Neutral-colored bags.

Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Valentino, Phillip Lim, all items found on Nordstrom.com

Fall 2011 Fashion Faves

Chloe - Starting with one of my favorite designers, definitely seeing a lot of python prints, velvety suede and drapey, sheer fabrics.

Chris Benz - Love the classic looks, plaid and classic lady-like silhouettes

3.1 Phillip Lim - Green. Was obsessed with it a few years ago, why did I get rid of it? Also digging the burnt brown + cobalt blue + white color mix.

Chanel - Kind of felt like they could've done better, these were my only faves

Miu Miu - Really into the brown and red-orange combo, mixed with a Japanese kimono influence

Valentino - Back to sheer chiffon, lace and romance, always a favorite of mine

Alexander Wang - I liked the fact that he steered away from jersey material this time around, using more luxurious fabrics such as wool/cashmere and silk. The colors remind me of watching the Nutcracker during Christmas time.

Hellooo Phillip Lim!

Went to see Phillip Lim speak on Romance and Realism in Fashion at the LACMA with my cousins, thanks to an invitation from my dear friend Cindy! They showed footage from his Spring 2010 runway show, which was just as amazing as his Fall 2009 line. A short clip of how his finale dress was constructed was also being shown. Then, there was a time of Q&A, which he mastered brilliantly. Afterwards, we were able to meet and chat with the designer himself. I could hardly contain my excitement and my hands trembled as if I had coffee jitters. I felt like a little girl meeting a rockstar. Fashion designers are my rockstars.

Phillip Lim's take on a versatile "Bridal dress." This took 5 workers and 4 full days to create.

Another beautiful dress from the Spring 2010 runway.

Wearing a vintage dress and bordeaux tights inspired by his Fall '09 line. I saw a similar dress created by him after purchasing this dress. Needless to say, I was quite pleased.

Finally got to wear my DIY necklace!

Tried cramming my feet into a pair of old Doc Martens I received from my Dad at age 12. Two blisters later, I've reconsidered "breaking into" these.

A shot with my cousins and Phillip Lim himself. Definitely an unforgettable experience. 

I leave you with...

Quotes by Phillip Lim (some re-phrased by me):

On styling: "When in doubt, take something out. The less you put on a page, the more there is left for the imagination."

On working towards your dream: "Learn off someone else's dime."

On the whole internet craze: "Keep a little back in order to keep the mystery alive."

On wearing clothes you love but don't fit: "If you love it, alter it. What good is it if it just hangs on the wall?"

3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2009

Image credits: style.com

Ruffles, hot pink, blush-pink, camel, fur, leather, gold sparkles, gloves...my eyes are going haywire from eye-candy overload! The last dress reminds me of the one I picked up at the garage sale, which makes me feel rather delighted. Another fall item to consider purchasing: bordeaux-colored stockings.

Seeing these photos make me even more antsy for Autumn. The heat wave and wildfires in our area have been making the end of the summer quite unbearable. I've always loved summer as a child, but as I grew older, I started looking forward to Fall. Even though it is rare to find colorful leaves trickling off branches in SoCal, I take the time to spot each one. 

There's always the feeling of starting something new during the Fall, even more so than the new year. It's the start of festivities, school years and (at least in CA) weather changes. Also, summer fashion feels so dreary and mundane-- shorts, tanks, dresses, sandals (repeat). I prefer blazers, layering, scarves, boots, coats, stockings, leather, etc... Basically, I choose ice over fire. Maybe I should consider moving...