things i covet

{things i covet} filigrane embellished gold-plated necklace by dolce & gabbana

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[Photos from Net-A-Porter - $1425, available here]

 

I'm really into Dolce & Gabbana's look lately (see here for what I'm talking about)–the vibrant colors, bold prints, and overall retro feel make me feel like they've stepped back in time to a gorgeous seaside Italian town. It's an aesthetic that celebs like Jessica Alba, Selena GomezZoe Saldana, Poppy Delevingne, and Katy Perry have all successfully brought to the red carpet. I had no idea D&G's accessories were so wonderfully colorful as well. I completely adore this statement necklace. With its raffia pom-poms, spindly coral, and engraved medallions it's both whimsical and old-worldy. The best part? It's a look that can easily be replicated. I've got my eye out for a similarly tasseled necklace–it would look spectacular against a white tee this summer.

 

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[Photo from J.C. Penny - Bead & Tassel Layered Necklace, Betseyville - $21, available here]

 

{things i covet} metallic corded suede and leather sandals by gucci

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[Photos from Net-a-Porter - $595, available here]

 

I'm in sandal mode lately–thinking about all the pairs I own and daydreaming about new ones that I'd like to add to my collection. I can't imagine ever spending a few hundred dollars on flat sandals (there's so little to them structure-wise and they sit so close to ground), but this pair by Gucci sure has me tempted. I love the sand-colored suede and metallic corded details–they're all subtle enough to blend into your skin and complement breezy summery looks. Though I just bought the DV Archer sandals in black (here), I spent some time admiring the all-gold look in stores–the effect was similarly lovely.

 

What do you think? Do you prefer attention-grabbing or understated designs when it comes to flat sandals?  

 

 

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[Photo from Nordstrom - 'Archer' Sandal in 'Gold, 'DV by Dolce Vita - $69, available here]

 

{things i covet} lake platform wedge by loeffler randall

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[Photos from Loeffler Randall - in Black/Multi Woven - $395, available here]

 

Wedges seem to scare me more than stilettos–there's something about their thick-soled platforms that makes me misjudge my steps and throw off my stride. A few summers ago, when Stuart Weitzman's Alex Crochet Wedge Sandal was enjoying lots of popularity, I loved it enough that I when I found a similar (and much more affordable) style in stores I bought a pair. Despite the comfort factor (it's definitely there), I wasn't a covert. This Loeffler Randall shoe has seriously caught eye my though–I love the black woven upper portion and how it contrasts against the bold color-blocking of the heel. The deep colors speak more to summer than spring, and I think they'd look spectacular under the folds of a maxi dress.

 

What do you think? Do you wear heels more often than wedges? I'd love to know!

 

Today's the last day to ENTER MY LATEST GIVEAWAY…CLICK HERE for all the details!

 

{things i covet} laser-cut leather t-shirt by lover

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[Photo from Matches Fashion - $562, available here

 

I wish I owned a piece of leather clothing (other than jackets of course). I'm talking shirts, skirts, dresses–the closest I've come so far is almost buying this dress by BB Dakota, but despite a heavy mark-down I passed because the fit was way off. I wouldn't normally associate leather with warmer-weather looks, but this white laser-cut t-shirt by Lover screams spring. I really like the delicate eyelet-esque detailing, a crisp and contemporary take on 'broderie anglaise' according to the brand. It's fresh and elegant and would be a dream to dress up or down. Until I find the perfect leather piece, I'm more than happy to day-dream about this one.

 

{thingsi covet} printed silk-chiffon maxi dress by roberto cavalli

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[Photos from Net-A-Porter - $1850, available here]

 

Snow again? Ugh Mother Nature, can't you see we've had enough? I'm determined to not face the facts and continue to dream in bright colors, floral prints, and dresses. But even my imagination isn't this good–Roberto Cavalli's purple and white silk-chiffon maxi dress is near perfection. The effect of the dew-speckled petals that repeat throughout the print is both loud and subtle–hyper-realistic upon close inspection but somehow muted at a distance. Of course I'm riding a floral-printed maxi high right now: I scored the dress (seen here) from H&M's newly-released Conscious Collection and couldn't be happier–or more eagerly awaiting the first time I can wear it.

 

Enter my latest GIVEAWAY to win a pair of jeans here!

 
 

{things i covet} falabella bouclé shoulder bag by stella mccartney

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[Photos from Net-A-Porter - $1470, available here]

 

 

I've only recently become interested in Stella McCarntney's iconic 'Falabella' bag–its unique color combinations, simple shape, and not-too-formal appearance made it rise among the (large) number of handbags on my wish-list. With the springtime release of this cream-colored boucalé version, I've fallen even deeper in love. Large but super convertible, the purse–which is made of eco-friendly, non-animal materials as per the concerns raised by the designer's famous family–would look just about perfect with almost every springtime outfit I can picture.

 

What do you think? What designer bag is at the top of your wish-list right now?

 

{things i covet} c’est la vie embroidered printed crepe de chine clutch by charlotte olympia

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[Photos from Net-A-Porter - $1,395, available here]

 

Considering that I only started constructing it recently, I have a fairly decent clutch collection. Some are elegantly simple (herehere, here, and here), some are unique (oh how I love my Alexander Wang 'Amber'), and some are iconic (I'm looking at you my DVF 'Lytton'). But none are what I'd consider 'quirky'–and this bag by Charlotte Olympia takes the prize for that adjective. Meant to resemble a folded magazine (so very clever) whose cover features a stunning Brigitte Bardot, it's got a casual glam element that I find incredibly irresistible–which is not to mention the fact that I'd probably wear it simply because Ms. Bardot's eyeliner/mascara are pronounced enough to make my make-up look downright understated. 

 

Enter my GIVEAWAY to win a $50 gift certificate to Ettika Jewelry here!

 

{things i covet} floral-print silk-chiffon blouse and maxi skirt by giambattista valli

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[Photos from Net-A-Porter - $995 - available here; $2795 - available here]

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again: my closet and I are so ready for spring. Since the weather won't cooperate just yet, I'm used to living out my sartorial fantasies online. This stunning Giambattista Valli shirt/skirt combo caught my eye instantly when browsing the site that's my favorite guiltiest pleasure–Net-A-Porter. Prints are slated to be a big thing this season and they were hugely prominent in the designer's ​CR13​ collection. From its red watercolor swirls to its flowy silk-chiffon fabric, the set creates a look that's both fabulously effortless and deeply romantic. And while I still can't fathom who would have the $3000+ required to purchase both pieces, the lesson here is that bold is beautiful when it comes to graphic designs.  

 

What do you think? Will you be wearing bold prints this spring? I've already got a few pieces I can't wait to showcase!

Hurry – My latest GIVEAWAY to win a $100 gift certificate to Shop September ends today! Enter here!

{things i covet} neon floral jacquard jacket by stella mccartney

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[Photos from Net-A-Porter - $1855, available here]

 

When it comes to shopping, I tend to divide items into 'save' or 'splurge' categories. Iconic handbags? Always worth the investment. Shoes? Aim a bit lower. Anything super trendy? Not worth the extra money. A floral blazer, despite that fact that I currently want one very badly this spring, falls into this last category. That's not to say that this Stella McCartney jacket isn't a work of art. Impeccable tailoring, a flawless print, lovely texture, and subtle colors make it a near perfect example of what a piece outwear covered in blossoms should look like. Consider it the ideal I'll use to measure against much more affordable alternatives. 

 

P.S. Thanks to everyone who entered my giveaway with the FashFoward Boutique. Tomorrow I'll announce the winner…and a brand new giveaway that's just as exciting! x

 

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[Photo from Forever 21 - in Ivory/Green, $30, available here]

{things i covet} heart lace sweatshirt by tibi

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[Photo from Tibi - in Black - $145, available here]

 

If I really think about it, I'm pretty sure I only became aware of 'designer' sweatshirts around the time the Target x Neiman Marcus holiday collection launched this past December–which is when I fell completely in love with a brightly patterned example from Proenza Schouler (last seen here). This heart lace sweatshirt by Tibi is just as easy to like. Seasonally appropriate–the lace heart applique reminds me of the valentine's day cards I used to pass around in grade school–I also love the black and white combo and the dropped shoulder. Although it almost seems counter-intuitive, high-end sweatshirts really seem worth the splurge when done well. Comfort and style combined in one fashionable package? Sign me up.

 

What do you think? Do you own any Valentine's Day-inspired clothes?

 

To enter to WIN my LATEST GIVEAWAY–an item of your choice from FashFoward Boutique– click here!

 

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[Photo from Forever 21 - Sequined Heart Pullover, Forever 21 - $19.80,  available here]

 

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[Photo from Forever 21 - Jumbo Heart Pullover, Forever 21 - $22.80,  available here]