VanJean Summer Of Style!

I think the first thing you should know is that VanJean now has e-commerce.......

I know, take a moment and digest it; celebrate and fear it. They have a gorgeous site and a great edit of the in-store experience, literally anything you need all the way from flip flops to cocktail dresses. Now that you know this, you need to immediately join their new Pinterest contest "VanJean Summer of Style" to be entered to win a $500 gift card! #Squeals. It's so easy. Create a new Pinterest board entitled "VanJean Summer of Style" and use www.shopvanjean.com to pin your summer wardrobe inspiration! The contest runs from May 8-16, and a winner will be randomly selected on the 16th. Check out my board below for a peek at what I am coveting! Their website is updated often, so there will be plenty of "Pinspiration" (sorry). You can also follow VanJean AND Southern Arrondissement on Pinterest! Check out VJ owner Melissa Blanchard's blog Duchess of Devine for all things VanJean and Pout! 

Seeing Stars

Be still my heart...

I simply adore the Loeffler Randall "Starla" sandal. Sweet gold stars dotting your feet; isn't that the nicest little bit of encouragement throughout the day? Replace last year's sandals with these-they can go from concert to cocktail. Get them here or try them in tan too!

Shoe Show

Belle Beetle Bootie

Sorry for the lack of posting, this is usually a very busy blogging time of the year! Unfortunately I've been a victim of the "upper-respiratory virus" that's been terrorizing these parts for the last month or so. I'm on the mend now, and thought I would share these fabulous shoes to help us all feel better. I'm particularly obsessed with the "Beetle" bootie and the "Babita" wedge. Both are great for now and will transition fabulously into Spring. All of these are by Belle and are available at Van Jean! (GREAT last minute gift ideas!!)

Belle Babita Wedge 

Belle Romona Loafer

Belle Vada Flat

Friday Faves

I love the rich, red color (rococo red, of course) of the Café Capri pant from J Crew. The line of the pintucking down the front is so sleek and slimming. Great for holiday.

Tibi silk faille peplum top in kelp.

This personalized duffle from Clare Vivier is a perfect Christmas gift. The most stylish way to travel!

Of all of the many things I love from Tibi's Resort '13 collection, Lobster skirt may be my favorite. Get it at Van Jean.

One of my favorite looks from Rebecca Taylor's Spring runway, pebbled crepe jumpsuit. Wear it now with fur. (Try the Diane Von Furstenberg Victoria jacket.)

Friday Faves

All Faves are from Van Jean today. 

Dying. Red skirt by Philip Lim, of course, with the Tibi Mohair tank.

Issa. Duh.

Rebecca Taylor. Tweed peplum. Nuff said.

Rebecca Taylor Snake Print dress

Troubadour Fall '12

I'm soo not ready for the end of summer, but seeing collections like this make the thought of a chill in the air OK. The Fall '12 collection from Troubadour, designed by UNC grad and Southern native Lindsey Carter, makes me weepy. Piece by piece and as a whole it is stunning. I can't wait to get my hands on some of the peplum tops and pair them with skinny jeans. Gorgeous, dramatic bow blouses dot the collection, adding architectural interest to the clean lines of shift dresses and pencil skirts. Don't get me started with the fur-the peach colored blouse with the misty gray short sleeve piece??? Yes, please. I can't wait to see the rest of the collection/buy everything and sit at home looking really fabulous. 

Shop Troubadour at both Fleur and in SC Van Jean (two of my faves)

Buckle Bootie

Loeffler Randall Lily Buckle Bootie

No explanation needed. Available at Van Jean.

These will sell out. 

Continuing Campaign For Orange

A little update from Van Jean, Columbia's shopping Mecca. I KNOW that your boyfriend/brother/husband will tell you that those Tibi pants are too much, but, as with most things in life, they don't get it. I LOVE the bright on bright here, and feel the same about the Hunter Dixon shirt dress/Roarke necklace below. Van Jean recently started carrying one of my fave neck accessory lines, Roarke, which has some roots in NC. These are a couple of the gorgeous hand-beaded confections currently in VJ. 

Friday Faves

Gorgeous Spring Hyla Dewitt Bev Necklace. Seeing a lot of geode-like trends for Spring jewelry. I love the colors in this one. 

I'm sorry I couldn't fit a larger version of this image on the page, because it's really stunning. This is from a Troubador shoot, and is currently the cover photo for Van Jean (cause they're awesome) (click on that so you can get the full effect). I have been racking my brain to figure out an occasion that requires this ensemble. If you have thoughts on that please share, I need an excuse. ASAP. 

Loving this look by Cacharel (shorts on Shopbop). Both pieces. Jacket with skinny white jeans, shorts with a tank and some sandals? 

UUUHHHGGG! M Missoni. Love. 

Bear with me on this DVF dress. I don't think it looks as fab in this picture, but I saw it last night at an event at Saks (more on that later), and it's intarsia knit and feels so good. Totally wearable for Spring/Summer. 

Love this look from the boys at Collard Greens. As they said, perfect for all of those fine Southern gentlemen headed to Camden for the Cup. A fine South Carolina tradition, look out for that 1:30 post time!!! 

Friday Faves

For those of us that aren't quite prepared to invest in a Celine bag (and I fully support you if you are), J Crew has a really amazing alternative, the Tillery bag (for about a tenth of the price). It comes in several colors as well as in leather. Check out the Ribbon Stripe Invitation Clutch too while you're at it!

I am in love with this Aussie line called Bec & Bridge. I have the top in this picture that makes me soo happy. I love this dress from Singer22's website; while I think our little model friend needs a touch of sun, I think it's a gorgeous shape and could be accessorized a million ways. 

You should get these! The Amber heel from Tibi! They have several versions, this being my fave! Van Jean has them in stock now. Such a great multi-purpose, multi-outfit sandal!

I love this swingy little fishy tank from Custard in Savannah! Our abnormally warm weather has sent me into full on Spring mode. How cute would this be with the pink skinnies from  Hudson (pictured below!) from Fleur and some tan sandals? (Side note: the top is a steal!)

Changing Your Stripes

Harvey Faircloth via Fleur

Stripes are everywhere for Spring. Good old nautical inspired stripes: thick, thin, blue, white, red. Very American. Pick a piece and work it in with your old stuff; I especially love the Tibi look pairing the striped skirt with the patterned top. It’s flying in the face of those who panic at the thought of pairing different patterns. This is a perfect example of a flawless execution of pattern mixing. If that's too scary pairing stripes with a pop of color, hot pink or red or maybe a baby blue, is a much more subtle way to rock the trend. Striped accessories abound as well, and are such a fun way to mix in the trend without over-committing. 

Rebecca Minkoff from II Brunettes, adorable!

Obsessed with this Tibi swing jacket + the POP of color from Van Jean!

Perfection, Tibi, Van Jean. 

Precious Tory Burch espadrille from Monkee's Raleigh

Another fabulous basic from Monkee's

My absolute favorite, Alice + Olivia from Fleur

And more Harvey Faircloth, via Fleur