The City Sage

How to Wear Pattern: Striped Shorts

Remember last week when I busted out of my fashion rut with floral camo jeans? I've been feeling so pleased with myself for exploring beyond my solid black comfort zone that I decided to forge the pattern train full steam ahead. Today's experiment is the striped short. Because stripes are generally easy, but shorts are notoriously hard. Can a marriage of the two yield a positive result?

After a quick trip to Target (they gave me this newfound sartorial courage when they asked me to try out summer's top trends), I returned home with a pair of blue and white chambray shorts in a railroad stripe that straddles the line between tailored and relaxed. The key to shorts lies in finding the right fit; I always size up to avoid bunching. I love these in particular for their just-right inseam length and leg openings that neither gape nor hug but rather skim. 

As for the stripes themselves, they're the ideal scale and proportion for making your backside look cute and pert. In other words, they're neither too wide (enlarging!) or too narrow (lots 'o' stripes = lots 'o' butt!). A heathered boat neck sweatshirt, red Tieks, and a navy leather tote kept the look crisp and simple, but these shorts are versatile enough that you could pair them with anything. I took a survey with Harley the Dog and she clearly agrees!

Thank you to Danielle of The Why We Love Photography for shooting these photos! And thanks to Rachel Delahoussaye for doing my makeup. Disclosure: As a Target Inner Circle member, some items were provided by Target. I am not an employee of Target, and all opinions are my own. 

How to Wear Pattern: Floral Camo Jeans

How often do you wear pattern? I almost never do. I start each season with a fresh sense of resolve, a determination to inject new life into my wardrobe of . Yet every trip to the store convinces me that the abstract graphics, wild roses, and crazy cut-outs ruling the runways simply aren't for me. I leave the fitting room feeling like an upholstery DIY gone horribly wrong.

When Target asked me to create outfits inspired by the summer's top trends, I knew the time had come for me to bite the pattern bullet. Somewhere, somehow, there must be wearable options for the many print-phobes such as myself—and gosh darn it, I was bound and determined to find them! These floral printed skinny jeans fit the bill perfectly. The tone-on-tone camo effect is well within my comfort level, but the slim, cropped fit feels fun and a little sassy too.  

To keep the spotlight on the jeans, I paired them with a boxy white tee I scored in the boys' department. Cork wedges and a braided belt added even more interest without pushing the outfit into overdrive. I've since worn these with a chunky knit sweater too, and the texture provided a brilliant contrast to the pattern. Walking on the wild side here, kids!

Images: Thank you do Danielle of The Why We Love Photography for shooting these photos! And thanks to Rachel Delahoussaye for doing my makeup. We had such a fun girls' day! For more pics and info on the film and cameras we used, head to The Why We Love blog. 

The Perfect Leather Jacket: Muubaa Quilted Biker

You know the grand finale of 'Grease', when Sandy ditches her poodle skirts for hotpants and red heels? The me who was raised on 90's girl power has always scoffed at that costume change. Yet deep down, I sometimes long to follow Sandy's suit, shed my Goody Two-Shoes image, and adopt a don't-mess-with-me attitude with the wardrobe to match. 

I won't abandon mom jeans and shapeless sweaters any time soon. However, a biker jacket like the one Sandy uses to make Danny's eyes bulge takes a giant step in the right direction. And as far as jackets go, this quilted leather biker from Muubaa is a closet must for every wannabe rebel. From the just-right balance of edgy hardware and drapey leather to the boxy-sexy fit, it's ridiculously versatile and utterly flattering. I have worn it nearly every day since it arrived at my door.

I've been softening the tough vibe of the biker jacket with feminine pieces like the floral maxi and foldover clutch you see here, but it works just as brilliantly when I'm running out the door in jeans and a favorite tee. I've even thrown it on with my workout leggings on the way to a barre class, which made me feel very badass indeed. I'm not saying you'll catch me in an off-the-shoulder top at the senior carnival, but hey, Sandy may have been onto something after all!

Shopping Guide: Quilted Leather Biker Jacket c/o Muubaa. Floral Maxi Dress, Blu Moon by Planet Blue. Isabel Marant Suede Dicker Booties. Clare Vivier Foldover Clutch. Thanks to Jennifer Chong for shooting these photos!

Spring Cleaning: Garment Recycling with H&M

When I moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles I realized how much extra stuff I had—especially clothes. I got rid of a lot in one initial cull. For things I was on the fence about, I decided I'd wait, see if I wore them, then reassess. Sure enough, five months later I was ready for a second clean-out. 

With serendipitous timing, H&M asked me to help spread the word about their in-store garment recycling collection. It's all part of their Long Live Fashion campaign in support of the H&M Conscious collection. I was blown away by the numbers they shared with me: the collection is the #1 user of organic cotton worldwide, saves 100 million liters of water in their denim production, donates 2.3 million garments to charity, and has reduced H&M's carbon emissions by 5%. 

I'm 100% behind their tagline "Don’t Let Fashion Go to Waste”, so I was thrilled to be involved. And as you can see, I got really enthusiastic. My drawers are so much tidier now, plus I was fascinated to find out all the ways my recycled garments will be used. (Um, that shirt you no longer wear could be made into auto insulation...) I'm starting spring feeling lighter in my closet and in my spirit!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by H&M for Style Coalition. I am not an employee of H&M and all opinions are my own.

Thanks to Wade! of Sharkpig for partnering with me on this video.

Get Dressed: New Women's Plaid from Taylor Stitch

Taylor Stitch is really something. Based in San Francisco, they've been revolutionizing menswear for a few years. The founders started with nothing more than a dream of crafting the best custom guys' shirts at a price no one could beat, and today they can outfit a chap from head to toe with their eyes closed. Now they've turned their attention to us gals. Meet Taylor Stitch women's plaids.  

I was especially excited to get my hands on one of these shirts (mine is the navy and orange) because, I've been coveting the Taylor Stitch men's shirts for ages. Every time I walked past their store in my old SF neighborhood, I'd pop in to say hello to the guys. Frankly, it was really an excuse to stroke the super soft materials and admire the rich colors of the hand-loomed cotton. 

As for my approach to styling the shirt, I went for a vintage 70's vibe with wide-legged Current Elliott jeans, then updated the look with a Chanel-inspired tweed blazer. I treated both the tweed and the plaid like neutrals—don't be afraid to mix and match as long as the tones are all in the same family! My Stanna bag from George, Gina and Lucy completed the look. Winter plaid for the win!  

Congrats to my buddies at Taylor Stitch on launching women's plaid! To celebrate, the boys are giving us ladies 15% off these shirts---the fit, fabric, colors, everything, really are sublime. Enter code CITYSAGE at checkout to receive your discount! Photos: Jen Emerling.

 

The Art of Winter Layering with Bridge & Burn

I've been smitten with the Portland label Bridge & Burn for about a year. I adore their no-frills approach to dressing. From shirting and jackets to French terry sweatshirts, these are pieces you'll reach for again and again. And you'll always find new ways to get them in your mix too. I challenged myself to go beyond my sartorial comfort zone with this waxed cotton jacket.

Normally I'd throw this on over something basic. It's water resistant so it's perfect for the rain we've been having here on the West Coast. But lately I've been itching to play with proportions. So I tried it out and voila! Short meets long! I was really surprised and pleased with how comfortable I felt with this featherweight cropped sweater layered over a silk button-down and a pendant necklace.

The trick was this: finding light layers that draped, rather than ones that created bulk. It also helped that I stuck to a very narrow palette—in this case shades of slate and mulberry—so the only variation was in the proportion. Then when I topped the whole look with the jacket (check out that striped lining!) it was an unexpected twist, rather than the usual casual statement I'm used to.  

I'd like to point out that Bridge & Burn clothing not only fits well and looks fantastic, but features top notch detailing. And it's very important to test all the features of a water resistant jacket. Including the drawstring hood. I recommend pretending you're a turtle while doing so. (In other words, even when trying to be fashionable, I can't stay serious for long...)

P.S. Bri at designlovefest and Kate at Wit + Delight are also modeling Bridge & Burn today! See how they styled their pieces to get a taste for the versatlity of the brand. Also thanks to my always fabulous photographer Jen Emerling for the pics. So fun! Other outfit details: Sweater and shirt, Etoile Isabel Marant. Jeans, J Brand. Shoes, DVF. Necklace: Iacoli & McAllister 

Indian Summer Glow: Clover Canyon

You may recall that I spent much of the summer complaining about the San Francisco weather. This town is known for its grey and gloomy months of June, July, and August, but we're rewarded for them with a glorious fall season of sunshine and temperatures in the 80's. So I've reserved this outfit featuring eternal summer label Clover Canyon for the first day of October!

Disclaimer: This was not a top that I immediately gravitated towards. Further disclaimer: My girl mira mira dragged me into it kicking and screaming. Stripes and color and wild palm tree pattern? All at once? But holy cow, once I put it on, I never wanted to take it off. It booted me stright out of my comfort zone and into 'Whoa, who is this girl and what did she do with Anne?' 

Of course styling an item like this is tricky, especially if you're inclined towards basic items like I am. I stuck with clean-lined J Brand jeans (granted, in a hot-to-trot neon hue!) and my go-to black flats. Because really, it's the shirt that's the star. Or rather, it's the wearer that's the star, and the shirt just helps nudge her in the right direction!

Note: Can I get an OMG for the location of these photos? It's the Fairmont San Francisco! A huge thanks to them for letting Jen Emmerling and me shoot there!

Get Dressed: MiH Marrakesh Jeans

Every girl needs a classic mid-rise jean with the perfect amount of flare. You know, for those days when you have to channel your favorite 70's icon (paging Ali MacGraw!) As far as I'm concerned, the MiH Marrakesh jean is the only option. It hugs curves like I imagine Robert Redford would, comes in a zillion washes, and makes legs look longer than lines at the pumps during the '79 energy crisis.   

Of course a jean this good is super versatile. I wear mine for work with a tucked-in blouse and polished jacket, or on the weekends with a slouchy cardigan and tank. The Marrakesh is also my year-round go-to; the Reed wash in these pics feels light and airy when the sun is shining, and a classic dark rinse carries me through the winter months. 

Oh, and the setting of these photos? An all-American staple like this deserves location worthy of its status--so my photographer Jennifer Emerling and I headed to the penthouse of the Fairmont San Francisco. The Rolling Stones stayed here! Sat at this desk! Snuck "guests" through that secret bookshelf entrance! And who knows--maybe those guests were wearing jeans just like these?

Other outfit details: Blouse and earrings, courtesy of mira mira. Shoes, miu miu. 

Get Dressed: Last Breath of Summer with Ace & Jig

Do you know about Ace & Jig? Ever since I learned of this label last spring, I've quickly become a devoted fan. There are a million reasons to love what they're doing. Reason number 1 is the material. The pieces are made from cloth that's hand-woven in India on an ancient loom. At a facility with free childcare. Where the workers eat organic produce. Yeah.    

You'd expect fabric that comes from a place of peace to surround you in bliss, and Ace & Jig clothing is the closest you can get to wearing your pajamas in public while looking insanely fashionable at the same time. This dress was so utterly soft and comfy, I wanted to flutter around in it all day. With details like a deep slit up the skirt and a deep vee down the back, I felt, well, kinda hot too.

Which brings me to reason number 3--with the pajama factor as reason number 2, duh. A line that I want to wear 24/7 and that brings out my inner babe? Women must be behind this. And sure enough, founders Cary and Jenna are moms on their second company (they started LaROK together too). So. If those aren't reasons enough to jump aboard, try on Ace & Jig. Then you'll be sold.

Images: Huge thanks to Jenn Emerling for shooting these photos! We shot at the Fairmont San Francisco, in the penthouse no less. I have more photos from that day coming soon and will share lots more on that fabulous location! Other outfit details: Sunglasses, Mezzmer. Purse, Coach. Dress and Necklace are both courtesy of mira mira.

Get Dressed: Moody 60's Style with Woodnote Photography

I'm almost loathe to share these images because then the 1960's-inspired odyssey I began in April with Caroline from Woodnote Photography will be over! But all good things must come to an end, so here's the third and final look we shot for the  'Disgruntled Housewife' project we concepted together. As you can see, by this time in the day the term 'Dishevelled Housewife' also applied...

However the fallen-flat hair and weepy mascara only added to the mood we wanted to capture--one of resignation with a hint of anxiety. You know the way you feel when you haven't slept in days, it's late afternoon, you're exhausted, you know another restless night is coming and there's nothing you can do about it, but you can't stop thinking about it anyway? 'Cause I sure do.

The dress in these shots is by Shakuhachi from mira mira. It's clingy in the right places, drapey in all the others, and if you're an unhappy Nixon-era housewife it's just the thing for listless lazing and gazing. For me, it has since become my favorite item in my wardrobe; I'm determined to get out of the house and wear it as much as I can. No disgruntledness allowed!

P.S. The cigarette in these images was a prop--I'm in no way condoning smoking. Yuck! Images: Woodnote Photography. Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Dolls