Fashion Friday: Look-at-Me Coats

It's Fashion Friday!
Make any day fabulous in a look-at-me coat, like I did today visiting our Nation's Capital. Have a great weekend dolls!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

 Gabriela Mercedes

Things I Adore: Boutiques I ❤: Ambiance San Francisco

Noe Valley Loaction on 24th St, SF, Calif.

Ambiance is group of boutiques in San Francisco, California that I absolutely love and adore. It has always been a temptation of mine ever since they opened their Noe Valley location which is just minutes away and a short walk from my family home Noe Valley. I have even been caught coming out of this boutique red-handed with my purchases by my Uncle Tom when I promised to save money while working as an intern for Sephora USA in the Summer of 2011-- he even sent a picture to my mom-- but my purchases were so worth it!

A ring and a fedora were the purchases in question:

Ambiance's first location was in the iconic Haight-Ashbury District and now has locations in the Marina, Noe Valley, and the Inner Sunset. Ambiance has helped me, and other Bay Area fashionistas look chic day to day and for various occasions-- my high school graduation dress was a Free People frock found at their Haight-Ashbury store, and this past holiday season, as I was in town visiting family for Christmas, I was on the search for my new college graduation dress.

I did not end up finding the perfect dress to tackle the humid Maryland spring-- But I did find various other things that I could not simply leave the boutique without. As I said, their Noe Valley location is dangerously close to our family home in San Francisco, so after when I got the call to come meet my mother on 24th Street, I ran up there to shop at Ambiance. These were some of my finds:

Coat by Tulle , Leopard Ring, & Sweater by Fate

Noe Valley, and 24th Street has been my playground since I was a little girl and still is to this day as a young 20-something about to graduate college in the spring. So in between getting coffee at Starbucks, eating brunch at Toast or lunch at Barney's, it's a no brainer to shop at Ambiance either before or after!

What can it be CC?

I highly recommend Ambiance for your fashion needs if you are in the City by the Bay; it has classic and vintage inspired pieces that are truly one of a kind that  are perfect for any type of fashionable woman; a wide variety of jewelry, shoes, handbags and other accessories also are available to enhance your apparel purchases . It has been a family favorite of mine, and is perfect for gifts that you can't find anywhere else-- especially where I currently live on the East Coast. Over the holiday I bought one of my very best friends, CC, her 21st Birthday present here, and I cannot wait for her to see it! She is going to adore it!

So check it out fashion dolls!
ambiancesf.com


Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes

2013: Roar in the New Year

2013, its finally here, we survived the end of the Mayan calendar and now we are moving onto a new year and age where fashion is taking direction from a joyous and celebratory time: The Roaring 20s.

Marchesa Spring 2013

My prediction with the upcoming release of Baz Luhrmann's film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby and Downton Abbey being flung into the world of the Jazz Age, 1920s fashions have come into the spotlight once again and will be a driving force in fashion this upcoming year. Expect airy, sheer fabrics such as chiffon, artfully beaded and sequenced apparel, Art Deco patterns, dropped waistlines and longer necklaces for 2013-- hints of these trends can be seen on Nicole Miller and Marchesa's Spring 2013 runways.

I have already seen beautiful pieces in stores and have witnessed  the change over of shorter statement necklaces to longer playful ones in my travels this past holiday season in California. It's truly remarkable to see the changing of fashion trends right before your eyes.

Yves Saint Laurent 'Cabas ChYc' Emerald Leather Tote Bag

Another major trend this year is the color green. My personal favorite color, conjures up images of Scarlett O'Hara and represents nature, freshness, endurance and harmony-- which is just perfect for the start of the year. You can incorporate this color in your accessories such as scarves, statement leather bags in emerald, outerwear such as a peacoat or trench coat, and party dresses for your special occasions throughout the year-- by following this trend you shall surely turn heads in 2013s "it" color especially finding pieces that are reminiscent of the 20s.

French Connection 1920s Inspired Dress

So channel your inner flapper, wear feathers, glitz its up, go out there learn the Charleston, listen to Big Band music and swing your way into 2013!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes

Its Fashion Friday!

Happy Fashion Friday, from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Swimwear 2013!

Lisa Blue Fashion Show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swimwear 2013

Budgetista: How to find Summer 2012 Trends at Reasonable Prices

Hey Dolls,

So let's get down to it. Being on a budget is not a five star trip to Cabo San Lucas.  I know that all too well going into my 4th year of college at the University of Maryland-- Go Terps!

And it scares me to think that this time this year I am going to be real person, a real adult, or as my friend A says a "big girl". In between looking into big girl jobs and networking, plus figuring out how to pay for student loans, saving seems to trump indulging and buying the latest fashions. I find it hard for me not to want to buy up the whole entire mall on an outing, but there are ways to budget your money and be fashionable.

So here's my quirky side, and me coining the term budgetista. My first tip to becoming a budgetista is to put half of your paycheck in savings for emergency-- this may include fashion emergencies, but this is relatively for urgent dealings. Or if half is too much, put $50.
Next, shop at Tj Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls-- you can find awesome designer apparel here!
Outlets are good too, especially if there is no tax, one of the perks of living on the east coast in Maryland, is the closeness of a no tax state:  Delaware  and  no tax on clothing state: Pennsylvania.


I just recently went on an outing with my sister Baby J, to the Gettysburg Outlets, and the local Marshalls here locally in Maryland. I found many reasonable prices for the seasons hottest looks. Here's what I found:

Blouse by Double Zero

I have my sister to thank for finding this gem at Marshalls. She had remembered me mentioning how peter pan collars were making a major comeback into the fashion scene, and when she saw this on the racks she presented to me, and I instantly fell in love. Not only does this blouse have a peter pan collar but incorporates to other hot trends: sheer and hi-low. Triple threat? I think so. What makes the blouse the total package is the price. This emerald eye-catcher was only $12.99.

Shorts by 1st Kiss

Another awesome find were these ethnic patterned shorts. I loved the Native American/ Aztec type print, and thought it was a perfect design for the summer. I was so dismayed when I couldn't find them in my size, but what can you do? These shorts were marked as $14.99.

G by Guess Sandals

These sandals are the ultimate summer sandals if you want a little pop of neon or color, and want to be subtle. The extreme of a bright color paired with a muted neutral is a classic example of opposites attracting and living in perfect harmony. Buy yourself some fun for your feet for only $24.99.

Anne Klein Bag

So I have been obsessing over Anne Klein accessories for a while now, from riding boots to bags-- so when I found this bag just hanging out in the purse aisle, I thought it was so cute. Playing off the whole color blocking trend, or  as I like to call it "Piet Mondrian, walking art", this bag is super chic with its use of neutral colors and cute lion cut out. Get a twenty dollar cut in price by purchasing this bag at $39.99.

Bracelet by With Love From California

If you want to be rocker chic and incorporate studs into your outfit without breaking the bank look into these cute bracelets from With Love From California. I thought they were perfect-- one, because I love friendship bracelets, and two, who doesn't love chunky chain jewelry. I found these bracelets at a Pac Sun Outlet Store in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania for $8.99.

Bracelet by With Love From California

So get out there ladies and shop, save and most importantly look fabulous being a budgetista.

Love, J'Adore, Amore,

Gabriela Mercedes

Paris Fashion Week 2012: Haute Couture

Favorite from Versace

Hello les amoureux façon,

Bonjour!
Fashion Week for Haute Couture collections has just wrapped up this past week in the city of lights, with a full new lot of extravagant fashions from the worlds best designers.

Favorite from Versace

My bid for best collection was Versace. This collection won my heart over because of the eye catching flowing gowns, and classic Hollywood hair that got updated with a blowout. The pieces in the collection had Mediterranean chic vibe with a youthful exuberance.

Icy Pinks at Versace

Green at Georges Hobeika

Highlights from Haute Couture Fashion Week are icy pinks, reds, yellows and greens. These can be seen in the Versace, Alexis Mabille, Valentino,Georges Hobeika, and Chanel. 

Intricate Detail at Valentino

These colors were present in these various collections and were executed exquisitely with details stitched expertly in each piece. 

Yellow at Valentino

Red at Valentino

Also big this Fashion week were the windswept looks from Versace with the exposed "Jolie" leg that Angelina Jolie made famous at this past year's Oscars. Sheer fabrics and sheen materials were also definitely heavily represented as well.

The Jolie at Versace

As for hair, two styles stuck out to me: parted up dos and classic hollywood styles. My award for most artistic addition to a collection would have to go to Giambattista Valli with his use of butterflies and face nets.

Giambattista Valli

Jean Paul Gaultie

My favorite single piece as a whole would have to be Jean Paul Gaultier, with a revival of the roaring 20s. I love the art deco blocking of the shoulders and the neckline. The reinterpretation of a flapper headband is also fabulous. This seems fitting to bring back the Jazz Age since the F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby will be brought to the silver screen in the future.

Check out the rest of the collections by searching online, these were some of the main trends that I saw and loved.

Au revoir!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes

Summer 2012 is for....

Happy Summer Fashionistas,

I have noticed from the recent seasons since I started this blog, that the fashion world has recycled trends from the past four seasons such as: neon, bustier tops, cropped tops, large statement jewelry, ethnic prints and cut-out backs. This re-instating of trends, that never really left, is totally fine on my watch!

In reality these fashion trends are not all completely the same but come back in different ways each season that make them in some form, unique. Also a lot of the time more than one trend can work its way into a piece of clothing. Over the past two years these trends have been reinterpreted in new ways and have been incorporated quite nicely with the new crop of trends for Summer 2012.

Summer 2012 is for....

Knit Cuff Sheer Boxy Top

Embellished Palms Tunic

Sheer
Everything is sheer nowadays. I find it hard to find tops that aren't anymore. Thank goodness for a wide array of bandeaus and tank tops to choose from, or else this would be an even more revealing trend than it already is! I really do like this trend, and I find it a great alternative to baring skin, without the real feeling of being bare. Try Express for your sheer wants with the top to the far right that goes for $49.90. And if a full on sheer top is too much to handle, try this piece from Free People, first to the right, for $148.00 which teases the eye with sheer shoulders and parts of the upper half of the top.

Paige Studded Sandal

Studs 
I absolutely adore studs. Studs have started to appear more and more since the fall of 2010. I remember this especially when I purchased studded Nine West booties way back then, and since they have been one of my favorite going out staples.

Hammered Stud Zip Crossbody

The best parts of this trend are the fact you can DIY, and also you can incorporate studs almost anywhere on your outfit including accessories. Shirts, skirts, shorts, purses, headbands, and shoes.... you name it, studs can be mixed in.

Buy these awesome sandals from Jeffrey Campbell at Free People for everyday wear-- they will absolutely put an edge to any outfit. They are $158.00. And, for a more rebellious look for a night out on the town purchase this punk crossbody bag also from Free People for $48.00.

AE Floral Denim Shortie

Printed Denim
Printed denim is so much fun. From animal prints, to ethnic patterns these pieces can really liven up an outfit especially if the denim is dyed a bright color or if the print is eye-catching. I adore these shorts from American Eagle, they are $34.99.

1969 Cropped Legging Jeans

Colorful Jeans, Jeggings, Skirts & Shorts
Along with printed denim, comes my personal favorite trend this season: colorful jeans, jeggings and skirts. This is one of the ultimate bold looks you pull off daily without going over the top. Bold colors on your bottoms really make a statement, so remember to balance them out with nice neutral colors! Make a statement in Gap's take on this trend for $69.95.

Sunday Girl with Ombre Hair

Ombre
Ombre can be incorporated into so much, swimwear, articles of clothing , nail polish techniques, and even hair. I have been "dyeing", pun intended, to do ombre hair since I saw one my favorite British singers and fashionistas, Sunday Girl, post a picture of it back in the early winter of 2010.
American Apparel has also come out with a line of sheer nail polish to keep this trend alive, to create little ombre masterpieces on your nails.


Circle Skirts

Faux Leather Circle Skirt

Circle skirts have seemed to be making a comeback recently, and they are definitely a fresh breathe of air since form fitting pencil skirts have been dominating our hearts for quite a while. These skirts are super playful, fun, swishy, and especially flirty. Wear one out one night and I am sure you will be a hit. Twirl around in STONES circle skirt that is $99.00, you can buy it at Urban Outfitters.

Oversized Cat Eye Sunglasses

Cat-Eye Sunglasses
This trend will bring tons of baby boomers back to their grade school days, when cat-glasses seemed to rule the optical world. This style is another fun way to liven up a sunny day without reaching for the typical wayfarer, club master or aviator. My best friend Laura pulled of this look so effortlessly when she rocked her Tory Burch cat-eye sunglasses on the Fourth of July. Look fabulous in Marc by Marc Jacobs, for only $98.00 you will be sure to look retro chic.

Baby Jane, Bette Davis

Peter Pan Collars
This look certainly takes me back, and most likely if you went to private Catholic School since grade school you're very familiar with this trend as well, but hey? You are fashion forward. Peter pan collars are elegant, and reminiscent of times past and are oh so Bette Davis-- classic.

Molly Solid Buttondown

Take a more modern approach to these collars by picking out a top that incorporates another summer 2012 trend, such as the sheer factor, like this top from Free People that is $68.00.

Sleeveless Miles of Lace Dress

Lace
This trend is everywhere! Lace has definitely taken over this season, you see it on tops of course, but even shorts. The turn of the century really got it right when lace was heavily incorporated in the day's fashion, and now its back with a bang. You can dress up an outfit so fast by adding a lace overlay top to a tank top, or pairing lace shorts with a subdued top. Look garden party ready in Free People, with the dress shown to the right for $128.00.

Conncord in Pewter Multi

Loafers/ Smoking Slippers
Again, calling all private school kids, guilty, you all know at some point your wore loafers in your odd years of prep schooling. Ultra comfy loafers have gotten a face lift by coming in array of colors, being accessorized with studs or being made out of different materials. Try Steve Madden's $99.95 Conncords on for size.

Clifton Shell-Drop Earring

Under the Sea: Shells
Is it just me or have I been seeing people around sporting puka shell necklaces again like circa early 2000s? I used to love my puka shell necklace, and am about to bring it out of my jewelry box. Shell jewelry has definitely made a comeback, as I realized when I was browsing the internet. Go to Urban Outfitters for these $12.99 earrings.

Long Sleeve Cold Shoulder Shirt

Shoulder Cut-Outs
Liven up your wardrobe with the pixie like style of shoulder cut-outs. Very ancient greek and roman. Maybe this fall you can spruce up that toga and give it some love with this trend. Or you can simply go and buy a dress or top with this feature, it is perfect for nights out. Express's top runs for $49.90.

Abalone Cove

Peplum

This is a trend that I am iffy on. I own a few of these tops, and while they accentuate my waist, I am not completely certain how flattering they are on. You decide. This top is $17.45 at Hollister Co..

So there you have it my dear fashionistas, a total wrap up of what is in for this lovely summer. 

Stay cool dolls!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Arguello

Fierce of July

Hello my Fierce Fashionistas,

Its almost the Fourth of July! Its a season of barbecues, late night parties, lazy days at the pool, and dancing the night away. Once the holiday hits, summer will officially be in full swing.

But how does one go about dressing for the fourth and make it the Fierce of July? Easy. Just look at the star spangled banner.

Fourth fashions circulate around:

GUESS Earrings, Glass Star Stud Earrings

Stars
Stars are pretty generic in a sense, but are ever important in celebrating Independence Day. On our flag they represent every state in our nation, and California and Maryland, my two personal favorite states both have their very own, along with the other 48. Incorporate stars into your outfit by finding fun jewelry in the star shape. These Guess? earrings at the right go for $25 at Macy's.



Stripes 

Sequin Stripe Tank by Loft

There are thirteen of them on our flag representing our original colonies, which California was not apart of, but alas we were a part of Spain, then Mexico then finally incorporated into the Union. North or South? Nope pure Californio. Anyway, stripes will forever be one of my favorite trends, and this just gives me another excuse to wear them. Stripes although known for being nautical, play perfectly into any fashionista's plans whether it is spent on the cape on a yacht, or at a family barbecue out west. A fun sparkling tank from the Ann Taylor Loft will definitely satisfy this trend at $44.50.

Red, White & Blue

Boyfriend roll-up shorts by the Gap

This color combo is the absolute epitomy of the Fourth of July. Use this color trio to your advantage. Color blocking, as it has been for several of the past seasons, has been very in and on trend. By color blocking reds, whites and blues you shall look like a walking Piet Modrian painting which shall be so chic. Try solid colorful shirts, skirts or shorts. These shorts run for $39.95 at the Gap and come in an array of colors and blue if red shorts aren't your cup of tea.

Also don't forget....
sparkles, lots of sparkles-- which emulates our firework filled skies!

So break out your Americana gear: cowboy hats and boots, old jean jackets, and your stars and stripes to make your fourth fierce. I know have my fedora ready.

Love, J'Adore, Amor,
Gabriela Mercedes

New Year, New Fashions

Hey Dolls!

Sorry I have literally been missing in action since forever. From having an internship in the summer at Sephora, to going straight back to school afterwards, this is the first break I have  had since Spring Break 2011!

It's a new year which means new trends. But there's a catch--There is a theme to Spring 2012 trends and fashion each trend can be added upon the other. I will explain later!

Here is the break down:

Loosely Knitted Sweaters

From cardigans to pullovers it seems like the "it" trend for this spring is a sweater that light and is not exactly meant to keep you warm, but is meant to keep you looking good. These sweaters are loosely knitted, and some have net-like appearances depending on the style or the brand.

Stripes

This is my favorite classic look. My mother says I inherited her love for stripes, and I must admit I agree. I am constantly drawn to them like a guilty pleasure--but guilty no more! Stripe patterns from thick bars, to skinny lines in complementary are all the rage this season, so stock up. The best part about stripes are that they will never go out of style thanks to lovely Gabrielle Coco Chanel who made not only the tan popular but stripes.

Boat Neck

Higher necklines, but thank God not too high, are a welcoming sign since it seems like every season necklines seem to get lower and lower. Leave more up to the imagination with a feminine and nautical neckline which is oh so like a sperry topsider ad.

Dolman Sleeves

This trend has been around for a little over a year now, but has become more prominent this season. This is special shout out to all the petite ladies out there, this is especially your go to trend.

Draped Backs

What will they do next? Cutouts, Zippers, and now draped bare backs. There are tons of pieces this spring that are all about showing off your back which is very Hilary Swank circa Million Dollar Baby.

Now for my explanation:

Spring 2012s's trend theme is "add upon" because you can add stripes upon a boatneck, or a loosely knitted sweater, or rather buy a piece that just happens to have dolman sleeves, has stripes, and is loosely knitted with a boatneck.

And Voila!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes

Becoming so west coast...

Hey DOLLS!

Hola from the heart of hipster and indie fashion: Noe Valley, San Francisco!

Since I have landed on the left coast, this past saturday, I have been trying to remember what it is like to be a California girl. I am not talking about the superficial slash stereotypical California girl that other states make us out to be (you'd be surprised I have been asked if I surf, knew famous people and lived by the beach tons of times--I body surf, I have met famous people, but don't personally know them and I could drive to the beach in 15 min--but fact of the matter is not everyone does in calif.) What I am talking about is the California girl who knows the difference between good mexican food and bad. A girl that knows how to shop, but can take on the rapids of a class 5 river and do yoga.

Slowly but surely it has all been

re-clicking into place, and I am finding my inner California girl. Today I explored the city downtown, got Thai, went to my internship office, and of course went to 24th street in Noe Valley.

24th Street is every bohemian, indie and hipsters dream. It has coffee shops, and boutiques--and everything in between. This area has been a staple of my childhood ever since I can remember. I grew up walking there with my grandmother, and learned to love it as I got into my teen years. Best part? It is dog friendly!

Anyways, as I walking the streets of Noe Valley to get there, I noticed the people around me and how they are dressed. SF never ceases to amaze me with the array of fashion that is put on display-- one moment you can see a person in head to toe leather and bright blue hair, then a business clad entrepreneur, and then a hipster gingerly walking in Ray Bans. San Francisco is truly eclectic, and that is what I love about it, and it is this bohemian culture that I re-falling in love with. Once I got to 24th I went into one of my favorite boutiques called Ambiance. I went in with the intention of not purchasing anything, but let's face it, a fashionista can never do that!

A hat and ring later, I walked out of the store feeling well accessorized. I had been looking for a fedora for the longest time ever, and I found the perfect one there for 20 dollars! And then of course as I was waiting to be rung up, I begin to look at the jewelry and I find myself staring down into the glittering green jeweled eyes of a leopard ring, once I slipped that ring onto my finger, I knew I was going to get it. Oh well, what is a fashionista to do? She wants what she likes and likes what she wants.

But as I was shopping I was also spying on the employees and locals, to see what they were sporting. These zen and chic ladies can really put together an outfit flawlessly and effortlessly. The employees looked like revamped ladies from the 40s and 50s with a modern twist. The locals in and out of the store wore Tom shoes, had their hair loosely braided, wore natural makeup or eye catching red lips, lightweight scarves, and nice sweater throws. And as I analyzed this, I took a look at myself--I was wearing just that-- it is like California, or shall I say a Noe Valley Girl knows. You can take the girl from California, but not the California from the girl.

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes

Rain, Mist, Drizzle .::. No Rain Check Needed

Nice to see you, to see you nice,

So Autumn is officially here, and the seasons seemed like they have changed just like that!

SO... can I just say an official goodbye to long warm days and nights? With an open welcome to sweater weather--meaning that we need to break out our scarves, peacoats and other fall essentials!

Oh and it is the season of warm Starbucks again! I have gone everyday almost, I am turning into Marc Minsker :) I can't get enough of those pumpkin spice lattes!

The one thing I can't stand on the other hand is this dreary rain that has been hitting the DMV for the past 2 weeks. It has turned from gross humid rain, to cold misty drizzle. I personally prefer the latter.

But in any case, it always feels impossible to dress cute in the rain. This in fact is not impossible.

If Debbie Reynolds can pull off looking

beautiful while being down poured on, on a soundstage in Hollywood, back in 1952 in Singing in the Rain, it should be easy enough for us 58 years later. So don't put off fashion on a rain check, look cute in precipitation.

This should be your perfect rainy day outfit, which incorporates most of this fall's essentials!

Trench Coat

Oh so classy and mysterious. No need to go all out and get a long trench coat, but get one that falls to your thighs, or to your hips! Buy one in one of fall's favorite colors, you can refer to my post on Paris Fashion Week if you don't know what those colors are! You can be daring and go for a deep red or classic with neutrals, either way you will look super sophisticated. Try this one on for size, the Coffee Shop Belted Twill Long Rain Coat, it comes in a variety of colors at Target and it goes for $34.98. It has perfect in between length, so it will get the job done when you are dealing with the elements.

Scarf

Throw a fun scarf around your neck, not only does it keep your neck warm in the cold rain and wind, but it just plays up your outfit even more-- like an extra effort on such a dreary day.

Jeggings

Resist the urge to grab those sweatpants, I know you want to be comfy, but if you want to look like a million in the rain, without actually putting any effort get yourself in some jeggings. Jeggings are uber soft and comfy, and are effortless just like sweats-- but they give the illusion of effort, and look so much better!

Sperry's, Rain Boots, Boots

All three are acceptable. I love Sperry's--It comes from the inevitable Catholic School upbringing for 13 years--, I lived in them in High School, and white water raft in them, they are just so comfortable and they keep your feet dry! Rain Boots are the epitomy of rainy days, and just give off the fun vibe of "I don't care, I'll walk through this puddle...I'll even jump in it". And wearing your standard leather boots always adds a touch of class.

These elements together will make you really stand out on campus, while everyone else looks like they just rolled out of bed.

I will surely post soon about how to deal with the cold now at night when you find yourself going out.

Anyways Cheers guys and gals!

Stay fashionable slash dry!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes