Fashion Fridays!
Dear Ethers,
At this rate this blog is going to cost me a fortune. I’m running out of clothes for Fashion Fridays and am gonna have to go shopping to make my 52 week quota!!! Nah…I still have some stuff up my sleeve….but I keep wanting to save the prime outfits for later and I’m starting to sport my just so-so pieces. It’s not that they aren’t cute, they just aren’t the “wow” ensembles that I put together in my earlier posts. Next week I am going to don a masterpiece. I have 7 days to come up with a brilliant ensemble….the pressure!
The dress featured in this post is from a Kiwi designer named Peter Alexander who had a store on Robertson Blvd. in Los Angeles. I tend to peek in a lot of these shops because Dr. W’s office is on this swanky street. I get there early and enjoy seeing all the lovely things that I can’t afford. But sometimes these boutiques have major blowout sales. I’m lucky because I usually get to them first since I go twice a week and get bargains. Some of my best deals have happened because of therapy! Peter Alexander is evidently really famous in Australia and New Zealand and has been trying to make it Stateside. However, I think it has been to no avail. His shop came and went so fast I don’t even think the paint was dry on the storefront when they put the final bolts on the door closing it forever. He’s known for his nightwear. It’s cutsie pajama’s and bras and underwear. Truthfully, I thought it was really immature and silly and extremely overpriced. You know, it was the sort of thing where it has a satin top and bottom pajama set that has Barbie dolls on it for $300. In pink. Yeah, no way. BUT. In his Robertson store he did a special collection of clothing that you could wear in the public that was made from lush materials and was rather understated, elegant and fun. It was limited edition and beyond expensive. One day when walking by the shop I noticed a huge red set of numbers saying 90% off everything in the store. Well, you know me. I LOVE a deal. So I went in, whisked past the crappy thongs with Swarovski crystals on the bum (ouch) and hit this rack that no one seemed to care about. And there it was. This sweet little dress made of cashmere and silk. And I paid $50 for it. It’s nice and warm, but also surprisingly light and you can wear it with tights or sandals. I love the whimsical star cape that is attached.
As for the Miu Miu’s. WELL…..those are ancient! I got those at a Barney’s warehouse sale in the Santa Monica airport hangar which is famous in Los Angeles because women go bananas and fight to the broken acrylic from Dior to Dolce & Gabbana. I will NEVER go back there, but I did snag these snazzy shoes. I think they were $85 dollars at least 7 years ago. They might be a little beaten up, but I still think they are swell. They remind me of a sleek jester. Or, a black and white cookie
Anyway, have a lovely Friday and a great weekend and I will speak to you tomorrow about….well, you never know with me, right?
Dedicatedly yours,
—One of 365
God my legs are pasty! They might as well blend in with the doors. Anyway, this is about fashion....not tanning! I like this dress because it's simple, elegant and also youthful. It's a nice play on the LBD with the added cape and I really respect nice fabric so this is an A-Star (HA) for me. I'm wearing it with flats---throw on some heels with this and I reckon it could be a lovely date dress. It's understated with a bit of personality. Because it is made of cashmere, you can slip on a pair of wool tights and wear it more seasonally.
I had to give a back-shot to show you the cape. It isn't that obvious from the front and I thought you should see how sweet it looks from the back. It's made of silk so it floats with every movement.
Here it is! Lovely indeed! It's a really great travel piece because it doesn't wrinkle and the colors are obviously really versatile. But, as I said, so is the style. You can wear it day to night and warm weather to cold. It also has a bit of stretch to it--great for after a big meal
Oldies but goodies! I fought my way through a bloody airport hangar for these suckers. I really like them because they are black and cream and go with everything. They look lovely with jeans, smartening them up a tad. They are so comfy, and just slide right on. The leather has made them get better with age and hey, who doesn't need a bit of Miu Miu in their lives?







November 13th, 2009 at 3:02 PM
What a lovely dress and madame you have some gear !! You really have a mix of style … cute yet sophisticated too ..
You look great in this dress and I love the shoes ..
I was with my friend (UY) in Miu Miu, Bond street yesterday she bought some fab boots and I tried on some cool clogs high but not easy to walk in .. if I am honest the assistant was young and French and sexy so I loved to just let him serve me and touch my feet … ahhh … Its all her fault its her influence on me xxxx
November 13th, 2009 at 10:23 PM
heehee, I wear Peter Alexander pjamas bottoms- but usually the tartan ones with tshirts or silk cami tops (http://www.ekkentroslife.com/2009/06/being-comfortable.html). Love the dress!
November 13th, 2009 at 10:55 PM
No shame in that!!!!! He’s great! I just wasn’t into the Barbie theme. Thanks for adding me to your blogroll–I am very honored. I have happily returned the favor and hope my followers enjoy your blog as much as I do….I think nit has the coolest design ever!!!! xoxoxoxo
November 14th, 2009 at 2:04 AM
Hi there-that is one gorgeous dress, I adore the style and cashmere too, lucky girl and it looks fabulous on!! Have a great weekend!
November 15th, 2009 at 2:44 AM
What a great find a Peter Alexander- as soon as you mentioned the store name, that (the barbie print pj pants and rhinestones) was what I immediately pictured. Your description of the store is exactly how I would have put it, and I’m glad you found a beautiful, well-made, timeless piece- for 90% off! I really like your writing, I can really relate to you since you look a things for what they are, and while critical are not excessive or bitter. (and i’m also talking about your next father post as well). Thank you again for sharing, I appreciate it. Enjoy your weekend, and look forward to your masterpiece next week!
Erica
November 15th, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Awww Erica! Thanks so much for hanging out at the ol’ blog! I’m so glad you’ve found a place here and that you enjoy my craziness. I LOVE your comments, so keep shootin’ my way. Yeah…the Peter Alexander store freaked me out…..but was pleased that I got the groovy dress (I also scored a fab top I’ll take a pic of soon). But MAN how tacky can you get with some of those bonkers Pj’s and undies? I mean, no wonder he bombed on Robertson. But, really, I hear he is massive in Oz. I dunno, I am a vintage nightgown wearer so I don’t like the stiff retro gear that he sells. I also tend to buy my knickers at Costco (English gent HATES that!) and if you read my bra piece, I am totally digging the Gap’s 32C’s—–fab! But you’re the fashionista……..if you ever have any cool places in L.A. to shop that are secret and cool, let me know…..in fact post the comment so we can all know. I love a deal and a one off………..any thoughts? xoxoxoxoxo
November 16th, 2009 at 3:46 PM
Nice lovely black dress! I like the cape. Its stylish, just like you! Great Fasion fridays with a classic!
Amicalement, J xXxX