Splurge or Save

1. J Crew {Emery Sandals $248}

2. Isabel Marant {The Caroll Sandals $1,035}

I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! How fun are these Isabel Marant sandals (Pair #2)? I have not had the pleasure of trying them on but they look relatively comfortable with the low stack chunky heel. They are all over fashion blogs and magazines at the moment. When I saw the price tag I knew I wouldn't be buying them anytime soon. Flipping through the recent J Crew catalog I came across these (Pair #1) that have a similar feel to Isabel Marant's but at a fraction of the cost. What do you think, look for less or full price?

Xxx, Steph

Outfit Check List {Memorial Weekend}

Memorial Day weekend , for me, is the official kick off to summer. If your plans involve lounging pool or beachside like myself, there are a few essentials you will need. I love all the cute one pieces trending right now. Some are definitely not meant for laying out, so choose carefully or you could end up with a really crazy tan! A perk of the one piece is it transitions really well into an evening look. Throw a long skirt over it and some nice sandals and you're ready to go to dinner. For day time don't forget a hat, sunnies, waterproof mascara (A MUST) and lots of sunblock. Sun burns and sun spots are not an attractive look! I know from experience:) Have a happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Zimmermann halter top swimsuit
my-wardrobe.com

Mango slit skirt
mango.com

Dolce Vita miniature shoes
revolveclothing.com

Ray Ban ray ban eyewear
$255 - nelly.com

Panama straw hat
swell.com

Lancôme waterproof mascara
saksfifthavenue.com

THE Hat

I have been wearing this Rag & Bone hat non-stop. Surprising even to myself, I never wear hats, until now! I've been receiving a lot of compliments on it, so here it is.....THE hat.  It is quite possibly my favorite thing at the moment. Not only does Rag & Bone make killer denim, their accesories aren't too shabby either:) Have a great day!

Cut It Out

1.  Number 6 Clutch, Sass and Bide

2. Laser Cut Playsuit, Topshop

3. Laser Cut Crop Top, Topshop

4. DVF Leather Shorts, TheCorner.com

5. Alice & Olivia Dina Laser Metallic Pumps, Bergdorf Goodman

6. Something Else Laser Star Blouse, Madewell

7. Tibi Dress, TheOutnet.com

8. Blue Laser Cut Vest, Awear.com

Hi Friends! Wow! Where have the last few weeks gone?! While I was away, I went to Hawaii to visit my childhood best friend, flew home for a quick trip to Sacramento, celebrated my birthday, got a fabulous new car, and have been mapping out the next few months of what is going to be a crazy work and social schedule. I decided as much as I love my blog, some other areas in my life required me to take a quick break to focus on my family, friends and yes, work. I definitely am guilty of becoming addicted to my computer, phone, ipad, etc.! It is nice (and important!) to set these devices aside every once in a while and truly appreciate life. And although I may be away from my computer, it doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about fashion! Of course, THAT would be impossible. Inspired by fashion....always.

One of the trends made more accessible by technology is laser cutting. I absolutely love the modern feel of laser cut clothes, shoes and jewelry. Maybe it's the artistic side of me that is drawn to these clothes (I love abstract art!). And I find the femininity and intricacy is the perfect amount of detailing. If you're tired of the cutout trends, this is a more subtle way to get the same look and show a lot less skin! This necklace/harness below, by Sass and Bide, is out-of-this-world amazing. Laser cut metal....yes please!

Xxx, Steph

Prabal Gurung, Target, Collab...Oh My!

Prabal Gurung + Target Collaboration Prabal Gurung launched his first collection at New York Fashion week in 2009 and immediately landed clients such as Michelle Obama, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Middleton and most recently Golden Globe winner Jennifer Lawrence. As if his clothes weren't already fabulous enough, 95% of his clothes are produced in New York!  Only 5% are produced overseas, and that being the cashmere garments produced in his childhood home of Nepal. It's rare to find USA made clothes these days, especially high end lines! Major plus!

This collection for Target, debuting February 10, appears to be one of the best collaborations to date with more than 80 pieces full of bright colors, abstract prints and flattering cuts. These are a few of my favorites....what are yours?

Happy Monday!

Xx, StephJennifer Lawrence in  Prabal Gurung at 2013 AFI Awards

Related articles

• [VIDEO] We Just Fell in Love with the Prabal Gurung for Target Look Book


• Exclusive Video: Prabal Gurung for Target

Black+White

{Frankie B Empire Skinny} {Vince Tank} {3.1 Phillip Lim Blazer} {BCBG Belt} {Zara Pumps} {Jewelry: House of Harlow Necklace, Henri Bendel & Bauble Bar Bracelets, Required Flare & Madewell Rings}

Related articles

• 3.1 Phillip Lim Polly Flap Clutch: Blackout

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

Fit Model Spotlight Featuring Obey

Obey Fall 2012 Collection

Model Alice Verlant Jacq

Alice is one of the top models for the Pro Fit Models Agency. She is in constant demand and always nails her line and look book shoots. Originally from France (where she is visiting right now!), Alice had years of experience in print modeling before moving to LA to pursue fit modeling and acting. I feel privileged to work with her.