Look :: leopard + fatigue

jacket: Victoria's Secret (old; similar) // skirt: J.Crew (old; similar) // belt: Target (similar) // pumps: Ivanka Trump (similar)

I shot these photos in 15 minutes yesterday before I had to go to work. I finally broke down and ordered a remote for my Nikon so I can shoot my own outfit photos on a much more consistent basis for you guys. There's nothing worse than a good outfit not getting enough exposure and going to waste now, is there?

These leopard pumps are a favorite of mine, though I confess, they're probably the most uncomfortable heels I own. While the style is perfection and I searched high and low to find a pair of leopard pumps that was just so, I can't last more than three hours on my feet in these. That said, I love how they instantly glam up a very monochromatic look. Though I didn't get a decent shot with the jacket open, I had on a mustard yellow tee (last seen here) paired with my ochre pencil skirt (last seen here). The colors are very similar to give the illusion of a dress, but I added the leopard belt to break up the look and tie in the shoes. The military jacket is a favorite of mine though I haven't worn it much this season. I love the cropped length as it pairs perfectly with high-waisted pencil skirts and adds a much-needed edge to an otherwise safe wear-to-work look.

I am spending today transitioning this blog over to Wordpress. When I decided to start this blog I wanted something quick and easy, but I'm now realizing Blogger isn't quite as functional as I'm accustomed to with Wordpress. I want the ability to interact with you guys in the comments and Blogger's reply feature refuses to cooperate. I can't wait to unveil the results on Wednesday!

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Current Obsession :: Rafe New York Minaudières

All images via

Once again it seems that I am left to pine over beautiful things that are not within my budget to afford, but oh, a girl can dream can't she? These minaudières by Rafe New York are perfection. The architectural form and geometric shape would instantly make this an outfit conversation piece. And when it wasn't in my hand everywhere I went, wouldn't it look stunning sitting on top of some coffee table books in my den? It is items like this that remind me of why I'd much rather save up to invest in a piece of original art than an attempted knock-off by a more budget-friendly retailer.

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Lusting :: Coral Crush

1. Kelly Wearstler cuff (similar) | 2. StyleBop white tee | 3. Chloé skirt  | 4. Chanel polish in Orange Fizz (similar by Essie)  | 5. Bvlgari sunglasses | 6. Lanvin wedges | 7. Fendi bag

Now, I know the days when we can wear this outfit are months away for most of us, but you'll have to forgive me. With all of the spring collections appearing in stores and online it is taking everything in me to calm my heart down from all the gorgeous colors and magnificent sandals that are everywhere I turn. Besides, as I write this, it is currently 60 degrees in Atlanta. That warrants a spring inspired post, right? I've been excited to see Kelly Wearstler's new collection since Kelly Framel shared her amazing collaboration out in California (here and here). And the Lanvin wedges? Well, let's just say Lanvin has yet to create a pair of shoes I didn't love.

My friend Rachel requested that I include more attainable pieces in these posts, but I must admit I find it extremely hard. While this outfit is very accessible and all of the pieces are trendy enough that you could absolutely find cheaper versions at your local mass retailers, those cheaper versions never excite me in the same way nor do they have the same appeal. It's like a Cy Twombly original versus an Ikea screenprint--it will never have the same wow factor. So for now these collages will serve as inspiration, but I will always anticipate the day when I am able to afford the pieces I feature and support the designers who create such magnificence.

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Current Obsession :: Reed Krakoff Spring 2012

Coral boxer (similar) | Python clutch (similar)

Photos via

I have been obsessed with Reed Krakoff's boxer bag since his first collection of handbags debuted; the structure and architectural elements leave me swooning. I've always been fond of his usage of color-blocking and contrasting materials such as leather and wool to add a punch of rebelliousness to an otherwise very conservative shape. Coral is always a go-to color for me during spring and summer months - especially when paired with white and nude, and with python prints holding their own through  the spring 2012 collections, either one of these would be a very welcome addition to my wardrobe!

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Look :: Neon Obsession

J.Crew blazer; Old Navy tee (available in stores now; similar); vintage pencil skirt (similar); J.Crew Mona patent pumps; Claire Vivier for Refinery29 clutch (similar & many on her site); Michael Kors watch (similar); vintage ring; Target gold hoop earrings (similar)

All photos by Rachel Bodenstein

The emergence of neons as a prominent trend for spring has found me fully on board. Ever since I glimpsed Jason Wu's Spring 2012 show (one of my favorite looks here; full runway show here), adding bright pink and citron pieces to my wardrobe has been my quest, of course always balancing with neutral stamples - in this case navy, camel, and nude. I put this look together around a tee I found at Old Navy today which meets both requirements with it's soft beige and acid yellow stripes. I paired it with my bright pink vintage pencil skirt which typically resides on the 'spring' side of my closet, but why not bring it out on our coldest day yet this winter? These subdued J.Crew nude patent pumps have frequently been completing my outfits even though I'm much more of a statement shoe kind of girl.

And now, let's talk about my clutch. I'm in love with this clutch. I purchased it back in November from Refinery29's Reserve, part of an exclusive collaboration with Clare Vivier. I went back and forth when making a decision between this one with it's acid yellow stripe and the other with the day-glo pink. I just love the statement it adds to any outfit and the leather is just so incredibly soft. Life has been so busy and full lately (no complaints here!) but the bright colors of this outfit instantly gave me renewed energy.

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Lusting :: watercolor + leather

1. Rick Owens jacket | 2. Irene Neuwirth earrings  | 3. Lela Rose dress | 4. Maison Martin Margiela ring | 5. Enameled cuff via Bauble Bar  | 6. Evil eye bracelet via Bauble Bar | 7. Braided bracelet via Bauble Bar | 8. Jason Wu clutch | 9. Givenchy heels

After my post about Frank Gehry's watercolor bangles, I just couldn't stop obsessing over my love of beautifully abstract colors splashed onto a crisp white palate. I kept dreaming of that perfect white sheath dress with color splattered across it and couldn't find it anywhere until I happened up on this perfect Lela Rose dress from her Spring 2012 collection. White and watercolor are a brilliant combination for spring and summer, but the gray days of winter leave me itching for color in anything and everything. I've toughened up this dress with a leather jacket by Rick Owens and I just love the soft, draped shape of the jacket against the structure of the dress. The heels also add a harder edge to an outfit that could easily end up very prim and feminine. I coordinated both the Jason Wu clutch and Irene Neuwirth earrings in rose to highlight the pink in the dress since lavender is the first color that catches your attention in the dress. I topped off the look with an arm party of bracelets in an azure color scheme to also bring out the subtle blue hue in the dress as well. Now, if only all of these pieces could exist in my real closet as well.

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Look :: navy + ochre

blouse: J.Crew | blazer: Tabitha via Anthropologie | skirt: J.Crew | shoes: J.Crew | bag: Jimmy Choo | sunglasses: RayBan | watch: Michael Kors | bracelet: J.Crew | ring: vintage

all photos by Rachel

After I selected this outfit to shoot last Thursday I realized that most of the pieces are from J.Crew. Initially,  I felt a little bit guilty about this as it says little about my ability to pull together a cohesive outfit without being a walking advertisement for a brand, but then I saw the January J.Crew catalogue and my obsession resumed, guilt-free. How can one help but to love such classic pieces in such fresh colors every season? This outfit is very wear-to-work and perfect for those days when you need to look pulled together but don't feel like putting a whole lot of thought into it: blouse, blazer, skirt, and pumps, plus a little red lipstick for drama. Can you really go wrong?

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Look :: NYE glamour 2012

top: Joie | skirt: Asos | shoes: J.Crew | bag: J.Crew | bracelets: Cara (gifted) & J.Crew

All photos c/o Rachel

I wore this outfit to a friend's NYE party, which was also a birthday and anniversary party all rolled into one. The party was a huge success and since I had been in charge of the dress code (set in place specifically for the guys: no jeans, no tennis shoes), I was thrilled to see all of the fabulous looks my friend's had put together. I definitely think we'll be utilizing a dress code for more parties in the future to up the glam factor since house parties seem to imply casual dress (not in my book!).

Even though I felt so incredibly blessed to be ringing in the new year with so many great friends, I was happy to see 2011 go. While there were many great moments throughout the year, this year was largely a year of struggles and frustrations for me both personally and professionally. I'm so excited about all that I foresee happening in 2012 and can't wait to see life unfold! I don't believe in new year's resolutions because I'm of the belief that any and every day is a great day to set new goals and make exciting plans for the future. Here's to a fantastic year full of all the goodness that life has to offer!

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Art :: laissez-faire

Image via OscarPRGirl

Isn't this illustration by David Downton exquisite? I have been on the hunt for art to complete the gallery wall in my living room for quite some time and this piece has the perfect amount of glamour and whimsy to it that I am so fond of.

Image via Cocoa and Hearts

I'm also quite enamored by some of Jen Ramos' pieces which are available through Cocoa and Hearts (if you can snatch them up before they're sold!). I'm very particular about the things I surround myself with and thus, it will probably take me some time to complete my gallery. Even once I've filled the wall space I imagine I will always transition pieces in and out to keep things fresh, but these two pieces would be stunning additions! What art inspires you?

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