The past few seasons, tie dye has been all over the place, much to the chagrin of ladies born and raised in the ’60s, who had likely hoped to see the trend die and never return.  The hippie staple even made its way to haute couture (here, runway looks from Proenza Schouler, Blumarine, and Tibi):

You could scarcely open the glossy pages of a celebrity magazine (I’m an unabashed trashy mag junkie — they get me through my workouts on the elliptical) without seeing Vanessa Hudgens in some sort of tie-dyed scarf-and-ripped jeans or enorma-maxi-dress look.  And I’ll admit it: I thought it was kinda cool for a hot second.  I even considered buying this Gypsy05 asymmetrical dress (here worn by Ashley Tisdale):

I’m glad I didn’t, though — I’ve been noticing  a much chic-er, much classier “tie dye 2.0″ look this season, involving painterly washes of color and broad brush stroke prints.  I’m Into it with a capital I.  Consider this lovely Michael Kors silk camel-colored dress –

Lovely, ladylike, and yet versatile.  I’d slip into some neutral pumps (below, Christian Louboutin, $636, ShopSavannah) and throw on some big studs (below, David Yurman, $495, Saks)for work or for brunch with the in-laws.

Another feminine watercolor-inspired dress?  J. Crew’s asymmetrical “Bridget” dress in lilac.  As I mentioned yesterday, I’m sort of falling in love with soft violet shades — this one has my name written all over it.

It reminds me of the impressionist painter Claude Monet’s series of lilac paintings — he painted the same cluster of flowering bushes in different sunlight conditions.  This one — “Lilacs in Gray Weather” is one of my absolute favorites.

I’m not sure I’m too thrilled with the leather gladiator sandal pairing here — taking a cue from the Monet canvas above, I’d much rather see it with some gray peep toes and some lovely femme studs, like these diamond and kunzite bank-breakers by Sazingg (available at Vivre.com for $7,500):

(Note that Bounkit has a number of lovely big studs featuring amethyst as well — they’re priced more reasonably at around $300-$400/pair.)  While on the subject of my newfound favorite color, aren’t you head over heels for this artful Rachel Roy masterpiece?

Pretty as a picture.  You can find it at Shopbop for just shy of $2K.

If you’re warming up to the idea of a painterly dress but find the above looks a bit too dainty for your taste, you are in for a treat.  There’s the “tie-dye 2.0″ Halston Heritage dress I featured in my Yellow Fever post ($323, Farfetch):

Love the palette — infinitely wearable with any number of accessories.  Very Andy Warhol.

Shoshanna has a comparable Warhol-approved print in an even brighter color palette out this season:

You can snag this strapless version at Revolve Clothing for $340 and a more ladylike strappy silk version at Hampden Clothing for $298.  As you know, I love me some neon — but these are so day-glo, I’d try to minimize add-ons.  Just some unfussy shoes and a necklace in lucite, clear glass, or white.  Check out my post “Neckwear for the Preppy Set” for ideas like this affordable Aqua brand lucite bead necklace:

Like the concept, but concerned about the volume?  Try this M Missoni asymmetrical top ($295, Shopbop) with white jeans:

Because the top has almost a chain-link pattern to it, I’m envisioning a long gold chain necklace or maybe this tiered House of Harlow 1960 variation ($330, MyWardrobe.com):

Or, to tone down the look differently, imagine an all-black ensemble with this kickin paint-inspired “Love Bird Leather” tote by Marc Jacobs:

I think you’d make quite the statement wearing it with an all-business tailored black dress (the one below by minimalist Calvin Klein — $895 at Shopbop), some sky high black heels (Louboutin patent pigalle 120s, $565, Net-A-Porter), and huge shades (Stella McCartney, $200, Net-A-Porter).  Think Victoria Beckham meets pop art.

To conclude, consider picking up this to-die-for wearable brush stroke print dress by Olivia Rubin ($379, MyWardrobe):

With some refined, jet-black accessories, you’d be the portrait of a lady.

After suggesting Mulberry’s ladylike “Bayswater” bag in yesterday’s Jackie O.-inspired post, I had a luxe shell-pink and ivory palette in mind for this (abbreviated) work-week.  (I’m heading to Charlottesville for the spring Foxfield Races — a tradition for us Wahoos, or UVA grads.  Look forward to my report on sundresses later this week, or maybe after I’ve surveyed the crowd.)

The tentative D.C. spring weather (it was 80 on Friday; it was 48 when I walked to work today) is perfect for these pale, muted pinks and creamy neutrals.  Imagine the feminine-yet-bold balance you’d strike with this killer Roberta Freymann bib necklace:

(Side note: Olivia Palermo, of MTV’s The City fame, designs for Freymann.  She’s crafted a series of eye-catching cut glass beaded statement necklaces in a range of happy colors — pitch perfect and appealingly “global” for this season.)  I’d pair the blush-toned necklace above with a petal pink dress, like this inexpensive one by B.B. Dakota (an affordable $85), available at Shopbop:

I like the idea of sticking to a nude/blush color family, but think you could also pull off the Chanel look with some black patent pointy-toed pumps and enormous black shades.  For a more formal event, I’m into this slightly whimsical Milly dress:

I love the idea of pairing a shell pink dress with patent nude pumps and, if you forgo the Freymann necklace (as you should when wearing the asymmetrical neckline of the Milly dress above), some big, sparkling earrings — like these Pade Vavra drusy mineral studs:

You can find them at Charm & Chain (love the imaginative descriptions that accompany all of their products).  Alternately, slip on a delicate-looking cocktail ring, like this Amanda Rudey “Small Bloom” ring, available for an affordable $130 at Max & Chloe:
Or this luxe-looking mother of pearl ring by Melanie Auld (also at Max & Chloe):

If you’re really daring, you might try these petal-pink pumps by Louboutin, which I also featured in my Past(el) Perfect post:

If you want the look for less, the fashion-forward can try this low-wedge variation by Kelsi Dagger (find them at PiperLime):

(Note that the high-ankle strap could be worrisome if you’re at all self-conscious about your legs.)  The mini-wedge reminds me of Loeffler Randall’s genius “Matilde” boot design.

While I adore its unfussy style, I wince at the price tag (around $600) since I literally wear my flat boots every day of the winter and have hence picked up a new pair of the Steve Madden rip-off version at the beginning of each fall season — I’m sure you’ve seen them all over the place.  Good price point (listed around $200 but almost always available for less) — poor shelf life.  I literally wear the soles out come spring.

While on the subject of footwear, I of course have to advocate my dream purchase — the Louboutins I featured in my “Coming Up Roses” post.  I still die over them.

For those of you not too keen on the height situation (I’m sure they kill your feet), I think these Pour La Victoire flats are precious — although I’d probably pare down the frilliness of the rest of the outfit to avoid sugary-sweet-overdrive (think: minimalist black or gray dress.)

I’d top it all off with this lace-inspired floral It Girl bag (Valentino):

I saw Eva Mendes wearing it and I wanted it immediately.  I’ll conclude with my favorite newcomer to the undergarment scene — Phillip Lim.  If you read the blurb on him in this month’s MarieClaire, you probably have a newfound respect for him (he’s “a woman’s best friend,” according to the editors.)  And he certainly does not fall short with this beautiful pair of nearly-in-the-buff (literally and color-wise) boyshorts.

Enough to leave me blush(ing).

Addenda: THANK YOU to my Brit-based maid-of-honor, who has informed me that — contrary to my Keep It Clean post — Roger & Gallet hand soap is available in the small, European-style grocery Rodman’s at Wisconsin and Harrison in NW D.C.  This must mean it’s available elsewhere stateside — keep your eyes peeled!

And another THANK YOU to my Seriously-Plugged-In Girlfriend — we’ll call her “Ms. In-the-Know” — for alerting me to WonderBar, an all-in-one soap that minimizes pores and, in her own words, “leaves my skin feeling like a newborn baby’s bottom.”  I’m buying into it — hook, line, and sinker.  Expect a full report down the road.

Those of you that have taken a look at my Fashion Icons page know that I hold Jackie O. in the highest of fashion esteem.  Big studs, fitted sheath dresses, oversized glasses, boxy bags — tidy, Wasp-y perfection.

While poking around Neiman’s looking for a way to spend the $50 gift card they’d sent me in the mail (no idea why, but I’m not asking questions!), I stumbled into an Eileen Fisher runway show held on the top floor of the Chevy Chase store branch.  I didn’t last long — I’m not a huge Fisher enthusiast — but I did pay attention to the ladies in the audience, and — to my surprise — saw lots of Jackie O.-inspired looks.  Big shades, cropped coats, doctor bags.  I’m not sure whether Fisher just appeals to Women Of A Certain Age or maybe we’re seeing a Jackie O fashion resurgence (think, for example, of this month’s “Ladies Who Lunch,” Wasp-inspired fashion spread in Vogue), but it inspired me to re-think my work wardrobe for the next few weeks.

First, I’ll need to dig out my face-encompassing Dior shades (found them at a cool $70 at Off-Fifth a few years ago).  I’ve seen tons of Jackie-approved versions this season, including these Nina Riccis, appropriately dubbed “The Jackie” (65% off at The Outnet):

I’m also digging these tortoise-shell Chloe shades (find them at ShopZoe): or these (more affordable) House of Harlow 1960 shades, available at Kitson Boutique:

Love the gold accent on the frames.  (And love that they’re from Nicole Richie’s line of accessories — I have a huge fashion crush on her and am kind of getting into the whole airy-caftan look she’s crafted under her Winter Kate clothing label.)  Once you’ve got the shades down, you’re ready to look for a structured dress, preferably in a solid color — I am head over heels for this Erdem piece, available now in cool-white or peacock-blue at The Outnet:

Then you’d need some enorma-studs, like these cool green stones from Bounkit (vivre.com):

Or, depending on the formality of the event you’re attending, these amazing vintage Ylang23 stunners (surprisingly affordable at $170):

If you were going literal with the look, I’d suggest these patent leather Stuart Weitzman kitten heel pumps:

I bought these shoes two years ago and literally wore them  into the ground within 12 months (there was a hole in the sole that was beyond repair and I had to throw them away).  They looked Audrey Hepburn-chic, coordinated with my (then) predominantly black work wardrobe, and were ridiculously comfortable.  (Side note: though I wish I could feature a pair of classic Ferragamo bow-toe shoes here — I know Jackie must have had some — I just cannot support that low, chunky heel.  They look so orthopedic.  Sorry, mom.)  Despite the fact that I loved them, I don’t know that I would necessarily pair them with the Erdem dress above — too old-fashioned and emulative.  I would probably wear super high peep-toes, preferably with a bow on the toe, like these, which I featured in my Candy Striping post, by Valentino:

Or one of my many bold-print J. Crew peeptoes — maybe the Lyla (peach and white), which I found on eBay and am planning to wear with my white origami-pleated Trina Turk dress to my bridal shower:

Alternately, imagine working towards a super-chic nude/blush palette by throwing on these lovelies by the One and Only Mr. Louboutin:

(You can find them at Savannahs, but you’ll need to make an account and potentially pay substantial shipping fees, since it’s located in Sweden).  If you go that route, I’d insist you have a well-coordinated blush colored bag — maybe this dainty (lust-worthy) Mulberry bag (“The Bayswater”):

You’d also need to wear glossy white pearls to maintain the neutral palette — I daydream about Mikimotos (Grace Kelly’s jeweler of choice — see below):

Other options for work?  J. Crew’s structured Maryn jacket:

Which you could either pair with the matching cotton skirt or just throw over a sleeveless frilly blouse and some cigarette jeans.

While we’re on the subject of outerwear, check out the mother lode of all Jackie O-inspired fashions: a die-for-it winter white cocoon coat by Ports 1961:

Oh my God — I’d wear it every day.  Even in the summer.  (It’s currently on serious sale at 25park, but their eCheckout function is temporarily disabled, so you’ll need to call them directly.)  I’d be ecstatic wearing it with some pointy-toed pumps (either the Weitzmans above or my glossy Louboutins)  and a chain-handled bag, by like this Tory Burch (the Cynthia):

I’ve been working to collect some Chanel-inspired boxy, cropped jackets — I have a few finds from J. Crew, but I’d love to beef up the wardrobe with one of these big-ticket items (the first by Moschino, the second by Chloe):

For a slightly more casual look, I’m thinking this timeless DVF wrap dress in classic navy (from Chicago-based Perchance Boutique):

or this ruffle-necked number by Elizabeth McKay (comes in a variety of prints/patterns — I am kind of into the pinstripe):

Or this vacation-ready Milly dress, which I’ve been eying for The Honeymoon Trousseau for months (when will it go on sale?!)

I’d wear them with enorma-pearls and classic gold Jack Rogers (Jackie O was a huge fan; she popularized them back in the day):

Finally, I’ll share with you the dress I’ve been drooling over for years: the Roland Mouret “Aphrodite” in flawless white.  I mean.  It just doesn’t get classier than this.  Adore the Lanvin-esque pleating, the flattering shape, the adaptable style — you could wear it in your 20s just as easily as you could wear it in your 70s.  And, for a post devoted to one of the most enduring icons in American fashion history, I thought I should conclude with something as age-less and chic: