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.

seasonal sparkle

j.crew jeweled sweater, on sale for $103.50 (orig. $138)*

there's nothing like a j.crew sale to get you in the holiday spirit. while clicking through their "winter favorites" -- which are all 25% off with the code WINTER (*UPDATE: as of 11/25, the entire site is 25% off with the code GETGIFTING) -- i stumbled upon this holiday-ready sweater with all of my favorite things: a festive fair isle print, colorful jewels, bold stripes, and deep fall colors. paired with ankle boots, a fuzzy hat and leopard pouch, it might just be the perfect look for shopping, catching up with friends, cooking christmas dinner, swilling cocktails, and everything else the season entails...

 

{ j.crew jeweled sweater, $103.50 // iris & ink jeans, $105 // club monaco hat // bite beauty lipstick in "brick red," $24 // madewell clutch, $78 // madewell boots, $228 (also here) }

II emily

shoesday tuesday: fall edition

just a few shoes i'm loving right now... chic little go-with-everything leopard pumps, the perfect black ankle boots (mine are starting to look pretty bad), high-shine scalloped sandals for next spring, and edgy pumps that look comfortable enough for a day at the office or a night on the town.

II emily

winter re-vamp

{pictured: just a few of my must-haves... equipment cardigan, rag & bone jeans, c.wonder earrings, rgb nail polish, 3.1 phillip lim clutch, rms living luminizer, elizabeth arden 8 hour cream, report flats}

while i'm definitely excited for all of the fall trends, the truth is, i've been looking at these clothes since february — at some point, it starts to feel a little tired. which is why i am on a mission to find perfect, high-quality classics that will keep me going all season long.

for starters, i'm a huge sucker for cashmere sweaters – i have more than i can physically count – but i recently realized they're all pullovers or v-necks. no variety there. i'm hoping to switch up my game this season with a perfectly slouchy cardigan, and this equipment one is looking pretty dreamy.

i'm also in the market for a new pair of jeans (aren't we always? ) and rag & bone is my source for the very best denim. i'm hoping i have time to stop by their nolita store one of these weekends to get a pair. i'm a skinny-jeans-only girl, and these have the perfect rise, super-slim legs and a flattering dark wash.

another wardrobe staple for me? ballet flats. while i amassed quite the collection of j.crew statement sandals this summer (like these and these) i tend to wear ballet flats almost every day. (you can imagine how cold my feet get in the winter). i've been obsessed with these vince flats for quite a while – the pointy toe and d'orsay style are a nice departure from my standard ballets. since i haven't wanted to splurge, i was happy to discover this identical pair by report. they look strikingly similar and are beyond comfortable (yes, i've tried them on a few times). they also come in this super cute leopard style.

as for the earrings, they're from c. wonder and i am in love. (thanks, liz!) the $38 price tag makes them almost too good to be true. they look cute with everything, from a leather jacket and skirt to my favorite sweatshirt and jeans. i suggest you get yourself a pair.

next: do i need a furry clutch? i certainly do not. but that didn't stop me from falling hard for this phillip lim bag, $500 price tag and all. it's everything i want in a clutch – large, simple, functional –  and it's fuzzy. what could be better? now, how can i make this happen…

when it comes to beauty, i'm all about maintaining a solid routine. even though my skin gets drier in the winter, i'll still be using my favorite products – including boots botanics rose hip facial oil, origins brightening eye cream, boscia tinted moisturizer, origins mascara (i'll never go back to chemical mascaras), kerastase cristalliste shampoo, lancome flash bronzer lotion, neutrogena pressed powder (i love the finish), and nars laguna bronzing powder. i've used all of these for years, but i'm constantly trying new products, whether i'm stopping by sephora on the weekend or snagging free samples from work. in terms of new discoveries, i recently added elizabeth arden 8-hour cream to my arsenal (yeah, i'm about 10 years late) and i think i've found the perfect crimson polish in rgb's "classic red." my other new favorite thing is my rms living luminizer, which adds a glow in one swipe and includes just four all-natural ingredients. 

how are you updating your winter look?

II emily

stripes and spots

{ alexander wang top, frame denim jeans (also own & love these), marc jacobs sunglasses, michael kors watch, shashi earrings, c wonder clutch, loeffler randall sandals } 

every time i walk by a c.wonder store i just barely resist picking up this chic leopard and striped clutch. i've been looking for a leopard bag to add to my arsenal, and not only is this the perfect shape, but the stripes are the perfect extra detail. this clutch would look especially chic with my everyday essentials, like light wash jeans (of which i have far too many), sleek jewelry, and a simple top. 

shop the clutch here or head to your local c.wonder to snag it in person. i'll be doing the same this week.

II emily

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 }

spring leopard

everyone remembers the amazing stella mccartney prints from her 2013 resort collection (also great: the holographic clutches & shoes). i loved her fresh, springy take on leopard, but the leopard pants alone cost over $1000. not exactly in my budget!

that's precisely why mango created these killer pants in a nearly identical print, making my stella-obsessed dreams come true. i love the idea of mixing the pants with stripes or bold colors, but also would wear them in a classic way, with a twist: just add a moto-inspired white blazer, gold foil clutch, mixed metals, and neutral pumps:

{ zara blazer, mango pants, bing bang earrings, stella & dot rings, michael kors watch, 3.1 phillip lim bag, steven shoes }

II emily

show your stripes

born and raised in the midwest, i've dealt with extra-long, harsh winters my entire life. as a result, you would think i've leared a thing or two about outerwear -- this, however, is not the case. i always have high hopes for winter: i picture myself in tons of colorful, cozy layers, the perfect bold wool coat, rosy cheeks, cute-yet-sensible snow boots, and an overall sense of content. this never happens, at least not past november. function trumps form when you're trudging through a snowdrift, and before you know it you realize you've worn the same michelin man knee-length down coat every single day for the past four months and are googling "symptoms of seasonal depression." (side note: how often are you supposed to wash a nylon/down coat? anyone?)

the transition period between winter and spring is every midwestern girl's saving grace. once temperatures rise above 40 and trees start to sprout tiny leaves, you'd think everyone had a life makeover. the first peek of sunlight promises spring! and springtime fashion, so we all ditch the uggs and leggings and puffy coats and put on those cute "winter layers" like tights + skirts and slouchy cardigans, usually when it's still way to cold to be wearing said ensembles. you have the ability to look even cuter (and actually stay warm) if you have a statement coat in your possession. they generally tend to be thinner and satin-lined, kind of epitomizing the "transition" piece -- especially when in a versatile animal-print. the images below prove that such a bold coat puts you on the fast track to chicness:

 i'm a leopard-print girl through and through, which is why i plan to replicate olivia polermo's exact outfit (maltese not included) once it's acceptable to wear shorts again. but that zebra coat is on another level. everyone could use a little zebra in their lives, especially if, like me, you once hated it. (i predict it will be a "trend" for at least another two seasons.) the girl above looks really cool wearing her zebra coat over a distressed canadian tuxedo, and this very similar number from zara would look great with denim on denim, too. however, i would personally just wear it with a worn-in white tee (plus a denim jacket if it's extra chilly), an orangey-red lip & some eye-popping accessories:

{ zara coat, gabriela artigas silver ring, ginette_ny gold ring, dannijo earrings (on sale!), marni clutch, face stockholm for j.crew lipstick in "french martini," zara heels }

II emily

style tips from joanna hillman

if you've ever taken a quick glance at pinterest, chances are you've stumbled upon a few eye-popping images of joanna hillman. hillman holds the coveted position of senior market editor at harper's bazaar, so not only does she have amazing style, but she really knows her stuff.

it's hard to pinpoint what i love most about joanna. she always looks refined, constantly taking simple pieces -- like a bandage skirt or blazer -- and giving them an unexpected twist. and she never looks like a walking catalogue or storefront; she embraces trends, but always lets her unique personal style take center stage. that's the trick to really looking cool. who knew a giant circular horn necklace would punctuate an outfit so perfectly? ditto those slightly-flared cropped skinny pants; no one is really wearing either of those pieces right now, and that's what makes joanna stand out (not to mention her enviably long blonde hair, cherry red lips and angular sunglasses, which have become trademarks).

peep my favorite outfits below and see how you can get the look:

{ throw a slouchy cardigan over a textured mini skirt, a cool black bag & strappy sandals }

{ sometimes simplicity is key: wear a long-sleeved mini with super-high heels, a colorful necklace & retro sunnies }

{ lend a girly lace dress some edge with a moto jacket & chunky wedges }

{ mixing prints is always in season: try a striped blazer with fun printed platforms }

{ play with proportions by pairing a boxy top with a printed mini skirt & ankle booties }

{ choose simple silhouettes with interesting details: a white button-down with black trim, rust-colored denim, a leopard tote & navy blue mary janes }

{ a statement coat needs little else: slim black pants, minimalist pumps & cool gloves }

{ an army green blouse & open-toe booties make a stripey skirt anything but predictable }

{ wear a bright bag with a striped tee, black jeans & a luxe (faux) fur jacket }

II emily

velvet crush

{top row: j.crew x stubbs & wootton}

{bottom row: stubbs & wootton, j.crew, stubbs & wootton, stubbs & wootton, stubbs & wootton}

last fall, smoking slippers were the new shoe. every magazine, boutique, blog and storefront featured slightly different variations; animal prints, stripes, solids, tassels, suede, studs, glitter, you name it. i was on board, and even wrote this post about how much i loved topshop's selection (though i must admit i never got around to ordering any). 

i've since started a small, somewhat predictable collection: a leopard print pair from BP and a hot pink suede pair by cole haan. i think smoking slippers are still very chic and i've worn mine with countless ensembles, but nothing really feels new about them. (if you want to make a statement, you should probably stick with givenchy's unspoken boot of the season.)

however, the latest offerings from j.crew are a complete game changer. the retailer collaborated with stubbs & wootton to create slippers that feel all at once classic, on-trend and a little cheeky. velvet jewel tones and preppy hand-embroidered designs can take even your most basic outfit to the next level: with a grey cable knit and black skinnies, it's chic, a bit retro, and perfect for fall -- so of course i love it.

{crumpet sweater, j.brand jeans, monica vinader earrings, catbird rings, michael kors watch, proenza schouler bag, stubbs & wootton loafers}

II emily

trend hopping

while trying to shop restrictively (nyc shopping is literally better than anywhere else ever) i've subconsciously indulged several of my favorite summer trends: 

1) neon + neutrals // c wonder clutch (such a steal!)

2) drop-waist tunics // uniqlo (so cute with slim pants + a chunky heel)

3) leopard (when isn't this a trend?) // zara mini bag

4) industrial earrings // rachel rachel roy (also seen in this post)

5) americana stripes // uniqlo t-shirt dress 

what are you wearing this summer?

II emily

recent purchases

still keeping a constant mental wish list of things i need to buy for my upcoming time in nyc. still yet-to-be-purchased: a sleek white blazer, a handful of basic tees and tanks, white skinnies, and snakeskin flats. life is hard.

i stopped by h&m and zara last week to get some choice pieces that will carry me through the entire summer. i consider gold flats as essential to my wardrobe as great denim, and i've been on a quest for a simple leopard-print dress for months. it was icing on the cake that i snapped one up at h&m for just $12. as for the sequin clutch, i didn't think i could leave the store without it, especially since it was 30% off (at the unlikely ann taylor) and because silver is having such a major comeback. 

i of course had to include my favorite somewhat-new wrist accessory... my gold kate spade 'seaport grand' watch. are those neon pink accents not totally genius? plus some new gems from stella & dot, one of my favorite jewelry lines. i'm not usually one for long necklaces or pendants at all, but i'm completely obsessed with that giant white coral.

{ from top: zara gold flats, ann taylor clutch, zara sandals, kate spade watch, h&m dress, stella & dot 'luna' wrap bracelet, stella & dot stackable band rings, stella & dot 'cameron' pendant}

II 

emily

counting down

{ statement bags: python zara cross-body, asos floral clutch // metallic shoes: j.crew ballet flats, zara t-straps // comfy kicks: vans classics in "gossamer green," toms "pink primrose" vegan classics  // day-to-night dresses: leopard shift, dipped hem tank dress & v-neck shift, all topshop // bold jewelry: topshop earrings, nixon watch, topshop cuff // sharp blazers: halston heritage white blazer, topshop beige open-front blazer }

as a continuation of one of my recent posts, i put together my current new york wish list. i find more pieces i "need" every single day, so i may have to make this a recurring theme!

 i'm leaving in a little over six weeks and all i can seem to think about is how desperately my closet needs an update. i have plenty of sundresses to tide me over for an indiana summer, but nyc requires a little more variety. since i spent last summer interning in london, i kind of have a feel for what i'll be wearing to work. however, temperatures in london were in the mid-60s, and a new york will be closer to 90 degrees in the middle of june. that will definitely be an adjustment. 

as a result, i'm looking for easy-yet-amazing pieces to do all my styling work for me -- i.e. bold accessories (like patterned bags and metallic shoes) to spice up simple ensembles; cute-but-comfortable kicks to wear on long adventures around the city; unfussy dresses that can be worn to work with flats and glammed up at night with heels; extra-bold jewelry to make a chic statement; and sleek blazers to throw over anything and everything.

i'm thinking all of these pieces would carry me through the entire season and mix seamlessly with what i already have hanging in my wardrobe; what's on your summer wish list?

II emily

bold & bright

{from top left: tibi dress, urban outfitters sunglasses, kate spade bangles, j brand jeans, j.crew bracelet, kate spade earrings, rebecca minkoff bag, jeffrey campbell wedges. sequined heart: ban.do}

current wish list. the warm weather today has me dreaming of ultra-bright and bold spring clothes! that leopard dress is just begging to be mixed with about a million colorful accessories... and some great cat-eye shades never hurt anyone. these go the extra mile in candy-apple red. need i say more?

what's on your spring wish list?

my inspiration...

{inspo images via: tuula, late afternoon, sincerely jules, atlantic-pacific, and fashion squad} 

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

le smoking {flat}

{all flats, topshop}

a true fashion victim, i've been on a painstaking mission for chic, flattering, affordable smoking flats for months; they look equally amazing with rolled trousers, full skirts, and your favorite jeans. i'm all about versatility. and while you may think i'm repeating myself after my post about j.crew loafers, i'll have you know smoking flats are very different than your standard loafer. a lower vamp and sleeker silhouette make these markedly more feminine and wearable versus a menswear-inspired penny loafer. (details, people.)

anyways. i think i've finally found suitable (and affordable) smoking flat options! topshop always kills it with their shoe selection, but they're especially on their game with these studded, spotted, and suede beauties. now all i have to do is choose one... (can't i just get them all?!) truthfully, i'm leaning towards the taupe leopard or beige studded varieties. i'm a sucker for good nude shoes!

II emily

fancy pants

statement pants may not be part of your everyday repertoir, but as winter continues to rear its ugly head (hello, highway pile-ups, black ice, and icy-pale skin), style suffers an inverse reaction.  we ditch our fashionista tights, dresses, and platform booties in favor of thick sweaters, long johns, and snow boots, and i, frankly, do not approve. it's looking more and more likely that a good pair of fancy pants is just the thing to pull anyone out of their winter style rut!

between waxed finishes, bold colors, retro silhouettes and full-on dominatrix leather (partially joking), pants are no longer confined to act as the 'neutral' or 'foundation' of your outfit -- instead, give them some face time. make them the focal point. let some kelly green or burgundy (or a full leg of sequins) peek out from underneath your winter parka; those pants are really be the only bit of style anyone can see! (who knew your knees would get so much love?)

 plus, statement pants allow the rest of your outfit to practically build itself -- just throw on an oversized grey, camel, or black sweater, your favorite fuzzy scarf, a few necessary accessories (ie: 10 bracelets) and go!

{top row: current/elliott leopard jeans, j brand flares, current/elliott suede jeans

middle row: rag & bone skinny jeans, current/elliott skinny jeans, j brand cords 

bottom row: current/elliot wine leather pants, calypso sequin pants, current/elliott skinny jeans}

II emily

luxe leopard

{ via le fashion }

you already know we're huge fans of leopard/cheetah print - for any accessory or clothing - and lately we've been particularly into plush, faux-fur leopard coats.  especially longer styles that go below the hip and have big collars: the look is high on drama, but when you're going to wear a leopard coat, you kind of have to go all out, right?

the jackets below are all exactly what i'm looking for - and not nearly as expensive as they look! i love how they add a dose of glamour to casual denim, a few pops of color, or a chic all-black ensemble. meow!

{ forever 21, zara, nasty gal }

II emily