SHOP MICHAEL JACKSON’S STYLE NOW!

Yesterday, people of all ages from around the world celebrated and mourned the tragic and unexpected passing of the King of Pop. Radio stations filled the airwaves with the familiar sounds of MJ’s famous beats. Everyone listened to their old favorites with a new ear and deeper appreciation for the genius behind the hits. A grief counselor called a radio station that I was listening to on the ride home from work. She was surprised at how much Michael Jackson’s passing was affecting her emotionally and was close to tears remembering the time she got to touch the hand of the most talented entertainer that ever graced a stage. For so many, Michael’s name is a household one, and his death had fans feeling as if they’d lost a close friend.

I will always admire Michael’s signature style and the way he could pull off such over-the-top-looks so effortlessly, as if a jacket, pants, glove, and shoes completely covered in sequins were as ordinary as a t-shirt and jeans. But what I envy most was his ability to establish these looks as his own. The glove, the hat, the armband, the jacket. That’s Michael. He will always be an inspiration to those aspiring to discover and establish their own personal style. As a tribute to the iconic celebrity’s innovative flair, I created a style guide of all things Michael, with some literal and some more modern takes on Michael’s trademark adornments, which represent the self-expression of a beloved pop legend. I love you, Michael!!

Since Victoria Beckham has been spotted on several occasions wearing basically the same travel outfit from head to toe, everyone’s accusing her of committing a major faux pas. She was spotted in New York on May 3rd wearing Christian Louboutin pumps, Balmain military leather jacket, Stella McCartney skinny jeans, a HUGE Hermes handbag, and the Loewe chauffeur hat and again yesterday at Heathrow in the same duds (too bad Coraline rocked the chauffeur look first! See: Dress Like Coraline).

Hmm, doesn’t seem like the most comfortable outfit to sit on a plane for 10 hours in, but she can pretty much do whatever she wants - she’s Posh Spice. And it’s not like she doesn’t have infinity pieces of designer apparel in her wardrobes. She could’ve easily rocked a different outfit, but she didn’t want to. I won’t hold it against her for wearing her fave clothes more than once. See my Dress Like Victoria Beckham style guide for Posh’s designer pieces and their affordable counterparts.

I find that no matter what I’m wearing, it’s really simple to funk-out and liven-up any outfit with an urban-style jacket. Once you find your F.F.J. (Favorite Funky Jacket), I guarantee you’ll be busting it out on a daily (and nightly) basis. My definition of an F.F.J. is one that goes with everything and can be worn during the day and at night. It’s usually a solid color or it incorporates two or more basic colors that match everything: namely, black, white, gold, and silver.

My F.F.J.’s are cropped and form-fitting, so that I can layer them over whatever I’m wearing without looking bulky. Accessories are important, but keep those simple as well; a pair of solid colored hoops and cute tennies help complete your classic urban daytime “look” (swap the tennies with some heels for nighttime). Check out some of my faves on my Kazowie Favorite Funky Jacket buyer’s guide. I wear my satin SF Giants jacket every day!

I love living in San Francisco: the easily accessible outdoor activities, the architecture, the culture, the museums, the fact that you can explore the entire city in a day. The list goes on and on. The only problem that I have is that in the dead of summer, I freeze my butt off. There are the occasional days, usually in October, that one can walk outside and be comfortable without a jacket for a few hours. But it’s rare.

Although we don’t get to enjoy warm summer nights, sitting outside sipping cocktails and watching the stars come out, there is one excellent advantage to living in this climate; I get to shop for jackets year round. I’ve put together a collage of some of my favorites on my buylist from all different stores and price ranges. You can check the rest of my great finds: San Francisco Summer Jackets.

Clockwise from Top left: Olive Coat, Anne Klein Plaid Wool Coat, Liefsdottir Textured Ruffle Coat, Belted Portrait-Collar Coat , Red Betina-C Coat