Designer Discovery: Vineet Bahl

While poking around Net-A-Porter the other day, I discovered an amazing new designer that I'd never heard of before...even though he launched in 2007. Vineet Bahl's interesting textiles yet classic cuts had me at download. His artisanal pieces offer so much visual interest but are also easy to wear. Clearly Vineet modernized his Indian roots for today's uptown girl.

Case in point...my new favorite top (that I don't own) and its day and night outfit options. 

Cardigan/ Jeans/ Boots/ Top/ Skirt/ Clutch/ Heels

The possibilities are endless with a sweet shirt like this one. The plaid nods toward rustic while the sequins and silk keep it girly. Play up the rough 'n tumble side with cords, ankle boots and an oversized cardigan for a chic but casual daytime look. Go glam at night with a girlie skirt (Also by Vineet), gilded clutch and subtly sparkly shoes. And with so much visual interest, there's no need for jewelry...the top is blingy enough!

If this top doesn't strike your fancy, maybe some of his other pieces will. 

Bonus news: Net-A-Porter isn't the only online stockist for Vineet Bahl. Anthropologie also carries several of his jackets and dresses as part of their Made In Kind line. 

It might be time to see one of these pieces in person...hmmmm...let me know if you get your hands on one.

Color Combo Love: Mint & Aqua

Is anyone else battling frigid morning temps and then sweating like a pig by lunchtime? While feeling a nip in the air is a thrill, getting dressed for it can be a bit challenging. Of course, none of us are ready to shift into full-on winter mode. That's why great color combos created from your favorite summertime palettes are key. A bright, lightweight knit becomes our best friend on days like these and an outdoorsy jacket lends that necessary extra layer to beat the morning and evening chill. 

Sweater/ Necklace/ Jacket/ Belt/ Flats/ Jeans

Admittedly, some of these featured pieces did come home with me this weekend. J. Crew's barn jackets are on point this year and I happen to believe that this type of outerwear is just begging to be belted. The belt and flats in a shade of saddle is just rustic enough to pair well with the jacket while offering a bit of polish. 

As for the rest of this outfit, here's a tip: the sweater (above) is on sale online while full price in the store I popped into. No such luck on the jeans so I may shop around for a more affordable option. Mint jeans may seem like an odd purchase for fall but they should keep your winter neutrals feeling fresh while pairing fabulously with aqua making this combo just one of many color combo loves involving mint and aqua this fall...

What a Day in Santa Fe!

I should have known this weekend in Santa Fe was going to be a good one because it started with two precious donkeys!

Who knew donkeys were total sweethearts?? This momma and baby came right to us and would have let us pet them for hours. Such cuties!

Then I headed to Bonanza Creek Ranch, the site of almost every single Western movie you've ever heard of or seen. 

While I'm not very well versed on the Western classics, I can certainly appreciate a good boutique...

...and bar. (Gotta love those tin ceilings!)

The ranch also hosts this house, which will star in the upcoming January Jones/Ed Harris film "Sweetwater." Regardless of how the film turns out, you have to love a wraparound porch and turquoise trim. 

My inner artist tried to emerge with my Georgia O'Keeffe homage...

From Bonanza Creek Ranch, we headed to Cerrillos for a trail ride. My horse, Abby, was super sweet and so fun to ride. Can you become a horse person if you ride once every 14 years?? 

Now that I'm officially a cowgal, I had to end the day with an ice cold brew. The funky town of Madrid got my pesos. 

So what is there to say but Yippee Ki Yi Yay! It's time to kick off the boots and take a little rest in the shade...until the next time we're ready to saddle up!

Have you spent time in Santa Fe before? If so, please send me your tips!

In-Vest-Ments

Today is the last day of runway shows in New York and it's safe to say it's been a week full of eye candy and excitement. One reoccurring runway piece that I've come to love is the good old vest. Oft overlooked, the modest layering piece is now not just practical but fashionable. Newcomer Marissa Webb presented vests in her debut solo collection while fashion staple Diane Von Furstenberg paraded multiple options in her color-filled collection. For now, I only own a Patagonia down filled or fleece option but I'm ready to work in a few from the big guns.  

 Alexander Wang

 Diane Von Furstenberg

 Marissa Webb

Proenza Schouler

What's your verdict? Will you don a vest this spring or maybe even dress a bit fashion forward this fall? 

all images via Style.com

Wednesday's Look for Less: Striped Peplum

If you haven't gotten in on the peplum trend yet, don't worry. This fall and even next spring are chock full of the swingy shape. But you don't have to spend a lot to look spot-on. Can you tell the difference between these two tops?

The sassy shirt on the left is by The Row and rings in at nearly $400. (It is darn cute though.) Thank our lucky stars that Anthropologie caught on and offered us a less expensive option at $58. 

Are you in the market for some more affordable peplums? Try these on for size...

OKL Purchase

So I bought this today...

from One Kings Lane. And I'm excited. 

I've been on the hunt for an end table for a looong time. Currently in my living room, one actual end table exists while a plant stand sits next to the opposite end of the sofa. In fact, the only actual end table in the living room is a rattan hand-me-down from my parents that I promptly painted glossy black. Mistake? 

Regardless, it's time to work on stylin' up these babies. Since this bamboo butlers table won't play host to a lamp- a floor lamp will partner up with it- there's more room to play! 

Now what to dress it up with?

Rattan tray/ Vase/ Cabinet of Natural Curiosities/ Chiang Mai pillow/ Trina Turk pillow/ End table

Are you a member of One Kings Lane? If you aren't and want to be, leave me a message!

***Special note: I do not own this vase nor do I plan to spend $1500 on one. The pottery is Santa Fe is too beautiful not to share but splurging on it is not in my future.

Fashion in Full Swing

Fashion Week has taken New York City by storm and wannabe fashion editors and It girls can't wait to get their hands on shots from the runway! (Wannabes = those of us who wish were there while the real deals enjoy their front row seats.)

While many more designers still have to show, some of my favorites had one must-have piece in common: the full, a-line skirt. And thank GAWD for that! Flared skirts, in my opinion, are one of the absolute most flattering pieces a gal can ever choose to wear. Waist-defining, thigh-slimming, length-varying, there's not much more feminine than a perfectly carved hourglass silhouette with the help of an a-line skirt.

Lela Rose

Rag & Bone 

 Tibi

Tibi

all images via Style.com

Can't wait til spring? You're in luck. Full skirts are major for fall. And because of its universal appeal, this piece comes in a wide range of price points. So splurge or save, you're closet and your figure will thank you for this piece.

 Topshop

Alexander Wang

213 Industry from Piperlime

Full skirts aren't exactly groundbreaking fashion news but their popularity has definitely increased due to the resurgence on the runway. Remember that lightweight materials work better on boyish figures while the structure of a thicker fabric does more disguising. If you like pleating, remember that the more pleats the skirt has, the more movement it will have- something to consider on a windy day. Finally, if you want to disguise volume in your hips, make sure you steer away from pleats all together.

Long live the feminine full skirt! Have you seen any spring pieces that jumpstart your heart?