Dear Ethers,

In many of my posts I have mentioned that I will, in time, explain my absolute obsession for Sienna Miller.  Today is sadly, not that day.  However, the outfit I chose for this week brought out her old boho spirit thrown in with a little of Ms. Moss. It just felt right to dedicate this Friday to these phenoms of fashion. This outfit brought me such joy to put on.  It reminded me of how I would dress up and go out for a night in London (something I miss dearly).  A tunic, some boots and a funky belt.  I’d get my bag sorted, slam my Oyster card down at the Tube and head towards town on the Northern line getting off at Charing Cross and then walk towards Covent Garden or wherever the lights would take me.  Ethers, I really felt like I was back in Blighty posing for this one

For many of you this will not be to your liking.  You’ll think the tunic is way too short, the belt a nightmare out of the 80’s and the boots something out of a Sci-Fi film.  But for me, this outfit spells Soho on a Saturday night.  It spells Sienna Miller when she was dating Jude.  It has Kate Moss written all over it when she went to Glastonbury.  And that’s why, folks, I fucking love it.  So, no made up back story for our girl tonight.  This girl is ME….living out her dream as a fashionista back in a town she misses terribly and paying homage to the creative outlets and outfits that London is so famous for.

So to you Sienna, Kate and all you Topshop girls in Brick Lane who wear corsets with leopard leggings and tutu’s over them—Viva La London Fashion!!!!!  And hey, to all you Brits out there, maybe whisper the name One of 365 tonight at the pub.  I could use the big-up and I’d love it if the city that owns my soul was reminded that I still think of it everyday.

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

Damn right if I bent over you'd see WAY too much! And that tunic in the sun might be see-through. But dammit, while I'm still young enough and can say I did it, I want to be a bonkers, boho, beatnik too! And the best part about the bloody thing? It is so comfortable.

This is a silk tunic I got from Zara years ago for 15 quid. I love it because you can wear it over leggings, or with sandals and hey---like me---with boots. It's light as a feather and I love the multi-color green/grey effect. You can wear a slip underneath it if you're a bit shy about things being sheer, and it also comes with its own tie so you don't need your own belt. Zara Silk Tunic, 15 quid, London

Ok. Many of you are recoiling at the site of this. Older folks who dumped a belt like this and gave it to Oxfam/Goodwill are wondering who paid good money for this crap? I DID! And I LOVE IT! Look how good it looks with the tunic! It just adds that boho crazy vibe--that rock-star chic. It's badass and I think it is so outrageous, it's cool. It's fashion, baby. Vintage Belt, 8 quid, Camden Stalls (Where Else!!!!)

Knee-high boots are really in this season. I really like the dove-grey color and the patent finish. They also have a great almond-shaped toe and a little bump of a heel so you could walk miles in them. They look sick with tights and great with bare legs. I like how they bring out the silvery-grey in the tunic and just tie the whole swinger-Carnaby vibe out of the outfit. If I had Kate's legs I think they'd look way hotter, but alas, I must make do. Grey Patent Boots, Originally $411 Reduced to $100, Due Farina, American Rag, Los Angeles

Dear Ethers,

So, I found this really groovy store on La Cienega in West Hollywood en route to my gym which is on Sunset.  It’s the most amazing little place. Stationed between a car wash and a crummy parking lot, it’s the sleekest little boutique with a white awning.  Written in the coolest black lettering simply states the name Opening Ceremony.  I’d driven by a few times and wondered what this place was all about.  Was it a club, a restaurant?  The LAST thing I expected for it to be was the most unique clothing store I’d been to in Los Angeles thus far.  Opening Ceremony carries everything from their own label (which is very Euro-vintage) and Topshop to Acne Jeans and bonkers labels you’ve never heard of.  I was thrilled when I walked into their groovy labyrinth where their very attractive and well-dressed staff point you in all directions so you can get lost in this candy shop of clothing, shoes, accessories and more.  I was thrilled to see a whole rack of Topshop, though it was mainly the Kate Moss collection.  It was ridiculously expensive (Londoners, if you thought you paid through the roof for the scraggle-toothed waifs creations, try buying a tank-top for $100 where they even have the chutzaph to leave the UK tag on that says 25 quid. Um. No.)  So, even though I couldn’t afford a single thing in this hot-house for hipsters, I thought if they had a website it would be great to share their wonderful world with you.  So I was thrilled when I Googled the shop and found out they did indeed sell online.  Their collection is SO much more limited on their website then what they have to offer in store, but you still get the groove factor from the cool graphics, off-beat models and unique clothing selections.  If you’re looking for a brand that nobody else is really going to be sporting, or a label that is uber cool that you’d see the likes of Sienna Miller wearing, than you’ve hit the right spot.  Opening Ceremony likes to show that they don’t carry the regular stuff that your local mall does–but truthfully you’ll have to pay.  The stuff ain’t cheap, even on sale.  

The “Wish List” look this week is all about travel and getting upgraded to First Class when you’re flying.  Why shell out the big bucks on a plane seat when you could spend it on an outfit you’ll wear for ages!  Even if you spend 24 grueling hours flying, the amount of money you spent on a First Class ticket could buy you a runway look that will make you the envy of all your friends and may even get you snapped by “The Satorialist.”  I could have chosen a wack-a-doodle outfit from Opening Ceremony (and trust me, if you visit their shop or site, you can see nutty stuff.  Chloe Sevigny has her own label there, just to give you some idea!) but I wanted to pick something that was unique, still wearable, and that would be comfy to fly in. And when you nonchalantly ask the narrow-eyed flight attendant about being upgraded, she’ll take one look at you and say to herself, “yep, this girl is used to high-flyin’ style.” The only thing that it’ll cost you is the price of an economy class seat and some killer clothes from this choice selection. So, get out your passport, dust off your luggage and get your doctor to prescribe you some sleeping pills because honey, you are about to see some duds that will get you an oversized leather seat, champagne and rid you of that screaming kid who keeps peering over his chair making crazy eyes at you (don’t you hate that!).

I love this jacket because it sort of has that fencing coat feel, but also an old-fashioned bodice look to it too. I adore the darting. The lines will hug your body and show off your figure in all of the right places. The arms are cut long so they will give the appearance of elongating your limbs. The front zip is handy, making the jacket easy to take on and off. This is perfect for when you fly (the temperatures in those planes are so unpredictable!). The material is also great. A mix of cotton and rayon, this lovely jacket won't wrinkle too badly so you'll leave the plane as crisp as you entered it. G. V. G. V. Arch Braid Zip-Up Jacket In Beige, Originally $1,025 now $513, openingceremony.com

You're going to be in the clouds anyway so why not represent the mood of the flight? The attendants will appreciate YOUR appreciation for their jobs (okay, maybe I'm taking this a bit too far) but it is a cute thought, no? I just loved how light and airy this top was. It looked like a watercolor painting and I loved how the fluffiness of the blouse mimicked the fluffiness of the clouds. It's actually hand printed in Japan, and I reckon just a lovely summertime top. It think it will layer nicely under the cotton jacket because the fabric is so thin (the jacket really needs to not have anything too bulky underneath as it is so snug, it fits like a top in its own right). Made of silk and cotton, you'll be breathing fresher air in this ethereal piece of cloth in the front of the cabin then in the back, that's for sure. Wakana Koike Fluffy Cloud Blouse, $300, openingceremony.com

Don't these just look comfortable? The loose tied waist? The wide legs? The linen and cotton blend? The chilled out Japanese-inspired cut? You know they'll just sit well on you, be a great fit and won't make you sweat bullets in the summer heat but protect you from the sun. I think the cloud blouse would look lovely tucked into the trousers showing off the tied waist and I like the idea of the natural looking jacket and pants matching together to make a really "green" look. And if you spill champagne on these compliments of First Class, I bet you it won't even show! United Bamboo Baggy Pants, Originally $405 now $122, openingceremony.com

I really like these because they tie the whole outfit together in a glamorous way without being too "bling" but show you have style and know your fashion. They are architecturally very interesting with the layering of the suede. The heel is almost like a bamboo reed, and they just look comfortable. They work with the whole organic look of the outfit. It's like you aren't trying too hard, but you're letting people know you've got style. That's what the flight attendant's will pick up about you. That you aren't pushy, but you know what you want and you get it. They'll see you "own it" and they'll wanna give it to you. High-heels=high-flying. Hussein Chalayan Flap Boot, Originally $849 now $249, openingceremony.com

If you want to "bag the deal" you can't be schleping around a beaten up purse that says "there is a hole in the lining of this baby that has about $3 worth of parking meter change in it that I can pull out if I turn it upside down." You need to look like you're carrying important things in an important case. This will hold all of your key documents and even a small laptop. It goes beautifully with the colors of your outfit and is crisp and clean for summer. Want Les Essentials De La Vie Bag, $625, openingceremony.com

Any hot-mama traveller sports major shades. Even if it's nighttime. Crazy. I know. That's why these babies are good, because the tint isn't too dark so you won't look totally nuts if you have a evening flight. These vintage inspired sunnies are wonderful with the whole bohemian-sleek look of your outfit and just add that finishing touch to make you look polished. If you've had a rough night, they won't be able to see it in your face (these are HUGE) and if it comes to a stare down for that upgrade, you're hiding behind lenses and they're not. Who do YOU think is gonna win? Linda Farrow Vintage For Charles Anastase Sunglasses ca1-c6, $275, openingceremony.com

Dear Ether,

French Connection was always THE best place to hit the sales when I was living in London.  They were never ashamed to go to the lowest denominator giving their customer exactly what they wanted from the bi-annual sales: a bloody bargain.  I loved that at the tail-end of the sale they would put up a countdown poster on their shop windows and tell you just how long you had  to save.  The pressure was on to grab a deal and I LOVED it!  And man, were there deals.  The place was madhouse of spectacular items I’d only a few months before DREAMED of owning marked down a whopping 75%.  And nope, French Connection didn’t just have a size 0 or a 22 left.  They kept their stock with generous sizes and the store was amazingly well kept and the goods intact.  I would always hit the French Connection on Argyll Street–a tiny but very sufficient little shop that was tucked away between Regent Street and Oxford Circus.  It didn’t have the largest selection, but it always had (I felt) the best handpicked stock and always carried my size.  It was never too nutty in there because it wasn’t a major store, so even during the sales there was breathing room. Sadly, since I wasn’t in London for the July sales, I didn’t get to go to Frenchie’s for their clearance.  But, I discovered their US website and was pleasantly surprised by their wide selection of goodies.  To be honest, the markdowns were not as good on some things (I mean, in Blighty I got a stunning chartreuse wool jacket with an oversize bow that was originally 150+ quid for 40 pounds) but I did notice that they did have jackets (though kinda–ermm—ugly) that were originally $228 bucks for $60.  

My inspiration for my Art/Deco Boho Edition for this entry was fully inspired by the dress I chose–all other items were chosen after the fact.  I just loved the color, the pattern, how I’d know how the fabric would feel in the hot sun or on a sexy evening out.  How you could rock it with black tights or show off those lovely gams sans any covering.  I felt it was a bit flapper, but also a sort of Boho.  Now, as you know, my rule with the “Wish List” is that I must never deviate from the site.  Therefore every item chosen to go with the outfit must be from the website I feature.  I felt French Connection was really lacking in the shoe department.  Their bags weren’t terribly plentiful either.  I don’t know if this was just online or if they had more stock in-store.  But, if I had my choice, I would have gone for different shoes.  I also would have loved some other types of jewelery, though I think what I chose works.  I gave you only one dress, but a day and night alternative with shoes and accessories.  So, for this post, there are more accessories than normal but this was because I felt that the dress had that kind of versatility and I wanted to play with a day and night look.

So…here’s the scenario.  You’re meeting Sienna Miller for lunch at the Chateau.  She’s gonna look amazing no matter what you do so you might as well not try to one up the blonde babe.  If you can’t beat her, join her–right?  So, try to modernize HER Boho with THIS dress and add a bit of glam and sleekness with the Deco aspect of it as well.  As for your drink–order an Appletini–it’ll look adorable with the shift, come in a very Deco glass and it’ll be a lovely taste of summer.  Sienna will probably be watching her calories and will be stuck with a Diet Coke–HAH!  If day turns to night and Ms. Miller asks you to stick around the Chateau a bit longer–throw  on some tights you’ve kept in your little clutch, slide off the sandals, throw on the heels and un-belt the dress.  It’ll go from cute “oh my god, I love that because I’m a girl” to “damn you look hot because I’m a guy” factor.  

Have fun and say hi to Sienna for me–just so you know I have a serious crush on her and will be dedicating, at one point, a whole entry on why she should be made queen (oh don’t roll your eyes at me–I know she’s not that popular at the moment but I’ve loved her–in a totally heterosexual way–for like, 8 years now–and if I wanna dedicate a post to her–that I shall!).

Dedicatedly yours, 

—One of 365

My inspiration for the whole look! A perfect mesh of Boho meets Deco. Love the old fashioned floral (almost like wildflowers with a hippie feel) printed with the wonderful black arm and neckline detail (really Deco). The color is fantastic--an unusual emerald. Day to night this embroidered silk piece is a wardrobe staple. Wildflower Weave Dress, Originally $218 now $129.99 in Bowling Green, Frenchconnection.com

For daytime why not cinch the dress in with this adorable leather belt which ties in the black detail of the dress, gives you a sleeker silhouette and adds a bit of whimsy to the outfit. It'll also look adorable with the matching sandals coming up! Leather Bow Belt, Originally $68 now $49.00, Frenchconnection.com

Slip these cute, light-weight thongs on to show off a great pedicure, tanned gams, and to match that adorable belt you're working. Perfect for daytime shopping for slipping in and out of shoes you might be trying on, and great for airing out swollen feet! Dessa Sandal, Originally $98 now $49.99, Frenchconnection.com

Bangles are all the rage right now and are such easy accessories to have fun with. The natural wood of this set plays with the nature vibe of the dress and will go well with the evening accessories you'll see in the next few jumps! Mixed Wood Bangle Set, Originally $28 now $19.99, Frenchconnection.com

Again, bangle madness! It's always fun to mix textures and the trend has been to do this with bangles. Enamels, placed with metals, placed with beads. You name it, you try it! This is gonna dress up the look a bit more for the evening aspect if Ms. Miller asks you to stay out a bit later and party at the Chateau. Also, these shiny squares really elongate the arm and catch the sunlight! Linked Square Bangles, Originally $28 now $19.99, Frenchconnection.com

Okay, so Sienna wants you to stay at the Chateau. She digs your style, had a sip of your Appletini and is hooked and is ready for a fun night. Thank goodness you brought some heels! These are retro looking. A bit more 40's than Deco, but they have that vintage vibe and they go beautifully with the natural Boho aspect of the dress. The canvas of the roping, the wood at the heel and platform--and the colors all mesh beautifully (and wait until you see the clutch you'll be carrying--matches these shoes to a "T"). Just bring out some black heavy denier tights (no see shiny see-through stockings--blechh) and believe it or not, even though these are summery and open toed, the tights WILL work. And you're legs will look sky-high. Don't forget to un-belt yourself--the waist-cincher no longer matches (you've flipped off those flops--no cute bows anymore) and your dress is flowing and sexy now. Juliet Shoe, Originally $188, now $99, Frenchconnection.com

This clutch is so perfect it hurts! The wood detail, the black oriental Deco-styling. This matches everything from the dress, to the bangles to the shoes. You are working it NOW! I hope Sienna isn't getting green (as your dress) with envy. Cotton Wood Clutch, Originally $88 now $59.99 Frenchconnection.com

And the final addition! This stunning Deco necklace that will sit pretty like a bib on top of your dress. It matches the gold bangles, it even goes with the shape of the neckline of the patterning of the dress and it is just dramatic enough that you'll stand out but only just so slightly so that people will say "hey, who is Sienna's friend?" Enamel and Metal Deco Necklace, $68, Frenchconnection.com.com