spring ahead: pastels

Pretty Pastels by missioncloset featuring striped scarves

Despite my recent post about style rut remedies, I'm still feeling way over my winter wardrobe so I'm ready to start planning ahead for spring. Pastels were very big on the runway and there are many different ways to pull them into your repertoire. Ballet pink pants are fun, or a head-to-toe pastel look is pretty breathtaking, but if those feel too girly just add a fun accessory like mint earrings or a pale yellow scarf. Rebecca Minkoff also has a great selection of pastel handbags this season. Scroll through the slideshow below of runway looks for more ideas.

Runway pastels photos via Style.com

getty villa

 I've often gone to the Getty Center for my culture fix on past trips to LA, but this time we checked out the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades on my uncle's recommendation. The Villa sits on a hill overlooking the ocean and it houses 44,000 Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities. Apart from the beautiful gardens, my favorite stop was (naturally) the jewelry collection. 

Really wish I could throw an arm party with this bedazzled, two-thousand-year-old bracelet. 

Everything old is new again. Collar necklaces are so 100 BC. 

I couldn't resist including another (non-iPhone) shot of this incredible pool. 

milkmade

We spent a rainy afternoon during our trip on Abbot Kinney in Venice. Nick hung out at Intelligentsia, a hip coffee shop, while I popped in to a bunch of different boutiques. One of my favorites was Milkmade, a cool men's and women's clothing store that carries a ton of indie labels and pieces you don't see everywhere else. 

Harvey Faircloth necklace that came home with me. 

Santa Barbara and LA

We just got back from our trip. It was a blast and I'm working on some detailed posts, but for now here are a few more quick snaps.

Road tripping

I have some news! After 3.5 years at salesforce.com, I'm taking the next step and heading to the Content Strategy team at Facebook. I'm really excited for the opportunity and for what's in store for me in 2012. I have a little time off between jobs so Nick and I are taking a road trip down the California coast. We're currently in Carmel, a town that's very close to my heart--my Dad's family is from here and my parents were married at the mission. Here are some shots from today. I'll try to keep the updates coming throughout the trip.

style rut remedies

rut remedies by missioncloset featuring sparkle jewelry

I find myself in a style rut every January (hence why I've been terrible about posting outfits lately). I'm no longer excited about winter trends, stores are picked over and don't have spring lines in yet, and it's way too cold to break out spring anyway. But I'm determined to overcome the rut, because we still have a few months of dreary weather ahead of us. Here's how I've beat the January blues in the past:

Accessorize: Scarves, necklaces (long, short, layers), hats, piles of bangles, stacks of rings, belts, hair clips, clutches. Add a little something extra to every outfit. (Or take something away if you typically accessorize. Sometimes simple is better.)

Add color: Try new color combinations, wear a different color every day, play with bright lipstick.


Remix: Consider taking Kendi's 30 for 30 Remix challenge to learn how to make new outfits with clothes you already own. Or invent your own remix.


Plan ahead: Perhaps I'm just not spontaneous, but I've realized that most of my favorite outfits are ones I've thought about ahead of time, not the ones I frantically throw on when I'm in a rush. Try planning out your outfits for a week and see if you discover some fun new combinations.

Take risks: We all have items in our closets that we don't wear because we think we can't "pull them off" or they're a little "too fashion forward." Lose the inhibitions and take some risks. You bought it for a reason! Chances are you can pull it off. If you don't feel good in it by the end of the day, find a new home for it, like on Poshmark.

Make an inspiration board: Clip images that inspire you to Pinterest or flip through your favorite magazines and hang up photos that make you excited about getting dressed.

Play with polish: I'm always surprised by how a new nail color can really transform my mood and my outfit. I wear bright red when I want to feel bold and fresh, or dark colors when I'm feeling a little rocker-esque.

Shop with a friend: I love shopping with friends who encourage me to try new things. Shop with people whose style you admire and take note of what they like and how they shop.

Read style books: Whenever I need some inspiration, I re-read my favorite chapters in the Who What Wear books or Parisian Chic by Ines de la Fressange. These women just get it.

stitchfix

I heard about Stichfix a few months ago and I finally decided to sign up over the holidays. A recently launched San Francisco company, Stitchfix is a monthly styling service delivered right to your doorstep. After filling out a style and fit survey, the stylists pick out a selection of five items they think you'll like. There's no monthly subscription and you don't get charged until you decide you want to keep one (or three or five) of the items in your package. Check out their FAQ for the deets. 

 My first package arrived this week and I decided to keep two of the items, the Jack by BB Dakota jacket above and the Aryn K velvet zigzag dress below. As soon as I put on the comfy jacket I didn't want to take it off. It will be perfect for traveling in style or running errands around town. I'll wear the dress with tights and a sweater or blazer for winter and pair it with a brightly colored belt for spring. I found it really helpful that Stitchfix gives you styling ideas and photos with each item. 

One of my favorite things about the whole experience was posting photos to Instagram and getting feedback from my friends about what I should keep. I really recommend Stitchfix for ladies who want help styling their clothes and need a little nudge to get out of the comfort zone. If you happen to sign up, tell the gals at Stitchfix that I sent you and they'll take good care of you. 

I loved the colors (navy and teal) and print of this dress but it was a little too tight. 

The gathers were flattering, but it was too short.  

Cute necklace but I not something I really need. 

bootie call

The Isabel Marant Dicker boots have become a bit of an obsession for me. The shape is simply perfect, the heel was made for walking, and they give a casual-chic touch to any outfit. Fortunately other designers have caught on and there are plenty of similar designs out right now at a more affordable price point. Here are some styling ideas from Net-a-Porter. I especially love the leopard miniskirt combo.

catchup

A few photos from December...

Random Act of Color by Project Color Corps

Connie and Laura of Project Color Corps

Holiday party #1

Holiday party #2

Bloggers at Neiman Marcus: Jeanne, Lindsay, Carina,  Jes,  Melissa

My blog was featured in a Madewell dressing room at a Daily Buzz Style event! 

Caroline's pretty new J.Crew cobalt coat

Equipment blouse 

Christmas present from Nick! J.Crew bag

Maggie's xmas Michael Kors coat and Equipment blouse

To 2012

Happy New Year! I just returned from a week in Todos Santos on the Baja Peninsula where I had a fabulous time with family and friends. Here are a few quick phone pics. I'm sorry I've been so MIA lately. I'm excited to get back on the blog train in 2012. Hope you all had fun, festive holidays!