Rain {never looked so good}

It is raining cats and dogs in Los Angeles today and this can be a real problem for your dogs when they rely on you to go outside to go to the bathroom. We live on stilts and our dogs have been known to do some business out on the deck (when they absolutely can’t hold it), but today they wouldn’t even dream of heading out there. So like good dog owners we geared up and took them out on a walk – despite the wicked wind. For me, gearing up meant wearing this sort-of-windbreaker that I thought would repel rain, my Wellies (purchased in the UK where they know about real rain) and my fedora. Needless to say, the only thing that stayed dry were my feet. I desperately need a real raincoat. Every rainy season in L.A. I find myself in the same situation, wondering when I am going to invest in a raincoat that actually works and looks stylish as well. So what else to do on a rainy day than peruse the Internet for some chic rainy styles. Here is what I found.

Burberry Trench Coat $6,550

While I looooove the look of the Burberry trench, $6,550 seems like a lot for something that I may get to wear two times a year. Plus, not sure how timeless the look is. For the price, the hubby and I can board the dogs and go somewhere where it’s not raining.

Betsey Johnson

I actually couldn’t find a price for this little Betsey Johnson number. But it is soooo cute. And I already have the red hair, so…

Michael Kors $250

I really like this look because it’s so classic. $250 doesn’t seem like a lot when you know that you’ll be able to wear it forever. This is a coat that would travel well. For when we visit New York or London or Paris! There is likely Prague trip coming up in the near future. I can see me in this there. I can see me in this anywhere!

Beaubo Transparent Flare Raincoat $92

Hmmm… Not sure.

Heritage Raincoat from Anthropologie $288

A nice and cozy take on the old yellow rain slicker. I like that it has a hood and some cute lining.

And lastly, for the dogs?

Tree Parlor, Etsy $74

My dogs would kill me.

pencil skirt {a study}

image: The Cutter and Tailor

pencil skirt: a slim-fitting skirt with a straight, narrow cut. Generally the hem falls to, or just below, the knee and is tailored for a close fit. It is named for its shape: long and slim like a pencil (thanks, Wikipedia).

This photo is from the stage musical version of 9 to 5. I love the ensemble of the woman on the right. The way the blouse billows over the waist of the skirt seems retro in a sophisticated way. Below, J. Crew does a current, sweatery take just right for fall.

pencil skirt, J. Crew styleAnd who could resist this ‘fit from Ruche?

This is just the inspiration I need to tackle a project that’s been calling my name for awhile. Wish me luck!

wtf happened to street fashion blogs? {Streetstyle Saturday}

You know that scene in the Devil Wears Prada where Meryl Streep schools that girl from the Nanny Diaries on how there is no escape from the fashion industry?

No?

ef it, I’m gonna find the clip. Here, watch this:

Yes, Meryl Streep absolutely rules, but that’s not why I asked you to watch the scene. This movie came out in 2006, based on a book released in 2003. It’s hard to remember, but that was well before the whole street-fashion craze took hold, starting in 2005 and gaining momentum until … well, now — and possibly into the future.

When the street-fashion blogging scene erupted, it had the potential to be radical. Power seemed to shift a bit. It was acknowledged that one could have plenty of style without much money … thrift store ensembles were as legit as designer threads, if put together properly.

For a moment in time, fashion was evolving from the ground up rather than the top down, as described in the video clip. Even the heads of fashion couldn’t ignore the phenomenon when the dress code began to slip from their clenched fists.

And then things shifted back the other way. I’m not really sure how it happened, but when I read the blogs now I can hardly tell the difference between this and looking at models in expensive clothes in magazines. The bloggers have gone over to the other side. Sartorialist, Style Bubble, Street FSN have come to constant self-promotion and name dropping. Lookbook,which could be really cool is instead like high school. Everyone is seeking approval from some imaginary fashion god and the kids who bought their style with their parents’ credit cards are taking attention from people who actually put a creative outfit together. I’d almost rather read the magazines — it’s sad.

If you run or know of a legit street fashion blog, please leave a comment or send me an email. Restore my faith!

steal this look {opening ceremony}

steal this look: opening ceremony

This one’s for the boys, though ladies could pull it off too. {That’s what he said … heh heh heh.  I had to beat you to the punch on that one. Anyway …}

You probably have a collared shirt with a hole in the elbow and another with some unsightly stain on the front, right? Get them out of the closet, cut ‘em up and spend a few minutes at a sewing machine (sewing by hand wouldn’t take long either). There you have it.

Best worn my metrosexuals and daring types with good senses of humor.