Category Archives: Accessories

Fall Wish List, for Julie


The other day I had the following conversation with my sister, Julie:

Me: What is on your fall wish list?

Julie: Replace my Chinese Laundry brown boots with boots that I enjoy with jeans, leggings and skirts b/c those don’t go with skirts and I need to be able to wear boots to work, colored denim – in a red and maybe an awesome blue or mustard or something – no jackets, I’m prob good on scarves, ooh I kind of want a suede flat – like a boat shoe or loafer, obviously more maxi dresses and like 3-4 awesome sweaters in bright fall colors – purple, green, etc – and that’s it for now

Me: great job, nice selections

Julie: Thank you

Me: I particularly like how you say, “enjoy” with skirts

What I like about this look: It is a mix of a lot of things, with a focus on color.  Julie often has a bolder vibe than I do, but walks the fine line between DC conservative and bohemia.

Julie’s Fall
Source: Maxi Dress, Stripe Dress, Sweater Dress, Polish, Loafers, SlippersCardigan, Sequin Top, Sequin Cardigan, Envelope, Maxi Skirt, Midi Skirt, Skinny Jean, Flare Jean, Suede Boots

What do you think, Jules?

What is on your fall wish list?

What to Wear to Weddings


One night while we were in Mexico we walked on the beach past three weddings in various stages of preparation (set up – rehearsal – ceremony) and the following night a wedding was held at our hotel, and the hotel next door.

It is wedding season, and you are likely invited to one, somewhere.

After slipping that RSVP card into the mail, you might want to think about what to wear.

Is the wedding at a far off tropical destination, where the mood is tiki torch, hurricane candles and a mojito?  (Invite me too, please!) Go full of color, light fabrics and manageable footwear!

Daytime Summer Wedding

L – R: Dress at Net-A-Porter, Necklace at Max & Chloe, Clutch at ALDO, Sandals at Pret-A-Beaute; Sundress at Harvey Nichols, Bracelet by Antik Batik, Clutch at Fashion-Conscience, Sandal at Nordstrom; Dress at Oasis, Earrings at Amazon, Wallet at Nordstrom, Sandal at Macy’s; Sundress at Mary & Paul, Bangles at Simply Soles, Purse at TopShop, Pump at ZapposCouture


Is your next wedding high atop the city on a swanky rooftop, dancing is the main event and the drink is a signature?  Come prepared to party in bold colors and some skin!

Summer Wedding - Cocktail Attire

L – R: Dress at Austique, Hoops at Kyler Designs, Clutch at Zara, Pumps at ZapposCouture; Dress at My Wardrobe, Cuff at Max & Chloe, Clutch at Shopbop, Pumps at ZapposCouture; Dress at My Wardrobe, Earrings at Barneys, Clutch at Endless, Pump at Forzieri; Dress at Bergdorf Goodman, Bangles at Net-A-Porter, Clutch at Forzieri, Sandals at My Wardobe


Is your next wedding bling or bust, with a splash of champagne and crystals dripping from the chandelier and centerpieces?  Sounds mah-velous dahling! Go long or short, but don’t skimp on the sparkle – it is time to make a statement.

Summer Wedding - Black Tie

L – R: Dress at Jane Norman, Bangle at ZapposCouture, Clutch at Lori’s Shoes, Pump at Saks Fifth Avenue; Gown at My Theresa, Earrings at Yes Style, Clutch at The Addison Collection, Pump at Christian LouboutinGown at the Out Net, Earrings at Yes Style, Clutch at Nordstrom, Sandal at Net-A-Porter; Gown at My Wardrobe, Bangles at Nordstrom, Clutch at Nordstrom, Sandals at ZapposCouture


Okay, let’s be reasonable, the dress you wear isn’t the most important dress of the day, and in fairness it really shouldn’t be.  However, I do think that as a guest it is your responsibility to rise to the occasion, without outshining anyone, and be festive and fabulous for your loved one’s special day.

Which outfit is your favorite?

Travel in Style


I have shared with you our (*Mark’s) tendency for packing light, but something we haven’t discussed is travel wear.

When I was younger I was happy enough to travel is clothes that were just as well suited for a yoga class or the gym, but now I try to step up my travel attire so that I can step off the plane and be ready for work, vacation, or whatever this new city has in store.

To get to Mexico we flew DCA  – ATL – SJD (Cabo) and I saw a lot of fellow travelers.  One outfit really stuck out to me.

Gray and White Traveler

Spring/Summer: Fringe Edge Scarf at Jane Norman, Classic Short Sleeve Tee by Alexander Wang at MrsH, Iconic Aviators by Ray-Ban at MyTheresa, Wheeled Duffel by LeSportSac at ShopBop, Slim Flip Flop by Havaianas at Need Supply

This is perfect.  I saw a woman wearing something similar to this in the customs line in Atlanta.  I don’t know where she was coming from, but it didn’t matter.  This look could work in New York, Miami, LA, or the Caribbean.  It is flexible for different cities, comfortable for travel, and practical for any airport activity.
I also think it is seasonally adaptable – yes, I endorse white denim (James Hunter Jeans), year round:

Fall: Diamonds by the Yard by Elsa Peretti at Tiffany & Co, Asymmetric Tank Top by Alexander McQueen at Matches, 42nd Street Blazer by Rag & Bone at Barneys, Iconic Aviators by Ray-Ban at MyTheresa, Wheeled Duffel by LeSportSac at ShopBop,  Toe Cap Flats by Chanel via Marie Claire

Winter: Dalmatian Spot Scarf by Sonia Rykiel at Liberty of London, Shirlyn Open-Knit Sweater by Theory at Net-A-Porter, Funnel Neck Coat at Reiss Online, Rachel Frame Wallet by Hobo International at Nordstrom, Leather Riding Boot by Tory Burch at Nordstrom, Rabbit Fur Ear Muff by Moncler at FarFetch

Okay, friends, WHERE ARE WE GOING NEXT?

Summer Sandal Round Up


Summer solstice, BBQs, bug bites and the first natural tan of the year; it is officially summer.  It is time to treat yourself to a fabulous pedicure and a new pair (or pairs) of sandals.

I have done a summer sandal round up of my favorite styles from around the web, whatever your style, I think you’ll find it here:

 

Go bold with big color and texture with this trend. From L – R: Leather twisted-strip pumps by Alexander McQueen at TheOutnet, Molly Beaded Sandal by Ash at Jildor, Sanzo Sandal by Steve Madden at Asos, Beaded Sandal by Shellys at Asos

Beach ready, boat ready, anchors away in these styles.  From L – R: Delray Wedge by Sperry at Dillards, Montauk Boat Shoe by Sperry at Nordstrom, Urban Espadrille by Etienne Aigner at DSW, Marthe Espadrille by Lacoste at Piperlime

Fierce prints in neutral tones, these sandals are an easy way to show your natural instincts.  From L – R: Paradox Wedge by Jimmy Choo at Net-A-Porter, Original by Dr. Scholls at DSW, Cassia by Michael Kors at Bluefly, Gladiator Sandal by 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent at Lord & Taylor

Beach wedding, summer cocktails, you should shine from head to toe. From L – R: Softich Sandal at ALDO,  Jacqui Sandals by Jessica Simpson at Macy’s, Trey Sandal by Antonio Melani at Dillard’s, Diamondz Sandal by Steve Madden

Take the city by storm in something dark, utilitarian, and sharp.  From L – R: Studded Thongs by Valentino at StyleBop, Exie Thong by Sam Edelman at Dillard’s, Stud Sandal by Blowfish at Asos, Frisk Sandal by Asos

 

Stop traffic with a bold new color, confidence required.  From L – R: Crocodile Sandal by Tapeet at the Outnet, Thong Sandal by Matiko at Bluefly, French Espadrille by Lanvin at Barney’s, Yang Sandal by Jeffrey Campbell at Lori’s Shoes

Which style do you like most for your summer?

Sea to Shore Style


Life Magazine - 1950

There is nothing better at 6, 26 or likely 60 years old, than spending a day on the water with girlfriends, and enjoying a few laughs with the waves lapping at your feet.

This summer let your style be inspired by vintage Americana, with a nautical twist.  This look is more Hyannisport and the Cape, than exotic getaway, and some weekends that is just what you need.

From Sea to Shore

Top Row, L – R: Meridien II T-Shirt by Saint James at La Garconne, Monaco belted halterneck bikini by Heidi Klein at The Outnet, Nautical Stripe Knit Dress at Delia’s

Middle Row, L – R: Sailor Shorts by Milly at Saks Fifth Avenue, Adventurer Ripstop Hoodie at Eddie Bauer, Nautical Bangle Set by Milly

Bottom Row, L – R: Belle Island Boat Ballerina by Timberland at Zappos, Melissa Odabash Jemima Sun hat at Net-A-Porter, Elastic Espadrille Wedge by Tory Burch at Neiman Marcus

A Bouquet of Rose Gold


A few weeks ago my Twitter timeline was buzzing with photos and tweets from the Jewelry Show in Las Vegas.  Some lucky staffers at Brides Magazine and Martha Stewart Weddings were touring the trade show floor trying on ring after gorgeous ring.

I kept up with their tweets and noticed a sweetly romantic trend, rose gold.

I have been crushing on rose gold for a little while now.  If the gift of jewelry could be any more romantic, rose gold makes it so.  Softer than platinum and yellow gold it has a sweet, vintage aesthetic.

My rings are platinum, but their is something blush worthy about these styles.


Top Row, L – R: Clear Quartz and Rose Necklace by Ippolita via Saks Fifth Avenue, Rose Gold Diamond Ring at MKULGems, Paloma’s Crown of Hearts Ring via Tiffany & Co, Fancy Pink Diamond Ring via WCM Jewelers

Middle Row, L – R: Boutonniere Ring via Gemvara, Pear Pave Ring by Zoe via Barneys New York, Rose Gold Love Bracelet by Sydney Evan,

Bottom Row, L – R: Ariella Collection Openwork Ring via Nordstrom, Majolie Rounded Diamond and Rose Gold Ring via Max and Chloe, Rose Gold Ring by Heiko Shrem via Stuart Moore, Diamond bangle bracelet from the Fidelity Collection in 18K rose gold via Kwiat

Would you be blushing for rose gold jewelry?  Let me know in the comments!

The Bow-tiful Details


I am definitely having a bit of a girly girl’s moment, yesterday with the feminine aesthetic of Jennifer Lopez’s home and now today.

I am a bow kind of a girl.  I like heart jewelry, and ribbons, and bows.  There, I said it.

It is just a small detail that flirts with femininity, and is no longer reserved for little girls.

I collected some bow inspiration, and easy ways to infuse this style into your look, without losing any sophistication.

Top, L – R: Bow Bracelet by Tiffany & Co, Bow Dress via Pinterest, Paris and Vintage Personalize Stationery via Minted

Middle 1, L – R: Major Scale Dress via ModCloth, Bows on Bows on Toes via BlueWillowBlog, Lanky Ribbons Necklace via Anthropologie

Middle 2, L – R: Forget me Not Ring via Uncommon Goods, Christian Dior Spring 2009 via Popbee, Valentino D’Orsay Bow Pump via Nordstrom

Bottom, L – R: Painted via Pinterest, Bow Dress by Katie Ermilio

Would you wear or decorate with bows?  Tell me in the comments!

Black and Blue, a Look for Less


First let me say that I am in LOVE with the Diane Von Furstenberg Spring 2011 collection.  It’s like swoon, double take, amble mindlessly through the collection when I visit it in stores, kind of love.  However, I am not currently in the spend $300+ on a bolt of berry blue silk wrapped around me.   It’s a look I love, but I want for a lot less.

Aspire: Reara draped silk-crepe dress by Diane Von Furstenberg at Net-A-Porter, Jimmy Choo Candy Collection Clutch at Nordstrom, AO3541 by Sergio Rossi at Zappos Couture

Attain: Aqua Sleeveless Ruffle Wrap Dress at Bloomingdale’s, Effe Patent Clutch by HOBO International, Sam Edelman Novato at Zappos

What looks are you loving for summer that you want for a lot less?  Style at a steal!

Lucky Charms


I like stars, horseshoes and rainbows in the marshmallow form, but I love evil eyes, wishbones and clovers in silver, gold and platinum.

What can I say? I have a sweet tooth and like nice things!
With Yoga, Kabbalah, and good fashion superstition sharing the limelight with the ancient and traditional faiths, the way we find luck, good favor, and a little bit of blessings now comes with bling.  

These tokens and charms veer from the traditional and favor the fashionable, so they are more Saturday errands than Saturday’s sacred texts, but I love finding a personal way to accessorize.  Here are some of my favorites:

Lucky Charms from L-R: Jennifer Zeuner Long Skinny Good Luck Hamsa Necklace at Singer22, Alex and Ani – Lifetime of Luck Expandable Wire Bangles at Couture Candy, Anna Beck ‘Gili’ Clover Necklace at Nordstrom, Jennifer Zeuner Mini Hamsa Curb Bracelet at Charm & Chain, Ileana Makri Evil Eye Bracelet at Barneys New York, Dream Mullick Wise One Bangle at Max & Chloe, Jennifer Meyer Wishbone Studs at Ylang23

Where do you find your luck?

Kiss me, I’m Stylish!


Emeralds have favor with today’s leading ladies and have for long before (and presumably after) St. Patrick’s day.  The richness of emerald stones complement the complexion of today’s hottest stars. 


Most famously first seen on Angelina Jolie at the Oscars in 2009:
Angelina Jolie in Lorraine Schwartz via InStyle
They have since graced red head Julianne Moore at the Golden Globes in 2010
Julianne Moore in Bulgari via InStyle

And, a very blond Reese Witherspoon at the Oscars in 2011
Reese Witherspoon in Neil Lane via InStyle
These looks get their movie-star sized wattage from the simplicity of the design: a stud and a drop, and the mega-size.  In this case, (and with jewelry isn’t it often the case?), bigger is better.

So, perhaps you don’t have velvet rope access to Neil Lane – here are some looks for less:

Go Green, From L-R: Noumea Emerald Pierced Earrings at Swarovski, Courtney Lee Collection Emerald Brittany Earrings at Max & Chloe, Lata K Illusion Green Onyx Long Earrings at Max & Chloe, Nicky Hilton Sterling Silver Bullet Earrings with CZ and Green Enamel at Endless.com, Diana Warner Emerald-Cut Crystal-Drop Earrings at Max & Chloe