Seeing Stripes

The moment summer rolls around, I'm pulling out hordes of Breton stripes. Here are a few pieces I'm loving (all under $100!):

1. Flats, West Coast Wardrobe, $38
2. Bracelet, Tory Burch, $58
3. Villa Dress, J.Crew, $68
4. Clutch, J.Crew, $98

Hankering for more nautical items? Check out today's Bedknobs & Baubles post. The tank is on my birthday wish list! 

{ inspired by } the beach-ready tote

With the perfect mix of pink and tangerine, Kate Spade's beachy tote is my summertime muse for color-blocked outfits.

1. Pinwheel Tank, Anthropologie, $68
2. Espadrilles, Kate Spade, $225
3. Enamel I.D. Bracelet, Tory Burch, $75
4. White Shorts, Topshop, $76
   

{ trend spotting } cap toe flats

At the first hint of spring, I'm the gal who is prematurely wearing open-toed shoes. But this year, I just might keep toes undercover with an on-trend pair of ballet flats. Designers are kicking up heels with two of spring's prominent trends: color blocking and mixing brights with neutrals. Now the hard part: orange, yellow or pink?

Do you plan to wear cap toe flats this season?

Fall 2009 Shopping | Part Three: Military

While I was growing up, my father was enlisted in the National Guard. He may have been gone one weekend a month, but there were plenty of upsides to his enlistment: including the beautiful Goebel doll he brought back from Germany and the soda crackers that were part of his MRE rations. But I remember the clothing most vividly. I was fascinated with the sense of honor, duty and leadership the uniforms invoked. And now that my younger brother has enlisted with the Army, the military-trend resonates even stronger with me and my newfound patriotism.


(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Burberry, Felt Duffle Coat, $695
Fendi, Military Detail Blouse, $436
CC Skye, Braided Knot Mesh Cuff, $110
Michael Kors, Men's Goldtone Bracelet Watch, $250
J.Crew, Cadet Funnel Neck Sweater, $98
Tory Burch, Military Studded Leather Messenger Bag, $475
Vivienne Westwood, Draped Dress, $752

Wish List: Nanette Lepore Helen of Troy Dress

I've always had a bit of a preoccupation with studded items - especially pyramid studs - but never thought the rocker chic vibe was really for me. Yesterday Candi at Candace Rose posted Tory Burch's new pyramid stud bags, which sent me on an e-browsing mission to find a studded item I could actually lust for - and would wear.

Here's the item topping my list:

Nanette Lepore, Helen of Troy Dress, $350

Now I'm just waiting for it to go on sale.

In the Jungle

In Crocodile Dundee, the wardrobe for Linda Kozlowski's character consisted of easy khakis, linen and a breezy silk scarf to wrap around her hair. Since watching the movie recently, I've been toying with the safari trend - and if I can't fill up my Passport this summer, I may as well dress like a world traveler.

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Roberto Cavalli, Oversize Tunic, $494 (sale!)
Catherine Weitzman, Gold Coral Disc Pendant Necklace, $115
Anthropologie, Pyramid-of-Fire Chandelier Earrings, $38
Newport News, Wood-Framed Clutch, $25 (sale!)
Tory Burch, Striped Web Reversible Logo Belt, $225
Kenneth Jay Lane, Large Animal Print Bangle, $36
Jayson Home & Garden, Vintage Trunk, $695
BCBG Max Azria, Khaki Paisley Matte Jersey Halter Dress, $102 (sale!)
Catherine Weitzman, Gold Coral Reef Bangle, $170
Delia's, Jamie Shorts, $29.50

Flat Chance

I'm the type of girl who prefers to wear heels every day to work and for every special occasion. However it seems my footwear choice is being challenged this wedding season. My boyfriend's brother is getting married in June and plans to have his reception outdoors at his parents' country home. I'd rather not run the risk of puncturing their lawn with stiletto heels (a bit of a concern after too many celebratory cocktails), leaving me with two options: wedges or flats.

I'm not keen on wedges (I've tried, but I just can't fully embrace them), so I've begun searching for pretty flats. And it's not an easy task. (The Cynthia Vincent flats I purchased are gorgeous, but they're a bit heavy for the flirty summer dress I plan to wear.)

Here are some of the prettiest flats I've stumbled upon:


(Starting from top.)

Nine West, Noadiah Flat, $69.95
Lilly Pulitzer, Lady Mary Flat, $235
Kenneth Cole, Clean Cut, $69.95 (sale!)
Target, Sheryl Floral Print Ballet Flat, $19.99
Ettore Masotti, Ballet Flat, $149
Tory Burch, Kelly Patent Flat, $295