Spring Obsession: Pattern Play

Whether floor-grazing maxi or bum-skimming mini, skirts and dresses in eye-popping patterns are the perfect way to celebrate the end of a long winter.  From variegated graphic stripes to Navajo-inspired prints to painterly abstractions, some TDF prints:

Rodebjer's chic, summer-ready stripes: Kailua skirt, $230 @ Urban Outfitters.

Parker Cami Dress in Blue Navajo, $188 @ Otte.

Midi skirts may be de rigeur this season, but I can never resist a fun, flirty mini. Flippy abstract print skirt, $42 @ NeedSupply.

One I love even more: Madewell's Poet Skirt in brushstroke blue, $98.

Photos:
1) www.urbanoutfitters.com
2, 3) www.otteny.com
4) www.needsupply.com
5) www.madewell.com

Style in Transition: Clare Vivier, Lanvin, and Low Luv x Erin Wasson for Fluctuating Moods

UGH, Blogger deleted this post, so here's a repost (seriously thisclose to abandoning it and beginning the blog anew on Wordpress).

Maybe the in-betweeny weather is to blame for my mercurial fashion moods. Yesterday I was all about light-as-air looks and flirty florals but today I had black leather and tarnished gold on the brain. Currently craving:

The Clare Vivier love affair continues. Currently coveting this gorgeous black pebbled leather fold-over clutch, $130 @ NeedSupply.

This Low Luv x Erin Wasson cutout triangle ring is a perfect accent. $25 @ NeedSupply.

Lanvin's lace up leather espadrilles are oh so pretty. $480 @ Zoe.

Photos:
1, 2) www.needsupply.com
3-5) www.shopzoeonline.com

May Flowers: Budget-Friendly Floral Finds

I'm generally not a floral prints person, but these sweet, flower powered looks are tempting (and wallet-friendly to boot).

Perennial tank, $34 @ NeedSupply.

Floral Tunic Tank, $38 @ NeedSupply.

Cooperative floral laptop case, $28 @ Urban Outfitters.

Photos:
1 & 2) www.needsupply.com
3) www.urbanoutfitters.com

Cool as a Creamsicle: Neutral Summer Dresses

Floaty, filmy frocks in barely there creams and neutrals are so dreamy. Some summer stunners:

Beautiful ribbon details at a budget-friendly price: Sleeveless Cream Dress, $78 @ NeedSupply.

The splurge: Solid Silk Alana Dress by girl. by Band of Outsiders, $410 @ NeedSupply.

 

Photos: www.needsupply.com

La Bonne Chance: Julia Leach Turns Her Genius Into a Brand

I recently stumbled upon Chance, a new-ish brand from advertising/editorial/fashion world veteran and Julia Leach, via T Magazine's profile on her new Nolita pop-up. Not only does the website serve as retail portal for her lovely, simple basics and pitch-perfect accessories, but it also features an amazing blog that has instantly catapulted itself to my must-reads. Menswear is coming soon, and I can't wait to see how her style translates.

Her imagery perfectly captures the languorous mood of summer and has me dreaming of weekend escapes:

The summer-perfect denim beach shorts the model is wearing can be yours for $42.

Lazy summer lounging . . .

Also love:

The perfectly bleached canvas Touquet day tote, $135.

The crisp cotton striped pajama set, $145.

A nautical, knotted rope accent, the fruit of a Lizzie Fortunato collab, $155.

Photos: www.chanceco.com

Dear West Elm: We Are No Longer In a Fight (Because I Need to Borrow Your Lovely Kitchen Tools)

Despite my squabbles with them last winter, I must admit that West Elm has gotten way more interesting lately. I usually rifle halfheartedly through their catalogue and promptly toss it, but the last few have had me folding over the page corners far more often than I remember doing in the past. They seem to have warmer, earthier offerings these days while still retaining a modern sensibility, and some of the pieces are even downright charming (an adjective usually lavished on Anthro).

I'm still useless in the kitchen, but now with prettier tools! My latest finds:

Set of stackable stoneware Sea Measuring Cups, $19.

Adorable organically shaped Acacia Slabs, $24-34.

A modern take on a growler, $19. I have no occasion to use it (or place to put it), but someday?

Photos: www.westelm.com

Meet Your New Spring Sneaks: PF Flyers 1949 Freemans Sporting Club Editions

I often lament the fact that it's difficult to find mens stuff that's not festooned with too much doodadery, and tend to gravitate towards pared down simplicity, which is why I love the new PF Flyers 1949 editions designed for Freemans Sporting Club. The collection features two clean, canvas styles -- a boot and saddle, resuscitated from the archives, whose names hearken back to favored recreation spots of yore). In slightly sunbleached hues, they couldn't feel more right.

Fellas, I think we've found your go-to shoe for Spring/Summer. You can thank Selectism for the tip.

The Taghkanic (bottom row) and the Mohonk (top row) are available now at Freemans and other select retailers.

Photos:
1) www.selectism.com
2 & 3) www.pfflyers.com/freemans