High End to High Street

There are plenty of "lust-worthy" fashion pieces I am drooling over at the moment. And because the real deal is not realistically obtainable, I have hunted down more affordable versions. High Street is a term often used in the UK for shops that are for the everyday girl....in other words, it will not leave a hole in your wallet. Below are my currents scores of the look-for-less.

Xxx, Steph

Saint Laurent Jane Sandal $795

Shoemint Shiva Sandal $79.99

Balenciaga Brass Tube Rings $205 single, $765 set of 5

Asos Tube rings $14

Publik Gold Wrap Around Tube Rings $20

Branch Out

My obsession with black and white continues.....and a pop of gold....

{Silk Tank, Reformation} {Skinny Denim, FrankieB "My BFF Jegging in Forest} {Heels, Shoemint} {Bag, Madewell} {Belt, BCBG} {Necklace, Publik} {Bracelets: Henri Bendel, Luv AJ, Madewell} {Rings: Publik and Gorjana} {Chloe sunnies}

FrankieB Spring 2013 Lookbook

This collection in one word is HOT! I love their unique prints and shorts for spring/summer. This last photo, denim and leather cut-off shorts, are perfect for all the music festivals coming up in a few months. Love!

visit www.frankieb.com

Web Relaunch {Level 99 Premium Denim}

Last fall I was fortunate enough to interview the Design Director of Level 99 Premium Denim about her career (here). Last week they relaunched their website and it (and their denim) look HOT! Even SJP, yes, I'm talking about the iconic Sarah Jessica Parker, has been wearing every pair of Level 99's she can get her hands on!  My favorites right now are all the selvedge pieces in their line (Relaxed Lily and shorts below). Make sure to go check out their new website here. Believe me....you won't be disappointed....their fabrics are super soft, "skinny's" are super stretchy and there are loads of ultra cool washes.

Xxx, Steph

{Selvedge Denim Shorts}

A few more of my faves:

{Janice Ultra Skinny in Adams Wash, Relaxed Lily in Castiac Wash, Janice Coated Skinny in Mixed Metals}

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

How to Wear Tie Dye Shorts: Part II

By popular demand (ok, maybe just a few of my friends), I wanted to show how to style the DIY Tie Dye shorts I posted a few weeks ago. My uniform as of late has been shorts and booties with a light layer on top for the mornings. I have been continuously adding chambray shirts to my closet in every shade. They are a great layering piece when jackets are too heavy.  I love the way these shorts turned out! I will have some DIY pant tutorials coming up soon. Have a fab day!

xx, S

{BDG Chambray Shirt} {Madewell tank} {DIY Shorts...tutorial HERE} {Charles David booties} {Sideways Cross Necklace, ShopPublik } {Mixed Medal layering necklace, Pacific Trading Co.}

Half Rockstar

{See by Chloe Tank, Frankie B Hollywood Leather and Denim Jeans, Zara Shoes, Forever 21 Necklace}

I remember discovering Frankie B denim as a sophomore in college. Known for their super low rises and rock-star vibe, I instantly was a fan. It wasn't until years later, post college life, that I got the opportunity to go to a fit model casting at Frankie B. I ended up booking the position and have been their fit model now for 4 years.  Their denim has evolved over the years and their rises have gone up, but they have never lost their edge. These denim and leather pants are no exception.

DIY: Paige Premium Denim Inspired Shorts

My inspiration for this post came from these Paige Premium Denim Tie Dye jeans. Numerous bloggers have been creating their own version of these jeans, and because I have a love for tie dye, I decided to tackle the DIY project too. As much as I love the skinny jeans version, I felt I would wear them as shorts more often. Busy prints can be overwhelming if you're not used to wearing them, so start with shorts or skirts and work your way up to jeans.

Supplies:

Rit Dye in Wine Bordo, Petal Pink, Tan and Denim Blue

White Jeans or Shorts (I bought a pair of skinnies from PACSUN and shorts from Target, just in case they didn't turn out...would not want to ruin an expensive pair!)

 3 Mixing buckets

Sponge Paint Brushes

Rubber/Latex Gloves

Follow dye instructions for mixing on the back of the box. Liquid form or concentrate will work fine. I followed Aimee from SwellMayde's color and mixing combos!

Tips:

Pre-wash denim. It will help remove any remaining residue and/or chemicals. Also will help the dye set better.

Make sure to dye one side, let dry over night, and then dye the back side. Make sure the water mixed with dye is HOT to help set color.

Wait for the denim to dry completely and then wash inside out to preserve color. I did not wash with any other clothing to prevent bleeding.

The Paige jeans are slightly more splattered with color. I decided to do a series of X's and brush strokes to avoid looking like all of my other tie dye garments. Do whatever you like best!

 I have a feeling I will get a few more months out of them since there has been no sign of it cooling down in LA. Final product...happy girl:) Xx

Minted

{Zara Mint Shorts} {Trouve Blouse, Nordstrom} {Chloe Sunnies} {Hobo Clutch}

{Rock&Republic Spike Heels} 

My favorite color of the season is a slight variation of this minty, sea foam green. I have come across a few items that I adore in this color, including these textured Zara shorts. The zipper front pockets give a little extra edge and pair perfectly with these Rock&Republic spike heels that are from a few seasons ago.

I will be testing a few more DIY projects over the weekend. Looking forward to sharing them with you next week! Xx

Neon Desert

{Linen Sweater, JCrew} {Neon Yellow Shorts, JCrew} {Ash Wedges} {Hobo Purse} {Forever 21 Sunnies} {Bracelets-Madewell and JCrew} {Necklace, Ben Thanh Market, Vietnam}

To get in the spirit of a desert road trip this weekend, I decided to wear the brightest colors in my closet, perfect for this Palm Springs inspired pool. My favorite piece is this gold necklace I bought while in Vietnam last year at the Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City. Neons definitely brighten the mood-and make me a little nostalgic of childhood:)

Xx