Trend: Utilitarian

Circling back to my outfit post the other day, Utilitarian fashion is largely present at the moment. Trends resurface decade after decade, but with a new twist; as fashion is always evolving. Remember the J Brand Houlihan Cargos everyone was wearing a few years ago?! Simple, workwear inspired, with a modern military edge... I am really liking Utilitarian fashion this time around.

Xx, Steph

{Color Block Sweater, Joseph $390} {Bullet Shell Necklace, Rock&Rose $30} {Surplus Jacket, Ecote $99} {Cap Toe Military Boots, Jeffrey Campbell $180} {Oxblood Jacket, Republic $80} {Zip Bottom Military Tote, Topshop $72}

{Me! Outfit details HERE} {Navy Sweater with Gold Buttons, Isabel Marant $765} {Jason Wu Dress $1,365} {Leather Skirt, Reiss $275} {Military Rib Bustier, Topshop $20}

{Military Holy Harlot Necklace, Balenciaga $195} {Camo Sweater, Chicwish $50} {Surplus Vest, Pull&Bear $64}

Related articles

• Beyond Camouflage: How to Wear Fall's Military-Inspired Pieces


• Who Knew? Camo Looks Even Better With a Pop of Pink

Christmas Came Early-Banjo Eyes Featured on IFB's Links A La Mode

News that I would be featured on IFB's Weekly Round-Up was a welcome surprise to a long week. There are so many amazing fashion blogs, it is reassuring to receive positive feedback. Don't forget to check out IFB's sponsor, Shopbop, and the other blogs featured this week!

Xx, Steph



Holiday Carousel

Edited by: Jess of Fresh Jess

Season’s Greetings! Around & around we go in a frenzy of holiday parties, gift shopping and spending time with loved ones. The holidays are in full swing, and yet, this week’s Links a La Mode featured bloggers have managed to stay stylish through it all. Each month, I’m more and more impressed at the thoughtful perspective shared in your blog posts. Whatever it is that you’re passionate about, you’re all doing an amazing job in channeling that passion and bringing it to the forefront in your posts. Shine on! Enjoy the vibrant colors, beautiful sights and wonderful tastes of the season as you read through this week’s picks.

 

LINKS À LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUND UP: NOVEMBER 29TH

• All Things Kate: Peachy Keen


• Banjo Eyes: Fancy Pants


• Buy Any Means Necessary: Holiday 2012 Gift Guide for Him & Her


• Elegant Idiosyncracy: On the War Path


• Fashion Moriarty: Passion in Fashion


• Fear No Beauty: Behind the Scenes of a Great Gatsby Photoshoot


• Glamgerous: If I Were a Boy


• Idilvice Fashion: We Don’t Have a 80% Off Sale


• Mis Papelicos: How to Back Up Your Blog + Tea in the Garden


• Not Daydreams: A Simpler Life: Eva Mok


• Not Dressed as Lamb: My 40 Year Olld Face, Uber-Photoshopped


• On a Brick Lane: Paint Me Red


• Polished Panache: How to Survive a Vintage Market If You Aren’t a Hipster


• Sara Constance: A Touch of Burgundy


• Slowburn Fastburn: Rusty Heart


• Style. Love. Repeat: DIY Above-the-Knuckle Rings


• Style Tab: Ways to Wear: Holiday Party Dress


• The Penny Rose: A Christmas Story


• Vogue Villain: Dressed in Paintings


• Youth Savage: Little Women and Heavy Husbands: a Response

SPONSOR:

Shopbop Promo Code: Joomi Lim, Uintah, Penfield, Joie Shoes, L’Agence, Marie Turnor, Yigal Azrouel, Sandy Hyun, Melissa & Tibi Shoes

Sequined Nautical

{Gryphon Sequin Stripe Sweater} {7ForAllMankind Jeans} {Zara Lace-Up Booties} {Chloe Sunnies} {Bracelets: Ettika, BCBG, JCrew, Madewell, Shop Publik}

Last week was especially hard having been in a major car accident. I am okay! Yes, totally fine! It was the perfect timing to have my family and my husband's best friend come into town. We spent the weekend enjoying the quiet little beach town of Coronado Island. We bbq'd, the boys golfed, consumed lots of wine and laughed way too much. It was just what the doctor ordered. Talk to you from Sacramento later this week:) It's almost time for Turkey Day!

Xx, Steph

Fancy Pants

Look One

{Printed Pants, H&M} {T by Alexander Wang} {Gap Leather Jacket} {Calvin Klein Gun Metal Pumps} {Chloe Sunnies} {Low Luv by Erin Wasson Necklace}

Look Two

{Printed Pants, H&M} {Zara Blouse} {Zara Pumps} {Low Luv by Erin Wasson Necklace} {Bracelets: Henri Bendel, H&M, Required Flare and Brandy Melville}

Unless you have been living under a rock, chances are you have seen some of the editorials and runway pictures dedicated to printed pants. As much as I love a good pair of jeans, I get tired of wearing them day after day. I was a bit hesitant to try this trend; printed pants are not always flattering, and I'm not into spending money on pieces which I'm not sure I will wear often. I decided that if I'm going to buy a pair, I was not going to spend a lot. I opted instead to search stores like Forever 21 and H&M. I found my perfect pair at H&M. They have an elastic waistband (hello comfort!) and are made with a super lightweight fabric that drapes impeccably. This results in a pair of printed pants that don't add bulk and are flattering! To my surprise, I have been wearing them everywhere because they are so comfortable and a good change of pace from my everyday jeans. H&M, BCBG girls at Bloomingdales and Forever 21 all have affordable options. J Crew also has some amazing printed pants, just be ready to pay a bit more.

Xx, Steph

Mad About Maje

Maje Fall/Winter 2012

In addition to being known as one of the most romantic destinations in the world, Paris is also associated with an unparalleled chicness in terms of fashion. French label Maje is no exception and is quickly gaining a major following from fashionistas around the globe. This fall/winter collection is filled with ultra-cool, wearable pieces. I am loving the leather accents, lace and pops of bright colors. It is priced a little high, but has great construction and detail nonetheless. I guess I'll be keeping my eyes posted for sales! Have a great day~Xx Steph

Related articles

• Enter To Win: A Maje Spree


• Maje: French Chic With a Hippie Twist

Snake Bitten

{J Crew Sweater} {Hudson Front Ankle Zip Jeans} {Christian Louboutin Pumps} {Banana Republic Necklace} {Bracelets-Required Flare, Madewell, House of Harlow, H&M} {Rings-BCBG and Madewell}

It is finally cooling off in LA!!! Well, at least enough to wear denim and a light sweater. With November already here, I am really missing some of the seasonal changes that I grew accustomed to in Northern California: cool weather, morning frost, and the abundance of trees changing colors on every block (palm trees aren't the same!) As much as I love Southern California, my heart will always be in NorCal. Happy November friends!

Xx Steph

Another H&M Collab: Maison Martin Margiela + H&M

Maison Martin Margiela is a Belgian fashion house that was born in the late 1980's after Martin spent many years designing for Jean Paul Gaultier. His designs, much like Comme des Garcons, have a recurring theme of deconstruction, rawness, and rebelliousness towards "mainstream" fashion. After recent Versace, Jimmy Choo, Marni and Anna Dello Russo H&M collaborations, this is the perfect change of pace.

Xx Steph

Love This red dress with these reddish brown boots!

Caramel Kissed

{Level 99, Janice Caramel Ikat} {Vince Tank} {BDG Blazer} {Elizabeth and James Booties} {Jewelry-Club Monaco, H&M, Brandy Melville, ShopPublik, necklace from Vietnam travels}

How cool is this print? I have an affinity for anything tribal or ikat and this color combo is great for fall! Circling back to the post I did the other week with Level 99 Creative Director, Rohksan Enanoria, these jeans have to be my current favorite from Level 99.

Now off to decide if I have anything to make a decent costume out of for tonight. Are you dressing up this year? Have a great weekend!

Xx Steph

Falling Short(s)

{White Distressed Back Sweater, Kiwi Tucker via LF} {Vegan Leather Paper Crown Shorts} {Nancy Color-block Bootie via Shoemint} {Nars Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl}