the look for less: pink pleats

remember when i posted a neon ensemble featuring this to-die-for halston heritage skirt? needless to say i'm still obsessed with it - the color, the feminine shape, the accordion pleats.... talk about the perfect pop of color for fall (just pair it with tights and boots!) 

but when, like me, there isn't $370 lying around waiting to be spent on a hot pink skirt... it's nice to have cheap alternatives! i spotted this old navy beauty in the latest issue of lucky magazine (aka my bible) and can't wait to hop over to my local store to snatch it up. the best part? it's on sale for $25 (originally $35... which is still pretty amazing!)

{reed krakoff cashmere-silk sweater, dvf scarf, dolce vita 'jax' booties, anthropologie studs}

II emily

DIY: cap toe

i've always been a huge fan of cap toes, especially the graphic black-and-white chanel variety.  cap toes seem to be having a major moment right now, and since chanel is a little out of my price range, you better believe i'll be trying this DIY! so clever, so cute, so easy. 

grab this pair of (reasonably-priced) booties, a few supplies (like tape, white paint, and clear finishing spray) and get started!

{source: because i'm addicted}

II emily

pumped up kicks

you know i have a soft spot for cute sneaks, but it's hard to come across a truly unique pair - that is, until i came across these forfex beauties. they're possibly the coolest kicks i've ever seen - i'm really digging the uber-textured dalmatian/cheetah prints and glinty studs.  and those pillowy wings?? {bottom pair} those are just too amazzzing to ignore.

here are my faves: 

mary katrantzou for topshop

ever since i saw mary kantrantzou's vibrant florals and mixed prints on the spring 2012 runway, i decided she was a) one of my new favorite designers and b) on the brink of fashion world domination. so you can image my delight when i heard she was working on a collection for the fashion mecca that is topshop. 

best collab ever?

spring 2012 pics to give you a hint of just how major this will be... :

{ images via topshop inside-out }

II emily

a girl can dream

i know i've been writing a lot of shoe posts lately {aka here and here} ...but what can i say? i'm only human. shoes are a guilty pleasure, especially for someone who doesn't get to wear intensely fabulous shoes on a regular basis. i have big footwear dreams post-college.

and if i were, say, a working girl in the heart of the fashion industry in manhattan right now (just a casual scenario), these are the shoes i'd be wearing to death. each and every last pair. yep, the litas too.

{clockwise from top left: dvf, nicholas kirkwood, sam edelman, jeffrey campbell, pour la victoire, jeffrey campbell, jeffrey campbell, sam edelman}

leopard cardi

{ j.crew cardigan, forever21 dress, j.crew necklace, bracelets from forever21/j.crew, burberry watch, bag from italian flea market, nine west heels}

i got this leopard cardigan last christmas, and while the wool and slightly-shimmery pattern led me to think it was just a "winter piece," i've been getting more wear out of it than ever on these chilly fall days we've been having!

i wore it yesterday to a lecture given by jace lipstein of "grungy gentleman" with a 60s-inspired nude and black shift, a stack of bracelets, a bejeweled necklace, and a black satchel. jace's advise about the fashion industry - covering everything from editorial to design - was just as fabulous as his blog, and i could tell the other students were just as inspired as i was! and if you're like me and love learning more about the mysterious world that is men's fashion, click on over to his site for some very major posts.

II emily

neon necessities

i've already gone on (and on) about my love of bright colors for fall/winter, but i'm taking it a step further. 

yes, that daring, intimidating neon trend is now at the top of my list (apologies if the collage below is straining your eyes). maybe it's the recent dreary weather we've been having, and surely i won't feel this way once we're in the dead of winter, but i've been desperate to get my hands on some neon pieces! 

in fact, summery neons are easier to wear year-round than you think -- and you'll look chicer than ever in your fall attire.  just stick to crisp, easy shapes like slim pants or a knife-pleat skirt - nothing too tight, or  you'll run the risk of looking like an 80s music video extra.

and when it comes to mixing neons together, that's when the chic factor really kicks in. try a neon satchel with a bright skirt and necklace, or play it safe by throwing in some neutrals for a much more casual ensemble (perfect for running to class).  try a cream waffle sweatershirt to anchor some bright skinnies, add feminine tangerine flats, and don't forget that oh-so-necessary bold nail color. 

{easy glamour, clockwise from top left: michael kors 'davenport' watch, miu miu sweater, tom binns necklace, hallelu satchel, essie nail polish in 'lapiz of luxury', halston heritage skirt, repetto flats // casual cool, clockwise from top left: essie nail polish in 'knockout pout', j.crew sweatshirt, anthropologie tote, marc jacobs scarf, j brand jeans, jil sander flats, nixon watch}

II emily