Hollywood Style Suggestions

Q. Hi there,

First things first; I love your blog and read it every day.

I have a possible trip to LA coming up in June and I’m wondering if you could give me some outfit suggestions? I’ll be there for a long weekend, visiting a friend. I’d love to have some inspiration for both day and evening – and I’m not afraid of heels! I know that you’ve lived there, and I really like your style.

Any help you can give would be most appreciated!

Regards,

Jessica

A. Oh, LA.

A little full-disclosure before we get started here: how I dressed in LA when I lived there would not be how I would dress now. This is what I wore back in those days.

In other words: as little as possible. And sunglasses.

Plus, I thought clip-in hair was totally fabulous, and had a faux ponytail that I bought for $10 at a mall and wore ALL THE TIME. This is true. Francesca can vouch for it. And I’m not showing you a photo, because it’s too embarrassing.

But back to your question. The thing with LA is that people wear very, very little. Not everyone, of course…but you will see enough cleavage-baring tops paired with minis that you will think you just walked onto the set of a music video.

You don’t have to do that.

But I do think it’s fun to overdo it a little with the sexiness when in LA, simply because you can get away with stuff there that you can’t get away with anywhere else.

EVENING

What I’d do is give a nod to Old Hollywood while playing with the rocker-chick look. Here are two ideas for you (I threw caution to the wind with regards to prices for both of these sets – there are Louboutins in there – because this is for inspiration purposes; no need to buy anything new pre-trip as I’m sure you’ll be shopping there):

Key elements:

– Sparkle

– A touch of Old Hollywood (flapper-esque dress; art deco necklace)

– Insane heels (you’re in a car; no worries about walking)

– A little faux-toughness (beaten-up denim jacket; “worn-in” tee)

And for hair and makeup, I like going a bit overboard at night – lots of tousle and eyeliner. You’re on vacation.

DAYTIME

For daytime, all this sexy-sparkle stuff goes out the window: I’d go for basics, like cute tee + cutoffs (with fringe; why not?) or a ’70s-vibe floral sundress. And flat sandals, but why not make them metallic? Keep the makeup simple and light, because it does get very hot, and you’ll probably be heading towards the beach at some point. Oh, and don’t forget your biggest pair of sunglasses…you don’t want the paparazzi spotting you and ruining your good time ;).

Product info after the jump…

1. Rachel Gilbert “Addison” Mini ($995)

2. Louboutins; cannot locate

3. Modekungen Denim Jacket (67 EUR)

4. Deco Cubism Bugle Bead Necklace ($280)

5. AllSaints Stencil Tee ($85)

6. AllSaints Embellished Lowe Shorts ($299)

7. Christian Louboutin “Ambertina” Bejeweled Sandals ($2,395)

8. Wildfox Big Heart Oversized Tee ($85)

9. PRPS Heirloom Fringe Short ($187)

10. Sigerson Morrison Metallic Thong Sandals ($297)

11. Asos Highbrow Sunglasses ($21.52)