Once When I Was

@furelise_thelabel vest keeping me so warm on 1st day #nyfw #ootd #latergram

I recently acquired this long floral dress c/o Levi’s (Thank You Friends!) and something about it feels so Little House on the Prairie. I have neither a little house nor a prairie so I am wearing it in a super relaxed way because, well, I am feeling lazy and I can’t really go to showrooms in sweatpants. I really just wanted to be cosy so I threw on an over-sized sweater (c/o A+RO) and some colored tights to pull this look together and hit the road.

Long dresses.  Casual or Glamorous.
Slouchy Sweaters.  Easy-going or Statement making.
Everyday Boots: Kick-ass or Ass-kicking.

Once When I Was calling NYC my home I rarely wore all black. I know it is a uniform for most in the city but wearing it gets me feeling down. Now I am finding that to balance the brightness of LA I am reaching towards basic black more and more. I still need to punch it up with some color to combat the darkness but I do love the way it really makes every other element in my outfit stand out a tad bit more.

Black Tee are a dime a dozen. Lots of dimes or Just a few.  
Skinny Jeans c/o Levi’s.
Blue monk straps from ASOS.  Lots of cash or On a budget.
White tweed jacket from Zara. High or Low.
Bridget clutch c/o MeChar. Vintage Scarf and H+M necklace.

Once When I Was calling NYC my home I rarely wore all black. I know it is a uniform for most in the city but wearing it gets me feeling down. Now I am finding that to balance the brightness of LA I am reaching towards basic black more and more. I still need to punch it up with some color to combat the darkness but I do love the way it really makes every other element in my outfit stand out a tad bit more.

Black Tee are a dime a dozen. Lots of dimes or Just a few.  
Skinny Jeans c/o Levi’s.
Blue monk straps from ASOS.  Lots of cash or On a budget.
White tweed jacket from Zara. High or Low.
Bridget clutch c/o MeChar. Vintage Scarf and H+M necklace.

Just a few days left of holiday shopping and I am giving you a gift that gives back. Use my gift code, RALJENNIFER for a 25% off discount. You buy a lovely gift, you get a discount and proceeds go to the women who make the jewelry to get healthcare funding for their community.
Raven + Lily are creating new pieces of jewelry that are full of life and history. The stories that come with each unique necklace, earrings or bracelets are way beyond what I could dream up. The tassel earrings I am wearing are designed by Tiffany Kunz and handmade from melted bullet casings and recycled metals (brass, silver, copper) by HIV-positive women in Ethiopia. This is a piece from The Ethiopia Collection which, in addition to providing sustainable economic opportunities, Raven + Lily uses proceeds to fund healthcare and literacy programs for women and children in this community.  I love knowing that when I am wearing these earrings there is a positive outcome created out of what was once a piece of metal with such negative purposes. 



Diesel top (Similar).
Sissi flare jeans c/o GoldSign.
Wedges c/o Sole Society (Similar).
Belt c/o Bed|Stu.

Something about a gingham shirt feels so Americana to me.  Thoughts of Dorothy and Marilyn (Norma Jean, really) float thought my collective fashion memories.  It’s fitting that the day I wore this shirt there was a moment to steal some snaps with this incredible view. Damn, it is beautiful here.  Expansive skies and far away mountains. I imagine this is what California has always looked like. You can forget the here and now for a minute and look at the America that was before we turned it into strip malls, Mickey D’s and cookie-cutter houses.

None of this really has to do with fashion but sometimes the pictures and the words don’t match up.

Who doesn’t love a gingham shirt? Mine is Jack’s Shirt but here is a Tommy Hilfiger one.
A Vintage sweater for me  does the trick but you might like this similar Vince Camuto style.
These killer raw denim are the Radar skinnies c/o G-Star.
My trusty Ranch Boots c/o JShoes and Bridget pouch c/o MeChar.
This one is a Vintage crystal necklace because every outfits needs some sparkle but I would die to have this Lulu Frost collar necklace instead.

Something about a gingham shirt feels so Americana to me.  Thoughts of Dorothy and Marilyn (Norma Jean, really) float thought my collective fashion memories.  It’s fitting that the day I wore this shirt there was a moment to steal some snaps with this incredible view. Damn, it is beautiful here.  Expansive skies and far away mountains. I imagine this is what California has always looked like. You can forget the here and now for a minute and look at the America that was before we turned it into strip malls, Mickey D’s and cookie-cutter houses.

None of this really has to do with fashion but sometimes the pictures and the words don’t match up.

Who doesn’t love a gingham shirt? Mine is Jack’s Shirt but here is a Tommy Hilfiger one.
A Vintage sweater for me  does the trick but you might like this similar Vince Camuto style.
These killer raw denim are the Radar skinnies c/o G-Star.
My trusty Ranch Boots c/o JShoes and Bridget pouch c/o MeChar.
This one is a Vintage crystal necklace because every outfits needs some sparkle but I would die to have this Lulu Frost collar necklace instead.

Something about a gingham shirt feels so Americana to me.  Thoughts of Dorothy and Marilyn (Norma Jean, really) float thought my collective fashion memories.  It’s fitting that the day I wore this shirt there was a moment to steal some snaps with this incredible view. Damn, it is beautiful here.  Expansive skies and far away mountains. I imagine this is what California has always looked like. You can forget the here and now for a minute and look at the America that was before we turned it into strip malls, Mickey D’s and cookie-cutter houses.

None of this really has to do with fashion but sometimes the pictures and the words don’t match up.

Who doesn’t love a gingham shirt? Mine is Jack’s Shirt but here is a Tommy Hilfiger one.
A Vintage sweater for me  does the trick but you might like this similar Vince Camuto style.
These killer raw denim are the Radar skinnies c/o G-Star.
This one is a Vintage crystal necklace because every outfits needs some sparkle but I would die to have this Lulu Frost collar necklace instead.

Crystals and Talisman are a  must for protection.  Get yours with these gems: Pamela Love & Bing Bang know the power.

I can’t stop with the Game of Thrones references.  It’s one of those stories that just takes over your entire point of view when you are reading it. I started on the 1st book when I was moving from Brooklyn to LA so it took forever to finish because I was so busy. I needed a break but now I have picked up watching the series and I’m well into the second book.
Expectedly, I am digging out my capes. I used to feel like a super-secret fashion super-hero in my Alexander Wang cape but now I am channeling being a knight in the 7 kingdoms. Yes, I know I am a big nerd. Don’t judge.

Taking the black for the Night’s Watch?  
Black Tee: Plenty of gold coins / Not so much.
Super Skinnies: GOLDSIGN are top notch.
Black Boots: ASH has a great pair.
Need a Cape?
Bank Breaker or Super Saver.

I can’t stop with the Game of Thrones references.  It’s one of those stories that just takes over your entire point of view when you are reading it. I started on the 1st book when I was moving from Brooklyn to LA so it took forever to finish because I was so busy. I needed a break but now I have picked up watching the series and I’m well into the second book.
Expectedly, I am digging out my capes. I used to feel like a super-secret fashion super-hero in my Alexander Wang cape but now I am channeling being a knight in the 7 kingdoms. Yes, I know I am a big nerd. Don’t judge.

Taking the black for the Night’s Watch?  
Black Tee: Plenty of gold coins / Not so much.
Super Skinnies: GOLDSIGN are top notch.
Black Boots: ASH has a great pair.
Need a Cape?
Bank Breaker or Super Saver.

So nice, I am posting it twice today. Of course I had to bring the Breton tee with me to Atlanta for the holiday break. The top comes in a classic navy stripe but I opted for the green to shy away from such a nautical vibe.

I love pairing it with my army green jacket c/o Superdry and polka dot socks to off-set the stripes. If you are a shortie like me then I highly suggest you check out the Demi Curve Ankle Skinny by Levi’s ID. Finally a length that works for me when I wear flat shoes like these Jeffrey Campbell oxfords.

My latest wardrobe essential is this boatneck sailor tee c/o MiH-Jeans. I never really thought I would like such a simple classic piece (I do tend to go over the top) but this has become the first thing I wear when when it comes out of the wash. I love the thickness of the cotton knit and how crisp and fresh it makes everything look.  

The Breton top by MiH-Jeans.
For pops of color I accessorized with my MeChar Brigid clutch, Marc by Marc Jacobs pear necklace and classic Oakley Frogskins.  My favorite worn-in jeans c/o GOLDSIGN and extra height c/o 80%20 shoes.

I hope everyone is as relaxed as I am after the holidays. I had a wonderful time in Atlanta but it is nice to be back in the lovely weather that is Southern California. I am wearing shorts! Keeping it casual for a day of running errands in a really old top I got at Nordstrom and the tag fell off and cut-off Joe’s Jeans with my leopard wedges I got in London.

Want to wear aubergine? This one is a nice find.

Can’t go wrong with these patchwork Joe’s Jeans cut-offs.

Leopard wedges 2 ways: Got some Bank? or On a Budget?

Strong shoulders don’t have to mean an 80’s power suit. This Catherine Malandrino watercolor blouse I have has these raw silk flower cap sleeves that are so feminine. I paired it with my dusty rose jeans c/o Neuw Denim to keep it soft. I am such a shortie that lately I have been taking to rolling all my jeans that are not super skin tight. I’m just really into showing some ankle. To even out my proportions (and to get as matchy-matchy as possible) I put on my army green, mesh flat-forms c/o 80%20 shoes.

Want texture on top? Try this Tory Burch style. I found these dusty rose Gap Jeans. But you should totally check out Neuw Denim for all their amazing washes. As for new 80%20 flatforms, these are so cool!

I am getting used to this sunshine life. It’s the middle of November and I am wearing just a silk blouse, with my sleeves rolled up. Yeah, it’s nice. The roses in the courtyard don’t quit and the super-tall palm trees make me think of Muppets. Yes, always a kid at heart. Off to another lunch meeting, the blouse is on trend and a little bit punk-rock with the studded shoulders. Wide leg jeans are now easy to get away with since I am always wearing heels because driving is easy and I am not trudging through the subways anymore. I am getting used this. Slowly the homesickness fades.

Shop my style!
Zara silk printed and studded blouse. (Similar.)
Rebecca Minkoff chain collar. (Similar.)
Wide leg Jeans c/o J Brand.
Vintage braided belt. (Similar.)
Clutch purse c/o MeChar.

Want flower hair pins? OK.

You can’t tell but I have major platforms on. Get height.