Ensemble du Jour - 3-24-12

Yeah! An Outfit of the Day!

 I finally had the chance to wear one of my new print dresses for spring.  I was going to the farmer's market and a lunch meet-up so how cute would it be to wear my new ModCloth A Hen-chant for Eggs-ellence Dress.  I mean, could the print be any better?

I paired it with a black cardi and a vintage purse and my Lillybee Jessica peep-toe mary janes.

The weather is finally getting to that perfect point where you can wear the fun dresses and pretty heels. 

It's my favorite part of the season!

Liquified Bouquets

Are prints my "new thing"?

I have to admit, I'm loving all of the printed designs - from butterfly heels to picturesque floral scene dresses and skirts, lush prints are what I am embracing this Spring.

I was entranced with this amazing jacket from Cynthia Rowley when it showed last fall.  It's called the "Liquified Bouquet" and it's dreamy....

When it came up on her store yesterday, I knew it was the type of investment piece that is so unique and special, you'll wear it forever.  A classic shape with a beautiful "twist". 

I could wear this with a sweeping skirt or printed pants (I have a pair of gold pants in mind) or even jeans.  No matter how you pair it, it's going to be amazing.

I can't wait!

Charming Prints

I love a good printed dress and these three from ModCloth are three of my new favorites. 

When I saw the A Hen-chant for Eggs-ellence Dress, I knew it was a must-have.  I mean... I write The Daily Coop, how could I pass up an adorable black and red dress with hens, eggs and polka dots!

I simply adore the cool loveliness of the Graceful Greenery dress.  It's vintage style and park-like print will help me to keep cool in the heat of summer, I just know it.

But my favorite is the Scene and Believed dress.  I love the blossoming tree and tulips, the interplay of the patterns and the pinks, blues and greens.

I have big plans for these dresses.  Bright cardigans, vintage hats, matching nails and printed heels.  Spring is going to be bursting with color and fun.   I can't wait!

Lucky UK - Manolo Blahnik at Liberty

Manolo Blahnik and Liberty

I have to admit that I am green with jealousy, that I do no have access to this collection.  I can think of little else that would be as swoon-worthy and the reality of it is almost too much.  

Manolo Blahnik has paired up with Liberty to create an exclusive line of scarves, bags, pillows, candles, accessories, fabrics and more.  He has even created a line of shoes using some of the classic fabrics. 

Some of the collection you can buy online but the shoes are only available in stores.  GAH!

I am loving this collection but even more amazing is the full range of styles from Manolo Blahnik that the store carries.   I had no idea!

The worst part is... THEY DON'T SHIP!  Why is that?  I can't understand why a store or company would not want to help me spend my money.  LET ME SPEND MY MONEY WITH YOU!!!

Anyways, if you are in the UK, you lucky dog, pop round and scoop some up for yourself!  Just don't tell me about it or I will die of envy.

 

PS. Thank you, MilkGlassHeart for alerting me to this collaboration!

Bubblegum Plastic - Packing Prints

I'm new to the love of Liberty of London, the purveyors of all things printed, floral and lovely.

But they have totally targeted my weakness... luggage. And not just luggage, but small little cases covered with sweet, sweet floral prints.

I have way too many suitcases and mini-travel cases. I really do not need this but, they are very hard to resist!

Liberty of London Print suitcases - £60.00

The Family Resemblance

I just happened to stop into Old Navy yesterday and was utterly surprised at the amazing range of new items that are in for Spring and Summer. The store just exploded with color and cute prints. From the shoes and bags to printed shorts and dresses everything just vibrated with color and fun. But it was also tempered with some lovely peaceful, gauzy white dresses, tops and jackets.

Some of my favorites from what I saw were the following. Almost all of these come in other colors and patterns so check them out online or in the store.

I love this color green. I think when I pull out the new stuff I've bought and all of my existing clothes, I'm going to find this color all over the place. It's such a great color green for the warmer months.


I would pair that shrug with this top and then the cute printed shorts below.



How cute is this pattern?


They had a TON of cute clutch purses, some with wooden handles like this one or that had a handle but folded over into a smaller clutch. So fun and summery. I got a pink and orange patterned one that matches a pair of the satin ballet flats.


I also got this wrap dress which comes in an aqua toned version of the pattern. I think this will be great to dress up or down with the flat black sandals I show below, which I also got.






I got this basic safari skirt in the classic khaki here and then a dark more olivey color. I'm sure they will get tons of wear during the summer with my solid tops.




You can really see the Banana Republic/Gap/Old Navy family resemblance in these printed flats. You can't beat the fact that these are less than $20 but have a good satin-y fabric and great colors schemes. I could have bought every version of these but limited myself to only two. That's not too bad, right?






Typically I'm not a huge fan of this style of sandal but it just looked so cool and effortless, I thought I would give them a try. For $15 why not, right? I was torn between the colors they had and almost bought the white as well but I had to restrain myself.




More cute color combos!






I was really surprised by the jewelry they had out. Now I know this isn't fine stuff here, but to knock about in I think it's awfully cute.

I got 3 of these white and "gold" enameled bamboo bangles and then 1 pink one I can mix in.



I came sooo close to buying this ring. Maybe I'll go back and get it.



Wouldn't this bangle be a perfect "safari chic" addition?



And I think this bracelet is just like something you would find a JCrew nowadays. So why pay $50+ when you can pay less than $10?



There are so many other colors and pieces in the store. You really have to go and check them all out.