Latest Object of Desire...

Spring Leopard Scarf in blue, Crumpet London, £98.50 (was £197)

Ever since one of the girls in the office blogged on Crumpet's Scottie dog print scarf, I've been completely obsessed with this option of the more feline persuasion...OK, maybe that she blogged about such a scarf on the very same morning I watched a hot pink Virginia Johnson shark print scarf disappear out of my shopping cart while shopping the Net-a-Porter sale, had something to do with it...

Point being, if I somehow scrounge up an extra £98 in the next couple of days, I know where it's going!

Fashion Files: Playing Footsie

Pan E Tulipani Suede Ankle Boots, £470, Matches.com

I know we're supposed to be all about strappy sandals and pedis, but my current obsession leans more toward tall grass summers than city chic (although I wouldn't complain if these raffia Stella's made their way to me...)

Sadly, at £470, I somehow doubt these boots will be mine. Dream on...

Fashion Files: Sale of the Day

Garrison Satchel, $128 (originally $178), J.Crew

How perfect would this satchel be as a carry on? While I don't think I can swing it for the flight out to America (two weeks and counting!) as it's a J.Crew, it's very likely to make an appearance on the flight back to London...

Fashion Files: Color Crush

I'm having a major mint green moment for late Spring/early Summer...

Clockwise from top left:
Ruffle top, $78, J.Crew (coming to Net-a-Porter.com this month for Brits!)
Double Torsade Necklace, £24, Anthropologie
Tweed Skirt, $138, J.Crew
Pave Petal Enamel Ring, $68, Ariella Collection at Nordstrom (ships internationally)
Linen Boyfriend Blazer, £60, ASOS
Pastel Patent Ballerina Shoes, £18, ASOS

Fashion Files: Oscars 2010

Zoe Saldana has made this morning's best and worst dressed lists, but there's something about her Givenchy Haute Couture gown, with it's flouncy purple micro-ruffles and especially that shimmering gold bodice, that I can't get enough of.

This subtle blues in this Elle Saab Haute Couture goddess gown (which can definitely stand the test of time, by the way) perfectly pair with Rachel McAdams' skin and hair tones. And the fit? To die for!

Miley Cyrus, who has clearly grown into her high-heeled shoes, looked fresh and age-appropriate yet timeless in this stunning Jenny Packham gown.

 

 

Always a bombshell, Cameron Diaz literally sparkles (just look at those eyes!) in this Oscar de la Renta number. Plus, she gets bonus points for pared back Cartier jewels.

Photographs via Style.com.

I Love This: Ellie Bag

Photograph from Rubie Green's homepage.

I am totally obsessed with this fab "Ellie Bag" pouch from Rubie Green. If only they had a branch in London....

Fashion Files: Transition Wishlist

Photographs courtesy of sellers' websites.

1. Reiss tiered tank top with racer back, £79 
2. Reiss batwing top with rope detailing, now £29
3. Anthropologie "Twist & Flow" top, £54.55 (without VAT)*
4. Uniqlo modal long sleeve shawl cardigan, £14.99
5. Miss KG "Lola" patent ballerinas, £30
6. 7 for all mankind "Gwenevere" legging jeans, £190
7. Anthropologie "Snipped & Saved" posts, £16.79 (without VAT)*

Even though March 2010's debut brought welcome sunshine this morning, the temperature still read less than 5 degrees celsius (not that I've learned what that means yet... I just know it's still chilly). So I've picked my top seven must haves for this transition period with the theory that most of these pieces will effortlessly take me from windy March into the warmer months.

*For Anthropologie links, you may have to click the link, select your country, and click the link again.

Lonny Feeds A Need

From left: Photograph by Patrick Cline for Lonny, February 2010.
Peyton Leather Drawstring Crossbody photograph courtesy of Coach.

I've been searching for a spring/summer bag since the words "Happy New Year" left my mouth. Cue the new issue of Lonny. I flipped/clicked through the pages casually on my lunch break but stopped when I hit page 23.

I immediately text messaged Ellie (one of my dearest bridesmaids and ed assistant at Lonny—you go girl!), explained that I must have the bag and asked for the details. This is obviously before I realized you can click on products in Lonny to go to the site.

Anyway, I found out the bag is by Coach, clicked add to cart, and confirmed my parents actually are coming over in April (they only ship throughout North America).

I Would So Wear This Everyday

Photograph from Altamira

If I Could...

...only change on thing about my outfit each day (undies don't count!), it would have to be a statement necklace.

While I am desperately envious of girls in pleather leggings, my personal style leans toward classics. Case in point? I couldn't even move all of my jeans over to London because of the weight restrictions on airlines...the old weight restrictions, I mean. I would happily don one in my stacks of denim, a solid black or white T-shirt or long sleeve, and simple black flats or brown boots—all topped off with a layered, multi-hued, or textured necklace. While I've spotted some fab ones at J.Crew (as usual) and Boden, the latter having non-headache inducing prices, I have to say the award goes to Anthropologie's treasure trove of a collection. (Plus, one of my brothers-in-law got me a gift card for my birthday!) Here's a roundup of my faves...

From left (prices sans the dreaded tax):
*Mercurial Crochet Necklace, £83.47
*Kingii Necklace, £129.11
*Growth Rings Bib Necklace, £103.03
*Woodruff Necklace, £161.71
*Honorine Necklace, £52.17
*Roped-Off Necklace, £33.91

Trend Spotting: Kitten Heels

clockwise from top left: Rocha.John Rocha purple suede rose toe kitten heels, £35 from Debenhams. Miu Miu kitten heel pumps, now £157 from mytheresa.com. Alberta Ferretti gladiator kitten heels, now £223 from theOutnet.com. Brian Atwood Leona patent slingbacks, now £130 from theOutnet.com.

Apparently, kitten heels are back! True, a lot of the offerings out there still bring up bad memories of the 1980s revival of said heel height. But there's hope for those of us who either cannot walk in skyscraper shoes or are just taller than most people around us (I happen to know a bit about both categories). Designers like Miu Miu and Alberta Ferretti have successfully placed comfort, style, and kitten heels in the same sentence much like Manolo Blahnik accomplished during the latest KH comeback in 2003. But for those of you with shallow pockets like me, high street shops have lots to tout this time around, too.

Etsy Love

My lovely readers, today has been crazy times for me so I was really stressing that I wouldn't have a chance to post. UNTIL this fabulous capelet found its way into my inbox via an Etsy Finds email. If you haven't signed up for those, you really should. Exhibit A: the garnet jewellery featured in an earlier post.

The maven behind this cosy garment knits other fabulous pieces, too, like these fingerless gloves. I just adore coming across talented, creative people! Enjoy!

Some Faves & Weekly Recap

Bedroom (top left) and living room (bottom) photographs from here; Chair and mirror (top right) photograph from here; all from Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.

*Still hoping for some tips on how to paint sheer curtains. In the meantime I'd still settle for the dress when it comes out!
*Abstract prints are hot and the perfect transitional piece. Bought yours yet?
*Lovely stacking pots from MirrorMirror. Update: Pretty sure my hubby bought a couple for my upcoming birthday!
*Tired of sequins? Try out these gilded clutches for another sort of sparkle.
*I changed my opinion of garnets after these Etsy beauties found their way into my inbox.
*My top five tears from US design mags this month.
*A mild obsession: Sweet Paul's frozen lanterns (more pics and instructions on Design*Sponge).
*DIY snow globe postcards from Giddy Giddy and my sad attempt here.
*A roundup of 11 fab ceiling lights, from a wacky chandelier to my fave: a teal lamp on a pulley.
*More reasons for me to hit the lottery from J.Crew's early spring releases.
*And my top three DIYs from the fantastic blogs I follow.

Happy weekend!

Obsession Files: J.Crew's Early Spring Line

I have majorly fallen in love with J.Crew's new arrivals. I'm considering persuading one of my family members to bring my top six over from the US when they come.

P.S. How pretty are J.Crew's models?!

Attention All January Babies

Ring from here. Necklace from here.

I never thought I liked my birthstone until I saw these picks from today's Etsy Finds newsletter. Wouldn't mind opening up either of these come the 26th!

Midas Touch: Clutches

"Camilla" by Felix Ray, $203 from Shopbop.com. "Lolita" by Christian Louboutin, £795 from Matches.

"Skorpios" by Michael Kors, £450 from Net-a-Porter. "Keke" by Aftershock London, £18 from Aftershock.

"Alonsio" by Reiss, £54 from Asos.com. Gold mesh clutch by Drap, £195 from Asos.com.

What else besides a great clutch can effortless go from day to night (beside you of course)? Small enough to use as a wallet during business hours and chic enough to pop out for a night on the town, clutches are one of my fave buys. And while the glitz of holiday ware is behind us till next year, I still can't quite leave all that shimmer behind. Adding gold tones in the form of a clutch adds that small touch of glamour and can also act as a neutral as the hue pairs well with most colours. My picks? For deep pocketed gals, I adore the Louboutin but for those of us working with a budget, the unexpected rose gold option by Reiss is tops.

Obsession Files: Abstract Prints

Photograph by Amanda, author of two fab DIYs: earring organiser & J.Crew-inspired belt.

Last spring I bought a watercolour effect dress (from Nordstrom) with splashes of pink, purple, yellow, and gray complete with a cool beaded collar. I first wore it to work at Charleston Fashion Week (above, worn with a gray skinny patent leather belt from J.Crew), and it soon made an appearance at nearly every following event possible: my cousin's wedding, our London wedding reception, and on.

So I was thrilled that WhoWhatWear.com declared abstract prints still in...and for late WINTER! What?! I'm definitely going to experiment with flouncing the top bit more over the belt to shorten it and pairing it with opaque black tights. And don't you think a leather jacket could do the chill-be-gone trick, too? If you haven't already picked up an abstract print, I think you should. Bonus? It'll take you right into spring and summer with ease (just think strappy sandals or even cowboy boots in some cases). Now that's what I call a transitional piece!

H&M Garden Collection For The Home?

Photograph from H&M.

I adore the hand-painted look of this dress from H&M's upcoming Garden Collection (out in March!) but my first thoughts didn't include pairing it with my new cognac Bronx cowboy boots. Instead, I wondered if hand-painted sheers in this colour scheme and pattern are attainable. I'd love to DIY this project but haven't a clue as to where to begin. Suggestions?

And My Piggy Bank Goes To...

I don't want to steal Design*Sponge's thunder (they just posted a fab writeup of this bag that had me salivating), but I just had to share this with you all, too! I love this bag.... I mean LOVE! Let's just hope it'll still be available by the time I've saved my pennies...

"Trash" leather bag by travelteq, €495, in black and brown leather with coordinating liners

My New Year's Resolution

It may seem like a "duh" resolution, but I have to actually remind myself to moisturise every day. Why? I used to live in sunny, humid Charleston, South Carolina. And regardless of my perpetual tan the sweat was enough for me to forgo lotions (although I realise this was an unhealthy skin habit). When I hopped the pond my skin went bizerk with dry patches. I visited the ladies at Space N.K. (you have to go if you haven't already), and one angel told me moisturising would solve the problem. IT DID! And while I didn't opt for one of the shop's very nice (but out of my single digit budget for beauty items) offerings, I did pick up Boots No. 7. I'm proud to say my skin no longer looks like I am suffering from a condition. Bonus? My U.S. gals—and guys, too—can pick up a supply at Target.