Chocolate Kiss

My father once told me that his favorite color on me was brown.  I was confused and a little taken aback (perhaps even slightly miffed): brown?!  Of all the feminine colors out there, how could he associate constantly-in-color me with brown?!  But I slowly realized that brown is in fact one of the most flattering shades on a brunette — and one of the classiest colors imaginable when in a rich fabric or accented with ivory.  It’s as yummy-looking a combination as a perfectly-prepared mocha.

Think, for example, of how impossibly chic you’d look layering a Virginia Johnson scarf (on sale for $156, ShopPrettyMommy) atop a structured white or ivory dress (Theory, $325, Neiman Marcus):

Add some enorma-shades in tortoise shell (Kate Spade, $148, Nordstrom) and these Enzo Angiolini tortoise pumps (I’m obsessed with this style — and they’re so affordable! — on sale for $53, Zappos), and you’ll be classiest thing your office has ever seen.

Or, if you’re a label luster like myself, check out these picture perfect Louboutins ($775, Neiman Marcus):

Why not punch things up with these fab retro-chic enorma-studs by my personal favorite jewelry designer, Bounkit ($385, Bounkit)?

Alternately, classic pearl studs are always permissible (Mikimoto, $300-$1,400 depending on size, Nordstrom), especially when offset by this eye-catching Amanda Rudey smokey topaz and pearl ring ($140, Max & Chloe):

And — if you’re moving from day-to-night, simply whisk off your artfully-tied scarf and add this lovely hard-case tortoise shell clutch ($99, Johnston & Murphy):

For something a bit more party appropriate, how precious is this tie-dye inspired Campaigne dress (on sale for $119, Bluefly)?

I’d die to wear it with this ridiculous, bank-breaking Fendi clutch ($1,620, Barney’s) and something like these platform Rupert Sanderson pumps ($257, TheOutnet):

Darling.  Adapt the style to your office environment by investing in this Lela Rose dress (on sale for $570, Neiman Marcus):

Because the cut is so femininely demure, you could probably get away with those bold Rupert Sandersons while still looking super refined.  If you need something more corporate, I love everything about these classic point-toed suede pumps (Kate Spade, $258, Shirise):

They would look equally appropriate when sported with this bold chocolate-on-white DVF dress (on sale for $211, MyTheresa) and the iconic Mulberry Bayswater in white (one of my all-time favorite bags — and I just found out my little sis snagged one!  I’m jeal — $1,000, Mulberry):

For weekend wear, I’m envisioning this espresso-colored Milly top (on sale for $124, ShopTwigs) with your favorite pair of white jeans:

Wear with simple gold t-straps or — how sick are these Chloe flats ($625, Net-A-Porter)?

Then simply add on this adorable Kate Spade tote ($295, Kate Spade):

Love.  Alternately, pair the above tote with a simple white tee, these Kate Spade “Piper” shorts ($156, Bloomingdale’s), and a bib necklace (Milly, $235, Neiman Marcus):

Round it all out with these killer brown wedges ($187, Matt Bernson):

For poolside lounging, mocha-colored swimwear is surprisingly sophisticated.  I love the simplicity and (dare I say this in reference to a bikini?) elegance of this Tooshie two-piece ($182, TheOutnet), especially when worn with a simple wide-brim hat (Eugenia Kim’s hats are all.the.rage — $298, Intermix):

Or, if you’re more in the Kardashian camp of fashion (I’m not ashamed to admit that I obsess over Kourtney Kardashian’s fearless styling), consider layering this leopard print pareo over your bikini (on sale for $14, Spiegel) and sporting some timeless aviators ($139, Ray-Ban):

Or maybe you’re into splashier prints?  How unexpected is this Kushcush palm-frond-print bikini ($49 for top, $52 for bottoms — Bluefly):

Super fresh with a billowy white tunic — Calypso always has incredible beachy-chic options, and I’m especially bananas over this Madame A Paris brand cover up they’ve been carrying (on sale for $99, Calypso):

If you’re on the preppier end of the styling spectrum, add this chic Elaine Turner straw bag (very Charlotte York — and on sale for $147, Elaine Turner) and a pair of Lanvin shades (on sale for $146, TheOutnet):

If you count yourself an eclectic dresser, pair with this fun little Kate Spade tote ($338, Endless) with these fearless gold gladiators (I’ve been on the hunt for a flattering pair forever, but just can’t yet make these leap — these are on my short list, however: $175, TheShoeBox):

And, for a dinner out, how about this ridiculously discounted Derek Lam dress ($567, TheOutnet):

Love the upscale tribal chic look — perfect with these sky-high Lanvins ($383, TheOutnet):

If those are too “out there” for you (several of you wish I’d steer away from the platform style), these classic patent leather Valentinos with the fan-accent on the toe are stunning ($298, TheOutnet):

A nice, calorie-free way to satisfy your chocolate craving…