[Made in Downtown LA] Aliza Pearl for American Apparel

Aliza Pearl is wearing American Apparel's Chiffon Oversized Button-Up, Nylon Spandex Stretch Lace Bra Bodysuit and Stretch Twill High-Waist Side Zipper Short. 

The kind people over at American Apparel sent me some items to shoot for them of their upcoming and current pieces. I was pretty flattered (and still am) because I don't shoot with anything fancy and photojournalism isn't my trade. I will be posting a series of shoots that I've done with the clothing that was sent to me (both women's and men's) of basic pieces that  everyone can wear.

Meet my long-time friend Aliza Pearl. Today's shoot with Aliza was most appropriate because both Aliza and American Apparel are located in downtown Los Angeles. Aliza is an accomplished actress and singer-songwriter. For more information on what she's up to, please check her out here. 

A huge thank you to American Apparel for the opportunity to share their pieces from my perspective. I only hope you guys enjoy these posts as much as I did shooting them!

[New York Fashion Week] Outside Patiently Waiting @ Parkchoonmoo

Believe it or not, I actually preferred the shows/presentations that weren't at Lincoln Center. The experiences were less "show and tell" and more about those truly interested in seeing what the designers had to offer. Off-site shows/presentations weren't swarmed with photographers and aspiring street style bloggers so I was able to just catch small moments before the show. It just felt so natural; no posing or unnecessary outfits for the sake of being photographed. 

[New York Fashion Week] Nazanin Mandi @ Phillips de Pury

Resident sex kitten is wearing an American Apparel bodysuit, Christian Louboutin pumps and everything else is vintage. 

On the second night of NYFW, I had the pleasure of attending the Richard Hambleton: A Retrospective at Phillips de Pury. The event was of course, star-studded with Giorgio Armani, Carine Roitfeld, Karolina Kurkova, Mary-Kate Olsen and Lindsay Lohan. The exhibit  was equally as impressive as the guestlist but more on that in a forthcoming post. For now, I'd like to dedicate this post to the above anonymous woman that I ran into while heading to another event. She was the definition of what NYFW should represent: breath-taking personal style from head to toe. 


UPDATE: I just came across the identity of the above woman while browsing one of my favorite gossip sites TheYBF.com. Her name is Nazanin Mandi. It turns out that the resident sex kitten is actually an accomplished model and currently the girlfriend of singer Miguel! I love meeting do-to-earth famous people, especially when they allow me to shoot them without fuss.  

Street Style New York: Jules

Jules / Ray Ban Aviators, hot pink knit scarf courtesy of gmama, J. Crew jacket, Van Halen tee from URBN, Uniqlo black jeans, Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo, Cartier watch, Cartier Love Bracelet with the champagne pink silk chord in rose gold, 

[then on the right hand close-up] Tiffany & Co. men's Venetian Link ID bracelet, Juicy Couture Love, Princess, J bangle, Mom's vintage tri-color with diamonds bangle, Cartier Love Bracelet in rose gold, Thin gold + diamonds slip on vintage bangle, Poupette Mini bead bracelet, ABC Home thread and bead bracelet with heart charm, and last but certainly not least.. her bracelet. It has a labrador charm attached with her dog's name engraved.
[in the last image] Rugby + Toms collaboration. 

Spotted: Face Hunter

Purse: Vintage Chanel
Boots: Jeffrey Campbell
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Aviators

This is my friend Helen and she has exquisite personal style. I'd say she is a healthy balance between downtown city chic and uptown class. The only time you'll see her in sweats is heading to the gym. She, too, has joined the blogging madness with her fantastic foodie fashion fusion blog (alliteration, I know -- totally unplanned) Well Done is a Deal Breaker. See more of her personal looks, dining experiences in the city and some of her incredible cooking + baking skills. You will certainly leave her blog hungry for both food and new clothes. 

Spotted: Clogs that don't suck 

Meet Jane from In God We Trust 

While on the way to brunch this weekend, I spotted this very style savvy young woman enjoying a cigarette while waiting for her shop to open. She's probably the first young woman I've seen in the city since I've been back, sporting clogs without the seemingly requisite retro-bohemian look. Let's take a closer look:

Seychelles "Care to Dance" in Whiskey

Flesh colored fishnets -- clever girl. And though I would have never thought of wearing a denim blazer over a navy dress, the look totally works for her; comfortable city chic, topped off with a straw fedora. This is how to wear the latest trends without looking like a slave to Vogue's "Summer Must Haves" section. 

Lauren Christine will be televised

Top: Gap
Shorts: H&M 
Sunglasses: Paul Frank

Clutch: Vintage 

Wedges: Ralph Lauren Collection

I absolutely love summer in the city and though technically, it's still spring, my excitement for the impending season continues to grow uncontrollably. This past Sunday, after grabbing brunch with some friends, Lauren Christine and I decided to hang around the meatpacking district when I decided to shoot her very fabulous summer look. If you haven't already, check out her lookbook blog here.