights.

Another great find, Lauren Moffat Waist Detail Skirt ($269, shopbop.com, middle). This skirt is stunning and would be a perfect outfit for a fun holiday party.

The Trina Turk High Waist plaid skirt($179, nordstroms.com, right) skirt is perfect for a more subtle find. While less flashy than the other options, this skirt is ultra flattering as it tucks into the waist at your smallest torso point. Be sure to check out Target for some great simple black high waisted skirts. They are all flattering and versatile, perfect for the winter season!

'Tis the Season

I have decided that each day until Christmas I will be posting a new gift idea, from high price range to the more affordable. After recieving an adorable birthday gift (yes I am now the lovely 20) from my aunt from Sephora, I have been inspired to peruse their website and found many charming and affordable gift ideas. My fav from Sephora? The Sephora Brand Ultimate Blockbuster-Collections Edition. This is the make up lover's dream. With a huge variety of eye shadows, blush and lip colors, you can make tons of different looks from this one case. As an owner of this product (thanks to my aunt as well), I, as well as all my sorority sisters, am absolutely obsessed with this case. Not only is this product great for when you are home, but it makes traveling and packing make up super easy! So if you are thinking of giving make up this season, give this gift, found at Sephora.com for ($48). Did I mention the value of this product is actually $320, but it retails for $48! Steal!

BOOTS! L.A.M.B, Steven, Annie Belen

If you are limited to one must have item this season, I have decided that a good pair of high boots must be your go to item. I am personally loving the dark brown this season, not only because they are so cute but also versatile and a little more fun than black! My finds? L.A.M.B's Vincent Boot in Hunter/Tan or black ($625.00, bottom) can be found at Nordstroms(black) or zappos.com for other colors. Don't worry, there are also more affordable options! The Steven by Steve Madden 'Entrap' boots (middle) are gorgeous, well made, and quite similar to the L.A.M.B. option ($279, Nordstroms.com). If you are currently embracing the beauty of the bargain, look here! CHEAP FIND: Annie Belen boots found on Zappos.com for $60.00(top image.)

images courtesy of zappos.com

Two Skirts: 2124 Chestnut St.

I cannot say enough amazing things about this store. Imagine fashion heaven and you still haven't found Two Skirts, an amazing boutique located in the Marina section of San Francisco. And no, this store is not like every other boutique out there. Not to mention that the clothing collection there is so perfect, but I found the owner to be lovely and very real. From Hudson to Tory Burch, this store is the perfect getaway for every woman. Thinking about taking a personal day soon? Spend it at Two Skirts and spoil yourself. My personal favorite today, a gorgeous bright pink one shoulder cocktail dress. Don't even get me started on their collection of clutches. I'm contemplating selling things just so I can take the money and shop at this store, and thats not a joke ladies. Trust me on this one.

PS. They are having a generous sale right now. GO!

two-skirts.stores.yahoo.net

Wink Wink

Think of the best shopping taste you could find in NYC, and you will feel right at home at Wink boutique, located in SoHo. If you aren't a NYC local, don't fret! Wink has created a perfect homepage for the shopping obsessed, and it will give a feeling more joyous than that of Christmas morning. Featuring icons of "as seen in," "accessories," "beauty," "apparel," etc, this site is the almighty of all shopping websites. If you are on a budget, don't even tempt yourself, because it will truly break your heart when you see the items you can't afford (trust me, first hand experience). Their accessories are truly to die for. I have never wanted to buy so many headbands or clutches in my life, and needless to say, I bought the headband pictured above and am now a self professed head band junkie thanks to this store. If you know what is good for this fashion world, go to this website and support this gorgeous boutique(winknyc.com). Not only do they carry my favorite designers, Foley +Corrina, Alice and Olivia etc., but their own Wink line(shown above) is proven to come from exquisite taste. And if you happen to stumble upon the one in SoHo, you will find very helpful girls working as well as a perfectly quaint and not overwhelming store full of fabulous finds. Enjoy ladies, I know I did!

images via winknyc.com

Channel Your Inner Hippie

Fringe is not just a hippie trend anymore lovlies. Pick up a pair of Kettle Black Fringe Boots($365, 2nd pictured) and and pair them with a pair of leggings and a big sweater for a fashionable any day look. Not ready to bust open the bank for one pair of boots? Check out the Forever21 find ($39.80, pictured first). Seen on celebs such as fashionista Lauren Conrad and HSM alum Vanessa Hudgens, these boots will carry you through the grudingly long winter months with a refreshed love for the cold.

Bittersweet: The Chocolate Cafe

I have found the perfect location for an afternoon of sheer chocolate bliss: Bittersweet, the Chocolate Cafe on Fillmore in San Francisco. Always a fun place for people watching, not to mention delicious chocolate drinks and coffees, this cafe is an interesting atmostphere for a perpetual blogger life myself. Fillmore is a perfect place for fashion watch. My favorite fashion combination seen so far today: black tights with adorable rouched ankle boots and a gorgeous sparkly tan headband.

Style Spotlight: Hilary Duff

Whether its her everyday errand wear or her red carpet look, Hilary Duff has nailed the classy side of fashion. Her red carpet looks have been flawless over the past year, and her normal day to day wardrobe has put her at the top of my fashion books. I am a self proclaimed sweater lover and am in love with all the sweaters she wears, not to mention her attention to detail: her accessories. She always manages to throw in a discrete splash of color that pulls her look out of the ordinary. In Hil's case, credit is given where credit is most certainly due.

Winter's Must Have=Tights

I don't care if you are living in San Francisco or New York City, tights are a must have from east to west coast. For a chilly night, pair your favorite dress with classic black tights or funky colored tights for a reinvented outfit. Throw on a pair of pumps or boots and your outfit is ready, set, FAB! Not only are tights a perfect top off for your outfit, but they are oh so flattering for every body type! Try plain or buy textured to add a little extra spice to your outfit! Recs? Hit up Nordstroms for every possible type of tights you could dream of.

PS. If your dress/ shirt you are trying to make a dress does not sufficiently cover the rear, ditch the top and find something that fits for this outfit!

image via H&M 2008 Fall Collection

Obessed

Foley + Corinna's 2008 Holiday line is utter perfection. They have countless cocktail dresses perfect for any holiday party as well as gorgeous tops that are perfect for a fun night out with the girls. 2008 Holiday Collection, hit or miss? Definite hit.

image via shopbop.com

Daily Reminder

I know the majority of people are on a short lived "green kick," but lets remember that this earth can't handle all the crap we are putting into it, so please, recycle that plastic water bottle and resist the urge to toss your napkin out of the car window. Not only this, but there are great clothing lines that boast eco-friendly fashion. Check out the eco friendly section of shopbop, or check out my favorite eco-friendly brand, Zooey(pictured above). Their shirts fit excpetionally well and are definitely a good conversation starter! Remember, we will only get out of this earth what we put into it, so remember that the next time you don't want to walk that extra ten steps to the recycling bin. Peace&love.

How Many Ways Can You Say Flawless?

Stella McCartney's Winter 2008 Collection. So beautiful its almost unbearable.

The World of Gossip Girl

Who could resist the life of Upper East Side high school students cast into a world of sin and partying? If we can't live out this fantasy, then let us bask in the fashion aftermath of this sinfully delicious show. Whether it be the closet of Blair Waldorf or Serena Van Der Woodsen, the clothes on this show deserve their own press route. Looking for a holiday number to get you noticed? Then try Blair's 18th birthday top, a Flamenco Backless Blouse by Bill Blass. Pair it with a skinny black skirt and black pumps, and you have an outfit that will stop the masses. If you are more of a free spirited Serena, then you will find skinny jeans, fitted jackets and fun eye catching dresses are more your style. Whatever your style may be, the world of Gossip Girl has not just created characters with the perfect ratio of conniving and sweet, but it has also created its own following of fashion junkies. For Gossip Girl fashions, be sure to check out Fabsugars's gossip girl style section.

Lets Talk Nude

Nude Lips are big this season, so please pick up a complementary shade for yourself. And remember, the point is to not look washed out, but rather effortless. Balance your nude lips with a deeper eye shadow to pull attention to your eyes and leave your lips to complement the rest of your face. And enjoy the low maintenance life your lips now lead! My personal recs? Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Nude or Benefit Silky Finish Lipstick in Sugar Cookie.

Ri Ri and her Leggings

The Queen of Fashion herself and her Members Only Leggings are quite inseparable these days, and for good reason. These leggings are officially the new "it," the new fierce, the new sass. Pick up a pair of these from Urban Outfitters. They are form fitting and flattering (to most) and worn by the fab princess of pop herself. Enough said? I think so.

LBD! LBD!

Little Black Dress. You must have a killer one for this season. Never to be forgotten, the little black dress is back in full force. And no ladies, this does not mean breaking the bank. Nordstroms has a fabulous collection (my personal fave being Maggie London) as does Shopbop.com (personal fave Catherine Malandrino). From fitted to feathers, this seaons's MUST is the LBD.

Utter Simplicity, How Refreshing

Lauren Conrad's line has been bashed by some critics, claiming her line is too overpriced for its simple style. I am on the other side of the argument, and cannot say enough good things about her line. The thought of simple beauty has been buried in our culture, and I find it refreshing to see a line dedicated to the idea of "less is more." So please ladies, have some faith in our Laguna Beach Alum and pick up a few of her pieces. They are timeless that you will undoubtedly have in your closets for years to come. Don't knock her pieces till you own a piece. What better trend to bring back than the idea of true clean fashion.