Polka dot blouse: ElaineJane Designs; Shorts: Forever 21; Hat: Target; Sunglasses: H&M; Wedge sandals: Ross

Just a few photos from my birthday morning, spent wine tasting, a few weeks back. (Not a bad way to spend your birthday morning, right?) We headed to my favorite winery in the whole world, Guglielmo. It’s not just the best wine, but the best people too. I tell my boyfriend it’s “my happy place.” The weather was actually warm that day (like it should be) so I happily jumped into a pair of white shorts, and the blouse I’m wearing is an ElaineJane Design gifted from my mom for my birthday.

Me and my best friend outside Guglielmo on a lovely day in May

The blouse is a silky beige polyester crepe with white polka dots and it ties at the neck into a floppy bow. Looking at the fabric instantly reminded me of the beige polka dot dress Julia Roberts wears in Pretty Woman. Amazing. (P.S. If you’d like your own blouse, like the one above, we have an Etsy store now! Just click on the button “Shop ElaineJane Designs” at the top right, and request a custom order!)

I’m going on a birthday getaway to Big Sur, CA this weekend, and I’m counting down the minutes until ocean views and relaxation. I’ve been mentally packing for this trip for weeks now, anticipating warm weather and a bag full of cute summer clothes. My boyfriend and I are camping near the beach, so I’ve narrowed down a few of my beach must-haves for the trip. Here they are, along with a few photos from the last time I visited Big Sur:

1. Maxi dress, Victoria Secret – $39.50

2. Denim cut-offs, AE – $24.95

3. Sheer top, Lulu’s – $35

4. Strappy wedge sandals, Forever 21 – $25.80

5. Yellow romper, eDressMe – $75

6. Straw tote, Mudd Pie – $44

7. Blue polka dot bikini, Target – $29.98

What are some of your beach must-haves?

Lace blouse: Express; Vest: William Rast; Skirt: ElaineJane Designs; Wedge sandals: Ross; Bag: Vintage Perlina

I’m loving the lace trend this spring. I’ve been gravitating towards anything with lace and I love mixing it with different styles and textures. A little bit of lace can dress up an outfit, give a feminine, antique feel and it will always be a classic staple in your wardrobe. Not to mention, if anyone can prove that lace is gorgeous, it’s Princess Catherine, showing off those royal lace sleeves on her wedding gown with such grace and elegance that it would surely make any girl wish for more lace in her closet.

You know what else I’m loving right now? My much-needed blog makeover courtesy of the talented Caitlin Nevitt! Thank you Caitlin!!!

Blouse: bebe; Snakeskin skirt: ElaineJane Designs; Shoes: DSW; Belt: vintage

I mentioned in this post that mixing and not matching is a struggle for me. I styled this outfit with the “mix not match” trend in mind. I felt like the grays and blacks in the snakeskin print skirt complemented the grays and blacks in the striped blouse. I added a silver belt and silver heels as a metallic neutral that would tie it all together. This outfit was a stretch for me, but I have to say, when it was on, it seemed to work. What do you think? Would you pair snakeskin with stripes?

This past weekend I was lucky enough to attend the Charity Fashion Show 2011 in San Francisco. I wanted to share some of my favorite looks from the runway. There were so many fantastic designs in the show so it was hard to choose favorites.

Victoria Tik: CEO & Designer for Frock Los Angeles with Vanessa Curry: The Pussycat Dolls

I was able to chat with Victoria Tik, the CEO and designer from Frock Los Angeles, a “California based fashion design house that is dedicated to creating sustainable women’s garments that feel as good as they look.” And it’s true. Her designs were as effortlessly beautiful as she was.

Victoria graduated from UC Berkeley and went on to pursue her love of fashion and design. She mentioned that she was one of those 5-year-old girls who would have to get up in the morning and pick out her own outfit for school. (Glad to know I’m not the only one who insisted on this as a little girl.)  Vanessa Curry is seen wearing the white dress above, which is one of the Frock Los Angeles designs. Gorgeous! And, stay tuned for a “Designer Spotlight” interview with Victoria on Chrissy’s Closet!

Some other featured designers were Winter Kate (Nicole Richie’s line), Kittinhawk, Ragdoll Designs (the lovely lace dresses above), and even GAP made it on the runway! Also, my favorite vintage store, Empire Vintage Clothing (mentioned in this post) styled the accessories for the show with items from their store! You can find the complete list of designers who participated in the event here.

All in all, after two glorious hours of fashion, I have to say the “biggest fashion show on the West Coast” held up to its name. I can’t wait to see what’s next for all the local designers from the show, and I’m definitely proud to rep the Bay Area fashion scene.

Jacket: Vintage; Dress: Forever 21; Heels: Ross; Bag (not shown): Vintage Perlina

This past weekend I attended the Charity Fashion Show in San Francisco! More details (and pics from the runway) coming soon. But for now, here’s a peek at my outfit.

Necklace: Forever 21; Bracelets: Tiffany's chain and vintage cuff; White watch: Thrifted

The boyfriend and I were lucky enough to sit front row! And to top it off, we had awesome goodie bags waiting on our chairs!

It was a great event to benefit a great cause – The Princess Project. Stay tuned for more details about the show.

Photo courtesy of thechicfashionista.com

Mixing various patterns has been a rising fashion trend since at least 2007, but this spring it’s looking hotter than ever.

In 2007, I was studying in France and my roommate, Jordan (who is originally from Toronto), was the first to explain to me the chicness of not matching. My outfits would fall in line with belts, shoes, various accessories, and even my purse, all matching in color. If I could, I would even throw on a jacket in a similar shade.

As we were leaving our apartment one night, for an evening filled with champagne and dancing in smoky French clubs, I was dressed in a black cocktail dress with red heels, a red belt, a small red purse, and even a red bangle bracelet. Jordan demanded a re-do, changing out my red shoes and purse for other bright colors while adding a striped cardigan. And when the outfit was styled, it actually worked.

So, since 2007 I’ve been working on my comfort zone when it comes to fashion and not matching, and if there is ever a time to color outside the lines with patterns, prints and shades, it’s this spring.

For those who are also fearful to color outside the lines, and don’t want to look like you’ve gotten dressed in the dark, there is a way to make this trend look polished.

Mixing something like navy and white polka dots with a brown and black leopard print wouldn’t be the first match to come to my mind, but I’ve actually seen this combo work (with fashion blogger BEE from Atlantic-Pacific as the perfect example).

I think the key with mixing these patterns is to find a way to tie it all together. If you take a navy and white polka dot blouse and pair it with a leopard mini skirt, add a leopard neck tie to complete the look, and keep your shoes, belt and purse in a neutral, uniform color like black.

If you want to mix floral prints with stripes or patterns, you can have the pattern combinations in the same color family, or in complementing shades, for a look that makes not matching look planned. Throw on a blazer in a navy or black to tie together the different prints and patterns, add a cinched belt and some heels, and you’ve just mis-matched perfectly!

What do you think? Will you be trying the mix not match trend this spring?

1. Polka dot blouse, Tilly’s Boutique

2. Black and white patterned skirt, Forever 21

3. Patterned blouse, Target

4. Leopard skirt, DKNY

5. Thigh-high socks, American Apparel

6. Suede platform heels, Steve Madden

High waist flare jeans: 7 For All Mankind, Blouse: Vintage, Brown cage heels: Ross (For 99 cents! I kid you not), Belt: Borrowed from boyfriend

I styled this outfit with the high-waist, flare jeans trend in mind. I kept the colors neutral with browns and grays, added some gold jewelry, and as a bonus, my ruffled blouse is even vintage straight from the ’70s! I found the blouse for only $17 at a great vintage store in Palo Alto, CA: Empire Vintage Clothing. (I’ll post a  feature on this great vintage store soon!)

The denim shirt above, at only $9.98, was basically a steal from Target. Making a comeback after its height in the late 80s, I’m seeing the denim shirt trend everywhere and love the style combinations it inspires. I just have one styling rule: don’t pair your denim shirt with denim jeans.

4-in-1: Denim Shirt

Since moving in with my (amazing) boyfriend, there’s only one thing I wish I could change: our closet space. Before attempting to combine our wardrobes, my closet was already hopelessly stuffed, with each item of clothing wedged so tightly next to one another that every piece literally had to be yanked out. I tried (really, I did) to downsize, which then left him space to hang three things in the closet.

As we set up a garment rack in the laundry room for him, I’ll admit it crossed my mind that I may have too many clothes. Or maybe just a really small closet? So, in an effort to curb my shopping addiction, my boyfriend offered up a challenge: If I buy an item of clothing, I have to justify the purchase by being able to wear it at least 4 different ways with things I already own.

Surprisingly, after hearing this, instead of collapsing in horror while clutching various garments to my chest as I cried out for the mercy of a lighter sentence, I stood mesmerized with admiration. What a great idea! Why hadn’t I thought of that?

This new challenge has brought an added thrill to the chase. Shopping has a newfound excitement. Instead of just grabbing the denim shirt and racing to the register, shopping is now more meaningful. I have to style the shirt, creating multiple looks with things I already own. Suddenly, shopping is inspiring me to be more inventive, creative, and resourceful. I’m hungry for the next item to style 4 different ways, and am constantly searching for that perfect addition my wardrobe so desperately needs.

I don’t know if this “challenge” has turned out exactly as he planned, but I am definitely motivated by this new reason to shop! Stay tuned for more 4-in-1 outfit posts!

The Biker Trend

The day has come for Hells Angels to rejoice! Rugged and masculine, with strong hints of danger and undertones of grunge, the biker look is one of the hottest trends for spring 2011.

The fashion experts seem to agree that military is out, and biker is in. The leather trend has been showing up for a few seasons, but now leather has even more edge.

Biker jacket

The motorcycle jacket is the key piece for this trend, so if you can only afford to get one item this season, go for a short leather jacket. But not just any leather jacket. This motorcycle jacket needs to be loud, with plenty of zippers, chains and embellishments to complete the look. And if it’s not black? Even better.

Balmain has created what I think is the dream motorcycle jacket for my wardrobe. Unfortunately, my dream motorcycle jacket is worth about 4 times more than my car, but hey, a girl can dream, right?

For those of us who can’t afford Balmain, Forver 21 always has the fashionista on a budget covered with a twill motorcycle jacket, asymmetrical moto jacket, modern moto jacket and “suedette” moto jacket.

Biker pants

You’re not the only one who is scared of those two words. But I have to say, when done right, these pants aren’t too overwhelming. With mesh side panels, exposed zippers and plenty of detail, these pants are sure to draw attention, but what’s so bad about that? If you decide to go for the biker pants just make sure to keep the rest of the look toned down. Pair the pants with a tunic or comfortable t-shirt, and some heels.

If the pants are too much for you to handle, go for a leather pencil skirt with exposed zippers or other detailing. You’ll get the biker message across but the skirt will pair easily with blouses, t-shirts, and camisoles, and depending on your office dress code, could even be worn to work.

Biker boots

Have some fun with biker-inspired boots. Find a pair that have a few military-like accents, but with exposed zippers and belted cuffs. These boots can be worn with leggings and t-shirts, skirts and tights, or your favorite skinny jeans. You can wear the boots with other motorcycle items to complete the look, or offer a fun contrast of feminine and masculine by pairing them with a flirty floral skirt, silky camisole and a leather jacket. Right now I’m in love with the Report “maiden” ankle boots.

Now it’s time to take that tough and sexy new outfit for a night on the town.

1. Balmain motorcycle jacket

2. Forever 21 asymmetrical moto jacket

3. Robert Rodriguez biker pants

4. Urban Outfitters faux leather skirt

5. Report “maiden” ankle boot