the summer trifecta
Friday, May 25
Rolled up jeans, a striking sandal and a vibrant pedicure might just be summer at its loveliest. This combo perfectly encapsulates the season's relaxed--but chic!--vibe. In fact, I'm eyeing several sexy sandals to saunter around in, from a no-fail $55 strappy heel from BCBG to Altuzarra's lace-up sandals to Chloe's crochet stunners. Thoughts?
pajama party
Friday, May 25
We shot Lucky's August cover this week, and the stylist was, not surprisingly, the epitome of cool. She was wearing leather shorts, a black and white checked button-down shirt (a small subtle print), coral lipstick, with, get this, a tiger print blazer from Zara and Chloe's studded ankle boots. The outfit was straight out of The Sartorialist. But while I was in awe (AWE!), I also felt that I could never, ever pull off the same look, especially the leather shorts (as much I wish I had the legs to do it, or the courage!). So, herewith, today's outfit. It's inspired by the uber stylish stylist, but very much watered down, so that one (um, me?) could wear it everyday without feeling like a loser wannabe! P.S. I will not lie to you: looking chic is as easy as wearing this pajama-spirited blazer.
1. Kain silk tank top, $155, netaporter.com
2. Topshop pajama jacket, $110, topshop.com
3. Giles & Brother rose earrings, $75, netaporter.com
4. Poppy King for J. Crew lipstick, $18, jcrew.com
5. New Look studded boots, $110, newlook.com
6. J. Brand shorts, $77, shopbop.com
girls
Thursday, May 24
While I was shopping for my 3 year-old niece in J. Crew's Crewcuts awhile ago, I happened upon a super-cute pom-pom necklace which I loved, purchased and now wear proudly. It got me thinking, and since then, I am not embarrassed to admit, I've picked up a few more things for myself in the girls (and boys) sections of other stores as well. The adult-worthy accessories are hard to find, but of course work regardless of your size. Cute clothes are more common, which is why there are more of them in this post, but you probably need to be a size 6 or under to make it work.
nice and quiet
Thursday, May 24
Look closely at these inky-colored jeans and you'll see the floral print. A very subtle one. Which means they're perfect for skeptics of the printed pants phenomenon (yes, that means you, Jamie!). And they'll be easy to mix and match with other prints--as well as with basic pieces already in your wardrobe. And they'll transition nicely into fall and winter. Wear them with...
1. Sandro striped cut-out shoulder t-shirt, $133, sandro.com
2. Topshop sunglasses, $32, topshop.com
3. Chanel vintage tote bag**, $2895, shopbop.com
4. Steve Madden metallic brogues, $89, stevemadden.com
5. Rebecca Taylor floral print jeans, $117, bergdorfgoodman.com
**It's pricey and vintage (only one in stock), but I thought this statement maker complimented the outfit so well, it deserved inclusion.
the christian grey effect
Wednesday, May 23
It's been weeks since I finished the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, but somehow the book's main character Christian Grey still has a hold over me, evident perhaps in my attraction to this harness belt. Actually, truth be told, my desire to wear a belt like this first set in at a party a few months ago (pre-Christian) at Soho House. There was a television actress there, whose name I don't recall, but she was wearing one of these contraptions and she made it look positively stylish and, well, yes, seductive, too. I love how this nude leather Asos belt looks edgy and quasi-Grecian and sexy, too. I'm thinking it will do wonders for me and my flowy summer dresses as well.
bag of tricks
Wednesday, May 23
I see great things in store for this chic zebra bucket bag: days languishing at fashion shoots, date nights at delicious restaurants, shopping sprees in New York--and, of course, nobly grinding through the everyday routine, humbly holding my kids' Matchbox cars. Wear it with...
1. Kain silk tank top, $180, netaporter.com
2. Topshop scallop trim jacket, $130, topshop.com
3. Zara zebra bag, $99, zara.com
4. Sam Edelman wedges, $119, endless.com
5. Goldsign jeans, $240, netaporter.com
watch this!
Tuesday, May 22
Here's something to add to your arm candy. Of course, this watch by La Mer Collections is inspired by Hermes' wraparound H timepiece, but it also boasts its own unique attributes, like a studded wrist band and its compelling sub-$100 price tag. If you're a more-is-more type, then check out this watch, which geniusly comes with friendship and link bracelets attached.
rope me in
Tuesday, May 22
This is what I want to wear all summer long: a striped but sophisticated tank top that takes the guesswork out of looking chic and staying cool. Plus, how totally amazing is the rope detailing? What's more, it offers day to night possibilities. Wear it with...
1. Sass & Bide tank top, $200, sheilastyle.com
2. Madewell sunglasses, $49, madewell.com
3. Proenza Schouler floral pochette, $935, proenzaschouler.com
4. Sam Edelman patent t-strap sandals, $65, shopbop.com
5. J. Crew pleated silk pants, $188, jcrew.com
espadrille envy
Monday, May 21
I can just see it: me, walking down a random street in Soho, and another woman coming towards me from the opposite direction, wearing these espadrilles. I'll stop in my tracks to ogle her feet as she sashays by. I will wonder if Chanel still makes these shoes. I will also wonder (and worry) how much they cost. Turns out Chanel still has them in stock, and in various colorways, to boot (beige/black toe, green/black toe, blue/black toe, and white/black toe). They cost $395. Not bad. (My husband says that I always say that.) I don't believe you can get them anywhere online (you can phone order them from a Chanel boutique), but it also turns out that there are other less expensive but still very cute options, like these red and blue ones from Topshop for $24, and this chambray version from J. Crew for $36.
Photo: Song of Style
black and blue
Monday, May 21
I love a dress that does all the talking. With all this one has going on--the cut-outs, graphic print, and striking color combo--it doesn't need much else, in terms of accessories. In other words, it's throw-it-on-and-go dressing. Wear it to a festive summer soiree with...
1. River Island dress*, $78, riverisland.com
2. Bauble Bar drop earrings, $42, baublebar.com
3. Proenza Schouler python clutch, $1695, barneys.com
4. Guissepe Zanotti bejeweled bow-tie sandal, $1450, bergdorfgoodman.com
*I'd shorten the dress a smidge, so it hits knee-length.