Summer Obsession: Anthropologie Swimwear

My game plan upon entering an Anthropologie store tends to involve speeding right past their clothing and making a beeline for their housewares. While I adore their home goods, I find their clothes to be a bit on the frumpy side. When it comes to the home, I'm all about the well-worn, cozy vibe, but where my wardrobe is concerned, I prefer a cleaner look, so their ruffle-bedecked collars, flouncy floral parlour dresses, and cardigans piled with cutesy flourishes don't do it for me. I hadn't bothered to check out the clothing in a while, so I was surprised when, flicking through the latest catalogue, I happened upon an amazing selection of swimwear. I'd expected their suits to be a little too retro or just plain boring, but what I found were playful pieces with a healthy dose of sex appeal. Three examples that are making me rethink my stance:

Calypso's Calm One-Piece, $128. Absolutely adorable, and the low-cut neckline prevents it from looking too much like a vintage bathing costume.

 
Natalie One-Piece, $148. A Marilyn-esque redux that looks even better wet.

Between-the-Lines Bikini, $78 each for top and bottom. Sophisticated stripes that bare just the right amount of skin.

Photos: www.anthropologie.com

Style with Purpose: Apolis Activism's Philanthropist Tote Gives Back

To my great dismay, I have yet to convince any of my guy friends to splurge on a gorgeous Billy Kirk travel bag (they stubbornly refuse to own a “weekender,” and thus, I am prevented from “borrowing” it). I’m guessing I won’t have much luck talking them into shelling out for Apolis Activism’s everyday Philanthropist tote either. Perhaps I can appeal to their charitable sensibilities by discussing the noble cause their dollars would support. The bag is part of the socially-conscious label's Uganda Project, and utilizes Ugandan army canvas in an effort to rebuild the country's cotton industry, which has suffered since the 1970's due to the civil war in the north.

Apolis Activism Philanthropist Tote, $296  @ Need Supply.

Photos: www.needsupply.com

Hit the Deck: Sperry's Spring Sneaks

The dense cloud stratum currently blanketing NYC is supposedly going to give way to sunny skies and 70-degree temps. It might be a little too early to bust out the flip flops and rejoice, but boys should seize the opportunity to break in the deck shoes. Sperry continues to make good use of its resurgence in popularity by churning out perfect classics. My latest favorite is this minty green canvas pair, trimmed in navy.

Sperry Canvas Deck Sneaker, $78 @ Need Supply.

The unobtrusive, vintage topsider logo, still workin' . . .

Also available in birch.

Photos: www.needsupply.com

Simple Math: Spanish Geometry Lessons from Bandada

Vancouver-based style blog Habit introduced me to the Cubeoctahedron ring by Bandada, a jewelry label/design studio out of Barcelona. The rings are handmade, with industrial finishing techniques, and can be worn as a single piece or stacked in multiples to create your own look. The faceted shape allows it to catch the light just so, adding the perfect amount of sparkle.


Small Cubeoctahedron ring, $96 in gold, and $68 @ silver.

The packaging:

I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of their pyrite cluster rings:

Photos: www.cuadernobandada.blogspot.com

Reader Question: How to Wear Black for Spring?

I fiiinally had a chance to check my blog email and was delighted to find an interesting question from Shoptometrist reader, Becca.

"I'm addicted to wearing black and never know what to wear in the Spring. Pastels and floral prints make me want to vom. Is there any way to get away with black in the warmer months without looking all wrong?"

Worry not, dear Becca, because contrary to what the store windows tell you, your wardrobe does not have to turn candy-colored come Spring. With strategic styling, you can still get away with a mostly black wardrobe. The key is to lighten up the look with a clever mix of warm-weather staples. Three ideas to inspire:


1) Layering a sheer top in a contrasting hue over black allows you to lighten up your look without straying too far from your comfort zone. See-through burnout tees and mesh tops abound this season, so take your favorite black tank shopping (Oak and American Apparel come to mind) and see what you can come up with. I love Kelly Birgen's sheer, grey tank over lacy black camisole. Charcoal Laced Crop Tank, $118 @ Oak.

2) Take winter's black pencil skirt and tuck in a loose, breezy white tank in a graphic print. It lets you wear your black and play with prints, without going floral. Or you could buy the look as a whole, as shown. Motel Graphic Print 2-in-1 Dress, $59.18 @ ASOS.

3) Nothing says it's summer like tie-dye. Done in black, it looks more edgy than Dead-head. Wear it on its own as a dress with strappy gladiators or tuck it loosely into denim cutoffs.  Add a couple of layered necklaces + aviators and you've got yourself the perfect outfit for a summer music festival. Tie-dye racerback dress, in what is actually a dark, almost-black purple. Tie-dye Racerback Dress, $48 @ Nasty Gal Vintage.

Readers, feel free to share your own tips!

Photos:
1, 2) www.oaknyc.com
3) www.asos.com
4) www.nastygalvintage.com

Treading Lightly: Spring Shoe Picks from Marais and Anniel

The iffy weather has me dressing more fall than spring, and I wish it would stop changing up on me so I can go full force towards warm weather gear. I'm particularly antsy to liberate my boot-weary feet and get them into pretty sandals and ballet flats. I  recently happened upon not one, but two pairs of (affordable!) shoes to add to the Spring/Summer wardrobe:

Another hit from the Marais ladies: darling espadrilles in a bright, tomato red, with a mini wedge and delicate ankle strap. Marais Espadrille Sandal in Tomato, $98 @ Otte. Also available in black.

The ribbon bows give these blush-colored slippers a fun, slightly off-kilter look. Anniel Rosa Ballet Flat, $158 @ Otte.

Photos: www.otteny.com

Shopping the Saks Friends and Family Sale: Top Dress Picks

The Saks Friends and Family Sale is underway, and this year the goods are great, particularly the dresses. Here are three very different and very covetable styles to snag. Enter code FRIEND3 or FRIEND4 at checkout to save 20%, now through Sunday.

Alice + Olivia Blouson Combo Dress, $352 after discount. Spring-perfect.

Opening Ceremony's Stretch Mesh-Overlay Mini Dress is not your average LBD. While the sweetheart neckline and intricate bodice are certainly lust-inducing, get a look at that back. Cocktailing just got sexier. $142.40 after discount.

Who knew Saks carried Erin Wasson x RVCA? The skin-tight, disco-ready Soul Clappin' Dress comes out to $90 after discount.

Photos: www.saks.com

Pretty in Plaid: A Picnic-Ready Look from Steven Alan

Steven Alan's madras mini dress is perfect for a weekend of play. Top it with a denim jacket and heels for a casual summer Friday at the office, or on its own for picnics in the park and patio barbecues. The crossover back adds just the right amount of sex appeal to this otherwise sweet look.

Steven Alan Cruiser mini dress, $240 @ Net-a-Porter.

Photos: www.net-a-porter.com

Burnout Beauties: Alternative Apparel's Perfect Tees

Alternative Apparel always makes the best burnout tees and tanks, and this season's offerings are no exception. Their semi-sheer, supremely soft cotton feels well worn from the get go, and they're easy on the wallet, too. Three wardrobe essentials, available at Oak:

Ash Heather Burnout Tank, $32.

Oatmeal Burnout Tunic, $38.

Ash Heather Deep V-Neck with Pocket, $38.

 Photos: www.oaknyc.com

Summer To Do: Go Bandeau!

Bikini season is rapidly approaching, and although I have no idea where the summer will take me,  I'm dreaming of spur-of-the-moment weekend getaways, and perhaps a longer, more exotic excursion later in the season as a bittersweet sendoff kiss to summer. I can't help but notice that bandeau tops are everywhere, and I've got my eye on a few options to take with me on my as-yet-unplanned travels. Here are three styles to covet, at price points to suit every budget.

Lisa Marie Fernandez Natalie bandeau bikini, $300 @ Net-a-Porter. I love the streamlined shape, and the gorgeous color would suit the palest to darkest of complexions.

For an adorably retro look, try Seafolly's Viva Separates Mini Tube Bandeau, $71. Bottoms sold separately for $58-$63, but I'd recommend the plain side tie style (shown) over the ruffled one, which is just a tad over the top.

If you dare to go white, Mossimo's Black Label Interlocking Bandeau looks a lot more expensive than it is. It also comes with a detachable halter strap. $17.99 @ Target.

Photos:
1, 2) www.net-a-porter.com
3) www.figleaves.com
4) www.target.com

Check List: Men's Spring Essentials from Acne

Acne's got the perfect breezy shirt to see you through sweaty days and balmy nights. $169 isn't so bad when you consider how much wear you'll get out of this one all season.

Acne Pink Base Check Shirt, available @ Oak.

. . . and the Purple Base Check Shirt, also $169.

Or, if black and white is more your thing, try the Black/White Base Stitched Check Shirt.

Photos: www.oaknyc.com

Fun in the Sun: Shoe Picks for Summer

It's been hard to find more than a microsecond to blog lately, and I miss you guys! I've been meaning to share some Spring/Summer merch with you and just haven't had the time, so I'll be posting in short bursts. Bear with.

I've fallen hard for these fun summertime shoes:

Inexpensive, stripey goodness. Mini for Many Stripe Wedge, $138 @ Oak.

Gorgeous yellow stonewashed canvas/crochet lace wooden heels from Vanessa Bruno for the sunny days to come (the mere mention of anything Vanessa Bruno induces the sniffles. Clearly I'm still not over the theft of my VB Athe flats). I didn't see these in the Spring 2010 runway photos, and haven't been able to find a place that sells them. Any info would be much appreciated.

Photos:
1) www.oaknyc.com
2) www.vanessabruno.com

Fantasy Friday: Chair Porn

In which we shop with imaginary money and indulge our fanciest fancies.
  
I've been in love with Jonathan Adler's adorable blue Mrs. Godfrey chair since spotting it online, and I recently stopped by the Greenwich Ave. shop to check it out in person. Alas, the shop had closed at 7, but there it was perched in the window, looking so, so fine.  I stood and stared for a good five minutes, salivating over it on the sidewalk. It achieves the magical balance of style and comfort, and has such personality. Sigh. I must start saving.

The Mrs. Godfrey is actually the companion chair to the Mr. Godfrey. Though he's stylish in his own right, she's a bit softer and more chic than her man. You can choose your own fabric, but I rather like it as is. Prices vary depending on the fabric grade and start at $1,495.  It's shown here in Cashin Ocean in a Grade 5, which would set you back $1,695. It comes with an espresso base, but if you want walnut legs, you'll have to cough up another $300.

My dream team of chairs:

The Cherner armchair. Our CCO at work has a couple of these in his office and I am stabbed with longing every time I catch sight of them. I love the rich walnut hue, beautiful, streamlined shape and embracing arc of the arms. $1,149 @ Design Within Reach.

I've always wanted a set of Tolix A chairs scattered about my kitchen to use as all purpose furniture (perhaps as a handy step stool, balcony chair, or improvised shelf). 
Here's a pretty red one, $275 @ The Conran Shop.

A fun, bright green screams Spring. $275 @ Antiquaire (where you can custom order any color your heart desires).

Or go for a raw, rustic look with the unfinished Brut Verni Mat.

For more eye candy, check out the Tolix gallery at Antiquaire! Beautiful vintage finds, including this 18-piece set:

And for dining? Thonet's Bentwoods are my dream bistro chairs. Classic and chic, they'd add a sophisticated touch to any meal. Designed by German cabinet maker Michael Thonet in the 1800's, they're made in Poland and the Czech Republic at original Thonet factories. The No. 14 chair runs $361 a pop (including shipping) at Bauhaus 2 Your House.

And here's the cafe-ready 14 with a cane seat:, $395 @ Bauhaus 2 Your House.

Another Year

I've been busy enjoying an extended bday week/end so I have left the blogging on the backburner. I promise I'll be back in action tomorrow! The celebration kicked off a couple of days early, with a suprise present from the boy on Thursday (orange stacking boxes from Jonathan Adler -- picked 'em out all by himself!) and party on Saturday at an undisclosed location, which must remain so because I wish to keep it all to myself, as there aren't many places in NYC where you can escape the awful Saturday night crowds and party it up with a handful of your favorite people, dancing the night away as your friends man the turntables and crank out jam after jam. My favorite cake was had (a decadent Brooklyn Blackout from Two Little Red Hens), Easter eggs were hunted, and a set of bunny ears made the rounds through the course of the evening.

Today was nothing short of blissful. I managed to get out of work at 6PM (woohoo!)  and went out for juicy burgers with coworkers, followed by a picturesque stroll through the West Village in the most beautiful weather we've seen this year.  Once home, my adorable family crowded around the speakerphone to call and wish me. My sweet little gran, who is pushing 90, sang me a warbly happy birthday (in English!), which was the cutest, heart-meltingest thing ever --  I wish I'd been able to record it.

The only thing that put a damper on my birthday high was the fact that I had not one, but two pairs of shoes stolen on the night of my party. I'd worn sky high birthday Loubs and brought my favorite grey suede everyday heels as backup for when my feet gave out, as well as a pair of beautiful, green suede Vanessa Bruno Athe flats trimmed with gold studs (which I'd pined away for in the window at Ludivine for months before finally being able to make the purchase). When I went to retrieve my belongings at the end of the night, both pairs were missing, never to be seen again. I sincerely hope that whoever would be so evil as to steal the birthday girl's beloved shoes trips in them and has a nasty fall/develops fiery, blistering bunions, but I'm content to know that there is a special place reserved in hell for such persons.

Until the morrow, I leave you with some pretty, birthday-themed snaps, via A Field Journal and The Thinking Tank: