The weather was absolutely sweltering this past holiday weekend and with lots of scheduled outdoor time that meant one thing for me: building an outfit around my breeziest maxi skirt. Before spring completely disappears, I'm trying my best to work with pastels. I was completely inspired by Revlon's pale lavender nail polish shade and the sea-foam green color of my skirt. The result was a look perfect for an outdoor BBQ.
What do you think? How did you spend your Memorial Day– and more importantly, what were you wearing?
ENTER MY CURRENT HANDBAG GIVEAWAY HERE.
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Shirt: Gold Striped Tank, J.Crew [old]
Skirt: Maxi Skirt in 'Sea Green,' Forever21 [no longer available]
Bag: Envelope Clutch in Taupe Embossed Python, c/o GiGi New York [$180, available here]
Shoes: Aria Platform Sling-backs in 'Nude Patent,' Pour La Victoire [were $250, available here]
When I bought these jeans way back at the beginning of the year, I did have a moment where I wondered exactly how I'd wear them. Luckily I didn't let the thought bother me or prevent me from making the purchase (confession: I'm not always the most practical shopper). Not only are they amazingly comfortable, I love their perfect shade of red– it looks great paired with the classic combintion of black and white.
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Shirt: White Tie-Front Blouse, H&M [no longer available]
Jacket: Black Fitted Blazer, Banana Republic [no longer available]
If you had asked me a few years ago what my favorite color clothing was I'd have said black. While it's often still my go-to (it's just so easy to match things when you're wearing it), I have a new appreciation for all sorts of colors, prints, and patterns. I love the pop of my yellow bag next to the watercolor design of my skirt, but most of all I adore my new bracelets: they're a pale minty green leather set off by gorgeous gold bars and they make any of my outfits more interesting. Amy Fine's shop carries these bangles in every color you could imagine, from periwinkle blue to bamboo yellow. So while black-colored clothing used to enjoy a starring role in my wardrobe, I find myself now using it to anchor the other hues I'm wearing.
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Skirt: Gauzy Maxi Skirt in Multi-Color, Attention [was $25, available here]
Shirt: 1×1 Ribbed Long Sleeve V-Neck Top in Black, Splendid [was $50, available here]
Shoes: Leather and Cork Sandals in Black, Nine West [no longer available]
Bag: Uptown Tote in Yellow/Maple, J. Crew [no longer available]
Jewlelry: Leather Bangle Bracelets in 'Minty Green,' c/o Amy Fine Design [$30, available here]; 'Brainy Bimbo' Gold Chain Necklace c/o Astrid & Miyu [$50, available here]
Nails: "Provence," Revlon
If you've been to New York and for some reason decided not to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art, you really missed out on what is arguably the best museum in the United States (these shots were taken in their spectacular Greek and Roman wing). However if you have visited the Met then you know how huge it is and the importance of wearing comfortable shoes for the day you choose to spend perusing art. I was set with my Ballasox flats by Corso Como. They're of the bendy sort–they come in the cutest little pouch–with an soft inside lining and cushioned sole. I'm getting quite a bit of use out of them: they look great with jeans but I also love paring them with my favorite maxi-length dresses and skirts.
What do you think? Do you have a favorite tourist spot in NYC? And what would you wear for a trip to a museum?
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Sweater: Featherweight Cotton Cardigan in Charcoal, J.Crew [$68, available here]
Shirt: Silk Pocket Tank in Black, Banana Republic
Skirt: Maxi Skirt in 'Sea Green,' Forever21 [similar style available here]
Belt: Shiny lizard belt in Gold, Banana Republic [$34.50, available here]
Bag: No Slouch Faux Straw Dome Satchel in Black, Kenneth Cole New York [was $198, available here]
Shoes: Prince Stretch Flat in Black Python, c/o Ballasox by Corso Como [$60, similar style available here]
Jewelry: Alex and Ani; Evil-eye bracelet [street vendor, NYC]
Nails: 'Elegant' by Revlon
It's no secret I that love lace (I did design my blog's layout after all), so when I saw that Jason Wu's line for Target had a version of his signature lace tee I knew I'd found the piece I wanted. Then I remembered the Missioni madness of last year and decided I wouldn't partake in the company's badly managed designers-for-less sales strategies anymore. I even planned on featuring the actual Jason Wu lace-detail tee (which retailed for a staggering $515) as I "thing i covet." But then my sister went shopping and returned with none other than my dream piece in a plastic bag dotted with bullseyes (she also snagged a very summery straw and canvas clutch for me that I can't wait to wear). The tee is everything I wanted: soft and comfy but with a subtle wow-factor, my favorite way to wear it is with jeans and blazer.
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Tee: Short-Sleeve Tee with Lace Print in Heather Gray, Jason Wu for Target [$20, available here]
Jacket: Black Fitted Blazer, Banana Republic [no longer available]
Jeans: "The Rocker" Lean Flare in "Aniston Wash," Joe's Jeans [$167, available here]
Shoes: Balnit Peep-Toe Slingbacks, Aldo [were $110, available here]
Bag: 12.5" Satchel in 'Pillarbox Red' Standard Leather, The Leather Satchel Co. [$124, available here]
Nails: 'Elegant' by Revlon

{My sister's manicure: Revlon's 'Elegant' and Nicole By OPI 'Rainbow in the S-Kylie'}

{An all-natural fizzy drink from Izze: 'Sparkling Pomegranate'}

{A journal with a bright floral fabric cover}

{Nautically-inspired window decoration}

{A new paisley maxi dress from Banana Republic}
The first day of spring is only seven days away (!!!) and I'm already sensing the changes the season brings with it. Right now I'm seeking lighter nail polishes (Revlon's 'Elegant' is a new shade for Spring/Summer 2012), sweet (but healthy) treats, and everything in bright, colorful prints. On a shopping trip this past weekend I picked up this silky maxi dress along with a few other non-wintery items–I just can't wait until it's warm enough here to wear them all.
What do you think? How do you welcome spring?