BLACK VELVET

Back in my favorite not-so-basic basics:) You know me, I'm a sucker for details! Never a fan of anything plain, I always look for those special little extras that add a bit of charm and character, and make everyday favorites even more special. These velvet, high-rise, button-front jeans are my favorite discovery as of late! 

I actually got them to wear to a Holiday party coming up next week, but as usual, just couldn't resist  breaking them out a bit early:) Completely and totally obsessed with everything about them from fit and super comfy, stretchy fabric to exposed button detailing on the front! Oh, and the mini front pockets... don't get me started on those! Just too cute for words!

Obviously they pair beautifully with a nice, cozy sweater, yet they look just as good dressed up with a matching velvet blazer and a pair of heels for a night out or a Holiday party for example! You know me, I love finding those items that transition from day to night with ease and pair with everything from casual to dressy and everything in between!

7 FOR ALL MANKIND The Skinny velvet jeans & cozy wrap sweater in black and white stripe | CHANEL Boy flap bag in perforated leather | LOEFFLEL RANDALL Rosa loafers | DIOR So Real 48mm sunglasses | TIFFANY & CO Atlas open ring

TRENCHING IT IN SF

Though there are about a million reasons why I love San Francisco, as of our last trip there, SF weather goes right at the top of that list! After hot and humid LA summer, it felt so nice to spend a few days in what I would call, normal, human temperatures:) Incidentally, being able to wear some of my new fall favorites didn't hurt either:)

Now that we're back in blazing hot LA getting ready for Fashion Week craziness, I can't help but plan another trip there... The sooner, the better!:)

THE KOOPLES leather-collar trench coat { also here } | J BRAND mid-rise skinny jeans | LOEFFLEL RANDALL Rosa loafers | THE KOOPLES minibox bag in embossed python style leather | ADORNMONDE jewelry | DIOR So Real 48mm sunglasses 

AMAZING LACE

Considering my weakness for high heels, I never imagined I would switch to flats, especially when it comes to dressier looks. Trust me, no one is more surprised than I am! And yet, lately I've become quite obsessed with pairing flats with midi dresses. Take today's look for example, the beautiful Preen lace dress I'm wearing in today's post could have worked with any number of heels, but worn with metallic flats, it looks a little less girly and a lot more chic. Speaking of dresses, I've had my eye on this one for quite some time now. You know how I feel about lace dresses and the color blue in general, but when you combine those two things together, the end result is simply irresistible! I've searched for this dress everywhere, giving up all hope at times, until I finally found it on Avenue32 and on sale nonetheless! Basically best case scenario all around!:) I also happen to find those metallic flats and dainty rings I'm wearing in today's post, and since they were also on sale and completed the look, I just couldn't resist...What can I say, it was a really good shopping day!:)

PREEN by THORNTON BREGAZZI blue lace Hayden dress, PAUL ANDREW metallic gold Zoya flats, ESTELLE DEVE Dawn ring set & Ilona ring set all via AVENUE32 | PRADA retro sunglasses | SAINT LAURENT small Monogramme tassel chain bag 

SAN DIEGO BLUES

Logic behind this look: a bit of blue is good but a lot is even better. In fact, I think it's pretty safe to say that no amount of blue is too much in my book, seeing how blue and I have a very special relationship. Of course by special relationship I mean that I am completely and utterly obsessed and could probably wear blue every day for the rest of my life and be perfectly content... So, I suppose you could say that this outfit it basically me living my dream, just me and lots and lots of blue:) 

BANANA REPUBLIC chambray shorts, soft-wash linen cotton shirt & mesh cut-out back pullover | CHLOE The Marcie mini textured leather shoulder bag | ASOS flat gladiator sandals | BANANA REPUBLIC Tina hat | NIALAYA panther ring, cross over gold ring, panther bangle in gold & white diamonds, stingray bracelet & rose gold & matte onyx bracelet 

MELLOW ON MELROSE - GOODBYE 2012

Wow, last post of 2012! Can't believe how quickly this year went by, and what a wonderful year it was! Which is why I want to take a moment to thank you guys for your continued support! This blog could not exist without you. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful emails, comments and messages, which put a smile on my face every time I read them and made every day of 2012 the best day ever! 

I hope 2013 makes every one of your dreams come true! May the New Year bring you all the happiness, love and joy in the world! Happy New Year, Everyone!

Lauren sparkle slippers via Pink & Pepper | Sweater - old { similar here & here }  | Rebecca Minkoff quilted affair bag in black via StefaniBags | Paul & Joe Corina coat | Armani Exchange chronograph boyfriend watch | Givenchy crystal bracelets { similar here & here } | Banana Republic sunglasses | James Twiggy corduroy jeans via James Jeans 

Keep on smiling,

Love,

Annabelle