thefashionmagpie

Archive for June, 2012

Fringe Benefits

In Accessories, Black, Brights!, Fierce, Fresh Combos, Fringe, Jewelry, Neutrals, White on June 25, 2012 at 10:23 am

I mentioned last week that fringe is going to be seriously in this summer.  And I, for one, embrace the judicious use of fringe in the ol’ wardroberooski.  Consider an airy, wear-anywhere-and-with-anything white summer dress ($365) with a unique, tasseled pendant necklace by under-the-radar line Dezso ($100):

 

Pair with some super-fun tasseled sandals ($295) and this cheery hibiscus-red DVF bucket tote ($545):

 

 

Or, let this embellished mini dress (on sale for $328) by Antik Batik do all of the work (on sale for $328) with some green drops ($100):

 

 

Pair with nude patent sandals (this pair by Gucci is on sale for $247!):

 

 

And, one of those drool-worthy PS1 clutches from Proenza Schouler ($895 apiece — pick your color!):

 

Or, go rocker chic with a fringed leather Michael Kors mini (uh, woahhhhh!  hey there, tiger! — on sale for $243) with a collarless white blouse ($50) and this awesome statement piece by Beth Lauren ($96):

I’d pair with these chic ankle-wrap sandals (only $49!) and this oversized envelope clutch (on sale for $49):

 

I’d finish the look with one (or both) of these mixed metal rings from House of Harlow ($65 each) — I’m totally obsessed!  I’m going to order the one with the gold horn and the silver band, and STAT:

 

If the above looks are a little too fierce for you, go ladylike with fringe wearing this tweed mini (on sale for $150 from Tory Burch!) with a sleeveless white blouse ($220 — or get the look for less with this $98 Madewell style) and one of those amazing Noble House necklaces I featured on Friday ($130):

 

I’d finish with white flats ($195) with a clean white tote by Alexander Wang (on sale for $548):

 

Alternately, how about this boucle jacket ($495) with these precious white fringe earrings ($125), some crisp white jeans, and metallic K. Jacques sandals (on sale for $211):

 

I’d finish with a platinum leather bucket tote ($125):

 

Chic, fresh shape.  Very Jil Sander.  Me likey.  Another cool-gal addition to the wardrobe?  This J.W. Anderson fringed top (on super sale for $660 — hardly a bargain, but still…), which I’d wear with a long tassel necklace ($230) and blue skinnies:

 

I’d accent with some fresh-looking heels (love these denim-accented platforms from Tory Burch, on sale for $245) and a fun raffia clutch ($79):

In closing — if you’re not sold on any of the looks above and just want a lil taste — check out this fun red hot Zara clutch ($99) or these fringed sandals (on sale for $45):

And, finally, who could say no to the genius of a Dannijo necklace ($845)?!

Swoons!  Happy Monday, all!  xxx

This, That, and the Other Thing

In Accessories, Brights!, Jewelry, Pop of Red, Shoes on June 22, 2012 at 10:09 am

It’s my 28th birthday this upcoming Tuesday.  (Hells yeah to my fellow Cancers out there.)  I’ve never had an issue with getting older {Mr. Magpie is two years older than I, and he’s paving the way}, but…somehow, 28 seems less than enchanting.  In fact, 28 may be the unsexiest age ever — you’re not a spring chicken, and you’re not an established lady.  You’re awkwardly dangling in no-woman’s-land, with one foot in a 5″ ankle-breaker tootsie and the other toeing towards a kitten heel (“they’re comfortable”).  Well, no.  That’s a bit of a dark and dismal portrait — I think I’ll be wearing 5-inchers til I’m 6 feet under.  But the underlying feeling is there.  Does 28 mean I need to start wearing twin-sets and laughing knowingly at inside jokes about Botox?

No.  Not for this little Magpie.  I’m going to keep on keeping, and I’ll put my best foot forward in that campaign by announcing that I just snapped up these RIDICULOUS neon-and-snakeskin booties (O.M.G., I die, I die — on sale for $247), and they are set to be delivered on my birthday.  HOORAY FOR ME.  I’m going to strut around in those on my birthday with the devil-may-care ‘tude of a 22-year-old.

I saw them on Catherine of The Life Styled over here {also below} and pretty much went insanely bananas and had to make them mine.  So I did.  Woo.

Other recent acquisitions?  A few inexpensive and fun statement pieces (with pops o’ neon) from new discovery Minusey:

 

I first saw the badboy above on Annabelle of Viva Luxury and pretty much had to have the entire set:

 

I’ve also been looking for inexpensive ways to upgrade/glamify my desk at work, and I really think that these lucite desk accessories ($20 for stapler and $15 for dispenser) would do the trick:

Especially when off-set by a gold chevron tray (the style below from Up in the Air Somewhere was all.over.the.blogosphere, but you can find something comparable from Tilly Maison — I dig this style in a particular for little trinkets!):

I might also buy this gold foil LOVE sign from Made By Girl ($35) to finish the glossy look:

 

Ooh — and how about a set of these darling quips + queries notecards from Russell + Hazel ($12 for 50! — what a steal!) to keep thoughts, notes, and more?

Meanwhile, little knick-knacks/paperclips/pens (or, in my case, bobby pins — I swear that I have a bajillion and I’m constantly using them, but whenever I need one, they scatter and hide) could live in this vintage-looking feather tray ($45) from Jayson Home, which is chock a block full of curiosities and little decor treats:

Maybe owning glam gold pins ($16 for 999) might help me keep them on hand more readily…I know I just introduced you to Minusey above, but if you’re still in the market for another fun costume jewelry addition, check out Noble House Designs for Bauble Bar.  Yes and yes.

 

Meanwhile, this dramatically shaped tote ($250) from Kayu would be the perfect companion to the latter of the above necklaces.  Slam.dunk.

 

I feel like I could really tote around all of my essentials in that roomy love boat of a bag.  I might keep organized with these cheeky leather accessories ($140 for key rings; $235 for pouchlette) from Anya Hindmarch:

 

– and would accent with a cool new pair of shades, like these pairs from Jack Wills ($98 each):

 

OK, was this post sufficiently scattered enough for you?!  I feel like I’ve bounced from item to item with reckless abandon.  Must be a sign of old age…

Inspired.

In Accessories, Black, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Pop of Red, Shoes on June 21, 2012 at 9:54 am

This stunning print ($28) by Leigh Viner absolutely took my breath away:

Love the composition of color — the intensity of the neon, the stark surprise of the black.  I’ve been daydreaming about this palette ever since.  Hence, I need this similarly hued top by Creative Commune ($198), and STAT.  I’d wear it with white shorts or jeans, some Oscar de la Renta black tassel earrings ($395), and some single-soled heels ($100):

 

 

I’d finish with this fun tiki bar clutch from Kate Spade ($348):

Or, I might wear this 3.1 Phillip Lim blouse (on sale for $175) with this statement necklace ($228), some black skinnies, and some black cap-toed canvas-and-patent flats ($138):

 

I’d finish with this fun clutchski ($360):

 

Or, how about this chic scalloped-edge top (on sale for $227) with some tangerine-colored shorts ($45) and a Holst + Lee statement necklace ($510 — although, have I shared with you my love for Adia Kibur?  I can’t be shelling out $500 for necklaces, and Adia Kibur gives me the chance to get lots of bold, fashion-forward style for a fraction of le prix):

 

 

I’d finish with some patent sandals by Maison Martin Margiela ($507 — but get the look for less here or go in between with a pair of K. Jacques) and this beyond adorable clutch by up-and-coming line Kayu ($155):

 

 

 

Also sweating this DVF dress (on sale for $212!)  — how big of a splash would you make sporting this bad boy?! — with some glam drops from Bounkit ($320):

 

I’d pair it with these simple black Zara heeled sandals ($49) –

– and this House of Harlow fringed clutch ($245).  Fringe is going to be HUGE this summer and fall.  (Check out some of the fringed metal jewelry from Jules Smith — loves.)

 

 

Loving the idea of black + brights/neons!  Happy Thursday!

Bathing Beauty

In Accessories, Beach Wear, Beauty Products, Black, Bombshell, Champagne!, Nautical, Shoes, The Honeymoon Trousseau, White on June 18, 2012 at 9:34 am

Didn’t Mr. Magpie KILL IT with his Father’s Day Post?  Loved it, love him.  I especially love that terrifying picture of the chimpanzee…but now: back to our regularly scheduled programming!

After day-dreaming about the perfect wine + cheese night in last week’s post and specifically mentioning that I’d like to host it beneath this pillow-filled teepee/tent, I’ve sort of been wandering around in la-la land planning other fairy festivities with over-the-top accents. Right now, I’m digging this striped beach tent ($699):

 

I’d be perched beneath with my bestie in these sleekly designed rattan chairs ($549 each) with this BOMB.COM gold table from Jonathan Adler (OMG, I need this for my home — $1,250):

I’d outfit myself with this glamorous scalloped-edge mini (on sale for $248) and a dramatic black sun hat ($15) –

 

– and would finish with a seashell clutch ($210) –

 

– and some ridonculous platforms by Charlotte Olympia (on sale for $661):

Don’t forget a classic red manicure ($25) and a gilded camera to capture the fun (w.o.w. — $109):

 

I’d serve refreshments on a striped tray (comparable, monogrammed styles available from Etsy storefront Pencil Shavings Studio for $58 here):

 

I’d serve chilled drinks in these retro-chic low-balls ($95 for set of 5) –

 

– and would keep the drinks chilled in this glam ice bucket ($50):

Perhaps this stunning brass bike would make an appearance for an afternoon pedal around the premises –

 

I might throw a crepe de chine romper ($325) over my itsy bitsy teeny weeny polka dot bikini (so precious — $56) for the occasion and finish with a pair of glam House of Harlow shades ($125) and a vintage Chanel pendant ($1,340):

 

Accessorize with gold sandals ($69) and a black-and-white striped towel:

 

I’d keep my beauty essentials (even on the beach, a bombshell is photo-shoot ready), like glam red lipstick ($48 — I know, wildly overpriced, but the packaging of this Tom Ford rouge a levres is incroyable!  Jolie, ca!), YSL’s Touche Eclat (to hide imperfections — LOVE this stuff — $40), and some hair ties to keep hair out of the face ($8 for 2) in this sweet little pouchlette from Herringbone Designs ($135):

 

 

Anyone else ready for glammed out beach day?!  Happy Monday!

Father’s Day — By Mr. Magpie

In Magpie Men, Magpie Must on June 15, 2012 at 12:33 pm

Greetings Magpie readers!  Mr. Magpie here.  The Fashion Magpie has received a number of requests from the vastly un-fairer sex, men, to write a post that they might be more interested in — I guess not many guys are in the market for maxi skirts or “Loubs.”  So, she has asked me to pinch hit for her and take on the subject of men’s fashion in honor of Father’s Day.  I was shocked to receive this request from The Fashion Magpie because she very modestly claims to have no idea about the subject at hand.  Apparently, she forgot that she previously wrote a number of excellent posts geared towards guys (i.e., here, here, and here).  She has also purchased me a number of my favorite fashion items that will forever be a part of my wardrobe, such as classic Persol 649s.

She obviously has a firm understanding of “What Men Want” (wouldn’t that make a hilarious/terrible/scary sequel to the movie “What Women Want?”).  The Fashion Magpie has clearly demonstrated her expertise in all things fashion, for both men and women, so why should you listen to me?

In general, I have always been sartorially minded thanks to my upbringing — perhaps it is even part of my DNA.  If you wouldn’t mind, please consider the following:

1.  While you might think I am biased, my mother has exquisite taste that goes beyond just fashion.  At the risk of our personal safety, my mother gives the infamous/nefarious Martha Stewart a run for her money.  Just ask The Fashion Magpie — she will vouch for me!  (If you never see a post from us after this, you will know Ms. Stewart has done us in — please send help).

2.  My family at one point owned the oldest, family-owned, men’s clothing store in the U.S.  It tragically closed a few years ago after a respectable 175-year run.

Picture above: The Shoop family store: dressing the men of Freeport, PA from 1830 to circa 2005.

3)  My father co-owned a gentleman’s clothing store with locations in McLean, Georgetown, and Old Town.

Picture above: This ad was run back in the 70s. Doe (my dad) is on the left.

Clothing is something that runs in my family’s blood.  And while I might be able to attribute some of this to nature, much of it is thanks to nurture.

Picture above: My very first seersucker suit, my first madras tie, and my first pair of top siders — off to a hell of a start thanks to my mother and father.

Though my mother has been a major influence in this department, in honor of Father’s Day this post is dedicated to my Doe (my dad, remember?) and the lessons he imparted upon me growing up and still does to this day.  And girls, please keep reading, too.  My advice will be especially useful in outfitting any dads, current and future, in your lives.  Guys — follow my advice and you will be dressing like a man in no time.

My impressionable years as a teen dictated that I follow what the cool kids were wearing.  This meant there were many trips to Abercrombie & Fitch and Structure — far more than I care to admit.  I recall being drawn to a lot of dark blues, grays, and blacks.  I remember coming home from many of these shopping excursions, showing my parents my sweet new threads and they would always ask “Why don’t you ever wear anything with color?”

Nowadays, it is easy to be reminded of this lesson living in DC where 99.99% of the men don the standard-issue government suit — charcoal suit, white shirt, plain tie, and, oftentimes, sneakers (Re: the sneaker + suit combo — not a good look guys.  And girls, I have seen you do it, too).  I see this day in, day out.  Lather, rinse, repeat in the worst way possible.

Now, each of those items on their own isn’t bad, per se, but when combined into the same outfit I have to ask the same thing that my parents always asked me: “Where is the color?”

Fellas, I ask that you go out on a limb and buy something with color in it.  Orange, blue. Red. Green. Purple. Yellow. And, yes, pink.  And though your buds may make fun of you for sporting a pink tie or pink shirt, who cares? You aren’t dressing for them, are you?

And why wouldn’t you choose to wear color?  Is there any better proof than in nature?  It is the men rocking the bright hues.  Check out the mandrill, turkey, peacock, and coho salmon.

In addition to it being biologically correct, opening up to color will instantly expand your purchasing options.  It will allow you to stand out in a crowd — whether to a boss or a girl. An advanced wearer can even use color to to make him look physically better and more engaging by playing off skin tone, hair color, and eye color.

Most importantly, this is an easy rule to put into action: 1. Go to a store; 2. buy something that isn’t gray, black, or dark blue.  I would start with this tan Black Label Gabardine suit from Polo Ralph Lauren –

and pair it with a Gingham shirt of any color — like this purple one from Paul Stuart.   Add a pocket square such as this one from J. Crew and you have a great casual look for the summer.

 

You can also keep going and pair it up with this necktie from Robert Talbott for a more professional look or a bow tie from Carrot & Gibbs — perfect for a summer wedding.

This rule also applies if you are looking for more casual looks, too.  Check out this get up put together by Beecroft & Bull:

Let me get the practical reasons out of the way as to why you, guys, should spend more on clothes (I know I don’t need to convince the girls): better quality clothes last longer, men’s fashion is timeless, it fits better, it feels better.  In other words, you get what you pay for.

My dad still has a pair of Salvatore Ferragamo shoes he purchased over 20 years ago and they are still in great condition.  I have my first pair of men’s shoes that I got for my first job out of college.  That was more than 6 years ago.   These puppies have been through a lot, too — I wore them multiple times a week through the elements, on the Metro, on the streets, and they still look great.

For instance, if good fortune permits, these will be mine one day.  Splurge on them here.

As for the less tangible reasons — nothing will make you walk taller or with more confidence than a great fitting suit, slick pair of shoes, and a great shirt and tie combo.  People will notice, too.  And you never know who you are going to run into — first impressions go a long way.  Then, dressing well is the least you can do for your girlfriend or wife, isn’t it?  Finally, you are a man.  It is time to dress like one.  T-shirts, sweatshirts are better left for the gym.

This whole look created by Paul Stuart is it:

Side note: every man should own a polka dot tie.  Nothing more classic.  Nothing more stylish.  Grab one from Polo Ralph Lauren’s Purple Label line:

Every guy must also splurge on a great Navy Blazer — also by Polo Ralph Lauren (Ralph is my go-to for everything):


Now, obviously good clothes cost a pretty penny.  It may help to look at it as an investment.  You will be wearing them for the next ten or twenty years (assuming our beer bellies stay put).  However, if you cannot bring yourself to pay up, at least try the expensive clothes on.  Note how the fabric feels, how the piece fits, how it is constructed.  Then, search for items more in your price range that come as close to the high-end stuff as possible.

One major caveat to this rule: fit is equally important, if not more important than anything else.  The cheapest quality suit will outshine the finest, most expensive one that is ill-fitting.  Always look for pieces that require the least amount of tailoring/fit your body type off the rack.  Focus on fit is a fundamental component of dressing better.

Adhering to rule number one will give you a head start on this more abstract rule.  What you wear on the outside is a clear reflection of who you are on the inside.  You surely consider yourself to be a fun, cool guy, so your clothes should reflect that.

My dad wore a pair of bright magenta argyle socks with his tux at our wedding.  He is often sporting seersucker, khakis embroidered with wire hair fox terriers, and bowties.  My style tends to follow suit (EH?!) — this apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

Obviously classic preppy is my personal style and yours may fall towards the more modern or more alternative.  No matter what your style is, you can still have fun with your wardrobe.

Oftentimes, an easy, cheap way to interject some “fun” into your closet can be through “add-ons” (or, as girls call them, accessories).  Add-ons, which is not a technical term by any means, can range from socks to belts to pocket squares to tie clips to cufflinks and much, much more.

Socks are an easy way to inject your own style into your wardrobe — check these out from Pantherella.

The Fashion Magpie recently picked up this great belt for me from Sir Jacks.  And if you are not into oysters, they also have belts with clams, fish hooks, foxes, and skull & crossbones.

Every guy should have a high quality navy blazer, and what better way to personalize it than with some cufflinks or buttons from Ben Silver:

Sweat the small stuff.  The details can make an ordinary ensemble look extraordinary.  A tie clip, tie bar, or any other small add-ons can pull a look together instantly.

This little guy? Be sure to add a little gangster lean by angling it for extra style. (From Brooks Brothers.)

 

How about another “good fortune” piece like the Crocodile loafers above?  By Patek Philippe.

So, that about wraps up my first post — thank you for making it this far!  Before I sign off, I have a few final words:

To the guys — I know you may have balked at some of my suggestions above, but at the very least I hope I encouraged you to approach your own style with a little more thought.  And while there are many, many more rules that apply to men’s fashion, I think these few tips imparted upon me by my father should help you dress with a little more style and a little more confidence.

To the girls — I hope you encourage the men in your lives to start having a little more fun with their wardrobe.  Also, please don’t worry: everything will be back to normal next Monday.  Thanks so much for taking the time to read my post and an even bigger thank you for being such great fans of my wife’s blog — you don’t know how happy it makes me to see how happy this blog makes her.

To my father — thank you so much for everything you have taught me in life.  The rules outlined above pale in comparison to all the other, more important life lessons you have taught me that have helped me become the man I am today.

Do You Want Some Cheese with That Whine?

In Accessories, Bombshell, Brights!, Champagne!, Magpie Nest, Pop of Red, Shoes on June 14, 2012 at 10:19 am

I try to stick to fashion on this little blogski, but today, I must digress and admit to the fact that I am the biggest baby ever.  Over the weekend, I had some sort of terrible allergic reaction to something that caused my right eye to itch and water uncontrollably for like a bajillion, trajillion hours and have been on all kinds of eye drops and ointments ever since.  I know it’s not a big deal and “this too shall pass” as my Magpie Mother pointed out while I was tearfully begging for her Dr. Mom opinion, but — I’ve just been having a big ol’ pity party for myself nonetheless and I need to snap out of it.  What better way than by planning an imaginary Whine + Cheese party?

First: setting.  I’d like to steal an idea I saw on Chevrons + Stripes by hosting my whine party in a glamorous pillowed teepee/tent from Fute Design

I’d wear a floaty caftan ($575 — and if you’re not into the ankle/maxi length, check out this $325 Cynthia Vincent style, which I’m BANANAS over…that citrine color!) with some glam drops ($430):

 

I’d finish with pure gold Zanotti sandals (on sale for $385 — but also available in pink here)

 

I’d serve wine in colored, stemless drinkware ($35 for set of 4) –

 

 

I’m weirdly obsessed with these neon corkscrews (around $100 each) by L’Aguiole, which would certainly make a lovely accent-piece (and come in handy):

 

Meanwhile, I’d serve treats on some dainty paper plates (who says paper needs to look cheap?! — $7.50 for 10):

 

 

We’d keep some vino / champers chillin in a sleek ice bucket ($175):

And you better believe there would be a nice spread of cheese and other treats ($24 for cheese slate board) –

 

 

I just discovered these tearable cotton napkin rolls — you buy a roll for $27 from MyDrap and can just tear them off as you need them!

All of my guests and I would sit surrounded by pillows ($115 each) and blankets ($170 each) until the wee hours of the night –

 

Of course, good tunes are de-rigueur — especially when issued from a hot pink iPod dock ($162):

I’m feeling better already…

The New Classics

In Accessories, Americana, Beach Wear, Beauty Products, Brights!, Jewelry, Magpie Must, Pop of Red, White on June 7, 2012 at 11:06 am

I have a hard time buying “basics.”  I’m the type of girl who’d much prefer to snag an impractical pair of hot pink pumps or a splashy new necklace than the perfect wear-with-anything black flats or trench.  That being said, I’m always thrilled with my decision when I actually own high-quality lather-rinse-repeat classics — the items that cycle through my wardrobe once or twice a week.  This post pays homage to those stand-bys for their service.

1.  The Cap Toe Flat

I’ve owned several pairs of cap-toed flats, and I absolutely wear them into.the.ground.  Currently in rotation?  The Michael Kors Otley flat in the camel and silver combo shown below (on sale in a darker color combo for $136 here)

 

 

They literally go with everything, and are oh-so-of-the-moment with the metallic cap.  Heartsies.

2. A White Crossbody

I’m smitten with everything Proenza Schouler has been doing lately, so I’m obviously swooning over the PS11 mini ($1,650), though this Rebecca Minkoff style would achieve the look for a fraction of the price ($195):

3.  Tortoise Shades.

This is the style that just keeps giving.  I love the Selima for J. Crew pair shown below (on sale for $88), though I own the Elizabeth + James “Lafayette” ($155):

 

So cool.  So classic.

4.  A Red Manicure

I’m a devotee of Essie’s colors, but these classic coral-reds from YSL (“Corail Colisee” and “Corail Divin” — $25) stopped me in my tracks.

5.  Gold Cuff

I’ve long died over the Hermes Collier de Chien bracelet shown below –

– but this $145 Tory Burch style is the clear “must” of the season.  I’ll finally get the look for much less!

 6.  Colored Denim

It’s here to stay.  I wear my reds, whites, and corals almost as frequently as I do my blacks and blues!  I’ve said this a bajillion and one times, but J. Brand is where its at for colored denim.  I lovelovelove it.

7.  Gauzy Scarf

I wear scarves pretty much a million times a week  (…?)  My daily uniform essentially consists of: skinny jeans/cigarette pants, a blouse or cotton tee, a blazer, a statement necklace, and a scarf.  At the moment, I’m coveting the Lem Lem styles below ($125 each) — so hot right now.

8.  Shirtdress

Whether you’re 18 or 80, a shirt-dress is flattering, appropriate in nearly any context, and pulled together.  This affordable TopShop style is #winning:

 

9.  Stripes!

As you can probably tell, I heart stripes.  I’ve got my eye on this Melissa Odabash striped bikini (on sale for $95), and — one can never have enough striped tees (like this J. Crew style — $45):

10.  The White Watch

I’m so into this look right now, I can’t even begin to explain.  Take your pick of Kate Spade’s “Cooper” ($195), the “Easy Reader” ($65), or this Timex Original ($60):

 

LOVEEEEEE.

Dippin Dots

In Accessories, Brights!, Jewelry, Polka Dot, Pop of Red, Shoes on June 6, 2012 at 8:48 am

Remember Dippin Dots?!  I hadn’t thought about “the ice cream of the future” until this past weekend, when I attended a Nationals game and spotted lots of precious little mini Magpies lined up for their Dippin Dots treats.  Such a clever, festive way to enjoy your ice cream, eh?!  I’m inspired.  Beat the heat in comparable fashion with this polka-dotted top ($68) and some white skinnies

Perfection with those Red Valentino bow-toed sandals (on sale for $206) I just snapped up and a gold clutchski ($138):

 

 

I like it with a tangle of gemmed bangles — this set of 13 from Etsy storefront Sweet Auburn Studio (all 13 for $79) caught my eye:

 

 

Alternately, let’s die over this precious pom-pommed/dotted shell from J. Crizz ($128), which would look fresh with a pair of white skinnies, a statement necklace by hot jewelry label Holst + Lee ($510 — although, PSST — want the look for less?!  Check out this $68 style!), and some nude/gold sandals by Love Moschino ($208):

I’d finish with this dotted Comme des Garcons clutch ($190 — this little pouchlette has been all over the street style blogs!) AND — I can’t resist, how sweet is this polka dot-lined scarf to seal the deal ($365)?!

Or, how about this polka dot tee by Marni (on sale for $158) with some white shorts ($45) and some enorma-studs ($60):

Finish with some Tory Burch t-straps in bright coral (on sale for $157) with a gilded woven tote by Anya Hindmarch ($1,220):

 

Shifting to a slightly different color palette, do you love this Prada-esque mixed-print dress by Corey Lynn Calter (on sale for $168) with a pair of Karen Walker shades ($220 — this is the brand that all the cool bloggerinas wear, like Krystal of This Time Tomorrow):

Lovely with some flat brown sandals (love the ankle strap! — on sale for $199):

 

and a lemon die-cut tote ($99):

I like it with woodsy accents, like these studs from ByBoe ($90) or this set of bangles (on sale for $24):

 

 

And, while in this color family, how sweet would this canvas lattice-work dress from Built By Wendy be ($147) with these knotted, dotted Loeffler Randall flats ($275) and this tortoise, chain-link necklace ($307 — or get the look for less with this $58 style from Bauble Bar):

 

I’d finish with a silver tote from Matta NY ($170) to echo the silver dots in the flats…and also because I just feel like silver is so fresh these days after years and years of gold, gold, gold:

 

And P.S. — I feel like Tory Burch always has lots of delightful silver-accented accessories, so check her season out as well, if you’re on my same page!

Big Things Poppin

In Accessories, Beach Wear, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Intimates, Shoes, Sundresses, The Honeymoon Trousseau on June 4, 2012 at 11:33 am

Yes, the title of this post hails from a T.I. jam.  Is there a problem?  {Apologies to my Magpie Mother.}  I was trying to think of an appropriate heading for this post, which is all about BIG, BOLD COLOR (I know, I know, nothing too original about that — we’ve been seeing neons and brights for the past season and a half…hope you aren’t bored of it yet!), and all I could think was: “Big things poppin, and little thing stoppin…[something unintelligible]…being broke is not an option.”  But if I’m being honest, the inspo for this post can be attributed to Miroslava Duma, the uber-chic Russian fashionista who founded the haute fashion website Buro 24/7 {yes, it’s in Russian, but the eye candy transcends language} and has since earned the glamorously vague job title of “Fashion Consultant,” a career title I place on the same aspirational plane as that of “financier.”  (What does a financier do, exactly, on a day to day basis, besides live in extravagance?  How awesome would it be to flash a business card that reads: “I’m Jane Smith, Financier”?  So, too, for Duma’s “Fashion Consultant” calling card tag line.)  If you don’t know about Miroslava Duma, you should probably follow me on Pinterest, as I obsessively pin her to my “Mavens” section.  You can also check out her digs via this Coveteur feature, which explores her closet.  Or, just swoon over the snaps from the shoot below:

LOVE.  LOVE.  LOVE. the color, the motion, the boldness of that swoosh of neon.  In that vein, how to die is this neon skirt ($250) with a feather-weight tank ($19)

 

Throw on some bold baubles, like these one-of-a-kind earrings by Pure Essentia ($105) or this faux gem necklace (I own it and dig it! — $98):

{As an alternative, check out this $58 find of a necklace.  Heartsies!}  I’d probably tone down the outrageous coloration with some nude platform sandals (love this $80 pair!)

I’d finish with one of these neon-striped clutchskis ($155):

 

And — I’d love to finish with a wristful of these Yarbie fabric bangles ($48-$79 each, depending on width):

Other hint-o-neon picks?  This woven clutch ($155) with these perfectly-coordinated Pierre Hardy tootsies ($735):

I’m also big into these neon bralettes ($19 each) — the perfect way to put a little (private) pep in your step:

For more casual beach or poolside lounging, snap up some of these colorful beach towels from The Girl and the Water ($29 apiece)

 

Now, I’m not huge into playsuits/rompers, as I discussed fervently with one of my gal pals this past weekend, but for beaching around, I can see it working, especially in the form of this DVF style (on sale for $72), over this Mara Hoffman two-piece (on sale for $183 — and BTW, I’m obsessed with Mara Hoffman, full-stop):

I’d finish with a colorful jelly tote ($98) and some neon t-straps ($44 and up, depending on color):

Or, how about some neon shades ($15) with an embroidered caftan ($286)?

 

 

Finish with metallic bow-toe sandals ($15 — for other affordable but uniquely designed sandals, check out Boutique 9) and a colorful confetti tote ($143):

HELLO, SUMMER.  Glad to have you here!