{ Coral blazer by Eryn Brinié }Get the Eryn Brinié blazer look above with these blazers by Zara { Pink & Tangerine Jersey Blazers by Zara }
I’ve never been the biggest fan of warm weather – I mean, growing up in Texas meant brutal heat and humidity for most of my life. For me, it isn’t really “hot” until I start sweating just walking from my car into a building. However, now that I have a beach nearby, I’m getting tired of waiting for summer. One good thing can be said about this spring chill, though: whether you’re in the North, where it stays freezing into spring, or here in Southern California, where its always cold at night and in the shade, awesome spring outerwear is a must.
The low back shows some extra skin or lets your top peek out. { Sunshine yellow vintage jacket from Moschino Vintage }{ "Ciao Bella!", street style from Milan fashion week, from Elle magazine }
Lightweight fabrics, cropped jackets, short, three-quarter or bracelet sleeve coats, cardigans, lively colors and bold patterns. There’s even a whole trend about keeping those coats and jackets out of the closet a little longer: wearing outerwear open and over-the-shoulders.
Wear this jacket over your shoulders to get the Milan streetwear look above. { Vintage, blue wool jacket from Salvatore Ferragamo }{ Linen Block Party Blazer by Shakuhachi }{ Ruffled fine-knit wool cardigan by Alexander McQueen (left) & Spring 2012 Jacket 217 by Eryn Brinié (right) }
It’s hard to beat a feminine and flirty ruffled cardigan for the spring – and I’m obsessed with this one by Alexander McQueen.
{ Pastel pink trench, Spring 2012 Coat 351 by Eryn Brinié }{ Asymmetrical cropped capelet jacket by Eryn Brinié, from bluefly.com, (left) & Asymmetrical Shirt Jacket from 10 Crosby by Derek Lam (right) }{ Thick Crepe Jacket by Just In Case }
GRAPHIC PATTERN { Scoop Neck Three Quarter Sleeve Striped Sweater by Kensie }
Now, I know I can’t be the only person with an instinct to buy clothes in neutral colors because I worry it won’t go with anything in my closet… but I’m also afraid that I’m going to end up with a boring, monochromatic wardrobe, so I’m definitely a proponent of pushing yourself to buy and mix unusual colors and patterns. But, I’ve also found that these neutrals – especially black and white – can be incredibly interesting, too.
CONTRASTING DETAILS { Blouse with Contrasting Peter Pan Collar (left) & Blouse with Beaded Peter Pan Collar (right) by Zara }
There are a lot of ways to grab people’s attention through fashion, but pieces with sharply contrasting details create interest particularly well. Just to nerd-out for a sec – remember, psych major here – humans are born with a preference for highly contrasting edges and patterns. They’re the first type of visual input we like (and can see clearly), and they continue to pull our focus throughout life.
The contrast between dark and light, black and white in an outfit is always chic and sophisticated. However, when texture (like the beading and fringe on the Zara outfit above) or graphic patterns (especially the stripes on the dress above and the pea coat below) are involved, this contrast can be playful, too.
GRAPHIC PATTERN { Striped Jersey Peacoat by Gloverall }CONTRASTING DETAILS { Leighton Tuxedo Jacket by Leifsdottir }CONTRASTING DETAILS { New Adeline Blouse by Elizabeth and James }COLOR BLOCKING AND PATTERN { Two Tone Skirt (left) & Printed Sheath Skirt (right) by Zara }COLOR BLOCKING { Raina by Reiss }CONTRASTING DETAILS AND GRAPHIC PATTERN { Original Flea by Fleabags }GRAPHIC PATTERN { Pinstriper Silk Pants by Madewell & Pinstripe Pants from Free People }CONTRASTING DETAILS { Blazer with Tuxedo Collar by Zara }COLOR BLOCKING AND CONTRASTING DETAILS { Medium Heel Shoes & Two Tone Platform Shoes by Court }
{ Rose dress by LUX from Urban Outfitters, Braided leather purse by Chloé, Skinny leather belt by Myne, Leather boots by Steve Madden, and (light application of) Tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip Tint in Moody }
I couldn’t resist any longer. Roses, in vibrant pinks and reds, have been reappearing everywhere around me – online at least. I’ve been scouring Etsy for unique and vintage items to include in my wedding registry, and roses have been popping up in my searches over and over. This past week, I stumbled upon this crazy wonderful Thompson Fifteen dress (below), and it inspired me to break out my own LUX rosey dress (above) for work. With bright turquoise pumps for our favorite Mexican restaurant or with Steve Madden leather boots for work, this cotton jersey dress makes me feel really glamorous and totally comfortable.
{ Rose dress by Thompson Fifteen }
It amazes me how the same flower can be romantic or retro, whimsical or edgy, soft or neon, classic or just plain cute. Now, to share my other rose inspirations:
{ Haley Twist Neck Halter Dress by Alice + Olivia }{ Vintage Rose Prints by Pierre Joseph Redoute }{ 70s Retro Rose Tins from My Cherry Tree Vintage on Etsy }{ Vintage Rose Fabric from Little Vintage Violet on Etsy }
Lately, I’ve been amazed at how denim in fashion has diversified. Shopping for jeans feels like browsing through the sweets in a candy shop: there’s denim in every shape, color and flavor. Not only is there a new rainbow of skinny jeans out there, but even the traditional button-up, blue denim shirt (complete with square breast pockets) is back! While I’m delighted that I can buy jeans in cherry reds, corals or teals, I love keeping alive old-fashioned, indigo-dyed denim – the way they originally made it “de Nîmes” – in reinvented and modern ways.
{ Denim Tunic Dress by Totokaelo }{ Denim blouse by American Eagle and Denim trousers by Gap }{ Fremont Shirtdress by Bella Dahl }{ Chambray Romper by Elevenses }{ Pilcro Sailor Slims from Anthropologie }{ Faded Denim Pea Coat by Ralph Lauren }
I just stumbled upon a Brooklyn-based jewelry line, called Odette New York, that sparked my recent fixation on whimsical metalworking. Using both “ancient and modern” wax carving techniques, Odette New York creates jewelry with intriguing texture and genuine charm.
Here are a couple of my favorite pieces from their newest collection, with a few other rings thrown in that struck my fancy. From raw and industrial to quirky and delicate, each of these rings has something interesting to say about the person who would wear one of them – or a couple of them at the same time.
METHOD: Wax carving, handmade { Tall Totem Ring by Odette New York } METHOD: Handmade { Modern Crystal Ring by Midwest Alchemy, in copper, from Etsy }{ Custom Gold Ring by mociun }METHOD: Hammering, handmade { Kismet Ring by Elephantine, in silver, from Etsy }METHOD: Wax carving, handmade { Demeter Ring by Odette New York }METHOD: Electroformation, handmade { Amethyst Copper Ring by Midwest Alchemy, from Etsy }
One of the best things about looking for one of these rings was, ironically, that Odette New York doesn’t have their own brand-name stores in my area. To check these rings out, I explored hidden boutiques in the greater Los Angeles area. My favorite experience was at Letters from LA, where the owner totally nerded out with me about this jewelry line and dedicated time to styling a few looks for me.
