Love This | Wear This

I was absolutely smitten with Louis Vuitton's spring collection. Lady-like silhouettes! Pretty pastels! Jaw-dropping lace! So, you can imagine my delight to discover these skirts from ASOS with a similar cutwork pattern for under $100.

I purchased the mint version a couple of weeks ago. It's incredible flattering, true to size, and even prettier in person. I haven't done a proper outfit post with it yet, but there are a few photos floating around my Instagram.

Buy It: Pencil Skirt in Yellow or Full Skirt in Mint

{ inspiration board } glitter

The moment I'm met with a frosty chill in the morning, I remember Trick-or-Treating in blizzards, recall Thanksgiving gatherings, and think of winter celebrations - and all of the wonderfully glittering things that go along with them. But it seems like such a shame to wait until December to appreciate champagne toasts. Please don't judge me when I start holiday yearnings a little early this year. Cocktail rings to work? Yes, please.

1. Semi Circle Studs, Topshop, $18
2. Necklace, Kate Spade, $78
3. Sequin Tee, Calypso, $395
4. Champagne Flute, Riedel, $44 set of two
5. Note Card, Jess LC, $3
   

{ inspiration board } tortoise shell

I absolutely love when classic accessories make a resurgence. This year's tortoise shell trend has been an easy way to add a touch of sophistication for centuries. In its early years, tortoise accessories were made from the shell of the hawksbill turtle. Concern over the turtle's extinction in the early 20th century lead the industry to recreate the mottled black and brown pattern in celluloid. I've been reveling in the print with a chunky J.Crew necklace and even paying homage with a newly curated Pinterest board.

1. Chronograph Watch, Michael Michael Kors, $250
2. Bangle Bracelets, ASOS, $43.65
3. Hinged Bracelet, Sabine, $20
4. iPhone Case, Incase, $34.95
5. Highball Glasses, Furbish Studios, $56
6. Ring, Michael Michael Kors, $85
   

{ inspiration board } mustard

Two of my most recent pins on Pinterest have featured mustard hues, a color that happens to be absent from my closet. Since Mustard has never flattered my pale complexion, I'm sticking with golden accessories, like a tote, bracelet or these gorgeous high-heeled loafers.

Do you have any mustard pieces in your wardrobe?

{ cocktail ring } versailles cocktail

Occasion: August Afternoon
Wear: Arty Ring by Yves Saint Laurent ($250)
Sip: Versailles Cocktail via Delish

• 1 oz Cointreau
• 2 oz Remy Martin XO
• 1 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• Rim the glass with 24 carat gold flakes.

{ cocktail ring } raspberry gin fizz

Occasion: Brunch Banquet
Wear: White Moonstone Diamond Cocktail Ring by Wendy Mink ($222)
Sip: Raspberry Gin Fizz via Just Married and Cooking

• 1 750ml bottle of gin
• 2 pints fresh raspberries
• ½ cup sugar
• Brut Champagne, well chilled
  
• Lemon peel for garnish
  
• Raspberries for garnish
  

1. In an air-tight glass jar, combine the gin, raspberries and sugar. Store in a cool dark place. Turn the jar over once a day to mix the contents, until the gin takes a deep red color, up to a week. Strain the gin and store in a clean glass bottle.
   
   
2. To serve, pour ½ ounce gin (chilled) into the bottom of a champagne flute. Fill the glass with champagne and garnish with a raspberry and lemon twist.

{ cocktail ring } mint julep

Occasion: Donning a Derby Hat
Wear: Sparklers Praseolite Cocktail Ring by Tiffany's ($975)
Sip: Mint Julep via Delish

• 8 mint leaves, plus mint sprigs for garnish
• 1/2 ounce(s) Basic Simple Syrup
• 2 ounce(s) bourbon, preferably overproof
• Crushed ice

1. In a chilled julep cup or fizz glass, muddle the mint leaves and Simple Syrup. Add the bourbon and crushed ice. Set a swizzle stick or bar spoon in the cup and spin between your hands to mix. Top with additional crushed ice and garnish with the mint sprigs.

{ cocktail ring } the fresh sunrise

Occasion: Seaside Soiree
Wear: Round Cabochon Ring by Ariella Collection ($28.90)
Sip: The Fresh Sunrise via Delish

• 3 lemon wedges
• 1 teaspoon(s) sugar
• 4 ounce(s) Alizé Bleu
• Sparkling wine

1. Put lemon wedges in a shaker with sugar and muddle. Pour in Alizé Bleu, top with ice, and shake vigorously. Then strain into a champagne flute and top with sparkling wine.

{ cocktail ring } pog punch

After last week's fixation with piña coladas - or more specifically, that pineapple cocktail ring I ordered immediately after posting - I've been daydreaming of the perfect drink and bauble combinations. And with that, a week of posts was born. Stay tuned for sparkly rings and the cocktails to sip with them.

Occasion: Party in Paradise
Wear: Phillipe the Parrot Cocktail Ring by nOir Jewelry ($175)
Sip: Pog Punch via Marie Claire

• 1 1/2 parts SKYY Infusions Pineapple
• 1 1/2 parts fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 1 part guava puree

1. In an ice-filled shaker combine all ingredients, shake, and strain into ice-filled scorpion bowl. Garnish with a floating orchid and pineapple. Accessorize with straws.

{ inspired by } pina colada

I've never been much for piña coladas (or getting caught in the rain), but I am in favor of pineapple-inspired accessories. In fact, I still regret not purchasing a silver pineapple I found at an antique store last year. I don't think I can face the same disappointment and pass up this cocktail ring. Perfect for next year's Florida escape? I think so. (And check out how lovely it looks on MMS over at Southern Vogue.)

1. Pineapple-Hued Sunglasses, Kate Spade, $138 $96
2. Guilt-Free Piña Colada Recipe
3. Pineapple Cocktail Ring, Kate Spade, $125 $87
   

Into the Wild

Perhaps one of the more unexpected parts of this weekend's zoo adventure was the wardrobe inspiration in each of the exhibits. No, I'm not talking about this fall's fur trend. Instead, I'm referring to Mother Nature's impeccable patterns - and no one does a pattern better than she, except for maybe Diane von Furstenberg. However, I'll be the first to admit that linking buffalo to buffalo plaid (above) may be a bit of stretch.

Stand Tall

Dress: Sass & Bide ($160.08); Pillow: Barneys New York ($165); Bracelet: Just Cavalli ($175); Bag: Cappelli ($32)

Show Your Stripes

Shoes: Michael by Michael Kors ($280.50); Watch: Michael Kors ($195); Dress: Diane von Furstenberg ($385); Belt: Raina ($210)

Formal Affair

Blazer: 3.1 Phillip Lim ($725); Dress: Tibi ($172.50); Ring: Ice.com ($30); Pillow: Thomas Paul ($70)

Falling For You

Mid-July marks a frustrating period on the sartorial calendar: I'll overheat if I wear anything more than a filmy dress, yet I'm daydreaming about fall's lush textures. I don't want to jump the gun, but J.Crew's fall 2010 look book has me itching for artful layers of sequins, wool, leather, and piles of baubles - oh my! It hasn't taken long to compile an autumnal wish list:

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Vanessa Bruno Athe, Turtleneck, $68
See by Chloe, Sequin Tulle Top, $250
Labour of Love, Leather and Suede Gloves, $134
Michael Kors, Chronograph Watch, $250
Steve Madden, Carnee Clogs, $129.95
McQ, Checked Wool-Blend Skirt, $148
Erickson Beamon, Dune Swarovski Crystal Earrings, $390
Newport News, Deco Pin, $15
Ann Taylor, Pearl Stud Skinny Belt, $38*
Banana Republic, Bonfire Ring, $39.50

Visit Amy's Afternoon Reading to read my contribution to her guest post series: how to stay motivated and focused while blogging.

Zigging and Zagging

I don't know what it is about the geometric perfection of chevron, but I just can't get over zigzag stripes. All willpower was officially abandoned when I purchased this Diane von Furstenberg blouse mere minutes ago. While I wait for it to arrive, I'll continue daydreaming about other pieces adorned with jagged lines.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Jess LC, Division Chevron Earrings, $74*
Missoni, Folgaria Woven Swimsuit, $229.50
Twinkle Living, Zigzag Throw Pillow, $50
House of Harlow 1960, Sunburst Necklace, $65
Jonathan Adler, Chevron Pen, $18.95
Diane von Furstenberg, Della Silk Dress, $443.33

*I'm positive these are snuggled in the wrapped box Nate's been taunting me with. Only 12 more days until my birthday and I can finally wear them!

Inspiration Board: Rock Candy

Sweets have inspired me before, so it's probably not surprising that I'm craving crystalline clusters reminiscent of an old-fashioned favorite: rock candy.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Noir, Cluster Bracelet, $135
Aqua, Lucite and Chain Bracelet, $38
Megan Greene, Ninotchka Ring in Honey, $128

Bounkit, Multi Stone Jeweled Earrings, $385
Burberry, Acrylic Prism Bangle, $375
Trina Turk, Jewel Crusted Ring, $88
Gemma Redux, Rock Crystal and Chain Necklace, $424

Reminder: Enter to win a set of Thomas Paul tea towels.

Inspiration Board: Emerald City

Some people may choose to honor St. Patrick today, but I prefer an indulgent toast to one of my favorite colors: emerald green.

Inspiration: Keira Knightley's breathtaking gown in Atonement.

Wish List

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Rebecca Minkoff, Flowerstud Clutch, $330 (on sale)
Swarovski, Nirvana Emerald Ring, $220
Roberto Cavalli, Draped Animal Printed Dress, $1,645
Charles by Charles David, Pompadour - Green Suede, $114
Robert Rodriguez, Emerald Silk Chiffon Belted Dress, $237.99*
W 10th by Alexa Garner Sidaris, Gemstone Drop Earrings, $175
Blu Bijoux, Emerald Shara Earrings, $55

*Edit: It looks like the Robert Rodriguez dress has sold out this morning! I swear it was available last night when I created the collage!

Come on, Vogue

Inspiration is a fickle thing. Just when I think I've seized enough creative juices to pen a few entries, the light is extinguished by job stress, a growing to-do list and humdrum January weather. Flipping through the pages of the latest glossy or browsing runway shows on Style.com doesn't always reignite that fire - at least not in the same way a vintage magazine cover can.

I'm unapologetically in love with Vogue and spent some quality time browsing the Conde Nast Store for vintage covers that sparked a little glimmer of sartorial optimism. Here are a couple of my favorites, along with current pieces to recreate the artists' visions.

Tucker Wrap Jacket ($320); Guess Flower Cluster Ring ($22); Janna Conner Designs Light Blue Quartz Ring ($60); Marc Jacobs Skirt ($438.78); Bally Sandal ($198)

Kate Spade Hoop Earrings ($48); K Karl Lagerfeld Scarf ($65); Tracy Reese Wrap Dress ($175); Silver Playing Cards ($8.88); Gap Sandals ($34.50)

Pantone Unveils Color of the Year

The design industry's self-identified "color authority" recently unveiled 2010's esteemed color of the year: turquoise. It's a color that "transports us to an exciting, tropical paradise while offering a sense of protection and healing in stressful times," according to Pantone.

Promise of an escape from the snowy tundra in favor of a "tropical paradise" is enough to convince me to opt for ocean hues - even if they're not Pantone's official 2010 color of 15-5519 turquoise.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

J.Crew, Silk Taffeta Bow Monde Dress, $225
Milly, Paisley-Embroidered Silk Blouse, $325
Ben-Amun, Multi Stones Drop Turquoise Earrings, $95
Temperley London, Mini Agnelli Studded Dress, $1,195

Joan & David, Demille Pump, $220
DV by Dolce Vita, Cairo Flat, $80

Bounkit Jewelry, Oval Turquoise Button Earrings, $275
Kara Ross, Stingray Bracelet, $310
Missoni, Acqua Eau de Toilette Spray, starting at $60

Inspiration Board: Cordial Cherries

photo via Peter Brooke Chocolatier

Cordial cherries are a perennial favorite of mine - even though I limit my indulgence to the holiday season. I blame it on tradition. For as long as I can remember, my dad has received a box of chocolate-covered cherries for Christmas. And every year, my mom and I covertly tear back the cellophane wrapper, forcing my dad to share.

I picked up a box this weekend to kick off the holiday season, but there are other sweetly indulgent ways to enjoy this flavor combination throughout the year:

Cherry Bomb Sundae

Cherry Cordial Macaroons

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Martini

The color combination is much too perfect to leave hidden away in a candy box. Warm hues of chocolate and burgundy are beautiful for holiday dressing.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Delia's, Janie Crochet Cardigan, $44.50
Kenneth Cole, Drop Stone Pendant Necklace, $40
J.Crew, Silk Taffeta Bow Monde Dress, $225
Kate Spade, Knightsbridge Remy, $225
Nina, Electra Platform Pump, $73.26
Talbots, Beaded Bracelet, $29.99
J.Crew, Cotton Cady Lydia Dress, $195
Bounkit, Ruby and Smokey Topaz Earrings, $320

Inspiration Board: Gray Skies

When I first met my boyfriend nearly three years ago, he peeked inside my color-coded closet and scoffed at the rows of black, brown and gray garments. I've consciously added more hues over the years to appease him (and to prove to myself that I'm not as depressive as my closet indicated). Now he swears that he brought color to my life. Groan.

Either way, I haven't given up my soft spot for shades of charcoal, asphalt and smokey gray.

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Banana Republic, Faceted Collar Necklace, $49.99 (sale!)
Forever21, Vested Sublimation Tank, $19.80
Alexis Bittar, Diamond Dust Tiny Hoop Earrings, $125
Forever21, Tweed Mini Skirt, $17.80
Topshop, Leather Duffle Cross Body Bag, $110
Banana Republic, Portia Chained Flat, $98
Chan Luu, Circle Dress, $325

I ordered the Banana Republic flats late last week. Hopefully they find their way home soon!

Inspiration Board: Sputnik Chandeliers

Last week, Kate Spade tweeted about the retro Sputnik chandeliers in the company's new Japanese store. Since then, I've been slightly obsessed with the iconic mid-century modern lamp.

Fun Fact: The chandelier was not originally named or modeled after the famed satellite. The style was pioneered by Gino Sarfatti who designed a series of chandeliers for Lightolier in 1954, which included a starburst, space-age chandelier. The Sputnik satellite was launched three years later in 1957.

Inspiration

photo via @katespadeny

photo via Point Click Home

photo via Apartment Therapy

photo via AphroChic

Shopping List

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Advanced Interior Design, Sergei Sputnik, $367
Lamps Plus, Possini Euro Crystal Sphere Halogen Pendant Chandelier, $299.99
Modern Furniture, Chromed Disc 6 Light Chandelier, $563
Jolina Lighting, Wall Sconce Sputnik Lamp, $225
Euro Style Lighting, Possini Euro Design Opal Glass Ceiling Light, $399.99