Three's Company

This week’s update from the West Coast comes on the heels of some very exciting news for my husband and me. Without giving too much away, let’s say I am taking every opportunity to celebrate California style while I still can. And the only thing better than laid-back hippie chick style is laid-back hippie chick style on a budget! I am happy to report that, thanks to Lori’s, I can deliver both.

Let’s begin, shall we? Ahem:

Today I am feelin’ a Three’s Company vibe. Let's be honest: Janet had the mad style back then. (Sorry, Chrissie; the boob tees ain't my thang.)
 

The splashes of color on this amazing '70s-inspired classic make this dress a must for, well, as soon as you can wear it! If you aren’t ready to bear some arm (or the weather won’t allow), a jean jacket never, I repeat, never goes out of style. At a hundred and four bucks, you will get every ounce of wear out of this lovely throwback.

When it comes to bracelets, more is much, much more. I have never seen a heavily adorned wrist I didn’t like. As we slide into spring and start showing our wrists again, dress them up for the big reveal.

Do not be afraid of stacking silver and gold together (or similar off colors). This is one of my favorite trends of late!

This tassel necklace is a perfect compliment ... and $18? Come on! When you are a hippie chick, you are not afraid to over-accessorize. It's all about more!

Last year was heavy on the flats and maxi dresses. This year, pull out your platform sandals like these gorgeous weaved beauties by Vince Camuto for a sexy kick.

And last—but certainly not least—where would we be without the requisite shoulder bag? As much as you want to strap this 7CHI bag across your chest, I urge you to resist. You are way more hip with it slung casually off your shoulder.

—KOB


  

Handbag Trending Topics

While sunny L.A. is slllowwly starting to heat up and Chicago is, well, not, there are always accessories to help beat the winter blues. What says “I WANT SUN” more than a brightly colored handbag? I’m talking anything from neon to striped, like so:

Oh, Hello, Ms. Eco-friendly, inexpensive and screaming Spring!

As an added bonus this Melie Bianco is of the structured set—another smokin’ trend this season.

Pair this dandy with a less-structured outfit, say, an oversized boyfriend cardigan or a loose-fitting dress (with black sash, natch).  The contrast of shapes and textures is nothing less than perfection.

And last but certainly not least.  If you haven’t picked up on the Aztec-inspired, geometrically tiled prints trend, then you just aren’t paying attention ladies (and gents)!  This slouchy delight can fit all the necessities and still scream ready for Spring!

The Case for Spring Loafers.

I have a fashion confession. You know the gladiator sandal craze that has monopolized the last two summers? Yeah, I hate them.

But just on me.

Whilst all of you hotties look like the Sartorialist is about to shoot you on the streets of New York, I simply look like my legs are half-sized.

Naturally I am ecstatic to see that loafers have made a grand resurgence! What with my Catholic School background, I have always had an affinity for loafer-like styles. You know—because I had no other choice.

The Jeffrey Campbell Hugh

Back in the hallways of said high school, it was a silent contest betwixt the girls to see who had the most perfectly worn-in kicks.

Let’s just say that I would have won had Jeffrey Campbell been around. I will be living in these shoes very soon. And here is how ...

Step One: Take your favorite button down (make sure it is wrinkled—bonus points for a missing button). 

Shirt available at Shopbop.com

Step Two: Add a high-waisted jean short.
 

Sass & Bide Wild Denim shorts

Step Three: Slide on your new JC Hughs—but wait! To maintain this effortlessly chic look we have going, slide them on like slippers, stepping on the backs. Sure, you may seem a little cocky, but who cares? You look great.

Step Four: Make sure your legs have a killer tan (see St. Tropez self-tanner).

— Kelly Ryan O'Brien

   

Holiday Dressing

Like it or not, holiday events are upon us. Fine. However I was not prepared for New Year's Eve party invites in my Inbox prior to Thanksgiving.

----- Calm OMMMMMM -----

Ahem.

Now that I have collected myself, the switch has been flipped. I am on the hunt for the perfect attire for NYE (or the zillion events leading up to zero hour).

BB Dakota black lace dress a la Buffy the Vampire Slayer

If there is a style that I will never tire of, it is super feminine mixed with punk rock, a.k.a., prom queen meets teen angst. So it only makes sense that when I saw this insanely perfect LBD (in a Breakfast at Tiffany's sort of way) I immediately searched for a pair of boots to temper the "perfection" with a little bit of my favorite emotion: pissed.

Yep, pissed: Via Roma 352 motorcycle harness boot in Black

Ding Ding Ding!! These exclusive-to-Lori's Via Roma black butt-kickers plus aforementioned dress are the perfect way to say "I am a lady ... but watch out". I have to be honest. Being the L.A. girl that I now am, I will probably shorten the dress to show some gams. "Watch out" indeed!

Add in this statement ring and this cuff (I will be placing it above the elbow) and you have a holiday event(s) to look forward to.

Of course if you are more of a lady than I, a perfect choice to add a little glam to your tootsies are Michael Antonio's lovely Glitters, in silver or gold.

Happy Holidays!

—Kelly Ryan O'Brien

Letter from Los Angeles: THAT girl

We can never have enough fresh eyes on the world fashion stage. Former National Marketing Director of the late GenArt, veteran Chicago personality and perennial style maven Kelly O'Brien joins the Lori's guest blogger roll with reports from L.A. on the West Coast fashion scene.

— Kelly Ryan O'Brien and stuff she likes

I have lived in many homes (14 to be exact) but the one constant is that each of these residences has either been on the East Coast or within the Midwest until a recent move to L.A. Imagine the disgust with myself when I returned for a trip back to 8 Mile to see the family in freezing temperatures. I was/am SO COLD that I won’t SHUT UP.  Yes, THAT girl.

ANYWAY...

When Lori’s asked me to join their guest blogger team alongside the likes of April Francis, I was totally psyched. And thanks to this post I now have my motivation: how to buy items that keep me warm in both L.A. and the rest of the country, whilst staying in style.

If there is one thing that I have learned about “cold weather” in L.A., it's that we can wear the same pieces across variable climates – just not as MANY in the more frigid areas. Here are my picks for the LA/Chicago/NYC girl and everyone at places in between for this holiday season. Time to get to shoppin' peoples!

Sorel Sorelli - Saddle

  




A classic twist on the Duck Boot. These evoke cozy memories of Rita (Mom) wearing a very similar boot to the zillions of hockey rinks my sister and I were dragged to watch our supa star brother play. I love the mix of traditional duck shoe with luxury fabric detailing on top.

 

Jeffrey Campbell Ridem

Every single woman needs a pair of boots like these. Strap on with some leggin’s and get yourself to apple and/or pumpkin pickin’ ASAP.



















 






My next choice is a very touchy subject for some people: UGGs! Since their popularity exploded years back, they evoke serious emotion. Are they “cute and functional” or “ugly and lacking in imagination”? I have said it before, and I will say it again: Why fix something if it ain’t broke? Whether it be in L.A. or Chicago, the UGGS are coming with me. In L.A. when it is “cold” out, all it takes is one or two winter pieces over your summer wardrobe and, voila!: You are not freezing. Obviously in the Midwest this is a tad different with the "severe weather" and all.

UGG Australia Classic - Tall

 

My L.A. Staple:
 
The Chestnut color goes with sunny weather, thin patterned green or grey tights and also a sunny floral dress and cozy cardigan.

 

V. Fraays Scarf

This is the scarf that stays on ALL DAY and goes perfectly with any other type of pattern.  Don’t be afraid to mix it up.  It shows confidence : )



 

UGG Australia Classic - Tall

 My Midwest/East Coast staples:

No, you aren’t seeing things, this is the same boot.  Color is everything for the winter months, and black keeps your outfit looking sleek en route to work, as opposed to sticking out like a sore thumb in tennis shoes with nylons on a workin’ woman. Translation: You don’t offend anyone and you look dope.


 

Carolina Amato

And to top it off these circular scarves are impossible to mess up and swoon-worthy no matter what the weather:






 


 
I would love to hear more about what you would like or know about fashion, so please comment below!