L'occitane

When I visited L'occitane in San Marcos, I was so happy to see they still had the Desert Rose items that were sold out at the Galleria! And I picked up some other items too...

July Haul

Left to Right : 
Wool Coat with Contrast Leather Sleeves : Kenneth Cole from Nordstrom, $248 Anniversary Sale $169.90
Pink Painted Long Back Sweater : Zara, $79.90 Sale $29.99
Scarf Shirt : Zara, $59.90 Sale $29.99
Dark Blue Jeans : Zara, Sale $35.99
Knit Basic Pants : Zara, Sale $29.99
Printed Tropical Trousers : Zara, $79.90 Sale $39.99

 As you can see, I was pretty happy when I saw the SALE signs outside of Zara. The floral print trousers were a size too big, but it was the last pair left. I was debating between getting those and getting these. But I decided the bigger print would look better, not to mention I've been lusting after this pair ever sine Zara launched their spring campaign months ago. The scarf shirt was also another piece I had been eyeing for a while - since I saw Céline S/S11. The knit sweater has a longer back, an aspect I love. It also has the white-sweater-painted-pastel look I fell in love with previously at H&M. I bought the sweater, along with the knit pants (warmer than jeans), hoping to beef up my winter wardrobe. I also bought some leggings from United Colors of Benetton at the San Marcos Outlet to wear under my jeans.  I've been shopping around for some warmer clothes since I'll be in New York soon! 


Also, check out my industrial garment rack! Finally completely finished, outfitted with hooks on the sides and a wood platform for shoes, etc.

Isabel Marant Renell Jeans DIY & For Less

via Oracle Fox

So I've been lusting after these Isabel Marant jeans for over a year now and I keep telling myself it would be so easy to DIY a pair.  But of course, I kept delaying since I didn't want to have to make up the design. However, I recently stumbled upon a blog with the designs already.

Just print out the designs on some iron-on transfer paper or use them to create stencils and use fabric paint. Now I just need to go find a pair of jeans!

Patterns for Black

Patterns for White

Of course, if you are (as I am, on more than one occasion) having a lazy day, there are more convenient alternatives. Here are some Lux for Less options. 

An Isabel Marant inspired pair from Urban Outfitters by BDG,  $78

A pair from ebay by Sasoo, $59.15

The BDG pair comes only in black, but the ebay pair is available in both white and black.

I will most definitely try out making my own pair as soon as possible and will post the results!

I am absolutely in love with the softness in this editorial.

Marie Claire Italia July 2012

model : Ellinore Erichsen

ph : Johan Sandberg

styl : Monika Kropfitsch

DIY

Shirt Blouse : H&M, $12.95
Color Blocked Blazer : H&M, $24.95 Opening Sale $15

So I finally checked out H&M here - the Willowbrook location since I heard it was larger than the Baybrook one. It was actually a lot larger than expected, with women's, men's and children's sections. As expected, the clothes were cheap, or as I heard a mother shouting to her daughter in the dressing room stall next to mine : "Get whatever you want, honey. The prices are so cheap you can't beat it!" She continued this shouting while passing more clothes to her daughter continually. Most definitely the funniest dressing room experience I've ever had.

The best pieces, in my opinion, were placed near the front - the Spring/Summer collection. However, I heard prior to my trip that H&M is known for targeting their stores by location : A rumor that proved disappointingly true. Majority of the store was stocked with simple basics and common clothes like T-shirts. I scoured around and originally had about four pieces I wanted to buy, but since three of them were blouses and two of those were sheer, I only got these two. I need to get my blouse obsession under control since I won't be able to run around in sheer tops in New York in December...

Downloaded a ton of fonts yesterday and now I've been making cheesy designs for my desktop picture.

lush leather

A couple days ago, I came home to find a box on my bed. My shoes had come in! Since my leopard loafers (Madee from Steven by Steve Madden) have been such a great statement piece that has garnered me so many compliments, I decided to get a pair of loafers that weren't as bold so I would be able to wear them everyday. Since I wanted a basic pair that would match every day outfits, I looked for a pair of black or navy blue loafers. I originally purchased a cheap pair of $30 loafers from Urban to hold be down before investing in a good pair. However, a mere 2-3 months later, that pair had already lifted from the sole. So, I figured it was time to bite the bullet and find a good pair. It seems the Madee loafer was last season and Steve Madden stopped producing them. The closest I could find to a good, solid pair of basic loafers was this pair of Melters (also Steven by Steve Madden). I wanted to try to stick with the same brand since my leopard loafers were proven to be perfection. I originally wanted a plain pair of loafers, without any studs, but the studs on this pair add a nice edge to the shoes, without becoming too obtrusive like the studs and spikes on the Sam Edelman Adena (another pair I had been debating). Hopefully, this pair will hold up pretty well once college comes around.