Faute de Mieux

The French phrase “faute de mieux” is a linguistic gem.  Its very existence reflects both the center and circumference of a distinctively French attitude.  “Faute de mieux” translates literally as “for lack of something better” — and only the French would have a figure of speech of such dismissiveness and nonchalance, n’est-ce pas?  Us optimistic Americans just use the neutral “instead.”

But, today’s post is in fact aptly titled “faute de mieux” because I couldn’t quite corral my diversity of covets into a cohesive post.  That, and I thought the phrase sounded cooler than “Instead.”  So sometimes the French have it right — at least where aesthetics are concerned.

Alright, that was a lot of pedantry for a Friday morning, so let’s cut to the chase here.  Things to drool over:

1.  IllBeCa by Joy Gryson Church Street Envelope ($98).

UM, what.  Is this not the chicest thing since sliced brioche?  (????  Don’t know what that means.)  And how is it only $98?  I literally rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.  Did they drop off the first digit there?  So run, don’t walk, to snap up your own.  The shape and colors are of-the-moment in an I’m-a-fashion-editor kind of way.

2.  Horn Tumblers ($75 for 2).

I’m a little late to the game here, but just started watching HBO’s GAME OF THRONES.  (Nerd, cough.)  And.  Obsessed.  Tell me I’m not alone here?  Kind of thinking I need some horn steins to guzzle mead out of while watching the rest of season 2.  Anyone else?

3.  Letter Bracelet ($185).

Shifting gears to something a little less embarrassing, I’m smitten with these lettered gold bracelets, part of a designer collab between Bauble Bar and Maya Brenner.  (Maya is better known for her state necklaces — if you have some state pride to brandish, check this series out!)  I kind of want one for both my first initial and Mr. Magpie’s.

If $185 is a little steep for this sort of accessory, check out these lettered necklaces from Gorjana ($50/pop).

4.  Script Blouse ($103).

And while we’re on the topic of the alphabet (a loose connection, at best), how funky-cool is this script-print blouse from Karl, on RIDIC sale for 70% off from Net-A-Porter?!

I can’t make out what it says on the shirt, but I hope it’s something snarky like “faute de mieux.”  (Ha.  It all comes full circle.)

5.  Two-Tone Clutch ($39).

I don’t know if you’re feeling clutched out after what feels like 34 consecutive seasons of non-stop clutching (?), but if you have room in your heart for these little guys ($39 but Gap has been running discounts for the past 2 weeks), the colors are really spot-on.

6.  Non-Seasonal Lust Item: Suno’s High Neck Patterned Dress ($595)

I know this is wretchedly inappropriate given that I’m excitedly awaiting for Christmas, but I saw this stunning dress from hot line SUNO NY (originally made famous by Kate Bosworth’s hippie chic look at Coachella a few years back, where she made quite a splash in a tie-dyed Suno number) and stopped dead in my tracks.  I need this.  End of story.

The color, the print, the neckline.  It’s just delicious perfection.  Sort of like a grown-up Lilly Pulitzer.

7.  Kaleidoscopic Print Sloafers ($155)

You may be exhausted with this trend as well (I’m sorta winding down on them myself), but the print on these puppies was too good not to showcase.  Love ’em.  Imagine with #allblackeverything.

8.  Foo Dogs ($58 for set)

Shifting gears, I love these fun little ceramic foo dogs.  I would use them as book-ends or maybe would separate them and have them live in different parts of my house — as decor on a bookshelf, on a mantel, on a coffee table atop a stack of books, proudly displaying a couple of my necklaces in my dressing room, etc.  Great colors, don’t you think?  I’m torn between the deep blue and the pristine white.

9.  Cozy, Candy-Colored Thermals ($24)

Tell me these aren’t the snuggliest, cheeriest little thangs you ever laid eyes on.  I snagged the melon-and-cream striped one earlier this season, and am regretting it since they’re now so cheap — $24 plus 30% off.  Perfect for pairing with cozy pajama bottoms on Christmas day, or beneath a puffer vest with some boyfriend jeans and funky flats.

10.  Painted Birdcages ($182)

I supposed I’m drawing some serious influence from Asian accent pieces, because in addition to the foo dogs above, I’m also swooning over these brightly colored pagoda birdcages.  Love how fanciful they are.  I can see them in a little girl’s room, as a big accent piece in the corner of the room.

So there you have it — faute de mieux, 10 items currently inspiring me!  What’s on your radar?