A BOLD (NEW) BOURDEAUX

Tonight at Neiman Marcus I'll be helping to present some of the fall's biggest trends with a mini fashion show featuring some of my favorite picks from the store. I'm so excited to be doing some fun things in the fashion arena, as you all know my work usually leans towards interiors. But I'm even more excited that one of their top trend picks also happens to be one of my current favorites: bordeaux!



Paired with a refreshing mint, tangerine or bold blue, this rich wine hue is taking on a whole new life far from the heavy, formal style it used to live in. I can't wait to share some of the bordeaux looks we came up with for the show!

*images via j.crew fall collection, interiors via mixr, clutch detail via jak&jil, tumblr

FANCY CANVAS

If these aren't the sweetest little pair of shoes ever... I don't know what is.

Perfectly casual with a wink of fancy. I am officially hunting down a pair of plain canvas espadrilles so I can DIY these myself. Or you can buy them right here.

GET THE LOOK: WHITE OUT

Summer is the most difficult time of year to get dressed. It's hot, it's humid, and comfort is top priority. Let's be honest, Scott Schuman would not want to photograph us in our tank top and flip flops ensemble. So how do we make ourselves presentable? Cristina from Fuji Files here with your sartorial survival guide to hot summer days.

White is the coolest of colors for summer, literally! The color white reflects sunlight and heat more than any other color, making it your best option for keeping cool. But if the thought of an entirely white outfit is slightly terrifying (it certainly is for me!) then mix in some creams and nudes.

The key to this look is keeping it light and airy, not too structured. A loose collared shirt is an easy breezy choice for summer, pair it with textured shorts or skirt in a neutral shade and you've got instant style. Add a few accessories such as cute sandals and a tote, and you're done! An easy summer ensemble that is both cool and stylish.

*resources: shirt Topshop, shorts Anna Sui, shoes Swedish Hasbeens, necklace Kenneth Jay Lane, tote Fleabags, sunglass case Kenton Sorenson, sunglasses Ray-Ban



*images via thesartorialist, stockholmstreetstyle, vanessajackman, netaporter, swedishhasbeens, needsupply   

BIANCA BRANDOLINI: SIMPLE TO SASSY

I'll be honest - for the most part my wardrobe consists of easy to mix black and white pieces that take me just about anywhere, any time of day. Bianca Brandolini is a perfect example of my typical look these days...

A sheer, breezy blouse paired with skinny denim in pieces that have enough detail to keep things interesting. However, when I saw her rocking this combination of patterns, I had to take note of how perfect the pairing was...

Still neutral enough to be 'safe' but so unexpected that it's utterly cool, this is a style I'll be going for as we head into fall. Normally layered prints are reserved for that boho look we've all become familiar with, but this season it's all about using them in preppy or classic silhouettes, and I have to say I'm a huge fan. Done and done.


*images via elle.com

FOODIE FASHIONISTA: RASPBERRY LEMONADE

Well hello there readers! It's Crissie, back with another edition of Foodie Fashionista. This week I'm exploring a bright color palette of pinks and neon yellow inspired by the most refreshing combination of raspberry + lemonade. This fun, and girlish style is perfect for long summer days spent sipping raspberry lemonade and strolling along the boardwalk soaking up the sun... 

 What do you think - can you handle this packed-with-punch style? 

*Resources: 1. J. Crew; 2. Madewell; 3. Chloe; 4. Nixon; 5. Chloe; 6. K. Jacques for Opening Ceremony; 7. Butter London 

*Foodtography by My Baking Addiction 

GET THE LOOK: CALL OF THE WILD

Hello ladies! It's Cristina from Fuji Files here to show you how to get the 'fashionista who stole her little brother's tee shirt and still looks fabulous' look. Sound impossible? Observe how these lovely ladies pulled it off.

Sharks, panthers, and rottweilers... how on earth do these girls turn these boyhood favorites into fashion finds? Simply add a mini-skirt and fashion-forward accessories into the equation! Warning, wear this shirt with anything other than a mini-skirt (ie jeans) and you run the risk of actually looking like a boy. So be sure to keep the rest of the look edgy and feminine!

*resources: shirt, bag Topshop, skirt Elizabeth & James, shoes Asos, necklace Eddie Borgo, sunglasses Ray-Ban

*images via harpersbazaar, columbine, topshop, netaporter, asos

FOODIE FASHIONISTA: SUMMER STAPLES

Hello dear readers, Crissie here (from bug&Bear) with this week's edition of Foodie Fashionista!
S'mores are one of my very favorite summer traditions. It seems the season just isn't complete without at least a few of these tasty little treats.

Sadly, city life tends to make s'more roasting slightly tricky, so I was BEYOND thrilled to find this recipe for "Grown-Up S'mores" on the Fresh New England blog...

They look amazing, right? And while we're snacking on these homemade miracles, why not throw on a perfectly casual (yet chic!) outfit to complete the summer feel...

1. Fedora-ble Hat via ModCloth, 2. Rag & Bone, 3. Obey bag, 4. Buzz Off Bandana, 5. Asos Leopard Print Retro Sunglasses, 6. BC Footwear, 7. Shorts by Rare via Top Shop, 8. Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple and Mezmerised

It's like being at summer camp all over again... Don't forget your bug spray!!

*photos by Fresh New England, via Pinterest

PETER PAN-ING

When I was younger I used to do just about anything to look a bit older than I actually was. I had more of a babyface, and I avoided anything to 'childish' like bangs and ponytails and flowers and frills.  Peter Pan collars were definitely included in that list. But now that I'm pushing 30...



I'm kind of in love. And, since I've hacked myself some bangs recently, I'm thinking maybe I could get into this Peter Pan business, too. While I'm at it, I might just get one of each because I sincerely can't make up my mind. Do you have a favorite color combo?

*available right here

FRESH RIVIERA

The resort collection from Roksanda Ilincic has me wishing I were boating on the Riviera in the 30's...


Turban in full effect, of course! The simple combinations of color throughout the entire collection make it cohesive and wonderfully fresh...

Tangerine, acid mint green, navy and white. The only pattern was a hit of large-scale gingham here and there. Absolute perfection, and lovely little dresses...


*images via style.com

GET THE LOOK: ORANGE PANTS

Most of us have long avoided the color orange because of the all too common jack-o-lantern effect: orange + black = Halloween. And, when attempting an orange ensemble it seems that suddenly everything else in my closet is black! Cristina from Fuji Files here to show you how to get the look without the scary side effects.

Girls everywhere are dawning big doses of color in everything from skinny to wide leg and cropped trousers. These pants are also the perfect way to try your hand at the color block trend, so pick a top in a solid color and steer clear of patterns and prints. 

Start with orange trousers in an easy, flattering fit like these linen pants by J.Crew. Pair them with a simple white tee and then play with the accessories! To avoid looking like a pumpkin, skip the black and accessorize with blues instead. Blue is the the best alternative to black and is a perfect match with orange (complimentary colors on the color wheel!).

*Resources: sunglasses Ray-Ban, earrings Missoni, pants J.Crew, shirt T by Alexander Wang, cuff Pamela Love, iPad case Michael Kors, shoes YSL

*images via fashionsquad, theintersection, blondesalad, streetpeeper, vogue, afterdrk, netaporter

LUSTING...

This blazer? I should really just buy it already. I've been drooling over the combination of black and cream for quite a while now... 

There is so much goodness over at EmersonMade these days, it's impossible to resist! Including this absolute must-have for summer-to-fall, a perfectly simple sheath dress...

I don't know how they keep churning out the awesomeness, but they do. Hide your credit cards, ladies.

HAPPY (FLAUNT YOUR FLORALS) WEEKEND!

While we've had fairly comfortable temps here in northwest, I know the rest of the country has pretty much been melting this week...

Well, guess what? It's the weekend! So rid yourself of the workweek wardrobe, throw on a sheer, flowing, flowery dress and embrace the sunshine!

And have a little extra fun while you're at it. Dancing on tables? You can totally blame it on the heat.

Or better yet - get thee to the beach!

While I'll be running around getting ready for my trip, it won't be long until I'm enjoying some sunny beaches of my own. Have a fabulous weekend however you decide to beat the heat!


*images via fgr, unknown, fgr

GREEN + SEQUINS FROM CFDA

No words...


The green + sequins is putting me over the top. I'm even loving the hood. A few more favorites shot by the incredibly talented Jaime Beck at From Me To You at the CFDA Awards...
My favorite dress.

My favorite hair.

My favorite peek-a-boo.

And - of course - my favorite twins.


*all photography by jamie beck. check out more of her coverage here.

COCO + KELLEY SPONSOR: JULES REID 25% OFF!

What's the next best thing to taking a vacation? Making every day feel like you're on vacation. How? Duh. Resort wear!

Putting on any of these bright, luxurious, patterned picks from the fabulous Jules Reid pretty much guarantees instant happy. The Parker blouse might be my most favorite new silhouette this season (top middle) but I'm such a sucker for a tunic... indecisive? Pick up both. Because right now the whole Spring/Summer 2011 collection is 25% off. Fabulous!

GONE TO CAPRI...

After yesterday's post on packing for my trip, I promptly booked two nights in a sweet little hotel in Capri and spent a liiiiittle too much time doing some online shopping...

What do you think? I'm pretty sure I could wear this every day of my vacation and feel amazing (until I spill gelato all over that gorgeous white dress). The dress and hat would be fairly easy additions to the wardrobe. The Valentino tote and Antik Batik sandals? A bit of a splurge... but they could be necessary!

PACKING A PALETTE

Whenever I go on trips, I like to pack clothes in a similar palette so that I know I can mix and match pieces as I go. I'm just beginning to think about what to bring to Italy with me - but two weeks is a much longer time than a long weekend to consider just one color scheme! Which is why I may be taking some serious inspiration from this editorial as I select my wardrobe...

I love the mix of rich jewel tones with softer pastels and nudes - there's tons of color, and endless options of ways to mix them all. The hardest part may be what hue to choose for my mani pedi! 

*editorial photographed by lachlan bailey for vogue nippon

PREPARING FOR SUMMER STYLE

Dear Readers, Crissie (from bug&Bear) here, with a very important question. Memorial Day Weekend is upon us, temperatures are rising and the sun is finally making an appearance in our daily lives, this can only mean one thing: summer is right around the corner. The big question? Are you ready?

I'm still searching for the perfect black bikini (sexy string or sultry retro?) and the perfect cover-up (pattern and texture or flirty frills?) to get me thought the sunny season. Where do you shop for the perfect suit? What inspires your summer ensembles?  And what's in your closet for this season?

 *Photos Greg Kadel, Vogue Spain and Asa Tallgard, Elle Russia via Fashion Gone Rogue

FINA DU: LOVELY LITTLE DRESSES

I'm over the moon for this new little online shop, Fina Du (which is 'lovely you' in Swedish!) that features beautiful pieces from Scandanavian designers.

They carry lines from the likes of well-known names like Malene Birger (a personal favorite - don't you want these beautiful summer dresses of hers?) as well as names being introduced to the US for the first time.

The dress on the top of my wishlist is the stunner on the left from designer Ida Sjöstedt. I am in LOVE with every little detail! Of course, for something a little more, um... subtle? The black piece is quite sweet.

The site also features gorgeous accessories and many other goodies. A must browse on this rainy afternoon!

WANT.

Razzle dazzle me, darling.

If the sun isn't gonna come out today the least I can do is brighten things up with some sparkly sequins, right? Right.

*doleman blouse by suno

GET THE LOOK: OLSEN INSPIRED SUITS + STRIPES

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen possess the type of personal style that is unique, innate, and always one step ahead of the trend. For the most part their day to day looks are an elusive mix of rare vintage finds and luxury items - in other words, totally and utterly unattainable!

Cristina from Fuji Files here to help recreate this simple suit and stripes look by shopping your very own wardrobe.

We're in luck this time ladies because MKA have broken it down for us and shown us how to wear the look in three different ways!


*shirt, shorts, & sandals Topshop, blazer Dion Lee, bracelet Tom Binns, clutch Reed Krakoff, sunglasses YSL

If a coral suit is too bold opt for a light neutral this summer, and if you don't own a light suit just recycle your basic black! Many of us already own a blazer, stripes, and sandals making it extra easy to recreate this look for free. Roll up your jacket sleeves to keep the look casual (the girls even rolled up their pant legs), and add heels to take this look from day tonight!


*images via olsensobsessive, netaporter, topshop