LA by Diana - Personal Style blog by Diana Marks

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April 21, 2014

Cool New iPhone App

I recently found 2sides2me app, which is a photo sharing app for beauty and fashion addicts (like me!). The fascinating feature of it is that you can showcase your before and after photos in one space (without the need of scrolling down, just tap and hold the first image to reveal the second one!) and ask for your followers' opinions (i.e. which outfit, garment, make up color to choose).You can also showcase the change in your style or appearance (longer to shorter hair, before and after make-up application etc.) It sounds complicated but it's actually very fun and easy to do! Also, since the app is brand new the community is very engaging, which is why I am so excited about it.
On top of everything 2sides2me is holding a contest (starting today and ending May 4th), where by uploading your two-sides (before and after fashion photo) with hashtag #ootd you can win a Michael Kors Bag!!! Search 2sides2me in the app store or click on this link to download.
And by the way, check out my "after" photo on the app as well ;) My username is DianaMarks. Happy Monday!

April 20, 2014

Art Meets Fashion: Edward Roth New York

You might remember how I was raving about Edward Roth New York during Fashion Week last year, so here I am obsessing over it again. This time it is their new art piece "Myth and Grace" - no, you can't call this item just a dress, it truly IS a work of ART (like all garments Edward Roth has to offer). The beautiful color palette, interesting combination of materials (leather and silk?) and artistic imagery makes Edward Roth NY not only stand out, but be the most unique, fashion forward and exquisite brand there is. Happy Easter!

April 17, 2014

Denim Jumpsuit and Hair Secrets

Most of you have probably seen this look on my Instagram last week. Nothing to add here: the denim jumpsuit from Joe's Jeans is so trendy and hip (and so versatile!) that even adding only one color to the look made it already awesome :) By the way, it looks equally good with nothing on top and a pair of cool flats ;)
But let's talk more about my hair. I get asked all sorts of questions about my hair and here is a little insight into my styling routine.
First, I should state that my hair is very fine and thin, and therefore pretty hard to style. On top of that, if I leave my hair to dry naturally after I wash them, I will look like I went partying to a rock concert for three days in a row.
It's extremely crucial for me not only to have a good quality styler, but also to ALWAYS have it on me! I can't go one day (not even talking about traveling!) without a styler, otherwise my hair will be a mess and I won't be able to leave the house for public safety reasons :) 
I tried many brands (some worked better than others), but recently I got to work with ghd and try out their new ghd ECLIPSE styler. The idea is that it styles faster with less heat! Saving time and less damage to the hair? I could definitely benefit from that! I never straighten my hair completely, I just style it in a desired shape and direction, so ghd is a perfect choice since it works so fast and so effectively.

April 15, 2014

Gold, Pink and LBD

I am excited to take part in Lulu's fashion face off contest. Lulu's wants to know which spring trend will reign supreme this season. Follow along each weekend for a new trend report and find out below how you can score a $500 Lulu's gift card! 
I chose this beautiful yet simple little black dress to represent #TeamSkater. Gold accessories add so much glam to the look and pastel shoes and clutch complete the feminine theme.

How Do You Define Style

April 14, 2014

Lace and Floral

This weekend I did quite a bit of shopping and, like any blogger does, I immediately used an opportunity to wear what I got =) These heels from Zara are my latest obsession and even though they don't match by color I think they go perfectly well with with the awesome Kate Spade bag. And the Tory Burch sunnies are for sure going to be summer go-tos.

April 10, 2014

Jump-suiting

Last year I was raving about overalls and jumpsuits during spring-summer season and this year, I feel, won't be any different. Here is one of the new additions to my jumpsuit collection styled in a classy way (obviously!) Happy Friday!

April 8, 2014

Pink on Pink

If you follow me on Instagram you already saw this look that I wore over the weekend. To be honest it's my favorite type of look: denim shorts + interesting sweatshirt. And there is no better way to let your feet relax than wear good old converse - so comfy and so cool!

April 6, 2014

Shades of Blue

Felt a little blue yesterday and decided to brighten up my day by wearing that same color. I forgot how much I love blue - all shades of it are so beautiful and calming. This crochet top from Sensation of Night is an interesting piece to throw over a plain tee or a tank top to add a feminine touch to the look. And how cool is that bag from Marc Jacobs? Just the bag alone can immediately change my mood =)

April 4, 2014

Pink, Grey and Polka Dot

Scalloped shorts are back in the game this spring and I couldn't be happier. Last year I embraced the trend fully (as seen here and here) and I still think that scallop edges are very feminine which fits my style perfectly. I am not a big fan of pink color, but this top from Lulu's has such a beautiful and rich shade that I just couldn't resist it. Added polka dots to continue with the feminine theme and finished with a grey blazer and matchy scarf. Happy Friday!

April 1, 2014

Time for Overalls

Spring is in full swing and I am happy to be able to wear my favorite overalls! These particular ones from Lulu's have such a fun and refreshing print. Wore them with neon heels which I bought last year. When I was buying them I thought I'd never be able to style them, but they just add a touch of glamour to so many looks that I keep coming back to them more often than I expected.

March 31, 2014

Elegant Geek

To add fun to an elegant and classy look with a tweed skirt I wore this cool geek t-shirt from Starling Style. You can get it for virtually nothing if you use a special 30% discount code (check out outfit details below) on their website. Mixing all shades of coral and pink did not seem like a good idea at all, but surprisingly turned out to be a fun and refreshing combo. Happy Monday!

March 29, 2014

Pastel Stripes

The weather is changing so fast these days: from sunny to gloomy, from warm to cold. My solution for today was a cozy oversized sweater from Lulu's, which I wore as a dress in daytime and as a tunic over jeans at night.

March 25, 2014

Casual and Foxy

This one one of the looks I wore last weekend. A fun print tee and jeans complemented with a bright blazer for a drop of casual elegance and cute comfy espadrilles for a little weekend chic. As a huge sunglasses fan I am happy to add these ones from Lulus to my collection (especially for that price!)

March 24, 2014

Nautical

Nautical is one my favorite trends. It perfectly fits my preppy and polished style and nautical colors of blue and white are my favorite. I can't believe that I found this awesome outfit at good old Zara - the suit looks like a high end straight-from-the-runway piece! SO chic! And again, I was able to complete the look with just one accessory - the bracelet from Nineteen Pieces (which is inspired by their awesome ring I featured recently).

March 23, 2014

Cool Leather Jacket

Last week I got a chance to attend Adolfo Sanchez fashion show as part of LA Fashion Week. I love supporting designers who are truly inspired by their craft and are such talented and creative people like Adolfo. Obviously I wore his design to the show. The jacket is one of the coolest I have ever seen - a definite must-have for leather lovers. Check out the video from the event on my instagram @byDianaMarks.

March 21, 2014

Orange and Blue

I love styling sweatpants in a classy way, especially if they are as awesome as these ones from W Concept. Orange details called for more of orange in the whole look (which I added with the top and the clutch) and contrast light blue jacket definitely added elegance to the outfit. But the finishing touch, and perhaps the most important piece, was the ring from Nineteen Pieces. As you know I am not such a big fan of accessories, that's why if I wear them, it has to be something very special and unique. This ring immediately caught my attention, because I could complete the whole look with just one accessory, which is very affordable and cool.

March 18, 2014

Feminine Edge

This floral romper from Lulus is a very feminine garment. I can totally see myself wearing it with a pair of heels on a summer date. However, this time I edged it up a little with lace-up booties from Marc Fisher, Wayfarers and my Proenza. The look immediately became casual cool. What do you think of this combo?

March 17, 2014

Win a Vintage Chanel Bag!

Monday is finally here and I am so excited to announce this AMAZING giveaway! I have teamed up with nine amazing fashion bloggers to offer one lucky reader a VINTAGE CHANEL BAG!!! This is the biggest giveaway ever so hurry up to sign up for your chance to score this classic investment piece! The giveaway ends Monday March 24th and is open to US and International readers. To enter simply follow the rafflecopter instructions below. Good luck!!!

March 15, 2014

Mesh Tank and Fringe Booties

It's getting warm outside and I am back to my favorite monochrome combo: this time it's a cooling white mesh tank and high waisted black shorts from Kahlo. And the white fringe booties from Kerol D Milano are a perfection! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Stay tuned for an exciting giveaway on Monday!

March 12, 2014

Checkered Skirt

The original design and beautiful color of the skirt together with the fact that it's made in LA make it one of my favorites! Paired it with a beautiful back revealing top from Kahlo and a little edgy ankle boots with studs from Zara. Obsessing with Zara's shoes this season - so many awesome finds!

March 9, 2014

Ascot Style

If I still lived back in England, this would be the outfit I'd wear to the Royal Ascot. But here in America it's a great option for fashion weeks, events, weddings and formal cocktail parties. Obsessed with every item in this look especially the Russian tulle hat from Adolfo Sanchez and the beautiful crop top and skirt combo from Lum by Lama Taher.

March 7, 2014

Gold Skirt

I found a perfect skirt at Adolfo Sanchez - beautiful gold color and such a chic pattern! I could wear this skirt every day and never get bored of it! This time I styled it with black (because black and gold always look great together), but added a little bit of fun with this awesome red metallic blazer. My new LOVE necklace from Chic Peek was a perfect accessory, because that's exactly how I feel about this look ;) Happy Friday!

March 5, 2014

Hair Meet Wardrobe: My Classic Look and the Video

Back in January I told you about the awesome project I did with Toni & Guy for their new Hair Meet Wardrobe product line. The line includes 3 fashion inspired hair styling product collections - Classic, Casual and Glamour. As you already know I was their classic girl and I was dressed in nautical style. I absolutely loved the experience and the way my hair looked after the Toni & Guy makeover. Their products are definitely one of the best on the market. The full Toni and Guy Hair Meet Wardrobe line is available in select Walgreens and online. 

March 3, 2014

Artsy Chic

To avoid being too classy I styled this absolutely awesome (and so chic!) skirt from Lum by Lama Taher with a simple and fun crop top.

March 2, 2014

Swap Your Items with Swapdom

Have you ever thought that you don't like your current wardrobe any more and you'd like to change everything? I do that all time! Every single day I open my closet and I dream I could just get rid of everything I have and get new stuff. Therefore I am constantly selling and consigning my clothes to accommodate the change I thrive for. Not only it's exhausting, but it's also time consuming. With Swapdom there is an easier and definitely cheaper solution to the problems of ever changing mind fashionistas like me. Their platform allows the users to happily swap their items with each other - no money involved (except for the shipping costs). So basically you are getting rid of the unwanted item and get the one you like instead! Isn't that a dream come true? 

March 1, 2014

The Vanity Fair Social Club

If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that for the past week I have been hanging out at the Vanity Fair Social Club - a series of VIP events during the week leading up to the Hollywood's biggest night - the Oscars. It is being held at WeWork creative co-working space on Hollywood Boulevard which is steps away from the Dolby Theatre where the Academy Awards are being held. The week was full of exciting events, panel sessions, beauty treatments and delicious meals for bloggers and online journalists - definitely an awesome place to be at for the Oscars week! Here are some details of the creative space that Vanity Fair has created for us.

February 26, 2014

Waiting for Summer

The weather in LA changes so much during the day and as soon as I have the opportunity to wear something summer appropriate I use every minute of it. This peach skirt from Lulus (which I absolutely love!) and this mint palm super fun tee from Lovers and Friends are definitely going be me go-to look this season. Thanks for your wonderful comments on my previous post, I appreciate the support of each and every one of you!

February 24, 2014

Popped Collar

I wanted to start my post by saying THANK YOU so much for sticking by me while my blog had rare updates. I had lots of family matters these past couple of months, but I'll try to have a more regular post schedule from now on.
This look is an example how a simple blazer with popped collar can complete a glam look. I feel that I can switch from a day of meetings in Beverly Hills to a night out in Hollywood without changing a thing =) Happy Monday!

February 21, 2014

Deep Neckline

I thought that deep neckline is too provocative until I found this white bodysuit at Lulu's. It can be worn with black flare pants (like the model on their website) for a glam look or with a skirt for a sophisticated look. I chose to pair the bodysuit with a black sequin skirt and added a black blazer creating a classy look with a touch of seduction ;)

February 18, 2014

Trendy

Obsessing with these color block pants from DKNY. I wear them with flats and heels and each time the outfit comes out very different. This time I styled the pants with this cool tee from Zara (my recent find!) and my new Proenza Schouler - it was time for me to get one! :) Hope everyone had a lovely holiday weekend!

February 12, 2014

Valentine's Day Look and a Gift for HIM

Although girls prefer wearing red on Valentine's Day, I usually try to stick with different colors. "Anything but" in my case is not a way to protest against red on Valentine's but rather a way to express myself and look different than any other girl around me =) This year I suggest combining navy and nude for a feminine classy day-to-night Valentine's look.
As for the perfect gift to your special someone, I always believed perfumes are the best. Each perfume has a unique scent that associates with one's personality. The best choice this year is the Abercrombie's signature scent FIERCE, which is packed with confidence and a bold masculine attitude. It comes in 4 different sizes, which is perfect for any budget and taste ;) Get it for Valentine's day here

February 11, 2014

Cropped

This velvet off-the-shoulder top from Lulus is the proof that crop tops can look feminine and classy. Paired it my new favorite skirt and my all-time favorite over the knee boots from Stuart Weitzman for  a young glam feel.

February 8, 2014

Cut Out Shoulders

I love this beautiful velvet top from Salsit - cut out shoulders add chic to the sophisticated burgundy turtleneck. It definitely has to stand out in the outfit, so I paired the top with white pants and neon pumps.

February 5, 2014

By the Fence

It's cold and windy these days, but that's not a reason to avoid wearing short dresses =) I styled this flirty A-line dress from Salsit with matching boots from ASOS. To add some color and to stay warm, I wore plum tights and turtleneck underneath. Double matching can definitely be fun and stylish ;)

February 3, 2014

Dolce Gabbana Sicilian Floral Boots

Yesterday was another gloomy Sunday in LA, but I decided to brighten my mood (and look) by wearing my new Dolce & Gabbana boots. When I saw them in a store in Italy I immediately fell in love - floral sicilian prints definitely attract attention and create a little bit of royal feel.
Since my outfit was already pretty eye-catching in these boots, I decided to make the rest of the look as simple as possible. However to avoid oversimplifying I added a color matching scarf that I picked up in Venice.
By the way, I absolutely love this beige coat from Lulus - it looks very simple yet so elegant. I guess elegance is in simplicity.

January 31, 2014

Feminine Chic

I wore this skirt on severals occasions recently and each time the outfit came out very feminine. This look is the most sophisticated of all: the lace top, the bow on the belt and pastel pink heels add up to the whole "princess"-feel of the skirt.

January 27, 2014

Brigitte Love

On a  gloomy sunday I wore my Isabel Marant sneakers with new clothing that I bought in Europe. I chose to complete the look with my Celine bag - I know, it's so typical, but I don't care :)

January 24, 2014

Flirty Waves

Picked up this top with lace back in a small boutique in Nice and styled it with this flirty red leather skirt from Lovers and Friends.

January 23, 2014

Classic Look with Toni and Guy

Most of you already know that I was shooting a little fun project with Toni&Guy last weekend. They came up with a cool hair styling line and called it Hair Meet Wardrobe. The idea behind Hair Meet Wardrobe hair care and styling products is that hair is the best accessory to complete your look. 
We are used to think that for accessorizing our clothes we need a good choice of shoes, jewelry and make up, and a lot of times we forget about our hair. Toni&Guy created the best solution for a quick hair fix depending on your style. The came up with 3 fashion inspired different hair styling product collections, which will be available on the shelves of Walgreens in February and are already available online. The collection pretty much covers every style possible - Classic, Casual and Glamour. They chose me to represent the classic girl, who is polished but not prudish. 
I came up with a classic look in nautical style, which is going to be very trendy this spring. Here is a little sneak peak of the look which I'll share with you when the video comes out. This is my second day hair so they are not that curly as they were once styled. To be honest, I like both ways equally.

January 20, 2014

Floral Slip Dress and Over The Knee Boots

I wasn't sure I could pull off a slip dress without looking like I just stepped out of my bedroom. It wasn't until I found this perfect dress from ASOS. Even though it does have a lot of lingerie elements, it is still sexy and classy at the same time - just up my alley =) Added this long nude blazer from and Oasis and completed the look with tall over the knee boots from Stuart Weitzman.

January 19, 2014

My European Adventure

Being a blogger I did a very uncommon thing on my trip across Europe: I never took a single outfit post. There are two reasons for that. First, it was a vacation and I wanted to take some time off my blogging and second, it was so cold that I couldn't wear anything other than a thick puffer coat over the sweater and my Prada boots, which happened to be the warmest boots out of all I got =) 
I still snapped some photos to share with you guys since I visited so many beautiful places in such a short period of time. The photos don't do it justice, but the atmosphere in all these places is magical and the fact that my loved ones were with me made it so that I will cherish those memories forever. I learned that it doesn't really matter where you are as long as you have the people you love next to you. I was equally happy on top of the Eiffel Tower as on a five hour train across France. And in light of hopefully the hardest year behind me and my family, I learned that the key to happiness is having a supportive loving and most importantly healthy family.
I wish I could convey the hectic life of Milan during sales period, the exquisite beauty of the romantic Venice, where every single stone could tell you centuries worth of beautiful stories, the most picturesque and relaxing sunsets in South of France and the historical, elegant and one of the prettiest cities in the world - PARIS!

January 15, 2014

Pastel Pink

I am not a big fan of pink, however, if styled properly, it can look elegant and chic. Obsessed with these ASOS Peg Pants - they are comfortable to wear and so easy to style!

January 13, 2014

Back in LA

I am finally back in LA and my European vacation is over. You can see the highlights of it on my Instagram. It's always nice to get away from the place you live in: it helps put things in a different perspective, appreciate what you have and reevaluate your goals. It also definitely broadens your mind and simply helps you grow. I am excited to start the new working year with lots of exciting projects and events.

January 8, 2014

Fashion App for Your iPad

As a true fashion lover, I love good deals and shopping online. The new iPad app StyleSpotter allows me to enjoy both in one easy-to-use interface. This app gives you the most advanced shopping experience today - you can browse tons of items and search them by brand, store, color, style and price.  

January 5, 2014

Warm and Chic

I apologize for the lack of posts recently. If you have been following me on Instagram you might know that I am in Europe at the moment. I am spending quality time with my family, whom unfortunately I get to see only once or twice a year. This is the outfit I wore several days ago in LA. I am obsessed with the faux fur vest from ASOS - it makes the outfit with a simple dress look so chic.

January 1, 2014

Believe in Yourself

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Now that 2014 has already started I want to congratulate you all and wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous year. I feel very grateful for all your support during the past year. Without you guys I wouldn't be blogging for so long and wouldn't be able to have the exciting opportunities that my blog has brought. I wish you all to believe in yourselves and always know that whatever you imagine in your wildest dreams is possible with a lot of hard work and dedication! Believe in yourselves and others, be kinder and happier in the new 2014!