Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Skater Boi

I taught myself how to skateboard a couple years ago. While I would like to say my motivation for hours of learning how to balance on a board and skate were fro something honorable like dreaming of being a renown boarder, the real reason was my infatuation with Ryan Sheckler. During my high school years I was nothing short of obsessed with this blonde-haired blue-eyed beauty and I was tired of him dating bimbos that didn't really understand him. He needed a girl like me who understood the difficulties of being dedicated to the skater lifestyle and who would accept him in spite of that. Although my dreams of meeting Sheckler were never actualized, my love for skater lifestyle was. Skating is about freedom, community, and rebellion. It doesn't really matter where you come from or who you are, what matters is what you can do. Something we can all relate to and be inspired by.PhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucket
Inspiration:
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Monday, August 30, 2010

Out of Character

I am not so secretly obsessed with candid photos of celebrities. Not unlike stalking people on Facebook, I could spend hours upon hours going through photos of my favorite fashionistas strutting their stuff in their day to day lives (which is more satisfying than creeping on the pictures of the people you graduated with but never talked to). I love how undone these triple threats look in snapshots; sometimes a complete 180 from the characters they don come screen time. The perfect example would be Ashley Tisdale. Widely known as Sharpay Evans from High School Musical trifecta, this girl is no diva off screen (style wise). She doesn't mind rocking the same cowboy boots, prefers neutrals to hot pink, and saves the flash for her high top sneakers. It definitely pays to be out of character sometimes.
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Friday, August 27, 2010

Live Life Colorfully.

At the mention of Autumn, I instantly swoon over my future romance with chunky knits, knee-high suede boots, and brooch adorned beanies. My heart races at the thought of layering gray upon gray upon gray; the perfect color to purchase anything in because it works so well with other pieces. My love affair with this cozy color during cold-weather seasons is not only obsessive but also out of control. When I recently looked at my closet I noticed a variety of items in this shade, with brightly colored pieces limited in number. "How could this be?" I ask myself. (Having an excessive amount of gray may not come as a shock to some of you but you must understand that I was raised by my mother. In her world the color black is taboo, gray does nothing for anyone, and the whole world should be colored in a vibrant red!) Seeing this (and with some inspiration from Louise Roe)I instantly made it my mission to incorporate more jewel tones in my wardrobe. Colors are the spice of life. They make you feel as vibrant as you look. Here's my inspiration: PhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucketPhotobucket
What shades are your staples for this season?
Photos courtesy of: The Sidewalk Is My Runway and Sketchbook Six

Thursday, August 26, 2010

There's Never Excess in Accessories.

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Aren't these glasses friggin adorable? My friend gave them to me as a going away present because she left for college today. I've always coveted these glasses (thank you Joe Jonas and Hilary Duff) but never found the right pair that suited my personality nor my face. However these wayfarer shaped pair are perfect for me. They add a nerdy chic look to any outfit I wear. Thanks N! :)
Also new and equally adorable is this black beanie from Urban Outfitters. I spotted this beanie last year in the store in a cream color for $24! When I came back the other day, I saw this chic black one for only $5, a price I definitely could not say no to. I'm looking forward to sporting this Hello Kitty-esque beanie in the fall with my warm knits, sequins, and cheetah prints.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Some Like It Hot.

I am literally melting. It just reached 102 degrees where I live in California and I honestly cannot fathom doing anything at this point in time. The heat radiating from my computer screen will be the death of me, but I love you all too much to stay away. This kind of love is quite similar to my love for shopping. Yes people, after babysitting for 5 hours today, I shopped. It was so wrong, but was sooo right. Check out my purchases!
(Top, from l to r): HiP open cardigan from Nordstrom, floral dress from Target, Sparkle & Fade studded cropped shirt from Urban Outfitters. (Bottom from l to r): American Rag denim shorts from Macys, lace leggings from Target

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Close Up! I love how this dress has a belt because when put on it gives you this 50s homemaker vibe. I'm excited to wear it into fall with a gray knit sweater, brown belt, eggplant purple tights, and boots or flats!

After my shopping excursion I lent a helping hand to my sister who was torn between which outfit she should rock on the first day of school!
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The heat makes us all a little crazy!
Do you like this skirt!? It's mine, I bought it for a cent at Nordstrom during Black Friday. Turns out, someone who attends my college actually designed it. How cool is that?

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I made her accessorize with this my zippered headband from Urban Outfitters. I love how unique and girly this headband is!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Trends: From Summer to Fall

There is something about the air in August. It makes you breathe differently, think unique thoughts apart from those of summer, it even alters the way you shop (goodbye daisy dukes, hellooo zippered cargo pants). Say it, august, kind of sounds like the word change. This transitional period lets us know that our summer days are winding down and to appreciate the ones we have left; to make the most of our time. So would it not make sense to also use this time to make the most of our wardrobes. Yes, my eager beavers, the time is now. Please drop your luxuriously adorned fur suede coats and your chunky sweaters. I know, (oh how I know!), the excitement you feel to rock the latest trends, strutting your stuff in class or your workplace. But I assure you that you will not look like the fashionista you are baking in 80+ degree weather in your winter coat. However, with a few transitional fall pieces and your summer wardrobe you can get the best of both words.
Anoraks: This military jacket can easily transform from the perfect summer jacket to a fall staple. For warmer weather I'm loving this piece with aztec prints, warm brown hues, and thrown over breezy summer dresses. In the fall, anoraks look romantic with cool grays, pastels, and sequins. I know that September issues have overwhelmed you with the idea that animal prints and military pieces belong together but this romantic take gives this jacket a fresh take.
Maxidresses: I'm obsessed with maxidresses for summer; you just throw one on with some statement jewelry paired with sandals and you are out the door. Why let go of this easy piece in fall? Chunky motorcycle boots, fair isles sweaters, and fur vests make this piece current when temperatures decrease.
Military Boots: These lace up beauties are the perfect way to add edge to any outfit. In summer they add an effortless look to your pleated shorts, cropped tops, and brightly hued dresses. In fall I love these boots with cropped, baggy jeans, sweaters, and knit leggings. If your ballsy enough to incorporate these animal print leggings, all the power to you.
Fur Pieces: Have any of you bloggers seen the spread of Julia Roberts in Elle US, Sept 2010. If you haven't I suggest you pick up one immediately! In the spread Roberts is seen in a variety of "world traveler-esque" outfits. The results, an intense obsession from yours truly for all things foreign. I love how fur vests look paired with long skirts, beaded tops, and metallic sandals. For fall, fur looks great over lumberjack plaids and glamourous over sequins.

What trends will you guys be wearing during this transitional period?

Thursday, August 19, 2010

BTS Blues.

The first day of school is an opportunity to communicate to others how you would like to be perceived for the duration of the year. While I am not suggesting that one outfit can make or break your time at school, this outfit makes a silent introduction as to who you are. For this reason, around this time each year students and career people alike, rake through their closets to find the perfect statement outfit to show who they are, who they wish they were, or who they aspire to be. As a girl who has shown various parts of her personality through countless first day of school outfits (the rebel, the fashionista, the hipster, etc...) I completely understand what this time period means to most of you.

In my personal experience, middle school was a time for experimentation. A summer spent in New York during the seventh grade had me coming back to California bedazzled, sequined, and spandexed. My best look? Probably not. But it is a part my fashion history which hel
ped me form the style I have today. High school was a time period full of less risks. In fact I wanted to assimilate with the style of my peers, which here in California consisted of chestnut Uggs, Hollister jeans, and Victoria's Secret sweatpants. What I wish someone would have told me at the time was that I should use this time period to find what style works for me rather than what style was popular in my town. Nowadays I have grown into my boho chic style; fostered by my mother's love for Berkeley, wooden jewelry, and diverse spiritualities as well as cultures, my own personal beliefs, and my love for glamour and celebrity life.

Throughout all of my trials and tribulations, fashion blunders and successes I have learned what truly makes the perfect statement outfit.

1. Fit is key. Do you ever notice how you have about a thousand of the jeans in your closet but you only wear maybe like three pairs? The most likely cause is that you bought those other jeans: in hopes that you would lose weight, because they were really trendy, or really just cheap. Save your money for jeans that fit you in all the right places and make you feel like a million bucks. Believe me, I've tried every style of jean made, but when I need to get dressed quickly I always reach for my dark wash straight leg AE jeans that fit me like a glove.

2. You don't need an entire new wardrobe. Last year, in an attempt to reinvent my style for college, I replaced my entire closet with trendy rocker pieces to show my edgier side. Let's just say that some of the pieces have already been donated to Goodwill. You don't need tons of trendy items to make a statement on your first day. Maybe just adopt a couple of trendy pieces to accent your staples. Right now I'm totally obsessing over leopard print anything, fifties pieces, and military jackets.

3. Pick a trend that suits your style. You know how I was telling you about all of those rocker pieces I bought (think studded tops, leather jackets, zippers on everything!!)? Those pieces that were supposed to make me look so badass were worn in the girliest ways possible. (What can I say? I love me some bows and some flats!) No matter what trend you buy into you are going to wear it in a way that feels the most you. So do yourself a favor and pick a trend that compliments your style and makes you feel chic.

4. Staples are your friend. What do a trench coat, blazer, white button down, skinny jeans, and black flats all have in common? They can be worn with a variety of other pieces in numerous ways without looking the same each time. Staples are a life saver! If button downs aren't really your thing (I never wear them so I completely understand) I would suggest V-necks/tank tops in an array of colors. They are super cheap and you will get your moneys worth, guaranteed!

5. Resist the urge to splurge. Most people will tell you that the looks that they most admire are ones that mix high-end items with low items. When you are wearing a forever 21 top, skinny jeans from TJ Maxx, paired with a Chanel bag and Louboutins. Who is going to question how expensive your outfit is, especially when you feel as pricey as you look? Don't have the cash to shell out on the designer duds? Fake it until you make it, confidence wise. (I am in no way supporting the purchase of fake designer handbags). When you feel like a million bucks, you look like a million bucks.

6. Play with proportions, patterns, and color. I love a girl who can wear a tight cocktail dress with a loose long cardigan and booties. Experimenting with proportion and style adds something interesting to an outfit that another person cannot replicate, making it totally unique to you.

7. Accessories are your best friend. I love accessorizing because it's an instant update to any outfit. In the fall, I love drapey scarves, knitted beanies, and slouchy clutches. In the summer I go for a "less is more" approach to accessories rocking a small satchel, leather belts, and stacked bangles. Forever 21 and H&M are great places to find accessories for cheap. However, the more you spend the longer your piece will last.

8. The shoes make the girl. Shoes are an amazing way to give your outfit that edge it needs. While a girl who rocks a floral dress, pastel cardigan, and dainty flats may be cute, her outfit is also predictable. If you are this girl, trust me I've been there, I would suggest a pair of metallic oxfords instead. There is nothing more chic than throwing people a curveball when it comes to how you dress. It shows you are mysterious and unpredictable. What's not sexy about that?



Hope you guys enjoyed my tips and tricks to solving your back to school woes. Let me know what you guys are wearing on your first day of classes or even your back to school woes. Email me if you have any personal questions about BTS at : hautecalifornian@yahoo.com

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Stop and Smell The Roses

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Remember in the early years of the new millennium when colored denim jeans were the latest trend. Victoria Beckham and Rachel Bilson alike could be seen rocking these jeans in any color of the rainbow. Even I managed to find the perfect pair of electric blue skinnies from Urban Outfitters back in the day! Nowadays designers are getting a rosier perspective in reinventing denim. When I spotted this Billabong ad in my september issue of Teen Vogue, it was love at first sight. I was instantly reminded me of the graphic patterned leggings I used to wear growing up as a kid. I love how the floral print offers the perfect palette for cool winter hues. The Jovie Jean by Billabong are my personal favorite because of the wear-and-tear featured on the jean, making them a little bit rock and roll but still sweet at the same time. Perfect for pairing with a leather motorcycle jacket or a chunky knit sweater. How do you guys feel about this up and coming trend?

Friday, August 13, 2010

Quick Pics!

As promised, here are some pictures from my trip to Tahoe. Nevada was gorgeous, and treated me and the fam bam really well, despite my current state of exhaustion. Sorry this has to be such a quick post, I'm currently on my way to see Step Up 3D. More details on my trip and life later.
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Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Vintage Loves by FP

2010-08-09_shelves-1.jpg picture by lifes_awesome
My favorite thing about vintage is the fact that behind each piece there is a story. A leopard print coat could have belong to a 1920s flapper who raided speakeasies by night and kept up with the boys by day. So when Free People announced the release of their new collection "Vintage Loves", I was beyond excited. Personally, whenever I go thrift shopping I need a Starbucks in hand and a goal in mind otherwise I burn out fast. But with this collection, I know longer have to experience that. Vintage Loves conveniently picks out on of a kind pieces for you vintage lovers to purchase on their website. Is it the same as perusing through the racks of clothing at your local Goodwill? No. But I find each item to be so delicious, that I absolutely don't mind. Check it out, HERE!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Vacation All I Ever Wanted

Hello lovlies!
If you are reading this I am currently in Lake Tahoe, Nevada with my family on vacation. It's absolutely gorgeous here and I'm really excited to explore this city. Unfortunately I won't be able to have a proper post until Friday but I promise LOTS and LOTS of pictures when I get back :) Miss your daily Haute Californian fix? You can read some of my older posts OR hit me up on formspring! I'd love to have tons of questions when I get back! You can find it on the right side of my blog. Enjoy your day!
Love,
HC!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Currently Obsessed With...

Leopard Print Accents: I know I know, your ears are absolutely exhausted of my constant reiteration of my love for all things spotted but when I saw this necklace on Shop Bop I knew it was something worth blogging about. I love how this necklace uses beading and fabric!

Louise Roe: Ms. Roe first caught my eye when she appeared last season in The City. Her charming British accent and spectacular taste was a threat that even Olivia Palermo could not ignore. Every Wednesday at 10pm, I tune into the CW to watch Louise Roe's show Plain Jane, a more current take on What Not To Wear, Ms. Roe helps shy girls gain the confidence and the style to confront their crushes. Absolutely adorable!

Joie: I first spotted this line at Nordstrom and was instantly obsessed. This brand prides itself on their luxurious clothes designed with a laid-back Californian aesthetic. I love their knitted drapey sweaters, silk tops, and floral and aztec patterns.

Ashley Greene in Women's Health July/August 2010: I know Women's Health isn't a fashion publication but I was really impressed how they styled Ashley Greene for their spread and interview. I love how they paired this typically girly dress with cowboy boots, a messy bun, and dangly earrings, the overall look is very boho chic. Kellan Lutz isn't hard on the eyes either!

Patrizia Pepe: I first heard about this collection/ad campaign at The Trendy Fashionista and fell madly in love. Ms. Pepe's collection was styled fabulously, using props to hide the models face making the clothing a focal point. Check out The Trendy Fashionista to see more of the campaign!

"Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry: As a self-proclaimed "groupie" I love going to concerts and finding new songs to incorporate into my iTunes library. Right now I've got Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" on repeat. I love how fun and catchy this song is, it definitely makes me appreciate being a teen. If you are as much of a music lover as I am check out This Song Is Sick. The guy who started this site has a knack for finding up and comers in the music industry, and a lot of the downloads are free!

What are you guys currently obsessing over?
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