velvet goldmine
Friday, August 17
A big end-of-summer party calls for something striking and seriously slinky like this T by Alexander Wang velvet maxi. No one would ever guess (or believe) that it costs a little over hundred bucks (it's reduced from $340) and it's very much in tune with this fall's big metallic trend. Wear it with...
1. T by Alexander Wang velvet maxi dress, $136, theoutnet.com
2. Nars Velvet Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl, $24, nordstrom.com
3. Bauble Bar gypsy drop earrings, $24, baublebar.com
4. Topshop leather bag, $76, topshop.com
5. Jenni Kayne sandals, $595, shopbop.com
home work
Thursday, August 16
Like my wardrobe, my house is pretty much a melting pot of high-end statement pieces and inexpensive and vintage finds, along with unexpected print and color combinations. I aspire to have a home that not only looks great, but makes me feel great in it--just like the chicest outfit. My home is a work in progress (is any house ever "done?")--I keep layering on to it as I find things-- but things have kind of come to a standstill over the last few months, due to work, this blog, and kids on summer break. But then a few weeks ago, One Kings Lane contacted me, asking if I wanted to participate in its first ever Design Blogger Challenge. The deal was they'd send me a box of vintage goodies, all plucked from OKL's amazing new marketplace, Vintage & Market Finds, and I would overhaul one small area of my home. Of course, I jumped on this offer and chose the fireplace mantle in my living room to re-do. Not that it was in dire need of help, but it is one of the first things you see when you enter my home, so I thought it would be great to enhance that area, make it sing with strikingly original pieces and set the (elegant, whimsical) tone for the rest of the house. The task has been completed, and I'm quite happy with the results. Here's a little peek at the makeover. To see the whole story, check out One Kings Lane's blog Live Love Home.
a fresh coat
Thursday, August 16
A number of you have emailed me asking about my favorite winter coats. While I am working on round-up of various styles, in the meantime, I thought I'd start by introducing you to my new coat. I was given this Wren leopard print trimmed camel coat and, no exaggerating, I am infatuated with it. Yes, it reminds me of the bound-to-sell-out Celine leopard-trimmed coat from Resort 2013, but the sleeves are cropped and less "DRESSED," if you know what I mean. I try it on everyday, imagining what I'd wear with it (everything) and where I'd go in it (everywhere). I seriously worry someone (my twin sister) will rip it off my back. As soon as the temperature dips, I'll be taking mine out for a stroll with...
1. Topshop sweater, $72, topshop.com
2. Wren coat, $598, saksfifthavenue.com
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, $498, shopbop.com
4. Boutique 9 pumps, $120, endless.com
5. The Row trousers, $790, netaporter.com
warm and fuzzy
Wednesday, August 15
I love looking at fall clothes during the summer. The lush sweaters, especially. For one, the heavy clothes make me appreciate the (fleeting) heat outside. They also transport me to the first cool days of autumn, when I'm actually psyched to pile on some clothes. This statement sweater, worn by model Anja Konstantinova, is lovely with texture and coziness, and costs a mere $48.
Photo: Nasty Gal
fluff piece
Wednesday, August 15
I can see it now: my husband's incredulous stare when I emerge from the closet wearing this skirt. I'm feeling regal, elegant, feathery, and floaty, and he's asking why in in heaven's name would I want to add a little extra girth to my figure. What can I say? It may be a man-repeller, but I love it. Bring on the fluffiness. Bring on the texture. And the shimmery sequins too! I'll wear it with a basic tee or max it out with a dramatic top. For its first outing, I'd strut my stuff with...
1. Acne t-shirt, $100, netaporter.com
2. Lulu Frost necklace, $528, shopbop.com
3. 3.1 Phillip Limbag, $375, barneys.com
4. Ivanka Trump booties, $189, piperlime.com
5. Topshop fringe skirt, $92, topshop.com
P.S. Okay, so now imagine it with a white lacy or beaded top and it's totally Oscar de la Renta-fancy. You could go that way too!
loafing around
Wednesday, August 15
A good friend of mine, who happens to have the most impeccable taste, just returned from a month-long stay in Paris (can you imagine?!). She emailed me to report that all the chic French girls are wearing loafers, from the classic tasseled Belgian variety to old-school Bass Weejuns. Model/blogger Hanelli Mustaparta, above, was recently photographed in Paris, wearing a tasseled pair by Burberry (last season). I'm thinking they're a fresh alternative to the ballet flat--and just as year-round versatile. Here are a few to mull over from Lanvin (the pair my friend is eyeing), Alexander Wang, Bass Weejuns (more feminine than you'd expect), Boutique 9, Tommy Hilfiger, and Kelsi Dagger.
Photo: Vanessa Jackman
full metallic jacket
Tuesday, August 14
I have a few Chanel-inspired boxy jackets in my closet, and they're all aging nicely. That's because the silhouette is timelessly chic. I like the idea of wearing this metallic boucle jacket with boyish pieces to temper its ladylike vibe.
1. Faith Connexion metallic chiffon shirt, $360, netaporter.com
2. Dorothy Perkins lace-trimmed boucle jacket, $89, dorothyperkins.com
3. Asos bag, $59, asos.com
4. Sigerson Morrison loafers, $395, piperlime.com
5. J. Crew jeans, $148, jcrew.com
gold diggers
Monday, August 13
Looks to me like there's a gold mine out there right now: clothing, bags, shoes, even baby onesies are being rendered in the shiniest metallic gold. A little glint, like Shala Monroque's metallic leather mini, works for everyday, and gleamy accessories are perfect for lighting up the night. Check out these stunning golden nuggets:
Photo: Vanessa Jackman
back in black
Monday, August 13
It's no coincidence that fall's most-wanted designer bags are all simple and understated. No garish logos. No flashy hardware. Not a lot of extras. Following in that subdued, less-is-more vibe is this carry-all from Zara. I'd tote my life around in it with...
1. Stella McCartney t-shirt, $385, netaporter.com
2. River Island grey blazer, $47, riverisland.com
3. Zara studded tote bag, $199, zara.com
4. Pour La Victoire ankle strap heel, $250, pourlavictoire.com
5. Reiss seamed navy trousers, $210, reissonline.com
beachy keen
Saturday, August 11
We are off to the beach this weekend! So, in the spirit of all things sea, sand and surf, I thought I'd post this photograph taken by my twin sister Coliena Rentmeester, which was shot on the lovely shores of Malibu, and is an outtake from a British Glamour story. I love the idea of wearing a button down blouse over a bathing suit. It looks so natural, easy and summery. Just a little outfit inspiration before you (hopefully!) hit the beach this weekend, too. See you on Monday!