Words :: quick of the soul

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Look :: simplicity

For the last several weeks my life has been moving at a whirlwind pace. Working in retail has meant being dressed and "on" for six days a week. Even though I still find myself donning a pair of heels for several hours most days, I have been craving easy ensembles that are composed of basic, solid pieces. I like my morning routine to be as streamlined as possible and for me this has never meant picking out my outfit the night before. I much prefer to wake up in the morning, see what the weather is like, and get inspired while standing in my closet.

1. Rachel Zoe pumps  | 2. Marc Jacobs bag  | 3. Burbury leather pencil skirt  | 4. Roberto Cavalli ring  | 5. DVF sweater  | 6. House of Harlow sunglasses

For the last year or so, when pressed to describe my style, the first word that comes to mind is 'classic.' Pencil skirts, sheath dresses, and solid colors make up majority of my wardrobe. However, lately I find myself wanting to add just a touch of edginess to my outfits. Whether it's with a statement piece of jewelry or an unexpected pair of heels, both infuse an outfit with necessary personality. This outfit caters to both of my desires: easy to put together in ten minutes in the morning with enough personal flair thrown in keep things interesting. The shoes were the hardest part of this outfit for me because I didn't start from the ground up as I usually tend to do. I wanted something utilitarian with special details, like those on this Rachel Zoe pair: the ankel straps which add edge and the python skin which ties in the cat-eye House of Harlow sunglasses. Finally, this Roberto Cavalli elephant ring is an accessory I've been swooning over for several months now. Not only do I have a lifelong obsession with elephants, but there is just something so glamourous and art deco about this design.

Though I've been in the mood for effortless lately, I'm looking forward to the occasions coming up that will merit turning up the glam factor with sequins, glitter, and red lipstick. I can't wait to show you some of the fabulous pieces I've scored lately!

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Look :: mustard + teal

After last week's failed attempt to get any decent outfit photos of myself using a self-timer, I was able to cajole my dear friend Rachel to be my photographer. This photo shoot was a very last-minute arrangement on my day off. I would say it was an unseasonably warm December day here in Atlanta when we shot this, but most weather here in Atlanta is unseasonal, so 65 degree weather in December? Let's roll with it. Our initial location in front of some beautiful flowers that were still in bloom (see aforementioned fickle weather) was a complete bust, but we ended up scouting out something better anyway.

J.Crew shirt, J.Crew skirt, Joie shoes, Michael Kors watch, bracelet from Nordstrom, vintage lion necklace

all photos by Rachel

Pencil skirts are a staple in my wardrobe and I own them in a multitude of colors. Not only do they dress up or down easily, but they're quite simple to build a chic outfit around. I have never paired this shirt and skirt together, but in the rush to put an outfit on that was worth shooting, this was the result. I nearly wore these shoes to death last spring and summer when I got them, but then they sat tucked away at the top of my closet and it felt appropriate to throw them on since I didn't feel like donning heels on my day off. This necklace, however, is one my favorite pieces that I own and I get so many compliments on it every time I wear it. It used to belong to my great-grandmother and was passed along to me by my aunt after I requested some of her fashion jewels. When I received it, it was a brooch, but since I noticed it could also be worn as a necklace, I swapped the chain from another pendant I never wore to this one and have worn this piece to add a sense of whimsy to outfits ever since.

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Some Things I've Been Pin-ing for Lately...

I hope you all had a lovely weekend and that it proved to be more relaxing than mine! I had every intention of posting last week and even attempted to take outfit pictures two days in a row, but the gray, rainy weather here in Atlanta had other plans. Plus, taking outfit photos using a self-timed camera is such an exercise in trial and error! I've since recruited a friend of mine who knows her way around a camera quite well to take outfit photos for me a couple times a week, so those will be coming soon.

In the meantime--and to break the awful silence on this blog--a blog feature which I will be doing once weekly. Did you note the pun in the title? I will feature several images I've come across during the week on Pinterest that have left me lusting after them in one way or another.

Found via Pinterest

Found via Pinterest

Found via Pinterest

Found via Pinterest

It's becoming obvious from the way this post has turned out that I'm not quite over my obsession of black  + gold and have now added leopard + sequins to the mix. How glamourous are they together? What are you pining for these days? Please share!

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Lusting :: Frank Gehry for Tiffany Co.

Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Co.

Do you know all those times when you become so obsessed with something that you find yourself filling every free moment with thoughts of the object du jour? Ever since I read through my December issue of Elle magazine, I cannot get Frank Gehry's newest collection for Tiffany & Co. out of my head. The bangles are perfection. Hand-painted watercolor on bone china? Yes, please. Forget the fact that I would have to forfeit a month's rent to own even one of these stunning pieces of art, that hasn't stopped me from putting together the perfect outfits centered around these bangles since the minute I saw them and the obsession shows no signs of letting up. I'm sure you'll understand.

1. Sam Edelman booties; 2. Balenciaga classic town bag; 3. Vince high low pullover; 4. Frank Gehry bangles; 5. Tibi leather skirt; 6. Helmut Lange asymmetric dress; 7. Elizabeth and James earrings; 8. Jeffrey Campbell ankle boots

When I saw the bangles I immediately pictured them with a gray and black to allow the bone china and watercolors of the bangles to really pop. I put together a work and casual outfit to showcase the versatility of such an exquisite accessory. Additionally, I have intended for the other accessories (bag & earrings) to be shared between the outfits as well since, at the price point of these pieces, it is imperative that you be able to mix items in your wardrobe and make them work for multiple purposes. I love the additional color the Balenciaga brings in (though I would coordinate this with whichever color bangle I chose) as well as the way the Elizabeth and James earrings play off of the gold tones in both the hardware of the bag as well as the motorcycle boots. Both outfits are minimalist and accessories are kept to a minimum in order to allow the bangles to be the center of attention, as they should be. Are you as enthralled as I am?

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