Metal & Rust

Hooray!!!  What can I say, I'm excited by the fact that it is officially fall, which is by far my favorite season in terms of wardrobe.  I love all the deep jewel toned shades, the elements of black, incorporation of leather, and all those other facets that make dressing for fall so fantastic.  In this look, I went with an incorporation of metallic, black, and cognac that primarily worked around the textured metallic top I got from Bamboo Sky.  Other elements of this look that really pulled everything together were the beautiful coated crystal bib necklace by Mixe Medium, the rust colored shorts by Rag & Bone, and my Alexander Wang Rocco bag.  I will be sure to get more fall related outfit and beauty posts as well as videos up in the very near future.  All photos taken by Taylor Miyashiro.  =]

Outfit Details: Textured gunmetal and black top from Bamboo Sky, rust colored cut off frayed shorts by Rag & Bone, Bag: Rocco Mini Duffel in black lambskin with black nickel hardware by Alexander Wang, Shoes: Areas boot by Jeffrey Campbell.  See other photos for accessory details.

Coated crystal bib necklace by Mixe Medium, silver stainless steel armor ring by L'Mond, tan claw wrap around leather bracelet by Kara New York, silver stainless steel mesh band watch by Skagen, gunmetal and black aviator sunglasses by Marc by Marc Jacobs (not shown in this picture).

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target: My Picks

The 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection that is being released tomorrow (September 15, 2013), has to be one of the most anticipated Target designer collaboration collections that I have ever come across.  There has been lots of hype building up to the release date, mostly contributed by the heavy press and media coverage showing glimpses of the pieces that are being released.  I have to say, as a fan of Phillip Lim, this collection is very exciting, and the pieces are definitely ones that are covetable.  Based on my personal aesthetic, there are a lot items I would definitely love to add to my wardrobe, particularly the leather motorcycle jackets, as well as the great assortment of bags and color blocked garments that are part of this collection.  This is a substantially large collection, encompassing over 100 pieces that range from menswear, womenswear, shoes, bags, scarves, and loungewear.  Being that this collection has such diversity, it isn't hard for everyone to find something from it that they like, especially when the price range is from under $20 - $300, with most of the bags falling under $50 price range.  However, I do warn you all that although the bags are amazingly gorgeous, they are very affordable for a reason, and that is the fact that they are made of manmade materials and not leather (I figured I'd mention that before anyone thinks otherwise...I'm a pretty firm believer in "you get what you pay for").  Nonetheless, there are fabulous pieces in this collection, and if real leather is what you are in search for, the leather motorcycle jackets fit the bill on that.  Though they are the most expensive items being released, I find the leather jackets are the best investment worthy items from the entire collection, at around $250 for the women's version, and about $300 for the men's version.  This is definitely a Target collection I will not miss, so you can be assured I will be camping out in the parking lot at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning.  Below, I have compiled images of the pieces I was able to find that I would be interested in picking up from the collection, so you can be sure to see a follow up post sharing the items I actually picked up.  If there were pieces you were interested in getting from this collection, I would love if you shared them with me in the comments, so I can keep an eye out for those in case I haven't given them much thought the first time around.  All photos taken from Refinery 29 (I don't own any of them).  =]

My top picks from the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection.

Bag & shoes from the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection that I would like to get.

Clothes from the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection that I would like to get.

New ARrival

Carrying exquisite pieces from an array of innovative designers from across the globe, Aloha Rag has definitely established itself as being a boutique that provides the very best in cutting edge fashion.  Following with this trend, the Aloha Rag brand has emerged as "AR", coming out with beautifully crafted garments and accessories that hold their own against the other designers that encompass the Aloha Rag boutiques.  Pieces from the AR line were featured at a fashion show styled by Geremy Campos for November's Honolulu Night Market to which I attended (blog post from my experience), where the simplistic chic quality of the garments complimented the others that came down the runway.  In addition to the fashion show, an editorial was produced using AR pieces that can be seen depicted below, showcasing the versatility and range the line possesses for the fall season.  The editorial was styled/directed by Geremy Campos, photographed by Jeremy Snell, hair and make up done by Zairrah, and the featured model is Michelle Bailie with Wilhelmina HI.  Pieces by AR can be found for both men and women at aloharag.com.  =]

Black & Gold Bliss

Went out and about galavanting through town with the bestie, and I really wanted to make use of my vintage Moschino belt, so I did.  Being someone who isn't particularly fond of incorporating gold in my wardrobe, it was a bit of a challenge putting together an outfit around this accessory.  For this look, I attempted to make it seasonally appropriate by adding a blazer to make it somewhat layered, although still paired it with shorts since it is still a warm fall here in Hawaii.  Below are a couple of outfit shots, along with accessory shots with details of all the pieces worn included in the captions.  All photos taken by Ericka Nicole Bueno (Mixe Medium).  =]

White v-neck cotton tee by Ralph Lauren, black shorts by Banana Republic, black casual cotton blazer by Armani Exchange, black suede boots by Jeffrey Campbell, black lambskin Rocco Mini Duffel with black nickel hardware by Alexander Wang.  Accessory details in other photos below.

Oversized faux black gem ring from Macy's, pale gold arrowhead ring from Cookies, black gem bullet necklace from Brandy Melville.

Vintage Moschino black patent leather belt with gold letters.

Pale gold skull bracelet from Brandy Melville, pale gold geometric angled bracelet from Macy's, vintage Perry Ellis Portfolio watch (gold hardware with embossed black patent leather band), Hermes inspired Kelly wrap bracelet (black leather with gold hardware) from iKandy, matte black pyramid spike beaded bracelet from Brandy Melville.

Collar Necklace Crazed

With fall fashion in full swing, I have been wearing lots of collared shirts to add a touch of sophistication to my daily wardrobe.  However, the plain collared shirt look can get a bit monotonous and dull, so I've been spicing up my outfits by wearing a variety of collar and bib necklaces to add some interest to my neckline.  Collar necklaces are a great way to add a subtle edge or a chic twist to your button downs, oxford shirts, and dress shirts with colors, textures, and styles that are endless.  From simple and classy, to daring and edgy, collar and bib necklaces are simple jewelry pieces that can really enhance your collared shirt outfits.  Below are some examples of the collar and bib necklaces I have worn recently, which are mostly of the edgy variety, and are primarily consistent of silver toned pieces (since I'm not all that fond of gold…but I try to keep my options open).  =]

A couple of occasions where I've worn a collar necklace.  Both necklaces worn will be featured with details individually below.  Bag by Alexander Wang, and boots by Jeffrey Campbell (in both shots).

Gold "Urban Safari" necklace by Jewelmint

Silver draping spiked necklace by H&M

Gunmetal pyramid studs and draping chains necklace from Forever 21

Silver plaque necklace from Forever 21

Silver thick chain necklace by Mixe Medium

Silver geometric and bead necklace from Forever 21

Gunmetal interlocking pyramid stud and dangling spike necklace made from scraps of an old necklace from Charlotte Rousse

Antique silver geometric necklace from House of Aria

Casual Country

It was a pretty chill day with only minor errands to run with my bestie, so I dressed comfortably for the occasion.  Since fall here in Hawaii is still pretty hot, I went for a more western style vibe, so I could still incorporate certain elements of fall, though keeping it appropriate for the warmer weather.  =]

Light navy chambray shirt by Massimo, pale grey corduroy skinny shorts by Levi's, tan leather loafers by ALDO.

Accessory pairings for this outfit (see next photo for details).

Givenchy "Pandora" zip around wallet in Tan, dark brown braided leather bracelet by H&M, tan wrap bracelet by Cara New York, stainless steel mesh band watch by Skagen, cream colored beaded skull bracelet from Ye Olde Curiosity Shop (Seattle, WA), tan cord shambala bracelet with silver skull beads by Brandy Melville.

On my nails: I Don't Give A Rotterdam! by OPI.