think pink

lately i've been wearing this shocking pink cashmere sweater nonstop. worn with the ultimate fall basics -- skinny jeans, boots & some jewelry -- it somehow still feels like a legitimate outfit. and while cold weather is usually associated with grey and black, i think it's time to mix things up. (i dont know about you, but by january i'm O.V.E.R. all of my "chic neturals.") 

instead, throwing in a few brights like hot pink is the key to feeling current this season (check out the original inspiration on my other blog, in the mix). hot pink was already a huge trend this summer, so incorporating it into your winter wardrobe is almost too easy. just choose wintry textures (like cashmere or wool),  avoid adding any other bright colors, and keep it grounded with rugged boots and bold jewelry. below, i put together the outfit i'm planning on wearing at least once a week from here on out (once it gets really cold, i'll just add charcoal tights):

{from top left: j.crew sweater, erickson beamon necklace, j.crew clutch, michael kors watch, karl donoghue stole, acne boots, topshop skirt}

II emily

an ombré occasion

lately the only items in my closet that i'm remotely interested in are my colorful skinnies.  it's so easy to throw them on with the perfect white tee and an armful of bracelets - the result is a cute and put-together outfit with minimal time invested. eureka!

the marginally more thoughtful approach to wearing colorful pants is embracing the color statement... like, really embracing it. i could not love tangerine + hot pink combinations more, and mixing mint green + aqua, lemon yellow + peach, or cobalt blue + violet all make for equally fun and chic color-splashed ensembles.

my favorite variation on this color-blocking, though, is a very subtle ombré approach. of all the modes of sporting colorful pants, this one may be the trickiest; you want the colors to almost match, yet also differ from each other enough that you can decipher between them - and, all at once, they have to look good together! you may ask yourself... is it even worth it? has the fashion industry run out of ideas and are now forced to throw us this big of a curveball? fear not, ladies. it is doable! and so, so attractive.

the best part? a nearly-monochrome ensemble allows you to accessorize literally however you choose (hence the enormous appeal to yours truly). you can go sleek and minimal with matching gold cuffs, dress it up with a sparkly statement necklace, or take a turn for the tribal with an armful of friendship bracelets. the options are truly endless, as are the 

shades of grey + cool metallic extras.

cream + white: perhaps the best color combination ever.

bright cobalt + pretty cornflower with bold sandals, cool cuffs and funky sunglasses.

my ultimate ombré inspo: mint on mint + the chicest accessories. 

white on white with peach add-ons. (and a sparkly clutch doesn't hurt.)

{ images via lookbook, late afternoon, cupcakes and cashmere, fellt by tuula }

II

liz

art & fashion

{ dress: asos // painting via kitty genius.com }

i love when fashion reminds me of art. a certain color, silhouette or pattern can instantly call to mind a specific painting or sculpture. here, an unexpected color combination - pink, coral, and navy blue - look equally stunning on a feminine dress and a giant piece of wall art.

II emily

madewell spring 2012 lookbook

you already know i'm a huge fan of madewell and that i'm their indiana campus representative, so it will come as no surprise to you that i'm head over heels for their new spring collection. what will be a surprise, however, is how swiftly you're going to hop onto their website and unconsciously spend hundreds of dollars on these amazing new pieces. seriously, prepare yourself.

bold colors like fuschia, kelly green and neon yellow spice up madewell's streamlined, feminine basics while mixed prints and clever pairings make it all feel current and unique (and so, so madewell). i love the retro floral patterns, subtle colorblocking, and quirky touches -- like that faux-denim t-shirt or the green engineer-stripe jeans. and the bold footwear -- from rainbow-hued flats to rugged suede booties and 70s-inspired chunky t-straps -- are the perfect finishing touches. 

consider yourself warned; i've already hidden my wallet to avoid an unstoppable urge to pre-order everything.

II emily