Carilyn Vaile

I was  always skeptical of those clothes that you could supposedly wear 10 different ways. How could one dress be worn as a skirt, a top, and pants???? Skeptical until I discovered Carilyn Vaile! Carilyn IS California style. She creates pieces for the every day woman who is on the go. Her clothes are versatile, comfortable and low maintenance. She designs with multi-functionality in mind, a skirt that can become a dress or pants that can be worn as a cocktail worthy jumpsuit in just 30 seconds.  Not only can you wear her pieces in multiple ways but they are extremely stylish too! Available at Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdales, be sure to check out her website - carilynvaile.com. 1 piece …. 10 different ways??  Who would of thought…

Norma Kamali for Everlast Stirrup Pant

Digging through my mom’s pile of clothing for the Goodwill, I was horrified to find not one but two ancient pairs of stirrup pants. Hideous as they are, however, here’s the argument for stirrup pants: I cannot tuck any pair of pants I own into my boots, and I could do it with stirrup pants. I mean, I wore them (in pink and purple) when I was in elementary school, right? How terrible could they be? Test this theory with the Norma Kamali for Everlast poly/spandex pair on sale for $115.50 and let me know.

Sanctuary of Style

For years, I have been a fan of Sanctuary pants, shorts and jackets. They perfectly embody California-chic, and the clothes always fit well and have lovely, unique details. I’m not alone, either. Celebs like Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry, Hilary Duff, and Mischa Barton have all been spotted wearing Sanctuary. Now I am thrilled to report they have expanded their line and are carrying some amazing dresses and shirts! I am head over heels in love with the Dolly Girl Sleeveless Top (above) and the Plaid Smocked Babydoll (below), both $129 at REVOLVE Clothing.com.

Capri pants: yes, you can pull it off

Capri pants – tight fitting pants that reach to mid-calf - made their first appearance in the late 50s. These days, capris come in many styles and lengths. Capris are a great choice for summer - they are comfortable, versatile, and for most women – more flattering than shorts.

The most flattering Capri pants follow your body’s curves and are cut straight or with a slight flare at the bottom. Tapered styles will make your thighs look bigger. Length is important too: the ideal length is mid-calf – these Joie capris ($150) are just perfect: easy, lightweight and flattering.

Shorter, tapered styles, like this one by So Low ($75, black or gray) tend to be less flattering, unless you have shapely, slender legs and slim thighs.

Karl, Chanel feeling cheeky.

Oh, to have thighs that would look good in sequined hot pants. According to the BadFads Museum, before hot pants hit the scene in the 70’s, they were all the rage among European prostitutes. Of course only Karl could make the cheek-baring shorts chic. Only Karl could make me yearn for the legs to pair them with a white button down, cotton cardi or the perfect printed blazer. I have seen them in person as I packed up bags for a photo shoot at a certain high profile mag; and as scant as they seem on the runway, there isn’t much more to them in person. Just stretchy black sequins, barely enough to cover my buns. Oh Karl, you’re so cruel.