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

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

Make A Statement

Hello Fashionistas,

I was mulling over different things to do this fall, and it came to me: where should I go out this fall besides the usual and hitting up route one in CP?

I mean we are super uber close to our NATION'S CAPITAL! 8 miles I believe and you can see the the Washington Memorial at the very top of Byrd Stadium!Thanks Carrie for the info! And plus now that the Real Housewives of DC is on, what better way to check out the District and its night life. Of course since you want to be on point,--looking good is an absolute must! So make a statement, in a statement dress! You may have to invest some, but it will be sooooooo worth it!

But what kind of dress makes a "statement"?

Embellished LBD
Like I said in my last post, update your LBD by giving it a face lift, with different embellishments! Get this one from the French Connection, Iron Eagle Dress for $268.00.

20s Inspired
Take it back to Jazz Age by wearing a sexy frock, that shiny and glitters in the night. These dresses are loose and feel great on! The Rushes and Reeds Dress is $298.00 from FCUK.

Embellished
As you have seen from the last two trends, embellishments are totally in, and are a great way to make a statement!They make you shine and sparkle, I see no cons! This dress is another one from FCUK, they have the best dresses! The Faulks Dress goes for$368.00.

Ruffles
I love ruffles--a lot, but in moderation, but they can make any outfit look ethereal. So why not try it out on a dress when you go out? Try the Ruffled-Neck Apron Dress from BCBGeneration it is $88.00! Plus look it has pockets and a cutout back!

Color Block
When different colors are put together geometrically it just looks edgy and modern. Find this one Bluefly.com it is by La ROK, and it called the ray of light dress and goes for $179.00.

Metallic
There is reason why they call them precious metals, look expensive! This dress is by Shoshanna and can be found on Bluefly.com. It is called the Gold Abstract Brocade Dress and is $210.00.

Sheer
When sheer fabric is used on dresses to expose a little bit of skin, it adds a little mystery! So add some mystery with this dress by Max & Cleo and it is called the Black Organza and Sateen Scalloop Trim Dress and it is $79.00. Another Bluefly find!

One Shoulder
 Another trend that gives that modern twist to your going out outfit. It is also gives you the best of both worlds: a strapless dress and a strappy dress. This again is bluefly, sorry they just have tons on designer dresses for such decent prices! This one is by Romeo & Juliet Couture. The Fuchsia Stretch Taffeta One Shoulder Dress is $103.99.

GO OUT AND INVEST NOW for your statement dress, everyone should have a social life, look good having one!

I will see you in the District!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Merccedes

p.s. new poll, please answer it <3