Menswear Obsession: Karen Walker Deep Freeze Sunnies

With subzero temps looming over my weekend, it's hard to imagine that summer will someday return to these parts. Filled with longing for the warm, languorous days of July, sometimes all I want to do is park myself on a recliner in front of the blindingly bright rays of a Seasonal Affective Disorder treatment lamp and wait for the thaw. I'd put summer-inspired tunes on the (imaginary) record player, throw on a hula skirt and a pair of sunnies, and make bf join me for an anti-winter sit-in.  Although they look a bit like his Ray Bans, I'm digging these tortoiseshell shades and would have to borrow.

Karen Walker's Deep Freeze sunnies feature a winning combination of tortoise frames and grey lenses. They're refreshingly novel, yet classic enough to avoid looking overly trendy. $170 @ Gargyle.

 

 

Photos: www.gargyle.com

Even More Nail Polish: Favorites from RGB

Though I've been on a roll with the DIY manicures (and saving a small fortune in the process) it's about time to go in for the real deal. I'll have to wait until after the weekend, however, as a bunch of my favorite ladies and I will be helping my cousin Nivy move into her new digs in Astoria. At this time tomorrow, an unpacking party will be in full effect, and we'll be trying our hardest not to spill celebratory wine all over new carpets, furniture, and instruction manuals as we assemble her new life. I vote we all go for a mini once the last of the moving boxes has been ripped open. A few new hues to try, from RGB:

Slate, $14 @ Blackbird.

Too Red, $14 @ Blackbird.

Doll, $14 @ Blackbird.

Minty, $14 + complimentary shipping @ RGB

Photos:
1, 2, 3) www.blackbirdballard.com
4) www.rgbcosmetics.com

Acne's Foray Into Furniture

I was saving this for a Sunday Linkage post, but I can't restrain myself any longer.  Acne, the Swedish denim (and now clothing, footwear, and jewelry) label worshipped by all who encounter its divine, hand-treated creations,  recently unveiled a furniture collection that promises to be just as swoonworthy as its beloved blues. According to Corduroy, the limited edition pieces bear all the hallmark features of minimalistic Swedish design, but a play on proportions and interesting upholstery choices (including, of course, their denim) create visual and tactile interest. The collection includes an new take on Carl Malmsten's iconic New Berlin sofa. If a foray into furnishings seems like an odd move, consider that the brand's head designer, Jonny Johansson, was actually a furniture designer prior to getting into the fashion game.

 

  

  

 

Photos:
1) Corduroy
2) Coolhunting
3) Selectism
4) Purple Diary

Happy Feet

What are Happy Socks and why are they suddenly, mysteriously, everywhere? I first noticed them during a recent stop-by at Unis, and they've been stalking me ever since, showing up in the menswear department of every webshop I frequent (Steven Alan, Need Supply, and Gargyle, to name but a few).

My curiosity forced me to Google their provenance, which revealed that they are of Swedish origin. The color options are endless, and though I tend to see them in menswear shops, they're actually unisex. With their playful patterns and cheery hues, they do look rather inviting and, well, happy.

Happy Socks - Cobalt, $12 @ Steven Alan.

Happy Socks - Blue Stripey, $12 @ Steven Alan.

Happy Socks - Multicolor Stripe, $10 @ Need Supply.

Happy Socks - Green and Cream Stripe, $10 @ Tobi.

Photos:
1, 2) www.stevenalan.com
3) www.needsupply.com
4) www.tobi.com

Four Dresses You Need for Spring

January, I am done with you. And winter, too, for that matter. Four reasons I am oh so impatient for Spring's arrival, and four dresses to match:

1. Garden party cocktailing begs for a vibrant, floral minidress. Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent '80s Party Dress, $323.

 

2. A weekend getaway to a sandy destination requires a comfy cotton number with a relaxed, beachy vibe.  Tibi T Shirt Cover Up Dress, $146.

3. A luncheon on the grass demands a gauzy, picnic-ready shirtdress. Splendid Double Cloth Plaid Dress, $139.

4. Just running down the sidewalks in a fantastic frock for the hell of it calls for a classy, cruise-inspired style that channels a foreign screen siren from the days of old. Alice + Olivia Chevron Dress with Tie, $368.

 

Photos: www.shopbop.com

Play On, Nixon

Nixons have been a Shoptometrist fave for a while, and their ever-popular Player watch has been spotted strapped to the wrist of many a stylish NYC boy. My latest love is done up in black rubber, with a neon yellow second hand to add just the right amount of pop.

Nixon Rubber Player, $150 @ Revolve.

Photo: www.revolveclothing.com

Sunday Linkage: Calla Lovelies, Spring Stripes, and an Art History Refresher

In which we take a break from shopping to gaze at pretty pictures and read about things that caught my fancy this week.  

Refinery29 offers a sneak peek at Paris-based label Calla's gorgeous Spring 2010 Collection, which features bustier tops you can actually wear.

Something about Spring always brings out the stripes. Coco + Kelley has compiled a lovely collection.

 

One of my favorite finds this week was this great mural by Belgrade-based artist Vuk Vidor. Created in 2004, it features a list of artists and their contributions, summed up in a sentence.Via Design Tavern.

This photobooth is calling to me, as if there's some wonderful magic inside. Via The Thinking Tank's latest "Ten Things I Like."

Will any of you London folk pop by Marks and Spencer and pick me up one of these adorable Sanna Annukka-designed biscuit tins? So perfect for winter. Via Eat Drink Chic.

Fantasy Friday: Balenciaga in Blue, and Perfect YSL Pumps

In which we shop with imaginary money and indulge our fanciest fancies.

For those of you in NYC who haven't met Michelle Sellers at Jeffrey yet, befriend her ASAP so you can get on her email list. She'll send you pics of new arrivals from their incredible shoe department, which is truly a menagerie of rare and exotic marvels, and notify you in advance of sales. She recently introduced me to the perfect pair of black YSL pumps, which have had me drooling uncontrollably ever since.

Yves Saint Laurent Black Suede Pumps (also available in fuchsia), $640 @ Jeffrey. Call (212) 206-1272 or email michelles@jeffreynewyork.com to order. It's the sexiest shape, and the inconspicuous platform gives you a little extra oomph.

I've been over "It" bags for the past several years, and even though I feel vaguely nauseous everytime I see one, I really wouldn't mind toting around this electric blue Balenciaga Arena. Balenciaga Arena Classic Day in Outremer, $1,095 @ Barneys.

Photos:
1) courtesy of Michelle Sellers
2) www.barneys.com

The Weekend in Clothes: Some SONIA, a Denim Mini, and a Slouchy Cardi

Friday, at long last! It's strange that an abbreviated work week should feel so long, but no matter because I'm off to DC to see my youngest brother off before he moves to San Francisco (exactly three years after I left it . . . tear).

Before I head out, I thought I'd bring some relaxed-yet-chic, leisure-time pieces to your attention. Bonne weekend!

Nothing says "weekend" like sailor stripes. Bonus points if it's from a cheeky chic French label and features ruffled sleeves.  SONIA by Sonia Rykiel Striped Ruffle Top, $275 @ Tobi.

The weekend version of your workday pencil skirt: faded black, pieced together denim (only it's actually a stretchy knit!) with a higher hemline and exposed zipper.  Perfect for nighttime revelry.
Blank Knit Denim Mini Skirt in black, $78 @ Tobi.

 

The perfect throw-on cardi for a slouchy, brunch-y Sunday. You don't even have to undo the buttons to get it over your head.  Free People Slouchy Striped Dolman Sweater, $98 @ Tobi.

 

Photos: www.tobi.com

Take Me Out: a.ok Does After-Work Glamour

The planets that govern work life must be up to some cosmic mischief this week because everyone I know is simultaneously experiencing an unusually high volume of work, even for New York. Run ragged by the grind, my heart is still palpitating from the day's stresses, my notes look like deranged, nonsensical cryptograms, and the floors at my workplace bear the mark of my heels -- a million little scratches etched into their finely polished surfaces from frantically sprinting to and fro all the live long day. I'm in desperate need of a fun après-work outing and long for a carefree night of swilling drink and feeling free (even though I'm pretty sure my coworkers and I would end up passing out facedown on the bar shortly after arrival). As usual, Oak's a.ok line has the perfect things to summon the right mood.

A work-to-play mini dress. Black Shoulder Pad Mini Dress, $74.

Some racy, lacy gloves to fun up a dull workday ensemble. Black Floral Lace Gloves, $16.

A sleek, shiny bag in lieu of the ginormous caryall. I usually steer clear of leopard print, but I'm digging the way this beaded clutch can instantly create a night look. $110.

Beauty Obsession: BeachBlack Nail Paint

I'm nail obsessed these days. With all the amazing colors that have come out recently, nail polish is having a major moment. Having just snatched up a bunch of fun new hues, I'm determined to cut costs by opting for more DIY manicures this year. When my BeachBlack Nail Paint arrived in the mail yesterday, I promptly decorated my digits with the mesmerizing Japanese-beetle-meets-malachite shade known as "Dickweed." It's been getting a lot of play in the blogosphere (as much for the headscratcher of a name as for the lovely color) and I can confirm that the hype is much-deserved. I can't stop staring at my fingers as they fly across the keyboard in a flurry of metallic color. I love that it looks different depending on the lighting situation, and the finish is glossy enough that a topcoat is unnecessary.

BeachBlack Dickweed Nail Paint, $12.95 @ NeedSupply.

Photo: www.needsupply.com

Best Dressed: Frock Finds for Under $150

Three smart buys that are as pretty as they are affordable:

Mink Pink Shattered Dreams Dress, $136 @ NeedSupply.

Jenny Han Womens Drape Arm Mini Dress (Gold), $136 @ 80's Purple.

 

A.P.C. Overshirt Dress, now $125 (was $240) @ Jumelle.

Photos:
1) www.needsupply.com
2, 3) www.80spurple.com
4, 5) www.shopjumelle.com

Springspiration: Budget-Friendly Cutout Sandals

As much as I love boots, lately it's sandals I'm lusting after. Spring is but a distant dream (sigh), and mine are filled with visions of my feet shod in cage-like cutouts and perforated patterns, dancing down sundrenched sidewalks.

Some under-$100 options I want now:

Deena and Ozzy Laser-Cut Sandal, $38 @ Urban Outfitters.

My uber-stylish coworker Acme would be all over these Melissas. Melissa - Mermaid Shoes (White), $78 @ 80's Purple.

 

I've landed on a compromise: Just add a pair of tights et voila, these Jeffrey Campbell Lamp wedges work for winter. $99 @ Need Supply.

Photos:
1) www.urbanoutfitters.com
2) www.80spurple.com
3) www.needsupply.com