Mix it up.

Mixing colors that aren't necessarily obvious is something I've always loved. I recently acquired this hot pink clutch and have since been pairing it with pretty much everything. This combo is one of my favorites. The pink and the bright red of the print compliment each other beautifully! Throw in some fringed T-strap heels (which belong with almost everything, in my opinion) and you're good to go!

Dress: Maje, Blazer: Stella McCartney, Clutch: Asos (buy here).

Shoes: Christian Louboutain (find similar here).

Have a great Monday!

Summertime in Italy!

So I've just learned that I will be Italy-bound this June! My boyfriend and I will be going to attend the 40th Anniversary bash of luxury menswear label Stefano Ricci in Florence. I'm so excited, not only to be in Italy again, but to have the opportunity to dress up for the black-tie affair - one that will surely be a beautifully over-the-top celebration (as only the italians can achieve). Immediately I started thinking about what to wear to this event (naturally), and also what else I could possibly cram into the suitcase- I have yet to learn the art of traveling light... it might be time to admit that it is a skill I will not acquire in this lifetime. Oh well! Below are some options that are screaming Italian Escape...

Top: Tibi Silk Tank, Short: Current Elliot "The Boyfriend" Denim Shorts, Studs: Kendra Scott Carly Earrings, Flats: Kate Spade Elina Flats, Bracelet: Aurelie Bidermann Braided Gold Wrap Cuff, Hat: Hat Attack.

Dress: Tibi Silk Chiffon Dress, Earrings: Dori Csengeri Terra Couture Earrings, Sandals: Jimmy Choo Fiona Sandal, Nail Color: Essie Ole Caliente.

Gown: Dolce and Gabanna Open Back Lace Gown, Clutch: Anya Hindmarch Valorie Glitter Clutch, Earrings: Alexis Bittar Leger Dome Earrings, Heels: Giuseppe Zanotti Metal-Back Sandals.

Sophisticated Party Time

Full Skirt Drop-Waist Dress: Maje.

Silk- Tie Necklace: Katherine Feiner

This has to be one of my favorite dresses ever. The full skirt, and drop-waist make an incredibly sophisticated and classic combination. These days with all the body-hugging party dress options out there, I saw this as a breath of fresh air! I wore this to the Robb Report / Xante event at the Surrey Hotel I wrote about a few days ago, and it was absolutely perfect. The same effect can be achieved with a drop-waist full skirt and tank...

Stud It

Studded Jacket: The Kooples.
Simple Black V-Neck Top: Katherine Feiner

Necklace: Natalie B designs.

Jeans: J Brand.

I scored this jacket on sale at Le Kooples is Paris about a year ago. I always thought that I was not a stud girl, but the fact that they are small and delicate totally sold me. I needed an outfit for a casual meeting, and I think this did the trick perfectly. I would absolutely recommend everyone to have some sort of a statement jacket in their wardrobes. I cannot even tell you how many times I'v been running late. or can't muster up the energy to put together an interesting outfit. This jacket has saved me on many of those occasions! Below is a collection of "statement" jackets available now....

1) Sandro Vertige Jacket, 2) Karl Octavia Sequin Biker Jacket, 3) Top Shop PU Trim Ruffle Bomber,
4) IRO Agnette Jacket, 5) Sass & Bide Love Assembly Embroidered Twill Jacket.

A Little Lace-y Moment

Top: Maje (similar found here and I am needing this).
Rings: David Yurman.

Earrings: Alexis Bittar.

Shoes: Christian Louboutain  

Clutch: Chloe. Nail Color: Really Red by Essie 

Pants: JCrew Minnie Pant. 

In case you haven't already guessed it, Maje is one of my absolute favorite brands. Having lived in London for so long, I felt oh-so special for having the ability to pop over the channel on the Eurostar and score some of this label's incredibly chic pieces in Paris. About 3 years ago the label expanded into London, and a few months ago they landed in NYC. Even though the novelty of having something Parisian that couldn't be found state-side yet has been diminished, I am thrilled they have finally made their US debut (even though my bank account might disagree with me). I was given this lace top as a gift this christmas and it has quickly become one of the key pieces in my winter wardrobe (who can go wrong with cream silk crepe and black lace? Seriously). I try to keep it simple and clean above by continuing with the black and white theme. For an added sophisticated look, these Alexis Bittar studs (also acquired during the christmas season) worked perfectly. A small pop of bright red from the nails and the bottom of the heels completes the look!

Feeling the Black and Blue

Silk Blouse: JCrew (similar found here and here). Necklace: JCrew (similar to be found here). 

Ruffle Trimmed Shorts: Maje, last season. Watch: Cartier Tank

 

Black Sweater: Marc Jacobs

    Black and blue has got to be one of my favorite color combinations. When I was in design school, however, a tutor once told me that when you wear something in a black and blue combination you always run the risk of looking like a giant bruise. Well, not everyone has to share my opinion, but for me, I absolutely adore it! There is something about the deepness of the blue against a sharp black that creates such a striking contrast. The addition of a sparkling necklace in a not-so obvious color works as a great finishing touch. 

Daytime Statements

Layered Multi-Colored Necklaces
 Green and White Necklaces; Natalie B (check out new collection here).
Gold Collar Necklace: JCrew (get a similar effect here and here).

Black Leather Boots: Elizabeth and James
Classic Silk Blouse: JCrew (similar to be found here and here).

Jeans: JBrand Leggings, Bag: Chloe, Rings: David Yurman

I am, without a doubt, an accessories person. More often than not, I find myself starting out with a relatively simple ensemble and then diving into my jewelry box or shoe closet. My study and love of textiles has left me with a serious weakness for anything heavily beaded or sparkly (that sounds horrifyingly girly, but it's true)... basically anything attention grabbing that screams "STATEMENT". I adore the intricacy and fun effect that layering chunky and delicate pieces can bring to an everyday outfit (be it by day or by night)! And if you happen to spot a lime-green vintage mini in the road (which I'm sorry to admit, is not mine) well..... walking past it will surely give you a mood lift on a dreary, grey English day.

A Visit to London Town

Leather Shorts: Maje (similar styles to be found here and here). Lipstick: NARS Red Lizard (found here).

Blazer: Stella McCartney, Necklace: Lanvin ( similar styles here and here).

Simple Tank: Vanessa Bruno

Bag: Chloe, Shoes: Christian Louboutain

So, this being my opening post, I found myself feeling ever so slightly nervous about my first impression in this world of blogs. I am lucky enough now to find myself back in London, surrounded by some of my closest friends and their endless support and encouragement towards this new endeavor. My initial reasons for starting this blog, was to create a platform to share my love of fashion, food, travel, and everyday experiences with old friends and new friends alike. Too many times I've found myself trying to relate a moment, whether it be a complete accidental culinary discovery in the kitchen, a fashion revelation in my own wardrobe, or even life's simple and beautiful subtleties that bring me so much happiness. It is through these simple pleasures that I find myself inspired everyday. And this, my readers, is my hope for you. That this blog may bring a little fun, light, and inspiration into your lives. 

NOW, onto a few words about the post above. But before I begin, I feel like I must (semi) apologize as the following sentences may seem a bit self-indulgent. But this is, after all, A BLOG, so I humbly ask you to go with me here. To anyone who knows me, it is no secret that black is the dominant color in my wardrobe. So why should it not feature prominently in my first post? I picked up these Maje leather shorts in Paris about 2 years ago, and I have to say that they sat in my closet for a good few months before they actually saw the light of day. I don't know what it was that led me to this error in my ways, but once they got on my body, they've hardly left. As a designer, I'm constantly finding myself veering towards this color (shocking), but the challenge is making it interesting. I find the combination of black textures and fabrics (plain leather shorts, patent leather shoes, and silk twill jacket) makes it striking and fresh. 

Lastly, the photo credits and a very big thank you goes to Miss Fenella Webb, as well as Mr. Mark McIntyre for assisting with most of the "tech-y" set-up for this blog. Welcome home you two!