thefashionmagpie

Archive for the ‘White’ Category

Confetti

In Accessories, Brights!, Cocktail Dresses, Fierce, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Shoes, Sundresses, White on April 24, 2013 at 11:12 am

First – the title of this post makes my mouth water for a confetti sprinkle cupcake.  You know — the super-fake, non-organic, boxed Pillsbury mix?  Yum.

Second – fresh whites paired with pops of BRIGHT confetti color.  That’s what I want right now.  Partly inspired by these cheery seaside photos (image 1; image 2 — both $19+ depending on size and frame) from Minagraphy.  Slightly reminiscent to me of Maison Gray’s genius, but at a fraction of the prix.

Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 8.05.35 PM

 

Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 8.07.52 PM

For example, I am loving this cheery aqua necklace (Hyla Dewitt, $130) with this great, slightly hippy-dippie macrame dress ($150 — loves.  Coachella chic, ladies.)

Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 8.11.43 PM

Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 8.18.38 PM

Finish with simple gold t-straps ($69) and this fun little clutcheroo ($218):

Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 8.35.27 PM Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 8.35.32 PM

Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 8.41.00 PM

Or, maybe a little white-on-white action in the form of this pair of white scalloped shorts ($60) and this beautiful gauzy blouse ($195), accented with this simple cord-and-bead necklace ($33! — love Etsy):

Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 8.54.52 PMScreen Shot 2013-04-23 at 8.59.13 PM

Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 8.49.01 PM

And now for the POW.  I like them — unexpectedly — with these pointy toed ombre neon snakeskin flats (Loeffler Randall, $275), which I would wear every day of the week and twice on Tuesday…need.

loef

AND this mega-great bag in stark white ($308):

Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 8.56.49 PM

Or: this adorbs pink-and-white dress ($140; love the shape — keeps it from being too cutesy) with this phenom oh-so-covetable marble and crystal stunner ($68 — love when necklaces incorporate unusual materials like wood, marble, etc.):

necklace

Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 8.46.53 PM

I’d finish with fresh, modern, silver sandals (on sale for $132) and this fab little clutch ($88):

Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 8.50.12 PMScreen Shot 2013-04-23 at 8.51.03 PM

And again – that hippie side of me wants to wear this blousey poncho top ($250) with some neon jeans ($187 — or pick from the other cute colors on sale for $39 at J. Crizz), silver flats ($188), and big ol drops ($78):

Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 9.29.31 PM

Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 9.08.32 PMScreen Shot 2013-04-23 at 9.17.13 PM

Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 9.15.35 PM Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 9.15.39 PM

And finish with this fun clutch ($410):

Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 9.13.32 PM

Two other add-ons I’m dying over?  These Louboutin flats ($625):

Screen Shot 2013-04-24 at 10.08.39 AM Screen Shot 2013-04-24 at 10.08.43 AM

And — do you not die over these sweet little gumdrops ($187 each)?

Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 9.30.43 PM Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 9.30.49 PM Screen Shot 2013-04-23 at 9.30.54 PMAnyone else in love?!

The Round-Up

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Brights!, Denim, Jewelry, Magpie Nest, Pastels, Shoes, White on April 5, 2013 at 10:35 am

We made it.  Friday.  Yes.  Done.  AND the winner of the bomb giveaway is listed at the bottom of this post…!

Some “tings” I’ve been obsessing over lately, in no meaningful order…

COVET1I finally abandoned Proactiv face wash (see ya, teenage years — probably appropriate as I am in my late-20s…) for Soap + Glory’s face wash.  Ob.sessed.  I told you awhile ago that I thought I’d be all “adult” and switch to Laura Mercier’s beautifully packaged cleansing series, but it just wasn’t right for me (read: my first breakout since I was 13 — LITERALLY.  Cue panic.) and I instantly ran back to my loyal Proactiv.  Then I discovered Soap + Glory’s face wash through a sample I received.  Done deal.  First, I LOVE the soapy, old-school scent.  I know some people are sensitive to fragrance, but the smell makes me feel so fresh and so clean, clean (*Outkast reference).  Second, it’s inexpensive!  (Well, compared to cosmetic line analogs.)  $16 for a big tube that lasts forevs.  And finally, it’s kept my skin clean and blemish-free for weeks now.  So: ignore the teeny-bopper packaging (it reminds me of Clearasil or something) and do it.

Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 8.01.34 AM

COVET2After taking Alaina K.’s home tour in The Everygirl, I sorta kinda wished I had a space that I could decorate in the girliest of girly ways.  Sorry, Mr. Magpie.  (Do you love her apartment?!  I’m dying over how she redesigned the bathroom.  Black, white, gold.  Bam.)  One decorating influence that’s new-to-me and that I saw in some of her styling (and that of other well-appointed homes) is the Moroccan-inspired touch.  I’d love, for example, some of these block-printed pillows (ABC Home, $140), or this punchy woven rug (Dash + Albert, $94+ depending on size):

pillow

rug

I want.  And I want in all pink and purple colors.

COVET3Straightforward, but this tee is on sale for $35, plus 30% off.  Love the colors.  And, you know, I love me some stripes.  Pair with the perfect beachy necklace (Suzanna Dai, $425) and glossy gold sandals ($69):

shell

Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 8.16.48 AMwhitejeans

Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 8.34.24 AM Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 8.34.30 AM

Aaaand a little straw clutch (I own this in green and looooove — $88):

Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 8.44.52 AM

 

 

 

 

COVET4

I don’t know if it’s because I just booked a trip to my parents’ winter home in FL, but I’m having a minor love affair with all things palm right now…

Palm{Gold earrings: $2,500, Scully + Scully; coral top: $105, Scotch + Soda; “Pina Colada” sandal: $995, Aquazzura; palm clutch: $460, Lizzie Fortunato}

COVET5Random, but I’m smitten with these pencils ($12/set), adorned with cute phrases/sayings on the sides.  Total indulgence, but I kind of want to snap them all up and display them on my desktop in two clusters in two separate pen cups.

Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 8.54.34 AM Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 8.54.44 AM Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 8.54.55 AM

COVET6Oh, Paris.  Tu me manques.  I have been dreaming of a trip to my favorite city in the universe for the past few months in particular, so I’ve been on a hunt for some artwork that would fill the void.  I feel like a lot of “Paris” artwork is super-cheesy – great, another Eiffel tower sketch.  It’s almost like a touristy sub-genre in the art field.  Then I found the Paris Print Shop, which I loved because the photography sets out to capture the nooks and crannies of the city rather than the big tourist attractions, and the shop suggests that you group your artwork by color, which makes the entire operation seem a bit more sophisticated.  I very seriously contemplated buying a group of four or eight for the wall of our guest room, and was leaning towards the mint/aqua collection given the colors in our bedding.  (I ended up deciding to go with a set of vintage Audubon bird prints that I had framed; I knew Mr. Magpie would prefer them and they lent the room a much-needed “vintage” flair.)  Still, I’m hemming and hawing over where I could squeeze these into our apartment and what color I might go with.  (I’ve been thinking about reupholstering our kitchen stools with this Rubie Green fabric, so maybe the yellow would look lovely on the wall behind them?)

white

mint

pink

Oh, swoon.

COVET7So, I mentioned my fixation with palm prints at the moment, and this leaf-print blazer (Joie, $298) is no exception.  Die.  I’d wear it over a little white dress or maybe with white skinnies, some linen-and-leather wedges ($139), and this BANANAS OUT OF CONTROL AMAZING necklace ($2,485…dream on):

Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 9.19.46 AM

Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 9.08.26 AM

whitejeansScreen Shot 2013-04-05 at 9.15.37 AM Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 9.15.44 AM

Aaand finish with this adorable wicker/cane box clutch (Charlotte Olympia, $1,120):

Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 9.20.45 AM

COVET8I believe I may have already waxed poetic about this, but I snapped up Nars’ Roman Holiday lipstick ($26) and it is the PERFECT everyday spring shade.  Natural but pretty.

nars

And that about does it, my love bugs.  Except for…DRUMROLL, PLEASE!  The winner of my giveaway!  Let me just say that I l.o.v.e.d. reading all of your responses / what you’d wear things with.  You are such a chic bunch of chicas.  The winner is: SHANA!  (She plans to wear it with the exact dress that Kate Middleton owns from ASOS.)  Shana, please email me at jennifer@thefashionmagpie.com so we can arrange shipping.

A biggggg thanks to Dawn B. for arranging this generous giveaway!

Crisp.

In Accessories, Americana, Beach Wear, Black, Denim, Gold, Jewelry, Pop of Red, White on April 4, 2013 at 9:32 am

First: I omitted a very important part of the amazing giveaway I launched on Monday (if you’ve not yet entered, do so by the end of today by leaving a comment on this post for a great addition to your jewelry box!) — the fact that this giveaway was coordinated by the amazingly talented Stella + Dot stylist Dawn Biddlecomb!  If you like her Facebook page or follow her on Pinterest (in addition to leaving a comment on the giveaway post), you will be entered twice into the running for this amazing treat!  Woot woot!

Second: can I tell you that I found the absolute cutest striped, cap-sleeved blouse ($54) at Loft, of all places?!  Love the cut + fit.  The shirt has made me long for dead-of-summer heat, the 4th of July, and all things red-white-and-blue.  This in turn led to something of a stripe fixation in the middle of the week, and this RED Valentino top shot to the top of my covet list ($395), which I might wear with red or white skinnies and these phenom Sergio Rossi sandals ($1,000):

Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 7.39.28 AM

Screen Shot 2013-03-14 at 8.39.09 AM

Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 7.45.18 AM Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 7.45.22 AM

Like the look?  Another beachy option would be this stunning caftan (on sale for $199)

Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 7.47.08 AM

Wear in the evening with this glitzy clutch (too adorable…Milly, $350) and the highest heels you can muster (Louboutin, $995):

Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 8.20.27 AM

HEELS

OR, you can wear it over a simple striped bikini (Phillip Lim, $125 for top; $125 for bottom):

bikini

Finish with this glam gold carry-all ($420) and chic gold-and-black sandals (Tory Burch, $265):

bag

FLAT

Also loving a pop of red in this embroidered eyelet tank ($65), a chunky gold necklace ($28), white skinnies, and those glossy gold J. Crizzle sandals I’ve featured 2,328 times — $138):

Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 7.52.51 AM

Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 7.51.02 AMScreen Shot 2013-03-14 at 8.39.09 AM

Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 7.54.38 AM Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 7.54.44 AM

Finish with one of these embroidered clutches by Mar Y Sol ($95):

Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 7.56.02 AM Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 7.57.09 AM

Also dying over this daisy lace mini ($98 — or get the look for less with this Joe Fresh style, $49) with a shell ($56 and slightly cropped — but the skirt should come up high enough / sit high enough so no skin is exposed…that Christina Aguilera midriff baring thang is not my style) and this funky statement necklace (D & G, $1,425 — or get the look for less with this Tory Burch  tassel necklace, $250):

Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 8.18.18 AM

 

Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 8.04.04 AM

Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 7.59.04 AM

If you’re not too afraid of matchy-matchiness, round it out with these adorbs Red Valentino sandals ($295) and this white clutch (YSL, $890):

Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 8.16.12 AM

Screen Shot 2013-04-04 at 8.21.34 AM

Almost to the freakin weekend!

Spring in My Step

In Accessories, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Pastels, Shoes, White on April 1, 2013 at 11:54 am

***Spoiler alert: This post ends with a FAB giveaway for an amazing necklace…soooo make sure you read to the very end.***

Oh, hello, April.  So, so happy to see you and your attendant warmer weather.  It was nearly 60 degrees when Mr. Magpie and I landed in Chicago yesterday after spending the weekend with our families in D.C.  It’s making me want to buy a lot of warm-weather things in my favorite pastel-meets-bright palette (read: lots of lavender with accents in chartreuse and coral).  For starters, I love these eyelet shorts ($69) with this blousy top (DVF, $132) and this chunky necklace ($333):

necklace

Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 9.07.20 AM

Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 9.04.18 AM

Finish with some unfussy gold Tkees ($50):

Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 9.26.14 AMOr, how about some bling-bling earrings (Loren Hope, $68), this floaty skirt (Jenni Kayne, on SUPER sale for $148) with a simple white blouse (L’Agence, $277 — as an aside, I’m obsessed with this studded-collar sleeveless top from J. Crew.  I’ve been dreaming about it since I first saw it.  Must buy.)  I loveeee these Charlotte Olympia tootsies ($975) with this look:

Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 9.50.23 AM

Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 9.44.36 AM

Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 9.39.37 AM

Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 9.47.08 AM Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 9.47.12 AM

Finish with a silver-and-lilac-trim clutch ($135):

Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 10.16.39 AM

Or, this pretty printed coral number ($275) would look amazing offset by a lilac-pommed scarf ($110):

Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 9.58.44 AM

Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 9.53.37 AM

Finish with these clean white sandals (Tory Burch, $265) and this sleek clutch (Rochas, $225):

goldScreen Shot 2013-04-01 at 10.23.44 AM

Also loving this simple white dress (interesting panels — $50) with this stunning necklace (Loren Hope, $175):

Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 10.41.05 AM

Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 10.40.32 AMI like it finished with some clean-lined mango-colored sandals ($138) with this fun little hula-girl clutch (Charlotte Olympia, $420):

Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 10.44.49 AM Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 10.44.55 AM

Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 10.49.49 AM

Or, how about a simple lavender tee (on sale for $15, plus 30% off!  I love J. Crew sales…) with a white lace/eyelet skirt ($325 — or check out this adorable comparable version from J. Crew for $98…LOVES) and this cheery necklace (Stella + Dot, $138)?

Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 10.28.18 AM

Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 10.25.07 AMScreen Shot 2013-04-01 at 10.26.56 AM

Finish with some modern/fresh white sandals (Gianvito Rossi, $720):

Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 10.35.12 AM Screen Shot 2013-04-01 at 10.35.16 AM

Now, for the AWESOME news: like that Stella + Dot necklace above?!  It could be yours!  All you need to do is leave a comment on this post letting me know what you’d wear this Stella + Dot necklace with by midnight on Thursday, 4/4, and I’ll pick a winner on Friday.  WOOOOOOO!

Something Different.

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Black, Cocktail Dresses, Fierce, Jewelry, Neutrals, Polka Dot, Pop of Red, Shoes, White on March 27, 2013 at 11:07 am

Sometimes, I want to rid my closet of all things frilly and colorful in favor of simple and sophisticated black + white.  I bounce back and forth between this extreme and the other, i.e., lots of mish-mashed bright colors and patterns.  Today I’m of the former mind, and I wish I was wearing this ($575 — yah, yah, I know it’s a jupsuit-type-thing, but it’s just so sleek and looks like it could be separates) with some lovely drops ($495 — obsessed with the line ASHA) and these inexpensive ankle-strap heels ($49):

Screen Shot 2013-03-27 at 9.57.34 AM

black

Screen Shot 2013-03-27 at 8.57.57 AM

This dotted Phillip Lim clutch ($876 — or get the look for FAR less with this inexpensive find) would finish the look perfectly:

Screen Shot 2013-03-27 at 8.59.05 AMI’d offset the sophisticated look with a bright red lip (Nars’ Heat Wave is pretty bomb — $26 — and P.S., I just bought Nars’ Roman Holiday, a pretty soft pink, and am literally obsessed — ob.sessed. with the color.  BUY.  Immediately.):

lip

I am also very into the idea of a wrap maxi skirt like this white style ($190 — so sophisticated!) with this black silky tank (love the neckline — $120) and a pop of color in the form of these fun drops ($26):

Screen Shot 2013-03-27 at 9.40.24 AM

Screen Shot 2013-03-27 at 9.12.16 AM

Screen Shot 2013-03-27 at 9.04.41 AM

I’d finish with these elegant Jason Wu heels ($845) and this pop-of-color minaudiere ($128):

Screen Shot 2013-03-27 at 9.13.42 AM

Screen Shot 2013-03-27 at 9.59.33 AM

For something more casual, how about a ladylike top ($198) with a statement necklace (wow — $206; if that’s too funky for your taste, a simpler tassel/lariat necklace like this one would do the trick), some leather-esque leggings ($194) and some polka-dot flats ($49)?

Screen Shot 2013-03-27 at 9.35.28 AM

Screen Shot 2013-03-27 at 9.20.19 AM

leather

Screen Shot 2013-03-27 at 9.14.36 AM

Finish with one of those monogrammable Clare Vivier roll totes ($476):

Screen Shot 2013-03-27 at 9.41.39 AMFinally, while on the topic of black + white, I have to share a recent obsession.  My bestie has long been coercing me into getting no-chip (shellac) manicures, and they do work like a charm for someone like me, as I’m often cooking/washing and have been known to ruin a manicure within a few hours of receiving it.  I’ve been getting stark white nails (usually OPI’s Alpine Snow) — obsessed at the moment.  I know it sounds scary, but it comes off looking very…polished and sophisticated.

nails

Happy Hump Day?

 

Spring Has Not Yet Sprung

In Accessories, Cocktail Dresses, Dream Wear, Florals, Jewelry, Neutrals, Pastels, Romantic, Shoes, Sundresses, White on March 19, 2013 at 9:44 am

So, it’s not quite spring.  But that doesn’t mean a girl can’t dream / plan for the future.  I’m attending several weddings and rehearsal dinners and showers in the coming weeks, so it’s about time to stock up.  At the tippy top of my list is this beautiful, ladylike pleated dress from M Missoni ($795 – I know, I was also shocked that this was from Missoni!) with my very favorite earrings from Suzanna Dai ($138 — I own this EXACT pair and have gotten so much mileage out of them!):

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 7.15.32 PM

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 7.06.47 PM

That lasercut detailing!  That petal pink color!  Loveeee.  Perfect with platinum heels like these Choos (hottt — $1,150; Or get the look for less with these twinkle toed tootsies — on super sale for $129 — the perfect bridesmaid heel, eh?) and this stunning clutch (DVF, $395):

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 7.17.46 PMScreen Shot 2013-03-18 at 7.17.51 PM

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 8.02.48 PM

Also smitten with this bejeweled Paul + Joe shift ($325) and some big studs ($52):

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 7.30.41 PM

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 7.11.09 PM

Perfect with these meant-to-go-with-the-dress heels from hot line Aquazzura ($775) and a futuristic silver clutch ($35):

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 7.22.32 PM Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 7.22.41 PM

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 7.37.22 PM

Perfection with this statement cuff in just the right hues ($98):

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 8.01.50 PM

Also swooning over these cheery daffodil drops ($315) with this sweet eyelet dress (on sale for $200)?!

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 7.34.26 PM

 

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 7.33.33 PMFinish with this jeweled clutch (on sale for $99) if you’re not too afraid of the matchy-matchy and these of-the-moment heels (Gianvito Rossi, $625):

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 7.25.49 PMScreen Shot 2013-03-18 at 7.40.40 PM Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 7.40.44 PM

Or, what about this splashy little thang (DVF, $670) and these incandescent earrings ($58):

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 8.00.54 PM

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 7.46.17 PM

Perfection with this pair of ladylike bow-toe pumps (Jimmy Choo, $650):

 

chch

{Or, get the look for less with this pair for $149.}  And UGH this mint dress looks like it would do the body wonder (Emilia Wickstead, $1,201), especially with this fierce statement necklace ($150), which musses up the ladylike quality of the dress:

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 8.08.18 PM

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 8.07.05 PM

I like it with these Manolos ($775) and this stunning lace box clutch (Kotur, $395):

mbScreen Shot 2013-03-18 at 8.12.00 PM

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 8.13.47 PM

{Love the idea of mint + lace/eyelet…together?!  Check out this affordable find of a dress!}

Nesting

In Accessories, Gifts!, Magpie Nest, Nautical, Pop of Red, White on March 5, 2013 at 1:17 pm

2013 has been cray so far, and doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon — trip after trip, event after event, wedding after wedding — so much fun, so lovely being able to see friends and family so frequently.  But also a small, old womanish part of me is craving a quiet, lazy string of weekends back to back when I can focus on finishing some of the as-yet-incompletely-decorated rooms in our home.  Some things that have been cloying for my attention lately:

First, don’t even know where this BRIGHT coral/orange chair (CB2, $149) would go in my apartment, but I think it would be such an unexpected color and modern shape in our digs, sitting casually in one of our rooms.  Maybe in my lavender office, as a nice contrast?  Or with this neon pink embroidered pillow ($38)?!

Screen Shot 2013-03-04 at 8.56.22 PM

 

Screen Shot 2013-03-04 at 8.31.00 PM

Kind of amazing with this striped and pom-pommed rug ($59) –

Screen Shot 2013-03-04 at 8.37.46 PM

I know it’s from the kids section, but it is just so amazing.  And you could trim the poms if they aren’t your dish — and the stripes would be oh-so-fab.  In the same color family, I saw this flamingo serving platter ($59) and just about fell out my chair.  It is too perfect.  I think I might actually mount it on a wall and use it for wall decor — so in loves.

Screen Shot 2013-03-04 at 8.39.48 PM

I’ve also been looking for an aqua/teal accent piece for one of our bookshelves — I have a bunch of books with aqua spines and I think it would be the perfect balance to the case.  These Swing Design lacquer boxes ($130 for set of 2) seem like the ideal solution.

elleScreen Shot 2013-03-04 at 8.34.14 PMThat Hermes orange color is winning, eh?  I like them stacked one atop the other.  Perfecto.  (And P.S., West Elm has a small lacquer box in a fabulous, unexpected shade of yellow on sale for $15 right now — if only I decorated with more yellow.)  These would also look lovely stacked atop a desk, alongside some lovely ladylike desktop accessories, like these winning boxes of note cards ($22 each):

Screen Shot 2013-03-04 at 9.08.18 PMScreen Shot 2013-03-04 at 9.08.13 PMScreen Shot 2013-03-04 at 9.08.24 PM

Especially with these personalized pencils (LOVE — $15/set):

Screen Shot 2013-03-04 at 9.07.18 PM Screen Shot 2013-03-04 at 9.07.26 PM

Perhaps with this framed watercolor of a flamenco dancer overhead (Fairysomnia, $155 — and it’s ORIGINAL!) or this fashion print (Blonde Lasagna, $25):

Screen Shot 2013-03-04 at 9.04.56 PM

fur

Or maybe an entire new set of desktop necessities in a BRIGHT, punchy color ($49 for set — scissors, stapler, pens, and tape dispenser)!

Screen Shot 2013-03-04 at 9.15.14 PMAnd you know my thing about pens — I pretty much need to order a couple dozen in bright colors ($12 per dozen) and to group them together in a pretty desktop bouquet.

8.11.51.1_1.18.11.51.1_1.18.11.51.1_1.1

Perfect for using with my Maybook notebook ($20-$23, depending on the book type you pick — you can pick a wedding journal, graph paper, a calendar, a bump book — whatever you want!):

may

I’m now particularly enamored of this funky zebra pattern of theirs:

zebra

And…I’ve been enamored of the idea of adding a ceramic garden stool to our home for some time now.  I’m thinking it may work best in our guest bedroom, which is outfitted in navy, blue, and coral and has a bunch of great art of collected for the past six months.  So I know that this yellow color ($139) doesn’t exactly GO, but isn’t it the sunniest, cheeriest little thang you’ve ever seen?!  Also nice in white.  The detailing is fab — adds a little whimsy to any room.

Screen Shot 2013-03-05 at 9.01.07 AMScreen Shot 2013-03-05 at 9.02.19 AM

Our master bathroom has something of an undersea theme — we have an amazing oversized chart with corals/seaweeds on it that was printed on a canvas scroll — and the walls are mint/seafoam.  So when I saw these darling watercolor-esque coral prints from Driftwood Interiors ($25 each) in this cheery ruby color, I knew they needed to hang above our towel rack to complete the look.

ks1 ks2

I’m thinking about hanging them in mirrored frames ($29-$69) to really reflect the light in the bathroom.  It will look great with this hardcover book on coral ($23), which I first saw in the beautiful Ralph Lauren store in NYC as a prop in one of their amazing bedrooms and just snagged and will stack beneath some vases in one of the windowsills of our bathroom.

cabinet

I have one piece of coral already on a tray in between our sinks (and I hang my current favorite piece of jewelry on it), alongside a small jewelry dish and a favorite candle du jour), but would it be overkill to also snap up these cheerily colored ones ($29-$59)?!  Hmm.

Screen Shot 2013-03-05 at 8.49.26 AM(And P.S. – this bathroom mat, if its dimsensions made sense in our bathroom, would have been a great complement.  It didn’t, though — we have a double sink and I needed two twin mats to live happily so that both of our feet could be warm in the morning while getting ready.  That marble floor is BRUTAL on cold Chicago mornings.)  Anyway — that’s all she wrote for today!  What do you have your eye on for your house?!

Coloratura

In Beach Wear, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Pastels, Shoes, Sundresses, White on February 28, 2013 at 10:01 am

One of my love bugs mentioned in a comment on a recent post that she has been stockpiling lots of colorful goodies in her closet for spring, whenever spring decides to rear her lovely head.  I’m teetering dangerously on the edge of following suit — I keep wanting to buy everything on the Calypso St. Barth site (i.e., all things beachy/summery, with LOTS of great spring colors).  My top pick from their collection?  This flowy hi-lo dress ($450). BA.NA.NAS.  I’m imagining myself (or a very tall, tanned version of myself) wearing this with my hair all beach wavy.

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 4.55.43 PM

I’m not afraid of color — are you?!  Good.  Check out these ultra-covetable Thierry Lasry shades, and let’s both wish we had enough dough to drop $475 on a pair of sunnies.

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 4.56.56 PM

I like them with my favorite color combo du jour — lavender, in the form of this silky little top (on sale for $69), and BRIGHT orange, in the form of this necklace (on sale for $89), with white jeans and perfect metallic sandals (Rebecca Minkoff, $165):

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 5.44.19 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 4.52.35 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.20.07 AM

 

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 5.49.13 PMScreen Shot 2013-02-27 at 5.49.22 PM

I’m also gaga over this sweet little neon coral number (only $80!), and I’d wear it with a statement necklace ($48 — yah, yah, I know I featured this badboy already, but can you beat the price or the on-trend colors?!  No.).

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 5.52.19 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 5.50.40 PM

The coup de gras?!  These unexpected, FAB green tootsies by the ever-imaginative Charlotte Olympia ($901).  I know they are borderline cray-cray, but I think you can rock them OUT.

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 5.54.13 PM Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 5.54.29 PM

{These shoes remind me of a pair of pillows that I considered purchasing for our nest — isn’t this palm frond pattern BEYOND?! I ended up with this pattern instead to incorporate more colors into our living room, and sweat them in a serious way.  Does anyone else still use the word “sweat” as a verb, or am I the only 90s chickadee who uses that term?!}  This conversation in turn reminds me of these AMAZING C. Wonder pillows ($38 a pop) that I discovered recently.  LOVE this print.

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 6.02.05 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 6.03.10 PMI loveee.  And I also loveee this inexpensive white peplum top ($30) and these sparkling drops ($24), with white jeans (such a clean look for spring/summer):

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 6.09.07 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 6.04.23 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.20.07 AM

I’d finish with this AH-mazing pair of Sergio Rossi wedges ($1,000):

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 6.11.13 PM Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 6.11.18 PM

And would add this lovely ostrich crossbody (Michael Kors, $450 — now, I know $450 is pricey, but the bag seriously looks like it cost a couple Gs.  Good investment.):

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 6.13.51 PM

Since the color scheme (and warm weather clothing) above are tres Palm Beach chic, I gotta conclude with this funky little letterpress flamingo print ($16) — cute no?!

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 6.20.09 PM

This would look so precious mixed in with other prints in a gallery wall, all framed in pristine white.  Lovely.  And if you want to bring that flamingo print to life, check out this darling flamingo print two-piece from Tory Burch ($135 for top; $95 for bottom): sanib

sani2

 

Cute beneath this breezy caftan, n’est-ce pas ($40)?

Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 6.26.59 PM

Oh man.  I would love a little warmth.  I promise this is my last post about how cold it’s been.  I’ll next aim for something a little more chip chip cheerio.  Happy Thursday!  Almost to the weekend…

Packing a Punch

In Accessories, Beach Wear, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Shoes, Sundresses, White on February 26, 2013 at 10:38 am

Here’s a haiku* for you:

My parents have a winter home in Florida. 

They have spent the better part of the past few weeks there. 

I am horribly jealous.

Blarg.  I am so sick of jamming my legs into jeans and boots.  Jeans and boots.  Jeans and boots. Lather, rinse, repeat.  (Although I did manage to recently score these Loeffler Randall wonders on RIDIC sale, so I am not quite as furious about the boots part.) *For my lit ladies out there: I do know that this is not, in the strict sense, a haiku.  FYI.  In case you’re thinking I failed my poetry seminars.  And while I have your attention, have any of you read “Flaubert’s Parrot” by Julian Barnes?  Some thoughts: A) Reading this book has rekindled my love of literature — have not felt so excited about a book in a long time; B) This book led me on an Amazon binge and I wound up with Gustave’s letters, volume 1; Gustave’s “A Simple Heart”; and George Sand’s “Indiana.”  I literally cannot read quickly enough – so excited to digest it all; and C) Am contemplating reading Sartre’s “Family Idiot,” a study of Flaubert, afterward, but almost feel that without the support of a classroom discussion, I’ll drown.  Sartre scares me almost as much as Hegel, who tormented me in graduate school.  If I need to draw diagrams to understand a paragraph of prose, I find myself distressed.  One last footnote, for those of you wondering: “Why Flaubert?”  Well, Barnes will quickly cultivate and nurture a love affair with his genius in his book, which is a curious blend of lit crit, autobiography (presumably), and fiction.  Barnes’ summary of Gustave?

“The hermit of Croisset.  The first modern novelist.  The father of Realism.  The butcher of Romanticism.  The pontoon bridge linking Balzac to Joyce.  The precursor of Proust.  The bear in his lair.  The bourgeois bourgeoisophobe.  In Egypt, ‘the father of the Moustache.’..all these titles were acquired by a man indifferent to ennobling forms of address.  ‘Honours dishonour, titles degrade, employment stupefies.”

I mean — anyone else giddy as a gumdrop reading this?  Barnes packs a powerful punch in  his writing — so dense, so visual.  Not a word out of place — “the pontoon bridge.”  Ah!  In love!

So, from geeking out over a book to geeking out over a different form of artistry: let’s talk about fashion that packs a punch and that I would happily throw in a suitcase on my way to FL.  (Mom and Dad, don’t be surprised if I show up on your doorstep in sunny Naples.)  First: I know it’s pricey but I wantttt this blouse (Simone Rocha, $1,095), and I’d wear it with this tone-on-tone necklace ($128), white skinnies, and some platinum sandals (these are kids’ sized, but they run very large…I can fit into them…$35):

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 3.39.20 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 3.33.27 PMScreen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.20.07 AM

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 3.42.06 PM

Finish it up with one of these sweetly colored wallets (Cleobella, $161):

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 3.53.57 PM Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 3.54.03 PM Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 3.54.11 PM Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 3.54.17 PM

I’ve been very into colored lace lately — loveee this sweet skirt in tangerine lace ($80) with a white tank (Rag + Bone, $290) and a splashy statement necklace (T+J Designs, $68)

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 3.46.53 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 4.08.33 PMScreen Shot 2013-02-25 at 3.45.27 PM

Finish with these perforated leather wedges from Chloe (on sale for $247), which I’ve literally stalked for years.

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 4.16.47 PM

Finish with this sleek white cross-body (Loeffler Randall, $395):

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 4.17.47 PM

And — thoughts on these parfait-colored colorblocked trousers (Camilla + Marc, $495) with an unfussy white silk tee (Phillip Lim, $295)?  I love.  And I’d finish with these smart sandals (Sam Edelman, $125) and this statement necklace (so many good ones out right now!!! — $48):

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 4.31.18 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 4.25.23 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 3.44.16 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 4.29.01 PMScreen Shot 2013-02-25 at 4.29.07 PM

Or, check out this melon-hued peplum tweed top from hot line SEA NY ($251), paired with skinnies in a deeper coral color and finished with a statement necklace (J. Crew, $148) and some perforated flats (Aerin, $228):

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 3.58.17 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 3.55.18 PMScreen Shot 2013-02-25 at 3.37.41 PMScreen Shot 2013-02-25 at 4.00.38 PMScreen Shot 2013-02-25 at 4.00.42 PM

AND, for the beach — MUST have this bikini in this fun yellow color ($15 for bottom, $18 for top)

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 4.02.21 PM

Cuteee!  Almost as darling as this LemLem cover-up dress ($248), which looks like just the sort of breezy thing I’d live in on vacation.  Along with these lucite shades (Han Kjobenhavn, $134) and these studded sandals ($135):

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 4.13.54 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 4.06.15 PM

 

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 4.21.27 PMScreen Shot 2013-02-25 at 4.21.23 PM

Aaand one of these Figue clutches ($195 — love the contrasting color tassel!):

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 4.19.40 PM Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 4.19.57 PMAlright, anyone else dying for some sun?!

Frosting

In Accessories, Bombshell, Champagne!, Cocktail Dresses, Fresh Combos, Fur, Glitter, Gold, Jewelry, Pastels, White on February 25, 2013 at 11:58 am

I am headed to The Big Apple this weekend for a dear friend’s engagement party, and though I was hell-bent on “shopping the closet” (in part because I know I own 3489 cocktail dresses that scarcely see the light of day, and in part because I spent hours and hours perusing online and didn’t see much to my liking), I began to panic last week when I realized I actually hate everything in my closet.  Well — less hate, more ennui in the fin de siecle style (i.e., yawn and look down with distaste).  Does this happen to anyone else?  Then I watched the Oscars last night (delightful) and wished I could step up my game.  If I could wear anything this weekend, I would wear this gilded wonder from Lanvin.  Don’t worry, it will only require that you re-mortgage your house and sell your car.  (How can it cost nearly $7K?!)  But isn’t she lovely?!  Amazing with some mint green-accented earrings ($80):

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.02.14 AM

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 8.53.36 AM

Perfection with these crystal-embellished tootsies (Jimmy Choo, $1,150):

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.07.07 AMScreen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.07.13 AM

Check out the bling on these shoes — stunning.

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.07.20 AM

Top it off with a faux fur jacket ($49), and you’re square:

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.12.08 AM

I mean.  I need it all.  Orrr — NOT for the engagement party, but in the same palette — check out this stunning statement shirt ($150), which is at the top of my shopping list.  I know it’s a little early to think about white jeans, but this will be a BANANAS outfit for the spring, especially with these stunning clips (Bijoux Heart, $530 — or, approximate the look with these fun, budget-friendly little studs) and some fun sandals (Kate Spade, $238):

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.16.54 AM

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.14.01 AMScreen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.20.07 AM

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.21.16 AM Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.21.25 AM

Love love love.  Or, how about this sweet jacquard skirt (on sale for $189) with a statement necklace ($39 – can’t be the price!) and a white sleeveless blouse ($46):

loftScreen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.33.49 AM

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.14.09 AM

Cuff it with this statement piece (I must own this — $138):

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.09.51 AM

and then round it all out with these classic heels (love that these Manolo-esque puppies are back in vogue…thankyouCarrieBradshaw — $695):

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.35.26 AM Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.35.31 AM

In closing, you need to know about two other gilded lilies (?) that I’m currently coveting and that belong in this metallic/frosted post: 1.  These Zara shoes ($90), which my super chic little sis would totally rock; and 2. This woven wonder of a necklace from Lady Burch ($750).

Screen Shot 2013-02-25 at 9.41.32 AMwheatInspired by the looks above, I seriously considered this metallic jacquard number, which is conveniently on sale for only $136 now.  Love that it HINTS at the peplum style, but without the actual volume.  (And P.S., if you’re still loving peplum, check out this Nicholas wonder, which I also briefly considered.)  But I’m still undecided…

 

Pale in Comparison

In Accessories, Cocktail Dresses, Denim, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Pastels, Romantic, Shoes, Sundresses, White on February 12, 2013 at 10:40 am

Oh heyyy, pretty dress (~$80).  I want to wear you with these lovely drops ($26):

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 4.54.34 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 4.04.53 PM

And these Alaia babies ($1,312):

alaiaalaia

And this clean-looking pouchlette ($35):

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 4.11.37 PM

Also mah-jorly into this sweet little skirt (Thakoon, on BANANAS sale for $87) with this amazingly draped top (Chloe, $625) and this lovely House of Harlow necklace ($75):

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 4.22.42 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 4.14.07 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 4.12.35 PM

I loveee these J. Crew heels ($278) in pretty much every color, but especially this blush-and-lilac pair –

heels

 

And, thoughts on bolstering my colored denim collection with some lilac skinnies (J. Brand, on sale for $118)?  Perfect with a gussied-up white tee ($20), a HUGE statement necklace (OMG…$228), and these snakeskin flats (Tieks, $295):

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 4.34.15 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 4.26.12 PMScreen Shot 2013-02-11 at 4.30.04 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 4.31.09 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 4.31.15 PM

Aaaaand with this laser-cut roll bag (Tory Burch, $550):

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 5.06.30 PM

And, how about this Jackie O.-esque shift (Tara Jarmon, ~$500)?!  Love with big studs (Bounkit, $365):

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 4.55.49 PM

 

 

 

 

tj

…and these beautiful white sandals (Tory Burch, $285) and laser-cut clutchski (Newbark, $440):

bri

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 4.50.33 PM

Other items I’m drooling over? Laser-cut flats in beautiful “iced lilac” ($158), some pastel shades ($55), and a beautiful pouchlette (Acne, $290):

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 4.58.21 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 4.35.39 PM

 

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 4.20.08 PM

Mix and match with any of the looks above.  Gorgeous.  Or, get ready for the kicker: this stunning white Tibi dress ($850) with this affordable statement necklace (Adia Kibur, $85):

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 5.01.39 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 5.00.42 PM

Finish with these colorblocked Stuart Weitzmans ($335) and this structured mint green clutch (Coach, $188):

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 5.02.55 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-11 at 5.05.05 PM

I guess I’m ready for spring?!

Bluebell

In Accessories, Brights!, Denim, Florals, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Magpie Nest, White on February 7, 2013 at 2:12 pm

I know I’ve mentioned my fascination with ginger pots / chinoiserie in the past (get your own set here, $58-$78 per piece).

Screen Shot 2013-02-06 at 7.13.05 PM

And I know I’ve posted a lot about blue color schemes.  But, here I am again, with more.  I just keep tripping over great styles and I can’t help but feature.  Hope you’re into this moody hue as well.  What about this cool tye-dye dress ($235), for example?  Very Kate Bosworth at Coachella, circa 2011.  Especially finished with this amazing Kelly Wearstler pendant ($385):

Screen Shot 2013-02-07 at 8.28.26 AM

Screen Shot 2013-02-06 at 7.11.57 PM

Perfect with some no-nonsense K. Jacques ($253) — literally, wear these bad boys with anything.

Screen Shot 2013-02-07 at 8.30.22 AM Screen Shot 2013-02-07 at 8.30.30 AM

Or, if the boho chic look isn’t your bag of chips, this layered dress  (Acne, $314) with this fun speckled drops (Janis Savitt, $385) might do the trick:

Screen Shot 2013-02-06 at 7.29.56 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-06 at 7.17.51 PM

Heartsies.  Wrap it up with crystal-encrusted sandals (Zanotti, $595):

shoes

Also love this white beaded top ($96) with a great necklace (Hyla Dewitt, $150), skinnies, and these floral pumps ($148):

Screen Shot 2013-02-06 at 7.31.42 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-06 at 7.24.27 PMjbrand

Screen Shot 2013-02-06 at 7.26.10 PM Screen Shot 2013-02-06 at 7.26.15 PM

Or, how about this ornate Roberto Cavalli top ($865)?  Must be worn with whites in the summer, so I’m just going to go ahead and feature it now and pretend like it’s appropriate.  I’d pair with these eye-catching drops from one of my favorite jewelry lines, Asha New York ($495) and some simple gold sandals ($138):

Screen Shot 2013-02-06 at 7.40.16 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-06 at 7.38.08 PMwhitejeans

Screen Shot 2013-02-06 at 7.43.09 PM

Continuing the beachy theme, check out this Sheridan French number ($395 — she has the BEST fabrics) with these vintage shell studs ($316):

Screen Shot 2013-02-07 at 11.56.53 AM

Screen Shot 2013-02-07 at 8.38.43 AM

How adorbs with these linen-and-white wedges ($175) and this sweet raffia clutch (so retro-chic! — $90):

Screen Shot 2013-02-07 at 10.21.34 AM Screen Shot 2013-02-07 at 10.21.38 AM

clutch

 

Finally, because Isabel Marant is so cool right now, this lovely shift ($505) with big earrings (Bounkit, $320):

Screen Shot 2013-02-07 at 12.07.09 PM

Screen Shot 2013-02-07 at 12.02.04 PM

Perfect with these white wedges (Jimmy Choo, $650):

Screen Shot 2013-02-07 at 12.07.37 PM

Loveeeeeeee.

Grid and Bear It

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Black, Fierce, Jewelry, Pop of Red, Shoes, White on January 28, 2013 at 9:56 am

Wide grid prints have been all over the place lately, and I’m smitten.  It feels sophisticated, crisp, modern — a nice change of pace from the funky Tucker-type prints that have been all of the rage of late.  (Not that I’m hating on Tucker — still love that stuff.)

sweater1

check

tamu

Day3-01_SS13-Sportmax_04

tth

mk3

Absolutely LOVE.  Camilla Belle (shown last at the Michael Kors show, wearing MK) looks like such a little lady.  I’ll be getting the look this season with this affordable TopShop shift ($76)

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 12.22.33 PM

I know I recently featured this clutcheroo (Clare Vivier, $280), but I gotta repost it to complement this dress.  YES.  You could wear with black pumps, BRIGHT flats (cobalt or coral would be amazing) OR go for the ultimate statement with these lizard-effect Alexander Wang sandals ($540):

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 12.24.07 PM

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 12.26.07 PM

Make sure to seal it with a BRIGHT kiss (I like YSL’s L’Orange — $32):

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 12.29.39 PM

While we’re on the topic of color, why not test-drive the window pane print in color?  I’m HOH (head over heels) with this Marni top (on sale for $320), which I’d envision pairing with some classic cropped trousers (J. Crew, $90) or that amazing skirt I featured last week (MSGM, $178):

marni

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 12.40.10 PM

Finish with a pair of Sophia Websters ($695 — seriously so in love with this new designer) and the Clare Vivier duffle ($460)Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 12.41.30 PM

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 12.44.19 PM

Holy chic.  Another colorful option?  These satin-twill pantalons (J. Crew, $368) with a navy blouse (Joie, $198), eye-catching necklace ($35), and some cray-cray awesome Aquazzura cut-out sandals ($485):

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.06.46 PM

joieScreen Shot 2013-01-27 at 12.48.17 PM

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.03.29 PM Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.03.23 PM

Finish with a structured cross-body (Calvin Klein, on sale for $620):

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.10.00 PM

Or, get the look in a much smaller dose with this cheerily printed Pierre Hardy tote ($895).  I’ve been on the prowl for a change-up from my Louis Vuitton Neverfull.  I’ve cherished it dearly, but I want something fresh — and I had my eye on a Goyard, but a) had no idea how expensive they are (what?! — they are like double the price of an LV!), and b) discovered that they have no structure to them…which would be annoying since I literally carry a whole house worth of junk, and imagining it all jostled around in a shapeless sac is scary.  This is perfection:

pierre

 

And, do we not die over this Tibi shift ($450)?

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.11.04 PM

I kind of like mixing prints with these Aquazzura tootsies (amazing…no price posted, but I’m guessing based on the price points of their other footwear, they’ll set you back around $600).

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.16.57 PM Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.17.02 PM

This geometric clutch (Tonya Hawkes, $1,275) finishes the look with panache:

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.19.47 PM

For a look on the edgier side, consider this checked blouse (Tibi, $275) with a leather skirt ($76) and a geometric necklace (Kenneth J. Lane, $128):

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.39.52 PM

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.22.37 PMScreen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.25.11 PM

I like this look finished with some simple captoe flats (Yosi Samra, $70):

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.27.56 PM

Finally, drool over this cozy topper (Burberry Prorsum, $2,865)

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.32.38 PM

Perfect over this trompe l’oeil grid-imprint sweater (3.1 Phillip Lim, $350) with a big beaded necklace (Kenneth Jay Lane, on sale for $130), some leather skinnies (J. Brand, $298), and some laser-cut heels (Alice + Olivia, $325):

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.39.17 PM

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.26.07 PMleather

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.53.34 PM

Finally, for something really bold, consider this Michael Kors jacket (the exact same one Camilla Belle is wearing in the picture above — looking OH so chic — $1,995) with black leather shorts (Thakoon, $525 — my super chic fashion designer sister rocks these and looks unbelievable in them):

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.36.17 PMScreen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.23.40 PM

Hot tamale.  Complete with black heels/sandals, and these B. Brian Atwoods are at the tippy top of my list (I like them in the cobalt/deep purplish-blue color, but they look amazing in black, too — $425):

Screen Shot 2013-01-27 at 1.57.49 PM(The Tibi Carine — $355 — would also work well.) Anyone else feeling this print?

Hodge Podge

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Black, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Gold, Home Decor, Jewelry, Pastels, Shoes, Sundresses, White on January 25, 2013 at 10:23 am

Welcome to the weekly circus — the round of up items I have my (apparently A.D.D.-ridden) eyes on at the moment.  A few of you have told me that you like this kind of “everything but the kitchen sink” post a lot, so I’ll keep ‘em coming.  Ready, set, go.

COVET1The x-based bench is not a new phenomenon by any stretch of the imagination.  I’m pretty sure that every bloggerina in the universe owns a pair, along with ikat pillows, a chevron rug, and a gallery wall.  (Just telling it like it is.)  So in a sense I’m a little bashful that this is my number one stunna this week, because I just read an interesting interview with Jamie Meares of Furbish Studio {I love that site a little too much…I snagged these puppies and this funky little doo-dad most recently}, the takeaway of which was: “Be yourself.  Stop copy-catting.” {The other takeaway is that she studied Literature as an undergrad.  Hells yeah, humanities!  Here’s to application-less undergrad degrees and how they can sometimes prove not so useless!}  Still.  When I saw that, I began second-guessing my plans to make a soft-pitch to Mr. Magpie that we definitely, definitely, definitely need a pair of coral x-based ottomans in our living room in order to introduce some color and offset the lovely hue in our new pillows.  But then I looked at the x-based ottomans again and really really wanted them, so here they are, at two price points (Hi: Serena and Lily, $650; lo: Ballard Designs, $189+ depending on fabric)

hilo

And in case you’re wondering what the big fuss with these x-based ottomans is, check out these glam set-ups prominently featuring these little guys:

xb3

xb2

xb1

Oh, and check out the uber-chic and yet attainable/livable digs of fellow Chicagoan Nathalie of Mint Love Social Club.  Those $60 x ottomans?  Get OUTTA here.  I wish they were still available.  Harrumph.

COVET2While we’re talking house (I’m obsessed right now — as I said, I go in fits and starts, wanting to buy a million things all at the same time to make some upgrades and then living with it for a few months before getting the decorating bug again), can we just chat quickly about how cool these lucite letters ($95 apiece) from her ladyship Tory Burch are?!

tb1Screen Shot 2013-01-24 at 2.52.37 PM Screen Shot 2013-01-24 at 2.52.43 PMCOVET3I love this dotted, tasseled scarf from DVF ($177).  I imagine wearing it as a sarong with HUGE (we’re talking face-shield-level) black shades on the beach and feeling very smug about it.

Screen Shot 2013-01-24 at 2.56.15 PM

COVET4Can I tell you a secret?  I started using some serious anti-aging products January 1st of this year.  A New Year’s resolution, if you will.  I know I still look very young — I’m carded more often than not, and — this is not a lie — I was once mistaken for a 12-year-old child when I was 21 years old.  So.  If I’m projecting an age that’s actually a decade my junior, why would I be worried about aging?  The issue is the very beginning of wrinkles.  ACK.  I’m 28, and I am starting to see wrinkles.  What.  So I pulled out the big guns and started using Stri-Vectin Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks and Wrinkles ($69) on the recommendation of a girlfriend of mine.  I’m liking what I see so far, though I’ll be the first to admit that I’m prone to the placebo effect, i.e., thinking that things are happening just because I think they should be.  (Also, I really wish Stri-Vectin would revisit their marketing and packaging decisions.  I know they’re trying to pitch a “science-forward”/”clinical study” feel, but it kind of makes me think I’m taking medicine, and I hate medicine.  And I like pretty packages that I can display proudly in my medicine cabinet rather than bury at the back of a jammed drawer.  Sorry, Stri-Vectin, you’ll be relegated to bottom of the drawer status until I see a classy new package.)  Anyhoo, all of this is to say I’ve also been open to testing out facial products other than Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer (which I’ve cherished for a decade now), and this Trish McEvoy multi-purpose product is now on my radar ($75):

Screen Shot 2013-01-24 at 2.59.08 PM

What do you use?  Any suggestions?

COVET5I know I just featured a pair of Erickson Beamon’s earrings in a recent covet list, but these ($360) are also phenom.  UGHHH.  I love.

Screen Shot 2013-01-24 at 3.11.46 PMI’m so into lavender these days — I want lavender jeans, lavender pajamas, lavender walls, a lavender pencil skirt, lavender heels…

COVET6Case in point: this Alice and Olivia wonder ($495).  The texture is knit (like a sweater) – so fab!

Screen Shot 2013-01-24 at 3.19.50 PM Screen Shot 2013-01-24 at 3.19.57 PM

I feel like this dress is so not my style these days, but I just couldn’t get over the perfect design.  Feminine in the front, a hint of sexy in the back.  The genius/unusual fabrication and color choice.  Ahh.  A breath of fresh (spring) air, n’est-ce pas?  Perfect for a bridal shower, a late winter/early spring wedding with silver/lucite/pink accents.  Too good.

COVET7Now, I don’t need any other small leather accessories (seriously…never again in my life), but this Smythson card carrier ($280) is so lovely.  I love all of the details.

WALLETCOVET8Inspired by this post on La Dolce Vita, I’ve been craving a tropical getaway with lots of palm trees.  I want to wear these dramatic earrings (House of Lavande, $918), with this breezy white mini (to die for — $180), and these outrageous Charlotte Olympias, just for kicks (on sale for $622) — though you probably couldn’t walk, let alone kick, in those shoes).

palmCOVET9One of my favorite Christmas gifts from Mr. Magpie was an Aerolatte frother ($19).  I was feeling tremendous guilt for spending $4.50 or whatever obscene price Starbucks is currently charging for their skinny lattes when Mr. Magpie would so kindly make me coffee at home every morning.  But sometimes a girl just wants a latte.  Problem solved: with this little gadget, I heat up my skim milk on the stovetop or in the microwave, use this little doo-dad until it froths up, and then pour it into my coffee with some splenda.  New morning ritual.

Screen Shot 2013-01-24 at 3.44.46 PM

COVET10

And to cap it all off with something truly left-field, this limited edition Cook + Gates duffel ($158) is just the sort of unexpected accessory you’d find on the arm of a REALLY cool fashionista, kind of like the first time we all saw the Cambridge Satchel and were like, “Uh, woahhhhh.  Someone’s got it poppin‘.” (Nicki Minaj voice.)  And now we’re bored of that.

caribou

Take a looksie and let me know if you agree:

cd1

cd2

…and scene.  Happy weekend!

 

Grown Ups

In Accessories, Black, Minimalista, Neutrals, Shoes, White on January 24, 2013 at 10:15 am

When I saw these looks from Paris fashion week, I pretty much wanted to throw every patterned/printed/bright item I own into a garbage bag and only wear simple, elegant, adult pieces in black, white/nude, and red.  (Please excuse the hideous hooves on the woman in the last picture on the right.  Barf.  I even considered photoshopping those out and replacing with an elegant pump, but…alas.)

paris2

paris1

paris3

So I’m thinking something along the lines of this dramatic skirt (MSGM, on sale for $178) with a polka dot blouse ($128):

 

jcrew

Screen Shot 2013-01-23 at 9.51.01 PM

Finish with those dreamy Choos ($1,150 — O.M.G.):

Screen Shot 2013-01-23 at 10.07.41 PM

Alternately, tell me this isn’t the most sophisticated dress you’ve ever seen (Malene Birger, ~$350)?!  Perfect with oversized earrings (Miriam Haskell, $380):

Screen Shot 2013-01-23 at 10.14.20 PM

Screen Shot 2013-01-23 at 10.11.21 PM

You know you’ve got to finish with some classic Louboutins ($695):

Screen Shot 2013-01-23 at 10.16.24 PM Screen Shot 2013-01-23 at 10.16.34 PM

Meanwhile, this elegant apricot-pink dress is absolute perfection (Theory, $345).  I love everything about it — the interesting shoulder detailing, the zippered pockets, the cinched waist, the collarless top.  Lovely, lovely.  Perfect worn beneath this leather-sleeved Jason Wu stunner (on sale for ~$900):

Screen Shot 2013-01-24 at 8.03.28 AM

theory

I’d pair with these stud-accented t-straps (Schutz, $185) to add a little edge to the look:

Screen Shot 2013-01-24 at 7.59.11 AM Screen Shot 2013-01-24 at 7.59.22 AM

I’m still hung up on the chic, boxy style of the Reed Krakoff Mini Atlantique ($1,190), so I’d add that:

Screen Shot 2013-01-24 at 8.00.56 AM

Nail the elegant-but-dressed-down look with this form-fitting peplum top ($128) and leather skinnies:

Screen Shot 2013-01-23 at 10.08.46 PMleather

And these amazing printed booties (Rosegold, on sale for $221):

Screen Shot 2013-01-24 at 7.50.22 AM Screen Shot 2013-01-24 at 7.50.29 AM

Chic add-ons?  These stud-framed shades (Valentino, $295); this chic nude watch (Kate Spade, $195); a polka-dotted scarf (Joseph M., ~$100); and a Smythson jotter ($60):

chic

Anyone else feeling it?

Printed Matter

In Accessories, Brights!, Denim, Florals, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Pastels, Shoes, White on January 22, 2013 at 9:32 am

It started with Lilly Pulitzer dresses — I loved the scale of the prints, and have been hooked on scouting out unique patterns since.  This season, I’ve seen so many amazing mixed-print looks and have been completely inspired.  I still don’t know if I’m ready to go all out with this look — potential for disaster being at an all-time high — but more pattern and color?!  YES.

print2

print3

print4

mix1

A few favorites I’ve had my eye on –  first, this amazing paisley top (Malene Birger, on sale for ~$155) with this asymmetrical statement necklace (Gemma Redux, $425), J. Brands, and the unexpected pop of pink in this adorbs captoe ($148):

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.03.22 PM

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 8.53.57 PM

jbrand

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.08.42 PM Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.08.48 PM

Finish with a structured cross-body ($238):

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.23.58 PM

Or, how about this sweet striped top ($471 — the shape is uh-may-zing) with skinnies (white! — can’t wait to pull those out of winter hibernation), a pendant necklace (obsessed with this new brand, Hyla Dewitt — $130), and some floral print flats ($195):

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.20.03 PM

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.16.19 PMwhitejeansScreen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.18.48 PM Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.18.55 PM

Top it off with this colorblocked Reed Krakoff ($1,400):

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.43.55 PM

Or, how much do you die over this Jil Sander skirt (on sale for $699) with a white blouse and this amazing quartz necklace (Loren Hope, $140):

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.31.59 PM

crew

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.27.42 PM

Finish with these Manolos (on sale for $516):

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.52.17 PM Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.52.23 PM

And maybe a pristine white, structured purse (Loeffler Randall, $495 — so into these structured bags these days!):

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.53.17 PM

Or, do you not live.and.die for this dress ($613)?!  UGH, can summer be here yet?  (Wait, no.  It says it “feels like” -2 outside up here in Chicago.  Negative two.)  Round it out with some coral earrings ($95):

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 10.20.37 PM

 

 

 

 

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.28.59 PM

I’d love the look with these Carven tootsies (on sale for $357):

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.35.49 PM Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.35.52 PM

A simple coral crossbody ($195) finishes the look:

Screen Shot 2013-01-21 at 9.55.40 PM

In closing — two final touches I live for: these unbelievable earrings (Janis Savits, $275):

earrings

Deliciously awesome.  And these affordable patterned heels ($79) — LOVE.

shoes2

iCovet

In Accessories, Beach Wear, Brights!, Florals, Fresh Combos, Gold, Home Decor, Jewelry, Nautical, Pastels, Shoes, White on January 18, 2013 at 10:00 am

This month has been tough, y’all.  After the Extravagance (yes, capital E is warranted) of the holidays, I felt like I needed to reign it in and “shop my closet.”  (Blech. Hate that phrase. One of the fashion glossies I was flipping through on the elliptical the other day proclaimed: “It’s so fun to shop your closet!”  Ew.  People that say it’s fun must either a) be Olivia Palermo, or b) be lying to themselves.)  But there are so.so. many things that are vying for my attention and my wallet…what is a girl to do?  (P.S. Thanks, Caroline, for pointing out that the ALC dress I was swooning over is on sale for $199 at the Outnet.  I’m almost barfing I want it so badly.  Sick image, I apologize.)  On this week’s radar?

COVET1Just when you thought you’d seen enough sloafers to satisfy you for the rest of eternity, the coolest of the pack emerge.  Yes.  These Missoni puppies ($575) are It.  I die over them.  I die.  Can you imagine pairing them with just a simple navy blazer and white jeans?!

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 7.57.11 PM

Love the color, love the texture, love pattern.  And kind of love that they don’t scream Missoni.

COVET2

I’ve been on the hunt for a great mini cross-body in a fun color for the upcoming spring season.  I had this amazing white one from Rebecca Minkoff, but it got all rubbed up and dirty, and now bears a certain air of dinginess that I just can’t permit.  These J. Crew minis ($148) will be hard to pass up.

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 7.59.36 PM Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 7.59.42 PM Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 7.59.47 PM

That yellow one is calling my name.  Imagine it popping against a denim shirt or a striped blouse.  Incroyable.

COVET3

I’m very sad about this.  I found the rug of my dreams ($140+ depending on size) and it was sold out.  Do you love?!  I know that oriental rugs are the jam, but I often find them to be a little ornate for my current decorating style.  The color and scale of pattern in the one below is just.perfect.

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 8.02.50 PM

It might be for the best.  Mr. Magpie may have thrown a small fit when I asked him to hang two new pieces of wall art in our bedroom, as one was a fashion drawing my uber-talented baby sister (similar one from Jessica Durrant below — $25) had sketched for me and the other was this ink-and-paper sketch of the L’Arc de Triomphe ($50).

black

arc

Oops.  I think I may need to dial back on the femininity.  On the upside, he promised that when we buy a house, I could have my own office and paint it pink if I so desired.  I won’t, though — I am really into lavender right now.  I think I want a lilac-hued office accented with gold and white.  But that’s a story for another day.  And if that rug above had been available, I may have been inclined to change that plan of action.

COVET4Every few months, I want to invest in new pajamas.  This pair by Equipment ($388) is insanely overpriced…a little scary, in fact…but they look oh-so-cozy.  And the print is perfection.

HI

But…I will probably end up with these fun little lobster jammies ($12).  Affordable, cute, done.

LOCOVET5I love new coffee table / bookshelf eye candy.  Ours tend to center on food — we probably have 100 cookbooks between the two of us — so this beautiful modern + contemporary art book ($30) would be a welcome change of pace.

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 9.55.41 PM

I’d like it situated amongst some other fun accents, like a  pair of foos ($58 — I’m obsessed.) in white and these funky bolster pillows in retro-chic fabric ($210):

 

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 9.58.59 PM Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 10.00.37 PM

COVET6Pastels are gonna be huge this spring — lavender, mint, pale pink.  Boom.  This Gap tote ($110) is the perfect way to hit the trend without over-committing.  Also, I just love the unfussy simplicity.

mintCOVET7

Stripes are basically a neutral for me.  I own more stripes than you could shake a stick at (…?  Never understood that colloquialism, so thought I’d take it out for a spin.)  I love the breezy, easy-on fit of this silky tank ($98), which is just CALLING for summer.  Hit the pastel trend with some coral jeans (J. Brand, $178) and some gilded gladiators ($138):

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 10.15.31 PMScreen Shot 2013-01-17 at 10.20.09 PM

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 10.22.17 PM

Wahhh am I on a boat in the summer yet?

COVET8

Obsessed with all things Erickson Beamon, but especially this darling pair of enorma-studs ($315).  I’d wear with everything — my cream nubby Chanel-esque tweed jacket; a simple denim shirt – and – jeans combo; a sheath; a feminine blouse and skinnies.  Ah.  Need.

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 10.25.56 PM

COVET9

I’d really love to upgrade my office supplies with these golden lovelies ($22 for clipboard; $24 for stapler; $24 for tape):

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 10.30.25 PMScreen Shot 2013-01-17 at 10.30.20 PMScreen Shot 2013-01-17 at 10.30.31 PM

You should mos’ def’ check out the entire Biscuit Home site — the prettiest bedding, including amazing crib sheets for those mamas out there (how adorbs is this bicycle print for a little boy, or this beautiful floral for une petite fille?) and these upholstered headboards are just too good.  UGH.

COVET10I love the composition and colors in this Alison Cooley print ($100).  I wish that the original was available — definitely something I’d consider splurging on.  It would look so lovely in my (oh so girly) room, which has a whole corner full of artwork in peachy-pink, black, and gold.

tappan

Alright my love bugs, that’s it!  Cheers to the freakin’ weekend.  (I’ll drink to that.  Yeyeahhh.)*

*Mom, the last three sentences in this post are from a Rihanna song.

The Plastics

In Accessories, Black, Cocktail Dresses, Dream Wear, Fresh Combos, Glitter, Jewelry, Shoes, White on January 17, 2013 at 11:29 am

The title of this post may call to mind the universe’s most exclusive high school clique ever, commandeered by the one and only Regina George, BUT this is not an homage to “Mean Girls,” great movie that it is.  (Also, an interesting pre-apocalyptic study in Lindsay Lohan, as it was the last decent thing she worked on before she unraveled.  It’s sort of sad in that respect.  She was so cute, so promising!  And then…)  This post is really about a ridiculous raincoat (Valentino, $755) that I found thanks to bloggerina Natalie Merrilyn (thanks, darlin!)

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 8.05.29 AM

Part whimsy, part insane, and mainly just awesome eye candy for this Thursday.  It’s almost looks like a jellyfish.  High-contrast, high-fashion.  And goes hand in hand with Sophia Webster’s latest collection, which includes these puppies ($395):

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 8.17.04 AM Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 8.17.10 AMOh, polka dots + PVC.  Who knew you’d make such a fetching combo.  In keeping with this plastic/Barbie-esque theme, how about this interestingly-structured-and-textured top (Balenciaga, $595) with the raddest shades ever (I need these — $18), a lucite necklace (Wendy Mink, $222), lighter-wash jeans, and black-and-clear flats ($55)

cat

 

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 8.38.51 AM

 

 

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 8.27.47 AM

Screen Shot 2012-12-04 at 7.57.03 AM

shoe1 shoe2

Next: tell me you don’t love this loud-and-proud Sass + Bide dress ($620) — umm hello Miami.  Yes.

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 8.33.53 AM

Perfect (per.fect.) with these Manolos ($645) and this structured box clutch (CC Skye, $275)…ruling lives with this look!

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 8.41.28 AM Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 8.41.34 AM

 

 

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 8.54.51 AM

 

Or, how about this border stripe dress (Raoul, $454) — love, love, love. — with a crystal statement necklace ($95)?

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 9.12.35 AM

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 9.06.30 AM

Love it with these slick heels (Gianvito Rossi, $625):

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 9.13.56 AM Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 9.14.01 AM

And — finish with this splashy clutch (DVF, $348):

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 9.16.54 AM

Finally, this printed/sequinned skirt ($475) with a white blouse and statement necklace ($40):

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 9.19.54 AM

crewScreen Shot 2013-01-17 at 9.17.47 AM

Finish with the Manolo “Audi” ($775)

manolo

Maybe finish with one or two Alexis Bittar bangles ($275/each):

Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 9.27.44 AM Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 9.27.50 AM Screen Shot 2013-01-17 at 9.27.59 AM

FRESH.

Nest Refresh

In Accessories, Florals, Gifts!, Home Decor, White on January 14, 2013 at 2:59 pm

When I first moved to Chicago, I went cray cray decorating the new digs.  I had lots of wall space and added shelf surfaces, and went all out finding cool new decor pieces.  After that initial push, I let things marinate a bit more and picked up pieces here and there.  But now, with the new year, I’m feeling a nest refresh coming on.  I have two distinct decorating impulses.  The first is black + white.  I snagged this PRADA MARFA canvas this past fall ($145+ depending on size) and hung it in a corner of our bedroom, above this amazing white wood chair upholstered in Thomas Paul’s orange aviary print (check out all of Thomas Paul’s quirky home decor items here; the chair below is not my exact style, but is available for $1,789; mine is more of a Jonathan Adler Chippendale style; and you can get the look for less / in a different format with this slipper chair from Target):

Screen Shot 2013-01-14 at 9.02.31 AM

Screen Shot 2013-01-14 at 9.39.34 AM

 

Now I am inclined to add more black + white accents to this corner of the room, and perhaps shift the Thomas Paul chair elsewhere in our pad.  I just snapped up this funky little mottled chicken print ($75) by Sharon Montrose — am obsessed with it.  I had my eye on this flamingo for awhile, but the chicken is way cooler.  I also kinda think this buffalo would be a cool addition if blown up huge on the wall of a gentleman’s lounge.  Anyway, I will maybe situate this print beneath my Prada one for some contrast and then situate them both above my new black-and-white pillows ($40 — I now buy all of my pillows from this Etsy storefront.  They have the BEST fabrics and are so affordable.  See my other picks below.) and a white sheepskin ($89).

SilkyChickenNo

pill1pills2

 

white

I’d like to style a side table in this area to complete the look.  I’d top this inexpensive tray table ($49 — this black style also caught my eye, $79), a brass pharmacy lamp (having a major moment with these — $192) and some fashion books:

top

formosa

 

I might also add a few other accessories — a Baies candle ($28 for mini size), a piece of Inslee Haynes fashion artwork ($20 for prints, $200 for originals — P.S., I had the good fortune of meeting this artist and she was the cutest little lady ever.  And, like, crazy talented.), a little brass object ($20), and a black-and-white patterned ceramic jar ($20):

make

jar

Finish with that Scandinavian style blanket I’ve featured below — just love its graphic appeal ($80).  Kind of cool mixed in with this greek key pillow for high impact ($24 each):

Screen Shot 2013-01-14 at 12.02.40 PM

pills

So, I mentioned that I had two separate impulses — one for a black-and-white style, and the other for a sort of “world traveler – jungle-esque” approach.  We have a well-loved leather couch in our living room that we’ve been looking to replace for months now.  We were looking proactively but we felt like all of the styles we saw at Crate + Barrel, Pottery Barn, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Restoration Hardware, etc., were just so…packaged.  Or expected.  Or something.  I don’t know what we had in mind, but they all felt really boring to us, and we had made a pact that any new piece of furniture we buy would be a serious investment — something we loved and were willing to splurge on.  None of the styles we saw did it.  So instead, I’m resigned to a leather couch that I will soon be updating with new Whitlock pillows ($42 each).  Just ordered these puppies, and can’t wait til they show up.  I am going to offset with an initial pillow in white and chocolate brown ($28)pillows

brown

couch

Much needed improvement.  We have a cool green-and-cream rug ($223+ depending on size) beneath it, so I think the colors will play happily together.

 

serp

The pillow was a hard choice for me.  I had about 343498098 different patterns in mind, but I loved the weight of the fabric I chose and the print was classic without being dowdy.  (I also considered having them made for me out of a rare Scalamandre fabric like this, or going more tropical-chic with this palm leaf print.  But.  I think I made the right choice.  Thoughts?)  I’m going to add a few additional preserved boxwoods ($69) throughout the house.  I already have the cutest little mini sphere that’s situated next to a rustic wedding sign Mr. Magpie and I had painted and hung outside the door of our Church with our names on it.  It’s the perfect balance of natural/undone and preserved.

ballard

How cool would one of these look atop a well-designed console table (this is SO sharp — ~$200):

leather

Love.  You could top it with all kinds of goodies, like an Hermes tray ($400) for trinkets, keys, and change; a funky parakeet lamp base ($54) with a wicker shade ($34); and this cute little elephant figurine ($24)”

top

So tell me…what do you have your eye on?!

Blocked Out

In Accessories, Black, Fresh Combos, Shoes, White on January 7, 2013 at 3:47 pm

One thing I realized in reflecting on my post about new street style trends last week was the prominence of colorblocking.  I mean, one look at this Giambattista Valli coat (70% off — but still $894) and you know what’s up.  I like it with a simple collar necklace worn flush with the coat’s collar ($565 — or get a comparable look with this $55 style):

Screen Shot 2013-01-03 at 9.49.13 AM

Screen Shot 2013-01-03 at 9.34.13 AM

I’d pair this with these un.be.liev.a.ble Choos ($1,150) and this ladylike doctor bag (Z Spoke, $495)

Screen Shot 2013-01-03 at 9.35.38 AM

Screen Shot 2013-01-03 at 9.39.35 AM

Love a ladylike, prim look now and again.  For something more casual, consider this colorblocked sweater (~$200) with leather pants and some studded flats (Michael Kors, $150):

Screen Shot 2013-01-03 at 9.41.03 AMScreen Shot 2012-12-31 at 2.33.01 PM

Screen Shot 2013-01-07 at 1.00.17 PM

Can you even imagine it paired with the Pashli  mini in this amazing snakeskin fabrication ($950)?!

Screen Shot 2013-01-03 at 9.46.52 AM

Too delicious.  Cobalt has been in recent heavy rotation in my closet, so I’m leaning towards this layered/blocked silk tank (Boy by Band of Outsiders, $255) beneath the most amazing mixed-media leather jacket (so cool!  — Maison Scotch, on sale for $278), with black skinnies and these BANANAS boots (Aquazurra, on sale for $497):

Screen Shot 2013-01-07 at 1.09.52 PM

Screen Shot 2013-01-07 at 1.04.28 PMScreen Shot 2012-12-31 at 1.47.05 PMScreen Shot 2013-01-07 at 1.07.20 PM

I’d finish with this eye-catching crossbody (Jason Wu, $995):

Screen Shot 2013-01-07 at 1.08.48 PM

Finally, still in that cobalt family, albeit slightly a-seasonal…this eyelet top (Tory Burch, on sale for $210) with a fun necklace ($145) and this surfer-chic skirt (Tibi, $315):

Screen Shot 2013-01-07 at 1.38.08 PM

Screen Shot 2013-01-07 at 1.32.07 PM Screen Shot 2013-01-07 at 1.33.51 PM

I’d finish with these tres a la moment heels (Tibi, $395)

Screen Shot 2013-01-07 at 1.35.50 PM Screen Shot 2013-01-07 at 1.35.55 PM

Seal the deal with a croc doctor’s tote in upscale black (Alexander Wang, $1,125):

alex

Happy Monday!  (Groan.)

Wants of the Week

In Accessories, Beach Wear, Beauty Products, Denim, Fresh Combos, Gym Gear, Home Decor, Jewelry, Pastels, White on January 4, 2013 at 11:44 am

Aside from everything Elle Strauss wears, I’ve compiled quite the list of obsessions over the last week or so.  One of my resolutions this year (as with all of you, I’m imagining…) is to spend less, save more.  The following list is testing my dedication to that pledge.

COVET1This shirt ($59) is…unbelievable.  The print, the colors, the shape.  And the price!  At a reasonable $59, I’m struggling hard to keep my hand from my wallet.  I’d wear it with jeans and some suede navy pumps (Kate Spade, on sale for $238):

pep

Screen Shot 2012-12-04 at 7.57.03 AM

Screen Shot 2013-01-04 at 8.07.56 AM Screen Shot 2013-01-04 at 8.08.01 AM

 

The only thing I’d add?  A confetti-gem necklace, which brings me to…

COVET2

This affordable, chic statement necklace ($85).  I’m obsessed with the mixed metal chains, and the colors make it easy to match with just about everything.  Or just a plain old white tee.

Screen Shot 2013-01-04 at 8.11.15 AM

I love the mash up of shapes and the asymmetrical clustering, too.  Tres, tres chic.

COVET3After a few years of lusting after the red sole (and no, I will never stop loving Louboutin), I’ve now been eying the classic, throwback Manolos from the days of Carrie Bradshaw.

manolo

I mean, is there anything at all more feminine than this bubble-gum pink BB Court ($645)?!

Screen Shot 2013-01-04 at 8.22.51 AM Screen Shot 2013-01-04 at 8.22.59 AM

COVET4

I don’t know if it’s the influence of Ms. Elle Strauss, but today I leaned into my closet for a white lace top (Joie, on sale for $198), despite the frigid temps.  I’ll wear mine with either boyfriend jeans and a big tangly necklace or a black fur vest and my new burgundy coated J. Brand ($152).

Screen Shot 2013-01-04 at 8.25.05 AM

COVET5While we’re on the topic of white, I know I mentioned awhile ago that I had my eye on a pair of navy blue foo dogs as a new accent piece for the home.  I am now convinced I need this cheeky white pair ($82 for set):

Screen Shot 2013-01-04 at 8.34.25 AM

I like imagining them in a ladylike office, with a white, feminine sofette topped with some floral-print pillows (loveee — $42 each)

pillows

 

Screen Shot 2013-01-04 at 8.45.05 AM

COVET6

With the start of the new year, I re-stocked my medicine cabinet with new products.  One newcomer that I’m particularly excited about (it’s in the mail – I’ll let you know the results when it arrives!)?  Dr. Gross’ Alpha Beta glow pads ($18 for 10), which apparently exfoliate, prevent wrinkles, AND give you a tan.

dennis

I’m uber excited.  I’ll also be testing new mascara (Benefit, $23) and a new bronzer (Guerlain, $50).  Don’t you just love a batch of new beauty products (makeup bag shown below by One Truffle, $38)?!

Screen Shot 2013-01-04 at 9.08.19 AM

COVET7I am pretty diligent about getting to the gym year-round but the new year has put some extra gas in my tank.  One huge motivator for me?  New gym gear.  I have my eye on these lilac-and-black kicks from Nike ($100).

Screen Shot 2013-01-04 at 9.12.17 AMScreen Shot 2013-01-04 at 9.10.07 AM

Kind of love the idea of shelving my neon workout gear in favor of silver, lavender, and black…

workout

{Water bottle — Bobble, $12.99; running watch — Timex, $53; iPod shuffle — $49.}

 COVET8

This isn’t even my style, but I’ve been eying this deeply discounted Lanvin pouch ($148) amidst the dramatic after-Christmas sales.  I feel like it could be the kitschiest little pop of color/pattern for an otherwise staid, all-black-everything look.  Or maybe I’d pair it with a contrast patterned blouse in pinks and reds?  I don’t know, but I want it.

lanvinCOVET9New year, new diary.  These brightly-colored ones ($58 each) from Graphic Image are just perfect.

Screen Shot 2013-01-04 at 9.38.58 AM Screen Shot 2013-01-04 at 9.39.05 AMScreen Shot 2013-01-04 at 9.40.07 AM

COVET10

When the winds howl and weather.com says it “feels like” 8 degrees outside, I start daydreaming about jet plane to relax on the beach somewhere warm and balmy.  And I want to wear this bikini (Mara Hoffmann, $195) while doing it.

Screen Shot 2013-01-04 at 9.42.41 AM

HAPPY WEEKEND ALL!

Chameleon

In Accessories, Gold, Jewelry, Neutrals, Romantic, Shoes, The Little Lady, Tweed, White, Winter Weather on November 19, 2012 at 12:38 pm

J.Crew is nailing it this season.  I popped in the other day to take care of some Christmas shopping and I found myself clutching onto about a dozen different items that I “needed” for myself.  Great colors, great price points, great patterns, great gems.  Love.  The thing I admire most about them is that they’ve stepped away from the “classic” and really re-tooled themselves into a totally versatile brand.  You could be 16 or 72, a hipster or a lady who lunches, and you’d still find goodies there.  That takes some master-minding, eh?  This led me to realize that if I purchased one basic item from them, I could reinvent it any number of ways to suit any number of styling perspectives I might have in the next few weeks.  Take this felted mini ($60-$80, depending on color):

Great colors, great, classic style.  The seamed pockets give it a little juju.

LOOK 1: PARISIAN STREET CHIC

So let’s see — say we want to go Paris Street Chic.  Pair the white mini with a polka-dot, tie-front blouse in classic black and white (woah, what a find! — $25); black tights; and some classic black leather heeled boots (Loeffler Randall, $595):

 

 

 

 

In a dream world, finish with a Celine Constance bag and some studded gloves (Valentino, $445 — or get the look for less with this $68 pair)…and as a Parisian lady, don’t forget your Illy espresso and croissant as you stroll the streets of grand ol’ Paris:

And — to protect ourselves from the cold climes — this bananas leather-sleeved wool topper (DVF, $775):

As a gift-ski for this street chic pea…

This darling “love” ring ($47) — so perfect for the quirky-chic lady strolling the streets of Paris with her beau (or with lots of shopping bags):

LOOK 2: THE LITTLE LADY

Of course, a felted mini is perfect for the ladylike traditionalist, especially paired with a pale pink lace tee ($138), some ladylike enorma-studs (Bounkit, $320)

 

Finish with some bow-toe flats (Kate Spade, on sale for $119), and the dreamiest of handbags, the Chloe Marcie in dusty rose pink ($1,795):

 

 

Finish with this nubby jacket ($495):

And, as a gift for the Little Lady…

Don’t you love sporting this look to a ladylike tea (do you DIE over this tea service set?! — on sale for $40! — and it comes in a darling HATBOX):

LOOK 3: ECLECTIC DOWNTOWN FASHIONISTA

Or, say you want to wear something a bit more mix-and-match?  Try a denim button-down ($98) with a bold gold necklace ($220) and some leather Loeffler Randall OTKs (on sale for $578):

 

 

I’d round it out with this bananas leather studded watch ($115) — a much more affordable version of the Hermes Medor ($4,050):

Finish with a cherry red Pashli mini ($650):

Finish with a cozy-chic hat ($69) and this amazing epaulet coat ($101):

Complete the look for her with the perfect cold weather gift…

A pair of woolen mittens ($25 — plus 30% off!  I snagged lots of winter essentials for myself with this coupon code, including some thermal knit tees in fun striped combinations for the cold Chicago winter!):

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

Black, White, and Chic All Over

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Black, Denim, Fresh Combos, Home Decor, Ikat, Jewelry, Leopard, Shoes, White on August 17, 2012 at 9:34 am

Every time I see a chic pea in clean black-and-white, I think, “I must emulate that look ASAP.” Some eye-candy:

SO sophisticated, SO pulled together.  Such cool restraint.  I’m determined to get the look with a couple of additions to the old wardrobe.  First thing on my lust-list?  This Pierre Hardy tote ($875).  Yes, a bit of a rip-off of Goyard, but hella cool all the same.

 

Pretty rad paired with simple black skinnies and some black accents, like these Gap sloafers, which I just snagged earlier this week (love the crest! — $39, plus 25% off today! — or if you’re a label luster, grab a pair of covetable Stubbs + Woottons) and the classic House of Harlow station necklace ($75 — own it, love it):

 

A spritz of Chanel’s beautifully packaged new fragrance, Chanel Noir (released TODAY! and available here) would be ideal:

Some simple gold-trimmed shades ($230) are the perfect street chic addition, and would look PRETTY amazing displayed in the home beneath this adorable sunglass print from SugarPaper ($40):

Very cool with a clean-looking, collarless/buttonless blouse ($115) and some printed pantalons ($88).  I like this look with a heavy piece of jewelry atop — this $825 Shourouk necklace is beyond:

 

Then, all you’d need is a pair of simple black flats ($56) and a simple black bag (loooove this Reed Krakoff style — $590):

 

 

Other items I love?  This affordable, juged up tank ($32) with black skinnies:

Perhaps this fun and affordable dalmatian print clutch ($50) and these simple black sandals (on sale for $35) would round it out nicely!?

For home, how amazing is this Katie Maennle chair ($1,650)?!

If a chair isn’t in the cards, just add some printed pillows ($50 each) or this lettered pillow (a steal at $28 from Etsy storefront Comfy Heaven Pillows!)

I’m also loving (of course) the packaging of a Diptyque candle ($60)…

 

And P.S. — this graphic alphabet/dog print from Weavers of South Sea is right up my alley ($19):

 

Happy Friday, y’all!  Have a great weekend!  Lovesies!

Clearing Things Up

In Accessories, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Gifts!, Home Decor, Ikat, White on August 13, 2012 at 12:46 pm

Lucite.  As you may have gathered from my post last Friday, I’m sorta smitten with it.  (I think it’s a requirement of the consummate bloggerina — must own a lucite chair, write on a Macbook, and prominently display well-styled trays in all rooms of the house.)

Lucite, lucite, and more lucite.   Love, love, love.  Items currently living on my lucite lust list (how’s that for alliteration?)?  This pair of vintage lamps (homigod — imagine one at either end of a pristine white desk, bureau, or dresser) from Lobel Modern (no price listed…aka, terrifying):

Or, juge up your surfaces with a well-decorated tray ($29 for high-gloss white; $39 for acrylic):

 

Perhaps a colorful bowl or two displaying trinkets / candies ($48 for set of 4):

Or maybe a monogrammed plate ($38) with some baubles on top?

I’ve also been cooing over a pair of Staffordshire dog statuettes, and think one of these would make an excellent addition to any well-styled tableau ($160 for pair):

 

These trays would of course look equally fabulous atop a gold bar cart ($295), especially when arranged around one or several of these glass cloches ($50 and up):

 

Or, imagine this x-based side table ($250) next to your bed with a fresh bouquet of flowers and a happy-hued lamp ($166):

 

 

What a happy treat in the a.m.!  I have to add that my dream would be to further accent this room with this ridiculously delish daybed ($1,800).  I know that Mr. Magpie is wincing uncomfortably at the thought of this puppy living in our house, but…a girl can dream.  And I’d further girlify with this kiss print by the talented Sara Singh ($200):

No but really?!  Is it real?!  I love.  Other add-ons to this dream room?  A lucite trash bin ($19), naturally.

 

And a trio of acrylic/lucite desk accessories — a box full of mini quip cards ($28 for set of 100), a tape dispenser ($12), and a stapler ($18).

 

Of course, the lucite trend needn’t be just for home.  Consider a crossover trend in your wardrobe.  I love, for example, this Vanessa Mooney necklace ($100), especially layered with neon or sparkley baubles:

To my mind, the necklace above goes hand in hand with these edgy Jeffrey Campbell sloafers ($170), which are all the rage this season:

 

Alternately, any of the lovely baubles below…perhaps a long crystal pendant from Dara Ettinger ($253), a sparkly bangle or two from Alexis Bittar (did you know Alexis is a man?! — $255), or a casual watch ($60)?

…or maybe a pair of acetate sunnies by The Row ($445)?  If you can’t fathom dropping nearly $500 on a pair of clear shades, get the look for far, far less with this $32 TopShop pair.

Finally, one of my favorite bloglets, A Piece of Toast, ran an interesting post on the blogger-chic trend of clear clutches and recommended this affordable Minusey style ($78) for those of you wishing to get the look for less.

I like the idea…but would much prefer the good ol Phillip Lim Pashli ($650) in the clear fabrication.  TO DIE.  I know I’ve featured the Pashli in every possible size, color, and formulation over the past week or so…but it’s really that good.  I must own one.

Any must-haves from this post?!  Tell me what’s tickling your fancy…and have a great week, dolls!

 

Some Tings

In Accessories, Brights!, Home Decor, Magpie Nest, Neutrals, White on August 10, 2012 at 12:36 pm

When my girlfriends and I visited the Bahamas for Spring Break in college (errr what?  Spring Break, you say?  Now that I have a Costco membership, I’m too old to understand such jargon), we came across a ginormous PSA poster promoting safe sex that read: “Protect Ya Tings, Mon.”  Of course, this meant for the next 2-3 years, we would sporadically tell one another to “protect ya tings.”  This thought came to me in a flash the way useless tidbits do yesterday while brushing my teeth and it’s been floating in the ether since.  So.  Here are some TINGS to brighten ya Friday, mon.  (Miss you, girlies!)

First: a Jill Rosenwald vase ($76).  Ugh.  I’ve wanted one of her pieces for a long time (I love you long time, mon) but for some reason just can’t bring myself to take the plunge.  I wish the pieces were just a *leeeetle* bit cheaper to justify their purchase, because I feel as though you can find this sort of thing on the cheap from Anthro…but then again, they aren’t Jill Rosenwald.  Wahhh.

Yes, you, little guy!  I want you on my desk with some white peonies.  Thanks.  While we’re talking desktop, I’d also like the entire 6-book series of notecards from Russell + Haze ($22 each)l.  I think they look so feminine set up top on a desk:

Of course, use a Le Pen (get a set of 18 for $25 here) to craft any meaningful note:

I can daydream about myself working in a glamified girly office, sitting in a lucite desk chair ($410) behind my pristine white desk (the Jonathon Adler Channing…dream…$1,700), writing letters in style…

Beneath my tootsies?  Some sort of animal hide or fluffy sheepskin rug.  This Furbish find is to die ($700):

 

I can guarantee you Mr. Magpie is rolling his eyes right now because he says I only like to decorate in neutrals — white, beige, crystal, etc.  I must admit that this accusation holds true.  The proof is in the pudding: check out my Pinterest “Magpie Nest” board.  Oops-i-doodle.  I swear I like color, but white just looks so serene and classy…

Is there a problem here?!  Fiiine, I’ll add some color.  I will say I’ve been dreaming about stockpiling a few of these inexpensive and brightly colored bud vases from Design Darling ($16 each):

 

Oh, and maybe this fun phone plug-in ($29):

 

One other random (and colorful) item I’ve had my eye on lately?  These scented drawer liners from MacBeth Collection ($12/roll):

Genius, n’est-ce pas?!  OK, fronds — have a great weekend!  See you next week, and please forgive me if the next few weeks of posts are a little nest-centric.  We’re designing some of our new rooms here in Chi-town, so all I can think about is interior decorating at the moment.  We need to buy a new couch, a new bed, a new dresser, and a million other new things…soooo.  Get ready.

{Placecard from SugarPaper — buy it in paper form at $14/pack of ten.}

Jean-ius

In Accessories, Americana, Denim, Neutrals, Shoes, White on August 8, 2012 at 12:05 pm

I spotted Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam sporting this easy denim dress ($66), and a grush (girl + crush) was born.

I’m not as cray cray about the chevron front, but that back is to die.  I love the easy breeziness of it all — perfect against a great tan while traipsing around town.  My to pick for getting the look?  This A.P.C. number ($290):

With a dress this girly, avoid any frou-frou accents and stick with some simple brown t-straps ($100) and a perforated clutch from Cleobella ($118):

 

 

Or, how about this blousy tunic top (on sale for $39) with some white cut-offs (on sale for $107 — from my fav denim line, J. Brand…duh) and a pret-ty amazing tribal necklace from Lizzie Fortunato ($710):

I’d pair with simple flips from Tkees ($48) and a worn-in leather tote from Louise Goods (the one shown below has sold out, but check out this style):

 

Yes m’am.  So European and well-worn.  Love.  Or, how ah-may-zing is this gradiated amber necklace ($36) with a white dolman tee ($62) and some lived-in jeans:

Finish with either easy-on flips or — now, I know I’m leaning for fall — but these incroyable leopard booties (Alaia, on sale for $700…DIE.):

And…finish with the Phillip Lim Pashli in the mini size ($650) — I mean, I just die.

Ahhhh.  Fall.  Stupid, it’s now in my head, and we’re still bajillions of years away.  Only, not really so much for me anymore — I bet I’ll be regretting this post in about three weeks, once it starts snowing up here…so let’s shift back to summer, and the airiness of this lightweight caftan ($195), layered over a taupe bikini ($23!) –

 

 

I’d add a simple necklace ($68) — but check out the entire Palomarie collection while you’re at it!  Love it all.

 

And, finally, a simple straw tote  ($109) stuffed with lots of pool/beach essentials (in my book, this means trashy magazines + a mimosa with a straw)…and barefeet:

 

Oh, and just for kicks?!  one of these chambray bras ($59) from Atelier Delphine.  Totally impractical, but…I want.

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

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!

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.

Tangelo Honey

In Accessories, Brights!, Dream Wear, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Shoes, Sundresses, White on May 24, 2012 at 4:27 pm

While in Miami with Mr. Magpie last week (hard to believe that was just over a week ago…it already feels like vague and dreamy memory), we listened to the Otis Redding channel on Pandora pretty much nonstop whenever we were in our hotel room (or on its balcony, enjoying G+Ts).  We both have a soft spot for Mr. Redding — his “Ton of Joy” was our wedding song.  Even now, just hearing the opening bars makes my stomach do flip flops.  We had taken dance classes over a series of weeks leading up to the wedding and had learned a simplified version of the rumba for our dancing debut.  We didn’t exactly have a “routine” — we didn’t want it to look cheesy and rehearsed — but it felt appropriate to actually dance rather than awkwardly, asynchronously rock back and forth.  (I was not blessed with rhythm.  Mr. Magpie was — he’s a talented drummer — but that will only take you so far.  As they say, it takes two to tango.)  I have to say, though, that we ruled our dance.  So fun.  Now, if only we could remember how to do the entire thing…one of the many casualties of time, I suppose?

At any rate, one of the songs that came up on the Otis channel while in Miami was Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic,” which for some reason caught me completely off guard with its raw poignancy.  I love when the brass comes in loudly halfway through the song — the perfect counterpart to the growly, soulful timbre of Morrison’s voice.  Though the song is a throwback to my early college years (when a crush burned me a Van Morrison mix CD, and I listened to it over…and over…and over), it will now forever be associated with the cozy luxury of that Miami trip.  I’ve clearly been listening to Van Morrison nonstop since, and his music has been percolating everything I’ve done this week.  Hence, the title of this post — an adaptation of the classic “Tupelo Honey” song title.

And scene.  Longest wind-up ever.  On to the meat of the matter: the ORANGE/TANGERINE color I’m digging so much.  Consider, for example, this awesome striped scarf (NEED — $125), a crisp white blazer ($535), and dressed-down denim shorts ($59):

 

I’d finish with tasseled flat sandals ($298) and an oversized clutch ($307):

Also loving this striped dress ($375) for its POP of tangerine, especially paired with these clover drops ($48):

Cool with these platformed Charlotte Olympias ($970) and MEANT to go with this fun clutch ($46):

For Memorial Day pool festivities (YES!), how about this little spot of sunshine in the form of a cover up (I know, I’m over the moon with love for LemLem these days — $200):

Perfect with a little hat ($70) and an orange-tasseled bag ($84):

And — of course — an orange two-piece by the one and only Mara Hoffmann ($200)!

P.S.  I love the entire Mara Hoffmann collection.  Have I mentioned this before?!  LOVE the colors, styles, shapes.  TO DIE.  Imagine laying out on this zebra-hide-style towel by Maslin ($225) — stylin’, eh?

Love the idea of denim with orange, like this ridiculously overpriced denim shift (almost $2K?! WHAT.  But die over the shape and style…) with this fun tribal-inspired knot necklace ($168):

I’d finish with this cheery clutch (love this new line, Morgan Parish! — $160) and some color-blocked Reed Krakoff sandals ($795):

In closing — loving a denim shirt ($120) with a funky necklace (I own a version of this unique necklace and wear it all.the.time — $54), tangerine J. Brand cut-offs ($159):

I’d round it out with these aqua-and-brown leather flat sandals ($89):

And then maybe this simple striped and knotted SeaBags tote ($165):

Easy Living

In Accessories, Americana, Beach Wear, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Shoes, Sundresses, The Honeymoon Trousseau, White on May 22, 2012 at 9:25 am

This past weekend gave me my first taste of summer, and there’s no turning back now.  I’m all in.  I wore a white sundress, saw the Good Humor truck in my neighborhood, and attended my first Nationals game of the season in stunningly low-humidity 70 degree weather.  This makes me oh-so-excited for throw-and-go summer gear — effortless, airy separates and classics that make the summer breeze on by.  I’m thinking of a linen throw-on dress (CP Shades) with a simple tortoise necklace ($275, Natori):

 

Perfect with all of your summer essentials tucked into a carry-all, broken-in leather tote ($140, Louise Goods) and some classic t-straps ($110, MustHaves):

 

I’d add only a few raffia bangles ($20 apiece, Ben-Amun):

Or, how about these easy-on chambray shorts (Elizabeth + James, $245, Net-A-Porter — or get the look for less with this $60 Madewell pair) with a striped Lem Lem top (obsessed with this brand — $200, LemLem — for more colors, see here) and a simple necklace (Marc Jacobs, $130, Ssense)?

 

Perfect with simple, wear-with-anything pearlized nude flips (Tkees, $48, Shopbop) and this punchy woven tote ($137, Deux Lux):

 

Perfect with your handy, retro-styled camera ($109, Lomography):

Throw your stuff in the basket of a Brooklyn Cruiser ($549, Brooklyn Cruiser), and you are good to go:

I’m also loving easy-on denim dresses in interesting/low-key shapes, like tunics and shifts.  This Acne style ($300, Net-A-Porter) caught my eye as just the thing to wear with a neon-hinted necklace ($80, Anthropologie):

 

 

I’d finish with these eye-catching Rebecca Minkoff sandals ($165, Saks) and a simple brown cross-body (Tory Burch, $475, Bergdorf Goodman):

 

 

Finally, I’m oddly drawn to the shape and tie-dye print of this A.P.C. number ($265, Nordstrom), which I’d offset with printed bead necklaces ($80, Glam-Net):

 

I’d finish with simple white sandals (K. Jacques, $235, Net-A-Porter) and a chic fringed clutch ($440, Jennifer Haley):

 

Ahhh, summer.

Miami (Ad-)Vice

In Accessories, Beach Wear, Brights!, Florals, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Pastels, White on May 17, 2012 at 10:55 am

I’m back from Miami, tanned and rested.  (Read: sunburned and lazy.)  Turnberry Isle was phenomenal — its staff was spectacularly friendly and indulgent; the food was delicious (helloooo, trio of duck-fat fries from Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak…uh, yes.); and our accommodations were fit for a queen (and her king).  While I was a wretched mess by hole 11 of the golf course {gr}, the ample time spent worshiping the sun, downing cocktails, and listening to the Steve Jobs’ biography on Mr. Magpie’s iPhone left me completely satisfied and woozy with happiness.  I also got to roll out some of my louder fashion pieces, which left me more than thrilled.

A flamingo-pink maxi skirt ($395, Intermix) with a simple white tank ($19.50, Madewell), an enormous necklace ($45, Swell Caroline), and some silver flats (Zanotti, $595, Intermix):

 

I’d finish with a white cross-body (mine is the “Boyfriend” style, also by Rebecca Minkoff but no longer available — $195, Shopbop) and one or more of these CC Skye screw bracelets ($92, Boutique to You):

 

Or, throw all of your essentials for the pool into this woven tote ($68, Juicy Couture):

For golf, I wore J. Crew shorts and a vintage white Lacoste polo, but I easily transitioned to day-time hanging by pairing the shorts ($45, J. Crew) with a denim button-down ($80, Madewell) and a tangly statement necklace (Assad Mounser, $430, Net-A-Porter):

And finished with wedges (OMG…these are from the Webster for Target collection — $39, Target)

Perfect with this little cross-body ($110, Madewell):

Evenings called for silky little numbers, like this Amanda Uprichard lovely (on sale for $98, RGBSF) with statement earrings ($250, Helga Wagner):

I like the idea of finishing with these loud espadrilles (Kate Spade, $205, Zappos) and this darling ombre clutch ($198, Anthropologie):

 

I wore quite a bit of hot pink (including this little number, in the short version), like this Naven number ($335, Singer22), paired with lively earrings (NOIR, $110, Endless):

I’d finish with this fun clutchski ($450, Kotur) and some nude heels (Miu Miu, $695, Net-A-Porter):

 

For more casual, post-pool dining, I opted for flowy maxis along the lines of this darling colorblocked style (loveee the colors! — $334, Matches), paired with throw-it-on-and-go statement jewelry like this lovely necklace ($149, Club Monaco):

Finish with gold sandals (Dolce Vita, $69, Zappos) and a roomy gold clutch ($138, J. Crew):

 

I also managed to score this Webster for Target ($39, Target) dress just before leaving on Saturday.  It’s the most perfect Floridian dress that there ever was…and you can’t beat that price!  I wore mine with chunky green earrings ($65, J. Crew):

 

Any ol pair of flat sandals and a straw clutch work!

And now — I was SO MOVED by all of your lovely comments and entries for my three-year bloggiversary giveaway!  I love you all for reading with such sensitivity and kindness.  Here’s to many more years of Magpie!  The winner of the giveaway is: Erica Garcia!  I’ll be in touch so I can get your Magpie Surprise over to you!  xxxx

 

A Delicate State

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Bombshell, Champagne!, Dream Wear, Glitter, Intimates, Jewelry, Neutrals, Pastels, Romantic, Sleepwear/Loungewear, The Honeymoon Trousseau, White on May 8, 2012 at 10:11 am

Seeing one of my dear friends walk down the aisle last weekend brought back a flood of wedding memories that ranged from the exquisitely tender to the wildly exciting.  I remember feeling a thunderbolt of excitement every time I’d think about walking down the aisle to Mr. Magpie in the weeks leading up to the Big Day — the kind of jittery, ecstatic tumult that could only signal Big Things to Come — and then the incredibly sweet, quiet moments that led up to our I Dos.  Ahhh!  The entire weekend left me in something of a sappy, lovestruck state of mind (possibly enhanced by the champagne and hours of dancing Mr. Magpie and I enjoyed!), which has in turn led me to eschew the bold colorblocking and neon I’ve been gravitating towards all season and instead lean for romantic, delicate pieces that reflect this sudden break in mood.  Let’s begin with the under-things…just because — how beautiful is this Hanky Panky set ($42 for top, $25 for bottom, Nordstrom)?  Quite possibly the loveliest gift for a bride.

Spritz on some of Annick Goutal’s lovely fragrance ($120, Bergdorf Goodman) and light one of her gorgeously packaged candles ($57, Bergdorf’s):

 

For lounging at home, I’m envisioning this luxurious gold silk robe ($534, Journelle) and a fancy sleep mask (Mary Green, $26, Shopbop):

Perhaps layer it over this lacy little tank ($55, Calypso) and some soft boyshorts ($40, Les Pommettes):

 

Now — I would never spend over $400 on slippers (probably not even over $50…) — but can you imagine the luxury of slipping your tired tootsies into a pair of Lanvin cashmere slip-ons ($435, Brown’s)?  Talk about the glass slipper…(?)

Jot down notes and to-dos in a gold leather notebook ($139, Graphic Image) and a diamond-encrusted gold Tiffany pen ($3,500, Botier):

Ha.  A girl can dream…Back to real life.  Get comparable royal treatment by applying this hydrating “huile precieuse” from Diptyque ($78, Saks).  I just snapped up a bottle not too long ago and it leaves my skin oh-so-so soft and hydrated.  Meanwhile, luxe lip balm is always a welcome treat ($22.50, Sephora) and a well-manicured paw is always the sign of a well-heeled lady (Dior in “Red Royalty” — $23, Sephora):

Now, if we’re moving beyond the boudoir, how about this breezy “hello, summer” wisp of a dress (on sale for $285, Reiss)?

 

This would ideally be worn with loose hair and bare feet while wandering around a dreamy cottage on the sea in Spain, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.  Bring it into the real world with barely-there metallic sandals ($98, J. Crew):

 

In terms of accessories, all we need is a simple monogrammed necklace ($115 and up depending on metal, Ariel Gordon):

 

 

Love the idea of wearing one for me and one for Mr. M.  The only addition?  These delicate gold rings in a variety of styles, also from Ariel Gordon.  Bee-yoo-ti-ful.  (And for similar styles, check out the Jacquie Aiche collection.  Lovely, barely there stackable rings.)

Yes, please.  Especially to the rose gold.  Loves.  Or, maybe this lovely little “oui” (“yes,” in French) ring from Street Bauble ($45).  Snagged one for my baby sis and she practically did back flips — love meaningful little trinkets like this!

For a different look, try this simple silk shift (A.P.C., $445, Ssense) with a gilded feather necklace ($95, Max + Chloe):

 

Finish with strappy gold sandals ($855, Rupert Sanderson) and — while talking dreams — this Valentino lucite wonder ($3,695, Net-A-Porter):

 

Other additions I’m currently drooling over?  The entire “Words” collection from Sydney Evan ($770 and up):

In closing:

{Calligraphy from Letter Be on Etsy — check out the store for lots of lovely cards and stationery.}

 

Flower Power

In Accessories, Brights!, Florals, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Pop of Red, Romantic, Shoes, Sundresses, White on May 2, 2012 at 9:33 am

I’ve already posted on the BIG BLOOMS trend this season, but it’s time to get down to business and make a move on the trend.  I’ve seen so.many chic peas rocking oversized florals and it’s about time I join the bandwagon.

{L-R: Chloe, J. Crew, and Jason Wu}

Now, I’ll be the first to say that the head-to-toe floral suit get-up is not for me.  I can already imagine looking back and shuddering in about a year’s time — it’s like the power suit of 2012.  Yuck.  BUT.  Little pieces here and there?  Yes, please.  First on my list?  This cheery little shift ($50, Monki) with a funky little necklace ($125, The Remedi):

Finish with unfussy black flats (Repetto, $265, Shop Zoe) and a structured cobalt tote ($59, ModCloth — or go for the gold with this $1,495 Reed Krakoff style…to die.):

 

Or, go super on-trend with these dahlia-print pantalons ($75, Oasis — ALSO available in dress form for $115), a white peplum top ($258, Shopbop), this fun necklace ($310, Charm & Chain), and white Carrie Bradshaw pumps ($195, Vince Camuto):

 

 

 

Dreamy with the Phillip Lim mini Pashli ($725, Barney’s):

Or, thoughts on a white blouse ($88, J. Crew) with these fun floral shorts (Jason Wu, $695, Bergdorf’s), and this on-trend Shourouk necklace ($475, TheCorner — or get the look for less with this unbelievable find from Ann Taylor of all places!  Must.have.)?

I’d pair it with the neon Cambridge Satchel, which I finally scored this past week ($155, Shopbop) and some simple, clean white flats ($32, TopShop):

 

 

 

 

For something a bit less in your face, how about this slightly hippy-dippy floral print top (Sunner, $211, Les Nouvelles), a bronzed pendant necklace from my new favorite jeweler, Beth Lauren ($48)), white skinnies, and Tory Burch t-straps ($250, Saks):

 

I’d finish with the Chloe Marcie in denim ($1,325, Net-A-Porter):

 

Coachello-chic, n’est-ce pas?  Or, imagine these Jason Wu shorts ($865, Kirna Zabete) with a white blouse ($200, Very Eickhoff) and that bib necklace I’ve been swooning over in the poppy red ($36, Bauble Bar):

I might finish with these punchy woven flats ($69, Zara) –

– and a practical tote (Anya Hindmarch, $1,395, MyTheresa):

Or, what about this happy little number (Juicy, $280, Net-A-Porter) with some fleur studs ($55, Kendra Scott):

 

 

Finish with this punchy red clutchski ($395, Barney’s) and some cheery red strappy sandals ($98, J. Crew):

 

And, finally, the coup de gras: this darling petaled clutch ($175, GlamourPuss).  Imagine it with a simple white dress and some sky-high red tootsies.  TO DIE.

Happy Wednesday!

 

Future Perfect

In Accessories, Dream Wear, Glitter, Jewelry, Shoes, White on April 25, 2012 at 11:30 am

While on a recent business trip, Mr. Magpie insisted that we “Face Time” each other.  As the technology luddite I am, I had only a vague, unfounded, and technically oblivious idea of what this meant.  One evening in my hotel room, I simply opened up my iPad and — BAM.  There he was.  A life-size version of his cute little face peering back at me.  It totally caught me off guard, to the point that I almost freaked out.  The picture quality, the audio — it was all crystal clear and in real time, and it occurred to me then that we really live in the future.  (Think about it — do you remember the face in the magic mirror from the Disney cartoon Snow White?  That was meant to be understood as supernatural sorcery — but here we are, living that reality.)  Does current technology ever catch you off guard like that?  Sometimes I think we’re living the Jetson lifestyle.  Inspired by this experience, I’d like to channel this futurism fashion-wise in this post, taking my cues from this lovely look:

Ahh, SILVER.  As one of you lovely Magpies pointed out in a comment on yesterday’s post, silver is like the forgotten stepsister of the metallic color family.  Everyone’s been so heady with gold over the past few seasons, I feel that silver looks fresh, new, born again.  So, first up — how chic would you feel with this serious statement necklace (Erickson Beamon, $980, Moda Operandi), a collarless white blouse ($230, MustHaves) and this silver circle skirt (on sale for $88, Dealuxe):

Pretty much TDF with a pair of simple black pumps (the Pigalles are iconic, though my boss owns these badboys and swears that they are the world’s cruelest joke on womankind…#pure-pain.  Ew, did I just hastag? — $625, Net-A-Porter) and a mega-stud clutchski (Alaia, $1,473, Boutique1):

Speaking of studs — and these are NOT for the fashion faint-of-heart (slash — Mom, avert your eyes), these puppies ($78, Romwe) seem like something Olivia Palermo might rock in a serious and somehow polished way:

 

Kind of ah-may-zing with any of Alexis Bittar’s futuristic baubles (bangles, $325 apiece, Alexis Bittar):

Woah, woah, woah.  Back to items within my fashion orbit: check out this glitterati skirt ($270, All Saints) with a simple, buttoned-down-to-there white blouse ($100, Net-A-Porter) and enorma-necklace (holy majoley, I NEED THIS — $148, BCBG):

Finish with these unbelievable Bottega Veneta wedges (wowza — $820, Net-A-Porter) and this YSL clutchski ($750, Cultstatus):

 

 

Or, do you not love the idea of these silver pantalons (Alexander McQueen, $910, Farfetch) with a collarless white blouse ($195, Very Eickhoff), a large, eye-catching necklace (Lulu Frost, $500, Charm & Chain), and a pair of boldly colored flats ($190, Net-A-Porter):

 

Perfection with this dreamy little clutchski (who else but Alexander Wang?! — $650, Kirna Zabete):

Or, how about this sashed sequin dress (DVF, $498, Intermix) with some deco-style drops ($120, Max and Chloe):

Consider how glam this look would be with these amazing PVC-accented Thierry Mugler shoes ($1,225, Opening Ceremony — or get the look for less with this $57 pair) and this cross-hatched clutch ($106, Endless):

This in turn reminds me of these eye-catching flats, which I want to pair with oh, just about everything ($49, Zara):

Or, do we not love this faux-wrap skirt ($490, Net-A-Porter) with a black blouse ($98, J. Crew) and a pair of statement drops ($160, Swarovski):

 

Perfection with these skinny heels ($90, TopShop) and this knotted leather clutch ($695, MyTheresa):

 

I might add this eye-catching cuff (KJL, $207, Max and Chloe):

And, though I’ve been prominently featuring silver, consider this peplum top in a soft gold hue (Mulberry, $600, Net-A-Porter) with white skinnies, lucite drops ($275, Alexis Bittar), and studded bow sandals (Valentino, $295, Net-A-Porter):

 

 

 

I’d round it all out with this absolutely precious woven bow-topped clutch ($180, Ted Baker):

Finally, a few star separates: a funky silver ball necklace ($48, Debenham’s), a lavender metallic satchel ($218, ASOS), and some lovely silver sandals (Zanotti, $595, Intermix):

Anyone else into this look!?

Candy Striper

In Accessories, Beach Wear, Brights!, Jewelry, Nautical, Pop of Red, Shoes, Sundresses, The Honeymoon Trousseau, White on April 23, 2012 at 1:43 pm

This past weekend, I attended my 10-year high school reunion.  {That’s right, 10 years.  Let that sink in for a moment.  Terrifying.}  Now, I know that reunions can be a source of tremendous anxiety/social awkwardness/cattiness, and maybe I just attended the best high school ever and was graced with a particularly stellar group of classmates, but I had an awesome time AND found myself bowled over by how beautiful, accomplished, and well-dressed my classmates are.  Ahem, one of them is the Director of Economic Development in the Canary Islands.  Let’s pause and think about this.  Can you imagine not only living in the Canary Islands (she was deeply, richly, and oh-so-enviously tanned) but enjoying that kind of career success at the age of 27?!  Um, yeah.  I need to get my tuchus in gear.  Another classmate is the VP of Sales and Marketing at a start-up premium denim company, Lock Sicker — super cool product {only for Mr. Magpies at the moment}, and she spoke with such grace and intelligence about the brand and its identity that I was pretty much reaching for my credit card and Mr. Magpie’s measurements by the evening’s end.  Yet another classmate {and dear friend} is a local news anchor here in D.C., and I won’t be surprised if suddenly I flip on the TV and see her delivering the national news on CBS.  I could go on and on, but I realize this sort of braggery (new word?) gets old quickly, so I’ll just conclude by saying that I encourage you to attend your high school/college reunions (with open eyes/hearts!) and that I want to visit the Canary Islands now.  It would be the perfect venue to debut some vacation-ready striped separates, which seem to have been finding their way to the top of my lust list over the past few weeks.  For example, I’ve been drooling over these Danish-made striped blankets (around $100, Kira-CPH), which would be PERFECT for beach-side lounging:

Or, consider pairing a striped tee (Chinti and Parker, $125, Net-A-Porter — PSST, also available in dress form here for $160) with some punchy shorts ($45, J. Crew) and that Holst + Lee necklace ($535, Latitude) I’ve been droning on about:

This is the kind of look you sport with bare feet and loose, beachy hair.  Oh so fresh, oh so summery.   Love that deep, near-cobalt blue color — hence my obsession with these coordinating separates: the perfect beach bag (Stella McCartney, $448, Farfetch), a GLAM sloafer (imagine wearing these puppies with an all-white outfit or with simple jeans and a white tee for maximum effect — AND YES, it’s a kid’s size, but the size 5 runs large! — $40, Zara):

Alternately, this happy-stripe sweater (Trina Turk, $178, Nordstrom) pairs perfectly with a statement necklace ($345, Ben Amun), white skinnies, and some simple flips ($48, Shopbop):

Perfect with this croc-effect cross-body ($320, StyleTryst):

Or, test out this cheery striped skirt (Marc Jacobs, $285, Stylebop — or, get the look for much less with this $48 BB Dakota skirt) with a simple white top (I’m drawn to this Mandarin-style — $345, La Garconne) and some mah-jor bling ($98, Lydell NYC):

 

I’d die wearing the above with these punchy pumps (what a delicious color — Louboutin, $645, Net-A-Porter) and this classic Bottega Veneta woven clutcheroo ($497, Farfetch):

 

And by the way — if you, like me, can’t get enough of that juicy tangerine color, check out this TDF little blouse ($98, J. Crew), some crisp white shorts ($45, J. Crew), and a pair of bold earrings ($95, Max and Chloe):

 

I kind of like it with some serious statement heels (Carven, $720, Ssense):

Or, let LemLem do the work for you — slip into this breezy caftan ($225, Lem Lem):

Lovely with a hot pink bikini ($195, Net-A-Porter):

 

Don’t forget the GLAM sandals (K. Jacques, $240, Net-A-Porter)

Other top picks?  This comfy neon-trimmed striped tee ($142, Steven Alan) –

 

Pretty much perfect with white shorts and these bold tootsies ($195, Calypso) and this clutch (Rebecca Minkoff, $195, Nordstrom):

 

OH.LA.LA.

Things I Like.

In Accessories, Beach Wear, Beauty Products, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Ikat, Jewelry, Shoes, The Honeymoon Trousseau, White on April 6, 2012 at 9:54 am

BEST.WEEK.EVER.

a)  My baby sister is ENGAGED!  EEEE!!!  I’m dying with excitement.

b)  I finally bucked up (bucked down?) and bought the Alexander Wang bag I’ve been whining about for about a century.  It brought a tear of joy to my eye when it arrived.  It is beautiful and so grown-up and everything I wanted it to be and more and…it’s mine!  {Fist pump.}

c)  Mr. Magpie caught me off guard by announcing that he is taking me away to Turnberry Isle for a romantic getaway weekend in just a few short weeks!!!  I’m pretty much doing back flips with glee and excitement, but also keenly aware of the fact that I need to do something serious about my winter-induced pallor.  My legs are translucent.  {He’s also signed us up for a round of golf, which should be laughable on my score.}

d)  My other baby sister got earned {she’s so qualified, it’s no joke} a fashion design job for an AMAZING, high-end fashion line.  I don’t know if I can mention which it is until she’s actually started, so…let’s just say I look forward to being well-outfitted thanks to her, and the steep discount I hope she’ll pass along my way.

e)  It’s almost Easter, which means I can almost eat my favorite sweet indulgent in the universe: Haribo gummies.  Yes ma’am.  Don’t even think that I won’t be rising with the sun to tear into a bag of gummy bears.

I’m sorry for being a braggart, but I am literally bursting with joy.  Life is too good.  And here are some things that are making my life even sunnier and brighter:

1.  The Perfect Vacation Sandal

I’m sorry to do this, but indulge me: I have freakishly small feet, and I can squeeze into these kids’ sandals ($49, Zara) in a size 5.  Are they not the most adorable pair of shoes you ever saw?  Imagine it with a hot pink pedi.  Score.  You can get a similar look in a regular, non-pixie adult size here or here.

2.  Bright Tote

I saw this reversible leather tote (white on one side, citrine on the other), and fell head over heels in love.  Such a fun color for right.now, and, when you’re sick of it, just turn it inside out for basic white ($399, Scoop):

3.  Chunky Necklaces

I saw a very chic lady snag an oversized chain-link necklace at a cute new boutique in North Georgetown last week called Dalton Pratt and have been on the hunt for something comparable since.  These colorful statement pieces ($26, BaubleBar) fit the bill nicely.

4.  Ikat Maxi

Holy moly — is this skirt ($325, Calypso) a vacation dream or what?!  I’ve been a bit tentative with the maxi skirt trend — I snagged one hot pink maxi at a ridiculous deal and it worked really well with a simple white tee and ginormous statement necklace, but…not until I saw this did I consider adding to the collection.  Can you imagine how chic you’d be styling it with a simple white tank and an oversized turquoise necklace?!

Perfect for a dinner out with Mr. Magpie while at Turnberry…!

5.  Speaking of Ikat…

These funky ikat print pillows from Amber Interiors ($60 each) caught my eye as a funky way to spruce up a couch.

6.  Updated Bath Mat

OK, this is sort of minor and specific, but how precious are these reversible chevron bath mats ($38, Garnet Hill)?!  Just the thing to “juge” up a boring bathroom…

7.  White Out

I have a vision of myself prancing around Turnberry in a white get-up with perfectly bronzed shoulders and beachy hair.  Ha.  To achieve the look, consider this ridiculously affordable maxi ($19, Target)

Perfect with these studded flats ($295, Net-A-Porter — OR, for something cheaper, check these puppies out):

 

I’d finish with pops of turquoise in the form of these seahorse earrings ($38, Lilly Pulitzer) and this coral necklace ($32, J. Crew):

I’d perhaps store my shades in this darling pouch ($75, Rebecca Minkoff):

8.  Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes

I realize this is neither high-fashion nor particularly interesting, but Neutrogena Makeup Remover towelettes ($7.95, Drugstore) make my life.  For those evenings where you’re just too tired to wash your face…they do the trick nicely.

9.  Retro Shades

Ugh, these lucite frame shades (Acne, $350, Saks) are just too cool for school.  They have just the right amount of frame.

 

10.  Fun Cutlery

How amazing is this neon cutlery set ($38, Site NYC)?!  LOVE the idea of packing this for a picnic or sprucing up a traditional tabletop with these as accents.  Cute.

Have a lovely weekend!

Spring Has Sprung

In Accessories, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Pastels, White on April 2, 2012 at 9:59 am

Easter is just around the corner, meaning it’s just about time to roll out the pastel sundress parade, begin my sunless tanning regime, and prepare for the sugar fest that will be Sunday morning.  {I gave up sweets for Lent, and it’s been a long, sugarless string of weeks.  I have a bag full of Haribos waiting for me, and I can barely contain my excitement.} I’m pretty much thrilled.  Some top picks for peppy spring gear?  First: this darling affordable zig-zag shift (so Missoni-esque! — $52, Spool72) with some funky enorma-studs ($65, J. Crew):

 

I’d finish with these bomb.com laser-cut wedges (Chloe, $595, Net-A-Porter) and a straw clutchski (Tory Burch, $275, Saks):

Or, how about this lovely (very Betty Draper) shirt-dress ($80, TopShop) with big enorma-studs ($74, Oliphant):

 

Gorgeous with these wowza Lanvin heels ($1,150, The Webster Miami):

I’d finish with this picture-perfect DVF clutch in either the green or pink ($395, Shopbop):

 

Or, how about this robin’s egg blue dress (love that sweet little collar — $440, La Garconne) with a gemmed collar necklace ($475, Jennifer Miller):

 

With a neckline that prim, you gotta bring it with the heels — choose something slightly fierce, like these platformed sandals ($74, Heels):

 

Round it all out with a structured, lady-like tote ($729, Aspinal):

Want more of that dreamy sky blue color?  Check out these perfect pointy-toed flats ($29, Zara)

 

Lovely paired with these aqua drops ($34, Bauble Bar), or maybe as a triple threat with this easy breeze linen dress ($225, Calypso):

And finally, how about this breezy spring look?  A mint green vintage-style necklace ($362, Laura James), a gauzy white top ($295, Calypso), some colored skinnies (I’ve been hearing rave reviews about these AG “stilt” skinnies — $159, Shopbop — although I’ve also been keenly interested in checking out the DL1961 line.  One of my lovely Magpie readers owns a clothing boutique in VA and says that they are just flying off the shelves), and some funky white sandals (Red Valentino, $295, Net-A-Porter):

 

 

Finish it off with this darling mint-and-camel crossbody ($59, Nine West):

YAY for spring!  And, finally, a nice little gift for you this happy April morning: the design genius behind Paper Pastries, a darling paper goods/stationery e-boutique, has offered all of your lovely little Magpies 15% off your order between now and April 14th.  Just enter code “fashionmagpie” at check out.  Happy shopping!

 

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.

 

 

Dust on the Bottle

In Accessories, Florals, Jewelry, Neutrals, Romantic, Shoes, White on February 28, 2012 at 1:10 pm

The title of this post has nothing to do with anything except for the fact that I’m inspired by dusty rose colors today, and the word “dust” reminds me of one of my favorite country songs, David Lee Murphy’s “Dust on the Bottle.”  A loose association at best, I’ll admit, but it does highlight a) the cloudiness I’m feeling this early morning {please excuse the absence of a post yesterday; Scarlet took a tumble on Friday night…meaning this little Magpie, teetering in inappropriately high heels — these, to be exact, in a beautiful nude suede — tumbled down the stairs and hurt her footski and then spent the rest of the weekend doing nothing but watching Downton Abbey and letting Mr. Magpie wait on my hand and foot…} and b) the acute nostalgia I’ve been experiencing for my good old undergrad days at UVA, when I used to attend a yearly date function called “Bonfire” that involved kegs, live country music, a dark barn-like structure, and, yes, bonfires for roasting marshmallows.  “Dust on the Bottle” was featured heavily in the musical line-up.  So.amazing.  But I digress.

So dust.  This color profile should come as no surprise thanks to the lovely pastels that have been flooding the market and my personal wish list for the past few months.  I’d begin with this color-blocked top (BAM, too hot trends in one — $365, StyleBop), worn with a chunky bead necklace ($223, Wendy Mink), white skinnies and these to die for t-straps (loving that gold bar in the middle — and check out all of the amazing colors it comes in! — $68, Endless):

 

 

 

I’d pair the look with this sweet bow clutch ($52, Deux Lux)

 

The bag would look equi-awesome with this Maison Martin Margiela booties ($835, Shopbop).  I know,  I know — hello impracticality.  But…they’re lilac booties!  And they are outrageously amazing!

 

I’d wear them with a printed top (ugh, this Erdem style is to die — $800, Net-A-Porter), a tangled gold necklace (only $15, H&M), and white skinnies:

 

 

I’d finish with a lilac clutch ($22, ASOS) and maybe these ladylike earrings ($30, ModCloth):

 

Or, mix in the muted blush/rose color with the neon trend by pairing this silky tee ($126, Secret Squirrel) with a beaded necklace ($128, PiperLime) and hot pink skinnies ($176, Revolve) and some white rattan flats (Bloch, $120, Net-A-Porter):

 

 

Finish with this dreamy acquisition ($505, Matches):

Or, get just a little pop of the dusty/pastel in the form of these ah-may-zing Missoni flats ($495, Intermix), a gauzy scarf ($135, Chan Luu) or a watercolor clutch ($169, Molten Store):

Or, what about this lovely dusty rose colored Rochas wonder ($1,100, Farfetch), with soft aqua contrast coloring:

And, if you still haven’t gotten enough, let this Tucker maxi dress do all of the hard work for you.  Do you die?!

Living in Color

In Accessories, Florals, Home Decor, Ikat, Magpie Nest, Pop of Red, White on February 22, 2012 at 2:12 pm

I’ve been on such a wild art-collecting rampage for the past few weeks that I’ve kinda neglected everything but my walls in terms of updating and outfitting my little Magpie Nest.  This is in part because Mr. Magpie and I have been talking/planning for some time to move elsewhere, and it seems semi-wasteful to buy new items when we aren’t even sure of the dimensions or style of our soon-to-be new digs.  That being said, I have my eye on about 3234 items I will readily snatch up the minute Mr. Magpie and I make our move, and all of them are in keeping with the BRIGHTS trend all over the runway.  First up, I kind of just need this set of shot glasses ($29, Burke Decor) to spruce up my shelf space.  How darling would they be situated on display in a glass cabinet?!

 

Serve them atop a chevron tray ($56, Pencil Shavings Studio):

Would look especially splashy paired with some ikat-print plates ($10, C. Wonder), some monogrammed napkins ($14o for set of 6, Monogram Goods), and some gold cutlery ($85 for five-piece setting, Shop Horne):

Perfect against the bold backdrop of this canvas/print ($39 and up depending on the size and framing choices you make! — Image Kind):

I’d mix the bright colors in with pristine glass.  I have managed to collect apothecary jars and cake domes in a variety of different shapes and sizes, and I love the idea of one day clustering them on a shelf or lining them up on a kitchen bar (minis — $38, Rain; cake dome — $205, Rain):

Next up: OMG, these armchairs ($279, Urban Outfitters).  I like the idea of adding one to an office space or bedroom as a fun little accent POP.

 

Perfect situated next to a mirrored side table ($599, Z Gallerie) topped with a lovely lamp ($298, Monogram Goods) and some darling poodle book-ends ($69, Lamps Plus):

Now, I’ve long lusted after a cowhide rug, and the muted hue of this style ($499, West Elm) is perfection:

 

 

Meanwhile, a mix of typed (“Blah” letterpress print — $15, Raw Art Letterpress), abstract (Ikat canvas — $66, Lulu and Drew) , and sketched art works (Jason Wu sketch — $20, Inslee By Design):

 

Kinda rad mixed in with this shabby chic elephant wall hook ($16.50, The Door Stop):

I die over the idea of this miscellany hanging behind the wall of my personal desk, which would be accompanied by a fab lucite chair ($175, Lexington Modern):

 

Imagine it situated behind an uber-sleek, modern desk from the likes of Pieces (yikes, price tag — $1,750, Pieces) and topped with an eye-catching lamp (fuschia-lined shade — $89, Shades of Light; base, $236, Shades of Light) and a stack of lovely books:

 

The desk would ideally be placed just on top of a bold Madeline Weinrib rug:

 

I’d most definitely need to find a place either on my desktop or bookshelves for these darling Foo dogs ($265, Chic Shop LA):

Oh yes indeedy.  Perfect with the whole room beneath this palm-leaf chandelier ($1,995, Pieces):

And it goes without saying that I would NEED a cozy armchair for reading ($1,295, ABC Home), juged up with pillows (LOVE this floral print — $60-$75, Caitlin Wilson) and accented with this darling navy ceramic jar ($185, Emilia Ceramics):

 

This navy printed throw ($333, Cococozy) is a bananas addition:

In the corner?  A bar cart ($295, Society Social), topped with retro-style glasses ($165 for 7, Chic Shop LA):

 

 

I’d be sure to set it up with some bold napkins (like the idea of mixing and matching colors here — $22, Burke) and a lovely little bowl for cocktail treats ($30, Tertullia)

 

– and I’d also need this dachshund tray ($168, Jonathan Adler) for additional goodies!

EEP.  So many other goodies I’d like to share, but I’ll start with that!  Remember to enter my giveaway {see the “Sportive” post for details} for THIS AMAZING NECKLACE! by midnight tonight!  A winner will be announced tomorrow.  Oh LA LA.

Au Courant

In Accessories, Black, Brights!, Fierce, Jewelry, Magpie Must, Neutrals, Pop of Red, Shoes, White on January 12, 2012 at 5:09 pm

With fashion week approaching quickly, I find myself wondering what the lovely fashion editors will be wearing as they mill about coolly awaiting the next show, looking disingenuously unperturbed by the flock of street photographers.  {I wonder whether they plan their getups in advance?!  Are they carefully acquiring piece after piece, laying them aside for the dawn of fashion week?  Because that’s what I’d be doing…nerd.}  My prediction is that we’ll see lots of bold prints {blooms and patterns, from head to toe} and pops of saturated colors like cobalt blue, neon yellow, and, yes, tangerine.  To that end, the following represents my dream playlist of outfits for the much-heralded week of sartorial indulgence.  First up: continuing the floral print trend I covered in my Blooming post, I’d consider wearing this whimsical floral print dress (on sale for $563, Marni):

 

I’d wear this of-the-moment look with bold  velveteen heels (Giambattista Valli, on SUPER sale for $312, Kirna Zabete):

And THE “It” bag of the season: the PS11 clutch by Proenza Schouler ($975, Ssense) as well as a pair of funky sunnies (Sabre, $100, Zappos):

Or go Miranda Kerr chic {slash follow my styling notes in my “The Primaries” post} with leather shorts ($625, Net-A-Porter), a collarless white blouse (Rachel Zoe, $225, Cusp), and a silken floral topper (on super sale for $17, Dorothy Perkins) –

 

Couple with a bold pair of red heels ($90, Aldo) — these very much remind me of the Isabel Marant style that was all the rage last year:

 

 

And tie it all together with the Alexander Wang Prisma tote ($685, Shopbop):

 

Or wear the IT color itself, tangerine tango {for more on this color, check out my Darling Clementine post!}, in the form of this lovely Tibi number ($395, Net-A-Porter) with a tribal-inspired necklace (steal!!! — $22, Miss Selfridge’s):

 

 

I’d finish with these leopard-print strappy Giuseppe Zanottis (fierce!  and on sale for $438 — Forward Forward):

 

Tie it all together with this pitch-perfect DVF tote ($685, Net-A-Porter):

And this fun little bow cuff ($68, Andrew Hamilton Crawford).  Just because.

 

Or, I’d test out that trendy day-glo yellow color that’s been cropping up all over the place {including in my Stormy Weather post} by pairing this punch-packing necklace ($290, Pure Essentia) with a neutral dress (Theory, $285, Net-A-Porter):

 

 

I’d finish with these towering neutral wedges (Chloe, $595, Net-A-Porter) and this adorable neon crossbody (only $27, ASOS):

And, while we’re on the vibrant color vibe, consider pairing red and pink in a true statement look: combine this hot pink peplum top ($280, Acne Studios) with some red skinnies ($79, J. Crew) and a collar necklace ($88, BCBG):

 

The only thing you need for this bold look?  A neutral flat ($228, J. Crew) and a stark white clutch (Reed Krakoff, $590, Net-A-Porter):

What would you wear?!

 

 

 

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?

Singing the Summer Blues

In Accessories, Beach Wear, Brights!, Cocktail Dresses, Jewelry, Shoes, Sundresses, White on June 1, 2011 at 10:42 am

Oh, hello, Summer.  Just a few weeks ago, your little sister Spring bared her shy little face to the world, and suddenly, you’re here, with 100 degree afternoons and the muggiest D.C. air you can imagine.  The rest of D.C. may not be rolling out the welcome mat to greet you, but I’m just about beside myself with happiness.  I love that lazy, thick feeling of summer.  And for whatever reason, the first thing I’m gravitating towards is deep near-navy on white accent pieces, a la MY FAVORITE look from the Derek Lam S/S ’11 collection:

I mean — did he nail it on the head or what?!  I’d wear this in a hot  second –  l.o.v.e. the halter neckline, the gauzy fabrication, the Missoni-esque print.  And I’d wear it styled similarly — wedges and all.  That is — if it didn’t cost a cool $3K (those with deeper pockets: you can snap this bad boy up online — $2,890, Derek Lam).  I’d get the bluesy, breezy look for less with this darling mini (Colette, $160, Barney’s):

 

I’d play down the girlishness of the look by adding some grown up leather wedges (Chloe, on sale for $345, Net-A-Porter)

And finishing with this woodsy statement necklace (Oscar de la Renta, $400, Net-A-Porter) and an oversized clutch (love this foldover style — $149, Clare Vivier):

If you get a chill easily (my main problem in life — I have seriously wre-tched circulation, to the point that I can sometimes look down in 65 degree weather and have totally lost circulation in my toes), layer a white blazer over top, with the collar flipped up, Miami-Vice style (Elizabeth and James, $395, Net-A-Porter):

I like the HI-DEF white and classic styling of the Elizabeth and James style above, but mine is actually by Madewell and is super light-weight and over-long.  IT IS PERFECT.  I’ve also seen similar, inexpensive styles in H&M, so might check there if you’re looking to get the look for less.  It’d be the perfect counterpoint to this deep blue and black stained-glass-print Twenty8Twelve dress (on sale for $106, TheOutnet):

I’d sport it with some fuh-yierce platformed tootsies (I ordered these ankle breakers last month and am dy.ing. over their awesomeness — and affordability.  Pelle Moda, $145 (!!!), Shopbop):

I’d finish with some dramatic danglers (Kara by Kara Ross, $200, Boutique1) and a statement clutch (this looks so Lanvin…for less — $225, KateSpade):

But perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself here…I’d rather be leaning toward the white-on-blue prints as summer dawns.  Something like this amazing loose-fit caftan would be perfect at the beach ($200, Sirene), especially with some jet-setting chic gold-trimmed aviatahs (Gucci, $275, Nordstrom) and a long vintage Chanel pendant ($1,340, Stylebop):

Especially with a crisp white bikini (my favorite for this summer is the Palma NYC style I own…LOVE their line!):

 

 

Finish with some uber-high wedges (l.o.v.e the rope detailing — $850, Michael Kors) and an amazing rope-accent tote (made of recycled sails! — $160, SeaBags):

Also ideal for beaching it up this summer?  This blue-on-white printed bikini ($670, Net-A-Porter).  It costs a pretty penny, but…it’s Pucci.  So there’s that.

 

I love it with these uh-mayzing mixed gold sandals (love the rose on yellow gold leather!  TDF. — K. Jacques, $270, Opening Ceremony):

Perfect with an oversized, crinkly cargo style top ($68, EchoDesign) and this eye-catching reversible gold-and-camel tote from Tiffany’s new line of handbags ($395, Tiffany):

These conical Eddie Borgo studs in rose gold ($150, Eddie Borgo) and a couple of bangles (ideally, a mix of rose and yellow gold — $88/piece, Henri Bendel) complete the look:

Also digging this inky blue blouson-style dress (Seneca Rising, on sale for $132, Les Nouvelles), paired with a chunky white necklace ($50, TopShop):

I’d wear with some strappy white sandals ($99, Heels) and this oversized braided bag ($90, PiperLime):

 

Alternately, how about a large-gem statement necklace ($168, BCBG) with a flowy white dress ($295, Theory)?

A pair of blue espadrilles ($255, Endless) are right on-point:

For a dressier affair, do you not.die. over this asymmetrical Joseph dress (on sale for $222, Net-A-Porter — eerily similar to this Shoshanna style…)?  Perfect for a late summer wedding, along with some enorma-studs ($70, Kendra Scott):

I’d add a simple gold glitter clutch ($89, J. Crew) and some coordinating peeptoes (Kate Spade, on sale for $162, FootCandyShoes):

I got the summer blues…in the happiest of ways :)

Bananagram

In Accessories, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Shoes, White, Work Wear on May 27, 2011 at 11:43 am

Thanks to Prada’s S/S 11 collection, bananas have been the produce of choice for fashionistas world-wide.  Caution: please avert your eyes from the extremely unattractive hair/makeup situation on the models below — um, what is WITH the Frida Kahlo look?!  Terrifying.

While I’ll admit that these looks are not my cup of tea (bowl of fruit?) — the boxy shirts look like they should come with pocket protectors — there is something delightfully irreverent about the coloring and the mix of patterns.  Since their debut, I swear I’ve seen bananas everywhere…

{Charlotte Dellal with a banana clutch — as captured by TheSartorialist}

{a Prada banana skirt seen on Cynthia Smith — image via vogue}

{a banana print bikini seen on sterling style}

I’m not advocating that we all go Chiquita Banana on each other, but I’m loving the tropical pina-colada vibe — makes me very ready for summer, and very nostalgic for my honeymoon (now almost a year ago!)  Yellow, here I come.

Let me apologize in advance for the number of Charlotte Olympia tootsies I’ll be featuring in this post — I’d bookmarked her site (the designer is the lovely Charlotte Dellal, snapped above) a few weeks ago and happened to revisit it last night, and nearly went into epileptic shock as I ogled over all of the ankle-breaking goodies she had in store for me.  Move over, Christian Louboutin.  Come to think of it, I’ll start with a pair of her ba-na-nas platforms ($890, CharlotteOlympia — and also available Stateside at Neiman’s)  — I mean…do you die?!  (Or does your bank account?)

Be still my heart…and be strong my ankles.  I.want.these. like it’s nobody’s business.  The raffia fabrication is genius.  In keeping with our theme, let’s do a banana-cream-pie palette — I’d add a soft yellow shirt ($70, LesPommettes) and tuck it into a vintage lace skirt ($280, Net-A-Porter):



In an ideal world, I’d finish with this raffia box clutch by Gucci ($1,495) and this eye-catching statement piece by Malene Birger (on sale!!! and I’m oh-so-tempted to snap it up — $64, MyWardrobe)

I mean…I love the mixed media.  So chic and fresh for summer.  For casual wear, I’m thinking a breezy white sundress ($195, Calypso — and PS: have you checked out Calypso’s diffusion in line for Target?!  Lots of cute, summery items for self and home!  I love this linen wrap dress — and it’s only $42!)

I’d wear it on the weekends with some pop-of-yellow t-straps (I own a pair of neon pink K. Jacques that I sweat in a major way — K. Jacques, $220, Net-A-Porter; alternately, if you have freakishly small feet like myself, you can fit into the kids’ size 4 t-straps from J. Crew, which look identical) and an easy straw tote ($54, SouthMoonUnder), with a pineapple-print scarf tied to the handle ($32, TopShop):

 

 

For more formal occasions, how ’bout this banana split of a dress ($368, Alice & Olivia)

I’d pair with these gold strappy heels from — who else?! — Charlotte Olympia ($1000, Charlotte Olympia) — check out the pineapple accents at the toe!

They pair perfectly with this pineapple accented clutch ($225, KateSpade), which will, incidentally, forever haunt my dreams, since I ordered it in the neon yellow weeks ago, and the package was STOLEN from my doorstep…GR/POUT/PUNCH/DROP-KICK:

For jewelry: you know a like a bare neck with an interesting neckline like the one above.  I’m trying to get over my fondness for addiction to enorma-studs, so I’d try to get outside the box and wear some danglers.  These sparkling gems carry out the whole “pineapple” vibe in their shape and are affordable to boot (about $130, By Malene Birger — can’t get enough of her stuff today!):

And these filigree bangles would finish the look (Kendra Scott, $90, Stefani Bags):

For work, a “fresh canvas” with banana yellow accents is a nice take on a rather LRR routine.  Consider adding a white top (love the neckline on this style — $46, ShopRuche) to a pair of clean-lined, slim-fit white cigarette pants (have you seen the Prabal Gurung for J. Crew collection — suh-woon — love the line, especially these pants — $295, J. Crew):

Finish with an open-weave yellow flat ($69, Zara) and a yellow-and-green-trim tote (I’m serious about my raffia today — Meredith Wendell, $550, Net-A-Porter):

A pair of bold yellow-accented earrings finish it all off nicely (Lizzie Fortunato, $144, Charm & Chain):

As an alternative, try a crisp white blazer ($450, Rag & Bone) over a taupe top ($195, also Rag & Bone) paired with this lovely pineapple-striped skirt ($50, Dorothy Perkins)

You could play it safe with a nude pump, or a white patent heel (Carrie Bradshaw much?), or some combination thereof (check this Versace style out — yowza, little lady!) but personally I think you need some serious statement tootsies to knock this look out of the park — I’m thinking these Sergio Rossis ($760, Intermix) or even these stark-white Louboutins ($905, MyTheresa):

Now — and this is NOT for the faint of heart — if you’re willing to take the banana/tropical look to an extreme, consider pairing bold yellow with black and white.  Something like this tasseled DVF bag might float your boat ($525, Matches):

Or how about this bold beaded necklace ($180, 25Park) — it might work well against a black sheath dress with some huge shades for work –

Now — drumroll please.  I know that this isn’t exactly “banana/pineapple” themed…but.  O.M.G. it is just.too.beautiful not to post immediately.  I drool and die over this Malene Birger gown ($1,510, Malene Birger):

I mean.  Get outta town with that dress.  Is it real?!  It is just beyond.  The color palette…!  Marigold and soft dusty rose and mother of pearl?!  Who would have thunk?!  I’d keep the add-ons to a minimum — just some ladylike earrings (Jenny Perl, $1,650, Max&Chloe — don’t they match perfectly?!), a gold cuff ($95, Citrine By the Stones):

A simple pair of heeled sandals finish the look (Jimmy Choo, $465, Bergdorf Goodman):

Finally, I’ll conclude with an inappropriately bragadocious comment: I am OBSESSED with the Zimmermann dress that just showed up on my  door yesterday.  I mentioned my excitement in yesterday’s {magpie covets} post, but the dress turned out even lovelier and more elegant and chic in person.  The color has a slight luminosity to it — almost a golden sheen.  I DIE.  Can’t wait to attend that wedding next weekend!

 

Bold Baby Girl.

In Accessories, Brights!, Fierce, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Shoes, White, Work Wear on May 26, 2011 at 12:00 pm

The title of this post hails from an embarrassing childhood story that tends to resurface with alarming frequency, and that prompts me to question the authenticity of my creative spirit.  I’ll recount it here, just to further humiliate myself: When I was growing up, my Dad owned a number of racing horses.  Whenever he purchased a new horse, he would let his five children submit their suggestions for a suitable name.  These tended to run the extremely creative gamut of “snowflake fluffybell,” “sprinkles,” “rainbow smiley face,” “lightning thunderbolt,” etc — and my Dad routinely rebuffed them.  One time, however, when I was about six, he announced that he was purchasing a new filly, and requested name submissions.  I just so happened to accompany my father to the racing track that afternoon, and slyly filched one of the racing programs, tucking it into my pale pink, My-Little-Pony-stuffed backpack.  When I got home, I furtively — and very carefully — copied over a few names from the program onto a scrap of paper (I must have known it was wrong, because I recall crouching behind a door in an ill-lit corner of the house to do this) and proudly presented them to my father, convinced that he would be unable to trace my intellectual property thievery.  When he read them, he burst into raucous laughter.  There, on the paper, I’d proposed the following names:

Clearly he knew a six year old would never choose a sleazy name like “Bold Baby Girl,” as only a creepy, elderly, mustached lecher would use that term of endearment, and the other two were complete gibberish to me.  Does a six year old know that the noun “key” is also a slang verb?  And I’m pretty sure I was three years away from knowing what the word “Advice” meant.  I was caught with my hand in the cookie jar.  We laugh about it to this day…and now you can laugh at me too.  But while we laugh, we can also appreciate the way I’ve reappropriated the title to apply to one of the hottest trends of the season: BRIGHTS/NEONS, for those bold baby girls out there daring enough to test-drive the trend.  Lots of you have given me positive feedback on some of the BRIGHTS/DAY-GLOs I’ve been featuring (see my posts “Bright Idea” and “Hi Def” for inspiration) — and for good reason.  They’ve been all over the place, from street style forums to style blogs to the runways.

{Anna Della Russo in Jil Sander, as snapped by StreetFSN}

{Taylor Sterling of Sterling Style, rocking it}

{christopher kane, ss ’2011}

{brights on the red carpet}

{fedora seen on the street — snapped by StreetFSN}

{as seen on ania b.}

A few of the things I’m currently lusting after?  First — bold, kitschy shades ($89, Jack Wills):

Very neo-Miami Vice with a slim-fit white blazer ($385, Theory), a gold statement necklace (love this tangly little thang — $412, Gemma Redux),  and a bold little t-dress ($158, Chinti and Parker):

 

I’d pair with some bold sandals (Zanotti, $450, Intermix) and a slightly off-pitch (i.e. NOT stark white) tote in blush/cream/taupe, like this Anya Hindmarch style ($948, ScoopNYC):

For work, how slick would a bright pink or canteloupe shift ($310 each, Cynthia Rowley) look?

I’d wear either with a big lucite necklace ($250, Ben Amun) and a pair of stark white flats (Bloch, $200, Zenggi):

How perfect with this bank-breaking Alaia handbag (um, I die.  And so would Mr. Magpie if I scooped this puppy up, but for a very different reason — $3,070, Net-A-Porter):

I’d finish with these pretty gold-accented bracelets ($150, Monica Vinader):

As an alternative, consider a white shift ($255, Theory) with some bold baubles (Mawi, $845, LesPommettes — but check out the entire incredible collection of gems at Mawi):

 

Some gravity-defying, wild Nicholas Kirkwoods and a funky Alexander Wang boxy clutch ($795, LaGarconne) finish the look with flair:

I’ve featured lots of pinks/oranges above, but I’m also liking electric blue — consider a bold necklace ($150, Tuleste Market) with some matching blue tootsies ($149, Isola):

Ideal with this go-geous Matthew Williamson asymmetrical dress ($1,285, Matches — do you die over the print?!):

Any of the above get-ups would look phenom with a boxy little clutch like this Melie Bianco style ($70, Melie Bianco):

Looking for some additional accent pieces to fold into your wardrobe without running the risk of appearing too 80s-gone-wrong?  Tom Binns came out with a ton of UBER-bright jewelry pieces (check ‘em out here), but these earrings made it to the top of my list ($200, TomBinns):

Lovely — as are these modestly-heeled Pierre Hardy tootsies (what they lack in height they make up for in color — woah, nelly! — $575, Net-A-Porter):

Just think of the splash you’d make pairing those items with a white cocktail dress.  Beyond.  For more casual wear, try a bold leather-band watch in a juicy kiwi or mandarin orange color ($90, Tokyo Bay):

Could make quite the splash with a pair of lime green flats ($160, PrettyBallerinas) and one of those amazing Jil Sander “market” totes ($690+, Net-A-Porter):

Word to the wise: the rest of the look should be kept stark white — I’m talking white tee and skinnies — 0r a crisp white dress ($236, LoomState):

 

So??  How ’bout it, bold baby girl?!  (Sketchy.)

 

Cafe Au Lait

In Accessories, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Neutrals, Shoes, Sundresses, White on May 10, 2011 at 9:42 am

In a season of BRIGHTS, I’m occasionally inclined to go counter-trend with breezy neutrals.  Earlier this week, for example, I wore a pencil skirt (yes, I wear white before Memorial Day — MaxMara, $224, Matches) with a day-glo mandarin orange top ($48, Dorothy Perkins), a shocking pink linen-fabric scarf (the one below is a cashmere fabric, but you get the drift — $44, Pret-a-Beaute), and these uh-may-zing gray-orange-and-white colorblocked Anya Hindmarch tootsies that I own and adore (couldn’t find anything like them online, so these Louboutin’s will just.have.to.do — $1,149, MyTheresa). The next day, however, I am completely re-fashioned in a neutral, cafe-au-lait look:

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

{Earrings: $200, Mariam Haskell; Dress: Marc by Marc Jacobs, $600, Net-A-Porter; Tootsies: Louboutin, $806, Matches}

Do you love?!  So refreshing and sophisticado.  Would wear with this uber-drool-worthy Anya Hindmarch tote (OMG. — $1,000, AnyaHindmarch), which would be home to my oversized tortoise-shell sunnies (glam, glam, glam — but I hate you, Oliver Peoples, for being so pricey — $330, Net-A-Porter) and  a snakeskin iPad case ($145, Kooba):

Must admit that I may have lifted this chiffony neutral obsession straight from Donna Karan’s Spring 2011 collection — my favorite look of the bunch:

The only thing I’d change would be the hair and makeup.  Why wash the poor girl out so terribly?!  I’m thinking that a red lip would have had a major impact.  FYI: the models reportedly wore Deborah Lippmann’s “Naked” color ($16, Deborah Lippmann), which is temporarily sold out.  I snagged a bottle earlier this season and did not like it one.bit. to be honest — it made my fingers blend in with my hands.  Freaky.  I’m thinking that I’ll give it another try when I’m nice and sun-kissed from the summer.

I’ve also been majorly into easy-on silky little dresses paired with sensible flats.  I have a few in heavy rotation — one from Zara, another from Parker, and another from H&M.  I wear them constantly.  In this vein, I find myself gravitating towards neutral dresses like this cinnamon-hued TopShop number ($64, TopShop), topped with statement-making necklaces (Karen Walker, $198, Glassworks Studios — for something similar but a bit less pricey, check out this $80 Kenneth Jay Lane find at Shopbop):

I’d pair with some easy-on neutral flats (am seriously, sickly obsessed with Reed Krakoff — where did he come from?! — $395, Net-A-Porter) and this eye-catching satchel by up-and-coming label, Gryson ($675, Gryson):

Like the slightly “urban safari” vibe the look gives off.  Round it out with some glammed-up aviators (Dolce & Gabbana, $260, Saks):

 

I’m also loving the idea of re-vamping some of my many white dresses to suit this look — consider how fresh a simple white shift ($248, LaGarconne) would look with a tortoise-shell bead necklace (Kenneth Jay Lane, $160, Pret-A-Beaute):

 

 

 

I’d finish with some heavy, strappy brown sandals (love these — $99, Zara — they’re the recessionista’s take on the YSL Tribs):

This quirky rattan-style handbag (Stella McCartney, $648, Farfetch) has my attention at the moment, and would look just right with a pair of tortoise-shell cat-eyes ($235, Orla Kiely) to complete the a sort of laidback 70s safari look:


Just my cup of…coffee?  Haha.  Dumb.  If you want to go more literal with the urban jungle-teer look, try a khaki “cargo-style” dress.  I snapped up one up earlier this season and love to wear it with heels and a leopard scarf or flats and some mega statement jewelry.  This Rag & Bone style also caught my eye ($395, ShopBird), and I’d pair it with my oversized wood-bead necklace (very, very similar to this affordable find — $26, ModCloth):

I’d finish with some open-weave flats (like the added interest — $98, Vince Camuto) and this chocolate-accented messenger (Michael Kors, $990, Net-A-Porter):

A pair of smart shades (Olivia P. owns these puppies by Thierry Lasry, $395, Opening Ceremony) and a scallop-accented wallet (See By Chloe, $195, Net-a-Porter) finish the look with a bang:

For weekends, I just re-discovered this amazing slim-fit cocoa-on-white striped tee that I plan to put in heavy rotation.  For something similar, try this ALC tank ($84, Barney’s) with some LRR (Lather-Rinse-Repeat) gold studs (Gorjana, $40, Shopbop), a simple gold personalized chain (I’m tempted to buy one with my initial and one with Mr. Magpie’s — $132, JenniferZeuner), white jeans, and some amazing t-straps (love the nautical rope detailing on these Guccis — $465, Net-A-Porter):

 

Spruce it up with this yellow python-accented clutch (do you die?! — around $210, WeLikeFashion) and a stack of bangles (MaxMara, $78, Matches):

And finish with some aviatahs (really into this style today — Marc by Marc Jacobs, $110, Shopbop):

 

 

Another sweet look for the weekend — perhaps brunch with your mom? — this darling cream-colored little dress (Vanessa Bruno Athe, $150, Net-A-Porter) with a tangle o chains necklace ($100, Amrita Singh):

I’d finish with toffee-colored pumps (Pelle Moda, on sale for $87, Zappos) and that amazing Marc Jacobs clutch I’ve been featuring non.stop ($1,385, Matches):

 

An oversized starburst ring adds just the right amount of funk to the outfit (House of Harlow, $60, Nordstrom), and are perfectly offset by these Chloe shades (the scalloping sort of echoes the ring design — I live for nerdy design details like that! — $330, Nordstrom):

 

 

Of course, what’s a post focused on coffee without, well, the actual coffee?  Mr. Magpie makes my French Press cup of coffee every morning — he’s got it down to a science.  He likes Intelligentsia or Stumptown for his beans, which he grinds fresh every morning with his fancy burr grinder.  I’m one spoiled little lady.

Yum!

P.S CORRECTION TO YESTERDAY’S POST: I mistakenly mentioned that my Mom has been getting her nails done at Ilo for the past 20 years, but I was wrong — that’s where she gets her hair cut and colored (by Terry and Sal, her dynamic hair styling duo!)  My Mom has actually been getting her nails done by Gloria Phillips at Salon Jean Paul (on Yuma Street in Spring Valley, DC. 202-966-1900) for the past 20 years. My apologies for the oversight!

Smooth Sailing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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


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

 

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

 

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

The Best of the Zest

In Accessories, Beach Wear, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Ikat, Intimates, Jewelry, Shoes, Sundresses, White on March 24, 2011 at 1:11 pm

The borderline picnic tablecloth-esque lemon and lime print fabric from Stella McCartney’s S/S ’11 collection garnered some major attention.  Some soured on it; others raved about the festivity of the pattern.

I thought it was sort of funky amidst an otherwise minimalist collection, and if I wouldn’t wear the exact print above, the citrus colors left me thirsty for more.  So let’s hop to it — my top CITRUS looks for the spring season.  I’d pair this Jules Reid shift ($395, Jules Reid) with a white-hot statement necklace (Oscar de la Renta, $990, Net-A-Porter):

I like the boxy retro-ness of this tote ($445, Forzieri) and would finish with some white gladiators (Givenchy, $525, Farfetch):

A happy little lime-hued ring ($345, Opening Ceremony) might be just the perfect add-on:

Or go straight for the jugular (?) with the original Stella design ($725, Stella McCartney), paired with a white bead necklace ($160, Pret-A-Beaute), white skinnies, and these Michael Kors yellow-accented sandals ($239, MyWardrobe):

Perfect finished with this leather and raffia crossbody ($230, Net-A-Porter):

Or how about a simple, affordable white dress (Michael Kors, $120, Net-A-Porter) with a citrine necklace ($188, Elva Fields)

I’d finish with these bomb statement ankle-wrap tootsies ($275, DVF):

Finish with that Marc Jacobs oversized envelope clutch ($298, Barney’s) I’ve been going bonkers over — seriously, the size totally transforms the look.

Also love the way that a lived-in cognac leather brings the look into the real world, in the 21st century.  It feels modern.  Or how about this silk Vanessa Bruno Athe number ($103, TheOutnet)?

I’d accent with this amazing yellow-on-beige snakeskin-on-yellow clutch ($185, WeLikeFashion) and either stacked espadrilles or some blinged out flat sandals (Giuseppe Zanotti, $450, Intermix):

This cheerful, slightly off-kilter necklace ($45, Palma Collection) ties it all together:

For just a TOUCH of zest, I’m also in.love with this colorblocked skirt ($46, Dorothy Perkins), which I’d pair with some sort of white blouse (Vanessa Bruno Athe, $225, Net-A-Porter)

And would finish with nude/beige/greige heels ($89, Zara)

And finish with one of those Marc Jacobs Bianca cross-bodies (man, I’m loving his stuff today! — $248, Barney’s):

Alternately, how about an easy-on cotton dress ($335, Les Pommettes)

Finished with some kicky wedges (Louboutin, $495, Barney’s) and a yellow envelope clutch (Halston, $459, MyTheresa)?

Would look AMAZING finished with that Thief & Bandit statement necklace ($65, Thief & Bandit) I featured in the {magpie covets} section the other day!

Now, I know we’re a long way off from beach season (sob — or rather, YAY! — since I’m so pale I might blind other beach-goers at the moment), but this lemon-print D&G two-piece (on sale for $102, MyWardrobe) is just.perfect. for the summer:

Perfect beneath this eye-catching tunic (Milly, $295, Net-A-Porter) –

– and finished with a classic straw tote ($104, HatAttack) and some classic white t-straps ($60, Nordstrom)?

Freshen up with a little citron de vigne body wash and lotion after a day in the sun ($18.50 for wash, $22.50 for lotion — Fresh):

For the home, why not spruce up a dull couch with some lemon-print pillows ($129/pillow, Room & Board):

Or consider cheering up your kitchen with a Rifle Paper Co. citrus print ($24, Rifle Paper):

Fresh!

Coming Home

In Accessories, Americana, Intimates, Jewelry, Neutrals, Olivia Palermo, Shoes, White on March 22, 2011 at 11:49 am

I test drive a lot of styles, but when I’m in “default mode,” I’ll always reach for classic, preppy styling.  It’s chicken soup for my fashion-frenzied soul.  It’s “coming home.”  You can attribute that to living on the East Coast my entire life, cycling my way through private elementary, middle, and high schools, and rounding out my education at the preppiest of all preppy post-secondary institutions, UVA (for undergrad) and Georgetown (for M.A.).  It’s not only a look that feels comfortable/familiar — it’s also a sartorially interesting mix of masculine/feminine, of “softening” the near-priggish with the chic.  Most nights of the week/weekend afternoons, I’ll slip into an oxford stripe tunic/shirt ($85, Polo) and pair with either leggings or skinny jeans (I’m very much loving my white skinnies at the moment, having debuted them in the unseasonably warm 70 degree weather this past Friday, and not caring a WHIT that I was breaking all kinds of supposed fashion laws):


I’ll finish with my classic brown leather Loeffler Randall wedge boots OR in the warmer weather, a pair of driving mocs (I am absolutely head over grommeted heels for these Tods loafers in either platinum — $365, MyTheresa — or Hermes orange — $425, Bergdorf Goodman):

I’d run errands in this by grabbing classic alligator-style wallet ($75, Opening Ceremony) and adding LRR (lather-rinse-repeat) daily jewelry, like a signet ring ($349, Sarah Chloe) and a borrowed-from-the-boys gold watch (Freelook, $349, Pink Mascara):

Perhaps a couple of leather-and-gold bracelets ($35 apiece, Vix):

I’d probably have to wear my uber-nerdy tortoise shell glasses if I’m driving anywhere, which I’ve owned since sophomore year of high school, and have not had checked/adjusted for over 10 years.  (Not good.  I really need to get on that.  Also need to actually start wearing my glasses — I never do, but I seriously should.)  I spotted these vintage cat-eye frames and thought about snapping ‘em up ($39, ModVintageShop):

I’d cover up with a wear-with-anything field jacket (Barbour, $399, Orvis):

I’d just as readily pair the above topper with a denim button-down (Current/Elliott is all the rage — $278, Revolve Clothing — but you can find similar styles for less at Madewell), leggings, and classic rainboots (don’t you die over these slick Loeffler Randall wedge boots — $195, Loeffler Randall) in rainy spring weather:

I’d schlep my belongings around in an easy leather tote ($320, Clare Vivier), including an adorable Bendel girl umbrella ($68, Henri Bendel) and one of these covetable monogrammed Boulevard Bag wallets (good deal, too — $107, Boulevard Bags):

I also have  secret love affair with nantucket red — that slightly washed-out, faded red color best seen on lived-in chinos and shorts.  I’d pair a navy blazer ($188, J. Crew) with a white tee ($19, Madewell) and some nantucket red chinos (DKNY, $293, MyWardrobe):

Accents?  How about a statement neclace ($210, Survolution) and these splashy Tory Burch wedges ($175, Simply Soles):


A sporty striped tote seals the deal ($315, Opening Ceremony):

Or  maybe you’re a shorts gal?  I love the idea of a gingham checked button down (I’m wearing one today! — AKA, $148, ShopLesNouvelles) with some nantucket red shorts ($42.50, J. Crew) and some of those TDF Karen Walker shades ($180, EyeGoodies):

I’d layer a vintage-style tee over the top — I just bought this uber-soft J. Crew style ($39.50, J. Crew), and have been literally wearing it with and over and under everything.  I love slipping it over a tank and then adding a super bold necklace.  Perfect blank canvas.  A pair of Sperry topsiders in classic sahara brown ($75, Sperry) sort of

I’d finish with some wear-with-anything gold studs ($60, Jenny-Bird) and a leather wrap bracelet ($86, Hayden-Harnett)

And how about a bold burnished gold ring ($245, Opening Ceremony — I feel like Olivia P. owns this for some reason) and a brown leather oversized clutch ($149, SeeVivier):

Bedtime typically calls for crisp boxers and Splendid 2×1 tanks, but I also l.o.v.e a good set of classic striped pajamas ($94 for top, $74 for bottom — Journelle) –

Especially when worn over some preppy plaid undergarments (on sale for $45 for top and $19 for bottom, Steven Alan):

Or snuggle up in this slightly nerdy-looking robe ($138, Undrest) — doesn’t it look like something Alvin & the Chipmunks’ dad would wear?!

Ahhh…easy.

St. Tropez Styling