Spring Thinking: Three Great Cardigans

I'm not into New Years resolutions.  I gag a bit each time I see a magazine cover or marketing blast exploding with those inane "New Year, new you!" headlines (actually the same story recycled from the previous year, with a new cover model).  While I certainly have goals both big and small, I don't feel the need to designate a time of year for a self assessment or suddenly resolve to shed old habits and take up new and enriching hobbies. One of my ongoing non-resolutions has been to declutter, which includes the purging of my closet (probably so I can fill it up again with new stuff a few months later). In addition to the eight pairs of jeans, seven pairs of shoes, and countless coats and tops I've already done away with in the past year, I'll also be retiring several cardigans that have seen better days. The timing couldn't be more perfect, as I've just discovered a trifecta of perfect spring cardigans:

1. A folksy, open-stitched neutral with a bit of bright accent color. Kimchi Blue Rosie Posie Cardigan, $68 @ Urban Outfitters.

2. A slim, whisper light number in brilliant poppy to shake up your tired rotation of black and neutral hues. Vanessa Bruno Cotton Cardigan, $130 @ Net-a-porter.

3. A chunky, oversized knit for chilly mornings. Paul & Joe Sister Flavio Crochet-Knit Cardigan, $340 @ Net-a-porter.

Photos:
1) www.urbanoutfitters.com
2-3) www.net-a-porter.com

Winter Indulgences

My antidote to cold wet days involves cranking up the heat, curling up on the couch with a decadent mint hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, and ordering up a movie. Some perfect pieces for luxe lounging:

Beautiful, blush-colored silk shorts. Rosamosario Piccola silk-crepe and lace shorts, $150.

A supersoft baseball tee. J. Crew drapey stripe baseball tee, $39.50

Sweatpants never looked so chic. J. Crew skinny ultra-lounge pant, $49.50.

Photos:
1) www.net-a-porter.com
2-3) www.jcrew.com

Shoe Be Doo Bop: Summer Sales are Prime for Shoe Picking

It's been an age since I had a proper shop-in so I'm happy to report that, due to the searing heat of the past several days, I've been forced indoors and have been merrily shopping away via laptop in the comfort of my air-conditioned abode. With summer sales in full swing, it's proven to be quite the fruitful spree, and I've managed to score a few pairs of shoes on the cheap. I'm trying not to go too crazy, as I need to save the monies for the upcoming Barney's Warehouse Sale (yes, despite swearing up and down to the contrary I'm going again -- apparently the elbow stabs and emotional scars inflicted by the hordes of rabid shoe fiends have faded into distant memory) as well as a pair of gorgeous Celine wedges (to be divulged in this week's Fantasy Friday post).

Some recent scores:

Over at The Outnet, I managed to find the anthracite/silver version of the pretty green Vanessa Bruno Athé flats that were stolen at my birthday party. Though they're a poor substitute for my lost loves, I still like them. Beware, though -- I'm a US size 7.5 and decided to choose an 8 for extra room. When I put them in my shopping cart, this somehow converted into an French 37, which the website's sizing guide will tell you fits more like a US 6. My roommate, who is a true 6, tried them on and confirmed this. I'm somehow still able to wear them (they're just a tad snug, but the suede should give way), but I thought I'd give you a heads up in case you're considering them. Vanessa Bruno Athe Studded suede ballerina flats, $146 (originally $325).

I also picked up a pair of studded Vanessa Bruno Athé sandals (I can't help it -- she just manages to do studs in such an appealing, understated way). After wearing them today, I quickly realized why they were on sale. They hurt something awful. The strap that wraps around the ankle dug into my skin all leech-like, and soon it was all redness and pain. Being that I have freakishly miniscule, child-sized ankles, I can't imagine that they'd fit a normal person. Vanessa Bruno Athe Studded leather flat sandals, $145 (originally $290).

They also had these adorable yellow suede boots, which look like sunshine in boot form.  They're not my style, but I'd love to see a much chicer someone else wear them. Any volunteers? Vanessa Bruno Athe Suede knee-high boots, $166.25 (originally $475).

Photos: www.theoutnet.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