Eleven Twenty-Nine

(Fedora - Rag & Bone, Sunglasses - Ray-Ban, Sweater - Reformation, Belt - Isabel Marant,
Velo Bag - Balenciaga, Denim - AG, Deckhand Flats - Reef)

I recently teamed up with Reef to put a pair of their shoes to the test. I have a friend who swears by their Deckhand flats, so I figured I'd give them a go to see what all the hype was about. The insides are made with a mattress inspired foam which literally feels like you're walking on marshmallows. Great for those days when my feet need a break or that mid-day switch out with my four inch heels. A perfect addition to my collection of flats. 

Black

(Sunglasses - Celine, Bag - Chanel, Denim - Topshop, Boots - Saint Laurent)

One thing that has remained consistent in my style is my love for all black. It might just be why winter is my favorite season, although, I do wear a fair share of black during the summer, too. Guilty. I just can't get enough. This weekend was no exception. Bundled up in this fluffy jacket and very reliable staples. 

Enjoy your Thursday!

Monday

(Sunglasses - The Row, Jacket - Joie, Tank - Rick Owens, Denim - Paige, Bag - Chanel,
Ranger Boots - Saint Laurent)

Involuntarily broke in my ranger boots this weekend because once they are on, they are on. One buckle away from complete madness. My only complaint but I suppose the design makes up for it ten fold. The styling vision was very Saint Laurent F/W 2013 runway, however, that isn't translating so well into real life. Need more floral and plaid dresses. 

Enjoy your Monday!

Cuffed

(Fedora - Maison Michel, Sweater - Zara, Pants - Tart Collections, Bag - Givenchy,
Boots - Isabel Marant)

The day before I made this sweater mine, I was drooling over the original at the Celine store in Beijing. The unexpected messy large cuffs really won me over. Refreshingly different. Being somewhat of a minimalist, it's the small details like this that I crave. I resisted the temptation of owning it in every color. Very proud of myself. Baby steps. 

Eleven Twenty

(Sunglasses - Saint Laurent, Sweater - Reformation, Bag - Chanel, Coat - Zara, Denim - AG,
Shoes - Celine)

The weather was much colder than forecasted in Beijing, and no complaints because that forced me to pick up this coat that I'd been coveting from Zara. Highly recommend. It's hand made and one of the best coats that I've purchased in quite some time. On our way to Beijing, we missed our connection in San Francisco, so we checked into a hotel and hung out for a day waiting for the next departure. Nothing that a little therapy shopping couldn't fix. Thanks to Chanel SF for setting me up with this new gem. Cross body perfection.

Walking In Comfort

(From Top Left: 1. Maison Martin Margiela Brogues, 2. Saint Laurent Loafers,
2. Burberry Heart Slippers, 4. Givenchy Skate Shoes, 5. Valentino Loafers,
6. Lanvin Leopard Flats)

Finding shoes that are fashionable yet comfortable can be a bit challenging. Even more of a challenge committing to wearing them and giving our feet a break. I have to admit that many of my looks are more appealing with an extra three inches of height. I generally start my day in heels, but switch out to flats about half way through the day. Above are some of my favorite styles that are comfy yet still very fashionable.

eBay has been a great place for me to score designer shoes at up to fifty percent off. My most recent eBay find is a pair of Celine plaid skate shoes at forty percent off and they're current season. You can find my comfortable designer picks in a collection here that I created as part of my collaboration with eBay. 

Yucca

(Sunglasses - The Row, York Dress - Isabel Marant, Plaid Top - Myne, Velo Bag - Balenciaga)

A little nineties inspired action the day before I left to China. I'm shivering just looking at this series of photos because it was a high of fifty today in Beijing. Totally motivated to head to Zara tomorrow to pick up a few wool trench coats that I've been coveting. I have five days left to take advantage of the autumn that won't exist when I get back to California. Layer me up. 

Ranger

(Ranger Boots - Saint Laurent)

I really thought I was temporarily over spikes and studs until these boots hit the runway during the Saint Laurent F/W 2013 show. Being a teenager who lived in Doc Martens, I've always had a soft spot for heavy black boots. Literally in this case, I think each boot weighs about five pounds. A very versatile boot that I see myself wearing into the summer with florals and plaids. My cobbler vowed to never get on my bad side after taking one glimpse of these. Zombie Apocalypse status. Funny Stuff.

Mainly Black

(Fedora - Maison Michel, Silk Top - Rory Beca, Bag - Saint Laurent, Denim - Genetic,
Boots - Saint Laurent)

One of the last looks that I shot in the states before heading to Beijing for a much needed vacation. I missed my connecting flight in San Francisco which allowed me to hang out there for a day waiting for the next departure. No complaints since SF is one of my favorite places to visit. Arrived to Beijing fairly late yesterday evening, ordered room service, slept off the jet-lag (a first for me), and surprisingly woke up this morning feeling great and adjusted to Beijing's time zone.

Paisley

(Sunglasses - Sunday Somewhere, Top - Isabel Marant, Pants - Tart Collections,
Berry Boots - Isabel Marant)

Discovering my favorite Isabel Marant items for seventy percent off during sale season is always a treat. I scored this top at Neiman's in San Francisco back in July with hopes to wear it to fashion week, but it never made it into the rotation. The boots are another major score that I found deeply discounted at a local boutique. Can F/W sale season get here already? I have so many of her pieces bookmarked. All fingers crossed that they make it to that point. 

Iris & Ink

(Sweater - Iris & Ink, Leather Leggings - Iris & Ink)

I recently teamed up with THE OUTNET, to style a few pieces from their in-house brand, Iris & Ink. THE OUTNET, which is the sister company of  NET-A-PORTER, is one of my favorite places to score designer pieces at discounted prices. Needless to say, I am very excited about our partnership. This is the first of three looks that I will be styling over the course of the next three months. A good chunky knit layered over leather bottoms has always been my classic go-to uniform for the fall/winter season, so I naturally gravitated towards these two pieces from Iris & Ink. This knit is super cuddly and made from that perfect blend of wool and cashmere. I love that the leggings are seamless, and I love them even more for being high-waisted, since this is my style of choice when shopping for bottoms.

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Ioline

(Sunglasses - Celine, Top - Reformation, Ioline Jacket - Isabel Marant, Bag - Celine,
Denim - Mother, Tacy Boots - Isabel Marant)

I made my obligatory Isabel Marant boot purchase of the season last week. They remind me of something the nutcracker Christmas king would wear if he were a queen for a day. On a cooler note, I was finally able to snuggle up to an extra layer yesterday since the temperature barely climbed over sixty, woohoo!  They're calling for a cool climate though Friday, so I'm hoping this isn't a cameo, and fall is really here to stay this time. Toes crossed.

Risha

(Sunglasses - Celine, Risha Dress - Etoile Isabel Marant, Bag - Saint Laurent,
Boots - 3.1 Phillip Lim)

I've been involuntarily shying away from dresses for about a year now. Wasn't actually aware of it until someone at an event referred to me as a "pants girl". I scrolled through about twenty posts or so, and there were only two of me in a dress. Hello monotony. I started bookmarking a few here and there, but nothing that was add to my cart worthy, until this gipsy beauty from my favorite Parisian designer. It's a little short, but these clunky over-the-knee boots from Phillip Lim definitely distract from it's flirty hemline. Man, I love these boots. 

The Top Ten

(From Top Left: 1. Glam Glow Super-Mud Clearing Treatment, 2. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum, 

3. Benefit Boo Boo Zap, 4. Proactiv Repairing Treatment,
5. Pomegranate Make-Up Removing Wipes, 6. Creme De La Mer Moisturizing Cream,
7. Murad Rapid Age Spot Serum,
8. Kate Somerville Liquid Lift, 9. Kiehl's Creme De Corps Body Lotion,
10. Amore Pacific Age Defense Creme)

Finding the right combination of skincare products has always been a game of trial and error for me. Above is a list of my top ten favorites. These products work for me and here's how I use them:

1. Glam Glow Super-Mud Clearing Treatmnent: I try use this mask every three days and leave on for thirty minutes. I notice a significant reduction in congestion when I use this on a regular basis. 

2. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum: This product is oil-free, lightweight, and leaves my skin glowing. I love using this under my foundation.

3. Benefit Boo Boo Zap: The benefit girls introduced me to this product when I stayed in their villa during coachella. It truly works overnight wonders on occasional cystic acne. 

4. Proactiv Repairing Treatment: I've been using this product morning and night for ten years. I'm not really a fan of their cleanser or toner, but the repairing treatment is awesome. Highly recommend this over any other acne product, hands down. And, it's very affordable. 

5. Pomegranate Make-Up Removing Wipes: I love my facial wipes and this brand is my favorite. I use them morning and night to remove excess oil and make-up. 

6. Creme De La Mer Moisturizing Cream: This stuff is the bomb, but unfortunately, it's pretty expensive. Well worth the price and I use it very sparingly. Use as an under-eye cream at nighttime only. 

7. Murad Rapid Age Spot Serum: The best over-the-counter product for lightening hyper-pigmentation. I noticed a fifty percent reduction after the first month of use. 

8. Kate Sommerville Liquid Lift: I started using this product recently and absolutely love it. I use it when my skin looks dull and dehydrated. A great skin boost after flying. 

9. Kiehl's Creme De Corps Body Lotion: I use this daily after I get out of the shower. I've tried several body creams, and this one takes the cake. 

10. Amore Pacific Age Defense Creme: I use this creme nighttime only and apply it after the proactiv repairing treatment because it is pretty heavy. It would make a nice daytime creme if your skin is normal to dry because it contains a SPF 30. 

eBay has been a great place for me to score a majority of my skincare products at up to seventy-five percent off. You can find my top ten favorites in a collection here that I created as part of my collaboration with eBay.

Enjoy your Wednesday!