style crush

when it comes to unique, inimitable style, only one name really comes to mind: miroslava duma. not only does she put together truly eye-catching ensembles, but she wears things i would never even consider at first - i.e. timberland boots, mismatched shoes, leather overalls, and chanel backpacks. {view some of these unexpected beauties - plus about 100 other covetable pieces - in a peek inside her nyfw suitcase.}
she inspires me to indulge my love of shift & tent dresses, try bolder colors, and embrace a boho-chic sensibility. i'm also freaking out a little bit about her hair; i've always considered that collarbone-length cut, but i've never been so positively tempted as i am now. she used to have hair just like mine - long and mostly straight - but i much prefer her cropped 'do. it may be worth trying!

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

minimal sandals

after seeing how gorgeous tibi's sleek, minimal sandals looked with their new spring line, i couldn't help but go a little crazy looking for similar, affordable beauties online. as usual, zara more than delivered - not only are the silhouettes perfection, but i cant get enough of those bright pops of color! i mean, neon yellow + python? genius. 

can i get them all in a size 8, please?

all shoes, zara.

II emily

tibi spring 2012

oh hey, tibi... my closet is this way.

#simplicity

#chictothenextlevel!

this is perhaps the best use of pastels, soft structure, and tailoring i've seen all season. exactly what i want this spring.

also loving the simple shoes - those single straps and tiny little bows. (quite refreshing after so many ugly clunkers this fall.)

II emily

thinking ahead: fall 2012

currently loving: boxy fur jackets!

*(well, faux fur for me, but to each their own.)

after seeing tons of little fur jackets on the streets of new york fashion week, i couldn't resist perusing websites like net-a-porter and the outnet to find one for myself! they feel a littttttle bit retro and delightfully feminine. it's an easy way to make a statement with your outerwear without feeling too over-the-top. {*read more about my obsession over at college magazine}

i especially love seeing faux fur in unconventional colors. i mean, how major is that pale aqua?! i would love something like that for next fall; maybe this helene berman?

what are your thoughts on the trend? 

{images via cupcakes & cashmere and luella & june}

...what, can you blame us for experimenting with the trend a little early? {below} liz is wearing our rachel zoe faux fur vest from 2010. fur vests have been a huge trend for the past few years, but we're trying to find new ways to wear them - i.e. with skirts and tights instead of skinny jeans or leggings. 

color story: turquoise

{earrings / phone case / scarf / pumps / clutch / ring {obsessed} / swimsuit / necklace}

i can't really explain why color has felt so extra-inspirational lately -- maybe it's my escalating anticipation for spring + warmer weather? i'm literally itching to pull out my new floral jeans and rock my brightest spring brights.

regardless of what's causing my color craze, turquoise has always been one of my absolute favorite hues. from rough-hewn turquoise stones to especially-saturated clothing items (how hashtag-totes-amaze is that furry coat?!) the color feels rich, luxurious, and perfectly oceanic.

ps - if you didn't catch that hashtag joke, i suggest you watch this video.

II emily

color story: blush pink

{runway: bottega veneta / sunglasses: thierry lasry / bag: miu miu / vest: karl / bracelet: j.crew / jacket: j.crew / flats: lanvin / jeans: current/elliott}

currently feeling extra inspired by the girliest color of all time: pink. 

bright pink was everywhere this fall; i must admit i invested in more than a few statement pieces, from fuchsia flats to a wooly neon cardigan. but as spring gets closer, i'm gravitating more towards pastel pink, which is both on-trend and delightfully reminiscent of fluffy cotton candy. double-win. 

i'm already thinking about pairing the color with other soft hues like aqua, mint, and grey.  but don't go on a complete sugar high; you have to temper a candy-colored ensemble with neutral accessories (or none at all). this isn't the time to break out your rainbow arm party!

or you could always just follow in karl lagerfeld's chic footsteps and toughen up sugary-sweet icy pink by slapping it onto a moto vest and adding black leather accents. bam - completely new vibe. 

II emily

sb12

as you're well aware... spring break is coming up!!!

for most college students, spring break is synonymous with crazy parties, tropical cocktails and getting very little sleep. but for me, it's always been a pretty tame week. this year i'm looking forward to a week of relaxation, getting a little sun, and breaking out some of my favorite warm-weather clothing. (goodbye, marshmallow coat!)

obviously swimwear is a big deal for spring break, too. after years stuffing our closets with bikinis, girls never seem to be satisfied with their collection! (myself included.) i try to avoid over-buying by mixing and matching the swimsuits i already have; i literally never wear a matching suit anymore. mixing colors and patterns makes you feel like you're wearing a brand-new suit every day!

luckily j.crew (my favorite swimwear destination) is offering the very best in color and pattern options this year. from soft florals to whimsical hearts, i'm more than a little tempted. they also have an extra-adorable range of polka dots and stripes (my two favorites) and i love the idea of pairing them together! check out some of the combinations i put together below and shop for yourself at jcrew.com --

(1) seersucker ruffle underwire top + tied retro brief // (2) hot dot pleated bandeau top + stripe boy short // (3) hot dot pleated bandeau top + jersey lomellina side-swept ruffle hipster // (4) hot dot pleated bandeau top + fanfare wide-band hipster

II emily

fashion week(s)

while new york fashion week was finishing up, london designers were just getting started. how genius is it that right when #nyfw is (sadly) over we get to relive it across the pond at #lfw?

i don't really need to say too much about any of this year's shows - as expected, they were completely and utterly fabulous. here's a peek at some of my favorites:

{images via style.com}

currently obsessed.me

if you're reading this blog, i'm just going to assume you read other blogs too. famous, amazing, utterly inspirational blogs that made me want to start my own! (peep some of my favorites over in my blog roll; yes... there are a lot).

i love when bloggers share clothes & products they love and direct you to the sites where you can buy them online. it makes blogs seem so much more personal, and it gives you access to new sites you never would have shopped before!

the new site currently obsessed.me takes this to the next level. it lets bloggers maintain their own pages of "obsessions."  whenever they're perusing the vast world of online shopping, they can just add products they love to their personal obsessions page and then we can shop them, too! it's prettttty amazing - why didn't i think of this sooner?

you "stalk" bloggers' pages (yes, that's the real term) and some of my favorites are already up and running on the site - i.e. blair eadie of atlantic-pacific,  merritt beck of the style scribe, the ladies behind the glitter guide, and jane aldridge of sea of shoes.  it's ridiculously addicting - and to get in on the fun, all you need to do is sign up with your e-mail. your wallet may not thank you for this new tool, but your closet certainly will.

i'm not on the site (yet! ...a girl can dream) but below are some of my obsessions:

{ blazer / flats / heels / bag / dress / shades / pants / bracelet }

II emily

jenni kayne a/w 2012

{images via style.com}

jenni kayne never disappoints in my book. but this collection was extra major.

the menswear fabrics. the fluorescent neon. the artistic prints. the simple coats. and that all-black-tuxedo-shirt-bustier-hot-pants-sheer-chiffon ensemble.

i think i'm in heaven.

II emily

alice + olivia a/w 2012

one of my favorite designers turned out an amazing fall line full of rich colors, satisfying textures and an air of mystery. not to mention tons of evening wear... how can i fit that striped sequin gown into my wardrobe??

 read more about my obsession (and some notes on marc jacobs, jenny kayne, and theyskens' theory, too) in my latest "style file" column for the indiana daily student.

{images via style.com}

II emily

mary katrantzou for topshop, round 2

i wrote about my excitement for the covetable mary katrantzou x topshop line back in october, which may have felt wildly anticlimactic. you were probably asking yourself, will this heavenly brand ever find its way into my wardrobe?! 

i know, i know. i felt that way too. every day.

but i'm happy to tell you the topshop line is FINALLY here! and it's even greater than i imagined. critics weren't kidding when they said kantrantzou's topshop line would look like the legitimate runway looks in budget-friendly form. for those of you who went out on a limb and bought the real deal, well... you may feel jilted. but the rest of us should rejoice. rejoice and jump for joy!
i'm a sucker for florals, and when you combine florals like this... you get euphoria. katrantzou's name has become synonymous with mixed digitized floral prints on structured silhouettes, and rightfully so: she studied at risd and central saint martins to get her BA and MA in textile design. who do you think was the brightest student in the class? katrantzou's ss2012 line also won the award for emerging talent at the british fashion awards. not surprising in the least. 

but finally, behold: your first peek at the line. it hits stores & the web on february 17. 

that's in 2 days. prepare yourselves.

happy valentine's day!

{kate spade valentines, ban.do hearts, anya hindmarch coin purse, solange azagury-partridge ring, marc by marc jacobs earrngs, zoe karssen sweater}

happy valentine's day from twin studies. we hope your day is full of love (romantic, platonic, whatever!), flowers, and festive ensembles! xx

more spring

so obsessed with j.crew's spring collection. i want to pre-order everything!!
 j.crew has come so far from its ultra-preppy polos and chinos days... this stuff is pure glamour. jenna lyons, you are a genius. the spring line consists of uber-chic, beautifully made classics mixed in with the best of the current trends - now that's a formula for effortless style. peep a few of my favorite picks above.

II emily

current obsession

{images via cambridge satchel co., cupcakes & cashmere, fashion squad, jak & jil}

for those of us who can't reconcile spending a grand (or two) on a PS1 satchel, don't fret! per usual, i've dedicated myself to finding an equally-chic solution. enter: the cambridge satchel company.

famous for their sleek, minimalist designs, supreme functionality and variety of colors, cambridge satchels are a bit more sleek and structured than the PS1, but i think i prefer that rigid design! and the long straps mean you can carry these across your body if you feel the need. (or as a clutch, as emily shows you above.) and how cute are those little buckles!?

 in a variety of colors and shapes, cambridge satchels are the perfect fit for any girl's wardrobe. seriously. and they only cost about $145-$165. (straight out of my favorite city... london!)

there's classic brown and black, saturated mustard yellow, lipstick red, and even bold neons like pink and yellow. the brand's newest additions in particular - metallic silver and gold - have this girl a little bit obsessed. #wishlist #daydreaming

which color would you choose?

II emily

the art of contouring

in the world of beauty, i'm all about the eyes. it's so typical and girly; my desert-island product is mascara, i'm a sucker for shimmery shadow, and i've perfected swoopy cat-eye liner. 

but a recent rendezvous with a certain nars bronzer and stila highlighter have made me obsessed with contouring.

nothing's worse than seeing a beautifully made-up face that's completely flat; all one color, one texture, one tone. it looks like a mask! everyone needs some blush at the very least, and you can make even more of an impact by giving your features some highlights and lowlights. my contouring routine goes like this:

1) apply a thin layer of caudalie vinoperfect cream for an even, radiant glow.

2) smooth chanel vitalumiere foundation wherever necessary for a bit of coverage (with a shiseido foundation brush). 

3) dust almay clear complexion powder over t-zone (forehead, nose & chin).

4) using a dense kabuki brush (like this one), swirl nars bronzer in laguna below cheekbones, under the jaw, and at the temples/hairline for shading.

5) dip a fluffy fan brush into a highlighting powder (i sometimes use stila 'kitten' eyeshadow for this) and blend it over the apples of cheeks, over the top of cheekbones, down the bridge of the nose, and over the brow bones to counteract the shading.

result: a glowy, contoured complexion!

if you want to do all of the above with one product, the tom ford shade & illuminate is for you. it's pricy at $70 - but easily the best tool for contouring. try the products below for an equally flattering effect:

{highlight, clockwise from top left: rms living luminizer, stila 'kitten' eyeshadow, nars illuminator in copacobana, sonia kashuk fan brush, stila all over shimmer duo, madina chic & shine stick // shade: tom ford shade & illuminate, clinique true bronze pressed powder bronzer, nars bronzing powder brush, bobbi brown bronzing powder, nars bronzer in laguna}

II emily

how to layer

{urban outfitters skirt [similar here], j.crew tee [similar here], h&m sweater [similar here], j.crew belt, steve madden boots, michael kors watch, anthropologie hair pin // jewelry: forever 21, american eagle, hermés}

bloomington weather has been more temperamental than a prepubescent boy, but i can't really complain. seeing as i'm already craving spring (as evident here, here, and here... and about everywhere else on this blog) I've embraced the opportunity to layer up my ensembles with skirts/dresses, tights, and sweaters that don't normally see the light of day in february.

example a: liz opted for a black chiffon mini and nautical stripes, topping everything off with a neutral oversized cardi, a cheetah belt and our go-to combat boots.

the upcoming spring season offers the perfect opportunity for some transitional layered outfits. some simple tips:

1) black tights are your best friend. pair any of your favorite dresses with tights, then add boots or flats. you've got your foundation.

2) add a loose cardigan or jacket to further winterize the outfit.

3) belt everything, if necessary, to reel it all in; i like skinny belts the best.

4) add a scarf, jewelry, etc. to add a bit of interest. it doesn't get much better than in a perfectly-executed arm party. 

and voila! layers, perfected.

II emily

v-day

{look #1: miu miu tee, giulietta skirt, ban.do heart pin, anya hind march, topshop flats // look#2: adam tank, tibi maxi skirt, tinnlily bracelet, chloe bag, chloe flats}

forget what you know about valentine's day. 

whether you're a hopeless romantic or diehard cynic (i won't judge), i'm determined to make this much-anticipated holiday more stylish than ever. there's nothing wrong with filling your house with cute little heart candies or wearing a sweater that says "be mine?" on the big day... but if you're looking for a more subtle way to embrace the holiday, it's time to start planning your look.

seeing as pairing pink with red is suddenly a hot spring "trend," wearing a pink and red outfit doesn't seem quite as blatantly corny as it used to. for a delightfully festive outfit, try a magenta tee with a sweet red mini, then pile on girly details like black ballet flats and sparkly accessories. or, go a more laid-back route with a blush maxi and fuchsia tank, then add your everyday essentials: a camel bag and favorite nude flats. 

looking sweet and festive has never been so easy!! and don't forget about those little details like jewelry and makeup...

{clockwise from top left: nars 'new order' highlighting blush, essie 'pink parka' nail polish, ban.do pom poms, benefit 'bathina' body balm, anita ko earrings, nars 'schiap' semi matte lipstick}

II emily

jason wu x target

tomorrow is a very big day.

sure, it's the super bowl. but that's not what i'm talking about. tomorrow, at 8:00am sharp, target opens its doors to their latest cheap-chic collaboration: jason wu for target.

if you are somehow unaware of this gift from the heavens, let me give you a brief description:

who: jason wu, the latest "it" designer for feminine, ladylike silhouettes and thoughtful details. wu crafted michelle obama's famous white inaugural ball gown and has acquired a fan base of celebrities like natalie postman and january jones. 

what: a collection ranging from $19.99-$49.99 inspired by French New Wave and "an American girl in Paris"

where: target stores everywhere.

when: tomorrow, duh!

why: well, he's utterly fabulous.

as one of the newest additions to the indiana daily student newspaper, i'm maintaining a weekly fashion column called "style file" and this week's topic was none other than this very collaboration. read the article here for a more in-depth look at jason wu for target, and peep the photos below (try not to salivate) to see a preview of the line:

{image via harper's bazaar}

II emily

color on color

if you'd asked me last year how i felt about the idea of "matching" ensembles, i'd say i was firmly against it. that whole match-your-purse-to-your-belt-to-your-shoes adage seemed like something from the 80s, a horrible "rule" that had an inverse effect on your personal style. 

but now, matching your shoes to your bag looks just quirky and matchy enough - a clever touch that makes you look all at once modern and retro. nearly every outfit blair eadie wears has this matchy-matchy feel to it, and her outfits NEVER fail to amaze. she is the epitome of chic!

i love my collection of brightly hued shoes, but as a girl who strictly carries neutral bags (i've used this nearly every day for the past 4 years) it may take some serious shopping and wardrobe-adjusting to pull this trend together -- but i'm willing to make the sacrifice. 

this just goes to show that everything comes back at some point! next time you're thinking about throwing something away, reconsider. they make storage units for a reason.

{clockwise from top left // fuchsia: marc by marc jacobs bag, j.crew heels // blue: j.crew bag, topshop heels // camel&black: lanvin bag, french sole flats // orange: tory burch bag, j.crew wedges // green: marc by marc jacobs bag, repetto flats // hot pink: pucci bag, topshop flats // aqua: rebecca mink off bag, repetto flats // mustard: alexander wang clutch, j.crew wedges}

II emily