2011 April | TheFashionMagpie

Archive for April, 2011

This & That: Things That I Like Today.

In Accessories, Home Decor, Ikat, Nautical on April 28, 2011 at 10:20 am

UPDATE: Woohoo! It’s the start of a new week, and the dawn of a NEW Magpie giveaway! This time, the amazingly generous folks over at GraphicImage are offering one lucky reader one of their personalized, embossed iPad cases. Ooh.la.la. Perfect as a mother’s day gift which is — as we all know — right around the corner.

All you need to do is leave me a comment telling me the most important style secret you’ve learned from your mother, and you’ll be in the running! A winner will be announced on Monday, May 9th, so you have a WEEK to hem and haw over it Don’t own an iPad? No worries. GraphicImage has also offered a 20% off coupon to all my little Magpies — just enter coupon code FASHION upon checkout. {I snagged an amazing calendar a few weeks ago with my initials on it and am obsessed with it. Just saying.} Pleeeease with a cherry top like them on Facebook / follow them on Twitter.

It’s an abbreviated week for this little Magpie (I’m taking tomorrow off to host a Royal Wedding Screening in the wee hours of the morning; get my hair and nails did; grab lunch with Mr. Magpie — we’ll probably hit up one of our tried & true lunch spots, like The Bean Counter or Jettie’s; and then head down to Charlottesville for the Foxfield Races), so my mind is all.over. the place. Accordingly, I’m having commitment issues with figuring out one, streamlined post for your consumption this muggy Wednesday night (seriously, we seem to have skipped spring and landed in summer — but I’m NOT complaining. I love the heat.), and will instead share some of the bits and bobs that seem to have percolated into the vast jungle of thoughts that comprise my Magpie consciousness.

Random Thought No. 1: BookWormery.

Um. This is totally humiliating since I’ve earned an M.A. in Literature and I lovelovelove to read, but I’ve been horribly book-averse over the past few weeks. I haven’t read anything but fashion magazines and articles that Mr. Magpie cuts out for me from the Washington Post, the WSJ, and the Economist for the past month or two. Shameful. I need some bookworm time in a serrrious way. I’ve been thinking that I might re-read one of my all-time favorite books — The Sun Also Rises ($9, Amazon) — which always reminds me of summer. Lady Brett is my FAVORITE female character in literature, and her last line in the book is positively gut-wrenching. So I’ll need to dig that book out of retirement, and ASAP.

Speaking of books, I’ve had these adorable French Bulldog book-ends ($48, ModernChicHome) in my proverbial shopping cart for weeks — perhaps it’s time to take the plunge and snap ‘em up:

Finally, the above book-ends make me think that I need other stately accent pieces / belongings, like a cigar humidor, scotch glasses, or…this handsome luxe-leather duffle (J.W. Hulme, $890, Barney’s):

Mr.Magpie constantly complains about carrying my Louis Vuitton duffel (he thinks people will assume it’s his, which he finds humiliating), so that should be a suitable alternative.

Random Thought #2: Updating the Magpie Nest

It’s officially spring, which means that the “spring cleaning” bug has bitten me. Mr. Magpie and I spent quite a bit of time last weekend tidying up, vacuuming, rearranging, organizing, etc, which has only contributed to my desire to spruce up the digs with some new finds, to get organized, and to stay on top of things. For this reason, I’d like to purchase a slick to-do list to keep me on-point (I live by lists — $13, SugarPaper) with all my spring-cleaning related tasks/purchases, as well as a fresh bouquet of…Le Pens (miracle pen of the universe for small-font-writing-neat-freaks like myself; about $1/pop, Amazon):

Perhaps both should live atop a new lacquer tray ($65, Haymarket Designs) on my bureau for easy access –

– alongside one of my favorite candles of all time, the Tocca Florence ($38, Tocca) with some cutely-packaged matches ($12 for 8 boxes, iomoi):

I’d also accent with a fresh little bouquet of flowers — I’m a huge fresh flower snob, but was totally taught to bite my tongue when I saw the gorgeous arrangements at Diane James Home ($350, Diane James):

Not so sure about the faux-fleurs? Check ‘em out chez Katie Armour of TheNeotraditionalist:

Who knew?! One other upgrade I’m seriously considering? Replacing the throw pillows in our living area with some bright, patterned, monogrammed alternatives from Luxury Monogram ($75/pillow, LuxuryMonograms):

Fresh.

Random Thought No. 3: SeaHorses.

No idea why, but ever since seeing this Seaton Surf sweater ($249), I’ve wanted it something awful. That bold geranium color is too good to be true. I’d wear it with some crisp white shorts and an oxford for prepping around town.

When I found myself inexplicably drawn, a few days later, to this precious seahorse ring ($110, Max&Chloe), and then, two days later, to these amaze-balls glittery flats ($53, ASOS), I sort of surprised myself. What’s with the seahorse obsession?

Random Thought #4: Nike+ App

So I may have alluded to the fact that I’m slightly competitive / Type A (understatement of the century). Hence Mr. Magpie’s weariness at the thought of playing board games / Wii games with me. It’s a bad thing, and I don’t know what to do about it. But the Nike+ app I downloaded to my iPhone is a perfectionist/competitive freak’s dream — it lets me compete against myself. And I’m making myself fitter and thinner in the process. Essentially, you jog with the app on and it records how far you’ve gone, what route you’ve taken (on a GoogleMaps interface), where your fastest/slowest parts are (on a “heat” map, where slow parts are marked red-yellow and fast parts are marked green), and then lets you make notes about the jog (I can’t see that word without thinking of Will Ferrell in “Anchorman” — “I believe its a soft ‘j,’ as in ‘yogging’”), and compare it to previous runs. Added bonus: they got Tracy Morgan to voice the inspirational messages that pop up in the middle and at the end of your run. Who doesn’t want him cheering you on?! OMG, love and adore.

Also, how annoying is this: D.C. is full of runners and whenever I see one ahead of me, some sort of nasty competitive doppelganger springs from somewhere in the depths of my soul — we’ll call her “Maleficent Magpie,” after the most terrifying antagonist of all time, Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty — and pushes me to sprint by that person with a spiteful “haha, I’m faster than you are” spring in my step. I’m wretched.

Random Thought #5: It’s Peony Season.

Despite the fact that I just ogled at the faux flowers from Diane James Home, nothing makes me happier (seriously) than a fresh bouquet of peonies. And I just spotted them for the first time this season at Whole Foods, and obv had to snap them up.

They’re now sitting on my desk at work, making my day and my desk that much brighter and more fragrant. I highly recommend you do the same — it really eases the nerves and leaves you smiley and spring-like all day long.

This reminds me that my mother had the most gorgeous peony bush when we were growing up, and she used to snip off the buds and float them in wide, shallow vases — they were breathtaking. She also used to make us take our teachers a fresh peony on the first day of May every year, and I remember feeling verrrry awkward about the entire transaction, and also very confused as to why the teachers would always go nutso over them. Now I know.

Random Thought #6: Sheridan French Love.

Have you discovered Sheridan French yet? This chic pea:

a) has an amazing line of bright-print dresses, caftans, and tops — check ‘em out at Sheridan French:

b) is seriously gorgeous, has a great sense of style, and has a freaking fantastic shoe collection; and

c) writes the most lovable, quirky, honest little bloglet in the blogosphere, Southern Eclectic, through which she radiates love and pride for her two small children and husband; shares hilarious stories about raising said children and living with said husband; and overall demonstrates a keen eye for fashion and color. A daily read for sure.

I’ll conclude with one NON-random thought: the winner of the LuxeLucy giveaway! Drumroll, please: the winner is: Claire, who voted for the KITTY style. I totally agree, Claire — I voted for the Kitty, too. I’ll shoot you an email and set you up to get your lovely belt! Thanks to the lovely Carolyn of LuxeLucy — don’t forget to check out her e-boutique and “like” her on Facebook!

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Cherry Blossoming

In Accessories, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry on April 26, 2011 at 10:11 am

Fashion is all about instincts. I was recently emailing with one of my lovely readers, who commented on the fact that she was interested in test-driving knuckle-duster rings but found herself a tad afraid of the look (I’ve seen it work out quite nicely on uber-chic peas, like the blogger behind CherryBlossomGirl, as seen here), and I found myself cajoling her into taking the plunge and trying it out. Then I realized I’m a ginormous hypocrite, since I just the other day found myself inexplicably drawn to a deep plum colored nail lacquer (Essie’s Big Spender, shown below — $8, Essie), and then wimped out and opted for routine orange-y red.

Coulda.woulda.shoulda, but I’m now determined to try it unflinchingly the next time around. This entire anecdote was a long-winded, rambly way of getting to my major point here: the fuschia/plum/deep pink color family. LOVE. (As an aside, this color family would be an excellent point of contrast to all things seafoam green, as showcased two weeks ago in my “Seafoam” post.) This post made be a touch influenced by D.C.’s lovely cherry blossom season, which is all but over here (sorry for being such a loser latecomer) — one of my favorite times of the year. In my childhood home (“the house that built me,” as Miranda Lambert put it), I had an enormous cherry blossom tree directly outside the window by my bed, and even as a little girl, I reacted very strongly to its beauty. I remember thinking it looked like pale pink snow, or cotton candy, or pink clouds — all the stuff of dreams for a mini Magpie who lived and breathed Barbies and My Little Ponies.

{image from lejson}

The season and its attendant flowering trees may explain why, the other day, Mr. Magpie and I talked about setting up a dress-up date night, and I instantly imagined myself in a silky fuschia/plum dress, a la this Burberry stunner ($995, Net-A-Porter), with a pair of sparkly drops ($295, Dannijo — even though I am a huge fan of the enorma-stud, I’ve been venturing into shoulder-length danglers lately for evenings out) and my hair up in a high bun:

I’d finish with polished gold gladiator-style heels (ummm come to momma, little tootsies — Camilla Skovgaard, on sale for $230, MyChameleon) and a blinged out clutch (this Anya style is sick — $480, Matches):

And how darling would it be to accent an airy white dress (Paul&Joe, $445, MyWardrobe) with a pink fringed clutch ($79, ShopMarySol — 20% off with coupon code INSTYLE20) and some be-pom-pommed flats ($570, Anya Hindmarch):

Too cute for words, eh? I’d finish with some enamel clover studs (love and live in my pairs by KEPDesigns — $55, KEP Designs), and, for a little extra fun, a stack of mismatched-color bangles (I think I’d opt for a yellow and a coral — $38 apiece, Nordstrom):

Alternately, a bold, floaty fuschia top ($185, Reiss) with white jeans, a bold statement necklace ($150, Amrita Singh), and some funky sandals (aren’t these amazing?! — $154, DolceVita):

I’d finish with a statement flower ring (isn’t this lovely? — $360, OpeningCeremony) and this gold stud-accented wicker clutch ($225, KateSpade):

Love the high contrast of the above look — the majestic richness of the purple against the crispness of the white. Take inspiration from bloggerina Ania B., who shows us how its done:

{image from Ania B.}

I’m also loving little POPS of magenta against neutrals, like a drapey gray striped top ($97, Ambiance) with some white skinnies, a statement necklace ($200, Suzanna Dai), and some magenta strappy flats ($295, LoefflerRandall):

This foldover suede clutch ($175, Henri Bendel) finishes the look:

Alternately, how about a crisp white blouson-sleeved top (Whit, $195, Steven Alan) tucked into some metallic-thread shorts (M. Patmos, $280, Les Pommettes):

And accented with some strappy heeled sandals (on sale for $231, DVF) and an oversized leather clutch (MiuMiu, $431, MyTheresa)

I’d finish with some gold ball studs (Alexis Bittar, $125, Charm & Chain) and a long gold chain necklace (love the little lion charms on this bad boy — $200, Elizabeth Cole Jewelry):

For work, I’m liking the idea of a boxy white blouse ($88, Madewell) paired with a flint-colored skirt ($225, LesPommettes) and some statement studs ($74, Oliphant):

I’d finish with sky-high, pitch-perfect suede Louboutins ($695, Net-A-Porter) and a luxe-looking quilted tote (Lanvin, $1,490, Barney’s):

For a summer wedding / big event, I am smitten with this silk scoopneck maxi, a special collaboration between Parker & Barney’s ($265, Barney’s) –

And would pair it with a little fuchsia-tipped clutch ($540, Kotur) and some classic gold sandals ($129, TheTannery):

And round it out with some gold drops ($25, TopShop) and a funky little owl ring ($48, Rachel Roy):

The above accents would look equally as fetching at a slightly more casual affair, paired with this darling printed Tucker cami dress ($295, Net-A-Porter), paired with

I might swap out the flap clutch for this little box clutch (also Kotur, $455, Boutique1):

For the home, do you not love the idea of this hand-embroidered coverlet (kinda reminds me of the Tucker dress above! — $295, LoadedTrunk) and some stately monogrammed pillows in contrasting taupde ($75/pillow, LuxuryMonograms) to spruce up a guest room?

A funky magenta birdcage might be an interesting accent piece in an otherwise neutral room ($182, CocoCozy):

For the desk/bureau/bookshelf, how lovely is this peony-accented 16×10 tray ($42, DianeJames)?

Perfect for storing a stack of personalized notecards (Kate Spade, $244+, Crane’s):

Don’t forget to enter my SPECIAL giveaway for one of the beautiful be-flowered belts from LuxeLucy! To enter, leave a comment telling me which style (the Aphrodite, the Mariah, the Kitty, or the Rose) is your favorite by this Thursday, 4/28! A winner will be announced on Friday!

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Smooth Sailing

In Americana, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Monograms, Nautical, Pop of Red, Shoes, Sundresses, White on April 21, 2011 at 10:36 am

UPDATE! Special GIVEAWAY! I just discovered last week that one of my lovely readers has designed a line of oh-so-pretty, be-flowered belts and bridal accessories under the label LuxeLucy, and that she is willing to give one away to one of you lucky readers! All you need to do is leave a comment telling me which style (the Aphrodite, the Mariah, the Kitty, or the Rose) is your favorite by this Thursday, 4/28! They would be a gorgeous way of individualizing a bridesmaid dress…or a welcome Mother’s Day gift…or a happy addition to your own little magpie closet.

Side note: Carolyn, the brainchild behind the line, worked as a portfolio accountant for a hedge fund before she bravely left the banking world to pursue her own creative aspirations. Love that story! Show your support by liking her line on Facebook! And if any of you have other cool projects and lines you’re proud of, I’d love to hear about them!

A) Did anyone else love David Gray in high school? I was a big fan and now grimace at the thought of myself trucking around NW D.C. in the fam SUV thinking that I was super introspective and in tune with my emotions. Anyway. Came across his “Sail Away” song the other day and it totally took me to another era, and also — oddly — made me think about sailing on a warm summer day, as Mr. Magpie and I have done a number of times over the past few years (in Annapolis, a convenient 45-60 min drive away from home).

B) This thought process also brought me to remember that my bestie’s boyf just bought a sailboat, and that it is currently harbored on the Waterfront, just waiting for the first signs of spring/summer to be taken out for a spin. Woohoo for friends with boats!

C) I have a serrrrious girl crush (grush?) on Penelope Cruz, and I happened to come across this nautical-styled snaperoo while wasting hours of my life on Tumblr the other day:

UMMM instantly want my hair to grow another 6″ and am loving the Bardot vibe here.

D) Also grushing on the styling in this shot (also discovered on Tumblr; no idea where it’s originally from — the J. Crizzle Dizzle? Nah, those tootsies are a serious business, and I don’t think Jenna Lyons is edgy enough to go ultra-platform on us):

In short, 4,389 signs are telling me its time to tune into nautical styling. (Would not call it a trend — the preppy boat-loving look has been around for-ev-ah.) I hesitated on this one since…well, the nautical theme can be sooo overdone and lame. Like these shorts — ummm, a little much, thankyouverymuch. Maybe without the “hammer me over the head” gold buttons or maybe with the gold buttons but without the stripes/all in navy…Also: in my opinion, you shouldn’t wear more than one or two “boaty” elements per day/look, or you’ll look like you’re dressing up as a Olive Oil / a sailor’s wife. I don’t like anything that looks too “costume” or too “matchy-mcmatcherson.” So let’s see. What do I like? First: stripes of all…er, stripes. Love a lived-in striped shirt, and have been especially digging the way that a blue/gray stripe (like the distressed top below — sorry, Mama Magpie, I know you’re hating on the raggedy look — Adam, $185, Net-A-Porter) looks against an olive color ($59, H&M). Would wear this in a flash this summer:

I’d finish with some cherry patent flats ($119, PrettyBallerinas) and this OMG-I-die-over-it Alexander Wang bag (could never get behind the nubby-bottomed ones that have been all the rage for the past year or so, even though my sissie, who worked for the young designer, owns one and rocks it like it’s nobody’s business…I’m much more into this style; $895, EditNY):

If I’m going for the striped dress, I like something a little loose and drapey, preferably with a defined waist — a la this number ($169, Built By Wendy), which I’d pair with this wood bead necklace ($178, AmandaPearl):

I’d wear this in the rainy interim spring-to-summer months with some classed-up rainboots ($195, Loeffler Randall) and a durable tote (Furla, $545, Nordstrom):

And even though it doesn’t have my “preferred” waist definition, this Marc by Marc Jacobs is just.perfect for the season (man, ol’ Marc-y boy was on point this season, eh? I’ve featured a number of his pieces in my recent posts — $498, Shopbop):

I’d wear with super-high wedges (Pour La Victoire, $270, Shopbop) and a brown leather clutch (Rochas, $985, Barney’s):

I’ve also been gleefully pairing navy with kelly green these days, all atwitter with the boldness of the fresh combo. I might pair an easy-on little day dress ($94, Petit Bateau) with some aviators and a long, monogrammed disc necklace ($239, SarahChloe):

And then finish with a bold green bag ($395, Foley & Corinna) and some of these funky little flats (I saw Rachel Bilson sporting a similar style and thought she looked darling — $90, Seychelles):

I’m also loving the idea of striped, demi-cropped top ($135, ShopBird) with a bold necklace ($40, BaubleBar) and a crisp navy skirt (Rachel Comey, on sale for $89, ShopBird):

I’d finish with those ba.na.nas wedges I was obsessing over that Carolina Engman owns ($89, Zara) and a slouchy leather bag ($575, Orla Kiely):

I’m also into the subtly nautical — a breezy white dress ($70, Aritizia) “sailorized” by a red bauble necklace ($98, Oliphant) and a pair of red canvas espadrilles –

Are the wedges below ($278, MyMu) not BEYOND?! LOVE. OMG. Would look phenom with this little gold pouchette ($1,295, Barney’s):

Happy Thursday! As an aside, I’ve been getting lots of comments about the Napa wedding I featured in the {magpie covets} section yesterday. If you missed it, check.it.out. It’s seriously one of the most gorgeous weddings I’ve ever seen photographed.

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Wheatie Sweetie

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Neutrals on April 19, 2011 at 2:54 pm

What am I drawn to today? Wheats/linens against seriously saturated / bold / day-glo color. That is all I’m after. I’m loving a linen blazer (DKNY, $395, Net-A-Porter) over a white lace sheath (Lover, $460, La Garconne):

I’d finish with some bright orange accented pumps (Pelle Moda, $180, Shopbop):

And then accent with a beaded “lei” necklace ($45, Banana Republic) and a leather clutch ($79, Clare Vivier):

And I’m kind of digging the ol’ Carrie Bradshaw flower-pin-on-the-lapel look nowadays, so I might layer on a cluster of tone-on-tone flowers onto the lapel of my blazer ($29 apiece, Banana Republic) and finish with a fresh manicure in Essie’s “Clambake” ($8, Essie):

And how about this ri.dic.ulous. poppy-on-wheat Marc by Marc Jacobs (how sexy is the cut?! LOVE the neckline. LOVE. — $598, Shopbop):

I’d finish with neutral pumps (seriously channeling Carrie B. today — first the flower pins, now the pointy-toed pumps! — Stella McCartney, $655, Net-A-Porter)

Shifting to the neon pink accent color, how about a simple white sundress (love this Michael Kors style, but also saw a cute oxford-weight style at H&M for only $29 the other day, $120, Net-A-Porter)

Like the sporty drawstring waist. I’d wear this to work in a flash paired with these taupe-on-shocking-pink flats (Tory Burch, $220, Net-A-Porter):

And then finish with a funky statement necklace ($95, BaoBao) and a linen-on-white tote ($345, KateSpade):

Alternately, how about a breezy white voile blouse (Vanessa Bruno Athe, $348, MyWardrobe) with a pair of linen shorts (Hache, $230, LesPommettes) and a day-glo yellow-accented scarf ($195, Virginia Johnson):

I’d finish with some city slicker aviators (Ray-Ban, $139, Shopbop) and this bold “jelly” Furla tote ($195, Macy’s):

Kind of love the idea of a safari-style shirtdress (Malene Berger, $248, MyWardobe):

Lovely with a bold necklace ($300, Noir) and some BRIGHT coral pumps ($79, Vince Camuto):

Or try a breezy white dress (by SophiaCostas, check with them for pricing and retailing options) with a lovely be-tasseled tote (Marc by Marc Jacobs, $530, Net-A-Porter) and these made-to-match Kate Spade “Tipsy” flats ($198, Amazon):

And this happy little clutch ($104, ClareVivier) was meant to go with the same shoe in hot pink accents ($198, Amazon):

After seeing the gorgeous Olivia P. in this long, chiffon dress, I’ve been daydreaming about pulling off the same sort of look one summer afternoon. This Stella McCartney dress ($785, Net-A-Porter) caught my eye, and I like it with drapey danglers (Alexis Bittar, $355, Harrods):

I like it with these to.die.for Louboutin “Pampas” pumps (which appear to have sold out online, but I saw at Neiman Marcus), but may just have to spring for these fraction-of-the-price Vince Camuto alternatives — similar in style, friendlier on the ol’ wallet ($129, VinceCamuto):

Either way, I’d finish with a poppy-red clutch ($48, Nordstrom) and a bold gold-on-red bracelet (Rachel Leigh, $150, Max&Chloe):

Also liking the idea of a bold print skirt (MSGM, $272, Matches) with a simple white tee/crew-neck/v-neck:

I’d finish with a luxe orange tote (Givenchy, $1,930, Apropos Store) and some orange-tipped espadrilles ($275, ToryBurch):

Looking for a few alternatives? This eye-catching tote by newcomer on the bag scene “Newbark” caught my eye ($695, Net-A-Porter), which might be right on the money in terms of pairing with one of those LemLem scarves that I’ve seen all over the place (including at J. Crew — $130, LemLem) and a pair of super-simple nude/neutral espadrilles ($225, KateSpade):

Or how about a pair of ikat-chic poppy red flats ($79, Banana Republic) paired with this phenomenal Balenciaga tote ($1,235, Barney’s)?

Ready for spring to hurry up and get here already!

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Pretty Pleats, with a Cherry on Top?

In Accessories, Champagne!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Neutrals, Pop of Red, Romantic, Shoes on April 14, 2011 at 12:30 pm

So. I had this post nearly done and ready to go for yesterday, and then I suffered a deeply distressing fashi-tragedy and was too grumpy too finish. The Karen Walker sunnies I’d been dying over and had finally ordered arrived…and looked seriously stupid on me. Like, they were 23″ too wide, and made my face look small and weird in a not-cute, you-look-like-a-mutant-child way. I’m in serious fashion bummer-ville because I had been so.so.so excited. But, as my bestie put it: just more $$ to buy another covet. Like a pleated skirt, because allofthesudden, I want to toss out my entire wardrobe and only wear floaty pleated skirts. I’ve been eying them — first with vague bemusement, then with genuine interest, and now with full-on envy — as styled by some of my favorite blogleteers and as captured by some of my go-to fashion news outlets:

{blair of atlantic-pacific — two thumbs up to this color pairing!}

{liz of late afternoon — the color palette here is just.to.good.to.be.true.}

{street style captured by Elle, repurposed from yesterday’s post — how refreshing is this palette? Melon and strawbs?}

{found and loved on tumblr}

{some of my favorite looks from last season’s chloe runway}

I’m smitten with the airy floatiness of these pleated chiffon styles, and, much to my dismay, literally own nothing remotely close to them. So, for spring, and in light of my recent (begrudgingly received) refund for those KW shades: pleated separates are first on my agenda. I’ll begin on the conservative side — a simple, versatile, pleated blouse ($285, DVF), which can be easily tucked into a pencil skirt (Adam, $78, TheOutnet) for work:

Especially spruced up with a vibrant orange oversized clutch ($149, ClareVivier) and some classic pointy-toed patent Louboutins ($595, Net-A-Porter):

I’d finish with some I-mean-business pearl enorma-studs ($99 Max&Chloe) and a layered statement necklace ($72, Max&Chloe):

Yeeeah, buddy {Pauly D. voice}. You mean serious (chic) business in that get-up. Alternately, let’s take a look at the blush-tones, which I’ve also been seriously coveting of late, a la Chloe. How about a tomato red blouse (DVF, $325, Matches) against a floaty cream-colored skirt (D&G, $478, MyWardrobe)?

I’d finish with a luxe leather clutch (Marc Jacobs, $1,150, Saks) and some classic pumps (Louboutin, $695, Net-A-Porter):

And then perhaps a stack o’bangles ($78, Matches) layered atop a gold-and-leather watch ($55, Endless):

And because I’m a bag lady and we all know I can’t keep my load of miscellaneous “must-have” belongings in a measly clutch throughout the workday (Mr. Magpie laughs at me every day as a barrel out the door toting my gym bag, my lunch bag, my laptop/iPad bag, and my purse…it’s pathetic), I’d need this coordinating and DARLING tote (MaxMara, $320, Matches):

More tassels! Whadya know. I guess WWW was spot-on (tassel-on?) about that “micro-trend.” The above tote would look equally compelling paired with this easy-on pleated dress ($90, TopShop) and a fabric-accented link necklace ($178, Amanda Pearl):

I’d finish with a pair of ladylike pumps ($77, 6PM) — these are oh.so Louis Vuitton Fall 2010, minus the 4-figure price tag –

It all adds up to the perfect polished, lady-like look for an important work meeting, especially rounded out with this I’m-a-big-girl tote by Reed Krakoff, one of the hottest handbag and footwear designers on the scene ($1,190, Reed Krakoff):

A pair of simple pearl studs ($78, Satya Jewelry) seal the deal:

Now: get ready, get set, DROOL over this Jonathon Saunders gown ($1,450, Net-A-Porter) — the dove against the clementine orange is just genius:

I’d dress it down a bit, take it out for a stroll, see how it moves. Love how versatile it can be thanks to the punchy print. I’d finish, for example, with these Suzanna Dai earrings ($138, SuzannaDai) and some gray-on-orange sandals ($100, Aldo):

And a wear-anywhere/dress-up-dress-down taupe clutch ($50, TopShop):

Love-leh. I’ve been hearing from/styling a lot of adorable, glowing brides-to-be lately, and — if you have the figure to pull this off — I think this pleated, flapper-esque Halston number would be a lovely “getaway” dress (for leaving the reception, if you’re into that) or bach party get-up or even rehearsal dinner option ($502, YouHeShe):

Can you imagine the stares you’d get pairing with these sick glitter pumps (Louboutin, $3,095, Barney’s) and these phenom Alexis Bitter drops ($255, Charm and Chain):

I like it with a soft gold leather clutch ($295, Lauren Merkin):

(And P.S.: for those of you who like to rock a maxi dress, the above dress also comes in a full-length version ($1,060, Matches). Not sure how/whether I could/would rock this, because the beauty of the above, shorter variation is that it shows off the leg.)

So — thoughts? Anyone else into this look?! P.S.: ROYA, you were way ahead of the curve on this one, my little magpie!

P.S. RIP, Karen Walker dream sunglasses. What do you think I should buy for my replacement Magpie 1st Birthday gift?! Thoughts?!

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Seafoam

In Accessories, Beach Wear, Beauty Products, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Polka Dot, Pop of Red, Shoes, Sundresses on April 11, 2011 at 9:51 am

As I was writing the extraordinarily dull, lackluster title to this post (I tried for like 42 minutes to figure out a way to turn it into a “See Spot Run” pun, but it just wasn’t working…), I almost died laughing when I remembered that when I was little, my sisters and I named one of our Barbies “Foam.” Yep, that’s right — most hideous, weird name ever. (My apologies to any real-life “Foams” that may be reading this…) In the context of our Barbiedom, however, “Foam” may have been a step up from some of the other gems we bestowed upon our dolls, including “Buzz” (an androgynous child Barbie, who we sometimes cast as a daughter and sometimes cast as a son, depending on whether we’d located the pink Barbie helmet that could cover Buzz’s head and thereby mask her short hair and make her — from our vantage points — passable as a girl), “One-legged Barbie” (I’ll let you guess what her handicap was), “Midge” (where did we even absorb that name?), and — my all time favorite — “Calvin of Recici” (some sort of hybrid between St. Francis of Assisi and Calvin & Hobbes). Anyway, that’s all beside the point of this post, which is: seafoam, my new color obsession du jour de l’annee (of the year). Ever since I saw this snap of Clemence Poesy in the February Marie Claire (see the entire phenomenal shoot here), I’ve been smitten with the hue –

That little Hermes bag is TDF! I, of course, would not pair it with those clunky contraptions currently strapped to her feet, but hey — to each her own. I like the idea of pairing that minty/seafoam color with milky/creamy whites, soft daffodils, and other ready-for-spring palette mainstays, as illustrated in the shots below: first, a lovely street style shot snapped during NY’s fashion week — in.love with that pleated skirt!; second, an image I found while cruising around on Tumblr (I believe it’s from a J. Crew catalog — it has Jenna Lyons written all over it), c) a snap from backstage at Fendi illustrating the power of color contrast; and d) a little unexpected POP of green (that clutch is amazeballs!) –

{image via Elle}

{image found on Tumblr}

I’m thinking of a happy little blouse in greens and pinks ($114, Antik Batik — and P.S., like the print?! Get it in maxi dress form for $222 at Shopbop), paired with cheery white skinnies and a pair of happy little flats (Dolce Vita, $69, Heels):

I’d finish with a tassel necklace ($168, Wendy Mink — apparently tassels are a current micro-trend, so jump up on the bandwagon!) and a neutral bag in a rich leather fabrication (also with a tassel — $800, Anya Hindmarch):

Now — let’s all take a moment to die over this gorg.eous little number by Geren Ford ($265, Steven Alan) — I MEAN. My top pick for dress of the season. Wouldn’t it be lovely at a beachy wedding? Especially offset by a pair of fuschia-on-green studs ($74, Oliphant), which introduces just the right amount of color contrast into the mix, and makes the green of the dress truly pop?

I’d pair with some simple nude sandals (MiuMiu, $490, Net-A-Porter) and a woven raffia clutch ($185, J. McLaughlin) accented with pistachio-green beads:

Or how about starting with a breezy white voile tunic dress (Velvet, $130, Shopbop) for a warm spring-summer day –

And finishing with a statement necklace ($89, BaoBao) and some seafoam gladiators (more tassels! — Dolce Vita, $126, Helianthus NY):

I’d finish the above look with a textured, neutral/metallic tote, like this Ghibli straw find ($560, Forzieri):

Incidentally, the above pair are rather similar to a Jeffrey Campbell pair that Amy Stone of Coffee Talk owns and has styled and photographed to great effect (love it with the red):

{images from Coffee Talk}

Working in a similar palette, imagine how cute you’d look in a minty-fresh blouse (DVF, $325, Matches) paired with a red-and-green stone necklace ($298, Couture Candy) and some crisp white shorts ($115, Seaton Surf)?

Perfect with some gold Jack Rogers ($98, Jack Rogers) and a bold red tote ($300, Ssense):

UGH. Now I’m seriously dying for some sunny, warm weather. Imagine how retro-chic you’d look in this pistachio green polka dot bikini (Shimmi, $240, Net-A-Porter):

Perfect beneath a pom-pommed white tunic ($156, Seaton Surf), paired with a nautical-themed canvas tote (Anya Hindmarch, $135, Net-A-Porter):

Just throw a simple pair of flip-flops (Tkees, $46, Singer22), pack your beach essentials (my Karen Walker shades — $180, Shopbop; some easy-application sunscreen wipes ($34, SuperGoop), and you’re set.

If you’re into one-pieces (I think they can look super-glam, but they scare me for some reason, because I think it’s easy to look like a dowdy spinster if not done properly), consider this fetching swimsuit from Anthro ($138, Anthropologie) — look how excellently they’ve styled it for us! Die.

For more beachy/vacation readiness (at this point, I’m ready to skip spring entirely and launch straight into summer…), how darling would you look with a breezy scarf ($32, TopShop), an airy mint sleeveless blouse (Bodkin, $196, Steven Alan), white jeans, and some neutral wedges (Pour La Victoire, $270, Shopbop):

I’d finish with that Marc by Marc Jacobs clutch I’ve featured a bajillion times already ($298, Barney’s) and — to roundout that vacation hipsta cool vibe — a Panama hat ($58, J. Crew):

For a dressier occasion (this would have been perfect for one of my bridal showers), I’m dying over the idea of this lovely lace dress by Calypso (on sale for $99, Calypso):

I’d finish with ladylike enorma-studs ($70, Max and Chloe) and some mint green heels ($298, Kate Spade):

I’d finish with a ladylike Kelly-style bag in blush ($110, Joseph M):

And for a serious knock-your-socks-off look at a big black tie event, how ah-mazing is this Temperley goddess dress ($1,495, Net-A-Porter), especially with these show-stopping enorma-studs ($320, Bounkit):

I’d wear my hair up, and then add only gold strappy heels (love that these are dubbed “The Covets” — $325, Kate Spade) and a statement clutch (still can’t get over the perfect compactness of this Amanda Pearl roll clutch — $1,495, AmandaPearl):

In the spirit of full disclosure, the above was totally inspired by one of my ultra-icons: Grace Kelly:

Lovely. Makes me want to try a bold red lip and some Veronica Lake waves. For those of you only interested in test-driving the color (small doses first), consider testing Essie’s matte nail lacquer (“Turqoise and Caicos,” $8, EssieShop), or slipping into these suede accented sandals ($75, TopShop), or a teal-accented raffia bag ($248, Henri Bendel):

Fresh!

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PARTAY.

In Champagne!, Dream Wear, Glitter on April 6, 2011 at 12:09 pm

UPDATE: GIVEAWAY WINNER: So — I read and re-read each and every one of all of your comments like a million bajillion times and was totally touched and inspired. I have the best readers EVER. Love you all. But the one that literally brought tears to my eyes was Madiha’s! Madiha mentioned that my exercise gear post, “Breaking a Sweat,” inspired her to snap up some new workout gear and get to the gym, and that she’s lost 8 lbs since renewing her workout routine! Ummm, ah-mazing. You should be so proud of yourself! And I’m happy that my blog has inspired positive change like that. Woo! So Madiha will win TWO Magpie musts: my signature Essie red nail polish (Geranium) AND my favorite secret weapon, Cosabella’s Never Say Never Boyshorts in shocking pink. Madiha, email me your address!

UPDATE #2: There are a few items left from my closet that are still available for sale! Jump on in and shop my closet!

Kinda feeling like a neglectful mother right now. March 30th marked TheFashionMagpie’s 1st birthday, and it came and went in silence. Poor bloglet! I had to run a quick mini-post to celebrate the occasion properly, and to let it know how much I love it, and to let you readers know how much I love YOU and your feedback and support. {And had to share this birthday sketch by Inslee Haynes — I “styled” them and she sketched ‘em — I was so flattered! Incidentally, Inslee is the sweetest little talent in the D.C. area! Read about her here.}

{image by Inslee by Design}

At the risk of over-stating things (me?! exaggerating?! nah…), this blog has really become “something” for me. It started as a folly — a supremely indulgent way of organizing all of that many things I wanted to buy — and has now come to be a fabulous source of inspiration, a much-needed creative outlet, and a means to meet lots of fashion-engaged folks from all over the place. Love. In honor of its 1 year birthday, I will be drinking a glass of bubbly (I am in.love with 1 + 1 = 3, a fabulously affordable demi-sec Spanish cava, at the moment — $12, Hops and Grapes) and eating a cupcake from Baked & Wired in lieu of a proper dinner. (While watching American Idol and judging its contestants with uncalled-for gravitas.)

A couple of other ways I’ll be celebrating? First, I’ll re-read my first blog post ever {here} and cringe a little bit. Always awkward to revisit your first attempt at something. Second, I’ll glitz it up. I’ll paint a coat of glittery Deborah Lippmann polish — appropriately dubbed “Happy Birthday” — atop my normally sedate nails ($18, Barney’s) — and pair them with my new favorite tootsies, a pair of glittered Kate Spade pumps I scored on sale at Sassanova ($325, Endless), and this ah-mazing statement piece (one for the books — $645, LesPommettes):

The loudness of the above accessories would look KILLAH with a simple white sheath dress. TDF. I’ll mix some glittery, sparkly goodness into my wardrobe for the rest of the week — a pair of glittery druzy studs here (Dara Ettinger, $106, Charm & Chain), a flashy flat there (Jimmy Choo, $345, Net-A-Porter):

Perfect with a spritz of classy Chanel Mademoiselle (which I still get compliments on all.the.time. even though I feel like everyone and their mom wears it — it just smells different on everyone! — $61, Chanel):

An eye-catching glitter clutch never hurt anyone (Anya Hindmarch, $395, Edit NY), especially when finished with the perfect glittery bangle ($58, Isabel Harvey) and — you know I can’t go long without showing some Louboutin love — some heirloomable glass slippers ($3,295, Net-A-Porter):

I mean. There’s just really no reason why anyone should ever own these shoes — but aren’t they drool-worthy?! Ah. I die. And I’d pair all of the above with a floaty white chiffon dress, and keep my shoulders warm with this gorgeous vintage lace scarf/pashmina ($270, LesPommettes).

OK, now I’ve officially entered styling la-la land. No idea where I’d actually wear the above described outfit (although a high school classmate of mine recently emailed me and told me she was attending the royal wedding — blblblblblb?! WHA?! I thought I was being classy when I planned a little viewing pajama party with my girlfriends — but we’ll be watching with crumbly homemade scones, mimosas, and messy bed-head at 5 a.m. in my measly ol’ apartment while she’s hobnobbing with the upper crust of the universe!) Anyway…I digress. This festive necklace might be more my speed ($80, TheOutnet), as I can use it to spruce up a black sheath dress at work:

But why go for silver when you can have gold?! Perhaps the gold variation on the clutch above paired with an oversized cocktail ring ($150, Noir) and some sparkly sandals (Zanotti, $450, Intermix) is in order? (Too early to start show-casing sandles?! Bah humbug. A girl can dream. Watch it snow tomorrow.)

At work, I will have to spruce up the ol work wardrobe with some mah-jor statement jewelry, like this sparkling necklace ($400, FlutterNYC)

Wouldn’t it look killer atop a bright wrap dress and some nude heels?! Love. At any rate, happyhappyhappy birthday to TheFashionMagpie! As a special treat to my lovely readers, I’m announcing a special BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY! Leave me a comment indicating which post has been your favorite over the past year, and I’ll pick my favorite response on Friday and ship the winner a MAGPIE MUST!

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Travel

A Lighter Touch

In Accessories, Black, Magpie Must, Shoes on April 5, 2011 at 10:58 am

Oh, hello there, little bloglet. I’ve missed you. Please PTI (pardon the interruption — apparently a very popular sports program, but I’ll lift the phrase and shed it of any athletic connotations for my own purposes. PS: You know you’re getting old when you refer to TV shows as “programs.”) I was in Sausalito for work and then San Francisco for play over the last week, and am now back, very happy (love ya, friends!), very well-fed (thanks for all of the recs, Jillian! — Tartine in particular blew.my.mind), and…very sickandjetlagged. But I have to take a break from wallowing in my own I’m-so-tired-and-congested patheticness to brag about a huge fashion-related coup: I packed perfectly for this trip.

{Henri Bendel’s “Disturbed” Luggage Set — $450 and up per piece}

This is a source of great pride for me because:

A) I actually wore everything I packed. Hold for applause. I normally overpack, i.e. roll up with 34 bags for an overnight trip (think I’m lying? Ask Mr. Magpie. My honeymoon suitcase was pretty much a closet on wheels). This time, I packed light and strategically, and it boggled my mind how much easier it was to get ready in the a.m., and how much happier Mr. Magpie was while traveling. Mr. Magpie still miraculously stuffed a week’s worth of clothing into what I would consider an overnight bag, while I took up a full roll-a-board, but hey! I’m still impressed with myself.

B) The weather was all over the place — cool/foggy to sunny and 80 degrees. And — thanks to layering — I was just warm/cool enough.

C) We undertook a variety of activities, and I managed to have just the right outfit for everything — again, thanks to layering.

The secret to success? (And this post is for you, Jessica! Try the skinnies!) I packed versatile basics and then loaded up on light, easy-to-carry add-ons. Everything was intermixable and dress-uppable or dress-downable. I began with a slew of basic tanks in white or gray — I like Splendid’s or J. Crew’s “Perfect Fit” –

I’d layer them beneath demi-sheer blouses, wear them for hikes/work-outs, and sleep in them. I also packed three pairs of skinny jeans, which may have been my only packing over-indulgence: I packed a pair of whites, dark washes, and inky blacks.

I’m telling you that these were the fulcrum of my vacation wardrobe – I wore them tucked into boots on the cooler days, with heels in the evenings, and with flats when it was warm. I also tossed a few pairs of leggings in, which were perfect for travel (so comf for the long crosscountry plane ride) and for working out. For footwear, I brought my favorite mid-calf boots (if I didn’t own a pair, I’d invest in these Joies, on sale for $170, Bergdorf Goodman), my Loeffler Randall brown leather low-wedge boots ($695, Loeffler Randall), some patterned flats (like this funky gold style — $135, Pretty Ballerinas), and my new Nike Free Runs (freaking phenomenal for running — $85, FinishLine). I keep all of my shoes in shoe bags because I get weirded out by the thought of the bottoms of my shoes rubbing up against my clean clothes — these Baggus (2 for $12, Baggu — great to pack a couple of extra in larger sizes as well for stowing dirty laundry, running clothes, etc.) are perfect for this purpose.

The only other staples: outerwear (my favorite rose-colored blazer; a heavier-weight, structured trench; and a green field jacket) and two bags (one over-the-shoulder tote and one oversized clutch). Then I loaded up on statement jewelry…so, for example, day 1: the morning began with an alternately warm and chilly ferry ride from Sausalito to San Fran, and peaked in a couple-hour-long hike Mr. Magpie and I took around San Fran’s hilly streets (mad respect for the native Franciscans…your calves must be like rocks). I wore my green field jacket ($148, J. Crew) over a navy blouse (kind of like the Madewell Bromwell blouse, $98, Madewell) with my white skinnies and Loeffler boots:

I finished with an easy leather tote ($685, TravelTeq — I’m drooling over these…must.have.one.for.work):

And then accented with shades (I absolutely must.own. this Elizabeth & James pair — $155, Nordstrom) and a wood-bead necklace ($135, Charm and Chain):

For dinner, I swapped out the necklace for some oversized studs ($36, Max & Chloe) and my Loefflers for my heeled booties:

I left the tote behind for an oversized clutch (I’d wear this pouch as a clutch in.a.flash — $50, Russell & Hazel) — love the bright green against the navy (so fresh) — and a structured trench (DVF, on sale for $339, Barney’s):

(P.S. San Fran was ubercasual, compared to the District. I was informed to leave my “frou frou” heels at home, and am so glad I did. The above outfit was just right for dining out.) Another quick outfit change I took on? I spent the morning “hiking” (not really a rigorous hike…more like walking) the paths around the Sutro Bath ruins (gorg.eous.) and accordingly wore my favorite leggings, a white tank, an oversized raglan tee/sweatshirt (like this style — $39, Madewell), a printed scarf (love the entire Jane Carr line, but especially this nougat-and-pink concoction — $260, Jane Carr), and my Nike kicks:

I finished with my Louis Neverfull, but have for some reason been daydreaming about owning this Clare Vivier tote in the unexpected metallic color ($189, Clare Vivier):

It was cooler in the morning, so I layered my field jacket over the top — and when things heated up in the sun, it was easy to tuck it into my bag. Perf. After showering and cleaning up, in preparation for afternoon gallivanting (and eating…and eating…and eating — we tried so many delicious San Fran specials!), I opted for a polka-dot blouse ($390, Net-A-Porter) with statement earrings ($99, Max and Chloe), black skinnies, and flats:

My oversized clutch and go-to RayBans brought just the right amount of coolness to the overall ladylike get-up.

For wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma, it was all about layering — I wore my rose blazer (Stella McCartney, $1,545, Bergdorf’s), a white voile blouse ($198, Leifsdottir), my black jeans, and my flats:

I wore it with some gold earrings ($80, Emily Elizabeth), a serious statement necklace ($365, Suzanna Dai) and my tote:

For bedtime, I packed some uber-foldable (minimal space-consuming) boxers ($78, Steven Alan) and wore either a Splendid tank or one of my t-shirts, which doubled as running gear ($22, BasicFrench):

The only other packing “trick” up my sleeve? Loads of compartments / pouches to keep myself organized — one for “shower essentials,” one for undergarments, one for receipts, etc, etc, etc. Easy way to keep organized when you’re living out of a suitcase for a week. Some of my go-tos for festive little pouches? I like 1154 Lill Studio’s pouches for their happy prints (I’d use the taller one below for socks and the smaller for cosmetics — $32 and $39, respectively, 1154Lill):

I also love these lightweight, washable pouches from Rubie Green ($24 a pop, Rubie Green) — my bestie gave one to me for Christmas along with some cosmetics I’d been coveting and I literally carry my essentials around in it every.single.day. What fab prints!

I received this gorgeous quilted, monogrammed lingerie bag ($59, Preppy Monograms) at one of my bridal showers last year, and actually look forward to traveling just so I can use it:

It almost needs pretty lingerie to accompany it, like these affordable Clo separates, which are currently on my lust list ($38 for top, $24 for bottom — Journelle):

Finally, for actual travel days, I rely on hard plastic pouches like these Toss Designs versions ($6/pouch, Toss), so I can see all of my items and make it through security without all of my mini samples –