fall trend: over-the-knee (otk) + lace-up boots

fall trend: over-the-knee (otk) + lace-up boots by wakincloset on Polyvore.com

I love when fall arrives because it kicks off boot season! I'm a huge proponent of investing in a nice pair of boots because I know how often I'll wear them, especially in Seattle (where it's guaranteed to be cold enough October through April).

This season, I'm drawn to two different styles: over-the-knee (OTK) and lace-up. These are some of my favorites.

matchmaker, matchmaker: dress on a budget

Back in July, Cecilia, a co-worker of mine, asked me to help her find a dress to wear to a wedding the following month.  The wedding would be taking place in a park, so she wanted something summery, not too formal and fun, for under $50.  

I am a huge fan of budget shopping---I frequent Forever 21 as if it's Forever 31 (for the trendier items I know won't last long) and I love visiting consignment shops.  However, I knew I needed to look elsewhere for this request, particularly because Cecilia was in a pinch for time.  I immediately hopped onto Target.com, as they almost always have a nice selection of apparel all at a reasonable price.  What I found was the perfect match for Cecilia!  And, most importantly, she felt the same way.

sale section: j.crew factory

{image from jcrew.com}

Over the last year, I have become a huge fan of J.Crew (you'll see several more posts about my love affair with them in the following weeks)!  After a long period of being disappointed by the same Ts, tanks and cardis every time I walked in, these days I find it incredibly difficult to walk out empty-handed. 

So when I received an email from them last week about J.Crew Factory Online, I was thrilled.  Now you can find great deals starting Fridays at midnight (technically Thursday night) through the weekend.  Enjoy!

look i love: bringing together the basics

look i love: bringing together the basics by wakincloset featuring ballerina flat shoes

When it comes to basics, my philosophy is that you can't have too many. Basic staples are almost always in style, and are such great investments since you can wear them with each other, or with the more trend-forward pieces.

On the mornings that I struggle putting together an outfit for work, I fall back on my basics: black skinny jeans, a nice cardi, solid-colored tops, some flats and my pearls. It's a fail-safe bet I can count on!

NYFW fave: derek lam

{photos from style.com}

I've been following New York Fashion Week for the last few years—more religiously for this season's Spring 2011 shows... I think from tuning in to so much Rachel Zoe! 

Style.com is my go-to source for live streaming feeds of the shows and photos that make you feel like you were sitting right in the front row.  In looking through slideshows of my favorite designers from last week's events, Derek Lam was one that absolutely didn't disappoint.  His looks were impeccable, with delectable fabrics, clean lines, and the minimalist in me appreciated the simple silhouettes and neutral tones.

fall trend: skinny cords

There are a number of fall trends I've got my eye on this year—skinny cords is one of them.  They're a great alternative to jeans and are versatile, so you can wear them with heels, flats or tuck them into boots.

Here are some of my favorites, courtesy of Piperlime:

{images via piperlime.com}

1. Free People, Super Skinny 5 Pocket Corduroy, $68.

2. Joe's Jeans, The Chelsea Cords, $139.

3. Current/Elliott, The Skinny Cords, $198.

loving lookbooks...

{images from shopbop.com}

Shopbop.com is, quite possibly, the most delicious online retailer out there.  They have a plethora of brands, an amazing e-commerce site that allows you to "heart" your favorite finds, and a sophisticated editorial approach to everything they do.

One of my favorite features is their lookbooks.  They come out with at least one every week and they are incredibly inspiring!  A few weeks ago I fell in love with "1 Piece, 4 Stylists" (these are only four of the 8 ensembles), which used a simple white blouse in each of the 8 looks shown.  Not only did I purchase the white blouse, but I am coveting the camel-colored pants that they paired it with in the first look.

welcome!

{photo by sara dearaujo}

My name is Hana Wakayama (Wak, for short) and this blog is a tribute to where I happily spend my time.

I’m the girl people come to when they need styling magic. There’s nothing I’d rather do than get people in an outfit that makes them feel gorgeous. I help them shop, purge, accessorize, find those lasting staples, rock a suit for a wedding or hunt for the perfect party dress.

I've been addicted to fashion all my life. As a child, my mother used to dress me in the most amazing little outfits (Esprit jumpers with accent-colored socks and laced Keds--so cute in the 80s). I owe my love of style to her.

Here, I'll show you the work I do, the things I love and answer any questions you have.

Cheers!

Special thanks to Francesca Merlini and Derek Shimizu for getting me off the ground with their amazing writing and design work!