Tabitha Simmons for JCrew

Who is excited to see the new Tabitha Simmons for JCrew collection?!?!

She has a number of cute summer styles but I was most excited to see my favorite heeled mary jane design that she does (typically in silk and $1250).  And in adorable summery floral patterns too.

JCrew is really hitting the florals with their collaborations this year.  I love it.

They're a bit simpler than her typical patchwork, but these are so light and fun and sweet.  Yes, run right out and get them!

Imitation = Flattery? Dior Metal Pump vs Tildon Megan Pump

One of my favorite heel designs from Spring 2013 was the Dior metal strap pump.

I thought the heel was great, the colors were perfect for Spring and the use of the bold metal strap toughened up and modernized what could have been a bit simple and girly.

Yet it still keeps the feminine look that pairs well with the dresses and skirts of the season.

I guess that why I should not be surprised that there is already a knock-off in stores, specifically the Tildon Megan pump.  The lines are not nearly as good and the way the metal strap is done looks cheap. 

I didn't buy the Diors, although I wish I could have, but I certainly would not consider the Tildon's.  they took a beautiful, graceful design and dumbed it down to the point where it is pointless.

Sigh.

Black and Tan

I have been smitten for months with these multi-strap mary janes from Chanel.  They combine the best of the classic black and tan combination with a really modern style.

Seeing them in person was even better.  Sadly, they looked great on.

Talk about temptation....

Sunrise, Sunset

I don't need it but I had to stop to admire it.

 The Furla "Sunset" Candy bag is a thing of beauty.

I would lose the distracting brown strap because it is just marring the perfection of the color execution.

It must be lovely to walk around with the evening sky on your arm.

Diamonds?

Question for you:

Do you think diamonds are gauche for younger ladies, a la Holly Golightly?

And would you wear a (real or faux) tennis necklace?

I had a tennis bracelet, which I had received as a gift, but it was yellow gold and I didn't wear it much.

Would a necklace like this add sparkle or be too boring for words?

Thoughts?

Like An Apple on a Tree, You Missed Me

The harder it is to find something, the more I want it.

 So typical!

I thought this Pack A Picnic apple wristlet from Kate Spade was adorable when I first saw it but held off.  Now it's sold out all over and I am dying for it.

I mean, it is totally cute, right?

It would be perfect for all my cute dresses this summer, right?  Now I need to be searching all over for this sweet thing.

Gah!

Labor Day Be Damned

I'm wearing white today... and not just my pale skin.

 I'm a rebel, Dottie.

Running Around

So... I'm in the market for a pair of running shoes.

My current sneakers are a pair of New Balance 441s and they're pretty good.  I've bought New Balance for a while and been happy enough.  I did get a pair of Merrells with the Vibram soles but I'm not 100% sold on wearing them on pavement/sidewalks.

I've always had a crappy knee and I do have an ankle that likes to surprise give out on me due to an old torn ligament.

Any ideas or suggestions to look for?

For Boston and For the Helpers

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, 

my mother would say to me, 

Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"

Finding Fendi

The more I thought about the Fendi Studded Pyramid ankle boots, the more I knew I need to have them.

They are a bit chunky and aggressive.  But they are architectural and unique.  I'm kind of digging that they are not my usual single sole pump style.  These are some serious power shoes.

I haven't had an opportunity to wear them yet but I'm looking forward to the reactions.  These are not shy shoes. They're shoes that get noticed.

I hope I'm ready for them!

Seeing Stripes

I'm finally able to wear some of my new Spring dresses.

 I loved the classic black and white broad stripe dress from The Limited. It will be perfect to combine with tons of colors and other patterns.

I paired it with a bright pink JCrew cardigan and my JCrew Liza Peep-toe heels in the Cherry Blossom print.

It's going to be dresses all Spring and Summer, with lots of color!

Walking on Clouds

How amazing are these Cloud & Rainbow heels from Thea Cadabra!  

Now this is a woman after my own heart. I love a pair shoes with a bit of the fantastical about them.

Thea has been making shoes since the 70s when she could find shoes fabulous enough to match her style. You must check out her archives!

Her shoes had to be an influence for my other favorite witty designer, Ashely Dearborn. I am lucky to have 3 of her designs including my favorite ROY G BIV -

Ashley seems to have stopped designing but Thea is still doing custom orders. I know a few bloggers who would look perfect in her Boudior designs.


 Thea Cadabra image via Northampton Museum and Art Gallery.

Spring Has Sprung

The weather was so gorgeous this weekend that I went a little Spring floral crazy.

I wore the Scene and Believed Dress that I bought from ModCloth last year and paired it with a bright pink cardigan, my vintage white wicker purse and gold sequin flats.  We were doing a ton of errands from grocery shopping to the Farmers' Market, and everywhere I went, the dress got compliments.

It is pretty adorable, I have to admit.  I also did the Sally Hansen "Not A Peep" decals in honor of Easter.

It's going to be high 60s and sunny all day today.  I think I'll drive home with the car top down!

Good Things to Those Who Wait

I've been coveting the dimensional Tory Burch Flora bag since I saw it on the runway for Fall 2012.

When it finally came out in stores, I was a bit dismayed at the price. At nearly $1000, I was not going to buy it any time soon.

I tracked for months.  On the site, in stores, in Friends and Family sales.  Eventually I gave up when the Spring 2013 items were posted and the bag went off of the site.

Then, I receive a "Private Sale" notice.  Hoping this was a keyword for clearance, I took a chance.  And there it was for more than 75% off.  Yeah for me!

It's still not an inexpensive item but it's so classically shaped, neutrally colored yet totally unique, I know I will be wearing this for years.  I love the multi-season appropriate color, the faux tortoiseshell link handle and delicate flowers.  Plus the size and shape is great.  I can't wait until it arrives!

LBD

I don't think I have enough cute little black dresses. I think I need this one. I wonder how I can track it down...

Look familiar to anyone?

Pretty and Good and Things

I always love a new sweet hair accessory. Especially the ones I get from Mary at Pretty Good Things. She has such a talent for creating cute and quirky fascinators and bands and pins that I simply must have!

Plus she's super fun and cute herself...

This time around (I think I now have 8 of her pieces!)  I had to have this whimsical donut...

and this headband made with vintage deer figurines. It can be dressed for the holidays, as shown, or just a cute string of little deer.

As soon as Spring really makes an appearance, I will pair these with woodland print dresses and all the pastels in my closet!

Check out all of Mary's items on Etsy!

Give Me Liberty!

I totally wanted the JCrew Invitation Clutch in the Liberty Tresco Floral and now it's sold out.

Now I have to go on a hunt!

Dammit! Dammit!  Dammit!

Dressing for the Season

I was randomly browsing Tumblr last night and came upon a post from Glamour that The Limited where not only carrying the Sophie Theallet Shirt Dresses (worn frequently and with great style by Michelle Obama below) but that they were on sale for only $80, down from $118!

I like a classic dress and I love good deals on clothes, and these are both.  I grabbed one in every color!

Ink Blue

Soft Mint

Peach

Lavender

This is a well done, well priced collaboration.  Her signature design elements are kept intact and the quality seems good.

I'm already anxious for the weather to warm up a bit.  And I have plans on pairing these with bright belts and some fun bright colored or patterned shoes, from red Valentino Rockstuds to olive camo Manolo Blahnik Sedarabys, as well as patterned espadrilles and Miu Miu kitten mary janes.