As of Late

Well, hello there, friends.  It's been a few minutes.  I've been busy though.  Truly.  May was a beautiful blur of a month that started with the Kentucky Derby, included a trip to Mexico, and ended with me running my 1st 1/2 marathon.  I have been busy with work (it's a good thing!) but have missed good ol' Hush n Wonder.  So here's hoping the dear blog gets a bit more attention in the coming months.

I haven't gotten to do much shopping lately.  Everything I have bought in the past month has had some sort of purpose - like I need that dress for the Kentucky Derby.  Or I need that good facial sunscreen for Mexico.  Or that sports bra is the perfect pink to match my running shoes.  You get the picture.  Below are some little gems I'd like to be buying regardless of trips and simply in honor of summer.  Which is here.  Finally!

The Wantables.

Bath & Shower Oil:  I am needing this.  This oil is perfect to lather on before a shower or add a little to your bath to create a relaxing little haven all your own.  By Aromatherapy Associates, find it here.  

A Printed Tee:   Nothing beats a good printed t-shirt.  This one by Zoe Karssen is perfection.  Fun fact - I ordered it from here.  

Retro Sunnies:  Acetate sunglasses are the thing right now - but something about this pair seems perfectly classic.  Cutler and Gross nailed it with this pair.  

A Wild Necklace:  I'm quite certain shark teeth have replaced snakes as the most exotic form of jewelry.  This necklace by Heather Hawkins is the ultimate summer accessory.  

A Vintage Scarf:   Finishing off an outfit with a colorful scarf is trick that can take outfits from blah to beautiful.  This Dolce & Gabbana printed scarf is great, but find that flea markets and vintage stores have a great selection as well.  

Printed Shorts:  A fun pair of printed shorts are must have for summer.  I love this aztec version from Topshop.  Paired with a peasant top or simple tank, these would/will get a lot of wear.  

Pretty, Skinny, Gold

There's something in the way a delicate gold chain can fall just so around a girls' clavicle.  In my opinion, it's one of the *sexiest* and most innocent ways to draw attention to decolletage without being risque.  I recently purchased a 24" inch gold chain with a simple initial engraved disc charm.  It's quickly become my go-to jewelry item, my favorite part definitely being the chain.  It's so fine that in certain lights it's hard to tell if there's a chain at all or just a little glitter that found it's way to my chest.  This is a jewelry item that every girl should own (right up there with a good watch).  Below are some options if you're looking to invest.

{From left to right}
Ginnette_NY Mini Lace Monogram Necklace in Rose GoldJennifer Meyer 18 k Gold & Diamond Hamsa PendantJ Crew Lion Head Locket NecklaceMallarino 24 k Gold Vermeil Ball & Tassle NecklaceTopshop XL Heart Necklace

Paint by Numbers

I'm officially craving spring and summer attire.  Bright colors are always a go-to, and last year, I sadly didn't really partake in the color blocking trend that graced many of the Spring/Summer 2011 runways.   So when my little sissy Brooke suggested I write a blog on bold color combinations I was anxious to see what I missed out on.  And in all honesty, the more I searched, the more I fell in love with the color blocking trend.  Pairing unexpected hues together (think pink+red, kellygreen+fuschia, coral+tiffanyblue, anyneon+anyneon) can work amazingly well - it's just all about balance.  I also found that when done correctly, the trend can give off a great 60's feel.   This isn't a trend that everyone is about to go try, so for those who are hesitant, I broke colorblocking up into levels.

LEVEL 1 - Just a Splash

One of my favorite ways to brighten up an outfit is by carrying a bright purse or wearing bright shoes.  If the colors contrast enough, it's most certainly color-blocking, regardless of the small scale.  I love how in the robin's egg blue in the clutch below contrasts with the bright coral.   As you become more brave, add more color.  A good starting point is wearing a neutral dress and adding accessories that pop - just make sure accessories all different shades, and all bright.  

LEVEL 2 - Built In Pieces

Sometimes, it's easiest to leave the styling up to the experts.   Many people shy away from color, especially non-traditional combinations.  If you're hesitant to try this look, buy shoes, a bag or a shirt where the color blocking is already done for you.  This is a perfect way to get your toes wet without fully committing. The Topshop wedges below and the Chloe envelope clutch are both amazing examples.

LEVEL 3 - Keep Hues the SameThe main goal of color blocking is to notice, above all else, the color combinations.   People have been mixing bright, but related hues forever, and although it's not as shocking as some of the color blocking we see today, it's still a beautiful look.  Make sure shades are similar, and you'll be just fine.  The dusty coral and tiffany blue blouse are not at all unexpected together, but they're still visually pleasing. 

LEVEL 4 - Fully Commit to BrightsIf you need no convincing on this trend, here you go.  Pair colors that traditionally clash, but the key is to make sure they have the same intensity.  I'm loving the bright pink and bright red - they work together because they're equally vibrant.   In art class, they teach you that colors directly across the color wheel from each other compliment each other best.  Well, this is about doing just the opposite.  

 
LEVEL 5 - 60's Style & Extra ObviousWhen dresses or shirts are divided geometrically by color, you've gone as far as there is to go.  This is a trend that was big back int he 60's, and the uber obvious retro-look is so refreshing.  Below are looks from (l to r) Herve Leger, Stella McCartney, Diane Von Furstenberg, and BCBG.  The creative color combos and literal "blocking" are what we're seeing a lot of this year. 

Ready for a Holiday

     

Lately I've been completely consumed with thoughts of beaches and bikinis.  I normally get this way around Mid-January and become instantly depressed when I realize there are still months of winter left.  However, there is hope, and it lies in the form of holidays to sunny destinations.  This upcoming weekend I'm heading to Florida and although the weather is going to be by no means hot, it will be warm, and I'm excited to bust out my Toms and venture outside in no more than a sweatshirt.   I apologize for this post in advance, I really do.  I held off on doing it for a week now, because in all honesty there is just too much winter ahead to get too excited about shorts and sundresses.  However, it's never too soon to start planning (and even mentally packing) for your next holiday.   Here's what I was thinking...

Perfume- Lanvin, Eclat D'Arpege

Nail Polish- Chanel Nail Color, Riva

Bikini- Missoni, Danimarca Crochet Bandeau

Shoes- Lanvin, Two-Tone Leather Espadrille

Top- 3.1 Phillip Lim, Pony Hair Silk Top

Shorts- Christopher Kane, Neon Stretch Denim

Dress- Richard Nicoll, Color Block & Striped Maxi

Coin Purse- Topshop, Navy Anchors Clip Frame Purse

Scarf- Ralph Lauren, 

Most Wanted

I'm wanting to break out the sweaters and do a lilttle shopping.  This past week has been gorgeous, with temps near 90, but in all honesty, could I please just have some cooler weather so I can go shopping for fall clothes?  Below is what I'm coveting most.

See by Chloe / Rag & Bone / Etoile Isabel Marant

Michael Michael Kors / J Crew / Jil Sander

Belle Sigerson Morrison / Topshop / Old Navy

American Apparel Vintage / Addidas by Stella McCartney / Burberry

Rimmel in Chocolatine / Diane von Furstenberg "Diane" / Chanel in Quartz

Craving a Party

Salvador Dali, Brigitte Bardot, and Gunter Sachs

Perhaps it's the fact that it's been a while since I've gone out with my girlfriends, but I've been craving a night on the town - complete with festive attire, good beats, and libations. I've been coming across a lot of photos of some of my fashion icons out partying, and the one thing I see over, and over?  Creative, unusual, and fun details.  Like my girl Brigitte in her elaborate head piece, I can't help but admire the festive feel evoked from this shot.  Below are some fun details I'd love to add to an outfit.

A feathered Eugenia Kim Headband

A turban from Topshop to add an exotic edge to any ensemble.

Pumps like these Alexander McQueen's that make a serious statement

A bejeweled collar from Topshop to add some color to a LBD.

And I mean, wouldn't all these things look amazing with this killer Chloe jumpsuit?

The Plastics

I love Los Angeles. I love Hollywood. They're beautiful. Everybody's plastic, but I love plastic. I want to be plastic.

Andy Warhol

The plastic, fake, over-the-top side of fashion.  It's there.  We are reminded every time we open up the pages of Vogue.    It's what runs through our heads when we glance at a model and think, "Just how little does she weigh?" or "Just how much airbrushing was done to get her face *completely* poreless." We can't help it.  We wonder what's real.   How close can the average person actually get to looking that flawless?  Instead of letting such thoughts consume me, I prefer to take in the beauty of it.   The flawless, decadent, unrealistic perfection, it's enough to inspire.  Below are ultra-glam pieces, fit for a Barbie.

180 by Jean Yu, Cuff Stretch Silk Chiffon Shorts

Furla, Candy Bag

Topshop, Orange Sleeveless Tuck Shift Dress

Giuseppe Zanotti, Assymetrical Eel Pumps

Missoni, Geometric Acetate Bib

Miu Miu, Crepe Silk de Chien Top

Tom Binns, Fauve Hand Painted Swarovski Crystal Drop Earrings

Nars, Easy Lover Lip Gloss

Covetous

Lately, I've been unbelievably responsible with my moolah.  There has been very little shopping going on, and LOTS of paying off of the credit card.  For me, this is quite the accomplishment, and I'm thinking if I keep working at this and time it just right, I'll have saved enough to go on the perfect little shopping spree for fall clothes in mid September.  Here are some things that I'm resisting *for the time being*.  Probably not for forever ;)

Sunshine Essentials

As far as I'm concerned, summer is pretty much here.  Everything is green, the temperatures are far from freezing, and I've found that all I want to do is lay in the sun, read good books, and enjoy an occasional cocktail on a patio ;)  Now all I need are some new wardrobe staples to help enjoy the warmer weather!

Shoes - Christian Louboutin - Hola Chica Sandals $495

Shorts - Isabel Marant - Mini Stretch Denim Shorts $220

Swimsuit - L*Space - Fringe Bikini $130

Bracelet - Ben-Anum - Multi-Colored Stretch Bracelet €237

Top - Winter Kate - Racer Tank in Mint Ivory $159

Dress - Topshop - Cream Embroidered Bandeau Tunic £36