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So the "boyfriend" trend has been sweeping the masses and I must say it's been one of my favorites in the recent past years. I have always loved the casual-cool of a loose tee paired with something dressier (jewelry, heels, black capris, etc.)--it's a really nice juxtaposition that shows you're not too OCD when getting dressed in the morning but still know what style is. I've acquired the long black blazer (vintage find from Goodwill!) and some casual boyfriend jeans but for the longest time I couldn't find the right white tee. I needed a v-neck  with a loose, body-skimming fit that was comfortable and not too sheer so it could be worn by itself as well. I tried pretty much everywhere and one day I thought, hey--maybe American Eagle might have something? Of course I was doubtful, because American Eagle stirred up memories of being 15 again, but it couldn't be any worse than what I've experience right? So I went online and ordered their Aerie slouchy white tee in a XS...and voila.

Do I really need to explain why this is a great find? Hasn't Emma Watson and her black eyeliner already shown you the genius that is Burberry? If you didn't know, Burberry pretty much invented the trench...and decades later it is still one of the most iconic things in fashion. I'm saving up for the updated khaki version but this rough leather look is also ultra-sexy. For someone a bit more adventurous, this is a steal. All leather, classic buttons, detachable belt, epaulets...at 65% off. I wish I had a reason to cough up half a month's salary to buy this.

[Burberry Prorsum. Leather. $1,398.25.]

Let the Christmas shopping binge continue! Happy holidays and merry shopping!

I've been looking for a raincoat that would make me look forward to the Seattle rain the way my equestrian rainboots do. I've been pathetically unsuccessful for the entire 11 years I've lived here... until now!

[Caped Raincoat. MaxStudio. $128.]

Personally I liked the black color more (duh) but either way this piece is genius! It's fashionable, waterproof, and nice and roomy so you can wear another few layers underneath to keep warm or just throw this on top during a light drizzle. I know it's a bit pricey but I totally think it's worth the splurge!

If you haven't been on the J Crew website lately, you'll be delighted to see they launched a Petite area a while ago. Its selection isn't quite as vast as Banana Petites (and isn't available in stores) but the size and fit are much better than the usual oversized clothes packed in a feel-good bag at J Crew. On my recent Retail Therapy binge I discovered 2 items that made me SIGH with love. Enjoy!

[Contrast-trim herringbone blazer. J Crew. $198.]

Yes, that is what you think it is. I've been looking for a blazer with the contrast trim forever after Rachel Bilson launched her DKNY line with that contrast-trim tuxedo blazer that sold out immediately. D'oh J Crew would have something similar. The only thing keeping me back is the fact this is wool, and I would've liked something more...shiny. I like the way it was modeled here minus those hideous pants. Something more carefree underneath and a bit of spunky jewelry goes a long way to make this blazer much less formal. Add a pashmina and black pants for work and voila, it's a day-to-nighter, or night-to-dayer, depending on your schedule.

[Wool ribbon coat. J Crew. $275.]

This reminds me of Christmas (especially if you get the red version)--the pretty ribbon-layered look of giftboxes and a little Peter pan-like collar. I can't figure out how to justify buying this seeing that I have 4 long wool coats but if I could find the slightest reason I will whip this off the shelves immediately. You would never need a scarf again with this coat, it's so lovely without being flamboyant. I'd wear some colored tights and neutrals underneath for a cheerful winter look.

Love the photo, freaking amazing. I really have no description or very much to say besides oh, damn. In case you guys wanted a backstory, Nadal and Kobe are promoting Nike Sportswear, current emphasis on sweatpants/sweats in general. Yeah, I know you didn't read that as you're probably still checking out Nadal's cheekbones. It's ok, I understand.

There's plenty of us who dream to be a rocker-chick with a motorcycle, leather jacket, and a body covered in tattooes (somewhat like Angelina Jolie in "Wanted", I suppose). But then there's reality, where we need to look clean and polished for our day job and carpool to work. So how does one find a little bit of wild to add to their closet? Let me introduce...tattoo tights!

[Floral tattoo tights. post @ etsy. $23.]

I know what you're thinking. Ridiculous, right? Yet...ingenius! For those who dream of that sexy calf tattoo but most definitely can't get it (how do you wear an evening gown with that?) pull on these tights for a costumed evening or just to add a bit of edge to your outfit. Personally, I don't think I'll be donning these anytime soon, but I can definitely see the appeal! What's your take?

Even though I've been in the great Pacific Northwest since...'98...my heart still lies in NYC. Once you're from the Bronx, you're from the Bronx, you know? Anyway, as I was browsing Etsy for some NY photographs to decorate my apartment I came across this little stunner.

[NY Skyline Ring. Imontoya on Etsy. $98.]

Wow, what a piece of work. Such delicate craftsmanship, not to mention creativity! It's pieces like these that make me want to get into metalworking. The Empire State Building, of course, is the centerpiece of this ring but the rest of the skyline looks legitimately accurate, too! This is the perfect gift for a gal who's dreaming of NY.

We've all been in situations where our usual beauty routine had to be compromised. Whether it was because we decided to spend the nights with our significant other, crashed at a friend's place, went camping, just moved in to a new place, or got all our stuff confiscated at airport security there are days where our set of shampoo/conditioner/lotions weren't available.

What to do in these setups? It's simple--carry a small 3oz container of Dr. B's castille soap. Not only can you use it as shampoo and body wash, it also doubles up as a fruit/vegetable wash and (possibly, though not explicitly stated) dish fluid. Now that's some serious multi-tasking. All organic with scents of peppermint, eucalyptus, almond, rose, citrus, lavender, and tea tree!  I seriously survived on this stuff for a week while traveling round Venice/Milan/Bologna/Cinque Terre.

[Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap. $2.49]

If you're super cheap you can even buy the Trader Joe's peppermint version (I do!)

Needless to say, I haven't been very impressed with Banana Republic lately. Even after switching to Simon Kneen I only wanted a few pieces of the Spring/Summer 2009 collection and actually  only bought...2? I know, it's really shocking, and my track to Luxe status is deteriorating rapidly. But today I was browsing the website and found my definite favorite piece(s) -- 1 from BR and 1 from BR Monogram -- for the Fall.

[Sweater jacket. Merino Wool. $125.]

This might have something to do with my recent obsession with capes (I bought 2 within a couple days of each other) but I love this piece. First, I love that Banana is sticking with merino wool (albeit lesser quality than previous years) instead of acrylic. I love the loose cut and the foldover collar. I do not, however, love the cheap buttons--but those can be easily replaced. Go to any fabric store and get some nice shell buttons. This look is very Parisan and simple to me, good for a fall day with wool shorts and black tights, perhaps rich purple suede boots and a cloche to top it off. For a more glamours appeal I would suggest stacking on some gold bracelets, but we all know how terribly impractical that is.

[Pleated skirt. Acetate. BR Monogram. $125.]

I adore this skirt. Not only does it have that classic tulip finish but it has the asymmetrical band and pleats for an updated, modern look. As a disclaimer, I never have (and never will) believe tulip skirts work for all body types, but for the women who can wear them I suggest going out to invest in this. Ok, I'm not very happy it is acetate and not silk for the price it's retailing for, but this piece will go with pretty much anything in the black or neutrals family. Even animal prints I disapprove of could match this skirt! Imagine this in the fall or spring with a loose black silk top and a long delicate gold necklace with black heels. What a gorgeous, timeless look. And just because I have issues deciding my other 'favorite' from the BR Monogram was this dress.

So the fashion business isn't exactly turning great ROI right now. For Valentino in particular, having your head guru leave makes everything a bit harder. Well imagine how delighted I was when I went through some old runway archives and noticed Valentino's Fall 2009 collection...I have no idea how I missed this first time but goshdarn, I'm glad I found it (again)!

(Pictures courtesy of Coutorture)

This is black done perfect. I would kill to have that amazing asymmetrical piece, face mask included. I loved the lace, loved the ruffles, loved the weird face masks, loved the feathers--basically everything. I like the crisp, simple backdrop it was shown in, too--way to keep it classy Valentino!