thefashionmagpie

Archive for March, 2012

Hot Tamale

In Accessories, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Olivia Palermo, Pop of Red, Shoes on March 28, 2012 at 11:10 am

UPDATE: THE WINNER of my ShopSosie giveaway is…Kecia!  Thanks for entering, doll!  I’ll be in touch so we can get your dress shipped right out to you!  XOXO

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So, there’s this:

{image via Everything Fab}

Is it just me and my intense girl crush (grush) on Olivia P., or do you also want to immediately find a dress in that fire engine red color and traipse around town sunkissed and decked out for summer?  This snap screams VACATION.  And.  I want it.  So today, I’m focusing in on that hot tamale red hue.

First.  Run, don’t walk, to snatch up this affordably priced lace shift ($145, Oasis) with these UNbelievable danglers (OMG — $390, Farfetch):

 

Finish with simple nude wedges ($250, Shopbop):

I might finish with a clean white blazer ($535, Rag & Bone):

Alternately, pair this dream of a dress (LOVE the zippered breast pockets, the nipped waist, and that color! — Malene Birger, $430, Net-A-Porter) with a floral statement necklace ($80, J. Crew):

 

Perfect with this fiery red crossbody (the perfect size — $425, Barney’s):

 

And — I know I already featured these shoes earlier in the sand color, but the look would kind of be perfect with these wonderfully coordinated wedges ($205, Endless):

 

For just a pop of color in the family, why not this gauzy polka-dot scarf (Mom, I know you’re already in love — $25, Mango) or these fun striped tootsies accented with a pop of the same color in flower format ($185, Jades24):

OR, perhaps this boxy red tote seals the deal (Marc Jacobs, $409, MyTheresa)?

Would be lovely with a bold beaded necklace (Kate Spade, $148, PiperLime), a nude lace top ($356, Matches), white jeans, and some nude sandals ($69, Free People):

Alternately, how dreamy is this little crochet number ($100, TopShop) with a button earrings ($125, Suzanna Dai):

I’d wear it with some simple ballet flats (Kate Spade, $225, Nordstrom) and a ladylike bag (on sale for $56, Joseph M.):

 

EEEE!  Also, don’t forget to checkout and enter the giveaway mentioned in Monday’s post!  EEE!!  A winner will be announced tomorrow!

In Print

In Accessories, Brights!, Florals, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Shoes on March 26, 2012 at 9:44 am

A few things for your Monday morning consideration:

1)  I went to a mall on Sunday.  I feel as though I hadn’t been to a mall since I was in 8th grade, and am now keenly aware of why I’ve been avoiding them for so long.  A) Abercrombie and Fitch still exists?  And they still insist upon dumping bottles of their cheap cologne all over their merchandise, dimming the lights so low that you can’t see your own hands, and playing throbbing music so you can’t hear yourself think?  Interesting.  I didn’t step inside, but the stench of that cologne stings the nostrils from miles away.  B)  Food Courts are depressing.  C)  Auntie Anne’s pretzels are the jam.  D)  I forgot that all middle school children congregate at malls on the weekends.  Makes sense given the constraints under which they live (no car; parental supervision needed), but also makes for an overall unpleasant shopping experience.  I cringed at many-a conversation overheard.  Poor little ones.  I was equally as clueless and gossipy at that age.  E) I’m not going back to a mall for a l-o-o-o-n-g time.  Thank God for online shopping.  And while we’re on the subject, my biggest latest score?!  This $59 gingham linen dress.  OMG.  So precious.

2) There is a bomb.com giveaway at the end of this post.  Stay tuned.

3)  Shahs of Sunset?  Oh, hell yeah.  That show is my new best friend.  Trashy and dramatic — just the way I like my Bravo programming.  GG needs to get a grip, and Reza is quite possibly the most entertaining reality TV star to grace the small screen in a long time.  {Sorry, Brad Goreski, you’ve been replaced.}  Please tune in and share your thoughts with the group.

4)  Absolutely hilarious reading?  Suri’s Burn Book.  (!  Comic genius!)  I spent about two hours reading through the archives the other day.  You’re welcome.

And now, to the meat: printed clothing.  Man did the line Tucker do a number on me — I’ve been loving prints for the past two years, ever since that line got big.  Lately, it’s all I’ve been wanting to buy.  Example 1: this amazing top ($490, Marni) with some trim black shorts (really into the idea of shorts for night-wear at the moment — $162, La Garconne) and lovely drop earrings (Marni, $400, Net-A-Porter):

Finish with these perfectly coordinated heels (Tibi, $365, Bloomingdale’s):

And how about this punchy pink purselette ($59, ModCloth):

Or, for the prepster in you, consider this charming sailboat print top (only $29, Old Navy) with flat-front shorts ($49, J. Crew) and a nautical-inspired rope-accented necklace (Marni, $690, Barney’s):

 

I’d finish with these adorable sandals (Fendi, $475, Farfetch):

I’d finish with a bronze cross-body (on sale for $445, Pret A Beaute):

Alternately, check out this fun shift dress ($195, Thistle and Clover) with a tonal pendant necklace (Trina Turk, $250, Bloomingdale’s):

 

 

Dreamy with these teal peeptoes ($89, Vince Camuto):

I like it finished with one of those awesome Chloe Marcies in a deep denim ($2,265, Barney’s):

Or, how about this pair of funky shorts (Jason Wu, $695, Kirna Zabete — or get a similar look for less with this $49 Gap pair, which I almost purchased this past weekend) with a pink blouse (love this collarless DVF style — $265, Net-A-Porter):

I’d finish with the world’s most perfect wedge (Ras, $250, Shopbop — check out all the other amazing colors this shoe comes in, and die with me!):

Tory Burch also has some amazing wedge/espadrille styles out this season.  She always nails it in the footwear department.  I’d finish the look above with a clean white crossbody (love this style — Reed Krakoff, $590, Neiman’s):

Finally, I recently saw this paisley dress at H&M ($49, H&M) and was smitten.  They’d already sold out in my size, but maybe one of you lucky magpies can snatch it up.  You should pair it with a statement necklace — either something chunky and white or something along the lines of this amazing style ($570, Ssense):

I’d tone down the craziness with some classic white pumps (how Carrie Bradshaw — $195, ShoptheShoeBox):

Finish with this blue tote ($99, Zara):

Want the look in a smaller dose?  Consider these accessories: first, the most amazing mixed-print wedges (Rupert Sanderson, $710, Ssense)

Or, what about these lovely and affordable clutches/wallets from Falcon Wright ($40-$52, Falcon Wright)?

And now, for what you’ve all been waiting for: the GIVEAWAY.  Today, the amazing team over at ShopSosie have offered one lucky duck reader this ah-may-zing shift dress!  All you have to do to win it?

1)  Like ShopSosie on Facebook.

2)  Leave a comment on this post telling me which of the items in today’s post tickled your fancy the most :)

Also, if you’d be a sugarplum and either like me on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest, I will count your entry TWICE!

A winner will be announced this Thursday, 3/29!

Back to Center

In Accessories, Black, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Minimalista, Neutrals, Shoes, White on March 22, 2012 at 10:53 am

I’ve been featuring a circus of loud and bold colors over the past few posts, so I inevitably feel drawn to wear the opposite today.  Black.  Black.  And more black.  Maybe a pinch of white or another neutral.  My Magpie Mother is cringing somewhere in NW D.C. as I write this.  {Does your mom always tell you that you look sooo much better in color, too?!}  Color may be mood-enhancing and capable of imparting a freshness to your overall look, but no one can argue with the ease and eterna-chicness of a black and white color combo.

If I could be wearing anything right now, I’d pick this L’Agence lace dress ($400, Net-A-Porter) with this speckled statement neklace (to die. — $140, Loren Hope):

 

I’d finish with those Thierry Mugler heels I’ve been swooning over ($1,225, Opening Ceremony) and a piped clutch ($100, Coast):

Preferably with this on my wrist ($2,500, Hermes):

 

Man.oh.man.  If I ever come into a big pot of $$ or somehow find myself a bajillionaire, that will be my first big girl purchase.  Done and done.

Or, how about this frayed tweed top from Alice + Olivia (see it worn to great effect on Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific here! — $265, A+O) paired with a chain necklace ($54, Spring Street), black skinnies, and cap-toe flats ($

Very Olivia P., eh?  Finish with a structured black tote ($79, Zara) and some oversized shades (YSL, $325, Net-A-Porter):

I might add a little scarf  — this McQueen skull print one has long been on my lust list ($445, Net-A-Porter):

Loans some edge to the look.  I’d top it all off with a trench coat in an unexpected white hue ($49, Target):

For some fresh new accessories, consider these giraffe-print flats ($185, Intermix) or this stark white tote (so awesome in person — just scoped it out on a lunch break! — $875, Bergdorf’s):

I’ve also been digging profiles with a bit of volume these days.  Thoughts on a simple crewneck ($65, J. Crew) paired with a full skirt (The Row, $875, Farfetch) and a statement necklace ($127, Bottica)?

Love it with these loud statement wedges (O to the MG — Charlotte Olympia, $945, Net-A-Porter):

HOT.  Need those badboys.  DREAMY.  And, as we hinge towards SUMMER (it’s supposed to be 80 today!!!  WHAT.), I like this breezy blouse (Thakoon, $260, Kirna Zabete) with tailored white shorts (Proenza Schouler, $395, Kirna Zabete) and some geometric studs ($49, Shop The Trend — P.S. — love House of Harlow 1960, if you can’t already tell!)

 

I’d finish with these darling statement sandals ($175, Loeffler Randall):

I’d finish with this simple, clean tote ($935, Mulberry), although — despite my earlier proclamation about a need for black/white, I’m kind of loving the idea of a splash of magenta –

 

Although…let’s be honest: if I’m spending $935, I’ll probably spring for one of those Alexander Wang totes I’ve been droning on about for centuries.  Le sigh.

 

 

Punch Drunk

In Accessories, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Shoes, Sundresses on March 20, 2012 at 9:52 am

Yesterday, I wore a hot pink-and-orange-ombre skirt.  I was pretty much ecstatic all day long — that punch of pink was just what I needed to kickstart the week and take my mind off of missing Mr. Magpie, who is currently traveling in Panama with a few buddies.  {Is it uber-lame that he’s been gone less than 48 hours and I miss him already?  To the point that I may have worked out twice on Sunday just to keep myself busy and may have also found myself thumbing through our wedding album nostalgically?  Eep.  I swear I’m a strong and independent little lady, but my GOD, I miss that boy.}  Does clothing ever work as a mood enhancer for you, too?  If not, consider adding a dose of sherbert coloring to your wardrobe.  I swear it’ll put a little pep in your step.  Prozac in fabric form. {Incidentally, get the ceramic container below for $88 from Jonathan Adler — he has an entire collection of kitschy/cheeky canisters along the same lines.}

Take this as a point in case: I wore a variation on the following outfit in Vegas, and was in a great mood all day, even after I spilled a full vodka soda on myself while trying to squeeze it into one of the koozis I’d had custom made for the weekend {rookie mistake}: long maxi skirt ($148, J. Crew), white tee ($29, Madewell), a bold necklace in a bright, contrast-color hue ($140, Loren Hope), and some neutral t-straps ($69, Zappos):

Finish with this bomb.com chevron clutch ($199, Hammocks and High Tea):

Or, how about this striped, gauzey cardi ($155, Jades24) with a crochet necklace (loves! — $220, Emma Cassi), white skinnies, and some nude patent flat sandals (Gucci, $495, Saks)?

 

Ideal finished with the Reed Krakoff “Atlantique” tote ($1,415, Colette) I’ve been swooning over:

Alternately, go uber-bold with a pink-and-orange asymmetrical dress (M Missoni, $745, Harvey Nichols) with a mah-jor statement necklace (OMG…Vionnet, $749, MyTheresa):

 

I’d finish with these sparkling flat sandals ($110, WeLikeFashion) and a gold Kotur clutch ($400, Neiman’s):

 

Or, how much do you love this simple pleated shirt-dress ($100, TopShop)?  Lovely with a gold collar necklace ($228, Kate Spade):

 

I’d finish with simple gold pumps ($225, Vince Camuto) and a pink-and-orange purse ($595, Rebecca Minkoff):

 

Other punchy picks to blend into your wardrobe?  How about these retro-inspired shades (love the shape — $128, Kate Spade), this striped sleeveless blouse (Equipment, $208, Les Nouvelles), and these color-blocked sandals (Sergio Rossi, $275, Barney’s):

Or, check out this artful scarf ($175, Kelly Wearstler) — perfect paired with a color-blocked clutch ($46, Tobi):

Or, let the dress do all the work with this beyond adorable ikat shift dress ($395, Sheridan French) and some cluster earrings in the same palette (KJL, $90, Bloomingdale’s):

 

Dreamy with some fun white sandals ($171, Pret-A-Beaute) and a pink-trimmed straw clutch ($195, Otte NY):

Um, can anyone tell I’m dying for summer?!

 

Prep School

In Accessories, Americana, Magpie Must, Shoes on March 19, 2012 at 10:20 am

UPDATE: The SUPER friendly folks at Butterscotch Blankees, who produce the block lettered blanket featured below, are offering Magpie readers 20% off their orders through the site from now through April 20th!  WOOT!  Just use coupon code “fashion” at checkout.

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One aspect of my personal style that does not enjoy much of the spotlight is East Coast preppiness.  (For your own guide, check out this preppy style guide — $28, Amazon.)

I don’t know that you can grow up in the private schools of D.C. without developing some sort of relationship with the Waspy look, whether it be positive or negative.  I, for one, embraced it, and it consistently weaves its way into my daily wardrobe picks.  Though I have a quality collection of basics (oxfords, polos, plaids, and pastels — with a healthy dose of Lilly P.), I occasionally feel the need to supplement and enhance with some grown-up investment pieces, like this Hermes scarf ($325, Hermes) –

 

Kinda ideal with a roomy brown-and-Hermes-orange tote ($160, See Vivier) and these classic brown loafers (Tod’s, $425, Bergdorf’s):

 

 

And — how about this iPad case ($49, Zazzle) to seal the deal?!

And before we stray too far from the iconic Hermes line, check out this Hermes-inspired blanket (get it personalized with your own initial! — $130, Butterscotch Blankees):

 

One of my LRR (lather-rinse-repeat) looks?  A pearl necklace (Marni, $680, Barney’s), a blazer ($198, J. Crew), a crisp button-down ($59, Madewell), skinnies, and some spiffy flats ($135, Shopbop):

 

 

I’d finish with a architectural white bag (Alexander McQueen, $1,415, Liberty):

A leather watch (I own a similar style by La Mer — $93, Shopbop) and some simple gold studs (Elizabeth + James, $125, Shopbop) finish the look:

 

I’m also loving this prim little navy-and-white blouse $110, Aritzia) with white skinnies and simple brown leather flats ($110, MustHaves):

I’d pair with a navy striped clutch ($25, Dorothy Perkins) –

 

– and how about some leather/rope bracelets ($95 and $110, Giles and Brother)?!

 

Other prepster staples?  Anything tortoise (necklace — on sale for $58, Yochi; sunglasses — $225, Sir Jack’s) and a simple brown leather tote ($328, J. Crew):

 

And some iconic Stubbs and Wootton sloafers ($400, Stubbs and Wootton) featuring a prepsta crest are never out of style…

The above would look perfect with one of these nautical-inspired necklaces ($195, Steven Alan — PSST, check out the entire Orly Genger line while you’re at it!  Love it!)

And while we’re talking boats, nothing screams preppy like a pair of classic Sperry boat shoes.  Milly has updated the classic in some amazing spring-friendly colors ($125, Piperlime):

For lounging/prepping for a night out, you’d find me in this awesome monogrammed, oversized oxford ($98, Claridge and King) with some oversized pearl studs (love the chain-link detailing around the edges — $38, Macy’s):

And speaking of monograms, I’d keep my beauty products in this lovely little Pucci-inspired pouch ($64, Monogram Goods):

Feels like home to me.

Sister Act

In Accessories, Americana, Fresh Combos, Gifts!, Home Decor, Pop of Red, Shoes on March 14, 2012 at 9:13 am

My three sisters are the best gifts my parents ever gave me.  They’re different as can be, and they’re all plain freaking awesome.  We’re as close now as we were when we were wee little rugrats, playing “Barbs” {even then, we were prone to abbreviations} on Saturday mornings.

I’ve been thinking a lot about them lately as we navigate different junction points in our respective lives.  While I, as leader of the pack (ha — we all know that big sisters look up to little sisters, too), contemplate different life moves with Mr. Magpie, my next youngest sister is burning the midnight oil as she completes her second year of teaching wee ones to read in her first grade classroom and generally making the universe a better place with her boundless generosity and concern for others.  Meanwhile, the next youngest is busy kicking ass and taking names as she wows the world with her outrageous creativity and devilish sense of humor (she made THE Sarah Jessica Parker laugh in a meeting) and interviews for fashion design jobs in the Big Apple.  At the same time, she’s nurturing — with that beautiful sensitivity and solicitude of hers — a long-distance relationship with one of my favorite young men on the planet (also a secret TFM advocate — I hear that he has some of the ladies in his office reading.  Love ya, A!  I’ll send some emoticons your way later today).  Finally, the littlest prepares for summer programs/internships as the resident family genius while she rounds out another intense semester of U-Chicago undergrad studies, where she’s been dazzling classmates with the sheer weight and breadth of her intellect.  Oh, and being the sweetest little lady you’ve ever met all the while.  {Down-to-earth and brilliant?  Never the twain have met, until she was born.}

All of our lives seem pointed in such dramatically divergent directions, with such different stressors and priorities, that I often marvel over the fact that we fall in sync with one another so easily and naturally, without fanfare or pause.  Seeing my littlest sassy-pants sister after a few weeks is just like seeing her after an afternoon away — we snap right back into place.  (And then she quickly bores of my bossiness and insistence upon labeling her a “hipster.”)  So today’s post is about companionship and sisterhood — about being two peas (or, in our case, four peas) in a pod.  I’m liberally adapting that concept to feature products that are two-of-a-kind.  Things that just belong together.  {And psst.  While I was putzing around Pinterest, saw this hilarious little snap and instantly thought of my next youngest sister, aka partner in crime, who took the blame more than her fair share.}

Sistah Scenario #1: Neon Accents

Um, YES to this necklace ($325, Madame Mathilde).  And YES to this clutch ($59, ModCloth).  And YES to the two of them living together in happy harmony.

 

Wouldn’t these be lovely accents to a breezy white dress?!  OK, OK, despite yesterday’s post to the contrary, I’m clearly not fully ready to divorce myself of all of the BRIGHTS and NEONS that have dominated the past few seasons.

Sistah Scenario #2: Nautical By Nature

As you know, I’m into the preppy nautical vibe.  This duo of collectibles {striped tote — $228, J. Crew;  needlepoint flats — $174, ByPaige} makes my heart sing.

 

 

Sistah Scenario #3: American as Apple Pie

Hello, gingham (shorts — $55, J. Crew; Miu-Miu heels — $595, Bergdorf’s).  Preferably not worn together, unless you are Carrie Bradshaw.

 

Sistah Scenario #4: Geek Chic

Grab some stylish specs ($95, Warby Parker) and throw all your nerdy essentials into a classic canvas tote (J.W. Hulme — $260, ShopTwigs):

 

The twinsies above kind of make me want to go back to school…

Sistah Scenario #5: Zebras on the Loose

If you follow my {covets} page, you’ll know about my obsession with this wallpaper by Scalamandre.  Get the look in bits and starts with this scarf ($25, Fred Flare) or these pillows ($72 each, Dwell Studio):

 

Sistah Scenario #6 — Pure Gold.

OK, sometimes you gotta make room for a trio.  How slick do these items look together?  {Glossy iPhone case ($35, Shopbop), crystal-encrusted cocktail ring ($255, ShopTwigs), and glitterati heels (Miu Miu, $730, Net-A-Porter.}  Pair with LBD and head to Vegas immediately.

 

Sistah Scenario #7: Peachy Beachy (?)

I can already imagine my Mom’s ears pricking up when she sees the words “peach” and “beach” together — two of her most favorite things.  Mom, this one’s for you.  Hat — $15, Les Pommettes; kurta — $70, Rikshaw Design.

Sistah Scenario #8: Confetti!

I’m a huge fan of sparkle and glitter.  So I love the thought of these glammed out drops ($150, Amrita Singh) with this boxy glitter clutch ($69, Nine West):

 

THANK GOD FOR LITTLE SISTAHS!

Springing Forward

In Accessories, Jewelry, Neutrals, Romantic, Shoes on March 13, 2012 at 11:36 am

YES.  Love this weather.  70 degrees and sunny?!  Be still my heart.  This makes me want to wear frothy pastels at all times, which is highly convenient thanks to their prominence in so many collections right now.  What a lovely change of pace (and season) since we’ve all been decked out in fierce heels, studded Alexander Wang bags, and semi-garish neons for the past few seasons.  At the top of my covet list?  This beautiful and affordable mint green dress ($42, Shop Sosie) with some frosted green earrings ($24, Color Block Shop):

To die with these sick platforms from Charlotte Olympia ($1,075, Net-A-Porter) and this croc-effect clutch ($390, Net-A-Porter):

 

And why not throw a rope-detail necklace into the mix ($195 and $245, Orly Genger by Jaclyn Mayer):

 

Lovely with those Missoni flats I’ve been drooling over for the past few weeks ($495, Intermix), a roomy lavender python tote ($1,650, Sang A), and a couple frosted bangles ($155, Alexis Bittar):

 

Alternately, thoughts on this ladylike DVF wrap ($375, Bergdorf’s — AND just go ahead and check out the entire current collection from Diane Von Furstenberg for more frosty pastel deliciousness) with a cabochon-studded necklace ($68, J. Crew)?  Pretty much the most elegant thing on earth.  Perfect for a lady’s luncheon, a bridal shower, or tea with Nana.

 

Love the idea of mixing and matching shades of pale pink and blush for a monochromatic look.  I’d wear with nude wedges (DVF, $295, Ssense), paired with this to-die-for Valextra tote?

 

Looking for another major pastel add-on?  Consider this vintage rhinestone statement necklace ($235, Madame Mathilde):

WOWZA.  Finally, how darling is this daffodil-of-a-dress by maternity line “More of Me”  ($198, More of Me)??  I would pair with agate cluster stud earrings ($320, Bounkit).  And no, I am not expecting a child, but I’m so in love with this dress that I just had to share it in the hopes that one of you mamas-to-be can enjoy :

Finish with some simple cork t-straps ($65, Zappos) and a cheery straw clutch ($69, Mar Y Sol):

 

 

 

LOVE YOU, SPRING!

Simple Geometry

In Accessories, Black, Fierce, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Pop of Red, Shoes on March 12, 2012 at 11:44 am

Sorry for going dark on you all — I was in VEGAS.  For my bestie’s bacheroo.  And it was awesome.  To begin: the entire city feels like an elaborate ploy to make you spend money.  They should pretty much forgo all pretenses and have you dump out all the $$ in your wallet and checking account upon arrival and then distribute the costs evenly between all purveyors in the city, because you will probably end up shelling it all out anyway, and on random things like cups that change color depending on your beverage’s temperature.  The sidewalks  spit you out into high-end malls (“Well, I might as well just pop into this Balenciaga store since I’m already here…”); there are mixed drink stands everywhere and no open-container laws, meaning lots of booze-fueled decisions are made; the lights tend to be dimmed, likely to disguise the filth and griminess of your surroundings and to somehow make you feel glamorous and mysterious.  {I did.  I felt like Fergie’s “Glamorous” was playing in the background every time I walked through a casino with my hair flowing in the “wind” — the casinos pump in fresh oxygen to keep people awake and to therefore encourage more gambling.}  Somehow we ended up taking limos around town — we were sort of corralled into separate lines while waiting for cabs and would then find ourselves in the backseat of a stretch, saying: “Oh, OK, this is happening.”  Hilarious.  And did I mention the people watching?!  What.the.flip.  Where are these people from?!  I swear that all the sketchballs in the universe congregate in Vegas on the weekends and moonlight as either club promoters or lurk-in-the-cornerers.  BUT for all that badmouthing, the bachelorette was just as I’d hoped: full of laughter and adventure.  The perfect way to see my little bestie off to wedded bliss!

And now, to do a complete about-face, let’s turn to a fashion trend I’m digging right now: geometric shapes.  Yes.  It’s here, and it’s going to rock your world.  (?   You’ll have to excuse any over the top statements I make for the next week or so — I blame Vegas.)    The focus of my obsession with this trend?  This amazing suede clutch ($89, ASOS).  Yes.  I need this.

I’d wear it with a huge statement necklace (O.M.G — Etro, $1,895, Net-A-Porter) and a simple black tee dress ($150, John Lewis) –

 

I’d finish with those glossy gold Michael Kors sandals I’ve already featured (I die — $595, Neiman Marcus):

 

Or, take your pick of any of these eye-catching accessories — perhaps a pair of Piet Mondrian-style tootsie ($1,161, Luisa Via Roma)?

 

Or this geometric-patterned clutchski ($35, ASOS)?

I’m also a ginormous fan of this structured mini ($710, Costume National) and some geometric earrings ($280, Marni):

 

Make a statement with these zig-zagged print platforms (WOW. — Vionnet, $795, Net-A-Porter) and a textured clutch ($168, TheOutnet):

 

Alternately, how about this artful DKNY number ($445, Stylebop) with this deco-style necklace (Fiona Paxton, $297, Revolve)?

I’d finish with sculpted black suede sandals ($382, Boutique1) and the good ol J. Crew Edie ($238, J. Crew):

Check out this blouse ($225, Marni), a structured necklace ($25, NastyGal), and some skinnies –

 

– perfect with these suede shoes ($1,150, Intermix) and a structured tote (3.1 Phillip Lim, $875, Shopbop):

For more high-voltage color options, check out this funky, structured necklace (Shourouk, $890, Beklina) –

– or one of these psychadelic clutches ($235, Not Just a Label):

Finally, how to die is this geometric shift dress (10 Crosby by Derek Lam, $325, Shopbop) with this House of Harlow necklace (I own this and LOVE it — $75, Nordstrom):

 

Kind of perfect with these chunky Barbara Bui beauties ($885, Ssense) and the Alexander Wang Rocco ($875, Shopbop):

Or — and I know we’re still a long ways from bikini season — test the look in swimwear form with this Agent Provacateur two-piece ($220 for top, $170 for bottom — Net-A-Porter):

Can’t get enough of these color-blocked/geometric styles?  Check out Mara Hoffmann.  Her collection is right on point!

 

 

Paris.

In Accessories, Black, Cocktail Dresses, Neutrals, Shoes on March 1, 2012 at 12:25 pm

Have I told you about my love affair with Paris?  I know, I know — every gal has a love affair with Paris at some point in her life.  But Paris — on two separate occasions — has felt like the very center of my life, the centrifugal force that kept various moving parts in balance and motion.  The first occasion took place just after I’d graduated from high school.  My loving and indulgent parents flew me to Paris for a week of art, cuisine, and extravagance.  They put me up in my own room at the Ritz {Place Vendome}, which — coming from a family with 5 kids — bowled me over.  Not only did I have my own room, but it was my own room at the Ritz.  When the staff wheeled in a breakfast cart that featured, amongst other delicacies, the most outrageously flavorful brioche sucree I’ve had in my life, and I laid there in my ginormous fluffy bed in my exquisitely appointed room with a window that looked out on Paris, preparing for a day at Versailles, I was quite certain that life would never be as good.  I’d peaked at the tender age of 17.  I floated around Paris for that week, wide-eyed and slack-jawed, taking in the sights and sounds of the most cultured place on earth.  It felt like my horizons were expanding by the second — whereas I’d previously only been privy to one narrow wedge of the landscape, I was now seeing a much broader vista.  That moment in my life felt like a hinge, a lynchpin — just before I was to fly the coop for college, while I was still in many ways just a girl who needed her parents’ direction and guidance.  Paris pushed me to adulthood.

{print by Jessica Durrant, available here for $25}

The second occasion took place three years later, while I was studying abroad in Lyon.  I actually loathed and despised my semester abroad.  I was painfully, achingly homesick, to the point where my father, after sitting on the phone to many a sob session, cut me off and said: “Jennifer, you are coming home.  I’m booking you a ticket tomorrow.  We’ll figure out the rest once you’re back.”  My stubborn and competitive doppelganger {named Jename — but I’ll save that story for a different post} arrived and dug her heels in, so I willfully and heart-wrenchingly committed to sticking it out.  I know this all sounds ridiculous and far-fetched.  Woe is me, I had to live in Lyon and eat the most amazing cuisine {Lyon is the gastronomic center of France} and guzzle amazing and cheap Cote de Rhone wine and travel Europe, all on my parents’ dime.  But I was so unhappy.  I cried myself to sleep every night, especially after discovering that our apartment was infested with mice that would crawl through the walls and eat every ounce of food in sight {it was such a problem that we had to hang our food in bags from the chandelier so the mice wouldn’t get to it}.  At any rate, my parents hopped across the pond to visit me and treated me to yet another extravagant multi-day stay in Paris.  I’ll never forget seeing my mother step out of the quaint French taxi in her floor-length mink coat after not seeing her for weeks and weeks {I talk to my mom almost every day}.  It was like coming home — pure relief.  Paris again marked some sort of renewal, rebirth.

Oh.  And did I mention the fashion in Paris?!  Paris also marked the beginning of a life-long love affair with style.  Paris women were just plain chic.  See below:

Um.  Can I be them? 

The thread that ties these looks together?  Restraint.  As I learned then, the key to Parisian chic-ness was doing less.  A well-made blouse, tailored jeans, and simple heels.  Nothing flashy or over-patterned.  Clean and classic.  I just guest-blogged on Palm Beach Lately about a perfect Parisian lunch get-up — check it out here!  But below,  a couple of other key ways to achieve that Parisian chic vibe…

First, a simple white tank ($75, Net-A-Porter), black jeans, a salt and pepper collarless coat ($450, Barney’s),  and some fabulous booties (Zanotti, on sale for $588, Stylebop):

 

 

 

Finish with uber-chic shades (Thierry Lasry is all the rage right now — $385, Net-A-Porter) and a sophisticated and unfussy handbag (3.1 Philip Lim, $795, Shopbop)

The goal here is simple, clean separates/investment pieces.  Alternately, channel CLASSIC Chanel with this two-tone ladylike boucle dress (Moschino, $1,295, Net-A-Porter):

 

 

In the summer months, pair with unexpectedly dressed-down (and yet sleek) banded sandals (Michael Kors, $595, Neiman’s – or get the look for less with this $98 pair from Vince Camuto):

Meanwhile, these retro-chic horn-effect shades from hip line Super ($165, Swell) and a structured tote from high-end line Valextra seals the deal:

For a slightly more dressed-up affair {I think back with particularly fond memories of an indulgent lunch we had at Taillevent, by the Arc de Triomphe}, I’d sport a white blouse ($98, J. Crew), a serious collar necklace (these collar styles are all the rage right now $158, Dannijo — but if that terrifies you, consider this gemmed $145  Max & Chloe variation), and a simple pleated skirt ($350, Mulberry):

 

I’d finish with these INCROYABLE PVC pumps (Thierry Mugler, $1,225, Opening Ceremony)

I’d finish with a quilted handbag (this ASOS style is only $28! — but if you can swing it, the Real McCoy — a Chanel — would be ideal; alternately, consider this $595 Marc Jacobs style or this $148 Michael Kors version for something in between):

– AND, finally: hey!  you’re in Paris, so wear a romantic felt hat (DSquared, $225, Farfetch — or get the look for less with this $20 H&M style) and some serious shades (House of Harlow, $148, Shopbop):

Alternately, consider this simple white sheath ($520, Saks)

And finish with nude booties ($220, Lindestore):

 

The restraint is the hardest part — I’d want to add lots of bold jewels, but this will definitely set the tone.  Accent with some chic shades (Tom Ford is the creme de la creme for high-end eyewear; the style below is $360) and the always covetable Chloe Marcie ($1,995, Net-A-Porter):

 

 

In the evening, an LBD is in order.  This drapey Rachel Comey number ($516, Saks) pairs perfectly with these delicate sparkler drops ($29, Tallulah):

 

Turns ultra-chic with the addition of these platformed, tasseled heels (Rachel Zoe, $325, Shopbop):

Finish with the Alexander Wang Adriel clutch ($525, Net-A-Porter) and a deco cuff (KJL, $207, Max & Chloe):

TAKE ME AWAY!!!!