I’m about to out myself as a total psycho.
I’m totally obsessed with Karen from Californication. Not just her style, although that’s definitely a draw.
The costume director on Showtime’s Californication proved, through his/her brilliant, formulaic dressing of Karen, that costumes can shape a character as effectively as dialogue. In a sea of beautiful LA women in over-styled looks, tight clothes, and couture, she holds fast. And in a sea of beautiful LA women, she’s the one Hank wants most. I just dig her.
A collection of button-up shirts + 1 jean blazer + 1 tan leather jacket + 1 boho blouse + flare jeans + 1 pair clogs + 3 belts + 1 caftan + 1 gold pendant, 1 turquoise pendant + 1 filmy vintage dress + 1 pair aviator sunglasses + vintage rock t-shirts + 3 colored scarves + 1 hat = effortless. All you need.
Allow me to post a completely indulgent retrospective of Karen’s looks from Season 1.
[Forgive crappy screenshots. And thank you, Netflix.]
[Sweet clogs.]
[Caftan!]
“You’re running for the hills.”
via Hank’s flashbacks:
A little pre-wedding joint in a cotton kimono, and incredible wedding day jewelry:
In the midst of the move, I’ve become so much more interested in simplifying my life—less clothes, one shampoo, one perfume, one book at a time, my signature shell pendant, a simple jar of Bic pens; only what I need, less of what I don’t.
Maybe I’m reading into this too much; even if it is just due to the limited budget of a debut season of a cable TV show, the simple formula of her look is something I’m gravitating toward. It’s perfectly conceived. And totally inspiring.
-Carey
p.s. I made a little Karen-inspired Polyvore set:
Excellent! Well said. All you need. So true. My life was much simpler (and cheaper) when all I wore was concert T’s boot cuts or bells and platforms.
And I have that turquoise necklace! Do you remember shopbop had it featured in their August of Note lookbook? It’s fabulous. You should get it. 🙂
who was the designer of that turquoise necklace karen wears?
Did you ever find out who the designer was for that turquoise necklace, I’m really want to get one!
Who designed the turquoise necklace, she’s wearing it this season as well, I want one!
Hi Robin
Please could you tell me who designs the turquoise necklace? I can’t find that shopbop of note you’re taking about. Cheers 🙂
That woman knows how to tuck in a shirt, and isn’t afraid to show it. I love Karen! How about the episode when she and Hank first met and she’s all 80s and punk and awesome? Love it.
Love it!
Yeah her little outfits are rad. I love her necklaces.
Will have to check it out on Netflix.
I am also majorly trying to downsize, it’s so difficult! Must get rid….
DUDE! I am not even kidding when I say that I got little butterflies in my stomach when I saw the title of your post in my blogroll. I LOVE Karen, and did a much crappier tribute to her in a waaay old post here:
http://merciblahblah.blogspot.com/2009/12/goin-back-to-californication.html
yours pics are much better. She is California laid-back-chic perfection.
The end.
Merci!
Shannan
One critical addition: cowboy boots! Or better yet, get a pair of mini-cowboys like I have. They are straight adorable.
Victoria
http://diva-in-distress.blogspot.com
as a Southern girl, I second that addition.
Once Season 2 goes on Instant, I’ll do a follow-up post. Her style has evolved through the subsequent seasons and is still, in a word, perfect.
This has you written all over it! That’s ok, we’re all a little “crazily obsessed”, but in a good way. 😉
You’re not a psycho. You have an eye for detail. That’s what I tell myself about my stalking Olivia Palermo and replicating essentially next to nothing of what she does.
At least you replicate. I need 35 more lbs and I’m going for Stevie Nicks in a sack.
Back to Karen: the CLOGS.
xo,
C
I MUST have that bird pendant she’s wearing.
i agree!! totally cute ;0)
the key is rocking the jeans though… right?
Great style!
To Robin- What is the name of the designer of the turquoise necklace and do you know where it can be purchased? Thanks!
Oh, I LOVE her (though I don’t watch the show anymore due to lack of Showtime) but always thought the same. Always wanted to be her, too! That, to me, is true California style.
xx
Does anyone know where I can find the wineglasses that Karen is using in “Karen4” picture?
Thank you so much!! Michelle
So I too adore Karen’s style. I am planning an around the world adventure. So besides cutting my wardrobe down drastically to just key pieces to store I am also trying to come up with the perfect collection of multi-use pieces to turn one backpack into an assortment of casual but chic looks. I had Karen’s style in mind which lead me to your site.
My question for you is, how would you alter you Polyvore to encompass my needs? Gotta throw a bathing suit, skirt, and sundress ect into the mix? Any input?
I, too, love here style. I found the jewelry designer that makes her “Sunbird” necklace, Mia’s night bird necklace, and some other pieces for the show. Her name is Dana Schneider: http://www.danaschneider.com/ You can purchase the pieces on Etsy.
Someday, that Sunbird necklace will be mine!
Anyone have an idea as to what brand of aviators she wears?
Did anyone end up finding out who makes the turquoise necklace?
Love it! Thank you! Taking notes, longtime fan of Karen + her style.
I love this page and I love Karen! Just so cool:) I would love if you did another page with some of the other seasons!!
I need to catch up on Seasons!
Hi – do you know what make and model sunglasses she wears? They’re awesome!
Love your site!
I love that turquoise necklace too and tried to google but no luck. If anyone finds out please let us know!
I love Karen’s glasses from eps 3 season 6, any one brand they are?
I am looking for a pair of the thick gold sunglasses which Karen wears in season 6 eps 5 – anyone know where to get them!!??
many thanks
Who is the designer of the long Turquoise Bead necklace Karen wears. She wore it on Sunday 3/31/2013 episode. I love it and would like to own one. Thank you
Hi everyone!
Just wanted to let you know that I asked Dana, the designer of Karen’s bird necklace, regarding the turquoise necklace. And she told me that not her, nor the costume designer of Californication, knew who made the turquoise necklace. It’s probably vintage. And with that disappointing news, I hope I can save you guys some time googling for it. The closest I’ve come to a look alike is the one from Dean Davidson found on Shopbop.
If anyone finds a better look alike, please let us know!
Thank you!