Dream Weaver

When I first took an interest in fashion, I found it difficult to differentiate between designers.  I always marveled at the way in which those better-in-the-sartorial-know could, at the drop of a hat, recall which house had designed which look, which season, and under whose creative direction.  The only label I could definitively point out was Missoni, whose hallmark woven knit (frequently in earthy colors like rust, gold, and ochre) was a cinch to recognize.  To this day, I have an affinity for the line — I admire a label with such cohesive vision and stick-to-it-iveness.  I’m sure others would decry this consistency as a lack of inventiveness, but I, for one, gravitate towards its earthy mama, slightly hippie vibe.

{nicole richie, rocking a missoni maxi}

{standard issue Missoni ad — there’s that woven knit I know and love!}{looks from the runway}

Missoni befits a well-heeled, low maintenance chic pea — hard to imagine another line that achieves such well-balanced elegance and nonchalance.  Very much what I wish I could pull off when I’m frantically dumping the contents of my wardrobe on the floor in a mad dash against the clock.  {Why, why, WHY am I always running late?!  Mr. Magpie and I stupidly took a late, leisurely lunch this past Saturday and found ourselves with only 42 minutes to shower and ready ourselves for the lovely wedding we attended that evening.  Why!?}  At any rate, perhaps selecting a few “Missoni-esque” pieces will help me along my way…

First things first: a breezy, crochet-accented dress ($199, Calypso), accessorized with a tassel lariat (this style of necklace has been ALL.over.the.place this season, but this affordable H&M style caught my eye — $10, H&M).  This is exactly what I would imagine slipping into after a day of sun and beach while on a Mediterranean getaway…preferably on a yacht.

I’d finish with some cork wedges (Tory Burch, on sale for $237, Bergdorf’s) and a little clutcheroo ($95, Calypso):

Perfect finished with this ridged gold cuff ($28, TopShop):

Alternately, thoughts on this body-con Milly style ($595, Shopbop)?  Loving it.

So much going on with the design and fabrication of the dress, you’d do best to keep add-ons to a min — something like this Bally clutch (on sale for $647, Net-A-Porter) and these neutral Louboutins (the “Titi” 120, in panama straw!) are pitch-perfect.

I might add a pair of studs ($140, Amanda Rudey) to the mix, but would otherwise keep jewelry out of the picture:

If you can afford the Real Deal, check out this Missoni maxi ($886, MyWardrobe) paired with these eye-catching danglers ($69, Janna Conner):

Lovely with a metallic-and-bamboo accented straw clutch (on sale for $122, Elaine Turner) and some beaded flat sandals ($570, Anya Hindmarch)

For a dressier night out, how about this beaded knit number, appropriately dubbed “the Margharita dress” (the baroness behind the Missoni line shares the name — $295, Calypso):

Add to the fringed drama with these Bounkit sparklers ($385, Charm and Chain) and these uh-may-zing Rupert Sanderson tootsies ($795, Rupert Sanderson):

This Chloe clutch is made for the look ($1,650, MyTheresa)…if it lived in my closet, I’d wear it every day.

For a less formal affair, how about this loose knit dress (appears to also be appropriate as a top/slouchy sweater — $199, Calypso) with a bold turquoise necklace (Rosantica, $525, Net-A-Porter):

Could be perfect over a bikini at the beach, but I also like it paired with white skinnies and some woven wedges (Missoni!, $350, Net-A-Porter):

Some cat-eye shades ($195, MiuMiu) and a cut-out leather clutch (can’t decide if I like it in silver or one of the other 8 shades it comes in…$160, Cleobella) seal the deal:

Another poolside appropriate get-up very much in the Missoni frame of mind?  This Mara Hoffman caftan ($505, Matches)…whyyyy don’t I have an excuse to wear this sort of thing everyday?   I’d wear it with this slightly quirky elephant pendant ($295, Dannijo) and call it a day.

Perfect with uber-high neutral canvas wedges (on sale for $455, Giuseppe Zanotti),  a red-trimmed straw tote (Fendi, $641, Farfetch), and a gold cuff ($45, Max and Chloe):

For other beach-front lounge ideas, consider this Missoni-style cover up ($88, EchoDesign) over a yellow bikini (Vix, $84 for top, $88 for bottom, Net-A-Porter), finished with a panama hat ($60, Stefani Bags):

Ideal with this yellow-accented straw tote (on sale for $193, KateSpade) and some gold beaded sandals ($98, Vince Camuto):

If you’d like just a touch of the Missoni, consider these Missoni-and-Havaianas flip flops ($70, Havaianas) —

Or, for travel, how ’bout this zig zag duffel ($200, SaltboxNYC)?  Looks like it came straight from the Missoni collection…but at a fraction of the price!

Might be the perfect counterpoint to a breezy crochet-trim top ($95, Calypso) with a statement necklace ($36, OrchidBoutique) and a pair of smart-looking khaki shorts ($15, H&M):

A pair of eye-catching sandals (Louboutin, $495, Bergdorf’s) and a be-tasseled tote ($95, Mar Y Sol) finish the look:

If the thought of shorts without heels leaves you anxious (not sure if anyone else worries about shorts-induced stumpy legs), consider these eye-catching House of Harlow pumps ($225, Koko & Palenki):

Loveeeee!