Getting the New Year's sparkle started early. Happening under my desk today: black + gold.
I'll be celebrating the 4th in our nation's capital with my family. Our plans call for a backyard BBQ, and I can't wait to get to the grilling, feasting, and basking in good company. If you too are barbecue-bound, I've rounded up some festive accessories to pack along for the occasion.
A Steven Alan striped beach blanket to take the party to the lawn (picked one of these up last year as a picnic/beach blanket and it's an absolute dream -- highly recommend), $48.
And now, for a PSA:
I wanted to let you know about a brilliant Facebook initiative that Steven Alan, one of my favorite shops, is running for Valentine's Day (blech). It's a contest wherein you submit your best breakup stories (via email at reachout@stevenalan.com) to compete to win a $250 gift certificate. Consider it an opportunity to turn a profit on past heartbreaks and misadventures in dating, your pain into fashionable gain. The best stories are posted (anonymously, of course) on the Steven Alan Facebook page, where they can earn votes through "likes." They've already received some great stories, so be sure to check out the page. You're sure to feel better after reading about someone who had it worse than you, or enjoy a good laugh at some of the more ridiculous ones.
Bon chance!
Loving Steven Alan's new handbag line. It's about time! I've got my eye on the Fall Doctor Satchel. With so many gorgeous hues, it's impossible to decide which to take home. At present, I'm leaning towards the grey, but would be happy with any of these, really. $348, available in cream (sans chain strap), black, brown, and teal.
Nothing gets me in the mood for Fall quite like Steven Alan's autumn offerings, and right now the stores and webshop are bursting with brisk weather wares. This year's standout item? An amaaaaazing hooded cape.
How beautiful is this? Perfect for pumpkin picking, leaf crunching, and cider sipping. Fidelity Plaid Short Cape, $268. I heart the charming rope toggle closure. One size fits all.
Too suddenly, it's August, and the end of summer draws nigh. As you savor one last month of donning shoulder-baring sundresses and think forward to fall's fuller fare, you might want to pick up a few transitional pieces to ease your heartbreak. A few suggestions, via Urban Outfitters:
Dolce Vita's Carson Dress, with its hieroglyphic print and asymmetrical zip, looks summer fresh now with espadrilles, a pair of white sunnies, and an arm full of bangles, but come cooler climes, pair it with black tights, a long cardi, and some platform booties. $187.
Since I moved to New York, I've been dying to spend a summer weekend in Montauk, and three years in, it's high time I made it happen. Steven Alan's seaside accoutrements are the perfect form of inspiration.
On a recent trip to the West Village location, I fell in love with a bin full of gorgeous, extra large beach blankets and found it impossible to choose just one. $48 each.
The howling, gale-force winds that have descended upon NYC had me hiding indoors for the better part of the weekend. It was probably for the best, as my recent shopping excursions have left me penniless. I did get to log in a fair bit of online window shopping, however, and I'm now saving up for several items that have whet my shopping appetite anew, like this adorable picnic-checked top from Steven Alan, which inspired me to dream up the perfect summer outfit.
Red Gathered Tank, $118 @ 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.
It's been over two years since I became a devotee of Deborah Marquit's exquisitely lacy, fluorescent creations, treating myself to a royal blue set that had me at bonjour. I recently fell in love all over again upon discovering that Steven Alan now carries select pieces from her line. The website currently offers her French lace bra and undies in violet (shown), pink, and black. I happen to think that pretty black bras are a dime a dozen, so if you're going to go Deborah, you should really try her fluorescents. The delicate lace looks all the more lovely when rendered in shockingly vivid hues. While they don't come cheap, you won't regret it. Ms. Marquit has really mastered her craft -- the fit is amazing and the fun, unique colors are a total mood-lifter.
Deborah Marquit French Lace Cup Bra, $175, and your choice of thong or boy-leg brief, $65 and $125 respectively.
I've been covetously eyeing the Secrets of Charm for Steven Alan fall collection, willing myself with all my might to stay away, but it's just impossible. It's full of easy pieces that require little more than black tights to instantly style oneself into a chic young thing. My favorites:
I've been looking for a creme silk tank to tuck into pencil skirts for ages, but none felt quite right until I found the Sylvie top, $120. So lovely with long necklaces. Also available in red.
I’m on a Steven Alan bender this morning. How lovely are these handmade tortoise unisex sunnies by Super? Classics Tortoise sunglasses, $160.
I'm not so bummed about heading into winter after spying these beautiful cold weather pieces by Steven Alan.
Wool Camp Glove, $128.
