We’ve all had it… We’ve walked into a new boutique and were so inspired by the store or sales people that we just had to find “something”. Instead of listening to our first instinct and making a break for it before we found “something” that we “could” use –  we do it. We buy that “something” that doesn’t really fit our look or amongst anything else in our closet.

Enter me checking out my first LF boutique. LF does have some really cute pieces, many though, I learned require clever styling. I had heard and read so much about LF that I knew there just had to be something for me. Granted they day I came in, they were restocking the store from their big end of summer clearance sale and there wasn’t a full stock to choose from.

Alas, the sales girl showed me this thin sleeveless button down hooded duster by Milau. Don’t even try to look up Milau – they do not have a company website and LF is one of the few stores that carries them.

Milau Duster

So I tried it on, and thought:  “I could totally make this look gothic sexy chic!” Just add my new over the knee boots and a waist belt.

So despite how over-priced it was, I bought it, and it sat in the bag for 2 weeks! I finally brought it out and checked the receipt; no returns and exchanges within 10 days. Depressed about the waste of cash, let’s be honest, I am never wearing this I don’t do “Gothic chic”.

I showed it to former contributor LexMartin and he suggested we’d give it a try:

I decided to go on location for these photos to keep with the industrial look!

Milau duster, Guess? over the knee boots, Be&D bag and H&M belt

I recently went back to the LF website and came across the duster styled in the look books.

Milau Duster images from LF look book

These images gave me a bit of inspiration on how I can wear this piece. Now I am not feeling as remorseful!

One thing about me and my style:

I love greys and blacks…

I do like to wear a lot of color, as you’ve seen, but black and grey are my go to for when I feel like I have nothing to wear.

Michael Stars metallic tunic, H&M jersey cropped “heram-ish” pants and L.A.M.B heels.

Be&D bag, L.A.M.B pumps and H.Studio cuff and bangle.

The Los Angles Downtown Fashion District isn’t one of the most swankiest parts of downtown. I personally wouldn’t want to be hanging out in Santee Alley or Vernon at night.  For good fab downtown activities we head over to LA Live, the Arts District or Financial District for a happy hour activities.

I like to do a more sexy business look when heading to the Financial District. One of my normal casual chic office outfits may not go over to well amongst all of the button downs.

For Taco Tuesday at Casa I wore a lace tunic under a fitted blazer with black straight leg jeans.

Black straight leg jeans, H&M Blazer, 904B black studded pumps, BCBG lace tunic and Club Monaco jewel necklace.

Photo note – I picked up the tripod, but being 5’11 and wearing 4inch heels makes it a bit difficult to fit all of me in the frame! So I am going to start taking these out side.

Needles to say,  I was glad I wore this blazer, the day became chilly with light showers. It kept me warm until the pitchers of Margarita’s kicked in!

A bad outfit choice and heartfelt teasing from co-workers made me wonder… When is it time to toss something out? Save it for the future? Even if it does come back into style, would you want to wear it?

We all have those items in our closet.. Just hanging there waiting for their turn to be worn again. Month after month we pass them up and consider them for donation but stop ourselves thinking… One day, I will wear it again. I felt guilty for not wearing the skirt pictured below and finally wore it…

The Offending Skirt

H&M Skirt

I have created the following rules, next time you see that questionable item in your closet ask yourself theses:

1)      Rule of 10: Does the item make you appear older or heavier?

1. If the item adds 10 years or 10 pounds… Dispose of it promptly.

2)      Are you keeping it for sentimental reasons?

1. Understandably, items like your prom dress or graduation dress, may hold a special place in your heart, but maybe it shouldn’t be hanging next to your skimpy club dresses. Find a nice Rubbermaid bin and store them for safe keeping.

3)      Is it a classic/timeless piece?

1. Some piece are worth holding onto, evening dresses or perfectly tailored pants, these items may rarely see the light outside of your closet, but when the occasion comes you’ll be happy you held onto them. If not toss!

4)      Does the item show sign of wear?

1. Worn, tattered, bally, fuzzy… Dispose…

The skirt broke Rule #1, gave me 10 pounds and years!

If you have an item that fits somewhere in-between…

Ask a friend, they normally have your best interest at heart.

One of my Vendors sent me Tickets to see the Broadway Musical Dream Girls at the Ahmanson Theater in Downtown LA.

Note on theater attire: It is so hard to get Los Angelinos out of their jeans! The world knows LA is the capital of casual chic, but there are many occasions when glam-ing it up a bit should be strictly enforced. Only a handful of men wore slacks jackets were even more scarce, the majority of them were in jeans and khakis. Ladies, we all know you have something else besides in your closet besides a Juicy track suit to wear.

I do wish this city had the desire and make ones self presentable and dress up for events. Yes, your butt may look awesome in skinny jeans, but I think we can take a bit more appreciation of the occasion and not down play it by wearing something you’d wear to the dog park.

Just a bit my personal pet-peeve on the disappearance of occasion dressing. Don’t get me started on my feelings of disappearance of Vegas glam! (I think I may touch on that in the future).

All of my accessory close ups came out horrible, but here is a shot my bracelet by itself. It was an gift from my mother, I love all of the fun charms and it makes a delightfully soothing noise.

Oh, and the show was fabulous!!

The singing would blow any of those idol hopeful and some of pop stars off the stage! Don’t get me started on the costumes!

Costume Designer: William Ivey Long

Love these sherbet colored gowns and matching dramatic boas!