Clothes Horse NYC

Fresh Tomato Pasta

2012-02-28T08:48:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was rough. It was overcast and blustery and I woke up feeling sick. The day got progressively better but I still wanted dinner to be a comfort food and nothing says comfort to me like a big bowl of pasta, I'm half Italian after all. We had next to nothing in the fridge except the basics; lemons, a block of parmesan cheese and some tomatoes so I was really happy to find this recipe online. We added garlic and subbed parsley for basil and the pasta turned out fresh and delicious. I always forget how much I like to stay in and cook with Mark when we have been eating out a bunch.

MEINTO

2012-02-27T08:01:00.000-08:00

Say hello to our newest sponsor Meinto. Meinto is a new shopping site dedicated to helping independent fashion boutiques sell online. I love these crochet lace shorts from Ark and co , this lace and fringe wrap from Lush and these Kamielle navy espadrilles. But what I really like is searching through brands I've never heard of in the hopes of finding something unique while supporting small business at the same time. Clotheshorse NYC/LA hearts small businesses.
In honor of their launch Meinto is hosting a Facebook contest where you can win $1000.00 worth of free clothes! Woot Woot!
-To enter like MEINTO on Facebook then submit a funny video (no longer than 90 seconds) saying why you deserve to win the $1000.00 Meinto gift card.
- That's it. Only 90 seconds of your life for $1000.00 worth of free loot. Easy Peasy I say.
- Contest ends March 12 so get your butt over to Facebook and enter now!

Four things that made this week fun

2012-02-24T10:44:00.000-08:00

A new friend from West Elm

Laying out my suit for an impromptu beach day.

Trying on "special agent" blazers for an audition.

Mean Green in Vintage glasses.

Find your light

2012-02-22T10:35:00.000-08:00

(ADAM shearling jacket and chambray shirt, Nobody denim, Elizabeth and James Shane boot)

Full disclosure the Elizabeth and James booties are not as comfortable as the Dolce Vita booties probably because the heel is twice the height. Or, it could be because I bought them half a size too small... either way it won't stop me from wearing them almost everyday. My sister was able to make her feet a full size smaller by "binding" them with too small shoes so I think I can make this work. As we were taking these photos on Sunset boulevard on Monday I ran into an old college friend and she exclaimed "I guess it's true, if you walk in LA you DO run into people!" Pretty cute.

Before and After: Ceramic Lamps

2012-02-20T09:18:00.000-08:00

When I picked up these lamps at a used furniture shop in Brooklyn a few years ago I thought it would be a great idea to stencil their base with a heart and cross bone design. Fast forward five years and I was not loving that idea quite as much. I still liked the lamps shape so I decided to give them a little face lift, now they are feeling much more refined. Scroll down for a quick How To.

How to Paint a Ceramic Lamp
1) Remove shade and bulb
2) Cover cord and lamp socket with painters tape
3) Apply two coats of Kilz primer and let dry
4) Apply two coats of spray paint and let dry.

Sherbert Clogs

2012-02-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

These are exactly the sort of contraption my feet want to find themselves in come Spring.

Mountains>Us

2012-02-15T08:31:00.000-08:00

(Forever 21 T, Jcrew belt, vintage skirt, Casio watch, Elizabeth and James Shane booties)

I recently took this vintage skirt to the tailors to get the hem bumped up a few notches. It was falling below the knee and the pattern was already a bit homey so I felt like an old schoolmarm whenever I tried to wear it. I like the difference shortening it a few inches made, it still feels demure but much more "of the moment".

I have to say I'm also really happy with these boots from Elizabeth and James. They are breaking in nicely and I love how my ankle is visible when I wear a skirt (optimal leg elongation). The chocolate color goes with everything without being too matchy/matchy but they also come in black.

How was your V-day? We ate sushi at our favorite secret spot and Mark got me some hankies with my name engraved on them. So sweet since he knows I've become obsessed with this blog.

Suede Bootie Obsessed

2012-02-13T13:30:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth and James Shane boots, Levi's slight curve skinny jeans, vintage T, Adam jacket

I picked up some new booties and jeans this weekend. I had been looking for an alternative to the Dolce Vita's since I bang around in them every single day and considered getting the same ones in black (Oprah says if you love it buy two) but I wanted something a bit dressier. Thought about the Rag and Bone boots that a few friends have and that I love but they were a bit more than I wanted to spend. Then this weekend I came across these chocolate suede lovelies from Elizabeth and James and decided to take the plunge. What do you think?

Rachel Pally for Bridesmaids

2012-02-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

(Rachel Pally dress, Alexis Bittar cuff and earrings)

Many of your know I've expanded my styling business to include wedding planning. I was recently asked "What is an alternative bridesmaid dress for a beach wedding?" I immediately thought of Rachel Pally's easy, breezy pieces. I borrowed some samples from Genevieve Productions in LA so I could show you what I mean, hence Monday's post on her super comfy casual dresses.

This is the SELA dress and your bridesmaids will absolutely, positively want to wear it again. There is a lot of room in this Grecian style gown so it's also perfect if your anyone in your party is expecting.

I love the blue Libby Dress too. This one would also be great for a beach rehearsal dinner. I would probably pick a color and then let your friends choose a style that suits their body type and personality but you could also have dresses in a variety of colors. A very colorful wedding party would be perfect for a destination wedding in Mexico. Mmm tacos and tequila and love. I'm getting excited just thinking about it! I put together this bouquet on the fly with Toby at My Secret Garden.

What did the bridesmaids wear at your wedding? Do you have any tips on where to get unconventional bridesmaid dresses?

Home is whenever I'm with you

2012-02-07T07:58:00.000-08:00

Via The Coveteur

This is the Paris home of designers Jerome Dreyfuss and Isabel Marant. Their style reminds me of ours. A little mid century, a little thrift and lots of bright colors. I wonder if they (like we) ever long for a big old uglycomfy chair. Well, that's not true. I don't really want an ugly chair but one of those big ole' seats that would be perfect for drinking your morning coffee or snuggling up and watching a movie. Mid century modern may be my favorite look but it doesn't scream cozy so I'm trying to work in other comfort pieces. If anyone has recommendations for a big cozy chair please leave a comment.

Rachel Pally loves women's bodies

2012-02-06T12:28:00.000-08:00

(Rachel Pally striped dress, Dolce Vita booties, Jcrew belt, vintage denim jacket converted to vest, vintage brooch)

Whenever I slip into one of Rachel Pally's dresses I immediately feel more like a woman. This is really something because I usually feel like a teenage boy since I tend to bounce around in pants with no make-up and my hair in a messy top knot. Comfortable? Yes! Feminine? No.

But Rachel's designs are so comfortable that if I had a whole closet of her dresses I would never need to wear pants again. They hug every curve (in a good way!) and this is going to sound really strange but...I think I feel happier in them. Weird I know and no, this is not a sponsored post, but there is just something really lovely about feeling feminine and also being able to breath. Cause, you know, I like breathing. In fact I think it's sort of the most important thing at the end of the day. And I think we may sacrifice breath for fashion a little too often. I know I do. Hello high waist denim!

Come back later this week when I will be styling some Rachel Pally dresses for bridesmaids.

Happy Birthday Grandpop!

2012-02-04T23:47:00.000-08:00

My brother and my grandfather.

My grandfather turned seventy eight on Friday. To celebrate here are five things to love about Manuel Alvarez.

1) He smells nice.

2) Never once (since turning twenty one) have I stepped foot inside his house without being offered a drink.

3) He's the only person I know who abides by the rule "If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all."

4) He is a fantastic cook!

5) He still flirts with my grandmother all the time.

Santa Barbara Splendor

2012-02-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

ADAM sweater, Alternative Apparel sweatpants, Amazing Palm Trees.


Middle photo: Steven Alan top, cut-offs (similar to shown), JCrew belt. Above: Blush leather jacket (similar to shown), Charlotte Ronson tank, Sunnies (similar to shown).

That top photo is for Miss Aya Cash who after seeing me eat breakfast in my pj's exclaimed "You should blog that!" I personally like my sweaters to be so large as to negate the purpose of a coat, unfortunately the above Navajo inspired one is from ADAM last season but here is another great. I have to say the Steven Alan top has been quite the addition to my wardrobe as it makes even denim cut-offs somehow classy. Are you loving the hot pink belt as much as I am?

Sweatshirt+Skirt

2012-01-30T09:12:00.000-08:00

Jcrew skirt, T by Alexander Wang sweatshirt, Dolce Vita booties, Botkier clutch

Heading back from Santa Barbara today after having a wonderful time at the film festival this weekend. Our friend's film Pretty Old screened yesterday and has gotten rave reviews. Hopefully it will be coming to a theater near you soon. After the film we all had the most amazing brunch at the San Ysidro Ranch and I made some new friends that I'm looking forward to seeing again in LA. For pictures from the weekend follow me on Instagram.

Hello, I am the most adorable...

2012-01-25T12:42:00.000-08:00

Pair of blue wedding shoes anyone could ever hope to find. Sadly, they've been sold from Etsy but I'll be damned if they didn't just steal my heart. I'm actually searching for perfect blue wedges for my bride cause she wants height but if you're over 5'7" and adventurous I say go for something like this!

Here's the thing about wedding shoes...only you know you're wearing them. You look so gorgeous on your wedding day no one's gonna say "Pull up that dress and let me see your shoes!" If they do, your husband should smack them. JK. Here are the shoes that I wore at my wedding

and here's my happy face since I wasn't in heels

what happened...

I had a monster of a time deciding on what shoes to wear. When I went for my last fitting I didn't have anything and it's impossible to do the last fitting without knowing how much height you'll have. I was with my friend Ian so we marched ourselves to the Steve Madden down the street and his brilliant boy brain convinced me to buy "cute, comfy shoes I could wear again." I'm pretty sure he was just tired of browsing but he sure did me a solid. My feet never hurt, I never even came close to tripping and the next summer I wore those suckers all over town. Which is more than I can say for my dress which sadly lives in a closet at my grandmas, I should probably sell it but I digress. If you've got the inches I say go for flats at your wedding. It's not for everyone but if you decide to go for it after reading this you can thank me later.

Flowers by Lisa Kattman

If my schedule allows I'll be taking on a few more wedding clients this Summer so get in touch now if you would like info on pricing. In the meantime peruse more pictures from my wedding here.

Black + Blue

2012-01-23T10:49:00.000-08:00

My hair was sort of accidentally tucked into my jacket for these photos and it's making want to run to the nearest salon and lob it off to my shoulders. Unfortunately, I just got a haircut and it was way too expensive to waste. I don't know what happened but I'm suddenly back on the crack of super expensive haircuts. I guess if I'm still feelin' the bob in three months off-me-hairs will go. Do you prefer short hair or long?

Vintage moto jacket, Steven Alan top, Calypso bag

We went to the most fun scavenger hunt party this weekend! Thanks to Corbett for planning it. If you are looking for an elixir to the predictable adult party this is definitely it. These photos look so randomly Twilight right? I got this moto jacket on ebay several years ago and his time has finally come. ASOS makes a nice quilted version with a good fit. Thanks for reading and have a great Monday ya'll. (Will ya'll ever feel comfortable coming from this brash east coast mouth?) Probably not. But I'm gonna keep trying!!

The Dorsey

2012-01-23T10:19:00.000-08:00

Me and my oldest friend -Ryan Dorsey- at the world famous Walt's Inn this past Christmas.

You're So Mod

2012-01-19T11:45:00.000-08:00

TRINA TURK

FRENCH CONNECTION

NANETTE LEPORE

PARKER

AKIKO

I'M LOVING MOD LITTLE DRESSES FOR SPRING.

flannel and fur

2012-01-18T16:13:00.000-08:00

RVCA dress, ADAM jacket, Big Bear thrifted flannel

Ah wintertime in Los Angeles. Brrr, it's chilly this morning. Good thing I'll be able to sit outside in a tank top by noon! My mom said it's so cold in NYC that she doesn't want to leave her apartment! Oh lord. Next time I spend the winter in New York I hope to have a driver chauffeuring me to and from the deli.
I love me a polka dot dress and since this one hasn't gone online yet here's a more winter friendly version from ASOS for you east coasters. Went to a live taping of Whitney yesterday. It was great. Especially my friend and fellow NYU'er Zoe Lister-Jones. Hey, if you were following me on Instagram you would already know I was there and have the pictures to prove it! Damn. Do it already! Instagram is so fun! I'm @AmeliaAlvarez

Off Sunset

2012-01-17T09:25:00.000-08:00

Crossing the street in a polka dot dress from RVCA's Spring 2012 line. Don't know what I thought was so funny. Had just eaten brunch at The Eveleigh so maybe I'm just stuffed an' happy. More pics from the day coming soon.

LittleBlackDress+Palm Trees

2012-01-16T10:44:00.000-08:00


Trina Turk dress, Alexis Bittar cuff, Botkier clutch

The thing I love about a little black dress is that it will never, ever go out of style. Even if this is the last year of human life as we know it and civilization has to start all over again I'm sure the lbd will survive. I bought this Trina Turk version years ago and she still makes a similar one cause it's so classic. We shot these before Mark left for Cuba and I had the freedom of a single lady for the week. My was it fun. I always wonder how girls whose husbands don't travel cope, isn't alone time fun? Hubs is back home safe and sound now and I am planning a weekend getaway for us to Santa Barbara. A friend has a screening at the Santa Barbara Film Festival and it's the perfect excuse to get out of dodge/check out somewhere new and cool. I was trying to convince Mark to stay at this joint. He looked at me like I was mad. Which I probably am. I just really really love nice ~~crazy expensive~~ hotels. I briefly entertained the thought of getting married at the San Ysidro Ranch until I realized I could in no way afford it. One day San Ysidro...one day.

The ones that got away

2012-01-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

Ph. by Mark Champion

Outtakes and such from 2011. In keeping with my reflective January I went through the pictures from this past year and thanks to the urging of my friend Liz I have decided to make a photo book of the best of the best photography from Clotheshorse NYC this year and possibly even of the whole blog's history. It will be fun for our kids to look at one day. I can already hear them exclaiming "You weren't always so old?!"

I said I would tell you how Mark and I spent New Years. We spent it on our butts chanting, meditating and doing yoga for three hours and it was AWESOME! I had always wanted to do a spiritual new year's cause it makes more sense to me than waking up on January 1 with a hangover but you know how someone always invites you to the "party of the year" where you "can see the fireworks so good!" and there goes the zen. This year we had 0 plans as of December 29 so we bit the bullet and it (surprise!) felt great to sail smoothly into 2012 on the sound of my own breath and a room full of positivity. On Jan 1 we took a hike with friends in Topanga Canyon and then ate fish and chips at the Reel Inn in Malibu. Not a hangover in sight.

It's hot and I'm feelin' shifty

2012-01-10T16:26:00.000-08:00

Add ADAM dress, Dolce Vita boots, JCREW ankle socks, Casio watch and Daniela Zagnolli cuff

January - March is my favorite time in LA because I feel like I'm getting away with murder. The holidays are over and while the rest of the country tucks in for the coldest months of the year the weather here feels downright tropical. Disclaimer: I did buy the Sunday New York Times this weekend and it did make me pretty homesick. I was enjoying my time in Brooklyn so much over the holidays that Clotheshorse NYC didn't take one picture in NYC!
But I digress, warm weather in January calls for light, tailored pieces like this shift dress. It may be 80 degrees outside but Summatime it ain't. Thanks to Succarra NYC for sending me this Daniela Zagnolli cuff and so much rad jewelry to play with over the holidays. FYI - just took off my holiday nail polish -have I mentioned before how I sort of love the look of chipped polish? It's like suddenly my hands become two pieces of abstract art. I keep it on until the actual nails start chipping and I become snaggles the clown. That, my friends, is not a good look.
For anyone wondering Currently Obsessed is now officially launched and no longer requires an invite to "stalk" so get your butt over there if you're one of the lucky few who still has money to spend after the holidays. My favorite thing on Currently Obsessed right now are the Rag and Bone maroon boo-tays -such a refreshingly alternative "neutral" color.
Oh, and if you want this outfit or something similar in your life click on the links below for shopping. The dress is on sale!
Ta Ta for now. That's all folks. Good talk. -A
1/Dress
2/Satchel
3/Booties
4/Watch
5/Cuff
6/Sunnies

Baby's first hobby: Classic Bad Boy

2012-01-06T10:47:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays I was lamenting the fact that I don't have a hobby. Or, rather, I have many hobbies but I want to turn them all into multi-million dollar enterprises thus rendering them not so hobby-ish. Urp.

Then I returned to LA and to my Improv group Classic Bad Boy and OH, JOY! I realized Improv is my hobby! Sure, it's sort of related to my industry but it's a hobby because I don't have to get my hair and make-up done to do it! It's a hobby because the percentage of people who make money from Improv is slim to none. It's a hobby because I get to just "play" a.k.a non-result oriented fun. Oh, Man is it fun! Better than getting drunk, better than going dancing, probably not better than sex but a full-body-party all the same. Sometimes you suck and sometimes you're awesome and sometimes you're just somewhere in between but the best part is that it doesn't even matter! It's a hobby! We had a show at Prism Box here in LA last night and I woke up this morning feeling so lucky to have met these other goofy people through Upright Citizen's Brigade. I'll see you back here next week when I'll be sharing my fav way to dress for this LA heat wave!

In the meantime you can check out Classic Bad Boy's facebook page for upcoming shows and info.

Have a great first full weekend of 2012 ya'll!

Piles of Peonies in Paris.

2012-01-05T10:27:00.000-08:00

Image via OH HAPPY DAY!

If this doesn't make you smile than I don't know what will. Peonies are my absolute favorite flower. I'm happy to say they will be in season and playing a central role in the June wedding I am planning for a client. Peonies are not in season now but I did fill my house with a variety of other flowers yesterday. One of my dreams is to have enough disposable income to have beautiful arrangements delivered to my house on a weekly basis. What would be your "I'm rich!" splurge?