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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