I’m spending the holidays in my hometown of Los Angeles. It’s one time that I can be with my family and of course, indulge in everything that embodies that Los Angeles lifestyle. Whenever I would think of Hollywood, I think of overindulgence. Marilyn Monroe. The Walk of Fame. Melrose Place. The Hollywood Hills. Los Angeles is not just place, but a mindset, where your imagination can come to life. A city unlike any other where winters are spent by the swimming pool, tanning in the sun. Nights are spent out, rubbing elbows with the stars. I can see why many believe “California is the mission.” What’s not to love? Glamorous nights at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills. Afternoons exercising at Runyon Canyon. Green juice and yoga overlooking the Pacific Palisades. Holidays in LA are anything but normal. Bikinis by day, party dresses by night. Here I am living my best Hollywood life with one of the most perfect designer dresses. This may be the best piece to hit up Sunset Blvd during New Year’s Eve: a knit beauty by Alexander McQueen, straight off the rack at Selfridges in London.

Selfridges has a super curated designer dresses selection with an appreciation for art and intricate designs. The closer I look at the details of this party dress, the more I love all the creativity and hard work put into each and every one of their evening dresses. Sarah Burton, the designer at the iconic Alexander McQueen fashion house, gives the floral pattern a new and powerful look, drawing inspiration from medieval landmarks and transforming the bloom’s shape into a gorgeous needlework on a soft-to-touch silk blend. It’s a piece that molds to your body. A cinched waist and fit n’ flare skirt. Nothing can feel more right on the female body. Plus, a flower print is timeless. This may be one of the most beautiful formal dresses. It gives cliche “bodycon” a whole new meaning. Body conscious in a way that’s classy and elegant . . . the way it should be. It’s the ultimate holiday staple piece.

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This by far my favorite vintage piece in my wardrobe, this stunning vintage Alexander McQueen ruffled blouse. And guess what? I digged and digged, and found it on Vestiaire Collective, a market place for pre-owned luxury designer fashion that you can’t find anywhere else, at an amazing value. It actually is pure thrill when I shop their website. I get to sell items from my own closet as well as get access to incredible closets of the world’s most stylish women. Authenticity is important to Vestiaire and believe me, they sell a ton of luxury goods from Chanel, to Saint Laurent, as well as Celine, Prada, and so much more. Every single item is checked both for quality and authenticity before it’s shipped out to the buyer. I like knowing that the Vestiaire Collective holds such high standards for both the buyers and sellers when it comes to the product. Now about this amazing Alexander McQueen…

When I start getting onto Vestiaire, I sit on my couch and flip through pages and pages of product. I checked the clock, and nearly 2 hours had passed. Once I start, I can’t stop. The hunt for incredible and unique new statement pieces for fall is super fun. I stumbled up this ruffled beauty and was taken into a Victorian dreamworld. The sleeves. The details! So intricate. Fit for a queen. It could double as both a perfect Halloween costume from medieval times, yet also works perfectly for a casual day at brunch off Abbot Kinney here in LA with a great pair of trousers. It’s versatile. It’s timeless. It’s a work of art! And when I received it, it was in such perfect condition and fit exactly right and true to size. I wish I knew more of the story behind the blouse, but it must have been hung elegantly in a glamorous closet in it’s hometown of Paris. I’m glad to be bringing it back to life.

vintage Alexander Mcqueen blouse from Vestiaire Collective

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