Effortlessly Chic And Now $60 Off: Meet The Perfect Summer Flat

After spending dreamy childhood winters in her father’s native Argentina, Gabriela Lanardonne set out to create a chic everyday shoe much…Read More

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Lookbooks
May 24, 2012 2:00 PM
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Lookbook Love: Gypsy's Crystal Visions Leave Us Starry-Eyed

While you'll fast find our favorite designer's most-recent collection in our closets, we're often guilty (shh!) of leaving that dresser drawer of intimates to languish far too long without perking it up with new things. So, forgive us for gushing, but when Gypsy's new Crystal Visions collection crossed our desks, we let out a collective sigh of relief at the sight of these sublime bralettes and undies that promised to give our top drawer a serious (and cosmically cool) makeover.

The lookbook, set in a beachy stargazing wonderland, is a totally transportive experience that has left us madly in love with these super-soft, handmade-in-Hawaii intimates. But the Gypsy girl isn't shy and retiring — the line does dreamy with an edge á la Stevie Nicks (hence the name). Lush pinks and tangerines blend in a tie-dye print bralette, and turquoise feathers mingle with snakeskin in a watercolor-print bikini.

We love how Gypsy's designs balance easy, wearable shapes with pretty prints to keep things interesting. And, there's nothing quite like a hot, printed panty to get you motivated to get dressed on hump day, or a studded brassiere sneaking out of your neckline to spice up a Saturday night. Don't you agree?

Sneak a peek at these lovelies, and quickly because they're all limited edition! As for us, we'll take one of each please.
Lookbooks
May 5, 2012 6:30 AM
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Myrtle's New Lookbook Is A Delightful Ode To Tomboy Style

Truth be told, it’s been a long while since the good ol' days of hand-me-down Umbro athletic shorts, backward hats, and scraggly bangs (that frumpy fringe still haunts us!). But it’s our long history of hearting the tomboy aesthetic that's solidified our current obsession with all things slouchy, buttoned, and moderately to majorly gender-bending. Los Angeles shopkeeper Whitney Bickers of Echo Park’s Myrtle boutique must be of the same style mind.

Inspired by the boyish blog Tomboy Style, and the identically named new tome, Myrtle’s most recent lookbook reads like a gorgeously faded vintage photo album. A sprinkling of sunny-but-subdued shirt dresses, loafers, and pinstripes? Check. A crazy-gorgeous, grassy-hued linen suit? You got it.

Photographed at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House right here in L.A.'s Barnsdall Park, the photos feel both retro and modern. This all makes sense, since that’s exactly what Myrtle offers shoppers – a mix of vintage threads and new designs from A Peace Treaty, Alexandra Grecco, Fieldguided, Scout & Catalogue, Ambit, Mary Meyer, and more. Click through to see for yourself!
Lookbooks
May 2, 2012 3:30 PM
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Mad Hatter: We're Crushing On Janessa Leone's Chic Toppers

As much as we cherish go-to sartorial additions like statement necklaces, or striking soles, we kind of have a soft spot for one of the most timeless accessories of all: toppers. It’s no secret haute hats are having a major moment. A great chapeau adds an instant surge of sharp, sophisticated flair. But, it’s not every day you stumble upon one that's worthy of sitting atop your head.

Enter, Janessa Leone. The SoCal designer has crafted a collection of hats that take the regular ol’ Fedora to the next level. Featuring sleek silhouettes, subdued shades, and gorgeous felt, Leone lays the style on hard with these breathtaking iterations. Her inspiration? “Anything that has lived through several generations and has stories and stories from each of its owners. There is an ever-present air that you embody when you put on a perennial accessory or piece of clothing. That love for nostalgia, whether it is clothing, accessories, or furniture has never escaped me," explained Leone. We’re seriously mad for these hatters, and need to cop one, stat. Click through to peep the prettiness yourself.
Everywhere
Lookbooks
May 2, 2012 12:20 PM EDT
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A Primer In Mixing Punk, Peacocks, & Pretty Pink Pouts, From Nasty Gal

We never mind a note of visual dissonance — pinks with reds, green-ish blues and blue-ish greens — and this spring's Nasty Gal lookbook is having more than just one. Shot by Paul Trapani and starring model Hannah Holman, the gorgeous images just landed in our inbox today.

The web site, founded by Sophia Amoruso, is already our go-to for cool indie designers and, naturally, vintage finds. And this time around, it's giving us a taste of the fresh wardrobe (and beauty) inspiration in store this season.

Aside from a clash of colorful geometric patterns and sweet pastel florals, there's tons of versatility here, thanks to a range of pieces from classic and carefree chambray tops to tough-exterior leather jackets. And although the wrists upon wrists upon wrists of awesome armwear and spike details should come with a "wear with caution" sign, we actually found ourselves zeroing in on Nasty Gal's sweet sets of nail art and bright, winged eyeliner. Talk about serious beauty inspiration. Click through to see it all.
Everywhere
Lookbooks
Apr 29, 2012 10:00 AM EDT
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Hot For Fall: Heidi Merrick's Newest Collection Speaks To The Style Chameleon

For the classics-loving girl who's just a little bit adventurous, Heidi Merrick's fall '12 lookbook combines printed flair and femme menswear in rich shades we love. Though mostly a neutral palette of camels, creams, and black, a pop of Yves Klein blue and daffodil yellow is a welcome surprise and easy to mix and match with the rest of the collection. Right on trend with bold-print everything, the tropical-inspired, tie-dye prints rounds out the collection with evening dresses, tailored pants, button downs, and two kinds of skirts (one full, one pencil, perfect for play or work). Heidi Merrick held nothing back this season, adding a peplum here, a tuxedo jacket there, and big, exaggerated bows to tie it all together — definitely a collection for the coolest style chameleons.

Click through to see Heidi Merrick's latest collection!
Lookbooks
Apr 25, 2012 3:30 PM
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Theodora Richards + Vintage Inspiration = Dreamy Wedding Looks

Sure, the blogosphere may be supersaturated with wedding-related tidbits around this time of year, but if you’re not getting hitched soon, you can still relish in the pretty Pins and dreamy dresses, right? Of course, you can!

And the latest offerings from whimsical accessory line Littledoe include striking goodies for brides and singletons alike. Bi-coastal designer Chase Cohl (she resides in Laurel Canyon half the year) has been in the accessory-making game since '08, but just recently launched an incredibly ethereal collection of beaded headdresses, floral crowns, silver-flecked veils, and antique dresses — all fit for nature-soaked nuptials. And the enchanting romantic-meets-rock lookbook stars none other than Theodora Richards (yes, the daughter of Rolling Stones legend, Keith Richards).

“The inspiration came from a sort of Marianne Faithfull-meets-Marie Antoinette vibe,” explained Cohl. “I have always been enamored by the ‘60s and ‘70s aesthetic, but when it comes to weddings, no workmanship is better than that of the late 19th and early 20th century, so I did my best to marry the two together in an elemental way,” she said.

We're really feeling the Marianne Faithfull effect — especially since Keith used to kick it with her in his heyday. Six degrees of separation much? Plus, we could so see Theodora's mom, Patti, sporting this look in the '70s.

The pieces alone are breathtaking, but then the earthy lookbook elevates the ensembles. We marveled at the celestial images of the couple heading to the altar in a lush orchard setting — dream wedding! Take a peek at the snapshots (and the accompanying video), and get ready to start plotting an outdoor ceremony, stat — these images are that inspiring.

Photographed by Rylan Perry.
Lookbooks
Apr 24, 2012 1:30 PM
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We Fell Hard For This Class-y Oliver Peoples Video, Starring Dakota Johnson

oliverpeoples

When we’re on the hunt for a happenin’ pair of focals, we turn to the all-star spec masters over at Oliver Peoples. We’re never let down by the eye-popping pieces that are equal parts pretty and practical. But it's the dreamy campaigns featuring fave frontrunners like Zooey Deschanel that really get us going. It’s true: Every season we wait with bated breath for the enticing snaps and videos.

And the latest from the L.A.-based company wowed us yet again, this time with an oh-so-SoCal campaign featuring the stunning Dakota Johnson — daughter of actress Melanie Griffith. And in addition to the youthful, academic-inspired images (shot on USC's campus), Dakota stars in a Lisa Eisner short film titled Float, which just debuted on the official (and revamped) Oliver Peoples site and on Vanity Fair. Check out a couple of captures from the campaign above, and be sure to peep the full-length flick here. It’s an inspiring one.

Photo: Courtesy of Oliver Peoples

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Lookbooks
Apr 19, 2012 3:00 PM
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We're Digging Pencey Standard's Stellar Menswear Inspiration

Think the whole borrowed-from-the-boys shtick is feeling a bit played out, these days? Well, Pencey Standard and Jessica Hart can empathize. The luxe label and the Australian stunner teamed up to deliver some totally cool tailored pieces that are anything but tiresome (no basic black blazers here!). We’re not fooling around: These bright, menswear-inspired items offer up a vivid twist on the trend — but are still very wearable.

Designer Christina Minasian explains, “For fall, we evolved to more tailored silhouettes. I've always loved the way that Jessica put Pencey together, and mixed it into her own wardrobe. She was the first model for Pencey Standard, so the relationship just grew from that.”

We have to tell you, we made mad notes in our July To-Buy iCal memos when we saw the lavish fall lookbook, which is chock-full of bold botanical printed suits, velvet blazers, and other edgy ensembles. Just like celeb fans Emma Watson, Katy Perry, and Kate Bosworth, we’re already plotting space in our closets to make room for these pretty pieces. Take a glance at the gallery to see just what we’re talking about, and let us know which looks you’re lusting after.

Photo: Courtesy of Pencey Standard
Lookbooks
Apr 18, 2012 1:10 PM
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For That Savile Row Effect: Get Your Man Spiffed Up With This Custom Garb



Sure, gentlemen have been enjoying custom suits for centuries, but a new generation of designers, celebrities, and of course, some choice Kanye West lyrics (we're looking at you, "American Boy") have re-energized the age-old tradition of bespoke menswear. While suits might feel like dreary uniforms only seen on Wall Street, we've been finding that L.A. men who live in jeans and tees sometimes relish the opportunity to kick their style up a notch with formalwear.

Enter, District Homme. Designer Deborah Sabet's fresh take on convention is the answer to every L.A. man's prayers. Sabet views each commission as a collaboration with the client, and works to create a suit composed of the best materials available, which not only fits perfectly, but also truly expresses the personality of its owner.

A gander at District Homme’s luxe video lookbook (above!) reveals an array of classic styles distinguished by Sabet’s infinite attention to detail. Indigo cashmere and charcoal box plaid are punctuated with contrasting thread buttonholes, back shoulder darts, and decorative welt pockets. We’re loving their sexy yet tongue-in-cheek Clue-themed video that features the board game’s suspects decked out in DH, plotting crimes with the pipe, rope, and revolver. And ladies, don't feel too left out. Sabet’s newest endeavor: District Femme, which should give us a chance to try out these fabulous threads as well!

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Lookbooks
Apr 15, 2012 10:00 AM EDT
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Runway-Inspired Hijabs: The Very Chicest Way To Cover Up

While Muslim hijabs aren't a must-have accessory on every woman's shopping list, they are an everyday fashion item worn by millions of women around the world. And we found a small, L.A.-based brand doing something new with the cultural cover-up — Vela Scarves makes beautiful, handmade hijabs inspired by what's happening on the runway, incorporating trends we all love: lace, Victorian pleating, and yup, even zippers.

The sisters behind the brand Marwa Atik and Tasneem Sabri say they've teamed up to fill a void in the hijab market for the fashionable Muslim girl who doesn't want to wear her grandmother's scarves.
Lookbooks
Apr 10, 2012 3:00 PM
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Tell Us Your Wildest Adventure Abroad & Score $500 In Vacay Wear

Greylin designer Dora Lim knows a thing or two about globe-trotting, and channeling her travels into something exceptionally fashionable. She grew up in Brazil, sneaking away from her school work to peer into the production process at her parents' manufacturing business. And when she was seven, she put some of that leftover fabric from their operation to good use, and made her first scarf.

The exotic designer dabbled in other avenues for a bit (like any other typical teen, Dora rebelled against her upbringing), but then finally followed her calling, landing at our very own fashion incubator, FIDM. While plotting her new line, she discovered she was preggers, and thought the name Greylin befitting of her soon-to-be-born baby girl. Well, a boy was more what God had in store, so she gave the name to her career baby instead!

With fans like Blake Lively and Ashley Greene, her easy breezy vacation-worthy silhouettes and acidic prints are clearly fit for any glamour gal. So, naturally, she reached out to R29 to offer our stylish readers a chance at $500 to put toward her spring collection. Since the goods were inspired by tropical locales and foreign destinations, we're asking you to tell us about your wildest adventure abroad in the comments below — we'll pick a winner at random on Friday. So, click through this sweet slideshow, and start making your wish list!

Photo: Courtesy of Marked PR
Lookbooks
Apr 5, 2012 3:00 PM
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The Aussies Always Know What's Up, & These Accessories Prove It!

Have you ever been complimented on something you're donning, but then had the conversation stop short at "Oh, thanks!"? Well, Benah's fall '12 "Sunshadows" accessories collection will give you plenty to discuss, and might even spark a new friendship, if you're feeling extra social.

Designer Brenda Harvey grew up on a far-flung farm in the Australian countryside, with restricted access to the pop culture that dominated our childhoods. And as it turns out, life without Sesame Street or Beverly Hills 90210, can really ignite one's imagination!

Her collection (sported by Style Bubble's Susie Lau, street style star Caroline Issa, and trendy thesp Nora Zehetner) was inspired by Carl Jung's shadow theory: "The brightest light casts the darkest shadow." The juxtaposition between light and dark is seen throughout the gorg goodies, with deep contrasts in materials (from suede and linen to snakeskin) and clever hue usage (from deep bordeaux to lime green). Feel free to get all philosophical — discuss among yourselves and report back.

The collection is available at TenOverSix, 8425 Melrose Avenue (near Melrose Place); 323-330-9355.

Photo: Courtesy of Benah