inside the lines

{images via honestly...wtf}

a recent discovery of martha nehrling's graphic, single-stroke artwork is providing even more reason to dress in the boldest and brightest colors this winter and in the coming spring. bonus - art lovers and novices alike will appreciate nehrling's straightforward approach: the seemingly-simple lines and dashes stem from her observance that life is chaotic and creates a variety of colors; her paintings kind of look like they're whizzing past in a blur. #coolness

II emily

just in time

{clockwise from top left: matthew williamson sweater, rebecca minkoff bag, nancy gonzalez clutches, shourouk bracelet, iris apfel for MAC lipstick, anthropologie bracelet, candy store silicone pouch [perfect for makeup!], stella mccartney sandals}

you can't really call it a "trend," nor can you say it's something new - but bright colors are your one-way ticket to chic this season. and by "this season" i do mean in the dead of winter.

is this breaking some kind of rule? yes. but does it make complete sense? yes.

 a pop of neon or an especially saturated hue can brighten up your dull skin, limp hair, and gloomy winter attitude, whether its a chunky bracelet or a swipe of lipstick.  hot pink is always a fabulous option, but more unexpected colors like lime, sunflower, and orange pack a punch, too. 

to avoid looking like a walking window display, pair your brights with casual, neutral basics - a slouchy white tee or grey knit with your trusty dark denim usually does the trick. 

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

leather + lace

{image via a love is blind}

how much do you love these photos of teen vogue editor jane keltner de valle? i can't get enough of her leather skirt - it's both tough and feminine, with tiny pleats and a midi length.  she softened the look even more with her gray lace-detail sweatshirt, and ray ban wayfarers are always a classic touch. and those metallic topshop pumps? d-i-e. 

II emily

spots on spots

although we haven't even reached winter's peak, i'm already looking forward to spring. soft pastels, floaty florals, and femininity reigned supreme on the spring 2012 fashion week catwalks, and the season is bound to bring even more lovely surprises.

polka dots have a been a longtime favorite of mine, but not until recently had i played with the idea of mixing them together.  layering two polka dot pieces is one of the easiest ways to a chic, effortless ensemble, and there are really only 3 rules to follow:

1. stick to the same color scheme - neutrals like navy, cream, black, and white are especially easy to use.

2. choose 1 piece with small polka dots, and another with larger dots to create contrast

3. keep shapes simple and unfussy.

the outfits below perfectly demonstrate the demure, girlish charm that results from mixing polka dots. the top ensemble shows a more daring approach, with whimsical accessories and a colorful top, while the bottom look is a bit more subtle. whichever you choose, have fun with your spots and don't forget some necessary pops of color!

{top look: h&m blouse, prabal gurung skirt, ban.do headband, nixon watch, asos pumps} 

{bottom look: ban.do headband, commes de garcons clutch, j.crew flats, zadig & voltaire sweater, current/elliott jeans}

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

beginnings

with each passing year, there are things we're ready to leave behind.  this applies invariably when it comes to fashion; i'm happy to say adios! to lady gaga-inspired footwear, pretentious hippie headbands, ridiculous furry key chains, and wet-look hair, among other trends gone wrong.
but on the other hand, there were, of course, countless trends i'm forever thankful for -- those which defined 2011 and made it a particularly stylish year. like the ubiquitous alexander wang cape shoes, the embrace of ladylike, conservative clothing coupled with an abandonment of skimpy, slutty alternatives (thanks in part to leandra), sleek pointed pumps, blinding bursts of color...  sigh. the list goes on.

luckily, 2012 is looking just as promising -- here's what i'm hoping to see more of:

{photos via my pinboards}

II emily