Obama Stole My Vacation

I'm happy a "local" boy has made good and has been elected our new President. I guess I'm a little biased being that I'm from Hawaii too. Finally a President who is having a true vacation and one that I would actually envy (please, a vacation at a Texas ranch is not what I call fun!) Obama has come home or at least is renting a lavish estate in Kailua, in the private Lanikai area. Not quite downtown Honolulu where he grew up, but hey, if I was going on vacation in Hawaii I'd pick Lanikai too. My husband has been reading about Obama's every move on the island and with some envy of course. Obama has stolen our Hawaiian vacation! We go back to Oahu every year and always have our favorite haunts, and Mr. Obama is following our every move.

First off, Lanikai is a special place for us. My son was christened on the beaches of Lanikai, probably not far from Obama's compound. Secondly, Obama has been seen playing golf at Olomana, one of my husband's favorite local golf courses. Believe me, Obama has his choice of many high-end private courses, but this guy chose Olomana of all places (right in dicey Waimanalo.) Next stop, to our favorite shave ice joint in Koko Marina (the local shopping center in Hawaii Kai), Kokonuts. What next, Zippy's for a plate lunch? I wouldn't be surprised if his next move is a trip to Haleiwa for some fish tacos at Cholo's or Michelle Obama may hit the North Shore Swimwear shop for a custom-made bikini. So I'm kind of flattered that the President Elect has chosen to duplicate my Hawaiian vacation. At least the guy has good taste and knows how to have fun. Love that he body surfs at my old hangout, Sandy Beach (also where my hubbie proposed to me!)

My Dream Boot

Okay, I lied, I did have a few things on my "want" list this year. But I wouldn't trust anyone but myself to purchase these - a boyfriend jean, a status watch, and some short booties (preferably a Sigerson Morrison size 10 1/2.) And boy did I get lucky on the latter. I had heard that Sigerson Morrison was having their annual 50-70% off sale (started Dec. 18th.) so I was anxious to get to one of their stores here in LA to see if I could snag the "it" boot of the season. Sure enough, I came up with a plan. "Let's go to Malibu for the day..." when actually all I really wanted to do was check out the boots at Sigerson's Malibu store. Yes, they had "the" boot and in my size. Yeah! I love my new gunmetal (sort of a greenish grey which will look fab with blacks, greys, and browns and much more unexpected than the predictable black) leather booties with side zip and studded flap. Perfection! I can't wait to wear them. And at 50% off, I was able to purchase without guilt. Merry Christmas to myself!

By the way, you should hurry on over to any one of Sigerson Morrison's stores (Malibu, Beverly Hills, 3rd Street) and check out their amazing sale. Pretty much everything is either 50 or 70% off. To snag a pair of boots in the $200 range instead of the $400+ range, you can leave your guilt at home. If you can't make it to one of their stores, my favorite boot is available online at Zappos for a measly 24% off (I bet they'll go down even more soon.)

I've always been a huge fan of Sigerson Morrison's shoes, not only because they make a size 10 1/2, but because their shoes wear so well. I have a half a dozen of their shoes and many were purchased a good 8 years ago in Nolita. Not only are they still in fashion, but they are in excellent condition and I plan to "will" my collection to my daughter someday. At 2 she already has a fetish for my Sigerson's. Let's just hope she has big feet like me when she grows up!

All I Want For Christmas...

My son's Christmas "want" list was pretty long, which at four years old is understandable, but when you get to be an adult your "want" list gets shorter and shorter each year. My husband always asks me what I want for Christmas and this year my answer was short - "nothing." I have everything I want really - a healthy, beautiful family and a thriving business. Yes, I probably would love a new diamond ring (gotta wait till my 10 year anniversary!) or a vintage Mercedes 450SL (red, please.) But let's be realistic. I told my son all I wanted this Christmas was a painting or drawing by him, something homemade and with love. Sure enough, I got what I wanted this year, neatly wrapped in a flat 8 1/2 x 11 format, his self portrait on construction paper. See above my favorite gift I received this year - my son's self portrait in black marker. Love it! He looks like a Christmas tree!

To continue on my thought about homemade gifts...I too got creative for my husband's gift this year. For zero dollars, I created a homemade CD (2 disc at that!) titled the 'Wife Mix' featuring some of my favorite tunes this year that I wanted to package together (feeling a bit like Brian Eno here!) for my husband to enjoy on his hour long traffic jam everyday on the 10. I even whipped up some artwork thanks to Illustrator and personalized the CD cover. So when you think your loved one has everything, why not make a gift from the heart? You've got another year ahead to get creative until next Christmas, so get crackin'!

Feathery Confections

It's already Christmas Eve which means New Year's Eve is right around the corner and the countdown to looking fabulous is upon us. Ring in the new year looking festive (and optimistic!) with these lovely handmade feathery confections. Accessorizing your new year's eve outfit can easily become predictable when you just load on the necklaces and chandelier earrings, so why not tone the rest of your ensemble down and simply don a be-jeweled, feathered headband instead? Your LBD will look smashing with this statement hair accessory. Keep it simple and elegant. The only other flash you need is in the shoes (never skimp on your shoes!) I love these handmade headbands with vibrant cobalt blue feathers, peacock accents, and topped off with a vintage brooch. A friend of a friend hand makes these in New York and any one of these can be yours for only 25 buckaroos. Now that's what I call a deal. I've seen similar headgear here in LA for over 100 bucks easily and they were probably not handmade with love. So if you're lookin' to upgrade your New Year's Eve look this year and jazz it up a bit, email me at info@shopstacia.com and I'll hook you up with the maker. See you in 2009!

What Comes Around Goes Around

It's safe to say my Stacia baby line is plenty wear tested, thanks to my beautiful fit model, Kaiulani. On a recent Holiday outing to Venice to watch the Christmas boat parade, I was proud to have my daughter wear test my current Fall creation, the Laurel pom pom dress and crocheted cardi. Talk about old school. She looked festive and plenty warm in the blustery evening along the Venice canals. The inspiration behind this crocheted wool ensemble was simply my childhood memories of wearing handmade creations by my Aunt Flossy. My Aunt Floss was always crafty and loved knitting or crocheting clothing for me (and my dolls) to wear. She worked in a knitting factory in New Jersey and did quality testing for all the acrylic knitted garments made back in the early 70's. It's fitting that I design knits now, because she was always an inspiration to me even though she only lived until I was 12 years old. Her hand-knitted ensemble I'm wearing above was the inspiration behind my capsule collection of hand-crocheted merino wool baby wear now available at shopstacia.com - purely handmade looking and perfect when paired with opaque tights and mary janes. What was darling in the 1970's is equally charming in 2008...like mother like daughter.

Art & Nature Collide

I've always been a fan of collage and when I wanted to bring my son "down a notch" after playing football in the living room I thought it would be great fun to scavenger for our project. Even in sunny California, Fall is in the air with leaves turning color and littering the lawns. My son has always enjoyed collecting nature's treasures - pine cones, leaves, sticks, and rocks. The inspiration for our collage project was Fall's leaves and in pure Rauschenberg-style we were going to paste them onto our canvas and go at it with paint. I may be slightly biased, but I believe my son, even at four, has great color sense. He continually inspires my designs with his uninhibited use of color. After I glued on his leaves to the paper, I let him go crazy with the paint. He was not afraid to try different color combinations and even blend two or more colors together to see what you get. And I believe the final result is rather grand! I love the blues and greens (perfect for a Spring 2010 spacedye palette) and the plums, purples, and reds (just what I'm cooking up right now for Fall '09!) Painting can be such a zen experience and can easily calm the savage beast, that being my son, who lately is all about sports. But, as a designer and mother, I want to instill a little balance and make sure he has a creative outlet as well as a physical one. And the boy could not be more proud as you can see in the photo. Confidence is golden!

Penny Pinching Party Wear

What to do...a slew of holiday bashes to attend but all your cash is tied up in gift-giving or your budget has simply shrunk this year. No problemo. There are deals to be had at retail and don't be afraid to raid your closet to pull together a great holiday look for nothing. You'll be surprised what you can pull together in a pinch. Update last year's silky satin blouson tie-top with a classic pencil skirt, some matted tights and this year's short booties. Throw on some faux jewels for some sparkle and you're ready to party. Or in true California style, go dressed-down and low-key and opt for some skinny jeans with knee high knitted Uggs and a beaded beach tunic à la Tori Burch (pure Malibu baby.)

Now that I've been in Cali for almost 4 years, my hubbie and I felt we finally had enough friends to invite to our traditional tree-trimming bash that we used to host in Brooklyn every year (great idea if you want to snag some cool new ornaments for your tree!) It was the first year in a long time (and two kids later) that I've had an opportunity to "dress up" for my own holiday bash. What to wear?! After raiding my sample closet (one of the benefits of being a designer) and schlepping home my wares, I actually ended up resurrecting an old shimmer spacedye dress in Aubergine from Stacia's Holiday '08 collection. I paired it with bare legs and mid-calf eggplant colored boots. I felt comfortable and festive! A few of my guests were equally stylish and understated. In pure NY style, yet au courant Cali style, one guest dressed herself completely in black but with a touch of sparkle and cozy faux fur (yes, it was quite chilly on the Westside.) Black leggings, black suede booties, a black knit mini, a black sequined blouse, and topped with a faux rabbit cropped zip jacket. Simply chic. Another guest sported chic black wide leg pants, black patent Kate Spade platforms, a Stacia gold lurex tunic circa '06, and an over-sized gold chain and beaded necklace. Classic and understated.

So don't be afraid to pinch and scour the market for some great finds, whether vintage or 70% off at your local boutique. But whatever you do, don't skimp and opt for cheap fabric. Fabric is key. If it's $29.99 at H&M, the fabric is cheap and believe me you'll look cheap. In this market, you can pay a few more bucks for a great contemporary designer without breaking the bank and actually get something that will last for more than one washing. Plus, who wants to feel cheap scratchy fabric against their skin? Not me. So check out a few of my Holiday picks found on the web at great prices, good quality, and timeless pieces you can recycle for years to come:

- J.Crew's Bria cami in ruffled silk will look timeless and chic with a bold beaded necklace and paired either with winter white pants or a metallic pencil skirt. And you can resurrect this puppy come Spring when sleeveless weather has arrived. I would keep the chill off with a vintage beaded cardi from a thrift store or a simple fringed scarf.

- The ultimate style essential or easiest way to update an outfit is to pump up your accessories. And great shoes are a must. Don't cheap out on your shoes. A great shoe can transform your whole outfit to one that's killer and not drab. There's some great deals out there on designer of-the-moment shoes. I found two on the sale page at shopbop that I recommend - a patent leather wedge that is equally chic at a party or at the office and an open toe laced up bootie by Dolce Vita (priced just right!)

-So if you have the great top and the great shoes, what to wear on the bottom? A true Calif girl would simply pair with jeans (pegged, wide-legged, or even high-waisted.) But if you really want to take it up a notch, I suggest a classic pencil skirt paired with tights and short boots or bare-legged and knee-high boots. There are many designer ones to be had online and on sale. So here again, don't skimp on fabric, go for broke so you'll have your pencil skirt for years to come (I still have my old Calvin Klein one from 1994!) Check out the Loeffler Randall one on Madison's web site in basic black but with a fashion-forward gold studded waist (and it's marked down to $177 from $295!)

-A statement necklace, a cocktail ring, or even a chunky charm bracelet can easily sparkle up your ensemble. And you can do it for cheap. THIS is where you can pinch. If you got the high-quality shoes and clothing in great fabric than you can cheap out on the jewels and go for faux. And don't be afraid to scour flea markets for your gems. I've found many great large cocktail rings at next to nothing at vintage stores, antique shops, and flea markets (I collect them!) So now's the time to pile 'em on to create a festive look for a party (sipping a cocktail with your bling is très chic!) No time to hunt for your treasures at second-hand stores, than surf on over to J.Crew. I'm rather impressed with their new jewelry line. It's very of-the-moment and at the right price. Get real, the only time you really need to shell out the bucks for jewelry is for your diamonds and Rolexes. But for trendy fashion pieces, there's no reason to pay a lot. I love the mustard colored statement necklace at J.Crew for only $100 bucks.

Okay girls, so now you're ready. There's no reason or excuse not to look chic this Holiday season, recession or not. So root through that closet of yours or scour the internet for deals and get crackin' on your next party outfit. Remember, simple and understated is always the way to go and you don't have to break the bank to do so.

E-tail Therapy

'Tis the season to shop! Although, with the grim economic outlook thanks to the media, Christmas shopping has been sort of a downer this year. Not that I'm lacking the Christmas spirit, but holiday shopping just isn't what it used to be. Believe me, I'd much rather go ice-skating in downtown Santa Monica with my son to show my holiday mojo, than tackle the local Third Street Promenade or schlep to Target or Toys R Us.

I'm proud to say, I've been stretching my dollars from home in my pjs! This is actually the first year that I have solely shopped for Christmas on the internet. I've always done some shopping online for Christmas, but this time around I've only been able to find what I want and at the right price online. Boy, I really feel for those poor brick n' mortar stores now...I'm a true consumer and have always preferred a touch n' feel, tactile shopping experience rather than an impersonal web store, but this year is different. I know exactly what I want for everybody (and myself!) and rather than running around town in disappointment with poorly stocked stores, I've been surfing the web with success.

As a former retailer, I've been repeatedly disappointed with the retail selections out there. With c/card in hand I was ready to spend, but because of paranoia the stores have poorly stocked shelves and heavily discounted items that I neither want nor need. If I see another 70% off sign for clothing in some cheap-ass fabric, I'm going to hurl. I don't care if they're giving the stuff away, I want quality! I'd much rather pinch my pennies and save for a high-quality contemporary designer top than skimp on some cheapo knock-off from Old Navy or Zara.

On the other front, finding the things I want on the selling floor has been nearly impossible. My husband and I have an arrangement where I shop for myself and then give it to him to wrap and put under the tree from him (it may not be a surprise, but at least I get what I want!) Case in point, I've been on the hunt for my dream boyfriend jean and have come up dry at the stores. Madison and Planet Blue seem to be sold out of the coveted Current Elliot version (hello, it's Christmas time, why are they not in stock!) And I've been admiring the slouchy cowboy jean in the J.Crew catalog the last few months, but for some reason this jean which is styled on almost every page of their friggin' catalog is not offered in their stores (what's up with that? If you "believe" in a silhouette you better be sure it's available for purchase!) So in the end, it's at J.Crew.com where I make my purchase (10% off and free shipping - yahoo! Hope it fits!) Same goes for that over-sized, gold full-blooded Swatch watch I've had on my list. No luck at retail, but Amazon has come through and at a good 10 bucks cheaper with free shipping. And finding a pair of men's Havaianas for my husband at retail in December is nearly impossible (albeit it is a beach town and flip flops are a daily staple year-around.) Found the perfect pair online and without running around town in desperation.

Toy shopping has been another disappointment. All I want for my 2 and 4 year old are some classic wooden toys and nothing plastic or toxic or franchised. Boy, is that hard to find at your local retailer. Amazon has come to the rescue and all without leaving my home! I'm so glad I'm offering free shipping on my web site, because as a consumer myself, that's the ultimate tie breaker. I can find the same item on various web sites and in similar price ranges, but the free shipping gets my business! Hey, I'm sure I could find the same Melissa & Doug doll house at Jenny Becs or at Puzzle Zoo and get that tactile experience, but I'm sorry, in this economy I want the most competitive price and unfortunately that's not at a local Montana boutique. Sure, it'll hurt their bottom line and as a wholesaler myself I want to fully support small boutiques (hey, that's where my duds are sold so I want them to thrive.) For me it's more about convenience than price. My time is precious and running around to many different stores to find each toy product is not on my agenda. I'd rather do one-stop shopping and go ice-skating with my son instead!

Trend-Spotting in the Palisades

Who would have thought a designer could find inspiration on a school tour. I must admit, I'm one of those Westside parents schlepping from one end of town to the other going on school tours for my soon-to-be kindergartner. Although, I am looking at a bunch of schools I can't even afford, but that's another story (having my kid's kindergarten cost more than my Toyota is not cool.)

Little did I know that tucked away on a hillside next to Lake Shrine in the Pacific Palisades, I'd visit the most charming school campus and at the same time be inundated with inspiration! I know, I'm not suppose to be working, but rather focusing on my son's future, but as a natural designer I just can't help myself from observing how "real" people dress. No, I was not at Crossroads (the hoitie toitie private school for the movie mogul kids), but rather at my alma mater, The Waldorf. From my own childhood experience at a Waldorf, although a good one, I was only expecting the "granola" crowd and a few Birkenstocks. But I stand corrected! Fashion is alive at the Waldorf! Or at least for the few potential new parents checking out the school.

It may come to a surprise for some folks, but it can get a big chilly and even blustery near the ocean whether in Santa Monica or in the Palisades, so boots and sweaters are de rigueur on the Westside. But I'm not talking about your usual Uggs or a schlumpy ski sweater. The Mom's in this crowd were casually dressed, but utterly put-together in skinny tall boots and asymmetrical cozy sweaters and chic unexpected hats. Oh, and did I mention Ms. Helen Hunt was there too (looking chic and au natural of course.) I was surrounded by style and happy that I had also made an effort to put on my favorite Stacia banyan bamboo scarf top and cocoon cardi and my favorite knitted Uggs (see photo above of my 2 in 1 scarf top.) A few of my favorite picks (although I have no idea "who" they were wearing, but I'm confident these looks can be replicated at your local boutique):

Asymmetrical smoke grey felted sweater coat (short in front, long in back and unexpected angled hems at the side.) Flat-felded seams everywhere and a funnel neck collar kept this Mom warm and uber cool. Paired with tall brown suede boots with a cozy shearling liner. Her husband sported a cool flannel fedora too.

Camel colored super long cashmere-esque cardicoat with ribbed trim and shorter in front and longer swag in the back. And the accessory of the moment, a happy multi-colored skinny scarf twirled around her neck.

Black leather jacket with an asymmetrical raw-cut hem, tail back, and completely unlined for a cool raw leather look (may have been faux for all I know, because it IS the Waldorf you know.) Red skinny jeans and of-the-moment shortie black boots.

Black chunky ribbed cowl neck sweater dress with over-sized buttons and a shapely fit. Paired with funky tights and high boots (and this was one of the teachers!)

Long granny-style cardigan, but cooler-than-thou with its winter white color and slim fit. Paired with a pencil skirt and shortie lace-up boots in black.

So mission accomplished. I loved the school and got my juices flowing for Fall 2009. My designs are pretty much put to bed by now, but it's reassuring to see some of my favorite all-time Fall silhouettes on real women. I'm anxious to present my newest fiber friend, Soybean/Bamboo, which when knitted up in a chunky 7gg "wrap-it up hoodie coat" puts cashmere to shame. And I assure you it will be a helluva lot cheaper. Oh yes, and eco-friendly too, so take that cashmere (sorry, but I've never been a fan of recycled cashmere unless it's à la Salvation Army kind.)

So off to another school tour next week and hopefully some more trend-spotting too...