#Shop: Fall Mini-Satchel

Over the past few weeks, small lady-like bags with long straps have been hanging on the shoulders of celebrities and trendsetters all over--indicating that this “mini-bag” is truly the “it” bag of the upcoming fall season. In doing some online perusing of popular retailers, I found this gorgeous Leifsdottir pony hair, double chain strap, spotted mini-satchel that is truly a must have.

It is not only the shape of this bag that makes it so lust-worthy, but the spotted Dalmatian pattern that has been spotted as key trend within fall collections (such as Topshop Unique) adds extra chic-value to the purse. Not to mention, the purse serves dual purpose—transforming easily from a day satchel to a sleek night bag with the change of an outfit. The purse’s classic style, lambskin accents, genuine pony hair, and overall quality make it a sound investment as a staple piece for any fall collection.

#Shop: Leifsdottir “Piebald Satchel” for $398 at www.anthropologie.com

#Closet: Wild-Flower

Although the fashion world is well into the fall season, the steady increase in temperature as September nears reminds us that it is still very much so summertime in Orange County. Although shorts and lightweight dresses serve their purpose out of necessity rather than aesthetic desire, it is rather simple to create a summer outfit that is both chic and light-weight enough to combat the heat. For instance, a simple shift dress out of a breathable material, (such as cotton) belted and paired with funky sandals or boots (if you are feeling anxious to get into your fall clothing!) is a great way to remain cool and stylish at the same time.

For my outfit I belted a brightly printed floral mini dress and paired with heeled biker boots to give it an edge of tough femininity. I kept the accessories simple to avoid competition with the dress’s loud print—a boxy “lady” satchel, a gold and black suede bracelet, and a gold menswear inspired watch. To complete the whole look styled my hair in a low side chignon and wore my favorite summer lipstick: Sephora’s Mr. Lover.

#Wearing: Forever XXI Dress, Dolce Vita Boots, GUESS by Marciano Watch, Linea Pelle Belt, H+M Bracelet, Urban Outfitters Purse

#Closet: Bronze-Bracelets

Wearing: Linea Pelle Leather Bracelet, Sanskrit Prayer Bracelet, Black Hills Gold Ring, Topshop ring and cuff, Anthropologie scarf

#Splurge v. #Steal: Alexander Wang v. Jeffrey Campbell

Although fashion’s adaptation of menswear for women has been a long held tradition since its materialization in 1966 with Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Smoking Suit, each season designers modify this classic trend to adapt to our society’s demands. Rather than purchasing a couture pantsuit that features of-the-moment tailoring, I find it more a judicious decision to invest in separate menswear pieces (i.e. a boyfriend blazer, or tailored pants with front darting) or accessories (i.e. a classic men’s watch, or shoes) to incorporate aspects of the trend into an outfit.

This fall, last season’s boyish oxford gets a makeover as the fashion conscious don heeled loafers—complete with tassels! However, one doesn’t have to brake their bank to incorporate this trend into their fall wardrobe.

Belpbelow are two shoes, one is from the Alexander Wang A/W 2011 collection and another is by Jeffrey Campbell. Both are tasseled, metallic (another fall trend!), pointed-toe loafers with some height—however, one is sold at a small fraction of the price!

Alexander Wang “Anais” Heels in Silver for $650 (courtesy of: www.alexanderwang.com)

v.

Jeffrey Campbell “Pointy Platform Loafer” in Bronze for $179 (courtesy of: www.urbanoutfitters.com)

Would you splurge or steal this fall trend?

#Closet: Red-Heat

After an unusually temperate June and July in Orange County, August rolled around and so did the summer heat. Thus, it actually became time to ditch the jeans and light knit cardigans and start dressing appropriately for summer. This outfit is one of my favorite for the warm weather: my mother’s vintage jean blouse paired with a lightweight cotton skirt, and my favorite tomato red wedges. I kept the rest of my accessories simple to keep the attention on the shoes—a white faux alligator skin cuff, a vintage envelope clutch courtesy of my mother’s closet, a black turban headband, and a classic red lip to even out the look.

#Clothing: Vintage Blouse, Forever 21 Skirt and Headband, Dolce Vita “Jade” Wedges, H&M Cuff, Vintage Anne Klein Clutch.

#Beauty: MAC Eyeshadow in “Naked Lunch,” Bobbi Brown “Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner” in Jet Black, Bare Minerals Foundation, NARS The Multiple Blush in “Orgasm,” Lancome “Hypnose Drama” mascara, Clinique Long Last Lipstick in “Red Hot,” and OPI Nail Lacquer in “All Rose Lead to Rome”

#Introductions

After nearly two years of my close friends, acquaintances and family members petitioning me to create a fashion blog that catalogues trend news and my daily looks I decided to finally create “Line-Leader.” My reason for not doing so earlier was my lack of time as a full time student at University of Washington as well as working 30+ hours every week at Anthropologie to fuel my style “habit.” I then interned full time with Marie Claire in NYC this past year where my kindling romance with fashion matured into a full blown passionate love affair. Although the internship dramatically refined my sense of personal style and vastly increased the breadth of my fashion knowledge, taking advantage of the learning opportunities the internship offered me as well as exploring the city left me with sparse free time—causing me to take a hiatus from writing daily.

However, I have now graduated (with a degree in English Literature and a minor in Women’s Studies) and am realizing that although I still work 30+ hours a week, I have a lot more free time to immerse myself in my two greatest life passions: fashion and writing. Although my long-term goal is to be a fashion features editor at a major publication—I figured that there would be no better way to practice my craft in the meantime through creating a fashion blog. Since I (sadly) do not have unlimited access to couture samples, models, and a camera and lighting crew, I must rely my own ingenuity as well as material from my own closet and self-referential photographs taken by my sister as the main source of content for this small-scale, fledgling blog.

After all, we all have to start somewhere.

This being said, I hope everyone enjoys my new blog and enjoys the rest of their weekend!

C.E.B.