At First Blush

After suggesting Mulberry’s ladylike “Bayswater” bag in yesterday’s Jackie O.-inspired post, I had a luxe shell-pink and ivory palette in mind for this (abbreviated) work-week.  (I’m heading to Charlottesville for the spring Foxfield Races — a tradition for us Wahoos, or UVA grads.  Look forward to my report on sundresses later this week, or maybe after I’ve surveyed the crowd.)

The tentative D.C. spring weather (it was 80 on Friday; it was 48 when I walked to work today) is perfect for these pale, muted pinks and creamy neutrals.  Imagine the feminine-yet-bold balance you’d strike with this killer Roberta Freymann bib necklace:

(Side note: Olivia Palermo, of MTV’s The City fame, designs for Freymann.  She’s crafted a series of eye-catching cut glass beaded statement necklaces in a range of happy colors — pitch perfect and appealingly “global” for this season.)  I’d pair the blush-toned necklace above with a petal pink dress, like this inexpensive one by B.B. Dakota (an affordable $85), available at Shopbop:

I like the idea of sticking to a nude/blush color family, but think you could also pull off the Chanel look with some black patent pointy-toed pumps and enormous black shades.  For a more formal event, I’m into this slightly whimsical Milly dress:

I love the idea of pairing a shell pink dress with patent nude pumps and, if you forgo the Freymann necklace (as you should when wearing the asymmetrical neckline of the Milly dress above), some big, sparkling earrings — like these Pade Vavra drusy mineral studs:

You can find them at Charm & Chain (love the imaginative descriptions that accompany all of their products).  Alternately, slip on a delicate-looking cocktail ring, like this Amanda Rudey “Small Bloom” ring, available for an affordable $130 at Max & Chloe:
Or this luxe-looking mother of pearl ring by Melanie Auld (also at Max & Chloe):

If you’re really daring, you might try these petal-pink pumps by Louboutin, which I also featured in my Past(el) Perfect post:

If you want the look for less, the fashion-forward can try this low-wedge variation by Kelsi Dagger (find them at PiperLime):

(Note that the high-ankle strap could be worrisome if you’re at all self-conscious about your legs.)  The mini-wedge reminds me of Loeffler Randall’s genius “Matilde” boot design.

While I adore its unfussy style, I wince at the price tag (around $600) since I literally wear my flat boots every day of the winter and have hence picked up a new pair of the Steve Madden rip-off version at the beginning of each fall season — I’m sure you’ve seen them all over the place.  Good price point (listed around $200 but almost always available for less) — poor shelf life.  I literally wear the soles out come spring.

While on the subject of footwear, I of course have to advocate my dream purchase — the Louboutins I featured in my “Coming Up Roses” post.  I still die over them.

For those of you not too keen on the height situation (I’m sure they kill your feet), I think these Pour La Victoire flats are precious — although I’d probably pare down the frilliness of the rest of the outfit to avoid sugary-sweet-overdrive (think: minimalist black or gray dress.)

I’d top it all off with this lace-inspired floral It Girl bag (Valentino):

I saw Eva Mendes wearing it and I wanted it immediately.  I’ll conclude with my favorite newcomer to the undergarment scene — Phillip Lim.  If you read the blurb on him in this month’s MarieClaire, you probably have a newfound respect for him (he’s “a woman’s best friend,” according to the editors.)  And he certainly does not fall short with this beautiful pair of nearly-in-the-buff (literally and color-wise) boyshorts.

Enough to leave me blush(ing).

Addenda: THANK YOU to my Brit-based maid-of-honor, who has informed me that — contrary to my Keep It Clean post — Roger & Gallet hand soap is available in the small, European-style grocery Rodman’s at Wisconsin and Harrison in NW D.C.  This must mean it’s available elsewhere stateside — keep your eyes peeled!

And another THANK YOU to my Seriously-Plugged-In Girlfriend — we’ll call her “Ms. In-the-Know” — for alerting me to WonderBar, an all-in-one soap that minimizes pores and, in her own words, “leaves my skin feeling like a newborn baby’s bottom.”  I’m buying into it — hook, line, and sinker.  Expect a full report down the road.