The Tiny Closet

Finally, overnight, Fall has descended upon Los Angeles as a silvery dark cold blanket.  Never mind last week, which was sunny and in the hundreds - it's Fall so get used it!

Let's get right into it: 

Look-links to click! top to bottom: brown platform sandals / patent heeled mules / open toe wedges

These few pairs of heels have been my go-tos since August.  The coppery brown sandals I wear pretty much year round because firstly, I'm in sunny, warm California and also because their color is gorgeous for Summer and Fall looks (sometimes even warmer Winter months).  The other mules go well with denim, leggings, midi dresses - you name it.  And they should because I got them for that reason actually - not for my wardrobe but for modeling with my clothing line.  Having no intentions to make them part of my Tiny Closet, I bought them to wear for fittings and product shoots.  None of them are even over $40!  They looked so good though, I just started wearing them to the shoots and then out leisurely.

This is actually a sneak preview of my new collection of basics coming up...soon.  The collection is called "Standard" and these particular designs were fundamental in creating my clothing line.  Anyway, I'm very excited to share these pieces with you.  For now, they are part of my Fall capsule this season specifically because I am testing the fabrics for performance and look.  So far I love them! And so will you.  On the subject though - I've found it very helpful to always have a set of fine tees.  White, heather gray and black are my set.  Excellent drape, great feel, and a feminine deep neckline for a light sexy, slouchy style.

Look-link!  cropped lace camisole

And a lace or silk camisole is super helpful.  A key piece in bringing a capsule together.

Look-link!  black leather midi skirt & here

This midi skirt has been a keeper for years.  Definitely medium weight kid leather (the most exquisite kind!) with a silk lining, I only take this babe out for Fall & Winter.  I've noticed an article of leather does well in every seasonal capsule, whether it's pants, a skirt or a jacket.  If leather aligns with your ethics, or maybe vegan leather, the look is all-season and you can have fun with colors for each capsule!

Look-link!  one-shoulder knit midi dress / Available for preorder 11/9

My one-shoulder knit midi dress comes in handy pretty much all year.  I debuted this piece as regal Summer evening wear.  But I've found it's relevant and beautiful for Fall.  I plan to make this piece in a long sleeve to better fit the current season.  

Look-link!  orange crepe wrap dress  / purchase here

My orange wrap dress from Summer also does very well for Fall here.  I'm thinking a scoop neck body suit underneath as an additional look for the season?  Could be fun.  A dress with an of-the-moment statement color or print always does well in a capsule.  Always!

Look-link!  black V-neck waterfall dress / purchase here

Of course, I had to include my smoke black V-neck waterfall dress.  It seems to be perfect for any occasion!  I designed it and even I'm surprised by its capacity.  This piece became quite popular after I released it's first design as a Summer tunic (below).  The fabric is heavyweight so for me, it's definitely a Fall piece.  Layered with tights and an overcoat or statement sweater, it could also work as a light dress for Winter.

Look-link!  white V-neck tunic & here / purchase here

A Summer tunic turned every-day oversize top.  This long roomy tunic goes so well with my work clothes, it's almost as basic as a big white tee - I'm sure I'll bring this top with me through all of my capsules.  I am also releasing it in a mulled wine color next week sooooo.... maybe that will be my new Fall favorite?  It'll be nice to have options though :)

Look-link!  railroad denim dress / purchase here

I love The Painter dress as it's called in my shop.  But the original dress I released last Spring looked better on me.  Also, I haven't had a chance to wear it much with the blistering heat.  The denim is heavy weight like a stiff pair or jeans so Fall/Winter months only.  It's got a great silhouette and damn sturdy!  And since Fall came to us literally overnight, I'll have more opportunities to sport this daily workhorse dress.

Be sure to check out all my "Look-Links" to see how I styled each of my Fall capsule pieces in past and present season.  And speaking of looking... 

New Winter pieces are arriving in the shop next week!!!! 

When I think of plaid (and actually, I don't think of it much), I always think of school.  Maybe because I wore a school uniform during my entire childhood years, perhaps?  It's most likely because of that.  

And it also could be the same reason why I grew an aversion to plaid in my adulthood.  It's a loud print really.  Commands attention.  And wearing it day in and day out, while it did become comfortable, it definitely pigeon-holed itself in my memories as a "for school girls only" type of dress style.

But of course, whenever I have a strong aversion to a type of styling or fashion, it oddly enough inspires me to make it work.  I think because I love fashion and style so frickin' much, I believe one can like anything if it is worn a certain way.  It's a bold theory but it hasn't been wrong yet.  And that includes now.  With plaid.  

Exhibit A, ladies:

scarf: Michael Levine Fabric Store / top: The Tiny Closet Collection / skirt: Buffalo Exchange / oxfords: CMG 

I took the thing that I most identify as school-girl-plaid: a plaid skirt uniform for school.  Found it at a thrift shop and it (ugh) fit like a charm.  Though quite comfortable and roomy (as I remember them being), it was just so plaid, it wouldn't let anything else I was wearing just be.  Everything was just so upstaged by the skirt.

I finally decided to put the next big print I had right on top of it: jumbo striped oversized top.  Voila.  The plaid felt instantly more subdued.  Don't you think?

scarf: Michael Levine fabric store / tee: James Perse / jacket: American College / denim: All Saints / oxfords: CMG 

On the way to grabbing some Pho for lunch, I threw on some old faves with my newest favorite ankle boots.  I am wearing these boots everywhere now.  The perfect Tiny Closet shoe:  

They go amazingly with everything I have.

My roommate, got me a pack of dark, glittery Sally Hanson's nail polish strips that I just love!  Yes, yes I know I'm just now trying them but I've always wanted to and these are awesome!  

So shiny too, which is what I always strive for with real manis.

The Seattle Public Library has an extension building in Columbia City.  It's so charming and cute and I've been wanting to take photos around it for a while now but the rain continues to chase me away.  There was finally a leeeetle sun today so when some of the clouds cleared for a second, Theo and I took a break and ran over to snap some pictures of my outfit.  

Coincidentally enough, the layers I threw together to go antique shopping that day matched quite well with the scenery!

I have worn this eyelet Summer dress out!  Whether it's worn alone, as a skirt, or under a dress jacket for work, it always looks light and feminine.  

And who knew it would be so versatile??