coat check

when you work in fashion, you tend to get excited about something new every day. givenchy's floral prints, m2malletier bags, blinged-out tibi mules, the perfect sporty-chic sneakers... the list goes on (and on and on). so when you suddenly realize your very up-to-date wardrobe is actually devoid of a classic, seasonless piece, you feel like a total fool. 

i kicked myself when i saw everyone wearing chic, simple, and rich-feeling camel coats in between shows at fashion week. how, how, how do i not own a camel coat?  

so now i'm on the hunt -- even though winter is almost over. it may not be the best time to buy a new coat, but there's really no reason to talk myself out of it. these coats will undoubtedly look just as chic next season. and the season after that. and after that.

a few of my favorites include this cool zipper coat from asos, this incredible bejeweled j.crew stunner (worth the investment!), this toggle duffel coat (on sale!), this fur-collar coat, this super simple style, and this classic double-breasted peacoat. some sartorial inspiration below...

images via style.com, collage vintage, and caroline's mode

chloé pre-fall 2014

images via style.com

the chloé pre-fall look above is exactly what i want to wear once the temperatures warm up. this long-sleeved, flouncy leopard-print day dress could be my perfect throw-on-and-go uniform, not to mention the covetable bag. i've been a huge fan of chloe handbags for years, but have yet to splurge on one, and the saddle shape, pop of python and pale blue leather on this one make it extra tempting. (ps - i found this budget friendly alternative to the dress as well as this floral-print variation, and will likely be adding both to my closet within a day or so.)

i think if i could buy the entire chloé pre-collection i would be content for life. i love how clare waight keller mixed super-feminine ruffles and chiffon with oversized coats, sharp blazers and clunky ankle-tie heels -- it's precisely how i want to look. and those blanket-y wraps have already become a street style staple, as evidenced by plenty of couture-goers this week.

stephanie lacava

am i obsessed with stephanie lacava? maybe.

not only am i a huge admirer of her work, but she is among my most consistent style icons. 

my current favorite looks:

II emily

simple solution: the pencil skirt

images via atlantic-pacific, harper's bazaar

"pencil skirts! brilliant!" -- not necessarily something i'm proud of saying, but as street style becomes more about zany combinations and less about real-life wardrobes, it's easy to forget how something so simple can be so chic. so as i was saying... a pencil skirt! try it! 

pencil skirts look clean and sleek with  basic tops and accessories, but they ALSO serve as the perfect foundation for something extra-special, like that maaaa-jor balenciaga graphic neoprene sweatshirt. (more on that later...)

II emily

street style

when it comes to fashion, there's nothing more inspirational than street style. the majority of blogs out there focus on bloggers' everyday outfits as well as street style photographs of women around the world, and that's where the real talent lies! 

i don't need to talk too much about my love for blogs; my blogroll {at right} grows every day, and i have my own blog, after all! they're pretty special to me. i'd much rather peruse the internet for chic women around the globe than, say, get inspired by a celebrity look. celebrities have teams of stylists; bloggers do not. (some of them are actually stylists, though!)

these are some of my favorite street style looks right now...

1 / i love kendi's updated "geek chic" look: thick glasses, a schoolboy blazer, loafer wedges, and a bow-tie blouse. adorable!

2 / this beauty from berlin combines some of my very favorite things: a leopard jacket, leather pants, a pop of hot pink, and moto boots.

3 / tuula's take on color blocking is so soft and simple with shades of mint green - and her sleek black bag and sandals create the perfect contrast.

4 / blair looks pretty in pink, with crisp breton stripes breaking up the cotton-candy hues.

5 / i'm literally obsessed miroslava duma's look here, even though it's extra matchy-matchy (which is now a total "do") - even her mismatched creepers are perfect!

6 / the ultimate in chic neutrals; a camel leather skirt, crisp blouse, and messy braid all communicate that carefree, effortless vibe.

7 / looove this girl's ensemble - a chambray shirt, red cardigan, cap-toe heels and structured satchel all come together to update the classic prep look.

8 / blair never fails to amaze; i have a bit of a girl crush. this look is practically the opposite of #3 - it's a bit rock 'n roll, even. i love how she layered her military jacket and blouse, piled on the chains, and those shoes! sigh.

9 / jules is the ultimate mix master - her ultra-casual cardigan gets an elegant twist with strappy black heels and a giant metallic clutch.

feeling inspired yet?

II emily