The First Signs of Spring

I was enjoying my seasons, as I like to call it, when after Christmas what should appear on my Instagram feed but tons of people on tropical vacations. Ommm...what are you people trying to do to me?! It's cruel to boast your sunny vacations to those stuck in chilly places. You may reply that I live at the beach, which isn't a lie, but it certainly isn't warm enough to enjoy it right now. In defense, today I share with you a spring-ish fashion post. In actuality, this look could easily be worn right now with the addition of a blazer and swapping the sandals for boots...if you're not off on a tropical vacation, that is...

1. Split-Back Top, Tome $265

2. Rhombus Stitched Pouch, Anthropologie $98

3. Floral Jacquard Skirt, Marni $935

4. Ankle Strap Sandal, Tory Burch $275

The Best of Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week has been well underway since last week and while it's not over just yet, I couldn't resist picking some favorites. 

Jason Wu

 Jason Wu

 

Carolina Herrera

 Zimmermann

 Zimmermann

 Lela Rose

 Lela Rose

 Lela Rose

 Wes Gordon

Wes Gordon

 Tory Burch 

 Tory Burch

 Tory Burch

 Tory Burch

Alice & Olivia 
 

 3.1 Phillip Lim

 3.1 Phillip Lim

 Such delicious eye candy! Do you have any early favorites?
Stay tuned next week for a little Spring 2015 trendspotting!

All images via Style.com

Fall Wish List

 

Sweater/ Chambray Shirt/ Skirt/ Coat/ Clutch/ Boots/ Jeans

I don't mean to wish the days away but...it's hot outside. Really hot. If I can't be parked on the beach, then I'd rather it be chilly outside. So until the temperatures decide to dip to a somewhat bearable degree, I'll be inside pretending it's sweater weather.

 via Pinterest

Preach, Wednesday.

Nine Spring Wardrobe Essentials

Has anyone else had a major case of spring fever this year? My spring fever has applied to all aspects of my life- not wanting to go to work, skipping out on workouts, feeling the urge to buy every cute top/shoe/dress in sight. It's time to snap back to reality and assess what we really need this time of year: A strong work ethic, a toned physique and a few acceptable wardrobe essentials. The nine pieces below will keep you on point so your spring fever doesn't leave you with a credit card headache.

1- Breezy white tunic- Any neutral will do but white is my spring into summertime essential. Wear it with shorts for day or tuck it into a skirt at night. A white tunic takes you everywhere while still keeping you comfortable and making you look effortless. If you already have a white tunic in your closet, then branch out into your favorite colors such as turquoise. 

2- Chino shorts- Please tell me you already own a pair of these. Khakis are my favorite this year but make sure you don't go all camp counselor with them. Maintain polish with a crisp button down or add edge with a touch of leather. If I catch you wearing a t-shirt and flip flops, be ready for some campsite ridicule. (PS- these shorts are 25% off with code SHOPTIME!)

3- Classic trench coat- I swoon for Burberry but any traditionally cut trench will do. Trenches keep you covered in case of a passing shower or provide an extra layer on a crisp morning. They also cover your leg so that you're not flashing too much thigh when walking down the street...

4- Cheery floral top- For all of those days when you feel like you have nothing to wear, a floral print top is the perfect option. You need very few accessories, basic pants/shorts/skirt and your favorite sandal. Dress it up or dress it down. You'll always be perennially prepared.

5- Striped bandeau tee- Whether you're yachting in the South of France or babysitting in Minnesota, a striped tee is always chic. If you can pull it off with capri pants and ballet flats, go for it! If not, wear it with your chino shorts and face the day.

6- Boyfriend jeans- After seasons filled with skinny jeans and leggings, you may find boyfriend jeans frumptacular. But just imagine them styled up with that floral top and a killer pair of strappy heels. Suddenly they're the edgy accent to an otherwise girly look! Wear them with sneaks if you're touring around on spring break. Just make sure you leave your fanny pack at home.

7- Nude flats- Tory Burch flats are yet another classic. Choosing the right pair can be daunting when there are so many fab colors to choose from but a nude flat will go with everything. Plus skin toned shoes elongate the leg! Who wouldn't prefer sleeker stems?

8- Flirty white dress- A fit and flare white dress gives you a plethora of styling options in spring and summer. Wear it with your favorite statement necklace and pumps or add doorknocker earrings and metallic flat sandals. A white dress is the cleanest slate you could possibly wear. 

9- Strappy sandals- If you can only buy one thing, then buy these! They are an investment you will never regret. My philosophy for dressing in my 30s is invest in showstopping shoes, a chic bag and a polished haircut. (This philosophy applies to every age!) Wear shoes like these with every single piece on this list. Your look will instantly be elevated- pun intended.

Shop the post below! 

 

Holo-glam

The hologram trend is certainly not one I ever saw coming but, as fashion tends to surprise us, it has Arrived with a capital "A." We should have looked into our crystal hologrammed ball last year when Proenza Schouler's runway full of iridescent sheen (see runway photo below) earned rave reviews. Now, the brand has officially influenced the lower end lines. Everyone from Tory Burch to Rebecca Minkoff is bringing the holo-glam.

Proenza Schouler runway image/ Mauro Grifoni jacket/ Milly skirt/ Rebecca Minkoff clutch/ Tory Burch flats/ Rebecca Minkoff bangle

You can add a little with a mercurial bangle or pop of iridescence at your feet or a lot with a bright leather skirt or look-at-me bag. Whatever you do, keep the rest of your outfit SIMPLE. Black lets the bright shiny things grab all the attention but dark greens, teals and even burgundies can work with the right finesse. 

Will you glam it up with hologram this year?

Stop. It. Right. Now.

Tory Burch Azure Bootie

I can't handle the fabulosity.

Chic In The Heat

Y'all, it's hot. Like walk outside and start sweating in 2 seconds hot. If we all had killer bodies and no modesty, we'd be walking around in nothing but shrouds. So why do designers insist on rolling out their pre-fall pieces now? I'm talking sweatshirts, pants, sweaters, coats! Even worse, why do I feel the urge to buy fall pieces now?? 

It must be wishful thinking. Summer is just getting into full force but I am a girl who likes to have options. That includes the option to wear jeans, cardigans, boots, shorts, swimsuits, sundresses all in one day! Is that too much to ask? 

via La Dolce Vita 

My perfect place must be the desert. In the morning and evening, you need a jacket or sweater. Tanks and shorts in the daytime are a no-brainer and you can wear boots with all of these or not at all. Yes, I'm liking this idea. 

These new Tory Burch pieces scream desert prep to me. I can see Georgia O'Keeffe being drawn to this look if she suddenly felt glamorous. If I wore these pieces, I'd trade out the equestrian style boots for edgier- and taller- booties.

1- Tory Burch Dress/ 2- Tory Burch Cardigan/ 3- Tory Burch Belt/ 4- Rag & Bone Booties/ Image via Pinterest

Will any of these pieces get you through the next 100-degree day? Maybe the belt would but that's about it. In the meantime, a girl can daydream and possibly wear a cardigan in the cold indoor air conditioning...

Mixing Media

Jimmy Choo

via FabSugar

Tory Burch necklace via Moda Operandi

As more spring pieces gradually make their debut, you'll notice pompoms, tassels, fringe and beads adding interest to the simplest pieces. Ornate extras have been popping up from the usual suspects, such as boho-chic Mara Hoffman and Roberta Freymann, but even classic prepsters like Tory Burch have gotten on board. The new spin- global influence on perfectly tailored pieces. The result- anything but hippie and all about chic.  

1. Tory Burch Heels 2. Tory Burch Necklace 3. Topshop Fringe Jacket 4. Rebecca Minkoff Flats 5. Tory Burch Clutch

The key to wearing these pieces without looking like a crazy person? Keep the rest of your look simple. That means embracing solids, combining intricate details with basics or, if you must wear a pattern, keeping the color scheme similar to the ornate piece.

Do these pieces excite you or scare you? Don't be surprised if you run into me wearing that fringey number sometime soon... 

Do You Know the Way to Santa Fe?

Resort collections have finally begun to peek out from behind the April showers and May flowers. And while these collections won't be available in stores until November, the pieces certainly inspire us for new looks to beat the summer heat.

Last week, Tory Burch debuted her Santa Fe-inspired Resort 2012 collection. The pieces are a a new nod to the old West, with a mix of red clay, rose and golden yellow coloring, relaxed silhouettes and bold patterns. Personally, I can't get enough of the first look I've featured. The khaki-trimmed ivory tunic will always be a TB classic but it's funked up a bit when layered with a bright floral pattern. The red bag adds just the right amount of pop to this easy, chic outfit. I could definitely see adding a big pair of rustic turquoise earrings or an architectural metal cuff to make it my own.

But maxi skirts and dresses are still all the rage. I can imagine SEVERAL of my boho-chic friends- not to mention my sister!- in the eye-catching skirt above. We short ladies may face difficulty when trying to wear such a long, elaborate pattern but on the right body, this piece would be beautiful all year long.

Tory's earth tones and pops of pattern offer an interesting alternative to the neons and sorbets offered by other designers. Not that I don't appreciate a bright hue, it's just that I'm excited to see a nod to the wild, wild West. The entire collection reminds me of a Georgia O'Keeffe painting...feminine, bright, bold and sophisticated.

via Whitney Museum of American Art

all other images via Style.com

A Platform for Spring

Tory Burch SS 2011 via Style.com

Today, the latest Tory Burch boutique opened in London and prompted me to check out the designer's latest arrivals for spring. Thanks a lot, Tor. Now I am OBSESSED.

First and foremost, the platform wedges above, which the photo does not do justice, are the perfect new shoe for spring- clunky enough to perfectly pair with the hottest new wide leg silhouette but natural enough for breezy skirts and dress. The Drea Wedge was even featured in February's Elle. (Note to self: Must take a closer look at the mag immediately.)

Derek Lam SS 2011 via Harper's Bazaar

The Sartoialist

Aside from her gorgeous new shoes (did I mention the gamine-worthy red and white striped espadrilles?), her RTW line has us packing our bags for a vaycay on the Riviera. Be prepared for lightweight neutral cottons for day and sultry, vibrant silks for night.

(all images Tory Burch SS 2011 via Style.com)

J'adore, TB! Off to line up my MiH Marrakesh jeans purchase to perfectly pair with Drea...

Bon weekend!