join the fray
Monday, January 11
Fashion's frayed denim fever is on the rise, thanks to more designers like Madewell, Amo, Joe's Jeans, and Mother, serving up fantastically ready-made (i.e., hand done-looking) jeans. Now entering the fray is the denim shirt! I love these perfectly distressed iterations from H&M, The Great, AG, and Warehouse.
Photo: Harper's Bazaar
choker's wild
Monday, January 11
I'd punch up a minimalist dress (or a t-shirt) with this bold Marni-esque choker.
1. MM6 Maison Margiela dress, $540, netaporter.com
2. Mango choker, $35, mango.com
3. Clare V. leather clutch, $250, shopbop.com
4. Aquazzura sandals, $950, bergdorfgoodman.com
mary jane mood
Friday, January 8
Mary Jane shoes never seem to go out of style, but they happen to be especially cool at the moment. The most recent issue of British Vogue had cover model Gigi Hadid (below) wearing MJ's in pretty much every shot (she was barefoot in the others), and Alexa Chung, off set, (above) is also stepping out in them. As you can see they're not your typical Mary Janes; they often feature more than one strap, yielding an edgier feel, and possess eye-catching details, such as buckles and sequins. Heel height also varies from everyday-flat to sexy-high. The overall effect is polished and grown up. I looked into the most appealing (and not already sold out!) options and turned up these by Marc by Marc Jacobs, Shoes of Prey, Gianvito Rossi, and Tabitha Simmons (or these). Gigi's cute shoes, below, can be found here.
the better boyfriend
Thursday, January 7
There are boyfriend jeans and then there are boyfriend jeans that the boyfriend (or in my case husband) actually likes. As in the kind that enhances your figure, not exaggerates it! Lately, I've come across those rare finds--several excellent pairs that are distinctly slimmer-fitting, yet still compellingly slouchy and relaxed. They include this Frame Denim, this Rag & Bone, this Stella McCartney, this Current/Elliott and this Madewell.
Photo: The Urban Spotter
zipped up
Thursday, January 7
New striped--and zippered!--goodness for the new year!
1. J.Crew striped top, $78, jcrew.com
2. Mango faux shearling jacket, $149, mango.com
3. Holly Dyment mini evil eye ring, $580, shopbop.com
4. Roger Vivier graffiti clutch, $925, bergdorfgoodman.com
5. Topshop block heeled pumps, $105, topshop.com
6. Frame Denim mid-rise boyfriend jeans, $240, netaporter.com
in the hood
Wednesday, January 6
I just learned from my twin sister that the best gift she received this Christmas was a present she actually gave her husband--and has been wearing ever since! It's this cashmere J.Crew hoodie, which she's layering under warm winter jackets. The resulting look is undeniably cool and practical. Evidence here. Personally, I love how a hoodie--whether it's the cashmere variety or simply the old school sweatshirt kind--tempers a fancy fur, so much that I too will be buying myself this belated gift! I'm considering these options from James Perse, J.Crew, Topshop and Neiman Marcus (on sale).
Photos: The Sartorialist, Pinterest
denim deluxe
Wednesday, January 6
Sonia Rykiel injects French chic into an American staple with faux fur sleeves, contrast stitching and a slim, flattering fit. J'adore!
1. Preen by Thornton Bregazzi floral devore dress, $1455, matchesfashion.com
2. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel denim jacket, $350, modaoperandi.com
3. Aerin Rose Balm lipstick in Poppy, $30, netaporter.com
4. Anya Hindmarch sticker bag, $1295, shopbop.com
5. Stuart Weitzman suede booties, $374, shopbop.com
fantasy island
Tuesday, January 5
As long as I am feeling the summery sandal vibe (despite the dreary El Nino storm currently wreaking havoc outside!), I thought I'd introduce you to these new beach-ready lovelies from Daft. Beautifully embroidered, perfectly punchy and impossibly cute, these blue and pink linen caftans are just what I'd take to Fantasy Island!
gold standard
Tuesday, January 5
A week of trudging around in ski boots has me desiring a pristine new pedicure and comfy open-toe sandals, like these fancy-looking, but not at all snow-worthy jellies.
1. See by Chloe dress, $353, matchesfashion.com
2. Jules Smith ear cuff, $100, shopbop.com
3. Pierre Hardy clutch, $455, modaoperandi.com
4. Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Nail Polish in Brun Henne 61, $27, netaporter.com
5. Nine West chain link jelly sandals, $39, ninewest.com
in with the new
Monday, January 4
I just returned from Aspen, where I brushed up on my S-turns, sailed down a few (and my first!) black diamond trails and learned to navigate the terrain parks, with help from my two jump-loving sons. I also continued to work on my post-slope, frigid-weather style, which by the end of my vacation looked identical to the outfit, above: a mix of fanciful (thank you, Mongolian fur coat), practical (courtesy of a cute heat-trapping beanie hat) and easy (i.e., jeans and a basic sweater). Back at my work desk, I've discovered that many of these chic, chill-proof staples are on sale. The best of the bunch include these faux fur jackets by Smythe, Warehouse, Coach, and Asos; and these statement beanies by Neff, J.Crew, Topshop, Eugenia Kim, and Gucci. I also love these everyday jeans by Joe's, Rag & Bone, and Citizens of Humanity teamed with not-so-everyday sweaters like this Veronica Beard, this Esk, this Belstaff and this St. Roche. Happy New Year!