Splurge: Moyna
April 19, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Looking for the perfect summer clutch? Well, you’re in luck because I found it for you. Moyna New York, an online boutique, sells handbags and fashion accessories individually hand beaded. The handbags are embroidered by skilled artisans in India using traditional beading techniques, usually on 100% silk fabric.
Moyna’s beaded clutches are beautifully bright with intricate beading details, reminding me of candy. This is an accessory I desperately need in my closet because it is the cutest piece of arm candy I have seen in a while. I can see it now: Throwing on my white summer lace dress and carrying this purple and green embroidered clutch (pictured above) as I stroll down a Los Angeles street. For $100-$150 one of these exclusive bags can be mine and yours.
So, are you ready to go to Saks with me?
Inspiration: Joan Smalls
April 18, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Joan Smalls on the cover of Vogue Australia, May 2012
April showers bring…opulent accessories?
April 4, 2012 § 1 Comment
Wait, what?
According to Vogue.com, designers like Maison Michel and Marc Jacobs are designing with rainy day weather in mind, and of course wet individuals, who, although fashionable, find it hard to stay chic in such cloudy circumstances. From clear rain hoods to vinyl handbags, some cute rain boots just aren’t cutting it anymore in the rainy day fashion world. Although these luxury items are eye-catching and unique, they probably won’t be noteworthy seasons from now, but hey, they’re fun.
New Obsession: Tribal scarf
April 3, 2012 § Leave a Comment
I love, love, love this scarf. It is my new favorite accessory because of the bold tribal print and frayed ends. I’ve worn it tied around my neck (pictured above) with a little black dress, and I’ve worn it tied in a bow around my head modeled with a curly messy bun. I bought this scarf with about three other scarves from a hospice thrift store for only $8. Even though I have a box full with scarves — and I only wear about a handful consistently — I continue to buy more. But hey, we’re all guilty of this, and I will always argue that a girl can never have enough accessories.
Ain’t nothing mellow about this yellow
April 1, 2012 § Leave a Comment
pg. photography — On the first day of Spring, I wore a pair of yellow ankle pants by Blank Denim and brown leather Sperry’s. It’s only fitting to begin the new season with some color, right?
Taken on Instagram. Follow me @___paige!
The surge of the skirt
March 22, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Over the past month I have purchased over a dozen skirts from vintage stores, and today I read in the New York Times that skirts are now in fashion. I was tempted to write the author of the article and say, “Um, excuse me, I was first!,” but in fashion there are no firsts, fashions just repeat themselves — and that’s exactly what the article said…
New York Times’ article “Only the Half of It – The Skirt, and Its Shape, Are in Play This Season”
…the surge of an office outfit staple: the skirt. “Fashion-y people had a craving for skirts,” the author Ruth La Ferla quotes. “Even if they didn’t know it. The amazing element of the skirt, is that its versitle and there’s variety: long, shirt, pleated, slim, wide, plain, or patterned.
The recent runway shows gave consumers and department stores the anticipation of spring looks with skirts that are “wallet friendly.” Myself, I will be be finding these same trends in the thrift racks, because as much as I adore Celine’s black and white below-the-knee skirt with pleats, I am confident I will find a similar beauty for much less.
Style&Shoot: Simply add fur
March 13, 2012 § Leave a Comment
pg. photography — San Francisco, Ca.
Modeling the cutest off-white two-piece outfit, red lipstick, and gold jewelry, my model friend Alexandra looked stunning. But something was missing…so, when in doubt, simply add fur. Or at least that is what I believe.
The faux fur scarf made this simple inexpensive outfit look quite expensive. For this week’s Style&Shoot, I styled and photographed a high-fashion photo shoot with garments I found at The Goodwill and The Salvation Army, costing me no more than $25 for the entire look. By far, this is my favorite Style&Shoot look.
(Jewelry and shoes are the model’s own)
#61003
March 8, 2012 § Leave a Comment
pg. photography — Inside the studio of Oakland-based fashion designer Zoe Hong for Minted Magazine‘s Spring issue.
Have an idea? Mr. de la Renta wants to hear it
February 15, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Yes, you read the headline correctly. According to an article recently published in the Wall Street Journal, “Before the Dresses, the Ideas,” Oscar de la Renta is launching a digital inspiration board and opening it up to all. For next three months, everyone from fashion designers to fashion lovers can upload an image or video to inspire de la Renta’s next resort collection. Last year his resort collection was a mash-up of graphically placed newspaper, patchwork, scribbles, and prints, while still screaming classic de la Renta fashion.
After its fashion week runway show Tuesday evening, “the board” will be opened to the public, and in May, when the collection is complete, it will be shown to retail buyers and editors. Unfortunately, fans who submit ideas will not receive recognition or pay, even if their idea is used. Bummer, but you will have some bragging rights among your friends.
Oscar de la Renta’s invitation to his fans shows the growing efforts of the fashion industry to fuse fashion, technology and social media; a clever way of branding if you ask me.
Style&Shoot: Donyale Luna inspired
February 11, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Some months ago I ran across this photo of Donyale Luna, a popular model and actress of the 1970s. Although I have admired many photographs of this late model, I especially love this photo. Nothing represents 1970s fashion more than this psychedelic, stripped, floor-length dress — and she poses with such sophisticated ease its breathtaking.
Weeks later, when I found a similar floral dress at a thrift store, I knew I wanted to photograph the dress in a unique way. This week I bring you another Style&Shoot feature, showcasing the dress in the woods of San Francisco. I styled the dress with a a gold belt and gold pocket clutch (also both thrift store finds).
Inspiration: Naomi Campbell
February 10, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Naomi Campbell on the cover of the March issue of Harper’s Bazaar. Yessssssss.
Photoshoot fresh
February 2, 2012 § 1 Comment
pg. photography — Last month I took some behind-the-scenes photos for the San Francisco Bay Guardian’s cover feature, “Look Sharp!” showcasing rainy day fashion. Here is a glimpse into the “closet” and the shoot.
D&G Spring/Summer 2012 Collection
February 2, 2012 § 1 Comment
Scarves, scarves, and more scarves. I ain’t mad.
Style&Shoot: Bay reppin’
January 28, 2012 § 1 Comment
pg. photography — San Francisco, Ca.
About a month ago, I did a styled photoshoot with my model friend Alexandra Haag. For the next couple of weeks I will be giving my readers a new Friday feature to accompany my vintage finds: the photoshoot showcasing the look. Exciting, right? I pulled the clothes, styled the looks, and took the flicks.
This particular look is one of my favorites. The denim overalls were stuffed in the back of my closet. They were originally pants, but, unfortunately, I washed and dried them, and the pants shrunk. So, I cut them [and I think they're much cuter this way]. I found this amazing San Francisco 49ers letterman jacket at a small men’s vintage store in North Beach for $60.Together these two unconventional pieces compliment each other, looking urban and chic.
Even though the Niners aren’t going to the Superbowl, I wouldn’t be a Bay Area girl, unless I repped the Bay all day, errryday.
Tena, Ecuador
January 27, 2012 § Leave a Comment
pg. photography — Tena, Ecuador
Last week I returned from a two-week trip to Ecuador. It was beautiful. For the next couple of weeks I will be posting a collection of photographs I took while traveling in the country. This photo was taken while walking in the jungle town of Tena. Although, it was humid and rained a little, it was completely breathtaking.
Style Paige: Caplet cute
January 25, 2012 § 1 Comment
While walking down Valencia Street towards 19th Street, I stopped Erica because she was just too caplet cute. Her camel colored jacket paired with a black long-sleeve top (and how could you miss those worn in brown vintage boots) was a picture-worthy outfit.
Erica’s jacket, with a pleated upper cape design, defined her waist and was accented with gold snap buttons. I especially loved how she accessorized her outfit with a round top hat that drew attention to her baby doll bob haircut. You don’t see too many women sporting the caplet jacket, but its unique shape and batwing sleeves can be flattering on all body types. From Michael Kors to Forever 21, you can find a wool-blend caplet jacket for a reasonable price. If you’re looking for a unique winter jacket – especially if your closet is full of simple leather coats and trench coats – the caplet look is the perfect addition to your winter wardrobe. You’ll look high fashion and deliciously seasonal, and maybe even feel a bit British.
Read the entire article on my Style Paige’ on the SF Bay Guardian Website
Inspiration: Knit veil
December 27, 2011 § Leave a Comment
This Paris fashion week attendee created her own knitted beanie veil, inspired by Jil Sander’s veil cap from her Spring 2012 line. Gimme.
Style Paige: Be funneled
December 20, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Read the entire article on the ‘Style Paige’ blog on the San Francisco Bay Guardian website
Well-dressed men always make me a little weak in the knees. What can I say; I’m a sucker for fashion. But in a city like San Francisco, where men’s clothing stretches from one end to the style spectrum to the other, it is the simplest of styles that catch my eye.
Wearing a wool trenchcoat, dark blue jeans, and tassel loafers, Rolando Brown was waiting for his BART train to arrive when I interrupted him mid-text message.
Making his outfit edgy and modern, Brown wore his funnel collar coat with a black hoody tucked underneath. Designers Richard Chai for Penguin and John Varvatos have created similar looks recently — trenchcoats in tweeds, camel, cashmere, and solids that make it easy for men to be trendy when bad weather arises.
My be-styled traveler was also wearing brown leather loafers, footwear that you really can’t go wrong with regardless of the decade. I once read in GQ that if Michael Jackson can rock loafers with white socks, then there’s no reason why everyone else can’t follow his lead.
Inspiration: Malcolm X
December 15, 2011 § Leave a Comment
power and a skinny tie.
“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it.
I’m for justice, no matter who it’s for or against.“
Plaid on plaid on plaid
December 15, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Call me crazy, but, I bought these two items with the idea of wearing them together. Why not mix and match two different plaid patterns? Ralph Lauren is known for having his models grace the runway with matching plaid suits, so here is my twist on the runway look. The blue and green plaid skirt, only $5 at Goodwill, reminded me of my parochial school skirt I wore in high school. I also found this red plaid [brace yourself] Pendleton blazer with a blue velour collar, costing only $11. It was a match made in plaid heaven.
Inspiration: Maison Martin Margiela
December 8, 2011 § Leave a Comment
My, my, my!
Maison Martin Margiela‘s Spring 2012 collection has everything from camel capes and sheer blouses to tribal jackets with plastic lining and leather high slit skirts. Some of the clothing is more street wearable than others, but who am I kidding, if I could actually (afford and) wear Margiela I would — plastic linings and all.
Featured on ELLE.com
Style Paige: Interview with Brook Fung of Peeko Apparel
December 2, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Night, night
December 2, 2011 § Leave a Comment
pg. photography — 16th and Valencia. Mission District, San Francisco, Ca.
Anna says…
December 1, 2011 § Leave a Comment
“[Magazine editors] want to stay true to the moment and be rooted in the world as it is in the here and now, yet, believe passionately in the need for escapism, to create something that transports us all somewhere magical and otherwordly.” – Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue
Crazy pants
November 29, 2011 § Leave a Comment
I often model a pair of Rock and Republic gray jeans that are snakeskin pattern. I wear them with everything from a white button-up shirt to a coral crop top; every pair of shoes from wedges to Nikes. Brands like Current/Elliott, J Brand, and Topshop are designing eclectic patterned pants with leopard and floral prints. What’s fun about wearing crazy pants is that you can keep the crazy going. Just because your pants are loud, it does not mean everything else must be understated. Wear heels so high they will give you vertigo, an architectural jacket with shoulder pads that will make a football player jealous, and textural accessories that add a touch of elegance.
Check out the styles below!
How bad? Michael Jackson ‘Bad’
November 26, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Yeah, that’s how bad this jacket is. In fact, I am drooling as I am typing…
In the spirit of Black Friday, it would only be appropriate to blog about my latest vintage buy. I am obsessed with this fire red leather blazer accented with gold buttons. I have been wanting a bold fall coat and I purchased this beautiful jacket at Goodwill in Antioch, Ca for $25. This blazer is fitted, perfect for pairing it with a pencil skirt or leggings. Vintage, but a timeless style.
Style Paige: Favorite finds at this year’s Thread
November 23, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Mesmerized by crystals and semi-precious stones, every necklace on the table was like a shiny new object fighting for my attention. “Hi, how are you?” Dear Mina designer Mina Caragay said with a welcoming smile. It wasn’t one of those “hello-you-better-buy-something-or-leave” smirks, but the “hello-feel-free-to-look-around-no-pressure” kind of smile. I was at Thread, SF’s annual one-day fashion and design fair, and I was jonesing for accessories.
Caragay’s jewelery line is rife with attention-getting statement necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets. Rocks are incorporated into the designs that are effortless and wearable. On my wish list: a leather tassel necklace with a semi-precious metallic stone in the center. It just seemed like the perfect holiday present – ahem, for myself.
Dear Mina was one the hundreds of designers at the curated event at the Westfield Metreon shopping center on Sunday, Nov. 20. It showcased the best emerging and trend-setting fashion designers, jewelry makers, artists, and vintage hunters.
Thread was created eight years ago to fill the void between mainstream and high fashion “for fashion savvy men and women tired of current offerings at the mall,” as its website proclaims. Traveling around the West Coast from Seattle to San Diego to San Francisco, Thread now serves as a place to buy one-of-a-kind fashions from local up-and-coming designers while DJs and drinks lubricate your retail urges.
Friendly hellos echoed from every table as I browsed. Ample mirrors meant I didn’t feel shy checking myself out as I tried on a cropped red blouse, and a nearby vendor’s compliments didn’t hurt either. There was even a manicure station to really make the new ring you purchased pop.
Read the rest of the article on my ‘Style Paige’ on the San Francisco Bay Guardian website
