Runway to Tabletop

I've always been a fan of mixing table settings and I love scouring vintage shops for beautiful china. So when I read this post over at coco+kelley about the new "Set Your Table" feature on Brides.com, I was hooked.

The new tool allows users to create personalized place settings by mixing pieces from various china patterns, stemware and silverware.

Cassandra designed a setting for Perfect Bound and found inspiration for her table settings in runway looks from the Alexander Wang and Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2009 collections. I was itching to create the tabletop version of one of my favorites from Nanette Lepore:

Place setting details available here.

Orange Crush

I've been absolutely fascinated with orange lately and not just because it's Hermes' trademark color (although that's reason enough to admire the hue).

The real reason I love orange is for its versatility. Orange is optimistic and energetic as the weather warms, yet is equally appropriate for autumn. And it's arguably one of the few colors that manages to retain an air of modernity while celebrating its retro appeal.


(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Anthropologie, Fruiteria Lamp, $228
William Yeoward, Avington Orange Place Setting, $200 - $395
Anthropologie, Decorative Daisy Earrings, $28
Tracey Reese, Printed Crepe Chemise Dress, $345
CB2, Zombie Tumbler, $3.95
Bottega Veneta, Woven Box Clutch, $1,150
J.Crew, Cotton-Cashmere Ruffle Cardigan, $68
Ariella Collection, Adjustable Multi Prong Ring, $78

I take thee, Vera...

A Vera Wang wedding gown doesn't exactly fit into the budget of most brides. But thanks to her Maids Collection, at least the wedding party can don the icon's designs on a modest budget.

And, yes, your bridesmaids will wear these dresses again.

The collection is available for purchase online beginning this month and ranges from sizes 2 to 28. Each dress is made-to-order and will take approximately eight weeks for delivery. The best part? Prices range from $180 to $250.

Of course, you don't need to be in a wedding this summer to consider a dress from the collection. Many of the dresses are equally appropriate to wear as a wedding guest or just to a cocktail party. I have my eye on the "Tina" (pictured) with its soft, asymmetrical draping.

View the collection here.

Outnet Shopping

After months of buzz, endless speculation and fantasizing about deep designer discounts, Net-a-Porter finally launched The Outnet, its slightly-more-affordable sister site.

But if you're looking for major discounts, you might be a little disappointed. It looks like Net-a-Porter basically pulled its sale section from its own site and created The Outnet - without actually slashing prices much.

On the bright side, the site definitely has some lust-worthy items from previous seasons like this Diane von Furstenberg tunic at 30% off. I can't imagine a better way to channel your inner sun goddess this summer.

Give a Hoot

When I was in grade school, my mom inherited my grandmother's collection of costume jewelry. I have fond memories of sifting through the treasures in those jewelry boxes, begging her to let me keep a few items. As my fashion aesthetic evolved, more and more pieces made their way into my own jewelry box.

One item that always captured my interest by sheer absurdity was an owl necklace, incredibly similar to this Kate Spade one - and about eight times the size!

The vintage one has its appeal, but the updated version would be a lovely - and wearable - way to pay homage to my grandma and her amazing taste in costume jewelry.

Full Circle

I went through six wardrobe changes before work this morning, vetoing each outfit because it wasn't just quite "right." As frustrating as it was, it forced me to identify my closet's missing link for spring.

Full, silky skirts.

Granted, I may just be aching for the return of Mad Men, but a full skirt is office- and weekend-appropriate depending on what it's paired with. And it'll easily transition into summer when it's time for the lightweight wool pencil skirts to retire to the dark recesses of the closet.

I'm itching for Banana Republic's Silk Square-Print Pleated Skirt ($69). Its soft gray color palate is definitely on-trend for SS09, but the pockets are really what sold me on it.

She Sells Seashells

Once I spy the first crisp white and navy stripes of the year, my heart skips in anticipation of summer.

The nautical trend continues to resurface, but let’s face it, the last thing any of us need is another striped tee shirt. Instead, reinterpret the trend this year with pieces that simply nod toward the sea.

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Banana Republic, Silk Strapless Dress, $175
Ice.com, Cultured Pearl 14K Gold Threader Earrings, $75
J.Crew, Solid Silk Garland Cami, $88
Anthropologie, Sound Mooring Skirt, $49.95 (sale!)
Kate Spade, Sea Island Scallop Bracelet, $95
L.L. Bean, Tidepool Boat and Tote (Medium), $30
Banana Republic, Turquoise Dome Ring, $49

In the Nude

As the temperature rises, so do hemlines. And nothing creates the illusion of long, lean legs as quickly as a pair of flesh-tone heels. Here are six lust-worthy pairs just begging to be worn with this spring’s airy, feminine pieces.

1. BCBGirls, Tina Pump, $98.95
2. BCBG Max Azria, Leather Crisscross Sandal, $250
3. Type Z, Raven, $105
4. Tahari, Flash, $110
5. Gianni Bini, Edison, $98
6. Nine West, Jenicca, $71.06 (sale!)

Let's Get Fresh

Rebirth. Renewal. Refocus.

Once again it's spring. In the spirit of new beginnings, I'm embarking on one of my own with Style Obsession.

Stay tuned.

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