Halloween Spirit

Who's teacher schedules a midterm exam on the night of Halloween? Mine! So this post is as spirited as I'm going to get.

I recently watched The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, a German Expressionist film released in 1919. Its about a man, named Dr. Caligari, and his somnambulist Cesare who are connected to a series of murders. The plot takes many interesting twists and turns, and the ending is definitely a surprise. (Although I won't spoil it for you!)

If you're not busy tonight and would like to be thoroughly creeped out, here is a link to the entire film: 

Even though the film was silent, and obviously from the early black and white period, it is incredibly creepy and unsettling. The makeup, scenery, and everything about the film is very eerie. In my opinion, this film scares me more than modern day horror films--its just weird and yet visually spectacular!

One of my favorite aspets of the movie is the costume design. There are lots of fabulous coats, hats, and my personal favorite: capes! Capes are showing up everywhere this season, and some have even reminded me of this fabulous film. Here are a few of my favorites so far:

The Wool Cape: American Apparel ($170)

(Photo by Raez Argulla @Cheap Thrills)

Night Velvet Loung Embellished Cape: Day Beger et Mikkelsen ($250)

Isle of the Sky Poncho: Free People ($128)

Merona Pleated Back Cape: Target ($49.99)

Hope you enjoy these as much as I do! Enjoy your Halloween!!

New and Newer

Here are a couple new pairs of earring I recently got. The tridents look especially interesting since they hang from the front as well as out the back of my ear piercings. The Hello Kitty studs are just classic and super chic. Overall I'm obsessed, and they will each be featured in a look soon!

Tuesday Shoesday

Pascal, Dr. Martens ($290)

As much as I hate cold weather, I'm ready to wear more boots! I love shoes with prints, too. What do you think?

October Inspiration

Polyvore!

I just recently started using Polyvore, a site where people can create outfits using items online. It is so much fun to do, especially since you don't actually have to purchase anything, and you can share your work with the rest of the Polyvore community. Here's the first set I've created:

Fall Funky by jacagroff

Who else has a Polyvore? I want to see!!

Tuesday Shoesday

Because who doesn't love a pair of cat-print shoes?

Long Lengthed / Little Luxuries

Being someone who is petite, I rarely find the opportunity to wear full length clothes (aside from pants, obviously). Maxi skirts and dresses are simply too long for me, and they just really have never worked on my body. Since lately I have noticed hemlines dropping lower and lower, I wanted to find a way to wear long pieces in a way that I could still feel confident.

My solution to this dilemma is this gorgeous duster that I found. It gives me the longer-hemline that I've been looking for, but I can leave the piece open so my petite figure doesn't get lost underneath so much fabric. 

To elongate my legs, I decided to pair the duster with an ultra-short menswear inspired shirtdress, a high-waisted belt, and a super fun pair of heels.

When the wind hits this outfit, it just feels fabulous.

 This Fall I also really like the mix of black and brown. Mixing neutrals is a subtle, yet super chic, way to add some spunk to your outfit. 

This outfit:

Duster: Sway (Find it here!)

Shirt Dress: Sway 

Belt: Sway

Shoes: Miss Sixty

Bracelet: Sergio Gutierrez (Find it here!)

Lust vs. Reality: Woven Belts

Lust: 

Vintage Missoni Knit Belt, Free People, $328

Reality: 

Woven Elastic Belt, Forever 21, $6.80 

Marc Jacobs and the Xandu Gallery

I have been literally in love with the Marc Jacobs Large Dot tights ever since they first appeared on the runway months ago. In August my prayers (and birthday wishes) were finally granted and I  scored a pair of these amazing tights. I couldn't think of a better place to show them off than on Maiden Lane in San Francisco.

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For those who are not familiar with San Francisco, Maiden Lane is a chic little street in the heart of downtown. It is home to some of the most coveted shops, like Chanel and Prada, but it is extra special to me because it features the only commercial Frank Lloyd Wright building in San Francisco. This building is the Xandu Gallery featuring art from all over the world. 

As I have previously mentioned, I am obsessed with modern and contemporary architecture, and I gain a lot of my of my style inspiration from them. Being in this building both affirmed and renewed that inspiration.

The ramp heading up towards the top floor is so circularly oriented, so that you can easily look around at the entire building. Your eyes are not drawn simply to one aspect inside, but rather everything is created to pique your curiosity. This embellishment and attention to detail is something I try to achieve in every outfit I create as well. 

I especially love the design of the ceiling, and it even went well with my polka-dotted outfit!

I really couldn't resist the urge to put polka dots on top of polka dots. It just felt so fun. 

So overall the Xandu Gallery was spectacular, and you must check it out if you're ever in the Bay Area. It was free to visit too, which definitely cannot be said for most Frank Lloyd Wright buildings. I am also glad I have finally gotten a chance to showcase these amazing tights!

This outfit:

Top: Cotton Candy (bought at Sway Santa Cruz, swaychic.com)

Skirt: Free People

Tights: Marc Jacobs

Shoes: Miss Sixty

Bracelet: Liquid Metal Collection by Sergio Gutierrez (liquidmetaljewelry.com)

Holy Chanel

All I can say is that Karl Lagerfeld is a creative genius. Chanel never disappoints.


I highly suggest you watch the whole show here: Chanel.com

Hello Givenchy

I love nothing more than a good runway show. Riccardo Tisci's ultra-tailored look makes the entire collection super accessible and versatile. I adore the pops of print and embellishments, but in addition I like how the line incorporates lots of monochrome. The accessories and cuts are also swoon-worthy. Overall Givenchy's Spring 2012 line is ultra sexy and simply amazing.