Dear Ether,

Well, Well, Well.  Just when you thought I’d given up on Fashion Fridays……….but they’re baaaaaaaaaaack!  You know, I’ve been so busy with other topics.  My dad’s results came in on a Friday.  I needed advice from you guys on a Friday.  It seemed that the end of the week was just a dire day that needed serious attention. But, I realize that I’ve neglected a very fun part of One of 365.  So for all of your fashionista Ethers, here’s a little clothing pizzaz to start your weekend.

I didn’t choose anything too nuts.  I wanted to snap a look that I love dearly and I’ve worn with staples you’ve seen before.  I wanted the garment to speak for itself with the other accessories to act as a canvas to let it shine.  I love this dress.  It’s beyond comfortable, beautifully made, smartly constructed, uniquely designed, youthful and sleek.  You can also dress it up or down.  Even better, it doesn’t show your gut if you’ve just wolfed down a burger and fries (and in my case, half a cake!).

Here’s the story behind it.  I worked as head of copy and content for lifestyle, fashion and beauty for a very famous UK department store website.  They had the most unbelievable discount.  We had two different types of deals.  One deal was we had a yearly allowance of 1,200 pounds worth of uniform at 50% off.  Now, for the shop floor folks that only meant black shoes or a suit.  But, since we were the creatives and had manager status on our cards, we could B.S. a bit.  The icing on the cake was that we also got 50% off 1 bag and 1 coat.  Nice!  But the best thing was our discount could be used towards sale items too.  So you can imagine the deals we got during Christmas and July.  The other general discount was 33% off almost anything in the store.  AND…sometimes they would give us an extra 10% off day making the total 43%!!!  Oh yeah….beyond killer.  Most of my paycheck went back into the shop which I think might have been their evil plan  Needless to say, most of my lunch breaks consisted of shopping and trying to score deals.

This dress totally wasn’t what anyone would consider uniform.  But, as I was a creative and manager, I gave a huge smile and sweet talked the head of sales of that department.  The dress was originally 200 pounds, marked down to 100 pounds and I paid 50 because of my discount.  FAB!  I’ll one day share with you my many goodies that I got from this amazing department store.  And there are so many regrets (oh why, oh why did I pass up that amazing Vivienne Westwood skirt suit for 200 pounds that was originally a grand!!!).  But here we are on Fashion Fridays enjoying one of my many delights that I got working in London.  I know you want to hear more…you’ll die when I tell you what I paid for my YSL Muse bag

Happy Friday Ethers and thanks for hanging out at the ol’ blog.

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

I reckon this would look great on any figure. And you see the Falke tights that I have worn a zillion times (and keep pushing you to buy) and my KG's (best buy EVER). I think this is a whimsical, fashionable piece that really stands out. I get compliments when I wear it out because it doesn't look like any ol' dress.

Here it is splayed out in its full glory. It's made of silk and I love that the sheer fabric pattern matches the crocheted swans on the chest. So clever and a perfect touch to make this a really special piece. I think it's the little details from the designer to match things like fabrics which make pieces stand-out and feel very bespoke. Swan Silk Dress, Desiyah, 50 Pounds, Famous UK Department Store, London

Just in case you couldn't see the fabric patterns matching in different textiles, I thought I'd take a photo that captured the detail. I think it really is what makes it so special and worth you noticing. Pretty nifty, no?

I’m not going to insert the KG heels or the Falke tights as I’ve put them in so many Fashion Fridays it would be redundant.  If you have NOT seen them before, feel free to click on the sidebar where the categories are. You’ll find them listed there.  You can get the prices and my style thoughts about them. But, I will say, they are two of my favorite pieces because they go with everything and elongate the legs.

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?

Dear Ethers,

I’m shocked it’s another Friday.  It felt like yesterday I was slipping on my little pleated dress and writing my post.  The weeks are flying by……it’s kind of scary actually.  But none of this deep talk!  No sireee!  This is fashion baby, and a Friday to boot and we want to have fun, right?

As you know I root for anything with an elastic waist.  So, I am donning the most fashionable item of clothing that allows me to wear something without a zipper or buttons.  Yep—leggings.  I’ve sung their praises on this blog a zillion times so I won’t tell you how versatile, easy and how they have become the new jean—but I will say that I will be living in them until Vogue or Glamour or whoever the fuck the arbiter of fashion these days is says they must be binned. And you know what?  Even THEN I will wear them to small Eastern European countries who think they are still hip.  In fact, I will ONLY travel to such places because they will think I am on the cutting edge of the catwalk and will envy my stretchy leg coverlets.

I’m wearing a really fun camisole that I think would look as cool with leggings as they would with jeans.  The top  sort of has a 70’s/80’s “I’m a babe” disco attitude which I like—and the back has—guess what—elastic banding!  Could this top be better suite for me?

The shoes—you either love them or hate them.  I’ll tell you what will make you decide.  You hate moccasin fringe-like shoes or you totally dig them.  I am all about the latter.  I always wanted some fringed shoes but thought they had been overdone by now.  But when I saw them in this cool sandal form in a sleek black, and they were comfy as hell, I said, yep, slip those on my tootsies and call them my own.

I like this outfit because this is just a normal, everyday get-up.  This is something I would run out and get the groceries in or would meet a mate for brunch and a coffee wearing.  Is it jaw-dropping?  No.  But it is young, fun and has a bit more pizzaz than a crappy track-suit and trainers and I feel as comfortable.  I also think it has a beat of its own and unlike all the pastel wearing, glittery girls that can be so L.A., I like to bring a bit of dark casual to the streets here

So happy weekend, and I’ll catch up with you tomorrow.  I am seriously overwhelmed with writing—both my deadlines for pieces are due Monday.  I’m writing a fun shoe piece and a really fab style piece about a very famous dress.  More details to come.  One will be a main feature in a major newspaper.  I’m pretty psyched.  But—I wanna impress because if it goes well, this is the direction I want my career to be going in.  I would love red carpets to be simply a dyed rug in my past.

And speaking of red carpets…let’s roll out one for Fashion Fridays!

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

Casual, easy, fun, youthful and just a really easy way to be laid-back and look put together without having to dawn that horrible tracksuit. It's as convenient but has a little more pizzaz and is a bit more "now." I think the tracksuit, although will always be on the market, has sadly seen its day

I don't know why, but I feel like I'm conjuring Drew Barrymore when I'm wearing this top. It's really fun, 80's, whimsical and somewhat child-like but cut for an adult. I don't know if you can see the little ribbons on either side of the bodice, but they are a cute add on to the camisole. I like the tight top half and the loose bottom ruffle drape. I suppose you could dress this up, but the material is not very fancy and I think it's a cool "throw on and run out of the house" piece. Stars Camisole, 10 pounds, Topshop, London

Yes! Viva La Elastic Waist! C'mon girls....you know if you could make couture and hip clothes with an elastic waist you would vote yay. But, sadly, elastic waist= super Wal-Mart style. Leggings are one of the only items we can get away with these days with a whole lot of stretch unless we're pregnant, so LOVE IT! I have these in brown as well and I wear them everywhere. I look better in them when I'm not shoveling cookies down my gob and going to the gym, but they are a happy piece of cloth for me. And a bargain too. Black Leggings, $6.99, Target, Los Angeles

So, as I said before, you either love em' or you hate em'! I love em'....they are really boho fun and easy to walk in for hours. They are a great alternative then just throwing on a pair of crappy black flip-flops. The only negative is that the laces become unravelled sometimes, but besides that, the sole is comfy and they have great ankle support. I like them with the fun and youthful top and I'm glad I got them in black so I can wear them a little more dressy than I would be able to do with a more rugged brown. Black Moccasin Sandals, Dolce Vita, $98, Diavolina, Los Angeles

Dear Ethers,

After attending the Valentino show last night (I will share all tomorrow) I wish I had something catwalk worthy for you.  But alas, I am just a mere mortal with a mere mortal’s bank account, so you’ll have to enjoy what I have picked for this week!

It’s been wild weather in Los Angeles.  We had a cold spell for about a week and now it’s hot and BBQ temperature again.  The evenings are lovely and cool, but you don’t need a jacket or a coat because the temperature drops to the perfect “Ahhhhh” after the hot day’s heat has cooked you.

I’ve chosen something I think would be great to wear if you were to go out in the evening for a casual night and wanted to be comfortable, trendy and have a bit of flair to your outfit.  I also like the idea that navy blue is the base color.  Nobody wears navy blue because it is so tricky to pull off and so few people own navy pieces to make a coherent outfit.  I think this look is classy and elegant, but it also stands out with the oriental-style culottes.

This is a real fashion juxtaposition from my seductive Sienna/Kate look from last week (grrrrrrr) and I know some of you mother’s were concerned, so to set a good example for my younger readers, I wanted to put together a little outfit that was ladylike (but still very cool). But those who finger wagged, just you wait–I am in the market for some over-the-knee boots and when they are bought they will be shown on a Friday.  And I am going to shock you with something short to show off how sexy-rexy they are.  So be warned!!!!!!!

I hope you Ethers have a wonderful Friday and I shall speak to you tomorrow, maybe not the same time, but always the same place.

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

In The Navy! I really like how the culottes break up the color and really add flair to the otherwise monotone color scheme. Flats are always easy and great to just slip on and go out in. And a basic top with a little bit of oomph shows you're not just a bore buying a basic Gap pocket T-shirt. All in all, I think our lady of leisure looks quite dapper.

Poor, neglected navy. Yet, so lovely when done well. I love this top because of the neckline detail. It almost looks like you're wearing some sort of elaborate neck piece. I felt a very vintage vibe coming from this top when it caught my eye and immediately grabbed it. It has proved versatile beyond belief. It works perfectly with denim, classic with white, very Ivy League with khaki and really fun with red. I also got this for a steal. Topshop in London was selling this on sale like hotcakes because they were replacing them with black. Navy Neck-Detail Top, 8 pounds, Topshop, London

I've had these cuties for at least 6 years. They have never fallen out of trend and when I wear them I always get compliments. I tend to wear them with a heel because they hit me in a place that make my legs look slightly short, but I do like them with flats. I love the little pleat with the red insert. Really creative. These have so much detail like fabric covered buttons at the fly and beautiful seam work. They also are 100% brushed cotton and have a lovely crisp, stiff feel to them. I've worn them out to lunch, to work and to an evening event. A great buy. Oriental Style Culottes, Bellum, $35, Loehmann's, NYC

I'm not a big bling girl. You won't see my carrying around an LV emblazoned bag and a Giorgio Armani mobile. But I do like designer items (of course!). Coach isn't really known internationally. It's more of a US thing, am I right? Anyway, I went into the shop and they were having a monster blowout. Now, they have the emblazoned disease. So nothing really suited my style. But then I saw these lovely velvet flats. And of course they had been marked down a million times because they weren't label whored-out. I loved that they were navy blue and had a sweet brass detail on the toe. I thought they looked classic and elegant and I had never really seen a navy flat I liked before. But, if you look closely in the picture, you'll see stamped into the velvet are the C's that the label is famous for. That I can handle because unless you stare at them, you really can't "C" it. I think they look cute with this outfit because they make it more casual, but the velvet adds a bit of dressiness to the ensemble. I've worn these with shorts, a long skirt and jeans. A really great buy. Navy Blue Flats, Originally $175, bought for $50, Coach, Los Angeles

Dear Ethers,

Another week bites the dust.  That means another outfit is dusted off.  This Friday I’ve gone with a cooler looking color palette (it looks like a Fall transition, but totally fab for Summer too). I know the tights and the wool skirt are also making you ask “what season does this girl think we’re in?” But notice the OPEN-toed heels, and the sleeveless vest/waistcoat.  I love working with season benders because it allows for your wardrobe to extend itself beyond and you get more bang for your buck!  I LOVE wearing tights with open-toed shoes and a dress or skirt.  It is my solution for any cold weather or evening attire situation where I want to wear something light, but might find myself getting a bit nippy.  Invest in a good pair.  They’ll cost you up front, but they’ll last you a lifetime.  

This week we’ve got our cocktail party girl look.  She’s wearing subtle colors so she doesn’t upstage her host, but her choices are trendy and the skirt adds just the right amount of excitement with the cut and the color to make a statement.  The heels blending with the tights make her legs look lengthy and the sleeveless waistcoat is a fun way to play down a dressy affair.  The bracelet is simply there to draw all of the colors together and add a bit of texture to the outfit–also she’s not wearing any other baubles, so why not?  To me, this outfit says fun, hip, young and ready for a cocktail and some conversation.  I’d wear the hair pulled back in a slicked-back high ponytail and wear smoky eyes with a bit of color (a splash of MAC Pigments in “Copper Sparkle”) to the inner tips of the eye so when they catch the light they really shine.  It’s all about they eyes with this outfit, so do it up (remember tips from Beauty Trend: Say “Da” For Russia without overdoing obviously–just stay on trend without going over the top).  And if it is a cocktail you’re after, and the barman is game, try an Orange Crush Martini to match that outfit.  If he doesn’t know how to make it, explain it’s 1 1/2 oz gin, 1/2 Grand Marnier, 1-2 splashes of orange juice and 1 scoop of crushed ice.  Tell him to shake his moneymaker for 25 seconds, take a frosted martini glass and strain the deliciousness in!  If he has any orange slices to adorn the rim of the glass, all the better!  Cheers!  Now let’s check this cocktail cutie out.

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

"I like to drink martinis. Two at the most. Three I'm under the table, four I'm under the host." Dorothy Parker

A cute little vest is a great investment because you can wear it casual with jeans, layered over a top or dressy as our cocktail chic-chick is doing above. A really versatile item, the snugger the fit the better. This should show off your curves and lines in all the right ways. The featured piece is actually slightly too big on our girl, but if she could go back in time she would definitely buy a size or two smaller and have it tight! Show off whatcha got and maybe you'll score and extra special drink from the barman. Vest/Waistcoat, H&M Approx. 20 Quid, London

Poof! Literally-of color and design. This is such a perfect cocktail party skirt. Couldn't you totally see Carrie Bradshaw working this at one of her do's? I love the high-waist, the pockets (for slipping gent's digits in) and the tulle underneath to give it that extra stand-out factor that will make YOU stand-out even more. Orange Wool Skirt, H& M Approx. $50 Los Angeles

These really are a must-have investment. They'll cost you an arm and a leg (maybe 2), but they are worth it. I've had mine for 3 years, and have worn them so often and they STILL look brand new. Wear them under trousers for extra warmth in the Winter, team them with open-toed heels in the season- change to keep legs guarded or just rock em' when you want your gams to look sky-high with black pumps and a mini-dress. Really, this is like a bra or a knicker. A MUST! Falke Wool Tights, $65 Any Fine Department Store

These beauties are back. And you'll be seeing a lot more of them. My KG's are FAB! The platform and thick heel make them totally wearable, so you can stand and gab for hours holding that martini glass. You'll also be so tall, you'll be able to tower over the barman to get drinks orders fast! KG Heels, Originally 100 Pounds Sterling Reduced To 50 Pounds Sterling, Harrods, London

Just a bit of fun to add some texture and color to your outfit. Designed to be worn as a necklace but wrapped around wrist as a bracelet. Fun, ethnic and punchy--I say, why the hell not? Handmade Fabric Covered Marble Necklace, Bought From Student In Brighton, England For 2 Quid!