Spring Scallops

{images via here, here, here....and here}

I've always had a weakness for scallops since they instantly add a feminine aspect to any ensemble and serve as my springtime staple.  With this season's onslaught of pastels I'm leaning towards the softer looks above, but designers such as my favorite surly-faced Brit (aka Victoria Beckham) are offering bolder versions.

Aztec Inspiration x Gold Hardware

{images via here}

 Lately I've been on an Aussie label hunt and stumbled across this amazing printed, racer back dress by Talulah.  Naturally, these photos also put me in a frenzy to find double gold cuffs and an accompanying metal belt.  However, the caveat is that these purchases need to be made on a shoestring budget so that I don't have any guilt once I discard them like last season's poncho reincarnation.  Always up for the online shopping challenge I scoured websites for baubles that would help re-create this look without appearing like a Kardashian doppelganger.  OK, who am I kidding I love those Kardashians

{1. double gold cuffs, 2. metal belt}

into the blue

{1. Sessun jacket, 2. Sessun necklace, 3. Celine clutch, 4. sequined sweater, 5. electric blue heels, 6. Vogue China}

I was actually getting my life together today and organizing my closet when my somewhat anal retentive self began hanging clothes from darkest to lightest (within their corresponding categories of course).  2 Diet Cokes and a bit of perspiration later I realized that I had done just what I sought out to accomplish, but noticed that my "colors" ranged from the darkest shade of cream to the lightest.  A few random pieces of black and red (if I was looking to get crazy) hung intermittently in between.  I realized that although I might preach about color it is completely void in my wardrobe.  I mainly shy away from color and stick to the basics, but I've now become bored with the same old formula.  So now I am fully concentrating on introducing some pop colors into my life and thought I might start with the ultramarine and cerulean blues that are so abundant in the market.  This is really uncharted territory because my closet has never seen the cool end of the spectrum since elementary school when I was dressed in every color of the rainbow.  Wish me luck.  

garden party

{images via Kelsey Genna}

19 year-old design phenom, Kelsey Genna is a New Zealand native who just recently launched her own label upon graduating.  I can barely tie my own shoelaces in the morning let alone successfully run my own handmade line, which is why I'm absolutely in awe of her unapologetically flirty and feminine pieces.  Better yet, she also offers a sample sale exclusive to etsy so the pieces you covet can be a little more wallet friendly.

going to great lengths



{1. FreePeople pleated maxi skirt, 2. image via Fashion Cappuccino, 3. asymmetric strapless dress, 4. strapless dress with skirt drape 5. tank maxi dress }

I have to admit that I first resisted the onslaught of floor skimming dresses and skirts.  My motto had always been "the shorter, the better" which was especially evident when my horrified mother discovered that I had cut another 2 inches off of my already too short denim mini skirt in high school.  Alas, I have become wiser and somewhat more conservative over the years, or so I would like to think, and now fully embrace the look.  The maxi skirts and dresses above are fantastically ethereal confections of silk and chiffon and of course, I had to throw in the Mara Hoffman tribal print for fun.     




color blocking

{image via Urban Outfitters}

After perusing the Urban Outfitters March Catalog I've definitely taken a liking to their color blocked frocks and kicky (strange, I've never used that adjective before and not too sure if it even is one) little tops with shocks of lemon and red.  Most of the looks also have added elements such as exposed zippers and double straps to take it up a notch.  And for most of the items falling under the $50 range you can definitely afford to scoop up a few pieces for Spring & Summer.

lusting after lace



{1. crochet tunic, 2. lace trim blouse, 3. lace shorts, 4. lace top, 5. dolce & gabbana, 6. michelle williams, 7. lace mini skirt}

Lace is being seen as a big idea for Spring as evidenced through runway and editorial.  More virginal than vixenish, creams and crochets are dominating the scene.  Above are some of my favorites looks that just may or may not have been purchased during a vicious online shopping spree (which by the way, has spiraled out of control - I need to put myself on lockdown).

south x southwest

images via Camilla Armbrust

(1. tunic dress, 2. DV by Dolce Vita suede sandals 3. DV by Dolce Vita beaded sandal 4. crochet lace vest 5. fringe suede pouch bag 6. short tribe necklace 7. long arrowhead necklace 8. bib necklace 9. beaded pendant necklace)

Over the weekend, my brother was in town from Texas, which made me realize that I'm a complete schmuck because I have yet to visit him since he made the move.  I've never been to that part of the country before and don't count the time I headed to Scottsdale, AZ for a trip with friends during college and ended up getting an emergency wisdom tooth extraction the second day we were there.  Needless to say, I was hyped up on vicadin during the rest of the time and really can't recall anything.  So in my redeeming trip I came up with my hypothetical packing list (I have yet to figure out how to acquire these goods) and of course, my beloved, beat up cowboy boots will be thrown into the mix as well.  When in Rome, right?

holy shift!

BCBG

Michael Kors



Calvin Klein

Fresh off the season with a persistent post-holiday hangover and expanded waistline I couldn't be more enthusiastic about runway and retailers resort and spring preview collections.  Actually, no I'm dreading it after seeing the absurdly toned and tanned Chanel waifs strutting the runway in nothing but gingham bikinis and a smirk.  Thankfully, I befriended the shift years ago after being so impressed with it's ability to conceal your shape by portraying it's own hard edged a-line silhouette.  As luck would have it a slew of shifts plagued runway collections that embodied pop colors and the new minimalism so abundant amongst pre-spring collections - a triple threat!  Although hard to imagine with several inches of snow on the ground this style will definitely become my warm weather staple. 

gold rush

 



gold mini dress



gold sequined dress



gold "Twirl" dress



As we're on the cusp of the holiday soiree season I'm seeing a slew of metallic frocks and I must say, I'm partial to the heavily-encrusted gold confections like the ones pictured above.  They're more sassy than sweet - almost like sheaths of armor, and sure to be a head turner at your next fete.





transitional period

(silk floral Madewell dress, Etoile Isabel Marant military anorak, Asos skinny belt, Madewell over-the-knee socks, Jeffrey Campbell platform sandal)

With the weather being in flux and a wardrobe divided I've decided to pair Summer pieces with early Fall staples.  I love the look of a belted, wispy dress outfitted with a military anorak to create that boy/girl tension.  The ribbed knee-high socks worn with the platforms add a certain quirkiness to the ensemble, but the suede and studs of the sandal still keep it sophisticated.