In Search of... New Black Flats!

As the weather officially changes in LA (today was depressingly dreary!), I realize it's nearing the season for tights and flats again. I'm a flats-for-everyday kind of gal, but when the cold sets in, a nice pair of black flats are a must-have for my tights and skirts/dresses combos! Sadly, my pair of patent black Tory Burch Revas are practically dunzo and everyone around me knows that I've just about outworn my beloved kate spade felice flats in the past few months (BEST pair of flats I have ever owned to date). Hence, the need to find a new pair is urgent indeed!

I dropped by the mall today (no more staying at work past 8PM--such a miracle), and was absolutely disappointed with the available styles. I was so desperate, I even wandered into Steve Madden hoping I'd score a simple pair to make do with for now. Unfortunately, I just don't think it's worth it to spend $50-90 on a pair of "okay" flats. After some online perusal, I could still only find "okay" alternatives. *Sigh*

Have never tried Elie Tahari shoes, but I think these have a pretty classic look with the right amount of accessorizing.


Super cute and affordable!


Don't think I would ever buy these because the buckle is seriously way too intense, but the leather and shape would've been a perfect choice!


Although not as cute as the felice flat, these might have to be my last resort since I really like the quality and feel of kate spade's!

Unfortunately, none of the choices above are just that exciting. I can't see myself loving any of them. I'm still not baller enough to buy the beautiful Prada flats that Tiffany of I Am Style-ish owns, but one day I will! Until then, I need your help, readers! What is a good go-to flat that's comfortable and affordable? 

New Adventures To Come

I know this summer has seen some negligence for Coastalpolitan due to the craziness that has been my life, but I do have great news to share with you all! Tomorrow, I will be leaving the world of public accounting and transitioning into a strategy role with one of the Big 6 film studios in LA (how funny it is that I'm leaving the Big 4 for another set of "Big" firms)! Since Janice and I started this blog to share our experiences as young professionals in our respective cities, I definitely wanted to share this change with you. Working within the corporate world after college has been a trying and continuous learning experience. After two years with my firm, I went through a period of restlessness and uncertainty in regards to where I wanted my career to go and what my next step would be (quarter-life crisis, anyone?). I've always seen myself as more of a creative person and my decision to jump into accounting was definitely as much a shock for me as it was to most of my friends. However, I think it really was the best place to start for someone who wanted to get a hands-on understanding of businesses and how they work. I am glad to say that the hard work and persistence has definitely paid off and I couldn't be luckier or happier with the new opportunity that the experience has given me.

So what does this mean for the blog? Changing industries and careers will definitely have an impact on what I wear to work and my shopping habits! I'm so excited to be working in an industry with diverse, young, and fashion-savvy individuals and am looking forward to shifting my professional style (the girls wear what I would describe as "fancy-dinner" business casual). Hopefully I can transition into the new culture seamlessly and not stick out too much as an ex-accountant!

Cheers to new adventures!! :)

Joining the Party - Fashion's Night Out NYC

The second installment of Fashion’s Night Out took place last Friday, when cities all over the world participated in some late night shopping, celebrity scoping, free refreshments, and of course, fashion gawking.

Initially brainstormed by Vogue’s Anna Wintour to boost merchandise sales and encourage people to shop, FNO in New York City seemed more spectacle and sights than actually increasing sales. Tons of people dressed up and ambled around the streets, crowding storefronts and just enjoying a fun night. The massive number of people milling about at dusk reminded me of Halloween and trick-or-treating or what must be only a small percentage of how New Year’s Eve in Manhattan is like!

My friends and I stayed in the Midtown / 5th Ave area which had a good number of celebs out and about. But, they were all guarded by huge lines of people waiting to meet them so we decided not to fight the masses. We did end up seeing Bar Rafaeli (who looked a little like Julia Stiles to me) and Olivia Palermo though.

For the most part, we meandered in and out of stores, sipping on free drinks and agreeing that it was the most fun any of us had while shopping. Stores had a variety of tricks (sans celebrities) to attract customers to their doors - Chanel had live DJ's spinning, Burberry provided plenty of hor d'ouerve bites, Bergdorfs gave manicures, etc. Even at these high end stores, shopping felt more accessible and friendly. Since each store's events weren't limited to fashion VIPs, the "everyday" woman didn't feel intimidated by the usual austerity of walking into an expensive shop. The allure of FNO was that everyone who came out could participate in and appreciate the whimsy and ubiquity of fashion.

Everyone wore the FNO shirts!

Loved the rainbow stairs at Tommy Hilfiger

Jess posted this already, but this is the best pic of all of us!

I really like this dress from H&M. The top is asymmetrically cut, more drapy on the right side, has a slip underneath of the same fabric to preserve your modesty, and has a tight, fitted bottom to balance out the bigger top half. I also wore out my new booties for the first time which were painful to walk in after a few avenues but made me feel the "fall" spirit.

Overall, I had a good time at FNO; really enjoyed the energy and excitement that surrounded everyone who was out that night. It was also the unofficial heralding of the fall season, which I'm beginning to embrace more.

Did anyone partake in the FNO festivities in their city?

Trip to the New Santa Monica Place Mall

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I have some news to share at the end of this week, but as a quick side note, I wanted to post some shots I took from my visit to the new Santa Monica Place Mall. I've been meaning to get out there since the mall re-opened this past year, but was pretty disappointed with the outcome. Besides the pretty set-up, the offerings were rather underwhelming. With new luxury stores, such as, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Tory Burch, and Tiffany & Co., this is definitely not the Westside's answer to Orange County's South Coast Plaza (which is what I had hoped for). The highly-touted Dining Terrace was also nothing more than a buzzing food court without any real standouts. All in all, not worth a visit on its own, but still a pretty place to check out if you're already heading out to Third Street (which is always worth a visit).

The previous mall was completely gutted and replaced with an outdoor shopping center.

Best part of the Bloomie's was this fun shoe corner, but the collection was nothing special to note.

The highlight of the day: seeing the talented John West out on Third Street! He's a great performer and his voice is smooth and full of swagger. Despite having just been signed to a major record label, John says he will continue to perform at the promenade on weekends. I chatted a bit with him while getting my CD signed and he was so friendly and cheerful! Check him out if you can!

Ann Taylor 40% Off Sale

Oh blogging community, you make me poor! Thanks to Jean at ExtraPetite always raving about her love for the Ann Taylor perfect pumps (check out this post for her vast collection of them), I've been sitting on my hands waiting for the 40% off sale that was to come. Finally, the day is here for me to grab some for myself! Use code ANNSTYLE for 40% off 3 or more full-priced items and get free shipping for orders over $150!

Perfect Elle Pump in Black, size 5.5 (orig: $158, sale: $95): I'm embarrassed to say that I actually don't own a real pair of standard leather work pumps, so these were a must!

Perfect Patent Pump in Walrus, size 5.5 (orig: $155, sale: $93): I'm trying to go lighter with my work outfits, so having several pairs of non-black heels is a good push for this goal. Have had my eye on these for so long and will definitely be wearing them lots!

Petite Silk Polka Dot Ruched Top in size 0P (orig: $88, sale: $52): I never, ever wear button-ups to work and this top is a great choice for the fall with its longer sleeves. Plus the polka dots keep it fun and feminine.

Petite Tropical Wool Skirt in Heather Grey, size 2P (orig: $108, sale: $62): I'm not sure why I missed PAG's advice on this skirt running big, but I ordered it in my normal size of 2. Hoping this will fit!
All of the above for $335. I was really looking forward to buying some pants for the fall/winter, but all the ones I wanted were completely sold out in my sizes (twill pants, anyone?). Sadness. Oh well, until the next sale... I've been on a crazy shopping spree and need to STOP. What are you girls getting from this sale?