ULLA LA

You'd think with my jet-setting lifestyle these days (currently writing from the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport!)  I'd have packing down to a science. Welllll... not so much. In fact, I've started resorting to tried and true outfits that pack well and suit every occasion (which isn't a bad thing) and feel like I'm in a bit of a wardrobe slump in my daily life too.

In need of some serious inspiration, I started hunting through some of my favorite lines, and I think I found just what I've been looking for in Ulla Johnson's Spring Collection...

A fresh little denim 'suit' (can you even call it that?) for client meetings strikes the perfect balance between casual and professional - adding some accessories will punch it up a bit! 

Slouchy and soft, I totally live in blouses these days, but pairing it with white pants makes the move from winter to spring!

Um - one word. Hot. A casual little dazzle. Love it.

And, let's face it, on the weekend all I need is this - comfy, comfy, comfy.

And when you just don't know what the day (or night!) may bring? This little ensemble will carry you through it all. You can never go wrong with pretty little details in black and white!

HAPPY (FRESH FLOWERS) WEEKEND!

I've got two weeks before I leave town again (this time for some fun and relaxation!) which means one thing...


It's time to surround myself with loads of fresh flowers and dream of sunshine while I wait for spring to actually arrive around here! I'm rushing to finish off some essential emails this morning so I can head to the market for a big bunch of them. While I'm at it I might treat myself to a little antiquing too before diving into another busy weekend!

*images by mario sierra and via dress, design, decor. edited by me.

FOODIE FASHIONISTA: SIMPLE ELEGANCE

Hello loveies! Crissie here, from bug&Bear with a tasty treat to brighten your Thursday. 

Peach Shortbread plus fabulous flats.  Simple, elegant and a tiny bit sweet. Perfection for spring, don't you think? 

*Foodtography: Smitten Kitchen

*Fashion: Hanne Gaby Odiele by Tesh for Vogue Korea

*Outfit: Jacket- Burberry Prorsum, Dress- David Szeto, Clip, Bag- H&M, Shoes- Lovely

TO MARKET, TO MARKET...

In Seattle, much of our city gets tucked away for the winter, so one of my favorite parts about the change of seasons is the return of my beloved farmer's markets! While many shoppers tend to throw on a pair of worn-in jeans and a light sweater, I can't resist a little maxi dress to step things up a bit...

Let's be honest, a maxi is almost as good as sweats. It's a quick throw on, totally comfy, and you look like you actually put some thought into your ensemble. Top it with a few fun accessories and a casual cardi to ward of cooler temps, and you're set for the market... and whatever the rest of the day may bring! Now if the weather would just cooperate a little more...

*statement maxi dress by issa, cardigan at anthropologie, bangles at topshop, my favorite reusable shopping bags - baggu, and must have espadrilles at piperlime.

RACHEL ROY SPRING: BRIGHTS + NUDES + STRIPES

Rachel Roy's spring collection honestly might be my most favorite for her perfect mix of brights paired with plenty of nudes and touches of black + white... 

I adore the way she layered on the color for half the show, but also gave those of us who prefer more neutrals some beautiful choices as well...

The collection was well edited and incredibly cohesive, just they way a wardrobe should be. Can you imagine mixing and matching these pieces together all season long? Yes please!

*images via style.com

SEQUINS + PRINT FOR SPRING

Pulling off daytime sequins during the winter is pretty easy - it's so dark and gloomy it practically feels like night, and our days need that little sparkle to perk us up! Sequins in the sunshine, however? Not as effortless! So I've been poking around for a bit of inspiration, and found some from a favorite of mine, Miss Kelly over at the Glamourai...

How fabulous are the colors she paired here?? The trick is to keep the sequins light and casual in every possible way. The pop of neon in that jacket is pure perfection! But my favorite is that there's a pattern here - it's not a heavy solid layer of sparkle. Naturally, I'm now obsessed with finding a fun little patterned sequined piece like this for spring... something like this:

The 'Barbie' dress from Naven (love!), but with a price tag I can actually afford. I think it's time to do some vintage shopping!

TOTALLY SPRUNG

Dear spring... Would you stop being such a tease and get here already???

I have so many wonderful goodies to adorn myself + home with when you do!

*birdcage pendant by voliere at conran shop, christian louboutin gingham pumps at luisa viaroma, stripe pillow at urban outfitters, jonathan saunders skirt at net-a-porter

DOUBLY DREAMY

Dreaming of the arrival of spring has left me in a soft + hazy state of mind lately...

Like this editorial + flowing pieces from the Luisa Beccaria Spring collection...


Their gauzy + ghostly silhouettes suit that feeling of being stuck between seasons...

And the hope that new romance + sunshine is on the way...


*editorial by paul de luna

LOOKING FORWARD: J.CREW SPRING 2011

Forget the runways. If you want to know where color is really heading, look no further than the J.Crew Spring 2011 collection for some serious inspiration...

The palette is retro and the shapes simple and wearable as always.

I'm especially loving the bubblegum pinks, emerald greens, and every possible shade of denim blue. But my favorite combo might be that rich bronze with a pop of lilac. Yum.

*images via fashionologie