1-11-11

Happy New Year Readers!

It's 1-11-11.  Neat!

As if on command, the universe has gifted us a special new year's present.  Rachel Zoe's new clothing line!!

(Look closely at the pics to enjoy RZ's itty bitty baby bump!)

Find out more by reading the WWD article here (they describe her collection as tailored, chic and Seventies... I die!).  

Photos: wwd.com

Fashion Bash

Tonight's a great chance to save on designer brands at the Sassy City Chicks Fashion Bash!

Head over to Petersen Automotive Museum between 5:30 - 10pm (a GREAT venue for this kind of thing, by the way!), and pick up designer duds for huge discounts.  


In the past, we've scored Hale Bob dresses, gorgeous necklaces, gifts for friends, and free massages.  It's an LA sale worth perusing.  But get there early, woman in line for a sample sale usually mean business!


Photos: sassycitychicks.com

Shop for a cause

Just in time for Earth Day (April 22nd!), L.A. boutique, Revolve Clothing has a great promotion starting today.  Bring in a pair of old jeans, and receive 20% off your in-store purchase!

Need ideas of what to get in place of you old jeans?  Pick up The Legging by Joe's Jeans - perfect for flowy floral spring and summer tops.

Photo: Revolveclothing.com

Sunday Sample Sale!

For ABNI readers *slightly* north of Los Angeles:


A good friend, who happens to be the designer behind the delicious luxury bathrobe line Daddy's Favorite, is having a sample sale on Sunday, 9am - 2pm!

Where: 532 N. Santa Cruz Blvd.
Los Gatos, California


A percentage of the proceeds will go to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital School.  


It's a great chance to pick up a treat for yourself, or a gift for a girlfriend!  Don't miss it!


Photos: daddysfavorite.com

Sample Sale!

A stylist friend of ours just sent us info on a big sample sale this weekend, and swears it's worth a visit!

Grai is having a 3-day blowout in downtown LA.  Visit Satine Boutique online to see some Grai pieces (while you're there check out some great Alexander Wang dresses and tanks on sale!).

Posh indeed

When Women's Wear Daily reported on Victoria Beckham's Fall 2010 Ready to Wear line from New York fashion week, we literally gasped.  

Her dresses were feminine, timeless, elegant, flattering, and just all around stunning.  

We rarely fall in love with entire collections.  We might love a piece here or a piece there, or 4 or 5 pieces here, or 4 or 5 there...but an entire collection?!  

There were several perfect LBDs, gorgeous royal blues, and our darling metallics in asymmetrical cuts, swinging skirts and nipped waists.

Fast forward to Oscar night parties, and RZ stylista Cameron Diaz was sporting one of VB's straight of the runway sheaths.  Sigh.

We are currently saving up to invest in VB dresses.  Here's to hoping she's not a one-season celebrity designer like so many before her, because we're holding our breath until her next collection...

Photos: wwd.com, whowhatwear.com

Handy Daily Candy

Love it for it's celeb following, or in spite of it... just don't miss this sale!

Thursday thru Sunday (10am-7pm) hit up Harmony Lane for their annual clearance sale. 

Some of ABNI's favorites (LaRok, CC Skye accessories) will be 70% off.  


Ahhh, winter clearances!

Where: 189 South Beverly Dr.,  Beverly Hills 90212

Photos: shopharmonylane.com

Fashion Field Trip

Hi Readers,


We're back from a fashion field trip to Las Vegas for the annual Project and ENK fashion trade shows, where we got sneak peaks at fall 2010 lines, and we're excited about what we saw!!


Los Angeles based line Kova & T has some great pieces coming out next season, as does one of our favorite (but affordably out of reach) lines - Foley + Corinna.  


One trend with some potential staying power is military inspired jackets, like this one from A Common Thread (which also includes a great faux fur stole - combining two trends in one in a very chic way).

Photos: shopbop.com

ABNI Obsession

ABNI's newest obsession is Jeffrey Campbell shoes. They're like jewelry for your feet!

Jeffrey Campbell by ABNI_Rachna featuring Jeffrey Campbell shoes

Items in this set:
Jeffrey Campbell - NASTY GAL - Vintage Clothing, 80s Vintage Clothes,..., $150
Jeffrey Campbell Tick in White Calf at Solestruck.com, $170
Jeffrey Campbell Is Making Me Tick | Vancouver Fashion + Style Blog |..., $165
Jeffrey Campbell 'Rally' Sandal - - Nordstrom, $165
black pixie wedge, $160

Learn more at jeffreycampbellshoes.com.

AH-mazing Fashion Guide

We can't go another day as The Los Angeles Based Fashion Vlog without talking about the reigning queen of LA fashion, Ms. Rachel Zoe.

As unoriginal as it may seem, we love her styling intuition. And don't get us started on The Rachel Zoe Project - it's bananas (shout-outs to Tay-tay and Brad!).

The bottom line is, she influences way more than celebrity style.

Now, the platform-wearing wonder brings us The Not So Basic Guide - 20 Wardrobe Essentials. It's a great list of must-have pieces to keep your wardrobe classic, fun and modern at the same time. A menswear inspired timepiece, leather biker jacket, and a standout clutch are among the suggestions.

Try this affordable faux leather jacket by TRF for Zara.

Nude pumps are another must-have, according to Zoe's list.  To the less pale amongst us, be conscious of the fact that "nude" isn't "nude" on everyone!  Consider a darker, bronzier shoe if you're going for a seamless leg-to-shoe transition.  Check out Piperlime's spring sandals for ideas.  

Photos: rachelzoe.com, ABNI

My Top-ish Model Moment

After a somewhat random (but most definitely fun!) chain of events, I recently found myself doing an editorial fashion shoot for a fabulous line of clothing called Funktional.

Now, I've watched as many episodes of America's Next Top Model as the next girl, but I've never attempted this kind of modeling myself (smizing seems really hard!).

Thanks to a great photographer (Sara!) and some ah-mazing clothes, it all seemed to work out alright.

The best/most exciting/most surprising part? Yesterday when I opened my daily email from Revolveclothing.com and saw myself modeling a Funktional jacket on their website! Check it out here!

That's me in a velvet blazer from Funktional's holiday collection.

To find out more about Funktional, visit their website at: funktionalcollection.com

Photos: Revolveclothing.com

LBD alert!

Looking for the perfect LBD? Look no further! Los Angeles based Blaque Label has answered your prayers.

Not only is this basic LBD fitted and flirty, the vertical seams keep it classy, and it's under $100! For only $92 (at chickdowntown.com), can you afford to miss out on this staple?

Looking for something with a little more oomph? Try this fun lace LBD by the same designer.

Yes, it reminds me a bit of Britney's D&G mini, but this is a much less "exposing" version, at an affordable $135 (also at chickdowntown.com).

Photos: chickdowntown.com

Loving the look ... your thoughts?

Model and intern Milan Bertone looked fierce at the Jerell Scott Fashion Rocks event during LA Fashion Week.

Ready for the amazing part? She scored this fun, printed mini dress for 50¢ at a vintage store! Then, she styled herself by wearing the dress backward, adding a wide black leather belt, and on-trend buckled boots.

Your thoughts?

Photos: abni

Sample Sale!

Find funky, edgy-yet-feminine pieces at the Michelle Mason warehouse sale this Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm.

Click the image for details.

Chic Chicks

Obsessive cannot begin to describe my actions toward one Chickdowntown.com.

I visit the site daily to check out their deals (offering 20-35% off full priced items on a regular basis!), vintage selections and insanely styled lookbooks.

I am in love with these two lookbook selections -- super-feminine modern boho, and military-esque sexy secretary:

Rachel Leigh Millie Vintage Denim Pendant ($167)

Rachel Leigh Millie Espresso Cluster Drops ($128)

Giuseppe Zanotti Riding Boot (originally $1,195, on sale for $717)

Plastic Island Green Boho Tunic Dress ($163)

(and what I think is the BB Dakota Potter Vest I mentioned before!)

Giuseppe Zanotti Snake-Embossed Bootie (Originally $925, on sale for $555)

BB Dakota Ivory Dolly Leopard Top ($53)

BB Dakota Tangerine Laurie Skirt ($48)

BB Dakota Indigo Blue Marsh Jacket ($70)

Here's a little holiday party ensemble I put together using pieces from Chickdowntown on polyvore (paper dolls for grown ups!).

Pair a gorgeous red dress (with just enough ruffles not to piss off Nicholas from this season's Project Runway - be in the know by watching @ 19:19) with intricate earrings featuring jewel tone details, and a pair of sexy-yet-classy zebra pumps, and you're ready for cocktails or carols.

For those of you expecting snow this winter (my non-LA readers!), top it off with a flattering feminine coat and patterned (or warmer!) tights.

Rojas Vikki Jacket ($174)

Black Halo Keyhole Ruffle Sleeve Sheath ($345)

Giuseppe Zanotti Zebra Peep Toe Pump (originally $521, on sale for $364.70)

Lee Angel Egyptian Enamel Earrings ($212)

Photos: chickdowntown.com, polyvore.com

Tourist in my own city

Yesterday I ventured out to every corner of Los Angeles to check out some of our cities amazing boutiques and costume houses with stylist guru Luke Storey on his Day 2 class. It's a must for aspiring stylists and fashion lovers alike!

Hanging out at Confederacy, an amazing store in the Silver Lake/Echo Park side of town,

with Luke and friends!

Photos: abni

Trends in Trying Times

Tough economy + Lower shopping budgets = Time to make smart purchases.

Forever21 and H&M are always great options, but sometimes you need to branch out for more...let's say "lasting" items.

I recently stumbled across three great new pieces to keep me on-trend and on-budget for the upcoming season.

Leopard print is everywhere right now, and at only $44, the Michael Stars Mouse Leopard Tank won't break the bank (and I love the animal print in gray!).

Over-the-knee boots are edgy without taking you into that questionable "Pretty Woman" arena. The Kingdom boot by Chinese Laundry is comfortable, sexy, and only $98.95. To pull off this trend, avoid platforms on these taller boots to prevent them from looking costumey.

Sometimes a fashion trend jumps out at you as questionable yet fabulous at the same time. This next item is my questionabulous piece for this year. BB Dakota's Potter Vest is an easy, fun, amazing faux fur choice for only $60.

Photos: angelasrunway.com, zappos.com, chickdowntown.com

Who What Wear...When? Tonight!

Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power, founders of my web site obsession Who What Wear, are having a book signing in L.A. tonight! Now's your chance to meet the talented twosome yourself.

I have their book, and love their style insights and guidance.

**Update: As much as I would have liked to attend this event, a major traffic "experience" (which required serious meditation from yours truly) on the 101 completely destroyed my evening. Here's to hoping for another event with the fabulous fashionistas soon!

Photos: amazon.com, whowhatwear.com

Saturday Sale

Don't miss out on this dream sale at one of my favorite (and often unattainably expensive) L.A. boutiques!

Red, White and Blue...oversized plaid roll sleeve shirt

This weekend, cashmere lovers will have a happy 4th of July indeed. That is, if they stop by Vince's 40% off summer sale!

I mean, just check out their current women's collection! If they have it, can someone please pick up the chained necklace tank for me??