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I'm running out of things to wear. I've pretty much been living in jeans for most of first and all of second semester because it's just been too cold to wear anything but denim...but I'm starting to wear holes in all my jeans (so frustrating!) and there are piles of little skirts and dresses gathering dust in my not so spacious dorm closet. So on the way to a sorority function tonight, I had no choice but to pull out a little sundress and make it pre-blizzard (no, seriously) weather appropriate. I've put together a few tips on achieving that balance between cute and warm-enough-to-be-alive below.
Emma Watson for Burberry Spring 2010, MoroccanOil Hydrating Masque, $31 for 250 mL at amazon.com: But first, a hair-based digression! I've decided that Emma Watson is my new hair idol. I want this haircut. It hits just below the collarbone, with long, straight layers and side bangs. The straightness and fluidity of the layers keep it going, and it's long enough to do stuff with without being ridiculously long and annoying. On another hair-related note, I may actually cave on one of these MoroccanOil products that I keep hearing about. From my extensive research (Googling) I've concluded that they are mostly Argan oil with a helping of various silicones, which sounds promising as an extensive moisturizer. This cold weather is really sucking the life out of my hair, and this might be just what I need. Plus the tub is in my exact school colors, so I might be a bit biased.
Parker Floral Cami Dress, $187 at shopbop.com, Veda Maximus Leather Jacket, $869 at shopbop.com, Target Merona Opaque Black Tights, $7 at target.com: As for all that winterizing, I'd start with a very springy/summer dress like this Parker version. It shows warm-weather amounts of skin, but it's loose enough and slim enough to be able to layer around easily, and the bright floral print would lighten up all that neutral winter outerwear so nicely. I'm sure this is the 6th time I've posted this jacket, but I can't help it. So purdy. The motorcycle cut is streamlined and balances out the girliness of the dress nicely, and all that leather and shearling lining are actually practical! This coming from a girl who wore flip flops into December. And can we just drool over that dramatic collar? Le sigh. I'd say tights are a must, first off because they give you extra coverage (no one wants to be flashing their February-pale/perhaps unshaven thighs without some preparation first, right?) and second, because they act as another layer that also ties in the jacket with the rest of the outfit nicely. I like these tights because they're cheap, and actually pretty decent. They're not 100% opaque, but they're not so sheer that they're pointless.
Frye Melissa Button Boots, $318 at fryeboots.com, Rebecca Minkoff Love Letter Satchel, $495 at shopbop.com, Ugg Australia Tasman Earmuffs in Black, $59.99 at ebay.com: Why hello there, my lovely booties. I've been wearing these non-stop since January, and they are pretty much the comfiest things ever. They've broken in so well, and I still get random compliments on them. Frye seems to have raised their price about $20, but I'd still say that they're really, really worth it. I think boots are the most practical deep winter footwear choice, but Uggs would totally kill this outfit. Instead go for something sleek and equestrian-inspired, for a bit of extra polish. Obviously these would be ideal (or just perfect for my life in general) but I'm attempting to be realistic. It's hard for me. For some reason the idea of a cross-body bag really appeals to me for the winter. Maybe it's because it lets you easily stick your hands in your pockets. I love this Rebecca Minkoff version because it's big enough to be practical, it's nothing like your dad's handsfree camera bag (it has a nice amount of spunk, no?) and all those trailing zipper pulls are a nice, boho contrast to all that hardware. Now, on a super-practical note, earmuffs! I actually have these, which now seem impossible to find online, and I love them. The pattern on the band is a little folksy, which is always fun, they're practical but not bulky or awkward-looking, and since they're Ugg, they're lined with super-comfy shearling. I have had friends threaten to steal them, and the black ties in with the rest of the outfit perfectly.
J. Crew Refined Silk-Cashmere Wrap in soft dove , $75 at jcrew.com, Gorjana Astrology Charm Necklace, $45 at shopbop.com, Lee Angel Jewelry Eden Chain Bracelet, $99 at shopbop.com: Since the pattern on the dress is such a statement, I'd go with a neutral scarf. There's a lot of black in the outfit, so I chose this soft grey. It spices everything up a bit without adding another color to deal with. It's gigantic, and since it's a silk-cashmere blend, it's soft, warm, and light (and therefore easy to wrap, which is always a plus). I'm really into the idea of small, personalized necklaces right now, and I think these astrology necklaces are a fun twist on the usual initial charms. Also because my roomie and I spent two hours looking up our respective astrology signs (Cancer, wootwoot) and the personality descriptions are creepily accurate. Last but not least, I'd make the piece of statement jewelry in this look a bracelet. A necklace would get lost under a scarf, earrings eaten by the earmuffs, and a ring covered by the gloves that I'd recommend wearing, so a bracelet is the logical choice. I'm obviously crazy about the drapey, chain construction, which looks so casually chic hanging on anyone's wrist, but what I really love is the pattern/color palette. It sorta feels like ombre, and the contrast between the matte, painted sections and the plain, shiny chains is really interesting.
Image Sources:
Burberry campaign: nymag.com, Morrocanoil masque: amazon.com, Parker dress: shopbop.com, Veda jacket: shopbop.com, Merona tights: target.com, Frye boots: fryeboots.com, Rebecca Minkoff bag: shopbop.com, Ugg earmuffs: ebay.com, J. Crew wrap: jcrew.com, Gorjana necklace: shopbop.com, Lee Angel Jewelry bracelet: shopbop.com.
So we're tweaking with the layout a bit, but we'll figure out things eventually, we promise. To get you guys through these tumultuous times, I've compiled a post full of pretty things (sadly low on lolspeak, however. Just in case the title got you excited).
Obviously, Lara Stone = gorgeous. Givenchy makeup = gorgeous. Jak and Jil photography = gorgeous. What else is there to say?
I absolutely love the mixture of textures going on here--the fur against the spotted tights and textured heels. And that this girl is pulling all of that off on a bike. Serious props.
Again, Dree Hemingway = gorge. But I'm really loving the way she's tucked her skirt in her, with just the tail hanging out and a teensy bit of skin flashing at the hip. It's a clever way to feminize a men's shirt.
J. Crew Duchess Stone Cocktail Ring, $65 at jcrew.com, Watercolor Potpourri Mini, $68 at jcrew.com, French Sailor Halter Tank, $82 at jcrew.com: I'm all about statement rings, especially ones that look like oversized engagement rings, where the 'diamond' has gotten so big that it's moved beyond confusing and all the way into amazing. How chic is the print on that skirt? It looks like a watercolor, Pop Art, Impressionist take on a floral print, and I'm loving it. It hits the right balance between old school fit and modern print, and the color palette is just bright enough. I'm hard to please when it comes to swimsuits. You want something flattering and fun, but not so fun that it's not wearable. This one-piece manages to not show too much skin but still be sexy, and it references the whole nautical theme in a subtle, cute way. The flash of white at the top keeps all those stripes from being overwhelming and spices it up a bit.
J. Crew Thicket Floral French Top, $56 at jcrew.com, and bottoms, $54 at jcrew.com, Halston Heritage Sequin Folded Clutch, $195 at shopbop.com, Moschino Crepe Pearl-Embellished Skirt, $895 at net-a-porter.com: I'm a self-admitted ditsy floral print addict (anything that references a Liberty print has me on board), and when you combine that with a bikini, tiny ruffles, and bows, well...I die. It's over-the-top girly, but all that skin showing keeps it from being too twee. I think fold-over clutches are a really fantastic idea. It looks like a clutch, but you get twice the storage. Why don't more clutches do this? The contrast between the practicality of the shape and the industrial nature of the zippers works so well against the inherent glamour of all those black sequins, and come on, it's Halston. I'm torn between liking and loving this Moschino skirt. The pearl decoration is a little awkward, but also a witty commentary on the 'pencil skirt and pearls' ensembles. The black is easy to work with, and the embellishment pretty much negates the need for jewelry. Nevermind. I love it. Especially how Net-A-Porter styled it.
Vosges Chocolates Caramel Toffee/Caramel Marshmallows, $13 for 4 pieces at vosgeschocolates.com: Don't these make your mouth water? Just a little? They're fluffy marshmallows covered in caramel, sprinkled with sea salt, dipped in dark chocolate, and then sprinkled with caramel toffee crumbles. I'm drooling just writing this. Yes, they're expensive, but I feel like these are the kind of things where you can only eat one or two at a time, which sort of justifies the price.
Image Sources:
Jak and Jil pics: jakandjil.com/blog, J. Crew ring: jcrew.com, J. Crew skirt: jcrew.com, J. Crew swimsuit: jcrew.com, J. Crew bikini: jcrew.com, Halston Heritage clutch: shopbop.com, Moschino skirt: net-a-porter.com, Vosges chocolates: vosgeschocolates.com.
Coachella this year! I still haven't confirmed if I'm going yet, but I am doing my best to make my friends come too - the more people the better! If I don't go I may cry because this year's lineup is ridiculous. I mean crazy crazy good. Not that past years' lineups haven't been up to par (last year they had M.I.A.) but there seems to be a conspiracy with all the new up-and-coming artists as well as those who have already become established to throw the most awesome stellarly fantastic concert palooza ever. Yes, I mean ever. Take a look at the list of artists below. You will see why. And yes, some are very random (Hello DEVO and Sly & the Family Stone!). For more info, go to the Coachella site where more artists are listed.
On a slightly random note, I also have a hardcore ( I mean hardcore) addiction to interior design as well as all that fashion stuff. When I was younger, like middle school, I dappled in the world of architecture; in my spare time I would buy professional design programs and make blueprints and collect paint chips and fabric patterns, all that jazz. Besides my endless love of power tools (I don't actually own any, I just daydream about them), I love, love, love reading about and look at the before and afters of diy projects. Oftentimes, I see what people have done with a cabinet or table and find a similar object in my possession and think of all the things I could do with it. Which is what brings me to the next four blogs I'm going to show you. Some reference household items, others diy projects, and some total overhauls. They're fun to look at and learn from. So if you're in a hands-on kind of mood, read away.*
Oh Joy!
You've probably heard of Oh Joy! already, but if you haven't let me tell you why this site is just so amazing! It's written by a graphic designer, Joy Deangdeelert Cho, who also sells her products online. Oh Joy! contains wonderful images of little bits of wonderfulness. The products she features are often not only whimsical but practical as well. Take this laptop case, for example. Yes, those old books are really laptop cases. Joy is very adept at finding these lovelies.
CasaSugar
While more of a time killer, CasaSugar is still an excellent site for all your design fetish desires. Part of the PopSugar network, Casa follows the same line of all the news you need in one place. Every post has some interesting aspect to it, as well as many photos that correspond to the topic so you are always visually intrigued. There are often quizzes to test your savvy and such.
Desire to Inspire
LOVE this site. It's a fabulous source for home decor. The site compiles images from all over the interwebs of themes that relate to one another and mix in styles for all tastes and budgets. There are also images that homeowners send in to boast (rightfully) about the beautiful spaces they call they're abodes. It's very easy to get lost in the magnitude of posts that exist. Also, the site was recently redesigned and as an effect had become much easier to navigate and search through the archives. So if you are a free spirit willing to have hours sucked out of your life, click away.
Design Sponge
Last, but most definitely not least is Design Sponge. This is the one stop shop for all your diy needs. Readers send in images of their befores and afters and some are truly amazing. Often times there are also notes about how you can repeat the processes yourself. Besides diys, there are also product posts and occasional food posts (yum! yet to disappoint). I have spent many many hours looking through the site's archives. Why? Because it's amazing, I need not say more.
* Mind you, as a mini disclaimer, these images in no way show the bounty of fantasticness that awaits you if you actually link hop over to these beauties. So, this is me hinting at you (wink, wink) to take a look for yourselves and make up your own minds.
Image Sources: all images linked to their prospective sites
So obviously prom and those sorts of events end with high school, right? Wrong. Kind of. College (at least Tufts) is full of formals and seasonal dance things and any sort of gathering that brings up prom connotations. Like tonight, and "Winter Bash." Can anyone tell that I'm not that thrilled? My favorite part of these events is figuring out what to wear. There are a lot of factors that go into putting together a cute, going-out, formal outfit. I'm just going to wear what I wore to prom last year, the sequined dress below. $60 on eBay! Wootwoot. And how cute is my dog?
I'm recycling that dress because I'm too lazy/cheap to go buy a new one, but in my imaginary world with my walk-in constantly refreshing designer closet, I'd wear something along the lines of the outfit below.
BCBG Sheer Paneled Evening Dress, $348 at bcbg.com, Torn by Robby Kono Olivia Crystal Mini Dress, $440 at shopbop.com, NARS Nail Polish in Purple Rain, $16 at bluemercury.com: The challenge with these college formals is that you want to look fashion-forward and chic, but a little sexy at the same time. No twee satin or empire waists here. I'd love to wear one of these two dresses. The BCBG dress plays off the sheer trend, the black/white patterning we saw at Givenchy, and the layered bandage look typical of Herve Leger. The sheer neckline has the effect of a strapless top but allows you to wear a bra, the cut is figure-hugging and flattering, and the overall effect is very futuristic Versace, sort of Zoe Saldana in Star Trek but a little flirtier. This second dress I've posted a couple of times, but I really do think it's perfect. The one-sleeve silhouette is really on-trend, and adds a little extra coverage/warmth, and the subtle crystal embellishment adds such an interesting sheen. It's a refreshing alternative to sequins, and a little more rock and roll chic. I'd spice up both these neutral dresses with this new purple polish from NARS. It's not so bright that it takes these super-sleek dresses into neon raver territory, but it's bright enough to add a bit of fun and warmth. Plus, the iridescent sheen really makes the purple jewel-tone come alive. It's the perfect girly counterpart to an edgier dress.
Kate Beckinsale: I'd do a smokey eye somewhat like Kate Beckinsale's below--very tight to the eye, lots of blending, black liner.
Stila Jewel Eye Shadow Palette, $32 at sephora.com, CC SKYE Blossom Ring, $245 at shopbop.com, YSL Tribute Suede Sandals, $995 at net-a-porter.com: For that smokey eye, I'd use this Stila palette. Not only have I heard amazing things about it (like that it's super smooth, and sparkly but with next to no fallout), but the combination of the sparkly black and the warm golds/pinks/purples would be fantastic for a fun twist on the traditional smokey eye look. I'd smudge the black into the lashline and drag it out a bit beyond the corner of the eye, blend the purple heavily in the crease, and swipe a bit of the rosey pink onto the inner corner of the eye. For this look I wanted to keep the jewelry to a minimum, just because big earrings/necklaces can be a little challenging to dance with and easy to look, so a statement ring was the perfect alternative. I like this CC SKYE version because it stays within the muted color palette of the dresses while adding a little extra bling, and the Art Deco black and white pattern is very dramatic and of the moment. To tie the purple nails in with the rest of the outfit and to add a dash more color, I'd chose these YSL Tribute heels. The shape is pretty much iconic by now, the platform is super practical, and the suede adds a lot of textural interest to the look while the purple adds a little more spunk.
Thakoon Addition Twist Front Lace Dress, $1,120 at shopbop.com, Draped Cami Dress, $885 at shopbop.com, Mulberry Oversized Shiny Alexa Tote, $1,1450 at shopbop.com: And on a totally unrelated note, these lovely pieces popped up on Shopbop today and I had to share them with you guys. First off, I love Thakoon Addition. It's still not cheap, but it's so much cheaper than regular Thakoon, and a little more wearable. How gorgeous are these dresses? The twisted detailing on this first dress is so ethereal and chic, but also crazy flattering. I like how the patterned, sheer overlay becomes the sleeves and extends beyond the hem of the dress. It's the perfect way to do Grecian, summer chic without looking, well, cliched and Grecian. This second dress is giving me a '90s flashback, but in a good way. The itsy-bitsy floral print contrasts nicely with the simple shape and drapey ruching. It's a nice, new take on the spring sundress, no? And then there's this bag. AKA the new love of my life. 1: it's leopard print. Glazed leopard print, no less. 2: the shape is the lovechild between a satchel and a shoulder bag. 3: it has multiple handles. 4: it's amazing. Do I have to continue?
Image Sources:
BCBG dress: bcbg.com, Torn by Ronny Kobo dress: shopbop.com, NARS nail polish: temptalia.com, Kate Beckinsale pics: glamour.com, Stila palette: sephora.com, CC SKYE ring: shopbop.com, YSL heels: net-a-porter.com, Thakoon Addition twist front dress: shopbop.com, Thakoon Addition cami dress: shopbop.com, Mulberry bag: shopbop.com.
Valentine's day is a tricky holiday. It's associated with so many cheesy/depressing stereotypes, and hence cheesy and depressing presents. Who really wants grocery store chocolate, red roses, or tacky lingerie? No thanks. So I rounded up a few things that I'd want for Valentine's day, which you can then sneakily leave up on your boyfriend's computer/print out and leave all over his car or something along those lines. Subtlety isn't necessary.
Tiffany Bow Earrings in sterling silver, $125 at tiffanys.com, Vintage Oval Key Pendant, $175 at tiffany.com, Alphabet Disc Charm, $50 at tiffany.com: I know Tiffanys is so expected, but...there's kind of a reason, right? I'm not talking about the toggle-heart bracelets or Elsa Peretti charms, but just some chic, classy silver pieces from Tiffanys. No hearts allowed. I think I already posted these bow earrings, but I really like them for Valentine's because they're still sweet, but less expected than a heart, and they're basic enough to wear all the time. I have this key pendant, and I wear it basically everyday and get compliments on it all the time. There's something really romantic and nostalgic about an old school key pendant, and the Tiffany ones come in a variety of shapes/sizes. And then of course you can get all deep/meaningful about what a key symbolizes, and all that jazz. I think monograms are a really cute idea for Valentine's! They're really personal, and show that you really put thought into the gift, but they're really simple and easy to wear on a daily basis.
Viv & Ingrid Diamond Posts, $41 at vivandingrid.com, Rag & Bone Superfine Scarf, $240 at shopbop.com, Il Labatorio del Gelato, $60 for 4 tubs at labatoriodelgelato.com: Not every guy can shell out for real diamonds on Valentine's, and I think these studs would be a great stand-in. They come in the iconic diamond shape for an epic fraction of the price, they're a little witty/cheeky, and they're actually really pretty. I know a scarf seems random, but honestly, who wouldn't want a really nice scarf for Valentine's day? Think about it. You don't have to justify paying for it, since it's in a nice neutral shade, you can snuggle with it all the time and think of whoever gave it to you. That's a win-win for everybody. So instead of chocolate, why not intensely awesome, boutique gelato? First off, I would totally keep the tubs because they're awesome and slightly chem-lab looking, and second off, it comes in flavors like maple walnut, ricotta, and tangerine. Omnomnom.
J. Crew Black Blossom Nico Skirt, $59.99 at jcrew.com, Tulle Blossom Art Tee, $45 at jcrew.com, Bonnie Vie Scarf, $55 at jcrew.com: I really don't trust boys and picking out clothing, but I think maybe if you gave them extremely specific instructions it could work out? Possibly? I'm not saying Valentine's day is the perfect occasion to ask for a little leather jacket or a studded pair of heels, but for sweet, girly pieces I think it's really appropriate. This skirt is very on-trend, with the high-waisted mini shape, the elastic waist-band adds definition and draws the eye to your waist, and the sepia floral print is equal parts vintage and abstract. I love this tee shirt. The flowers and the tulle appliques are so ballerina meets Lanvin meets adorable. This would be the perfect piece to wear with jeans or a basic skirt, and it's actually really affordable for a Valentine's day gift. I think I've made my love for scarves very clear. The previous scarf is very winter appropriate, and I think this scarf would be a really great west coast option. It's really light, so it's easy to layer/wrap, and the delicate pink stripes are a fab combination of menswear-y and kitschy. It looks very classy and Italian to me for some reason, and I don't think you can go wrong with that vibe.
J. Crew Degrade Serafina Dress, $450 at jcrew.com, Only Hearts Venice Wrap Chemise, $92 at onlyhearts.com, Narcisco Rodriguez for Her EDT, $92 for 3.3 oz. at sephora.com: I'm really impressed with J. Crew for coming up with this dress. It looks very ready-to-wear to me. The washed-out pastel ombre, the gathered chiffon, the asymmetry, the subtlety, all of it combines in a way that screams Botticelli's Venus to me (art history nerd alert). It is expensive for J. Crew, but I do think it's worth it in terms of cost per wear, because I would live in that thing. Now, if you are going to subscribe to the lingerie for Valentine's day thing, why not go for a cute, sensible nighty instead? Something you would actually wear, not a sheer nothing with marabou trim. I absolutely love this Only Hearts chemise. The black contrasts the slight sheerness and the Grecian draping perfectly, the cut is cute but not overly revealing, and the berry-esque applique at the shoulder only adds to the Greek goddess appeal. Another really good option for Valentine's day is perfume, but not of the tacky Paris Hilton/Ed Hardy/Gucci variety, please. Go for something understated and girly, but still sexy. Narcisco Rodriguez for Her EDT is a floral, musky combination of honey flower, solar musk, orange blossom, osmanthus, amberlyn, vanilla, tactile musk, tactile woods, and vetiver. The honey and the vanilla really come through the musky base, and the flowers add a light touch. Plus, how hardcore, dominatrix girly is that bottle?
And of course, you could always just buy these for yourself and be your own Valentine. In a cute way, not a weird/dirty way.
Image Sources:
Tiffany earrings: tiffany.com, key: tiffany.com, monogram pendant: tiffany.com, Viv & Ingrid earrings: vivandingrid.com, Rag & Bone scarf: shopbop.com, Labatorio del Gelato: labatoriodelgelato.com, J. Crew skirt: jcrew.com, J. Crew tee: jcrew.com, J. Crew scarf: jcrew.com, J. Crew dress: jcrew.com, Only Hearts chemise: onlyhearts.com, Narcisco Rodriguez for Her: sephora.com.
