Dear Ethers,

I can’t believe that I missed a week of my beloved “Fashion Fridays!”  I must admit, when the end of the week comes, I do get quite nervous about what ensemble I will pick from the disaster zone that is my room. But when it all comes together on the page, it’s always a bit off fun to share a frock with friends.  

This week is very simple.  I thought I’d ease back into things with something very orignal that stands on its own without any baubles or accessories that you can just appreciate for being unique.  I found this dress at a very small boutique on Beverly Blvd. in Los Angeles (a main drag in L.A. with lots of hip restaurants and shops etc…) and sadly can’t recall its name!  I know if I pass it again, I will pop back in for some more juicy goods (though the place is super overpriced).  The shop is a vintage store but everything they sell is in pristine condition.  But, they really hike their prices up in a nutty way.  I looked at a cute top that should have MAX been $50 and it was $150!!!  It has things that would make you drool, but the prices, alas, are too cruel………except for this one little rack in the corner. Now, Ethers you should know me by now.  Am I not the queen bee of bargaining and finding a sale even when not advertised!?!  Indeed!  So, the deal with this rack is that anything that’s been sitting in the store for over 6 months that hasn’t sold, they mark down like mad.  I liked a lot of things, but either the sizes were off, or they were still very expensive because they started off with high ticket tags–and really, you can only mark something down so much.  But then……I found MY dress!  It was the type of thing that I knew no one would like.  The colors were kinda weird and the shape was odd.  It was heavily pleated.  But it looked so much like an Issey Miyake Pleats Please piece and I really was curious how it would look on.  And it had originally been $200 and was now $20.  Oh, and I loved that the label said made in London  As soon as I slipped it on, I fell in love.  I think the women in the store were shocked and thought I was bonkers, but were happy to be rid of it and I walked away a happy camper.  I think it looks designer, cutting-edge and it must have looked futuristic when it was designed all those years ago.  You can dress it up or wear it casually.  It’s definitely a lighter-weather dress, but living in L.A.–I think I can get away with it for a few extra months out of the year.  

As for the shoes.  Bought at my favorite palace o’prices, Loehmann’s.  I love how they are a unique putty color with a semi-gladiator wedge that remind me so much of what women wore in old Italian films.  I can just see a lovely bella walking with a basket, a full skirt and these shoes on a cobbled street where a outdoor market is being held and she’s perusing the goods.  They are comfy and they match the dress well.  They were a bargain….$30!  So, this whole ensemble cost $50!!  Not too shabby.  This is why I love hunting for deals and one-off’s.  You look original and you save a bundle.  So, let’s welcome back “Fashion Fridays!” and I will try not to miss another week…….well, until another catastrophe hits…….oy vay!

I think the color combo is so unique, the pleating is original and the cut (especially at the chest) is like nothing I've seen before. I think it's very fun, and something I could see a groovy 70's chica wearing to stand out from the boring crowd and making a little fashion statement to the world--especially in Blighty! I look tres curvy in this ensemble, no? Well, this might be my new sex-bomb outfit! As mentioned, I can't remember the name of the shop. But it was made in England, bought in L.A. and I spent a bargain price of $20 for it!

These have been great summer shoes. They are a versatile shade so they look lovely with browns and whites and they happen to match this dress perfectly! I like the semi-gladiator aspect to them, but that they don't look like the typical, boring sandals everyone else can get. The wedge gives a nice height and they are super comfy. I also love the ties. These just remind me of Rome or somewhere hot and European. As mentioned, these were purchased from the palace of prices, Loehmann's for $30 in Los Angeles

Awww, isn't it lovely? Nutty to charge $200 smackaroos for it, but I'm sure glad that I scored it and that it was dangling on the "nobody wants me rack." Guys, that is often the BEST place to find the awesome deals. It's in perfect condition, it stretches to your body so if you eat a heavy lunch...well, you get my drift. I think it is a classic and the pleating is brilliant. I'm ashamed I can't remember the name of the shop it is from, but if I do, I will update the post.

Welcome to the Vintage Valentino catwalk in L.A.! I promised you if I could take pics I would and so I'm here to deliver. I'm usually under a tight-lipped contract so I can't share anything glam with you guys, but because I went as a civilian and not a reporter, I could spill all. Enjoy the show

Dear Ethers,

When I go to any ritzy event it always has a catch—I have to work.  I hope one day to be able to attend a glam party or a wonderful opening based on the generosity of creative friends or because I have the money to afford to buy a ticket.  But as it stands, the only way I get into things is by covering them as a journalist.  It was much better in London when I was a beauty writer.  I didn’t have to deal with celebs at parties ever and when there was an actual party, not just a small tea, it was really contained and lovely. In L.A. it’s not like that.  The events I go to are like mad, “Girls Gone Wild” parties.  Often there can be sweaty, drunk dancing involved and celeb groupies.

On Thursday evening I was given a VIP front row seat to the Vintage Valentino show that was being held at Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week.  Here in the States, L.A. Fashion Week is considered a joke (sad).  So I wasn’t asked to cover anything anyway.  But this lovely person had bought this ticket and at the last minute couldn’t go and I was the lucky tush that got her seat.  I love Valentino.  I own “The Last Emperor” on DVD and haven’t watched it yet.  But I think his clothes are spectacular and I felt honored to attend.  It was also going to be great seeing the red carpet from afar and lovely not to have to rush home and be up until 5am transcribing my interviews.

I didn’t have anything even close to couture, let alone Valentino couture, and I was sitting in the front row!  But, I had a hunch that this being L.A. and not the hottest of fashion meccas, that if I looked snazzy enough, I’d be okay.  So, I put on a really fab All Saints top that is very Westwood, did my eyes up in fab colors going with my Russian Revolution trend (Read Russian Revolution post for the hottest beauty trend this fall!) and did my hair so I could put in a peacock feather headband that went with my trend alert for hair adornments (Read “Tress-Chic” post for the hottest trends for hair this fall!).  This old set of digits didn’t look half bad

I’m not in the best state at the moment due to work anxiety and was really nervous about showing up to a party without anyone.  A lot of these folks knew each other or were in the biz and so I sort of wandered around aimlessly (though some people were very kind and stopped to chat with me about my top!).  L.A. is such a weird place when it comes to getting dressed.  I arrived looking very London I suppose, and they came looking like—I dunno—I hate to say it—but very…errrmmm…seductive.  The girls were either really blinged out or wearing skin-tight, short dresses with their business hanging out.  And the make-up—oh my god!  Talk about caked on!  It’s just a different beast out here.

Anyway, I was led to my seat which was in a prime location, and it had a goodie bag sitting on it (always fun).  There were Coca-Cola girls in red-sequined dresses walking around with trays of soda for our comfort and it was really laid back.  The opening act for the show was a Brit named Matt Goss.  He has a show in Vegas and he is like a funky Frank Sinatra.  He was amazing!  His music rocked and he had showgirls that danced around him—he gave 100% and it was brilliant.

Our lovely Coke girl and you can see the front row and the goodie bags!!!

I have never heard of him, but evidently he's #13 in the UK charts and has a big show at the Palms in Las Vegas. Anyway, the guy was great and his dancers were very sexy!

Then the catwalk show began.  I was so let down.  You’ll see by the pics what I mean.  Valentino must have a conservatory of clothes that would make any fashionista’s heart stop.  The woman who threw the fashion show actually had collected and owned all the pieces so I understand that Valentino hadn’t leant or chosen the clothes himself.  But my god, the choices were atrocious.  The theme was red and black (never a good move) and the era’s were a mess.  Some of the dresses looked like bad 80’s disasters that I’m sure Maestro Valentino wished never resurfaced.  And the way they were styled!  The girls looked like they were Christmas tress with ornaments on them. The models were so second rate.  They had bad skin, they walked poorly, their faces were “whatever.”  And whoever did their make-up—I could have done better!  It looked like they had grease paint smeared on as foundation with heavy red lips and heavy black eyes.  That’s so dated! The hair looked oily and matted—it was bad.  I saw all of the faces in the front row and everyone was in shock!!!   The show had 2 dresses that I would have liked—but not pined for—and in a fashion show—you should be drooling.  I’ll show you the dresses that burnt my eyeballs out of their sockets they were so ugly first and at the end of my post, I’ll show you the two dresses I liked.  Here goes:

I wouldn't have been caught dead in this when it was created! And the model--seriously?

I don't know if this was Valentino's take on a Spanish-style dress gone-80's but OMG! It looks like it is a costume. And so tacky!!!

I think if they threw some tinsel and some candy canes on her it would have been perfect! Ugh and look at her make-up.

I had to include this because I was wondering if Valentino was even trying when he created this and also whomever picked the model to wear this---did they not see it didn't fit her well? Oh, and I'm sorry again to be cruel, but does SHE have the face of a model to you?

The end of the show--thank god! Look how Goth and scary they look. This would have Valentino crying off all of that orange paint he has on his face!

Afterwards, I had a cocktail, spoke to a few people, had a person I knew from the media take a photo of ME on the red carpet with my camera (very funny) and I drove home pleased as punch that I got out and could kick off my heels—but gave the night a fair go.  I wish evenings like that were more common for me…just nice and chilled out.

If you’re wondering what was in the goodie bag, it was very disappointing.  The goodie bags in L.A. are so second rate compared to Blighty! Let’s see, there was a brand of skincare I never heard of that gave a night serum, wipes for your pet, a sample size of Paul Mitchell hair cream, foot petals for your heels and a CD from Matt Goss that I got him to sign for my brother.  I think they could have AT LEAST put SOMETHING Valentino in there!

Anywhooo….I’m thrilled to be able to actually share what a night out for me is like in L.A.  Leave me a comment to let me know what you thought about the show and that you agree the models are DIRE!  Enjoy and I’ll see you tomorrow with my own bit of fashion with a brand new “Wish List.”

PS: Here are the 2 dresses I liked:

I really liked this because of the layering, the material and the adorable cape. Do I think it is pure genius? No. But it is pretty damned cute and I'd dig it if someone bought it for me But really, it's the cape that makes it.

This is the only dress that said "Valentino" to me. It was his classic red. It was perfectly cut. It was feminine and elegant and wait till you see the back. This is a dress that would blow a man away when he opened the front door to pick you up for a black-tie affair.

You make a great entrance, but man, look at that exit. Your ass looks like heaven and your shoulders and back are stellar. This is an A+ and I'm not surprised they ended the show with this. Perfection.

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

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,

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,

I have been running around like a chicken with its head cut-off for the last few days and have been very grateful for clothing that has allowed me to look like I didn’t just roll out of bed but kept me comfortable and able to be on the move.  It’s impossible to jump from one appointment to another in 4″ heels (or try driving in them) and unless I need to be really dressy for an event, for the most part, I can keep it casual.  It’s also warm in L.A. so I want to be wearing light gear that’s gonna allow me to move and shake.  No short skirts where knickers might be shown or stifling shirts wear I have pit stains to prove my stress.  So, for this fabulous Fashion Friday, I am dedicating it to the woman on the move.  The woman who wants to look halfway decent, on-trend and chic but can’t be struggling in stilettos whilst doing it.  I’m talking leggings, a barely there racer-back silk tank, comfy bejeweled flats and a rockin’ hipslung belt to tie it all together.  This look is great for Mom’s who need to throw on something quick but wanna be the hottest ticket on the playground.  Students who are late for class and need to jump into something FAST.  And just anyone who wants to look put together but not suffer the consequences.  And the best part–the whole outfit cost me under $150!!!!!  Hey, you know I’m the queen bee of deals.  Oh, and I feel like the leggings and the top make me look heavier than the photograph is portraying  I know on Twitter I have been talking about what a chunk I have become….but honestly, this IS really the camera!  The tank is actually really billowy and hangs beautifully and the leggings—well, they just photograph badly.  What can I say–well, it’s what I always say.  I never claim to be Kate Moss nor does my photographer claim to be Mario Testino.  Bah!  Excuses, excuses.  I hope you enjoy and get inspired to be free and fashionable!!!!

This is soooo comfy!! The belt is there for adornment so it is loose and not constrictive. The tank is made of silk and is oversized so it breathes and the leggings have an elastic waist. What could be more comfortable? And those flats! They have a little peep-toe so your foot breathes and they allow you to boogie around the city because there is no restrictive heel. Gotta love it.

This racer-back tank is made of silk and air! It's oversized with large cut armholes and it feels barely there. It has a slight stretch to it in case you'd want to wear it tighter, but it really is meant to be worn loose and baggy. I love the zebra print with brown, white and pink colors and get this---Nicole Richie owns the exact same one!!!!! Pair this with white trousers to dress it up, jeans to funk it out or leggings to be your comfy self. Decolette Tank, Originally $250, paid $25, Vionette Boutique, Los Angeles

It doesn't get any easier than this! Plain cotton mix leggings with an elastic waist (you guys KNOW how much I love that) are the new jean. They are a fashion staple and if you don't own a pair go out and grab at least one in black. They are so great for just throwing on and using as a layering piece. Pair with boots and a sweater or a tunic and sandals. Leggings are so versatile and comfortable--everyone is wearing them. They look good on almost all body types. They look GREAT with heels, hard to pull off with flats (you see I'm struggling in the photo) and killer with the new over-the-knee boot trend coming this Fall. Brown Leggings, $6.99, Target, Los Angeles

The most expensive piece in this whole outfit. I just like how this belt adds a little funk to the look and breaks up the leggings from the tank. I love a hipslung belt and I think if you have wide hips it can help minimize them. I adore the grommets and the oversized buckle. I've owned this belt for 5 years and it has been such a great investment piece. Jocasi Belt, 65 Pounds, Topshop London

Flats are a must for comfort and for a woman on the go. How can you move and groove in sky-high heels? Impossible! I love these because your feet won't get sweaty because of the peep-toe and the fabric is a nice grosgrain so it's not gonna be sweaty like leather. I also love the color which is a fun and cheerful pink which meshes beautifully with the top and I think goes well with brown. And the little jewels! They are so lovely and add a bit of fun to the whole flat making them not only functional but fashionable. Pink Flats, Originall 35 Pounds Sterling, paid 10 Pounds Sterling, Topshop London