pre-spring acquisitions

 

with fashion month winding down, all anyone can talk about is what they're going to buy for the coming season. my favorite luxury websites are starting to stock my favorite SS14 pieces, like these chloe sandals, this phillip lim sweatshirt, and this givenchy tote, among countless other temptations. talk about a wish list! while i generally stick to more affordable options,  i'm treating myself to some splurges that will not only revive my spring wardrobe, but will look chic throughout the entire year (and many, many years to come).

first on the list was this black-and-gold fall '14 mansur gavriel tote, above, which i pre-ordered on moda operandi (sadly the trunkshow is now over). i love mansur gavriel's simple, sleek bags, but it seems like everyone is buying one -- and i mean literally everyone. i wanted something different from the variations i see every day, and the metallic gold interior on this one is a super cool update.

next... ringing in at $65, these le specs sunnies weren't exactly a splurge, but i felt they needed to be included! mirrored sunnies have been a huge for some time now, but i think they look will especially chic with this season's clean, minimal shapes -- especially in neutral tones (or even better, all white).

i've admired erica weiner's jewelry for a while now, and was especially drawn to the tiny, precious gypsy spark yellow gold and diamond earrings. they are handmade in new york and were inspired by an antique in the V&A museum in london. not only are they beyond lovely, but they're also versatile enough for every day. i finally pulled the trigger and can't wait to see them in a few weeks.

and last, but certainly not least... the m2malletier "fleur du mal" bag. i've been crushing hard on this brand for over a year -- i first spotted one of their bags in a street style photo and immediately tracked them down. a couple of weeks ago i was lucky enough to meet the two designers, marcela and melissa, and naturally they are just as cool as their timeless designs. my black bag is being handmade in barcelona and is due to ship later this month; suffice it to say the anticipation is killing me!

what are you splurging on this season?

II 

emily

coat check

when you work in fashion, you tend to get excited about something new every day. givenchy's floral prints, m2malletier bags, blinged-out tibi mules, the perfect sporty-chic sneakers... the list goes on (and on and on). so when you suddenly realize your very up-to-date wardrobe is actually devoid of a classic, seasonless piece, you feel like a total fool. 

i kicked myself when i saw everyone wearing chic, simple, and rich-feeling camel coats in between shows at fashion week. how, how, how do i not own a camel coat?  

so now i'm on the hunt -- even though winter is almost over. it may not be the best time to buy a new coat, but there's really no reason to talk myself out of it. these coats will undoubtedly look just as chic next season. and the season after that. and after that.

a few of my favorites include this cool zipper coat from asos, this incredible bejeweled j.crew stunner (worth the investment!), this toggle duffel coat (on sale!), this fur-collar coat, this super simple style, and this classic double-breasted peacoat. some sartorial inspiration below...

images via style.com, collage vintage, and caroline's mode

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.

bead it

i have zero need for another clutch in my wardrobe (i've recently lost count), but i am constantly falling for all the chic options out there. this one from asos reminds me of a certain must-have stella mccartney clutch -- i love the colorful embellishments, and the price tag is much easier on my wallet. i would wear it with matching red lips and my favorite easy basics:

{ proenza schouler top, $280 // acne jeans, $250 // mac lipstick in lady danger, $16 // dannijo necklace, $524 // asos clutch, $65 // audrey brooke booties, $39 (i bought and love!) }

II emily

snow bunny

$32, asos

for the price of one dinner out, i think we could all stand to make room for this quirky bag in our wardrobes. it would be a nice twist on my winter uniform (big sweaters + sparkly earrings + flats) which is starting to feel a little boring!

 

{ alice + olivia top, j brand jeans, auden earrings, essie nail polish in russian roulette, asos bag, jeffrey campbell flats }

II emily

michael kors pre-fall 2014

tomboy glamour, perfected: oversized coats, a divine mix of colors (ice blue, camel, red and navy? yes!) charming embellishments, clever fabrics (like brocade, cotton and fur), mannish flats and messy ponies. it's exactly what i want to wear this season.

get the look: white out

images via could i have that?

sometimes it's the simple looks that strike me the most. this outfit is pretty much exactly how i want to dress this season (and next season, for that matter). a crisp white coat, high-rise denim, a soft cardigan, statement heels and a black tote are a foolproof combination. get the look with these pieces (at every price point) below:

1. harlowe and graham coat, $70 (same jacket seen above)

2. guess double breasted boucle coat, $159 (on sale)

3. isabel marant calf-hair trimmed wool coat, $1,575

4. old navy v-neck cardigan, $25 (same cardi seen above)
5. ami dans la rue open cardigan, $180
6. marc jacobs angora-blend cardigan, $1,100
7. j.crew toothpick jean in distressed cone wash, $75 (use the code HOLIDAY)*
8. rag & bone mid-rise skinny jeans, $200
9. goldsign "the glam" jeans, $238
9.  j.crew falsetto silk pumps, $208 (use the code HOLIDAY)*
10. loeffler randall "charlotte" d'orsay pump, $350
11. tabitha simmons strappy heel, $1,245 (same shoes seen above)
12. mansur gavriel large tote, $435
13. alice.d leather tote, $495
14. saint laurent sac de jour tote, $2,550

*get 30% off these pieces + everything else at j.crew with the code HOLIDAY