Florals are nothing new for Spring, so that’s why you’ve got to approach them in a new way. Rather than thinking inside the southern belle box of floral sundresses - try eclectic, embellished jewelry, and hints of floral prints in accessories as a chic way to feel the spring in your step without looking like you’re going to a tea party.
Prohibition bangle @ Anthropologie $68
Scarf @ Forver 21 $8.80
Necklace @ Urban Outfitters $58
Headband @ Jcrew $16.50
Feature image by Mika Ninagawa
Like I said – I had no idea I would fall so hard for this menswear movement! Now that my job here in Austin requires a bit more subtlety in terms of dress – (i.e. straight men, not the garment district, etc) I plan on LIVING in these types of bottoms for the next year. To me, this is half of the new power suit – and the beauty of the balance is that the pant is the anchor, you can go with a feminine or basic top depending on the occasion - and the pant still looks effortlessly chic and pulls it all together, and so on trend with the shows. As much as I miss running around Polo in a bubble skirt, towering heels, and endless baubles - I just can’t walk around the new office sticking out like a sore thumb anymore. The first time I tried this pant in my new environment – it was for a huge presentation (which, I nailed) – and I wore black ankle Audrey pants (like the UO pair below) with a black fitted collar shirt (tucked in, sleeves rolled) & a pair of strappy and complicated sky-high gladiators. I felt on top of the world! There’s definitely something to be said for dressing the part – just don’t call it business casual.
Victoria’s Secret $69.50
Urban Outfitters $58
JCrew $79.50
Earmuffs are a winter accessory I swore by as a kid, and still do to this day. Last winter I had attempted to pull off those from-Russia-with-love furry bomber hats, after seeing many a girl in New York look great in them – but it just didn’t work - I could barely see because my peripheral vision was blocked and the (faux) fur was all in my eyes! I also have a jungle of hair so it just made for major tangles. In New York – some of the most fashionable women are of Asian descent, for reasons unknown, they always have the best bags and eclectic outfits. Whenever it would rain, I would see a bunch of girls with their cute little bubble umbrellas & Hunter rain boots, while I was using a $5 one I bought off the street & some form of leather or suede.
I think that’s where most of the envy lies, being unable to look completely polished in a torrential downpour. Regardless – I fell in love with outrageous, exaggerated fur earmuffs from this subculture of crazy stylish girls. It’s too bad muffs would be absolutely ridiculous here in Texas - we’ve barely hit the 60 degrees!
Jcrew $68.50
Ugg Australia $75
Kate Spade “clever” orange muffs $65
My best friend has been facing the dilemma every girl wants to face but only fantastic FIT girls usually have to conquer - choosing an internship between JCrew & Vogue. Of course I made it clear that I would disown her if she didn’t go with Vogue - but this girl was my introduction into main line yuppie fashion (as well as the term “fashion nemesis”), so JCrew design would be her lifelong soul mate. I know, life is so tough.
JCrew has been doing everything right lately. Micky Drexler (formerly of the Gap) has been making a sizable impact on the taste level, assortment, and overall styling. At Ralph we used to joke about how if we created a top one season, the season after it was on the selling floor JCrew had their own interpretation. Classic, American fashion is so restrictive - and a lot harder to work with than you think - so it makes sense that we all have to feign inspiration off of one another once in a while.
Wherever my loyalties lie - I can’t resist the jewelry. I am innately drawn to things that look like candy - I always used to be mesmerized in candy stores as a kid by all of the colors. Too bad it’s a little pricey for me, as I sit here and sip my $5 wine that has a funky smell - but I could be motivated to invest in at least one piece. I like being an “adult” during Christmas - you can buy yourself gifts and not feel guilty, I can justify that!
Bib necklace $150
Charm bracelet $125
Starburst ring $68
Bumble bee necklace $55
Just because you switch your wardrobe from Summer to Fall, doesn’t mean you should edit out anything that isn’t a dark hue. I’ll speak in respect to all dark colors (navy, brown, etc), but I LOVE black - I was in New York long enough to learn that it is the easiest way to pull off chic. It can get boring though - just like wearing the same winter coat every day wears on you - bringing a splash of color into your wardrobe mix will help with that awful feeling of exiting the office after daylight savings kicks in.
JCrew is one of the best resources for a multitude of vibrant hues. I’m not really in the market to buy cashmere, as I’m still charging bottles of wine, but an inexpensive tee under a cardigan (merino, angora), or cotton knit turtleneck with a high waisted pencil skirt comes off just as bright. Keep in mind that not all pigments are pleasing - think jewel tones (fuchsias, emeralds, royals) & Citrus (limes, oranges) - no pastels or muddied tones. An even easier way is to invest in a few vivid scarves to switch up every day - (Chinatown pashmina’s go for a crazy $5). With all of the overcast, snow, and cold temps - somebody has to keep it real and GLOW.
Pleeeeeease stay away from David’s Bridal! There are other ways to stick to a budget besides succumbing to cliche sequins and fibers that easily ignite. Also - NO tiaras. Stick to a chic, classic silhouette, and think cotton, linen, and silk. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather look like Caroline Bessette Kennedy than a senior prom throwback.
Shop JCrew Weddings
Prices from top to bottom: $350, $395, & $295
