bright eyes
Tuesday, May 8
I love statement sunglasses, I do--as long as they don't make you look like you're on your way to a costume party. With summer rounding the corner, the bold sunnies trend is cresting, and I'm going to delve in by taking a style cue from British-born, New York-based model Poppy Delevigne, pictured above, and work me some red sunnies. Poppy's Ray Ban Wayfarers are not too over the top, add a bit of unexpected edge and yet are everyday-worthy. Here's another eye-catching retro-inspired option from J. Crew.
fine lines
Tuesday, May 8
You know I am a sucker for stripes, and I seem to never have enough. The more, the merrier. I love how this sweater combines stripes of varying widths to a modern effect, and the dashes of red give it a cool graphic pop. It's a chic mixture of Nantucket preppy and Left Bank gamine. I'd wear it to lunch with the girls at Soho House with* (see below for loads more possibilities)...
1. Tommy Hilfiger sweater*, $39, tommyhilfiger.com
2. Topshop funnel neck jacket, $96, topshop.com
3. Zara mini shopper, $99, zara.com
4. Kate Spade python print pump, $199, piperlime.com
5. Mother metallic skinny jeans, $225, netaporter.com
Noteworthy aside: I was at a Lucky photo shoot, shooting a story for the August issue the other day, and we had a few Tommy Hilfiger motorcycle jackets from Fall 2012 on the racks and to say they were insanely chic would be an understatement: one came in rich, plush plaid and the other was a yummy red patent leather. They mingled with other pieces from Louis Vuitton and Mulberry and I was floored/shocked how well they all jibed. Check out these other current pieces--a sumptuous leather wrap skirt, a leather moto jacket, and these striped hem pants from Tommy. You would never know...
*I also want to add that I'd wear this Tommy striped sweater like crazy, with everything from army green cargo pants to cut-off denim shorts, and even, in a very J. Crew kind of way, with a sequined pencil skirt, or distressed boyfriend jeans. Yes, a lot of options, my friends.
mum's the word
Monday, May 7
My twin sister, who is a mother to two young children (not coincidentally, the same ages as mine!), has been longing for a signet ring. So for Mother's Day, I got her this one by Bare from Des Kohan. The teardrop shape gives it a modern twist, and it can be monogrammed with one to three letters (I thought it'd be cute to do the first initials of both of her kids). It comes in white, yellow and rose (my favorite) gold and costs $124, plus engraving. I like the idea of wearing it as a pinky ring. She will love it too.
hot rocks
Monday, May 7
Sometimes when I am getting dressed in the morning and feeling uninspired (or overwhelmed), I choose an accessory first and dress around it. Going for a statement necklace like this further simplifies things because it becomes the outfit's focal point, which means the rest of the outfit can be rather basic. Made with pops of neon and robust rhinestones, this Ann Taylor choker gets it right. Wear it with..
1. Acne silk and cotton sweater, $230, netaporter.com
2. Ann Taylor necklace, $148, anntaylor.com
3. Topshop clutch*, $32, topshop.com
4. Madewell sandals, $138, madewell.com
5. Juicy Couture shorts, $140, netaporter.com
*This is actually an iPad case, but can be used as a clutch too. Genius.
beachy keen
Friday, May 4
I love a dress that looks like it has stories to tell. This one looks vintage, or might have been unearthed on a trip to Marrakesh, and has in the last few years gone to a music festival or two. Well, dear readers, this red embroidered dress is by Free People, and it will soon be mine. And the stories it will tell in my case will be about going to the beach with two little kids and family barbecues while still looking sexy despite the ketchup and ice cream stains from the little hands tugging on it. Is it not gorgeous?
summer in the city
Friday, May 4
I'm heading to New York in a few weeks and I am so looking forward to the heat and humidity and wearing light, breezy dresses. (There's been an inordinate amount of cold, foggy days here in LA and I am still wearing three layers!). Here's a summer-perfect dress to take with me. The flirty drop waist is one of spring's biggest trends, and the dress' unusual details--the laced seams, embroidery--make it stand out. Wear it with (a slip underneath) and...
1. All Saints dress, $295, allsaints.com
2. Topshop cat-eye sunglasses, $45, topshop.com
3. Balenciaga animal print pony hair bag, $1595, barneys.com
4. Belle by Sigerson Morrison sandals, $235, netaporter.com
P.S. I was on a Lucky photo shoot yesterday and showed this dress to two super talented stylists. They oohed and ahhed over it.
jumbo necklace
Thursday, May 3
We've seen so many bold and sparkly statement chokers lately. What about wearing a big, honking pendant necklace like this instead? Don't you think it makes the outfit? It's such an easy styling trick: jazz up a classic ensemble with a defining long necklace. Here are some wallet-friendly options to consider from Asos, Topshop, and Bauble Bar.
Photo: Luxuryshoppers
simply sexy
Thursday, May 3
Last summer I was on a boat off the coast of Capri with friends, frolicking in and out of the Med. While the scenery was strikingly awesome, I found it hard to peel my eyes off of one (very fit) woman wearing a simple black one-piece swimsuit--in a sea of string bikinis. Her suit had strategic cut-outs on the side, but it was simple. And insanely sexy. This halter suit reminds me of it. It is sure to make a splash. Wear it with...
1. Undrest strapless maillot, $200, madewell.com
2. Ondademar kaftan*, $210, matchesfashion.com
3. Foley & Corinna straw tote, $198, endless.com
4. Guiseppe Zannotti beaded sandals, $995, netaporter.com
*This kaftan looks way more flattering than it would appear, and vintage-y cool, too.
picture day
Wednesday, May 2
I love people watching. It might just be one of my most favorite things to do. I am happy to be the wallflower at a party and just observe. Lucky's FABB conference on Monday indulged me in some great rubbernecking. The bloggers who attended were DRESSED in neons, florals, prints, and more neons--and often all mixed together. You can check out many of them here. I decided to stick to a black and white palette (as you can see in the picture above with my good friend Elise, editor-in-chief at Beso, on the left). There was a parade of looks I coveted, but the one thing I wanted most was a nubby boucle blazer by Tucker, pictured below. This picture, which is from Tucker's website, does NOT do it justice, but jewelry designer Ariel Gorden, who wore it to the conference, mastered it, with a vibrant print blouse and a crisp pair of jeans. I've looked everywhere for this jacket to no avail (but in doing so I discovered that Tucker has some cute print tops as per usual as well as solid blouses this spring). Anyway, if anyone comes across the jacket, let me know.
basic instinct
Wednesday, May 2
When I came across this studded denim blouse a few days ago, my quick buy-it-now instinct kicked in. And then when I saw my good (and always-chic) friend at lunch yesterday, wearing a studded Opening Ceremony denim dress, very similar in spirit, I knew my instinct was dead on. I'll be wearing this one with...
1. Topshop studded denim blouse, $76, topshop.com
2. Rebecca Minkoff sunglasses, $150, shopbop.com
3. Proenza Schouler PS1 suede pouch, $1225, proenzaschouler.com
4. Jimmy Choo woven sandal, $895, nordstrom.com
5. Altuzurra perforated leather and cotton skirt, $1230, netaporter.com