union station

Right across from Olvera Street is an equally historic part of Downtown LA - Union Station. The architecture is one of its most noteworthy characteristics, but the view inside and the gorgeous details in the travertine tiles, the decorative ceiling, and the balanced sight lines will keep any art/architecture enthusiast drooling.




These particular travertine tiles are like candy for my aesthetic and drive me crazy, they're so pretty!



Union Station seemed the obvious backdrop for a look that is downright retro and feminine. In the archives of Hollywood, Union Station finds itself in the original "Italian Job" and my favorite cult classic, "Blade Runner."


Image from Blade Runner Movie



Versatility is this blazer's middle name and is undeniably a universal wardrobe staple that I wear across the seasons. The camel color and puffy sleeves are to die for.

In this look, the blazer blends effortlessly with the white dress and an extra-wide caramel colored belt, a palette that is increasingly a go-to color combination for the summer. A saffron yellow petticoat peeks from underneath and gives the effect of a voluminous skirt. Subtle, but visually interesting.



The belt's details are satisfyingly edgy and understated.

baxter street

San Francisco isn't the the only city in California with the steepest streets. Located east of the Silverlake reservoir in one of the older subdivisions of the neighborhood, Baxter Street climbs a 32% grade and has so since 1884. It privileges one of the best sight lines of the water. I used to live a block away and still miss watching the sunset from this street. For more on Baxter and other steep streets in LA, read this LA Times article.

Cropped blazers continue to be the "it" jacket for my wardrobe. Paired with long or longish dresses, they elongate an otherwise short frame. I'm 5' tall, so I need all the help I can get!

Opposites attract in this ensemble that mixes a gypsy dress with a military inspired blazer. The delicate and flowy fabric act as a counterpoint to the jacket's tailored structure.

Rule of thumb #4: Experiment with hard and soft pieces to create a look that is balanced by unpredictable pairings.

The folded detailing and buttons in this version of a shrunken blazer are adapted from 18th century military uniforms and make for a cohesive look when highlighted by a long necklace. The secret is mirroring the lines in the jacket with those of the necklace.

Rule of thumb #5: Styling is seeing. Creating a subtle pattern of lines can harmonize a look of disparate pieces. If you identify the direction and orientation of lines in your look, you can determine the effect they would have in leading a viewer's eyes.

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silverlake

Silverlake is easily one of my favorite neighborhoods in LA. This area of Sunset Blvd used to be a sketchy part of town, but today boasts trendy boutiques, a range of food offerings, a Farmer's Market on Saturdays, and an annual music festival in the summer.



I'm a consummate fashion geek and I live by style formulas. Rule of thumb #1: A pulled together look can come from the simplest combination. Never underestimate the color pairing of shoes and a blazer.

Ryan - husband and photographer - and I have been jonesing for Pazzo Gelato (corner of Sunset and Hyperion) for some time now. We still haven't found an even decent substitute in Santa Monica. Can you tell how much I'm loving my fig almond gelato?



Rule of thumb #2: When buying jewelry, duality is key. Pick pieces that can both stand alone and harmonize an outfit.

This necklace caught my eye because the double knotted motif is a throw back from ancient Mediterranean times. Jewelry had amuletic properties and the double knot, known as a Hercules knot, was believed to dispel evil and harm from the wearer.



Rule of thumb #3: Play with unexpected color combinations.

This grape purse pops against a predominantly neutral outfit as I get crazy riding a motorcycle side saddle for $.25. Vroooom vrooooomm.....