Haute Pink

The American Restauran designed by Walter Platner via

The image above might have been shot in 1974 but the room's scale and size resonate with me today. Walter Platner's pink and brass combo against the unassuming light wood tugs at my heartstrings. I find my own bedroom straying more in this direction as of late- substitute pink for peach though- and would be perfectly happy if any of these touches ended up somewhere in my house...

Marcus Hay for Kimberly Steward/Kess Agency photographed by Johnny Valiant

(swoooooon over that DWR chandelier)

 Kelly Wearstler

Architectural Digest

via Tumblr

...even if it is just a hot pink door with a brass plate.

Wednesday's Look for Less: Striped Shorts

During this week's Look for Less, we get to take a look at one of my favorite summer pieces, the patterned short. Stripes have been EVERYWHERE for the last few seasons. They are an easy classic. And patterned shorts in general have been a hit this spring and will continue to be this summer. Combine the two and you have a double dose of fab. 

Stella McCartney showed her stripes mixed with tropical florals. You can riff off of her fashion forward take or you can easily wear your stipes with a solid tee and cute sandals. Voila, an easy summer look! But how much are you willing to pay for the new classic? 

Stella McCartney Striped Shorts 

Stella's shorts are no doubt fabulous but they'll run you at least $400. (They recently went on sale at Net-A-Porter but they'll still cost you.) Yikes. Luckily, BB Dakota has produced a worthy, more economical alternative. 

Jack by BB Dakota Cabo Shorts

If you can afford the upscale version, then by all means enjoy those beautiful culottes! But for those of us on a budget, these less expensive shorts are a great option! 

Run. Don't Walk.

Seriously, if you love great clothes at a great price (well, at least at a much better price...it's all relative!), then you need to get your fingers a-typin and head to Net-A-Porter. This sale is EPIC. 

The Stella McCartney top I profiled last week is on sale along with a badass Alexander Wang leather dress, BLOCH flats- if you have never tried them, you should...super comfortable and chic- and killer Anya Hindmarch sparkly clutches, just to name a few. 

I can feel my credit card maxing itself out right now. 

Summer Staple: The Leather Tee

A leather tee for summer? Why not! Turns out, the right leather top can be an extremely versatile addition to your closet. 

Seven jeans (on sale!)/ Lauren Merkin clutch/ Sabine cocktail ring/ Vince Camuto pyramid studs/ Loeffler Randall platform heels (on sale!)/ Rachel Zoe pants/ Rag & Bone floral skirt/ Ralph Lauren wedges/ CC Skye crossbody bag/ DV Dolce Vita sandals/ Leather wrap bracelet/ Rag & Bone shorts/ Rag & Bone perforated leather tee

Just keep the top as lightweight and non-clingy as possible. This perforated version by Rag & Bone, though a major splurge, is surprisingly breezy and comfortable.


Would you wear leather this summer?

Weekend Detox

After a long weekend like the one we just had, it's nice to treat yourself to a little luxury before getting back to the daily grind. Below are some of my favorite products that will have you feeling and looking refreshed. 

Kiehl's Exfoliating Body Scrub/ Lippman Colleciton Soul Mission/ Nars Body Illuminator/ Bliss Triple Oxygen Face Mask/ Bobbi Brown moisturizer/ Kiehl's eye cream/ Kerastase hair masque/ Moroccanoil Treatment/ Minardi Subdue styling cream

Hope you've had a great weekend!

Sale Boating

The sales are too good right now. Every single item below is on major discount right now...

Stella McCartney tee/ Velvet by Graham & Spencer maxi dress/ Jonathan Adler iPhone case/ Tory Burch sandals/ A.L.C. shorts/ Athens Rug

It's too good. Make it stop! 

P.S.- If you aren't a member at One King's Lane or Joss and Main, let me know and I'll send you an invitation! 

CHEERS TO SUMMER!

Super Sunglasses sunglasses/ Ombre iced cake/ White statement necklace/ Topshop dress/ Miu Miu top/ Alice + Olivia sandals/ Topshop shorts/ Kate Spade cocktail ring/ Anya Hindmarch clutch
Image shot for Christian Dior Couture 2011 via Pinterest

Wednesday's Look For Less: Easy Summer Swing

It's time for another Look for Less! This week, I want to show you two easy summer looks at very different price points. Can you tell which one costs less? 

Maxi skirts have been trending for several seasons now. I love a maxi for its ability to grant us all a long, graceful stride. But to give the old, faithful maxi a 2012 reboot, an airy and light peplum top adds just the right amount of shape without any fuss. 

So which one is the Look for Less? If you guessed the outfit on the right, you're right! The top from Anthropologie comes in just under $80 while the Topshop maxi skirt only costs $59! On the left, the Miu Miu top is a splurge for $570 and the Tibi maxi costs $365. Ouch. Maybe it's just me but that Topshop skirt looks an awful lot like the Tibi...

And while we're on the subject of blushing summer ease, get a load of these two dresses...very similar but at very different prices...

Would you believe the second dress is a Chloe piece priced at $5500?? The very similar long sleeved version comes from ASOS for a mere $130. Wow. 

I hope you enjoyed your mid-week Look for Less. If you're ever looking for lower priced option for your wardrobe, feel free to contact me and I'll conduct a Look for Less hunt for you!

So Retro

Memorial Day is quickly approaching and, whether you like it or not, so is swimsuit season! (Groan.) Fortunately for those of us who are looking for a little more coverage this year, retro-inspired bikinis are IN. You might not feel like a full one-piece is what you need yet but a high waisted swimsuit bottom covers up the pooch and love handles so all you have to do is act like you're really fashion forward...you can have your cake and strut in your swimsuit too!

Anika Brazil Bimini Bikini/ Urban Outfitters Brights Bandeau and Brights Bikini Bottom/ Peter Som Zebra Bikini/ Anthropologie Vivacious Bikini Bandeau and Bottom

With so many cute options available, you just have to do decide whether you want to save or splurge this swimsuit season. I was surprised to see that some of my favorite designers offered swimwear this year but J. Crew has been a long time favorite for my bathing suit collection. Remember that if you see an expensive top or bottom that you really love but don't want to break the bank, it's always fun and interesting to break up a bikini- invest in one half and save on the other. 

I'm off to do some leg lifts and crunches. Happy shopping!

SHOPBOP SALE!

Hey laaayyyyy-deeeeeez! Have you heard the word? Shopbop is having a BIG TIME SALE! 

If you've been reading S-F for a while, then you know that Shopbop is one of my all-time favorite stores. In my humble opinion, Shopbop is always at the forefront of fashion. No only do they stock all of the best pieces each season but they also do a great job styling looks to give their customers the best ideas. Shop online now through Wednesday for HUGE savings!

Here's what I'll be shopping for...

Summery Shorts

A.L.C. Lake Shorts 

Rag & Bone Tennis Shorts

Figure Flattering Swimsuits

Mara Hoffman Pyramid High Waisted Bikini 

Norma Kamali Halter Bikini

Neutral Tops with Interesting Details

Rag & Bone Bailey Perforated Leather Top

Rag & Bone Addeline Top

T by Alexander Wang Cotton Netting Combo Tank 

Go Anywhere Dresses 

T by Alexander Wang Boatneck Dress

Ella Moss Kahlo Tunic Dress

What are you looking for?

Packing It Up: The Effortless Beach Weekend

The weekend is so close, we can almost taste it! And when quittin' time rolls around on Friday, I'm heading to a bachelorette weekend at the beach. I'm so excited! (Even if the idea of putting on a swimsuit is terrifying.)

The bride-to-be has asked for a low-key, laidback weekend with lots of takeout, fun in the sun and maybe some wine. ;) But just because we might not be painting the town red doesn't mean it's okay to look like slobs. Behold my day and evening inspirations below and the clothing I hope will make them a reality...

Mara Hoffman swimsuit/ Lacoste beach towel/ Bauble Bar necklace/ Topshop dress/ Jessica Simpson wedges/ Rebecca Minkoff bag/ Paige Premium shorts/ Roberta Freymann tunic/ Havaiana flip flops

images via Pinterest

The perfect relaxing beach weekend calls for ease of dressing. Your favorite punchy and bright bathing suit will have you jazzed for a day in the sun. But coordinating it with a breezy cotton tunic allows your daytime gear to pull double duty- you'll be able to go from the beach to the boardwalk with just a zip of your shorts. Grab your raffia bag for a daytime stroll and then add it with a high-low hemline dress in case you feel like making an appearance somewhere that evening. Don't forget functional, comfortable shoes at all times! EFFORTLESS is your key word this weekend.

Happy little Friday to you! Do you have big plans this weekend?

Wednesday's Look for Less: Peplum Dress

How do you feel about a peplum? Lucky magazine recently published a feature about the best trends for different body types and peplums came highly recommended for everyone from athletic builds to hourglass figures. Who knew such a superfluous ruffle could be so flattering?? It's time we feel less intimidated by them and embrace their waist cinching power. 


But to invest in such a trend or not to invest? That is the question. 

Kalmanovich Peplum Dress/ Cut 25 Peplum Dress/ ASOS Peplum Dress

Fortunately for us, this spring trend is available everywhere from ultra high end boutiques and fancy department stores to affordable shops. The wide range of prices gives us so many options, I just had to show you these three. But there are so many more wonderful pieces that are still similar if you want to keep looking.

So what do you think- Invest in the peplum or not? 

Tricked Out Office

My work space tends to be where I spend the vast majority of my life my day. I've decided the time has come to trick this place OUT! 

Cruddy wood laminate desks circa 1980 come provided to us in my white walled rectangular room but that doesn't mean we can't liven things up with energizing prints, bold colors and a few modern touches. 

Filofax Organiser/ Iomoi Blotter/ Iomoi notepads/ Desk Caddy & Tray/ Anthropologie Rug/ Kartell Louis Ghost Chair/ Serape (similar)/ Ralph Lauren Lamp (similar)

At home, this many bright colors and prints might feel chaotic or overwhelming. But in the office, the vibe lends energy and creative inspiration. The Louis ghost chair and lucite lamp add that modern, glamorous appeal while ethnic geometric prints keep the space bright and cheerful. The bold color palette will keep you feeling energized, assuring your boss that you'll never be caught sleeping at your desk! Add a candle or personal photo and suddenly the office starts to feel like home, which is good when you spend less time at your actual house than you do at work! 

With these fun touches, I might just enjoy working a 12-hour day. How about you?

Stay in Your Pajamas!

It's Monday. And who really feels liks getting dressed for work after a fun but busy weekend? I say we all just head to the office in our pj's. 

Rag & Bone pajama top and Miu Miu pants via The Sartorialist

Pajama dressing was all over the spring runways last September but it's only been recently that I have started to view this trend as wearable, especially in the workplace. PJ's feel soft and cozy but there is serious potential to look like one has just rolled out of bed.

The key to introducing this look to your coworkers: Pair your jammies with tailored pieces. A silky pajama-inspired blouse looks chic with tailored pants, a structured bag and sophisticated stems. Printed pj pants give you lots of room to move but need a tailored jacket and substantial heels to keep them from bedtime territory. 

Double Strand Pearls/ Pim + Larkin Blouse/ Marc by Marc Jacobs Bag/ J Brand Jeans/ Valentino Wedges (swooooon)

Ella Moss Top/ Eddie Bauer Blazer/ Veronica Beard Pants/ Anthropologie Necklace/ Tory Burch Heels

Remember too that any silk top plus any silk pants veers dangerously close to pajama suit land. If you are nervous about looking too disheveled, wear your one silk piece with a cotton or a cotton blend mate. Your hair and make-up should be polished and ladylike, especially if you are trying this look at work. (No disheveled buns or smokey eyes or you'll wander into walk of shame territory!) Great accessories keep you looking pulled together instead of pulled from under the covers! 

Please let me know if you try this look or have worked it already. I'm itching to get my hands on all of these pieces but especially the Pim + Larkin top. 

Make your workweek more bearable by wearing pieces you can relax in yet still be productive! 

Puppy Love

I'm having a moment with dog figurines. I'm not sure why- I have two very demanding real life ones of my own! But everything from porcelain greyhounds to turquoise foo dogs is making me smile.

Melanie Turner via Cococozy

via Cozamia 

via Society Social

Coco + Kelly via Pinterest 

Palmer Weiss via Pinterest 

Small Shop Studio via Pinterest

Are you with me? Here's how you can get the look.

via Furbish Studio

via Neiman Marcus

via Z Gallerie

via Perch

The Look for Less: Lela Rose

There's no doubt that we've seen a lot of printed pants lately and they're not going anywhere anytime soon. Being a slightly pear shaped lady, I felt a bit reluctant to join in on this trend. However, I did try on these adorable Lela Rose printed trousers and they looked so cute, I nearly laid down my credit card for them. What stopped me, you ask: the hefty price tag. Six hundred ninety-five dollars in fact. Sigh. 

Lela Rose Static Print Cotton Pants

Lucky for us, a much more affordable option has been born. Meet Topshop's $80 alternative. For more than $600 in savings, I think I can sacrifice a little name brand luxury if I really need a printed pant. 

 Topshop Aztec Jacquard Cigarette Trousers

Don't get me wrong- some pieces can be worth a high price. But, for me, someone who reluctantly met the printed pant to begin with, investing almost $700 just doesn't compute. Would you wear either version? 

Minty Fresh

The mint green trend isn't exactly new news. But that doesn't mean the hottest color for spring isn't just as refreshing as it has always been. 

After I met the Veronicas in Raleigh two weeks ago, I went to lunch and saw the chicest, most effortless looking girl walking by the restaurant. She was wearing mint green jeans, a white tee and flats- simple and classic with just a little twist. Now I can't help myself: I MUST get a pair of mint jeans! And maybe a few other minty fresh pieces...

Fallon Pearl Horn Earrings/ T by Alexander Wang tee/ Topshop jeans/ Anndra Neen Cage Purse/ Topshop Clear Perspex Flats

 Pamela Love cuff/ Tibi jumper/ ASOS clutch/ Tory Burch espadrilles

Merona swim cover-up/ Paul & Joe Sister bikini/ Roberta Roller Rabbit beach tote/ Modcloth sandals 

Have you bought into the hottest color of the season? What pieces would you buy? 

Derby Style

Elle.com posted some of their favorite Derby looks today and I just had to share a few of them with you. 

images via Elle.com

Oh wait, that last picture is me! 

Fascinator by Jan Wutkowski of aMuse in Wilmington

Dress and earrings from Monkee's Wilmington

Let me also say that it is TERRIFYING to me to post myself in an outfit so go easy on me, okay??