Nautical Knits

The official kickoff to beach season is only a few short weeks away and it's time to make preparations for such a serious event. For my part, I am committing myself to as much Pure Barre as they will allow me to do, a ban on carbs, and getting a new bathing suit. On the short list is one of my absolute all-time favorites: Missoni Mare. I'm a fan of Missoni in general, but there is something so luxurious about their swimsuits that is just on another level. I don't know if it's the price tag or the warning label telling you to do nothing but essentially sit and look pretty whilst wearing your Missoni swimsuit-two things that should scare me off-but I continue to be obsessed.

This one is my personal frontrunner

Find these gorgeous suits and the rest of the Missoni Mare collection at net-a-porter.com.

www.net-a-porter.com

Earn Your Stripes

I want the heck out of this sweater. Featherweight cashmere from J Crew. Perfectly casual.

*Side note: I invented that hairstyle.

A Moment In Red

Rory Beca Kelly Peek-A-Boo dress.
Love the way this whole look is styled-AND is actually affordable.

I'm seeing red today for some reason. (Not really, I feel pretty chipper today, thank you.) I think red is one of those colors, like yellow or orange, that you really have to find the right shade for you. Some folks do better with a blue-based red, some with a more orangey-red. Try on both tones, you should notice that one family tends to look better against your skin. Unless, of course, you're blessed with Heidi Klum genes, and everything works regardless of shape or color. (If so, go away.) I love the bright red, like the Rory Beca dress above, on an olive-skinned brunette, it's so rich and vibrant. You have to experiment and find the right tone, don't give up on red-or any color you love, you can find what works with a little trial and error. 

Dolce Vita (on SUPER sale)

Low Luv x Erin Wasson Crescent collar

DVF Gabi Shift, classic, clean silhouette 

Love this sweet floral number by Sonia Rykiel

Issa's wrap dress, their signature style.

Decor Challenge: Finding The Right Rug

I am loving this ikat rug featured on One Kings Lane. I've been keeping my eye out for something like this, but in my head it's more like an Oriental rug but in navys and creams. Does that exist?? OK, so yes, see below, but that's got to be a once in a lifetime find right? (Besides probably costing a fortune.) But that's what I want, something with that heavy, worn in hand with a vintage look. Rugs are tough. They're an unexpectedly expensive investment in many cases. I like the idea of a rug adding personality or pattern or texture to a room while keeping the furniture clean and simple. I think it gives a sense of space. I like the chevron look you see a lot of as well, but I don't know if it quite has the character I am envisioning. It's fun to look, and as we all know, someone has already had the same idea you have and put it on Pinterest, so there's plenty of inspiration out there. 

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

How To Fake A Romper

Gorgeous Anya Hindmarch patent tote from Vermillion, holds everything!

More detail shots from the Style Syllabus feature! Just so ya know the Shop is being featured on Style Syllabus today, so mosey on over for the discount code and check out some of the new items! 

I love this look, I call it my faux-romper-it's actually a Lauren Moffatt top and shorts from Fleur that gives a romper-vibe when paired up. To make it work for the office I throw on my navy J Crew blazer (an absolute wardrobe necessity) and sky-high platform sandals by Jerome Rousseau. The best part is that since it's actually not a romper, you can break down the top and shorts and wear them about a million other ways. Below is the Rag & Bone sweater dress with the gray Balenciaga bag, both from Vermillion. My suede peep-toe wedges were a friggin' steal from DSW, and happen to be super comfortable. A great outfit for power shopping!

  

White On White

More details from the Style Syllabus feature. I'm a huge fan of white on cream, white on white, white on beige, whatever. It's very Summer, very safari-chic to me. These linen DVF pants have served me well; they have great tailored detail at the waist and a great flowy leg. If you don't own one of the Blythe blouses from J Crew, duh, go get one. (Get five.) Probably my favorite wardrobe staple. I'm also rocking the most insane Michele Watch from Charlotte's (and my beloved Jennifer Zeuner Love bracelet also from Charlotte's). If you can't afford a vintage Rolex (dream wish list)-this is the next best thing! Lastly are my Ippolita-inspired Give A Penny bangles available in the Shop. 

Maxi Style

Here are some of the detail shots from the feature on Style Syllabus, I'll be posting some of the others this week. I have to thank my very sweet and very patient photographers Karla and Maury, who probably never want to say, "no, your arm doesn't look fat" ever again. (I will say though, it's taken me 30 years, but pop that elbow and your arm really does lose photo weight). Also, as a style note here, the Tibi Arizona maxi skirt in this shot is on SALE at Monkee's of Raleigh right now, as well as some other fab finds. 

KJL hoop earrings and bangles from Charlotte's