Spotty Dotty

Leopard Shift Dress

I am not a huge fan of animal prints, but I can appreciate some of the cleaner, larger scale versions in pretty colors. I've noticed a lot in a blue palette lately or in tandem with blue and I dig it! I'll do the dress with flats or a sandal for work and a heel for night! I just enjoy the simplified look, don't you?

Marysia Swim Bowery One Piece or more here

For Your Wall

Flower Bombs

Joie Skirt + Top

Apparently everyone is lusting after Spring Flowers. Florals are EVERYWHERE for Spring-on your bag, on your umbrella, on your PJs. I personally love a really dainty, sweet floral but there are some gorgeous abstract and large scale options happening too. Here's some inspiration for your Spring shopping list; there are plenty of ways to fit florals into your wardrobe even if just with accessories!

Floral Dress: Jill Stuart | Cosmetics Case: Hudson + Bleecker | Floral Print Umbrella: Kate Spade NY | Hello Blossom Samsung Case: Kate Spade NY

Shop more florals below!

Spiked

I like spikes. (Still.) I know the punk thing isn't new, but I still like the look. Especially the idea of the bracelets with something really prim or simple. My favorite use of spikes was Sienna Miller's headband at the Met Ball (see below). Hearts. This pair of bracelets from Hive & Honey is only $34. Great way to add the trend to your wardrobe.

Are We Lazy, Or Just Casual?

I think that it is fair to say that Americans (if not the world) (not you, France) have taken to "dressing down", or conversely to not "dressing". There was a time when women wouldn't dream of going to the grocery store without makeup, much less without being decked in what is practically cocktail attire by today's standards. I am certainly not throwing stones here. I often look like a homeless person when I go to the grocery store. I got a Shopbop email this morning previewing some upcoming Fall trends. The third slide featured (this is real) "upscale sweatshirts". The featured look being this $1,200 Balmain sweatshirt-WHICH IS ALMOST SOLD OUT. (Go for it Beyoncé.) Now, I'm not saying I don't get it. I do. And I'm actually probably their target, because I like to be comfortable, and if they can help me look chic in a sweatshirt then BLESS them. But I guess I've been thinking a lot lately about how far we've fallen come since when my mom or her mom was my current age. Do we really want to be a sweatsuit nation? In some ways it feels like the Wal-marting of the fashion world? Again, I will probably be wearing some of these trends, so this is more just a reflecting post on the vast changes in how we dress, or don't dress, for our day. I don't remember the last black-tie event that I attended at which there was any evidence it was black-tie other than the men being in tuxedos. Women seem perfectly content to keep their formal (long) dresses in the closet, unless it's a pool-worthy maxi dress. I'm all for chic casual dressing but I feel a bit wistful about the loss of the more formal elements of our wardrobe. Where's the glamour ya know? I'd like to thank you for sticking with me through this meandering from sweatshirts to mourning the loss of the gown. I don't know what it all means, but maybe we could all just try a little harder?*** 

Canary beauty

Paris Fashion Week. (Of course.)

Princess Grace + Avedon

***Or don't. Whatever.

Post-Holiday Blues

1. Joe's Jeans Renah Rolled Skinny | 2. Joe's Jeans Slouchy High Water | 3. Paige Skyline Ankle Skinny (one of my faves!) | 4. Blank Denim Relaxed Straight Leg (A STEAL!!!)

Into the post-holiday blues we go! Blue jeans, that is. (Sorry.) Distressed denim is once again trending as we barrel towards Spring. I am totally fine with that. Most people that know me know that I have a deep appreciation for casual attire. But let me point out that an interesting thing has begun to happen: people are wearing jeans like this with stilettos. I'm not opposed to it, but believe it should be done carefully. If you look at the bookends of the collage above-the heels they have paired with the seemingly casual denim are not just plain ole' black pumps. You've got to be a bit more creative to properly pull off the look, think colorblocking or metallic details. But always remember: you can wear these jeans with flats, sneakers, wedges, booties. So don't stress if you're not into the hi-low style (in this case dressy-casual), they're still jeans with holes in them...

Spring '14...Seriously...

Redoit

Not too long ago I was talking about the 2013 Pantone Color of the Year Emerald, and just like that I'm discussing the 2014 Spring palette. What? Yup. Can you imagine? Anyhoo, this is a preview of what Pantone is predicting for 2014. A pretty delicate palette if I do say so myself. I am hoping some stronger pops will develop from this base; I do enjoy all of the air-time green has (sorry, will) be getting for the next two years. 

Classic

Adorable and classic. This is a great work look with some added huzzah. Huzzah! I love the jacket with some high waisted skinny jeans too. Via Monkee's of Chapel Hill.

Alice & Olivia Demi Dropwaist Dress $297

Alice & Olivia Estelle Red Jacket $495

Tory Burch Black Kaitlin Quilted Flat $265

Tory Burch Robinson I-Pad Case $195

Gold Monkee's Watch $50

Gold Thin Monkee's Hoops $35

Close up of the Kaitlin Ballet flat. You will wear these with everything, PLUS these satisfy the metal-toed shoe trend requirement in your wardrobe.

Just The Tip

The Vince Camuto Prunella Pump

It's a bit different then say, a steel-toed boot, but shoes for Fall are showing off some extra toe gear. Metallics and two-tone tips are popping up everywhere from pumps to boots. I especially love the Vince Camutos, the blush suede with almost rose-gold accenting is to die for. Consider this an extension of color blocking. Color blocking for the feet. It's a great way to add come detail to your footwear. 

Elizabeth and James Sash Snake D'Orsay Pump

Jeffrey Campbell Flava Suede Pumps

Rebecca Taylor Lola Leopard Print flat

DV by Dolce Vita Lunna Flat

These two are a great high/low example with the DV by Dolce Vitas coming in well below $100 and the Sigersons being, well, Sigersons and coming in just under $400. Both great looking options.  

Sigerson Morrison Walda Cap Toe Ballet Flat

Loeffler Randall Margeaux Captoe Sliver Wedge Boot
(AKA: one of the most comfortable, well-worth-it boots ever)