Coolest Ikat ever...

I found this beautiful ikat online months ago, and saved it for no reason at all. I just thought it was amazing. Now it's today's color inspiration. I am most in love with the Emerald Green.


The ensemble below has a few vintage pieces mixed in. Most of it came from Etsy. I like to bring in the specialty items when I can. After I put it together it reminded me of Shelley Long's "Uniform" in Troop Beverly Hills. I still think it's a great ensemble =)

Shoes: Guess $110.00
Skirt: Ann Taylor $108.00
Vintage Belt: Etsy $28.00 (Seller BoroughVintage)
Vintage Shirt: Etsy $14.00 (DesignersVintage)
Vintage Beret: Etsy $18.00 (TheParaders)
Bracelet: Etsy $20.00 (MiahsDreamfulJewels)

Issey Miyake brought in Emerald in a big way for his Fall 2011 show.


Marc Jacobs Fall 2011. I love that the tights are polka dot too. =)


Elie Tahari used the two shades of red (Fall 2011)

And finally, a classic Chanel sweater in Emerald from the Fall 2011 show.

Don't think I forgot about home today! I have to say I semi-cheated because it's all from Pottery Barn. I did try to pull together a selection though. Their outdoor product is great! I wanted to do an outdoor collection since Summer is on its way. Check out these picks from Pottery Barn.

Chesapeake Love Seat: $1198.00
Chesapeake Coffee Table: $349.00
Diamond Kilim Indoor/Outdoor Rug: (this is my favorite) $499.00
Outdoor Sunbrella Pillows: $30.00 each
Punched Ceramic Lanterns: $39.00-$79.00

Metallics are still hot...

Apparently metallics never die, because they are just as big as 3 years ago. Just in time for your summer sandals. Metallics speak for themselves, so I'm not going to post a palette today.

Here are some recent show highlights with some majorly flashy metallics:
I was completely in love with this ensemble by Balmain (Fall 2011):

A different take, with metallic blue, Armani Prive Couture Fall 2011:



Since most of us don't parade around looking like a disco ball/Lady Gaga (if you do, more power to you!!) here are some great metallics to layer into your summer wardrobe, or wear together if you choose:

This ensemble is for a night (or day) out:




AMAZing pair of brown metallic peep toe boots: Apepazza available at Nordstrom on sale for $94.90
Handbag: Michael Kors: $548.00
Sequin Shorts: Express: Sale $41.93
Drape Neck Top: Express: Sale $27.93
Sunglasses: Fantas-eyes: Available at Victoriassecret.com for $22.00
Gold beaded hoop earrings: Express: Sale $16.90


Some mix and match pieces for the office, or a casual date:

Metallic pants: Anne Klein Sale $43.99
Sequin tank top: Express $34.90
Tunic:  French Connection
Metallic Flats: J.Crew $128.00
Metallic Caged Slingbacks: Victoria's Secret online sale $90.00
Multi-chain necklace: Etsy (Seller Nicobel) $68.00
Earrings: Etsy (Seller designbykara) $37.00

And finally some great home products bringing metallics into the mix:

Calvin Klein Home $90.00

Hammered Metal Jars by Williams-Sonoma Home $498-$598

Crate and Barrel Metallic Black Placemat $11.95 each

One for the boys...

I was torn today about whether I should talk about menswear or metallics, two things that I would have a hard time successfully blending. As much as we want it to work, menswear and metallics just isn't something I want to venture into. So we're just going to talk about menswear. As always I will start with my color inspiration:


The scarf pictured above is available on Etsy by seller: Justfortheshellofit, for $25.00. I got a huge kick out of their seller name.

I think the key to a man dressing stylishly, (and I mean truly stylish and not just the bare minimum of being acceptable), is to layer. My little brother (now in his 20s) recently took an interest in a vintage shirt and made me so proud. This is the little boy who was in his superman briefs and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle t-shirt well into his teens. (I'm sure the TMNT shirt is now a sought after item). And bless his heart he actually reads my blog. This little ensemble is for him:




Shirt: Vintage Western: Etsy.com (Seller: UmberVintage) $24.00
Leather Jacket (Vintage): Etsy.com (Seller: VintageSuzyqclothing) $42.00
Cashmere Sweater: Lightinthebox.com $139.99
Scarf: Amazon.com $29.95
Belt: American Eagle ae.com on sale for $11.95
Jeans: American Eagle ae.com on sale for $29.95
Boots: Xelement (These are real motorcycle boots) Amazon.com $74.95

Some cool get-ups by Marc Jacobs: (Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2011):

Today is about purple and orange...and your budget!

First, I always want to start with today's color inspiration. I am always amazed at what we are able to find in nature. This flower is so beautiful on its own. Nature will always produce the most perfect color combinations.


Now I am thinking of those of us on a budget. It's funny because we look in the magazines and we see things that claim to be for those of us on a budget, and they produce a $400 outfit instead of $3000. Although I realize that putting together an outfit with all of the accessories is always an expensive venture, I did my best to budget this one as best I could. My hope is that some of the staples (white shorts) may already exist in your closet!




Pink Tank Top: JCrew $39.50
White Bermuda Shorts: Old Navy $26.94
Handpainted Scarf: Etsy $54 (Seller Tanja Design)
Hat: Gap $29.95
Hand Bag: Etsy $29.00 (Seller Marbled)
Orange Shoes: Timberland $75.00 (Zappos.com)

Here are some cool things on the runway now also venturing into purple and orange:


 Badgley Mischka wowing us with a glamorous purple dress!


Betsey Johnson Fall 2011 RTW.
Here are some cool home products that are a great add to today's entry:


The ginger jar is available through WShome.com for $125, and the rug is at CB2 for only $79.95.
And finally, this great print of a painting from Etsy. A steal for $10.(Seller LUUvre)

Today's Color Inspiration!

I love the blend of tropical colors and neutrals. This gorgeous set of beads inspired today's color selection. Here are some other items that embrace these colors.

Beautiful Greece Map Pillow, available on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/listing/73422715/greece-organic-cotton-cushion-cover?ref=fp_treasury_2
A little ensemble I put together from Vintage and new products!

Anna Sui Fall 2011

Banana Republic Purse available at Bananarepublic.com