How Strange It Is to Be Back Home

(Zara Kimono, Ay Not Dead Dress c/o Fabricly, Vintage Boots)

It feels so good to be back in LA! I spent the day just enjoying the weather and going to my favorite restaurants rather than unpacking.

I'm wearing a dress from a line called Ay Not Dead that Fabricly carries. I love the concept of online boutique. It’s very well curated with only a few selected up and coming designers’ clothes showcased and they handle everything from the sourcing of the fabric to creating the lookbooks. I can't wait to see what other brilliant designers they carry!

How to Wear Polka Dots

Dear Readers:  Your blog hostess is in need of a break.  This week, I will be republishing random posts from the last 5 years.  As always, your comments and suggestions are very welcome.  Thank you for being here!

Polka dots - you probably either love 'em or hate 'em, but anyone can wear them. This perennial print has a tendency to look juvenile if not done right, though. Here are a few tips for wearing dots without looking too "dotty".

- Mix it up. This dress works because it uses two different sizes of dots. With this mix, the print avoids becoming overwhelming.
- Add solid color accessories. The solid black belt breaks up the dots and adds just the right touch. And guess where your eye is drawn? To your tiny waist.

- Smaller dots work better for dressier styles. The bow blouse at left would look silly in larger dots.
- Or break up polka dots with solids to tone it down. The green dotted dress would be far too much without the white vest worn over it.

- Wear dots in spring and summer. Somehow, polka dots just work better in warmer weather. They're bright and cheery and they send off a more casual vibe.
- Think color! Dots don't have to be white. Orange on purple works great for a casual summer shift. Pink on yellow makes a great swimsuit. Stick with two colors, though, to avoid looking clownish.

All fashions made from McCall's patterns in 1964.

Turban Mania at Elie Tahari Resort 2012

Something for the ladies.

Elie Tahari Resort 2012 collection for the ladies who like simplicity sophistication. Very clean silhouttes, ranges from the maxi dress, off-shoulder frocks, billowy blouses, palazzo pants, luscious overcoats, cutout-sleeves tunics and separates. I love the brilliant use of colors especially white that exudes understated luxury. It's not easy to make white really stand out but these collection seem to be able to do that : richness and chic. There's also a hint of ethnic inspired, like the dark mustard sheer dress with the crochet details that somehow reminds me of Alhambra. And the turbans worn throughout; does it bring you to the old Hollywood glamour, or you're just thinking of the Bay of Bengal?

Looking at this collection, what pops to my mind? Sheikha Mozah, hands down...

[pix from style.com]