Clothes Horse NYC

I'M LOVIN' IT

2013-05-23T23:15:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day weekend is upon us AKA the unofficial start of Summer and I'm 100% into it.
There's something about this time of year that makes my shoulders lower and assures me that it's time to have a margarita and enjoy the good life!

A fitted leather jacket (or vegan leather) is definitely a Clotheshorse NYC, cool-girl, wardrobe staple.
This one makes me wanna sing the Mickey D's theme song a little.
It's that good.
Badabababa!

TOV leather jacket (avail at Library in L.A. or similar one here for $498) Lulus pencil skirt (sold out but yellow one here for $110) Pixies Death t-shirt ($19) Jewelry from Alexis Bittar, Ariel Gordon, Candy Shop Vintage and Vintage chain belt worn as necklace (also LOVE this one for $165) JCrew slingbacks ( sold out similar here for $315)

#CHNYC ON INSTAGRAM

2013-05-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

Like many of us I have become a bit obsessed with the photo sharing site Instagram. There is simply no better way to celebrate the little moments in life that make us laugh and smile. Below are some of my recent Springtime 'grams. Are you following along? I'm @ameliaalvarez XX

Finally got around to painting a chalk board wall in our kitchen. I used Rust-Oleum Chalk Board paint. Shown here with some tears from Heidi Merrick's Spring lookbook. Seriously lusting this dress and those shoes!

I love sharing quotes that inspire me. I found this one to be particularly true. Love your life and live it the way you want to!

A behind the scenes shot of me filming 90210. I totally adored my costume and the wardrobe stylist who put me in it. Next stop...Mad Men!

A fun blogger brunch at the Fig and Olive with Grasie and Taye.

Both the house and the van have won themselves a spot on my vision board! I love Orange!

Showing off my new silk, woven bracelet from Ariel Gordon. I'm getting into the arm party look this Spring.

Buttermilk waffle at the Urth Cafe solo on a Tuesday morning, perfect way to start the day!

Grasie hosted a fun event at Ted Baker last week. We're both sort of obsessed with his rompers.

I'm wearing the Aryanna and Grasie is in the Akiva.

I'm expanding my ever-growing photo book collection, this time with Kate Moss and Ryan McGinley. Both look gorgeous displayed in our living room.

Enjoying a Patron and Pineapple poolside at Coachella. I'm wearing a bracelet from BCBG and just realized I'm still rocking this same pedicure! Oops! #embarassed

Unwinding on a Monday night with the newest issue of FOAM magazine and showing off the Dragonfly earrings from Candy Shop Vintage. My friends are so talented!

On top of the world at CLD Style. I love this outfit because it's so simple. Heidi Merrick leather shorts, an Alexander Wang sweatshirt and classic slingbacks. Also my hair looks short in this picture which I find...intriguing.

PLAYING DOWN, DRESSING UP

2013-05-19T21:30:00.002-07:00

Getting dressed up is always the most fun when I can manage to still feel like myself.

One of my secret weapons for this type of dressing is to throw a fitted leather jacket over anything that feels too fancy.

Throwing on your favorite everyday jewelry can also keep an outfit from feeling too precious or done. I love these Gold Dragonfly earrings from Candy Shop Vintage and have been wearing them everyday with sweatshirts and shorts as well as with fancier dresses. They are the perfect combo of Rock and Roll and elegance.

I also like to shake things up with a less obvious shoe.

At first I tried this outfit with metallic high heels but it all felt too matchy/matchy so I went with my favorite snakeskin slingbacks instead.

Last but not least, I love to top off any look with a great pair of Tortoise Shell sunglasses and a classic red lip!

TOV Biker jacket ( also HERE) // BCBG dress // Loeffler Randall clutch ( similar HERE ) // Candyshop Vintage earrings c/o // Ray Ban sunnies // Alexis Bittar cocktail ring

SUMMER ESSENTIALS//BEACH

2013-05-17T00:25:00.000-07:00

1/Theodora + Callum scarf ($175) 2/JCrew Panama hat ($58)
3/Elizabeth and James sunnies ($185) 4/Tori Praver swimwear
5/Palmoa Barcelo wedge sandals ($280)
6/Clinique Almost Lipstick in Shy Honey ($15)
7/Kevin Murphy resort spray 8/Couture La La fragrance ($90)

ARE YOU PITUSA?

2013-05-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

Pitusa tank ($58) c/o // vintage Levis // JCrew Army jacket // Shoemint sandals c/o // BCBG bracelet ($48) c/o // Ariel Gordon bracelet ($125) // Alexis Bittar bracelet // vintage silver clutch ($100) // Ray Ban sunnies

MEET MARILYN

2013-05-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

LBD's to me usually mean Fall/Winter but when I saw this sweet little Marilyn dress by Pretty Pistol I knew I had to have it. I paired it with flat sandals, pearls and a ponytail for my friend's bridal shower this weekend.

If you're a traditionalist or a stickler for season appropriate dressing the Marilyn is also available in white!

xx,

Pretty Pistol dress c/o // Shoemint sandals c/o // Ariel Gordon chain bracelet // BCBG studded bracelet // Tous clutch c/o // Trina Turk sunnies

COMING ATTRACTIONS

2013-05-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

This week I was the guest of IHPR and had the pleasure of previewing the Fall Collections from some of my favorite brands like Michael Stars ( hands down the best T-shirts ) as well as discovering some great new designers like Raquel Allegra and Melissa by Beckley.
Here's what I was feelin'

Maya Brenner makes the absolute best "everyday jewelry" as my sister would say.

I obviously need this Bi-Coastal necklace in gold, but you can pick any state, astrological sign or loved ones initial to represent. I might even do a throwback to the M.D. y'all!

I was also digging these jeans by Jet Denim. I'm feeling like I need to overhaul my entire denim collection this year and these would be perfect with a white t-shirt and flat sandals for Sunday brunch. Jet also has some bad ass bomber jackets that I would rock out with a pencil skirt and heels.

Beckley by Melissa had some stand-out pieces like this leather tunic. I would wear it with denim cut-offs and stilletos for a girls night out.

Raquel Allegra is Clotheshorse NYC approved!
This bleached out miniskirt is perfect and
I love the luxe tie dye sweatshirt, I would wear it to the beach in Montauk and then dress it up with a leather skirt for fashion week. Actually all of her pieces could go beach to city easy.
Super versatile cool girl brand!

This Jewelmint dagger pendant has been a go-to for me this Spring and I love how affordable it is.

Sienna Miller's manicurist was in the house and hooked me up with this dope NARS x Pierre Hardy mani. You can buy and DIY or take the awesome color combos to your local salon for a fresh Summer look.
Not gonna lie...I was already stopped in Gelson's regarding this nail color.

Details on the rest of my outfit below.

Thanks to the sweet girls at IHPR for inviting me to preview.
xx,
AA

Pitusa tank ($58) c/o // Lulus skirt ($34) // JCrew slingbacks // Jewelmint necklace ($29) c/o

CALI SPRING, CALI BEACH

2013-05-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

The crazy things we do for love... For example, we spend most Saturdays in the LBC (that's Long Beach California for my readers who don't speak Snoop) because there is an off-leash dog beach there. I'd rather be in Malibu but Sidney goes gaga for the ocean, sand, and a few hours of freedom.

Seeing him happy makes me happy too.

Speaking of happy, I just discovered this great, little brand from Miami called Pitusa. Pitusa means "crazy, little girl" in Spanish and the clothing line is "high quality garments dedicated to Comfort, Coziness and Color for the neon gypsy princess!"

I like absolutely everything about that sentence!

And I love this super soft caftan so much that I wore it all day Saturday.

I think it would be the perfect gift for an expectant mother because it's easy and chic and offers plenty of room to grow.

I'm also wearing the Shyla bikini top from Tori Praver Swimwear.

For more things fun + festive check out designer Jenni Kayne's Cinco De Mayo party!

Pitusa Abaya c/o // JCrew panama hat // Rainbow sandals // D'Andrea clutch // Alexis Bittar bracelet // Trina Turk sunnies

DATE NIGHT STYLE/BALL GAME

2013-05-05T20:21:00.001-07:00

A Dodgers game is the perfect excuse to eat hot dogs and nachos and not be judged.

So of course it's at the top of my list for Summer date nights!

Double fisting a giant hot dog and a beer can look cute when you're wearing something pretty so I'll be rocking this sweet, little eyelet tank dress with my ballcap.

xx,

1//Madison Marcus lace tank dress ($228) 2// NY ball cap ($49) 3// Michael Kors watch ($225) 4// Samudra Rocky Point pouch ($65) 5// Pyramid ring ($125) 6// Vic Italy sandals ($273)

LADIES WHO LUNCH

2013-05-02T22:44:00.004-07:00

I love me a tasting menu and I love me a nice ladies luncheon so it was just delightful to be invited to Fig & Olive in West Hollywood this week to sample their Summer menu with Grasie and Taye.
There is truly no better way to catch up with girlfriends than over Cucumber Cosmos in a sun drenched dining room and no better reason to dress up! I decided on a very ladylike outfit and it seemed like people really appreciated the effort. I guess it isn't everyday that you see a gal in a knee length skirt, heels and hat on the streets of Los Angeles.

Heidi Merrick Astor Top // Jcrew skirt - similar ($248) and panama hat ($58) // Shoemint Karen slingbacks ($79) // D'Andrea clutch ($195) // Alexis Bittar cuff

I had to dash before the entrees arrived but I can say with authority that Fig & Olive has the best crostinis and Tuna Carpaccio in town.

Can't wait for our next visit!

XX,

HAPPY TRAILS

2013-04-30T23:22:00.000-07:00

I ran into Jacey aka the Damsel in Dior wearing this Trail top at the Lucky FABB convention and I just wanted to rip it off her cute, little body.

So I decided to pay Mrs. Heidi Merrick a visit at her downtown studio and scoop one up for me-self.

I have to say I have not regretted this buy for one iota of a second. It's turned out to be the perfect piece for Spring. I can wear it buttoned up as a blouse or thrown over a dress with some moto boots come sundown.

I'm thinking this Summer it will become my go-to beach cover up.

Thanks for dreaming her up Mrs. Merrick!

xx,

Heidi Merrick Trail Top ($380) // Michael Stars tank // Charlotte Ronson leather skirt // JCREW slingbacks // BCBG bracelet

WEDDING STYLE/ CAMARILLO, CA

2013-04-28T23:13:00.000-07:00

I love weddings.

The eating, the dancing, the flowers, the toasts!

My blogger buddy Grasie of Style Me Grasie is getting married in Camarillo, CA this June and I couldn't be more excited.

Our rsvp has been mailed which means next on the list is what to wear.

I love this short sleeve column dress from LA designer Jenni Kayne, in fact I'm a little obsessed with it.

Below is how I'd complete the look.

1/Jenni Kayne column dress ($795) 2/Warby Parker everett sunnies ($150) 3/Alexander Wang Angelika heel ($625) 4/Loeffler Randall lock clutch ($295) 5/Stella and Dot stone ring ($39) 6/Stella and Dot rhea bangles ($79)

LEATHER SHORTS IN THE LADIES ROOM

2013-04-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

On Thursday two bloggers were spotted in Los Angeles taking photos in the ladies room of a very private club. #sshhhh I'm wearing the definitive leather shorts of my life. Period. The end. I love them so much. Leather shorts and slingback heels are my go-to way to look laidback and sexy which is usually the goal if I'm dressing up. Just rolled out of bed hair, natural make-up and a sophisticated amount of skin showing. Basta! You're done.

Photos by wacky fashion maven and new bff Taye Hanesberry of Stuff She Likes.

xx,

Heidi Merrick mussell shorts ($195)//JCREW blouse similar//JCREW slingbacks similar//ZARA blazer similar// Sunnies similar

I LOVE LA

2013-04-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

And I was jumping for joy when I heard that Clotheshorse NYC had been named one of Lucky Magazines LA style bloggers to bookmark now

I also love the irony, that Clotheshorse NYC has become an LA blog.

Has anyone been reading since the NYC days??

I hope I'm still entertaining and that I haven't totally lost my edge.

I am fairly sure that LA is making me soft.

But it's a good soft.

I feel nice and lucky

To be leading this west coast life.

xx,

UP HIGH FOR THE HIGH/LOW

2013-04-21T22:26:00.000-07:00

Use Promo code RACHEL20 for 20% off at Shoemint.com

If I've learned anything from Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen it's...

A) To start a multi-million dollar company while I'm still in Pampers.

B) To drink giant cups of coffee before and after yoga.

C) A good wardrobe is always made up of wearable pieces in a high/low mix.

D) This is a trick question because I've learned all of these things from the Olsens.

If you anwsered D you are obviously right ~~a genius~~.

I like to invest in timeless pieces, things that are unbelievably unique or could be worn a multitude of ways like this Kanji top which I've been wearing a lot because it's the perfect sheer Spring blouse.

But I think it's better to save when you are buying a trend piece like neon jeans for example.

That's my own little philosophy anyway.

To that end I was stoked when Shoemint asked me to pick some favorites from their Spring 13' line sheets.

I had so much fun styling them and I was excited to find these orange heels that look a lot like some pricey L.K.Bennett's I was lusting after last Summer. It's crazy how I'm a grown ass woman and still feel a bit awkward in high heels which makes no sense because they make my legs look skinnier and also make me feel somehow prettier.

So even though I sort of felt like I was a walking minotaur in these, I also felt awesome and I'm going to once again make a resolution to wear.heels.more.often.

What's your minotaur moment? Aka what's that fashion moment you are dying to try but feeling a little reluctant about? To quote my good friend Drew Barrymore "Life's too short not to be bold."

XX,

Kanji Top//American Eagle Jeans -similar//Shoemint Heels// Loeffler Randall Clutch

Jewelmint Ring

SMOG SHOPPE//STANCE SOCKS

2013-04-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday night at the Smog Shoppe in Culver City, you could find bloggers like me and Natalie Off Duty plus surfers, skaters, punks and poets all there to celebrate the Stance Socks Holiday collection.
You know I love my Stance Socks, but I was also excited to check out Smog Shoppe because it's solar powered and one of the most sustainable event spaces in America.

There were all the trappings of a perfect party - pizza, margaritas, a photo booth and a DJ -
Oh, and we all left with cooler socks!

IN FULL BLOOM

2013-04-16T22:26:00.000-07:00

JCREW Panama Hat // Heidi Merrick Kanji top

True Religion shorts - c/o // Mr. Player wallet - c/o

Banana Republic sandals - similar

I for one have been feeling a little pep in my step this week and I think it has something to do with the arrival of Spring. Oh yes! I'm definitely starting to feel that good, Spring ju-ju!
We'll just overlook that it's been chillier than normal here in LALA.

In my desire to entice the Spring/Summer goddess further I threw on my new denim cut offs, Panama hat and sandals ( oh my!) for this outfit post. I'm also rocking a blouse by Heidi Merrick and this amazing leather wallet/clutch.
I met Nicole and Rachel from D'Andrea handbags at the Lucky FAAB West event and I was thrilled when they sent me over one of their impossibly luxe and incredibly practical wallets.
And when Rachel told me their bags are made from Italian leather and assembled right here in the USofA well that was just the icing on the cake.

XX,

COACHELLA ROADTRIP

2013-04-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

True Religion X Flaunt Magazine Brunch

I'm a festival girl, or I was when I lived on the East Coast, but I've never been within the fences of the biggest music festival in America.

But at Coachella there are as many great parties as there are bands playing.

This weekend I painted the towns of Indio and Palm Springs red with my blogger buds Taye from Stuff She Likes and Grasie from Style Me Grasie.

On Saturday morning we hit the road in search of fun, sun and cocktails.

What you see here is my photo diary in Polaroids.

Which, if you ask me, is arguably the best form of photography.

xx,

BAM! We made it

I picked up this JCrew hat on Friday and it saved my butt all weekend long.

Sun damage is not cute y'all!

Sampling some True Religion denim cut-offs after brunch

Peace, love and waiting in line at #LacosteLive.
I'm wearing Element Eden shorts and a Heidi Merrick top.

Girls just wanna have fun and we did. See you next year Indio.

THE CALM BEFORE THE COACHELLA STORM

2013-04-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

Outtakes from Pfeiffer Beach.

I'm off for some Coachella madness. It's my first time ever!

Very exciting.

Follow along on instagram @ameliaalvarez

AIRSTREAM TRAILER GLAMPING

2013-04-12T09:35:00.002-07:00

Me in our teeny, tiny home-away from home.

We spent Easter weekend glamping in an Airstream trailer deep in the mountains of Big Sur.

It seemed appropriate since Big Sur is one of those places that God, The Universe, etc. seems to inhabit more actively than say, Hollywood Blvd.

It was my first trip up Highway 1 and luckily the California coastline did not disappoint.

The incredible view from a trail at the Post Ranch Inn.

The tasting menu at Sierra Mar.

Another? Sure, why not.

EAT

On Saturday we had lunch at Sierra Mar, the restaurant attached to the Post Ranch Inn (I plan to stay here when I'm rich and famous) if you don't want to break the bank on accommodations I highly suggest coming here for the lunch or dinner tasting menu. I also highly suggested doing the wine pairing which even the waiter will tell you gives a proper buzz. It's vacation!

On Sunday we had lunch at Big Sur Bakery which is just the coziest, snuggliest, yummiest place. We also hit this spot up for coffee and pastries on our morning jaunts to Pfeiffer Beach aka my favorite place on the planet earth.

BBQ and a Bluemoon.

STAY

We wanted to bring our pup on this particular adventure so after doing some research we settled on Glamping.

Having the option to cook on our own gas grill, take hot outdoor showers and fall asleep to the sound of rain hitting the roof of our little Airstream trailer made the weekend even more secluded and romantic.

BYOCC (bring your own coconut creamer)

TAKE AWAY

We scored some fun and camp friendly enamelware from the River Village Inn deli. Mark had been wanting those old fashioned tin mugs and I have to say that it did feel rustic to drink from them around the fire pit.
Also Big Sur soaps. They are divine (especially in an outdoor shower). I may have bought ten.

Thanks to NEFF for the awesome headwear!

Hope this inspires you to take a mini-break somewhere you've been wanting to go.

xx,

STRAPPY GOLD HEELS: SUNDAY IN LOS FELIZ

2013-04-08T09:16:00.001-07:00

Heidi Merrick Trail shirt and Vegan leather shorts

BCBG gold strappy heels

Vintage clutch

Ray Ban sunnies

Jewelmint and Alexis Bittar bracelets

I've fallen hard for this Trail shirt by Heidi Merrick. Like, "Been wearing it for three days straight hard". I wore it as a shirt here with black vegan leather shorts and gold strappy heels but I also threw it over dresses and tops this weekend as a light jacket.

If we're talking about what makes a truly exceptional piece I think versatility is key. Also it has to play nice with everything else in my closet. Done and done.

Haven't bought an investment piece like this in awhile and I wouldn't trade it for all the fast fashion in the world.

xx,

PFEIFFER BEACH

2013-04-05T09:08:00.005-07:00

I love me a good cable knit sweater and I think a navy blue or white version in cotton is a beach essential. Actually just a travel essential. It's a totally unexciting piece but one that I always feel like wearing no matter where I am. This sweater has been to Marfa, Montauk, Big Sur and NYC in the last twelve months.

Weird but sometimes utilitarian things are just the shit.

JCrew used to make good cable knits but it looks like all they have now is cashmere.

When did JCrew get so bougie?

We shot this at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur last weekend.

Pfeiffer Beach has quickly become one of my top five places in the world!

There is simply no better place to throw a stick for the dog while drinking coffee and getting an ocean facial. If you enjoy these things I highly suggest you plan a weekend here.

I'm headed to Lucky FAAB conference for the second day today and I have to say the event has exceded my expectations.

And I haven't even gotten the gift bag yet.

But I have met some really cool girls and gotten some great advice.

Next week I'll share my Big Sur travel diary with some tips on where to stay and what to eat.

Hope to see you then.

xx,

Element Eden Shorts -c/o

Stance Socks - c/o

Olukai boots - c/o

JCrew sweater

Vintage leather jacket

BIG SUR GETAWAY

2013-04-01T10:08:00.001-07:00

Element Eden Fable dress - c/o

vintage Levis denim jacket - similar

Stance socks - c/o

Olukai boots - c/o

We just got back from one of my favorite trips ever! On Friday we drove up the coast of California aka Highway 1 and spent the weekend Glamping in a teeny tiny Airstream trailer in the mountains.

I packed just my amazing Olukai boots as footwear. I have to really sing their praises here because in the space of a month I took them to NYC and now the mountains and their versatility is starting to astound me.

Also thanks to ele ment eden for the cute Fable dress!

Now back to real life which unfortunately doesn't involve hot outdoor showers, nightly S'mores and breathtaking views but is pretty awesome nonetheless.

xx,

LITERALLY OBSESSED.

2013-03-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

Sugarlips dress - c/o

Ebay scored Biker jacket - similar

Jewelmint bracelet

Stance socks Durango - c/o

JCrew oxfords

We all have something we're obsessed with. For me, it's jackets. They are the thing I am consistently drawn to and that I frequently have to stop myself from buying. For other people it's shoes. Weirdly I often have to remind myself to buy shoes. It's like shoes are too utilitarian for me to become obsessed with. Plus all the best ones are so expensive. It's a hard purchase to justify. For instance I was in Barney's COOP yesterday and saw these and loved them but it's going to take a minute for me to pull the trigger on a $700.00 pair of shoes even though I'm sure once I had them I would love them.

But jackets are somehow different.

Having a bit of foresight with any trend can definitely save you time and money. For example a few years ago I saw someone (probably Alexa Chung or Emmanuelle Alt) wearing a great biker jacket. The trend hadn't hit yet so I knew if I got on Ebay I could track one down.

Sure enough I found a woman in the Midwest who had just survived a brief romance with one of the Hells Angels. When the relationship was over so was her need for a biker jacket. In I came like the little consignment angel I am and took it off her hands. She charged me next.to.nothing and even threw in her leather biker vest to boot!

The jacket sat in my closet for several years worn infrequently and a few times I considered selling it. Then a few weeks ago we were headed to a dinner downtown and I had on a long skirt and a cashmere turtleneck and I heard the biker jacket calling to me from the hall closet.

I slipped it on and boy did it feel oh-so-right.

I asked my husband and he concurred.

Since then it's been a non-stop love affair. And what was the genius Bill Cunningham's column about in the Times last Sunday? Why all the lovely ladies in Paris doning biker jackets at the Paris shows of course.

Sometimes the slow burn is the best, right?

Happy weekend lovers.

What are you up to? I'm headed up Highway 1 for my first time driving up the California coast and I couldn't be more excited. See you all Monday. With any luck I'll have loads of pictures and a photo diary from Big Sur, CA.

xx,

TURQUOISE JEWELRY

2013-03-25T07:38:00.002-07:00

Turquoise is so beautiful and this piece from our friends at Candy Shop Vintage is big and bold and begging to be worn more often. But it's always a bit of a conundrum...how to wear a large piece of turquoise jewelry without seeming like you rolled off the hippie commune?
I like how it looks paired with a more urban ensemble instead of the typical long, flowing dress.

These BLK DNM high waist jeans seem to be coming back into rotation for me, also shown with a vintage boyfriend sweater from Painted Bird, gold heels - similar here, a ZARA bag and Madewell button down - similar here.

xx,