thefashionmagpie

Archive for July, 2011

New Routines

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Brights!, Ikat, Monograms on July 20, 2011 at 10:30 am

UPDATE ON 7/29: Sorry for my silence — but I have an exciting (eee!) offer to make up for it :)   The amazingly generous folks over at Graphic Image are offering one lucky reader a free, PERSONALIZED (you know I love a monogram) weekly journal / datekeeper!  I have to gush about this because I purchased one last year (I picked the orange faux-croc covering with my initials in gold in the lower right hand corner) and absolutely cannot live without it.  (It also looks super chic.)  In order to win, please become a fan of TheFashionMagpie on Facebook and leave a comment below telling me what your favorite day of the year is.  {Mine: August 7.  My wedding anniversary.  Which is coming up in just a few little days!  WOO!}  A winner will be announced next Friday, August 5!  If you can’t wait to see if you’ve won or want to buy your own goodies from GraphicImage, use coupon code DATEBOOK to save 20% off your entire order.  Oh, and pleeeease with a cherry top like them on Facebook / follow them on Twitter.

Being organized is soooo hot right now.

*************

I turned 27 nearly a month ago, and it was the first birthday that I genuinely resisted.  It suddenly felt as though I wasn’t a spring chicken anymore — 27 sounds dangerously close to 30, i.e., teetering on the edge of what I would call “middle aged.”  (Perhaps that’s inaccurate; I hope I’m not ruffling any feathers out there, but it just does.)  21-23 were a blur of post-college exuberance; 24-26 were reserved for settling in and settling down; 27 is…middling.  27 year olds talk about mortgages, discuss “lateral career moves” with the know-how of an industry insider, and occasionally contemplate a purchase from Talbots.  I don’t want to think about what 30 entails at the moment, so we’ll leave it at that.  Not one to be a Debbie Downer, however, I’ve quickly turned that frown upside down (in part because 27 year olds need to worry about the wrinkles that frowns leave on the face) but looking at this as an opportunity to make some new routines, shake up the old traditions, and embrace 27 full-on.  Below, a list of “the new news” in my life:

1.  Beauty Regimen Overhaul

To begin with, I completely overhauled my beauty regimen, upgraded to some preventative products, and now actually look forward to washing my face in the morning.  (Weird, I know.)

First, I’ve thrown Proactiv to the curbside (I’d used it since high school and was terrified of abandoning it since I’ve had great skin for the last 15 years, but then I had an unpleasant customer service experience with them and decided I’d give it the boot…plus, it was never pretty to look at and it smelled weird) and invested in Laura Mercier’s oil-free foaming cleanser ($35, Laura Mercier), which I follow with perfecting water moisture mist ($38, Laura Mercier).  The combo is nothing short of refreshing and perfecting in these humid summer months.  The salesclerk at Blue Mercury was extremely convincing on the moisture mist, so I fell for it.  She also insisted that I follow the misting with a serum, and after initially balking at the price, I test-drove a few different samples I’d received with another cosmetic purchase from Neiman Marcus (another perk of turning 27 — now it’s anti-aging this, wrinkle decreaser that), and fell in.love. with Clarins’ Bright Plus HP Intensive Brightening Serum ($69, Sephora):

Hello, new best friend.  I layer it on top and then moisturize the eye area with Bobbi Brown’s eye cream ($45, Bobbi Brown) –

although my bestie gifted me this cooling eye roller by Clinique ($26, Sephora) and I keep it in my suitcase daily handbag, along with the other cosmetics I tote around on a daily basis in my makeup case ($24, Rubie Green), and I like to pop it out to quickly refresh myself along with a few of my favorite cheek stains by Tarte and Benefit (test drive three of my all-time Benefit favorites in this three-pack of minis — $15, Sephora):

And while I’ve long been a bright-red-nail gal and Essie enthusiast, I’ve also been revamping my mani routine with some new colors and new brands.  I’ve been playing around with super-pale-pink (almost white) opaques,  which look fantastic against a tan and really offset the ol’ blingeroo (I’ve been playing around with combinations of Essie’s Fiji, Limo-Scene, and Ballet Slippers), and SUPER brights from this awesome new line called Illamasqua (I like their hot pink “Collide,” their bright red “Alarm,” and their day-glo “Gamma” orange — $14/pop, Sephora):

 

 

 

 

2.  Talking Scents 

I’ve been a devotee of Tocca candles for some time (still love ‘em, especially the Florence scent), but I recently made the mistake of testing the waters with Diptyque, an uber-expensive line of Parisian scents and candles that all the celebs “swear by.”  Now I know why — the scents are just gorgeous.  They’re most famous for the “Baies” scent ($28 for mini-candle; $68 for full candle, Diptyque), and it is lovely: full of rose and black currant scents.  Pure sophistication.

Not sure which scent you like?  This trio of their most popular scents, in miniature form, would be a great “starter kit” (or a lovely gift for a dear friend moving into a new apartment — $84, Diptyque):

However, I forewent the candles and instead invested in a room spray in the Baies scent ($60, Barney’s), and am obsessed with it for a few reasons: you can control the concentration of the scent (I find that 2 sprays around the bedroom is more than ample), you can spruce up your sheets with it (a little spritz as I make the bed in the morning), and you can use it to scent your laundry (a few minutes before the drying cycle is done, 2-3 sprays will leave your clothes lightly scented in the loveliest of ways).  Obsessed.

3.   Running Me Ragged

I’ve been amping up my running routine, which is slightly odd given the phenomenal humidity and heat we’ve been experiencing here in the District.  (Yesterday’s run at 7:30 a.m. left me feeling like I was running through jell-o.)  However, some bright workout gear and a new playlist is enough to motivate me to get out there and work.it.out (bra — $22, Champion)

 

 

 

 

 

I like to layer with feather-weight racerback tanks — I scored a bunch of awesome bright colors from J. Crew earlier this season, but they only have drab colors left, IMHO, but have also had good luck with Splendid’s style ($44 apiece, Splendid):

On my playlist  (I run with my iPod shuffle — in.love. with it, since it clips right onto my waistband and is lightweight yet durable — $49, Apple)?  Check it — note it’s a lil heavy on the rock this time around, inspired by a recent viewing of “The Fighter.”  Obsessed with revisiting my Red Hot Chilli Peppers (loved them in the 90s — click to enlarge):

4.  Shelving Louis

I’ve been trying to give some of the shelved lovelies from my embarrassingly large handbag collection more time in the lime-light — for the last few years, I’ve been toting my Louis Vuitton Neverfull, which I love and adore because it fits EVERYTHING and pretty much goes with anything…and it reminds me that I completed my thesis on Ezra Pound.  (The Neverfull was a gift to myself upon completion.)  But lately I’ve been trying to showcase some of my closeted styles — even this Rebecca Minkoff cross-body style, which I was initially a little weary of wearing out, and that has never really seen the light of day:

I wore it in NYC last weekend while visiting my little sissy and kind of obsessed over it all weekend long.  Hello, new companion.  Get your own in this season’s cool color combo — taupe and flame red ($295, Rebecca Minkoff):

5.  Pack Rat

I’ve been trying to pack my lunch as much as possible the past few weeks — more control over what you’re eating, and way, way cheaper.  {More $$ for clothes.}  One thing that oddly makes lunch more fun to pack and eat is pretty packaging — enter Tili Bags ($7.49-$8.49 for a box), patterned Ziploc style baggies:

How darling?!  I’d imagine that kids would love this sort of thing.  Also great for packing liquids in suitcases with a little pizzazz.  The same concept goes for carrying coffee to-go — Mr. Magpie brews mine every morning for me.  I think one of these BRIGHT ikat-print thermoses ($15, SouthMoonUnder) would make it just a little more special:

You can pack it all in a BRIGHT “doggie bag” (insulated — $16, Scout):

6.  Organization Freak

If you’ve been reading Magpie for awhile, you know that I am obsessed with staying organized and compartmentalized.  AND (drumroll) just discovered that GRAPHIC IMAGE is having a “Christmas in July” sale TODAY (July 20th) — all products are 50% off (!!!!)  So obv I need to stock up on my organization tools — I’m already digging these personalizable pouches, which I’d use on trips for storing jewelry and then doubling as clutches ($48, on sale for $24):

 

A new iPad sleeve ($130, on sale for $65) would be a solid investment since I’m currently throwing mine in my handbag, uncovered, and hoping for the best…and, duh, I’d get it personalized as well:

 

 

I’m also inclined to snag a few gifts while the sale is going on — some of the items in their Bridal Collection are enticing for the many brides in my life.  {A cute little monogrammed envelope for storing pictures/wedding mementos?!  A bridal notebook?!  Yes, yes, and yes.}

I’m sure that there will more NEW ROUTINES this year, but those are the top contenders.  What new patterns are you starting in your life?!

Hear Me ROAR

In Accessories, Beach Wear, Black, Brights!, Fierce, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Leopard, Neutrals, Pop of Red on July 18, 2011 at 1:58 pm

The last few seasons were so heavy on animal print that I was sure I’d be sick and tired of it by now.  But no.  I saw these snaps of a gorgeous leopard maxi at Intermix, and gaped at it in jealousy (Elizabeth & James, $665, Intermix):

I mean.  I’m in love.  Almost as in love as I am with the idea of pairing a loose-fit dress (this one is in suede, so it might be the ideal investment for fall, but the cut is just per.fect. — $306, TheOutnet) with these Giambattista Valli wedges (on serious sale for $260, Kirna Zabete) and this statement fringe necklace ($395, LuvAJ):

I’d finish with a pop-o-red clutch (love this be-tasseled variation — cough, cough, copying-off-of-Gucci — $78, ASOS):

 

Alternately, the newest installment in the geek-chic trend (thankyouJennaLyons): sloafers (slipper loafers), which I’ve seen just about everywhere, including on my favorite little chic pea of life, Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific:

{image via Atlantic-Pacific}

I’m eyeing these Charles Philip Shanghai variations ($145, Intermix — but check out the entire lovely collection here), and I’d pair mine with a billowy blouse (Tucker, $220, Matches), some black skinnies, and a sick statement necklace (Nest, $495, Stanley Korshak):


I’d finish with a tough-looking black leather tote (you know I love me some Balenciaga — $1,795, MyTheresa):

Not sure if you like the CP style above?  Check these more loafer-esque variations out — $165, Matt Bernson and $99, Nordstrom:

I’m particularly smitten with the dalmatian print shown above — it reminds me of this Rika tote ($209, TenOverSix), which I almost convinced myself I needed earlier this summer for glam poolside lounging on a recent vacation.  Imagine it with a breezy black tunic (3.1 Phillip Lim, $275, Net-A-Porter), a bold yellow bikini (Thayer, on sale for $87, Shopbop):

 

 

I’d finish with these amazing t-straps (K. Jacques, $245, Opening Ceremony) — how well coordinated is that?!

Love that yellow hue against the animal print and black backdrop, don’t you?!  I’d pursue that palette for a casual Saturday evening with this little boxy dress (on sale for $129, LaGarconne), a bold yellow shopper tote ($109, Zara), and some leopard pumps (Tory Burch, $325, Shopbop):

Consider the same palette profile for more casual wear by pairing this boxy blouse top (on sale for $148, Reiss) with white skinnies and that Mawi necklace I featured last week (ugh, I’d have to wear this every day of my life!  LOVE — $1,334, Mawi) –

– and finished with a bold yellow clutch (I own this exact style — $50, AmericanApparel) and some statement flat sandals (Dolce Vita, $114, Shopbop):

And, finally, a bold, glossy gold ring (I can just see Olivia Palermo snapping this style up — $68, HenriBendel):

Alternately, how about sprucing up your LRR work outfit with this roomy tote, which will soon be available at Clare Vivier (est. at around $300)?

It’d look sophisticado with your run-o-the-mill black sheath dress (this one is by Alexander Wang — $525, Net-A-Porter, but you can find similar styles anywhere, from H&M to Zara to J. Crew, etc.) some enorma-studs ($290, Stanley Korshak) and a rope-accented statement necklace (LOVE. — $365, Suzanna Dai):

Finish with a pair of caged booties (if you live in a creative work environment…otherwise, black pumps do the trick — Giuseppe Zanotti, on sale for $695, Shopbop) and some bold shades (Super, $175, Intermix):

 

Alternately, I like the idea of sprucing up my workerbee wardrobe with this panther-accented top (on sale for $206, Barney’s), coupled with a pair of old-school vintage Chanel button earrings ($585, LindeStore), a simple black pencil skirt (DVF, $152, Boutique1):

 

I’d finish with classic black pumps (Rupert Sanderson, on sale for $288, Boutique1) and a cream-on-orange colorblock tote ($89, Nordstrom):

So — who’s with me?!  Anyone else ready to express their inner animal?!

 

Garden Party

In Beauty Products, Brights!, Cocktail Dresses, Florals, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Pop of Red, Romantic on July 14, 2011 at 1:19 pm

I’ve spotted so many lovely, oversized floral prints in stores and on runways {ahem, ERDEM — I want to own everything they’ve put out!} recently — and I, for one, am definitely stopping to smell the roses…

{Erdem on the runway}

{Flowy florals on the D&G 2011 runway}

{More Erdem}

First up: I’m oddly drawn to this semi-garish yellow-green hue in the top below (Joie, $184, Thistle Clover), especially against that geranium orange-red I die over these days.  Do you love this little top paired with a statement necklace (Gilda, $485, LesPommettes), white jeans, and a pair of neutral flats accented with pop-o-red bows (saw these in person at Sassanova on Sunday, and they are TDF — Maloles, $250, Cult Status):

I’d finish with that Chloe Marcie bag ($1,995, Net-A-Porter) I’m still droning on about — do you not love it in this milky white shade?!  {Dream on, sister.}

For work, how about this charming paper bag waist skirt (Alice by Temperley, $96, TheOutnet), paired with a lady-like Equipment blouse (also love it in the coral and poppy hues — $208, Shopbop):

Finish with some unfussy black patent pumps to give it that I-mean-business edge (my Louboutins are my go-to — $595, Net-A-Porter) –

– and a ladylike bag ($695, Gryson), stuffed with all of your essentials (iPhone; Fresh’s Sugar Rose Lip Balm — uhhh, addicted; L’Occitane mini hand cream; etc):

Also strongly drawn to this little ladylike frock by Wren ($319, ShopWren), which could be perfectly toughened up with an dramatic necklace ($173, Janna Conner) and some chunky shoes (I die over these — and check them out in all of their cool color combos! — $355, Bec & Bridge):

 

 

A ladylike, be-tasseled tote (Anya Hindmarch, $1,595, Net-A-Porter) is the perfect finishing touch:

Alternately, channel Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific, who is certainly blossoming with the oversized floral trend, with a floral blouse (check out Equipment’s rosy take on the trend, while you’re at it):

{image from Atlantic-Pacific}

Consider, for example, coupling a ladylike floral blouse ($168, Rebecca Minkoff) with white skinnies (or red ones, if you are into bolder color profiles!), and basic brown ballets ($135, Matt Bernson):

I like the practicality of those brown flats against the lively top.  Nice earthiness.  I’d finish with my go-to shades (Elizabeth & James, $155, Shopbop), and a lil clutch (love how this Christopher Kane style mimics the roses of the blouse — $530, Net-A-Porter):

Now, if you’re of the bolder fashion variety, you might consider a simple white lace dress (this one is by Lover, but appears to have sold out — there are lots of comparable options available this season, though, including this affordable BBDakota style and this Shoshanna variation), spruced up with a statement necklace ($268, Amanda Pearl) and some seriously funky floral tootsies (Jil Sander, on sale for $346, Ssense):

 

 

I’d finish with a BRIGHT clutch (love all of the colors below — $69, Zara) for the full-on BRIGHTS effect (wow.):


That last clutch would look UH-MAY-ZING with this hydrangea-print shirt-dress (Karen Walker, on sale for $130, Glassworks Studios), spruced up with this eye-catching ribbon necklace ($1,334, Mawi):

 

I’d finish with polished black patent flats (very Audrey — $295, Loeffler Randall):

Or, if you’ve the means, go whole hog with Erdem itself — consider this right-off-the-runway dress (on sale for $865, MyTheresa):

Per.fect. with these ankle-breaking Charlotte Olympias (love how they bring the floral into the 21st century with their modern silhouette — on sale for $499, Charlotte Olympia)

I don’t know that I’d anything else, although this Kotur clutch (in the neutral or purple) are enticing…

Not sure you’re ready to embrace the full bouquet?  Try just a touch with these Bec & Bridge pumps (paired with a simple white dress or your go-t0 jeans and white tee — $355, Bec and Bridge):

Or consider one of these roomy totes (perfect overnight bags — Longchamps, on sale for $214, Nordstrom):

Full bloom.

Fire and Ice

In Accessories, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Pop of Red, Shoes, Sundresses, White on July 13, 2011 at 12:47 pm

I’m always experimenting with fresh new color combos {and especially in this season, which has been defined by HIGH-DEF brights, as seen here and here}, but my current favorite is spearmint green and cinnamon red.  {This may be heavily influence by J. Crew’s winning selection of summer separates, but I’ve been on board with the unlikely duo since I first saw them united in an eye catching spread by the styling genius behind the blog CoffeeTalk.

{image via CoffeeTalk}

This summer, it’s all about the fire and ice.  I’m loving, for example, the idea of crisp white jeans with a tissue-thin racerback ($22, Madewell) –

Finished off with some stacked, mint-green wedges (Paloma Barcelo, $270, Net-A-Porter) and a perfectly matching clutcheroo (do you die over this?! — $148, J. Crew):

I’d finish it all off with my current favorite nail color – Essie’s “Tangerine” ($4.95, Amazon) – or, if you dare, a soft mint hue with Essie’s “Mint Candy Apple” ($4.75, Amazon):

Scared of the latter?  Don’t be.  The eterna-chic Blair Eadie of Atlantic Pacific pulled it off like it was nobody’s business, and I, for one, am inspired to test-drive the trend as well.  Alternately, take a blank canvas in the form of a breezy LWD (love the bustier style of this little number — $248, Steven Alan) and add a pair of on-trend cateyes (these recently joined my collection – Elizabeth & James, $155, Shopbop) and a bold statement necklace ($198, Elva Fields):



 ….and pair it with  fire engine red tootsies ($228, J. Crew) and a pop-o-mint in the form of one of those American Apparel clutches that every chic pea on the planet owns in multiples (I have this lovely taupe/brown color and a BRIGHT yellow — $50, American Apparel):

For another beat-the-heat look, consider some eye-catching enorma-studs ($98, Melinda Maria) paired with a tunic-length top (this is actually a dress, but it looks a little…brief, so it might be better paired with some white skinnies – Aaron Ashe, $236, Farfetch), white jeans, and some bold red t-straps ($300, Zappos):

 

I’d top it all off with this cute little “continental” purse by Smythson ($270, Smythson)…and, because I’m kind of inclined towards overdoing it with the accessories, would probably also layer on this Alexis Bittar necklace (doesn’t it mirror the earrings perfectly?!)

For poolside chic-ery, throw this slightly hippie-dippy tie-dye cover-up ($52, TopShop) on over a simple white bikini –

And then finish with some simple silver t-straps (Musa, $200, Net-A-Porter) and the.perfect.beach.bag (I own this in a slightly different style and d.i.e. over it – Anya Hindmarch, $130, Net-A-Porter):

  Don’t forget the wristful of Shashi friendship bracelets (obsession du jour, as I established the other day — $30-$65 apiece, Ylang23):

Anyone else into this hot-cool combo?!

 

Off Duty

In Accessories, Americana, Black, White on July 12, 2011 at 11:00 am

I have a mega grush (girl crush) on Karolina Kurkova — but not because she’s annoyingly perfect in all of her Victoria’s Secret campaigns (I secretly hate Victoria’s Secret.  Hate to be a hater, but that’s just how it is.  It’s like the McDonalds of retail — cheaply-made, mass-produced, icky.  Whenever I see the tourists flooding out of Georgetown Park, the shopping complex literally a stone’s throw from my office, they’re laden with those annoying pink VS bags, and I want to vom.  I’m sorry, but their merchandise burns my eyes…and it’s so poorly crafted, I could probably survive longer with a pair of underwear I’ve threaded together manually.  WOW, sorry for that vitriol.  How’s that for pent-up fury?).  At any rate, setting Kurkova’s affiliation with VS aside, I’m literally obsessed with her “off duty” looks.  Very Euro, very “I’m so chic and I hardly try” — she dresses simply, elegantly, and comfortably.  I dig.  Especially the white jeans, which are in heavy rotation in her LRR wardrobe:

{Are those silver lizard-print t-straps with coordinating silver toe polish?  Thumbs up.}

{Those sunnies!  And those jeans hit just the right spot on her ankle.}

{Fierce for winter.  LOVE.  And I mean LOVE that coat.  Would wear it all winter long, and potentially even in spring, summer, and fall.}

{Back to white.  Love this monochromatic styling.}

OK, so — setting aside the height differential (she’s probably 23 feet taller than I), how do we go about channeling this little chic pea?!  I’m envisioning something like a denim shirt ($88, Madewell), white skinnies, and some neutral flats in an interesting texture ($200, PrettyBallerinas):

Balenciaga’s rocker-chic “Trapeze” bag ($1,606, CultStatus) finishes the look with the perfect devil-may-care ‘tude:

Jewelry is kept to a minimum with this no-frills styling — just a pair of killer face-shields, and only in black.  These Karen Walkers ($180, LaGarconne) are all the rage at present:

Alternately, beat the heat in this easy-on striped dress (Kain, on sale for $41, Bluefly) — perfectly formless for the type of “oh this old thing?  I just threw this rag on and I still look radiantly beautiful” look we’re after:

Finish with some wear-with-anything brown leather t-straps (they’re neutrality is oddly glamorous — $60, Zappos — or go for the more expensive, label-luster version by K. Jacques — $224, Shopbop; I own a pair of K. Jacques in HOT pink, and die over them all the time) — and a fringed crossbody (DKNY, $225, Net-A-Porter):

Did you wince at the thought of wearing something with fringe?  I half-wince.  I kind of like its cool rocker chic vibe, but cannot envision myself pulling it off, but then saw Minka Kelly sporting her own and kind of loved it on her.  (She’s definitely in “Model Off Duty” territory, and can be seen wearing this $179 J.J. Winters bag.)  At any rate, let me now gab about my latest obsession, which are currently en route to my house: J. Brand’s red skinny jeans (they fit like a guh-love — $176, Shopbop).  For my own off-duty look, I’d pair them with a denim topper like this inexpensive H&M find (like the racerback — $20, H&M) and a pair of aviators (Ray-Ban, $129, Shopbop):

Is it wrong that I already want them in the pale pink color as well?  Imagine pairing with fiery orange-red accents and a white blouse?  TDF.  But I digress.  I’d pair this look with a roomy brown tote ($525, Rebecca Minkoff) and some on-trend Missoni t-straps ($365, Intermix):

As an alternative, how about this loose-fit tank (Kain, $155, Net-A-Porter), some black skinnies (J. Brand, $174, Shopbop), and a Panama hat ($58, Madewell):

I’d finish with this leopard-accented bag (I’d tuck the strap in to make it a clutch, as shown below — $195, Matt & Nat) and some brown-on-white t-straps (Michael Kors, on sale for $123, Zappos):

Love that sandal.  Now, while I’m definitely not usually a jeans-and-t-shirt kinda girl, this downtown chic get-up would be just the sort of thing that an off-duty model would slip into while going incognito in the Meatpacking District.  Picture a Chanel-esque tee ($130, YouHeShe) beneath a fitted boyfriend blazer (this The Row style would be exactly the type of high-end, non-descript item that KK would wear, but affordable versions abound from outposts like H&M, TopShop, Zara, etc.), black skinnies (J. Brand, $174, Shopbop), and some striped, silver-cap-toe flats (l.o.v.e their Parisian-chic vibe — on sale for $248, Giuseppe Zanotti):

I’d finish with a black bag (die over this textured style — $495, Rebecca Minkoff) and some boxy, flat-top shades ($153, Madewell):

Anyone else ready to strut around in cool urban duds, acting like you own a closet full of Peter Som, Rag&Bone, and other slightly off the beaten path designers?

Ba-Da-Bing, Ba-Da-Boom

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Champagne!, Cocktail Dresses, Glitter, Jewelry, Pop of Red, Shoes on July 11, 2011 at 2:25 pm

This summer has been among the most festive in recent memories…ahem, with the notable exception of the unforgettable bashes of last year’s wedding festivities, which will forever miniaturize all other BIG summers to come.  I’ve enjoyed a lavish birthday weekend, thrown an engagement party for my bestie, and enjoyed lots of champagne brunches and so forth.  This makes me want to sparkle & shine like none other.  I’m talking major bling, like these phuh-nom-uh-nal drop earrings ($500, Melinda Maria) and these makes-me-happy deco-style clutch (all that glitters IS gold, in my eyes — $120, Zhush):

And, you know, some glitzy lil tootsies (I own these in the multi-color sparkle and I d.i.e. over them.  They may or may not require sunglasses when worn in side.  — $325, Kate Spade):

 

And can you imagine the splash you’d make in this boxy be-sequinned top (Vince, $295, PiperLime), which I’d wear as an unexpected combo for an evening out with some white skinnies (or if you dare, white shorts) –

I’d finish with heels in a dusty rose color (Rupert Sanderson, on sale for $288, Boutique1) — it grounds the look a bit — and this studded clutch (on sale for $598, Giuseppe Zanotti):


I’d wear my hear in a low, loose ponytail and add some faux cils (Laura Mercier has some good, relatively natural-looking ones — $18, Sephora) and a swipe of gloss ($28, Chanel) –

Finally, I’d finish by throwing on a stack of mixed metal be-sparkled bangles ($58, Nordstrom):

While on the subject of jewelry, do we not obsess over these tough-meets-girly bow earrings ($200, Fallon)?  Ideal with a little white-based metallic dress (Tibi, $376, MyWardrobe) –

 


I’d finish with some gold, glittery sandals (these gladiators are fuh-yeeerce — Casadei, $970, Farfetch) and a pop-o-red clutch (on sale for $59, J. Crew):

 

And, if I can work up the gumption, I would finish with a bold coral lip (I’ve heard people swooning over Tom Ford’s ridiculously priced lipsticks, and…kinda want one.  They’re packaged so glamorously! — Tom Ford’s “True Coral,” $45, Neiman’s) and matching nails (Essie’s Geranium, $4.95, Amazon):

 

 

As an alternative, I’ve had my eye on this little glitterati number by Alice and Olivia for an upcoming trip to VEGAS (woo woo woo — on sale for $346, Shopbop), which I’d pair with these awesome danglers my Miguel Ases (they look like they were made for the frock — $240, Ylang23):

 

I’d keep things light with a pair of blush/nude pumps, and these patent peep toes are right on the money ($195, FootCandyShoes) and a bronze envelope clutch (YSL, on sale for $486, Ssense):

If you’re more of a silver gal, I’m head over heels over this asymmetrical number by AllSaints (l.o.v.e. the twisted fabric on the shoulder — $549, AllSaints) with these Alexis Bittar earrings ($225, AlexisBittar):

I’d finish with some pale pink tootsies — something like these Nicholas Kirkwoods (on sale for $395, Kirna Zabete):

For a little somethin’ special, consider layering these two sparkling link necklaces ($55 apiece, Nathan and Moe) atop of one another in order to spruce up your lather-rinse-repeat LBD:

And…because you know I can’t resist a glittery Louboutin, can we just take a gander at these bank-breaking heels (who actually owns these?!  — and can I be her friend? — $3,025, Barney’s):

Talk about fireworks…ba-da-bing, ba-da-boom.

PS.  I’m so sorry I’ve been so delinquent lately :(   Lots of work, lots of social events,  lots of caring after Mr. Magpie, lots of exercise = limited time for blogging.  I’ve missed you all!