between the lines

after yesterday's post, i went a little stripe crazy and quickly found a winning combination at madewell. the crimson, navy and ivory stripes look even better when you add another bold pattern into the mix (although i'm pretty sure everyone has agreed that leopard is now a neutral) and i love the final result. sleek, no-fuss accessories are the finishing touch for a modern, endlessly chic ensemble.

{ madewell top, madewell skirt, thierry lasry sunglasses, j.crew clutch (on sale), ginette_ny diamond earrings, michael kors signet ring, j.crew pumps }

working for the weekend

i've been obsessing over kate spade saturday ever since the first looks were released a couple weeks ago. i'm already itching for spring, and sunny weather can't come soon enough now that i have a new line to stock my closet with!

kate spade saturday is packed with even more charm, whimsy and color than the traditional kate spade line, and the prices (with clothes averaging around $80, shoes for $85, jewelry for $30, etc) are more than right.

peek some of my favorite looks below -- i'm especially excited about that bold paint-splatter dress (the pattern reappears on several other pieces, including a phone case).

and speaking of kate spade... have you checked out their sale lately? it's full of several of my favorite KS pieces, and all of them would transition perfectly into spring. shop my picks after the images:

top images via lucky magazine // sale items: party pearl drop earrings ($47, were $68) is this seat taken? terry bag ($173, was $248) electric gardens bracelet ($89, was $128) all hours winking georgie clutch ($49, was $98)

II emily

bold step

{ j.crew cashmere sweater, matthew williamson pants, ginette_ny earrings and rings, deborah lippmann "shape of my heart" polish, botkier bag, nicholas sandals (on sale!) }

while the temperatures have dipped back to normal (the low today is a bone-chilling 7°), the past few days of humid, low-60s warmth have had me craving spring -- and spring-appropriate fashion. the sartorial opportunities are endless when you don't have to wear your michelin man-esque down coat everywhere you go (ditto salt-crusted leather boots and uggs). i was still thinking about colorful open-toe sandals, bold printed pants and sleek accessories when i woke up this morning, though i'm disappointed to report my perfect mid-to-low-sixties ensemble will not be seeing the light of day anytime soon. for those of you who are planning ahead, feel free to shop the look above (the sandals in particular are calling my name).

II emily

jason wu spring 2013

 

images via style.com

 leather, lace, harnesses, midrifs and sweeping chiffon... no one can wu a girl like this man. if you recall, jason wu dressed michelle obama for the inaguration ball in 2008 -- so this is an especially moody and provocative departure. and yet, he found perfect balance: it's edgy, but sophisticated. sexy, but chic. he stepped out of his comfort zone but didn't lose himself  -- and isn't that always the trick?

II emily

candy-colored inspiration

{ lavender wedges: aldo / pointy heels: aldo / yellow wedges: aldo / pink & yellow necklace: bauble bar / sunglasses: karen walker / monogram necklace: bauble bar / nail polish: essie 'to buy or not to buy' / rope bracelet: bauble bar }

these punchy accessories illustrate my three favorite colors right now: pale lavender, bright pink & neon yellow. they're cheerful, feminine, and shockingly versatile; i wear pieces like this all season long, day and night. i'm still dying for a pair of lavender jeans (like these) - i think they would become my go-to outfit-maker, plus i could transition them into next fall with a chunky sweater and boots!

side note: do you think it's any coincidence that easter is coming up? i'm loving the same hues as my favorite robin's egg candies, and while i'd like to think this is purely me being trend-focused, i know in on some level this was a subconscious reminder that the holiday is approaching :)

II emily

ka-bloom

florals will always have a place in my heart, and i'm especially loving the bold, artistic floral designs so many designers have put out this spring. mary katrantzou, peter som, dries van noten, and altuzarra - among others - sent legitimate floral explosions down the runway. mixed patterns, neon colors, and digitized prints could make even the brightest garden look boring. 

lucky magazine's "ka-bloom" editorial (styled by the amazing elle strauss) features the season's best supercharged florals, and of course it's curated to perfection. it's one of my favorite editorials ever-ever-ever, and i've been on a serious hunt for affordable pieces to recreate the covetable looks (especially #1). i love how the eye-catching patterns are tempered by simple, structured silhouettes; it makes it all feel so effortless. 

{images via fashion scans remastered}

II emily