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7.31.2014

Beach Surf to Rooftop Turf

SURF

Last year, I decided to indulge in the creative, resort side of swimwear.  This year, the theme has been all.about.comfort.  In more ways than one.  I want to be comfortable in my clothes enough to forget about them and enjoy my life.  Especially when I'm at the beach. 


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7.24.2014

Jeans & Tee: Another Version


In the spirit of Summer, when wearing a jeans and tee ensemble, my denim is ripped and my tees are shorter.  This time however, 
I chose to wear a mens button up that I cropped myself and ended the look with a simple nude, heeled sandal.

As much has the jeans-and-tee combo are oh-so-basic, the duo is also pure classic.  Always in style and absolutely seasonless, this is one outfit that can be personalized a plethora of different ways.  And you know how I feel about personalizing a look.  A better word: style.

Jeans and a tee is all about style.  


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7.21.2014

Summer Vibes

I've been wearing this fun, nautical-type boatneck top a lot this past week.  It seems to go with everything.  


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6.05.2014

Latest Evening Wear

The best part about Summer is the long evenings.  The sun sets for hours and hours, making everything so sultry and relaxing!  
And whenever I think of sultry and relaxing, one word comes to mind for clothing options:  

minimal!
Simply two pieces will do.  Thank you.

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5.05.2014

A Romper in Blush


For Spring and Summer, I've been searching high and low for a few rompers to romp around in for the next 6 months...  My one and only lil altered vintage romper has been wearing down to the seams for the past 2 years so I thought my Tiny Closet was due for a bit of a refresh.  

It's been surprisingly hard to find a romper.  Or maybe I'm just surprisingly picky about rompers.  I suppose I shouldn't take it so seriously, I mean it's Spring and Summer wear - the easiest fashion of the year.  But since I'm showing a lot of skin, I need something that's well-fit and flattering.

And I did manage to spy one oh-so-cute romper while passing through Santee Alley with a bestie who was in town.  After trying it on, I think we made a good call.



It was the wispy light blush color that grabbed me first.  And then the jumbo scalloped edges.  Cute, simple and unique like I like my rompers to be.  Wearing a one piece is always a statement.  No matter how small it may be.  So since it's the focal point, it's got to be chic and individual.

romper: Santee Alley / shoes: CMG / bag: Dooney & Bourke / earrings: Francesca's Closet


Also, last weekend while romping it up, I got a haircut.  I've been yearning for a chic, tidy bob for ages but never thought it was possible because of my natural hair texture.  However, with my new hair routine of sporting more defined curls, I realized I can easily wear a curly bob!  So, before meeting my dad for brunch on Saturday, I got the scissors and my husband helped me cut a nice cropped wedge.  Ah, a fresh new S/S cut!


Here's to a fabulous beginning to the week!  
Hope you're having a great Monday :)   Check out some of the other rompers on my personal favorites list:



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4.10.2014

Festival Shorts

With festival season near, I've been unusually very much in the spirit of its signature fashion.  Being the modern minimalist that I am, I've never really embraced folkloric, bohemian style. That is until time eventually, and inevitably changed my mind... as it tends to do with my tastes in style and fashion.

And very much in the spirit of my own style, I've been dipping my toes in new looks and pieces - tying them in with my Tiny ol' faithfuls.

tee: The Tiny Closet Collection / short: Kukuly / oxfords: CMG / nail color: "Eiffel in Love" L'Oreal 

 These "festival" shorts as I call them, are absolutely fantastic.  And if you follow my Instagrammies, you may have seen these before.  I actually showed them off a couple weeks ago while in the store LOL 

High waist, contoured in the back, colorful with tradition and handmade.  I'm in love.

The Peruvian woman I bought them from owns a store in the Garment District called Kukuly - a store I visit at least once a week to check in on all the treasures she gets, which is a lot of Peruvian styles and accessories.  Le sigh.


With this Summer-like weather we've been suddenly having in L.A., I've been wearing these shorts a lot lately.  I pair them with a cinched chambray or with my new v-neck tees I've been making for myself.  My James Perse collection is rapidly wilting under years of wear so I decided to design and make my own.  A perfect fitting tee that also flatters is incredibly hard to find.  James Perse has been my one-and-only tee soulmate.  And as much as I've been resolved in the past to spend a few hundred on a good collection of his tees, this year I finally made up my mind to design my own.  At a mere fraction of the price.  A fraction of a fraction!

Learn how to sew.  
It will change your world completely.



This chinchilla grey nail color is so classy and posh.  "Eiffel For You" by L'Oreal Paris.  I'd been eyeing it in the drugstore for weeks.  As grey/lavender is my signature nail color, if you dig this shade, you may like this previous post where I'm wearing "Yummy Mummy" by Butter.  So luxe and understated


I'm sorry I've been away recently.  I really don't like not posting but I've been so inspired lately with the 2014 S/S designs and sewing that my passions have been focused there.  I've also been Youtube surfing.  A lot.  Get ready to see more hairstyles, makeup styles and... I'm excited to show you my S/S designs too!  

See you back here on Monday :)
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3.03.2014

A Tiny S/S Wardrobe


With the terrible weather we've had lately, I've been keeping myself inside, bouncing between my sewing machine and my computer.  
While the rain continues to pour, I am getting totally inspired and ramped up for Spring and Summer! 

It's been a full year since I moved to L.A. and after going through all the seasons, I can now predict each (predictable) season going forward.  
It's much easier now as I think up a new arsenal of pieces - plus, I can finally implement a new routine for my Tiny Closet...

I'm reading about it more and more and I thought I'd adopt the concept for myself.  That concept being that with each new item I add to my wardrobe, I will donate an old item that I'm falling out of love with.  So each new article of clothing will replace an older article of clothing.  Anyway, I thought it would be fun to show how collecting a few pieces through each season can still keep my collection small while maintaining endless options for styling!  

Starting with Spring/Summer seasons:


I picked 9 important items to be enjoyed mainly during the Spring and Summer of 2014 (and to be replaced if necessary with new items in the Spring and Summer and of 2015):

1. skirt
2. pants
3. shorts
4. a dress
5 & 6. two pairs of shoes
7. top
8. knit tee
9. jacket

I planned all items to be able to be coordinated with each other.  Each piece is simple, feminine and reflecting Spring.  
Equally important, I wanted each piece to able to be worn casual or cocktail :)  
I chose clothing from Asos.com and Zara for my example just because the price range and styles of both are pretty broad and cover a lot of different occasions.  Next, I made 4 outfits out of the skirt, pants, shorts and skirt.  Check it out!


The LWD...dressed down
Layered with a chambray and cropped twill jacket, I thought I'd pair this dress down even further with a pair of dove grey high tops.  

Even though I created just one outfit revolving around this Zara dress, it can be worn at least a few more different ways just with the other 8 items alone!  
Not counting the rest of a complete wardrobe.  
 Pastel Biker Pants
 I love asymmetric tees - especially when they're paired with skin tight pants.  The dropped back tee from Asos goes perfectly with a pair of sky blue biker pants from Zara's Spring line.  The cropped jacket from Zara will go with everything!
Statement Skirt
 This Zara skirt is so versatile!  It can even be worn with just the cropped jacket buttoned up as a cropped top.  Chambray and twill are naturals together so it only seemed right to have them in a Spring/Summer collection.  Since they're also very simple items, they can be put with statement pieces like this skirt.

Dress Shorts
These fancy asymmetric shorts are a refreshing design and again, can be dressed up and dressed down so easily.  To wear the dropped back tee with these shorts is fun and artistic looking.  Lots of drape!  The cropped jacket is again finding its way into another ensemble - as well as those trusty high tops.

So like I mentioned before, the number of ensembles is surprisingly plentiful when it comes to just 9 items to work with.   Having a visual like this helps me maintain simplicity and my minimalist ways while I begin to refresh my closet.  

Hopefully it will give you some ideas as well of just how many ways you can rock the same things.  Especially when you're shopping for new things!
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1.30.2014

New Special Things



I've been exploring my style lately and playing around with various different versions of it.  This silk top I found at Wasteland has been a very fun new item to pair with my old basics.  With no buttons, it's more of a topper or jacket.  And the cut-out, draped back is really sultry and sophisticated. 


This Chanel hand-me-down from my mother is so cool!  I love the huge letter charms and the 4-leafed clover on it makes the gift extra special.  Like a good luck charm for the new year from my best friend.  It's a beautiful, fun piece that I cherish. 




We found this cute white pick up with a flat on the side of the road in the Art's District and thought it went rather well with the scene and my look :) 


top: Robert Rodriguez (Wasteland) / pants: Santee Alley / heels: Santee Alley / bandeau: Heavenly Couture / bracelet: Chanel

Exploring my own style from different angles is definitely something I'll be doing more regularly.   And it's something I encourage you to do as well!  Why?  Recently, I've been finding it's a way to break out of ruts of comfort zones and also boredom.  I mean you can shop and shop and keep buying the same items and then wonder why nothing in your lil closet excites you.  But by varying the look of your style, choosing pieces you wouldn't normally choose, pairing items differently, while still remaining you and in your style, I believe that can result in owning a truly versatile and diverse wardrobe.  Which is what The Tiny Closet is really all about.


Next week I'll be in a fun little feature that I'm excited to share so come back and visit!
have a fabulous rest of the week!
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9.29.2013

Is It Fall Yet?

I have been waaaaaaaiting to wear my Fall ensembles... but it's not even an option right now.  I broke a sweat just walking down the block to grab lunch earlier.  And sweating in chiffon is the worst.  Bleh!  
I had to change my top to something more cottony for midday - but then I changed back in the early evening when things cooled down.
  
top: Ceelco / shorts: Milky Way / boots: Refresh
(all items purchased on Santee Alley)


I've worn these items all before pretty recently.  Or did you know?  As the newest additions to my Tiny Closet I am already diving into "ensembling" and re-ensembling them one day at a time :)  Like my boots!  I wore them with a tunic a couple weeks ago.  And this chiffon top, I wore with some jeans and wedges.  And then finally these shorts, I wore with high tops and a tank.

Completely different looks with all the same items.  If you're new to my Tiny Closet, welcome!  
Ah, but I'm just getting started.


This has become one of my favorite outfits.  My new shorts together with this top piece and the booties make a very fun and trendy look!  And even though trend is not too important to me, it's fun to play around with of-the-moment styles using pieces that don't lend to the trend by themselves but when put together, make the look.  Love it when I can do that because my little wardrobe wouldn't be so Tiny if I went shopping every time I fancied a fleeting fancy.


So I'll give it a few more weeks for things to get cool and crisp and then it's colored tights, cute jackets and sumptuous long sleeve tops!  Come on, my sweater fabric is collecting dust!  
Until then, I'll be here... transitioning.
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9.20.2013

A Boot For All Seasons (Almost)

One thing I've noticed here in L.A. is boots.

L.A. girls go hard with boots.  More than I've ever really seen before.  Even in the Summer.  It could be 100 degrees outside and girls are rocking boots of all shapes and sizes.  I'm stumped.  Aren't they hot?  

I asked a girl recently, while slowly melting into vapor under a sweltering sunset just how she can wear her super cute pirate boots with her romper...  She hadn't noticed any overheating.  I guess you desert girls are used to it.  So the most sense I can make out of it is that boots are just the thing to wear here no matter how hot it gets.  And for the record it gets frickin' hot here ok?

 I grew up in rain forests and left work early when it hit 70 degrees outside but that's cool, I'll play too.  I got myself a pair of transitional booties.  I'm saving my thigh-high boots for cooler weather, thank you.  But these boots are edgy and non-suffocating for Summer  - and also, more importantly, perfect for Fall.


And I'm back to black leggings.  Ahhhhhh.  I love my fall basics.  And these boots have woven themselves beautifully into my Tiny Closet.  I absolutely love the gold accenting!

 top: Vintage Chic by Grace / leggings: Heavenly Couture / boots: Santee Alley / earrings: Melrose Trading Post
This simple ensemble is effortless, comfortable and... chic maybe?  I'd like to think so anyway :)  But it really is a great Fall staple look.  Staple because I've worn these leggings countless times and this newer linen top, I can wear as a tunic as well as a dress.  Like I did here.


I found these charming earrings while shopping at the Melrose Trading Post last weekend.  You don't even know - this place.... *sigh*  I now have to go every Sunday, I'm addicted.  Excited to show you all the treasures I snatched up!


So be prepared to see these boots with everything I own!  Because they go with everything - as that is the Tiny way.  

And because I'm an L.A. girl now :)

Enjoy your weekend and see ya back here on Monday!
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9.13.2013

Friday Fun

Remember when I was hating on shorts?  Well, while surfing through old style photos of Amber Rose and her crazy self, Beyonce in St Croix or whatever, and hours of Tumblr and Pinterest feeds, I realized...

One thing these women all had in common was the fit of their shorts.
Now I initially assumed it was just the style that was popular to wear but then I realized another thing they all had in common was full thighs and a round butt.  Ahem.

Omg, so I'm like totally like Beyonce. And Amber.  And all these "black girls killin' it".
I've just been doing it wrong.

I always thought since I wasn't a curvy girl, I had to make due with narrow, straight shorts.  Which is why I've avoided shorts almost entirely because I still never fit them well.  
Until I realized I'm actually two body types:  straight and petite up top and curvy on the bottom.

Does anyone else have this condition?
lol

Anyway, on Wednesday, while walking through Santee Alley, I decided to try on the same style shorts.  I tried on some curvy girl shorts at a curvy girl shop that had curvy, full-bottomed models on display (so I knew it was for curvy girls).  The sizing was completely different than what I was used to seeing and everything was streeeeetchy!  
I tried on a pair of shorts and was so pleased with the fit that I made this pose in the mirror.  


I felt so sexy and fresh!  THIS is what I'm supposed to feel like in shorts - not awkward and feeling like I'm another species entirely.

They're stretch, they're cut more like the style of underwear and they are super.duper.short.  Okay?  I was about to wear heels but then I thought, naaaah.  I'm not that much like Beyonce or Amber Rose.


So instead of heels, I slipped on these comfy chic spikey grey high tops.  
I absolutely adore the color.


So I am having lots of fun with these Summery shorts.  Since L.A. is still pretty warm during the days I suspect I'll still be strutting in them through Fall.  
And I'll be delighted to, seeing as how I've waited years for this :)

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9.06.2013

Get Set, Go!

I've always seen September as a symbol for exciting change, focus, and walking the walk that you talked about all Summer.  Maybe because two thirds of my life have been in school or maybe because to me, Fall marks the final stages in a project and the upcoming close of a chapter.

Anyway, whatever it is I've got work to do and it starts.... Now!

swim top: Mossimo / pants: Cinema / belt: Zara Man / flats: Breckell's / sunnies: thrifted

Yesterday, my father came to town for a quick visit.  Because it's been incredibly hot from morning to midnight in L.A. these days, I wore this minimal resort ensemble to have lunch at Bottega Louie.  

There's something about crocodile print leather and swimwear that's just so stylish and fresh!  I jumped at the chance to wear the top from my Mossimo two piece and Theo's belt with my cropped pants all together for a bold look.  All I was missing red lipstick and gold earrings but honestly, details get blurry for me when it's 90 degrees in the shade.  This outfit was very minimal. 


Over pasta and pizza, like clockwork dad and I talked about my plans for the future.  I usually have exciting things on the horizon that I'm always planning or hoping for 
but this time, I had a map and a strategy.   Impressive, huh pops?

On Monday, I will be announcing one exciting event I am preparing for so definitely come and visit me again to check out the awesome news!  
Until then, I hope September has started off to be a good one for you and have a fabulous weekend!
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9.03.2013

Quickie

Labor Day festivities have had me going in all directions these days.  I was so disappointed I couldn't post last Friday but the holidays do tend to sweep me up into a cloud of activities and obligations.  So sorry about that :(


This is just a quickie from yesterday.  Our rooftop pool area was repainted a bright, ultra-reflecting white.  So tanning has gone from a subtle color change to major tan lines.  
The sun has been blisteringly hotttt lately and I have been absolutely loving it.  

Unlike my traumatizing Summers back in New York where as soon as I stepped outside, I felt like I was stepping into a hot, goopy jambalaya, the desert heat here in California is dry and searing.  Whew!  

Mama like.

sizzle sizzle

These last few days have made almost a sparkly glow on my skin, which is getting super dark and bronzy!  
I plan to talk about this later along with some other fun topics that I've received a lot of requests about.

So keep stopping by this week as I'll be 
updating soon!!
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8.28.2013

A His Shirt For Her

I've always loved the look of a woman in a man's white business shirt.  

Problem is, after several unsuccessful attempts over the years to replicate the look as an effortlessly sexy single piece (arms way too wide, collar not complimenting, shirt body too short for my abnormally long torso, etc...) I decided that perhaps my non-Julie Roberts measurements just didn't fit the look.  

That is until I found this men's shirt inspired linen button up.  
For women :)


And it's fit for petite women to boot!  Ah, a one piece "men's shirt" with heels finally accomplished. And you know how I feel about one pieces!

 
top: Vintage Chic by Grace (Lida Baday) / sandals: Nine West / earrings: Cinema / scarf: vintage

This top I found at my most favorite vintage boutique in Studio City, Vintage Chic by Grace.  I adore every personally handpicked item that stylish woman sells.  What a treat it is to shop there!   


The long slits on the sides of the shirt make it sexy and breezy for Summer.  And easy to transition into Fall as it's perfect to pair with pants or some chic leggings.

I am also excited to bring these big gold earrings into Fall as well.  So many plans for this upcoming season, ladies!!!!!


But for now, I am loving the closing of Summer, my new hue, bare legs and upcoming Labor Day activities!  ...and privately trying out new hairstyles for Fall and Winter...  

Excited to show and tell!
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8.26.2013

The Skirt: A Cure For The Common Day

Think about your most drab, casual, errand-running outfit...  Now replace the bottoms with a skirt.  

Better, right?

top: Zara / skirt: The Tiny Closet / flats: Breckell's / earrings: Tory Burch / bag: Banana Republic

A skirt is perfect for upscaling my tendency to dress too casually in my day to day life.  When I made this one in particular, I'd planned for it to be a chic, fashionable item to run errands in.  Just a casual day skirt that I could pop on with any of my tees and go.  But I hadn't guessed just how much of an upgrade it would be!  


Skirts are one of the most versatile articles of clothing 
a woman can own. 

But until now, I'd never really paid attention to what an aid they are when I've got more important things to think about than trying to look presentable before running off to Costco and then to the bank. 


So on those days when I find myself in a ragged tee, frumpy cutoffs and Chucks, I'll promptly kick off the cutoffs, pull on a skirt, smile and go!
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