Vintage Leather Feels so New

I love when I find a vintage piece that feels truly current. This one is my new, go-to favorite item.

 

Black leather from Sak's, in exquisite condition. A great length too--right above the knee.

Right now fashion is touting the leather skirt in all it's glory and in every cut. A-line, Ruffled, Peplum, Mini, and Pencil. You can't go wrong!

I added a belt that was slightly large for the high waisted cut. I actually liked how it sat low like belly jewelry.

I love mixing leather with soft laces or cottons. Anything embroidered or boho softens it up.

A little pop of color in the form of patent yellow, kitten heels, and I'm all set.

Skirt: Vintage Sak's, Blouse: F21, Necklaces: Boutique & F21, Kitten Heels: Enzo Angiolini

What will you dig up "At that thrift store down the road"...?

With Love,

Noa B

Flats and a Swapped Mini

Happy Friday All! I'm on a tear to get some more use out of those "back of the closet" items!

This one's really easy. A great little, ruched dress I got at a girl's clothing swap a year or two ago, my Pliner bag, easy flats and a little drapey vest on top. Easy, easy, easy!

I literally couldn't be more comfortable despite the form fitting cut of this dress. Let's attribute that to the mid-thigh length and the layered effect of the vest.

Dress: Via Girl's Swap, Flats: Chinese Laundry, Vest: Juicy Couture, Bag: Donald J Pliner, Lariat: JewelMint

With Love,

Noa B

Pantsuits for Spring!

Yesterday I wore a pantsuit gifted to me by my mother who, (growing up, along with my big sis) was one of my fashion idols. (My sister gave me the DVF dress from last week's post and Mom bought me this little number for Passover).

As a child who adored clothes, my mother and big sister were two of the most stylish women I knew, and I tried to emulate them in every way. (This was enacted in the form of scouring stores for palazzo pants because my sister Michal had rocked them before they were ever trendy, and wearing boxy, shoulder pad enhanced blazers with maxi skirts and slits via my mom's ever present eye for silhouette).

So it's no surprise that when I unwrap something they've picked out for me, I'm bound to love it. This one-piece from Laundry fits beautifully, (neither too loose nor too fitted).

There's a deep cowl both front and back, but it's cut strategically to avoid showing bra-strap, (which is so fab)! Keeping things simple I added gold dipped, leaf earrings and wound a couple of lariat necklaces around my wrist.

 Red lips, big sunnies, and my favorite, vintage belt...

Pantsuit: Laundry, Heels: Steve Madden: Jewelry: F21, Boutique, and Tres Jolie, Belt: Oscar de la Renta Vintage

...And I was good to go and ready for an evening out with my fabulous Hubby. As always, thanks Neta and Michal, for making me feel fab.

With Love,

Noa B

Monday Grind

Happy Monday All!

I've had an amazing weekend hosting friends, cooking, grilling, watching films, dancing, and floating around in our backyard pool. Now that the "party" has come to a successful end, it's time to clean up and return to work.

The good news is that I can ease back into the grind here in Santa Barbara for a few days, and nothing beats facing your Monday like being comfy. Hence, my favorite lazy-girl staple--harem pants.

I've worn harem style pants in one incarnation or another since I was 11 and got my first pair from a real, Bedouin market abroad. Since then I've had a love affair with them. They key is to accessorize them just enough to not appear to be wearing your PJ's...

This morning I wove my favorite, vintage Mettallia belt and added some chains, shades and fedora. (The laziest approach to a hair day as well)...

Harem Pants: Nordstrom, Top: H&M, Necklaces: Ideeli/Street Vendor, Heels: Steve Madden, Hat: H&M

Some mornings it's all about easing back in. I wish you all a great week!

(And don't forget that today is the last day to enter my shoe giveaway here).

With Love,

Noa B

DVF + Trench = Happiness!

I love a classic trench and they're constantly in come-back mode. I bought this one nearly two years ago at Bloomingdales to replace an older trench that I eventually dip dyed when it was on it's last legs. (You can see a post on it at my co-authored blog here).

This model was in hiding all winter as it was simply too cold in LA for the light weight cotton, and then when I wore it to work last week, it got red lipstick smeared across the back! But no matter, a quick dry cleaning and it's back and better than new!

My favorite component is the cable knit arms. Such a unique detail that makes this number a little cooler than your run-of-the-mill trench. I also love that it zippers as well as buttons, so you can wear it multiple ways with and without the belt for a clean look!

Underneath, my DVF sheath with keyhole opening in the front and back. (A fabulous gift from my stylish sister)!

DVF dresses are great not only because of the prints and the fit, but because of the fabric quality. This stretch tricot is 100% silk. It feels like sexy pajamas! 

Trench: Bloomingdales, Dress: DVF, Boots: Jeffrey Cambell, Earrings: JewelMint, Beret: H&M, Sunnies: Nicole Miller

What will you pull out of the back of the closet to spruce up your wardrobe?

With Love,

Noa B

Coated Denim, Windy Day

It was a crazy, max force winds day yesterday in west LA, and I changed out of a summer frock into a sweater and coated, denim leggings as soon as I walked outside and had my hem blow up my waist. ;)

Some days you have to reckon with a weird, change of temperature. But these "pleather-ish" leggings made it easy to look sharp and stay warm. 

I met another makeup artist to get replenished, (with food, new product, inspiration, and of course, some quality girl time). But I wanted to be comfy when I shopped the market for new makeup products.

Bag, check. Hat to keep windblown hair under control, check. Sunnies, check. Proper shoes for loads of walking, check--sort of...?

Coated Leggings: LF, Sweater: LF, Boots: Jeffrey Campbell, Hat: F21, Purse: Rafe NY, Scarf: Gap

With Love,

Noa B

Monday Morning Blues

Happy Monday to you all, (or should I say Happy Tax day)?

 

Here in LA, it's grey, its overcast, and it's generally rather glum out. I woke up feeling a little blue as I said goodbye to a substantial, IRS check. But we all battle the blues, and the best way to do it is to get out there, have a day, and take yourself into the world with a smile!

I think it's vital to put on a "good face" and make the best of things as much as humanly possible. My answer to feeling glum is throw on some color, pop on my heels, and grab a coffee out of my abode. I've got a lovely coffee maker at home, but it's good to force yourself out into the world when a Monday feels way too much like... a Monday! (So I'm stretching out my mind and body and gearing up for the week ahead)!

When I'm lazy, I find that even a basic tee feels a little cuter with some chains and pops of color.

Skirt: Random Boutique, Tee: Old Navy, Necklace: Nordstrom's, Heels: Chinese Laundry, Earrings: JewelMint

So even if this morning life, taxes, and anything else has you a little overwhelmed, take a moment and do something nice for yourself.

With Love,

(Don't forget to file today)!

Noa B