J. Crew Collection for Fall Classic Cool

We're coming off a heat wave and the LAST thing you want to think about is long pants, long sleeves, wool, jackets and coats. I'm sweating just thinking about it.

But I can't not post J. Crew Collection's fall offerings because they are just awesome. Think: staples like pencil skirts and cashmere sweaters in rich jewel tones; warm coats with unique cuts; and super cute strappy satin heels. It's pretty preppy stuff, but it's pretty cool also.

My shopping hiatus should end just in time to pick up some of these beauts. That navy coat has my name all over it.

Via FabSugar

For more J. Crew fall goodness, check out this post at Elements of Style.

Work Inspiration: Altuzarra Resort 2011

(via Fashionista)

When I saw this look from Altuzarra's resort 2011 collection, I was in love. I love the classic lines and colors with the edgy fabric, moto-style jacket and cuffed ankle heels.

I think this look is the perfect way to have a little bit of fun with your summer work wardrobe. It's still conservative, but is definitely not boring. And it's definitely attainable. I thought - anyone could recreate this look!

So I did. In fact, I found a couple great options to bring this look into your wardrobe!

1. Diane von Furstenberg Plateau Bee Knit Dress (This dress is sold out online but I almost bought it at Cusp in Georgetown - Check there!)
2. ALC Moto Jacket, available at Farfetch: $1143
3. Reed Krakoff ankle-tie pointed python pumps, available at Net-A-Porter: $290
4. Gap slouch asymmetrical moto jacket: $25
5. Sam Edelman Meadow Almond pumps, available at Lori's Shoes: $59.90

Lust List: Red, White and Blue

The Fourth of July may be behind us, but there's no reason you can't show your patriotism year-round. In honor of our nation's 235th birthday, here are some fabulous red, white and blue finds to inspire you.

1. Antik Batik silk-chiffon maxi dress, available at The Outnet: $148.50

2. Christian Louboutin Rolando pumps, available at Saks: $695

3. Kenneth Jay Lane star-embellished metal bangles, available at The Outnet: $89.25

4. Marc Jacobs Day to Night Single purse: $525

5. Dara Ettinger Alicia rectangular stud earrings, available at Cusp: $100

6. Diane Von Furstenberg Issie top, available at Farfetch: $154

7. Toywatch Classic Plasteramic watch, available at Nordstorm: $176.90

8. Kenneth Jay Lane multi-strand coral necklace, available sold out at The Outnet: $46

9. Elizabeth and James Emery linen blazer, available at Nordstrom: $395

Saturday Style: Pre-Fourth Fun

It's not quite the Fourth of July yet, but it sure feels like it. The air is hot and sticky, and patriotism abounds in our nation's capital. I'm channeling breezy casual to stay comfortable and cool - comfort is key on weekends where you know you'll be outside a lot and walking a lot. I like the splash of blue. It's like, hey America, it's almost your birthday, but not quite yet.

Barbeques await! Hope your weekend is off to a great start.

1. Anthropologie Umbra Maxi Dress: $128
2. Ray Ban Clubmaster Sunnies: $145
3. Chan Luu Black and Silver Wrap Bracelet: $195
4. Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac: $195
5. Madden Girl Monikah Sandal: $19.95

Shop stop

In my blogging hiatus, I mayyyy have done a little shopping. Ok, I obviously did more than a little.

I thought I'd share some of my favorite purchases of the past few months:

Kate Spade Dotty Heels - These heels are great for a night on the town or dressing up a simple work sheath. Note: Beware wearing new satin heels on dangerous Georgetown brick sidewalks!

Trina Turk Nubia Beaded Halter Dress - I spotted this at a boutique in New Orleans in red pepper and I had to have it - but I needed an excuse. Fortunately, a Bermuda-themed party provided me with the perfect one!

Leifsdottir Rainbow Confetti Dress - This is my new favorite going out dress. I bought it a bit big so it's swingy and fun and loose on hot summer nights. It goes with so much, and the asymmetrical hem (hard to see in this picture) frames my legs fabulously.

J. Crew High Tide Tunic Dress - Because... have you met me? Hey, I'm just proud it's not navy stripes.

ASOS pleated maxi skirt - So this just came today, and I like it a lot. BUT it's super sheer. Do I keep and wear it (as seems to be trendy)? Or send back (free returns)?

So I had a little bit of fun. Maybe too much fun.

A few days ago, I realized I really need to go on a shopping diet (and a taxi cab diet. And a regular diet, but that's another issue all together). I have numerous things to save up for, not the least of which is my wedding (and a fabulous wedding/honeymoon wardrobe).

So the shopping hiatus began last week.

I don't necessarily want to put a hard and fast deadline on my shopping hiatus, but my birthday is in early August, and birthday=presents+parties=new clothes... Makes sense to me! But in actuality, the shopping will be severely restricted for at least three month. It's not a punishment, it's just a lifestyle diet.

I'll miss you, credit cards.

Sunday Lust List: Blog-Found Fun

This week's lust list highlights some fun pieces, fab shoes, and darling dresses found on some of my favorite fashion blogs.

1. Giles & Brother Archer Hoop Earrings: $95 (via Refinery29)
2. Joie Sashay Heels: $198 (via The Cut)
3. Splendid Shadow Stripe Dress: $110 (via Capitol Hill Style)
4. Prada Baroque Sunglasses: $290 (via FabSugar)
5. Apple and Ivy Bettingen Circle Button Bracelet: $15 (via Whipped Style, a new DC FABB friend!)

Reason #18752 to Go to the Gym

This Pencey number.

Pencey dress, exclusive to Shopbop: $320

Yes, those are cut outs on the side.

Boot camp? Here I come. 5 mile run? See you Sunday. Yoga? 2-3 a week, repeat as necessary.

Get It Fast: Red Denim

Have you been lusting after those J. Brand red jeans you've seen everywhere? Surprisingly, I think this trend is totally wearable on most people. Nothing wrong with a pop of color in an outfit - especially on your pants.

That said, I'm not anticipating to see people wearing bright red denim in the seasons to come. So don't go shelling out nearly 200 smackeroos on some jeans you'll wear maybe six times.

Instead, head over to my new favorite online shopping emporium, ASOS, and pick up these Vero Moda bad boys for less than $30. You read that right. And you're not at Forever 21 or H&M! Shocking, I know.

Vero Moda Denim Legging: $25.86

The jeans are available in sizes S/M and M/L, so hurry over and snag your pair ASAP.

ASOS is having a huge end-of-season sale right now, so be sure to gaze at the massive discounted selection. And, if you're new to ASOS, they have free shipping and returns. So if the jeans don't fit, no harm, no foul - just send 'em right back.

You're welcome.

Wedge Would

Freaking obsessed with this Pierre Hardy Cruise 2012 wedges.

(via Fashionista)

Yes I'd be taller than the average Mavs player in these sky-high wedges, but I'm loving the fun color palette, and the updated retro-vibe.

Honestly, I'd be happy to put these on and just sit around and stare at my feet. (Also, this would probably be much safer for me than walking around).

Mark Your Calendars: Bitches Who Brunch Summer Brunch Soiree

I'm excited: The lovely ladies over at Bitches Who Brunch are combining two of my favorite things - brunch and fashion - for a Summer Brunch Soiree at the delicious Ris in the West End. We're talking bottomless mimosas, gourmet passed small plates from a fabulous DC chef, fashion the uber-chic boutique Rue 14, tunes and more!

As if you needed more reasons to go, the event benefits a much-deserving charity, The DC Farm to School Network, which provides healthy, local, sustainable foods to DC area schools and educates children and families on nutrition, exercise, and environmental consciousness.

The details:

What: Summer Brunch Soiree to benefit DC Farm to School

Who: The Bitches Who Brunch and other fabulous, fun DC brunchers

When: Saturday, July 9, 12-3 pm. 

Location: Ris, 2275 L St NW, Washington, DC

Cost: $45, which includes bottomless mimosas, passed apps, a fashion show, DJ-spun tunes, a dance performance, an art show, and goodie bags!

 

Tickets are available through Eventbrite. Tickets will not be sold at the door. you must pre-purchase them here: http://bitchessummerbrunch.eventbrite.com/

Hope to see you there!

Look I'm Loving: Diane Kruger at the Louvre

Diane Kruger, 95% of the time, has flawless style. It's borderline avant garde, but almost always impeccably chic.

(via Go Fug Yourself)

Here at a charity gala in Paris, she looks stunning in a nude Alessandra Rich dress with chartreuse lace embellishment. I LOVE the pop of tangerine, which is just edgy enough against the contrasting yellow-green.

Her arm candy doesn't hurt, either.

From the back of Grandma's couch to your closet

Crochet and macrame - it sounds more like crafts at summer camp than something you'd want to buy at Bergdorfs.

But, of course, designers have found a way to bring this look from the back of Grandma's couch to the closets of fashionistas everywhere.

The idea of wear something more kitschy than silk or jersey first appealed to me when I saw Olivia Palermo in this DVF number at Fashion's Night Out last September. The dress was actually available - and on discount - when OP wore it (which I love... We can't all get pieces right off the runway).

Credit: Celebrity Fashion

Even though the dress was old, the look was very fresh. Olivia was wearing what had just been seen all over the New York runways for Spring 2011. Just look at the wide range of designers that featured the knit look:

Jen Kao, Christian Dior, Catherine Malandrino, Gucci

And now that it's actually Spring 2011, crochet and macrame looks are available to the masses.

For instance, I really adore this dress from lulus.com - proving you can wear the style and still look edgy and modern. (The dress is sadly sold out).

From lookbook.nu

So can you wear crochet without looking like a blanket?

I think yes. Here are some great starter pieces.

Edun dress, $238; Sass & Bide vest, $117

Ecote Belt, $38; Vasia by Ulla Johnson sweater, $79

The plight of the tall girl

I'm 5'9''. Well, technically 5 feet, 9 and a half inches.

I can only blame myself for this. When I was 10, I was one of the shorter girls in my class, and I wished really, really hard that I would be on the taller end. By 13, I was 5'8". Be careful what you wish for.

(And, to make things worse, I grew an inch college. Weird, right?)

I love being tall for some reasons, and I loathe it for others.

Here are my big reasons to dislike being tall:
1. For some reason, most of my friends are short. Like around 5'2". So I'm that awkward girl crouching in photos, or standing with terrible posture so I look less freakish. Plus, it's really hard to hear you all the way down there!
2. The average man is shorter than me. But how often do you see tall men with taller women? You don't. For some reason, men over six feet tall tend to prefer petite women. Can I tell you how many men who are at least two inches shorter than me have hit on me? I've lost count. Luckily, this isn't a problem anymore. Tyler is exactly my height (or so we tell people).
3. People are always asking me to get things off high shelves or turn on fans. Dang, can't a girl just be lazy and unhelpful?
4. Finally, and most importantly, buying clothes is effing hard.

For instance, take this lovely lacy number from Forever 21.

Here it is on the model:

And here's what it looks like on me.

Also impossible to buy clothes for? My abnormally long arms.

Here's a pretty J. Crew blouse on a model.

And on me... (please forgive my extremely rudimentary photoshop skills... not quitting my day job to do retouching any time soon)

Ooh, looks like J. Crew also has some super chic plaid pants...

But on me?

Point made? I think so. (I was also going to do a pictorial comparing me in heels to Andre the Giant, but decided that wasn't entirely flattering).

I've lost track of the number of times I've ordered a super adorable dress online, only for it to arrive about 3 inches shorter than is considered appropriate in normal society. Or how many times I've had to go up a size in a shirt to get long enough sleeves or bought size 12 pants to get long enough pant legs (thanks, H&M, for that confidence-boosting experience).

Many stores, J. Crew included, make tall sizes, but at the same time, most do not carry the tall sizes in stores, forcing me to order online. And often, these tall sizes aren't just made for long legs - they also are made for people with longer torsos, resulting in many a pair of inadvertently high-rise pants. Very cool.

Buying to fit a lankier body is hard. Tailoring is my friend. But just once, I'd like to not have to consider shopping from a catalogue called "Long and Tall Sally." I'd like to not dig through the giant stack of pants at Gap hoping to find a 6T. I'd like to avoid comparisons to gorilla arms. I just want to buy regular clothes at a regular store! Is that so much to ask?

But. like I said earlier, be careful what you wish for.

I love being tall because I can reach things on really high shelves. I like to imagine myself as long and lean (working on that second part). I can stick out in a crowd. I don't have to stand in the front row at a concert to see the band.

At the end of the day, I'd much rather be tall than short. Tall women can be called Amazonesque. Short women can be called squat. Tall women can be supermodels. Short women can be hand models. Tall women burn more calories just existing. (enough jabs at my shorties! You know I love you all. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes... for realz.)

Let's just say I love myself just the way I am. Short pants and all.

Pre-fall perfection

I posted my pre-fall favorites last Friday (check it here if you missed it), but I saved one very special collection for its own post.

Oscar de la Renta, you are a genius.

From the ladylike tweed skirtsuits to the edgier leather pants and skirts, from the classic and glamourous evening gowns to the on-trend wide-legged pants, the collection touched every fashion base with finesse. The diverse collection screamed uptown girl. There was literally nothing shown in this collection that I wouldn't want in my wardrobe immediately. (Not sure where I'd wear 8 evening gowns... Probably just to lay around the house like Marie Antoinette or something.)

Above, you have my favorite looks. But you can peep the whole collection over at style.com.

Well red

Ay Caramba! Red is muy caliente right now. Just check out the latest from the runways - red made a showing in a majority of the pre-fall collections.

Though red may seem "trendy," I'd argue it never goes out of style. It's a power color that persists. I mean, talk about a confidence booster. Walk into a room in red, and you say "Look at me. I'm spicy."

Daring to go red - all red? Here are some tips from Shopbop's Style Director Morgan Wendelborn:

Choose complementary, subtly different shades and textures. As stunning as an all-red suit cut from the same fabric looks on the runway, it’s not very wearable in real life. The key is to pair slightly mismatched shades (like a poppy-colored silk Equipment blouse and tomato-toned Jenni Kayne chinos) and keep your accessories neutral.

The sure-fire way is to pair a print with a solid—for example, printed Dolce Vita shorts and a solid Mara Hoffman bustier top.

I'd also note that, when wearing red, you want to keep it covered... Because, really, red+lots of skin=trampy, unfortunately. Red is synonymous with arousal in the brain, so tone down any decolletage and avoid any miniskirts. You're hot enough!

If you're not ready for a full-red look, try amping up your accessories. A red belt, red tights or red jewelry add a pop of color against a neutral outfit. (But it would also look great with a golden tone or navy.) With your accessories, you can wear one for a subtle effect, but what really looks spectacular are a few, well-chosen and coordinated red accessories (like shoes and a necklace).

And winter provides a perfect excuse to don a red scarf, red gloves or even an adorable red cloche. Leighton Meester has been spotted filming Gossip Girl in red winter accessories, and Glamour has some great, affordable picks for accessorizing like her.

Finally, if you're really bold, try red lipstick. Just ask red lipstick poster girl Gwen Stefani, who is the newest spokesperson for L'Oreal Paris Infallible lipstick. I mean, this girl makes it look effortless. I recommend heading to a department store makeup counter to find the perfect red for you. With my coloring, I can't really rock the orangey-red tones (much to my chagrin), so I wear a blue-based red from MAC called Dubonnet. Then head to the drug store for a cheaper version!

1. See by Chloe leather belt, available at Yoox: $148
2. Deluxe Jane cloche, available at Proper Topper: $52
3. Patterson J. Kincaid Harlow long-sleeved blouse, available at Shopbop: $68.60
4. See by Chloe cotton-blend pencil skirt, available at The Outnet: $114.75
5. Alice + Olivia Patti pleated dress with leather trim, available at Shopbop: $298
6. Pour la Victoire Irina pump, available at Shoebox: $262
7. L'Oreal Paris Infallible Le Rouge in Resilient Raisin: $9.99
8. Kate Spade Mod Squad necklace: $77

Lusting after the color of love? Check out some beautiful red pics at So Much To Smile About!

Loving Right Now: J. Crew's colorful spring collection

Want to stop in J. Crew? Usually, you don't have to ask me twice. But their spring collections have me wanting to run to the nearest store to buy these looks ASAP. This collection strikes the perfect balance of neutral and candy-colored pieces, perfectly wearable basics and fun statement pieces, and the standard J. Crew preppy look with the edgy NYC street look.

Some of my favorites from the lookbook:

White hot.

These wider-legged pants will be mine.

How does J. Crew make grandma-pink-colored pants look so chic?

Love the print. This will be my new weekend wardrobe come summer.

Hello, beautiful lace jacket, perfectly mismatched with safari neutrals? Why don't you come with me?

Socks and sandals have returned! And worn with the coolest gold skirt this side of Midas' kingdom. (Does anyone know if a skirt like this is actually wearable in real life?)

Sequined skirt? Turquoise top? This girl's green with envy.

As a side note, I think this collection underscores the importance of separates to our wardrobes. I have so many friends (and myself included in this) that picked the dress as their go-to wardrobe basic, both for ease and style. And while I think the perfect black shift dress is still a wardrobe staple, the possibilities that separates create are endless. Viva les pants!

Peep the entire spring lookbook over at FabSugar and just try tell me you don't want to hie thee to the nearest J. Crew at once.

California dreamin'

It's such a winter's day. Seriously, what's up with these below freezing temperatures? It's making me itch for spring... Actually, summer. Actually, the beach. Let's go to the beach.

1. Anthropologie Take Shape bikini: top - $88; bottom - $68
2. Jets by Jessika Allen lustre frilled bikini, available at Net-A-Porter: top - $150; bottom: $105
3. Diane Von Furstenberg bash printed one piece: $220
4. J. Crew starlet dot ruched underwire tank: $86
5. Etro silk paisley print cover-up, available at Saks: $980
6. Shoshanna silk sarong cover-up, available at Saks: $319
7. Emilio Pucci cotton-flannel beach towel, available at Net-A-Porter: $665 (please don't actually pay this much for a towel)

Leighton Meester is pretty in prints

How gorgeous is Leighton Meester in these shots from Glamour Espana? Her hair and make-up is flawless, but I especially love the styling. The bold prints (from Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Chloe and Just Cavalli, respectively) are so much fun, and I especially love the mixture of patterns in the first shot. 

Here's how to get the look for yourself.

1. Sachin + Babi psychedelic print dress, available at Shopbop: $585

2. Milly rose garden pleat date skirt: $245

3. BCBG printed silk dress: $248

4. Miu Miu printed silk crepe de Chine mini dress, available at Net-A-Porter: $1,335

6. Just Cavalli red dress, available at Zappos: $505

7. Forever 21 blooming flowers tunic: $17.80

8. Emilio Pucci lurex detail pattern coat, available at My Theresa: $2,014.63

Tribal party

Here's an interesting trend: tribal looks. This is definitely not one for everyone, at least at first. It's bold, it's out there, it's a little kooky. But it's fun and fresh. If you have any doubt about that, check out this post over at So Much To Smile About for some gorgeous shots of the trend.

Tribal prints are everywhere, so pick up a fabulous Missoni, Etro or McQueen dress to make the look front and center. Or, if you have your reservations about the trend but you're still want to try it out, you're in luck. There is a wealth of tribal-inspired jewelry to add just a hint of the look to your outfit. Pair any of the pieces from the House of Harlow 1960 tribal collection with a basic black T-shirt and skinny jeans or a simple, black jersey dress and you can totally rock it without overkill. Or for instance, these crazy-expensive Giuseppe Zanotti sandals would look amazing with a black maxi dress.  

Josie Natori Mandaya silk print skirt, available at Saks: $250

House of Harlow enamled tribal cuff, available at Shopbop: $220

Lavish beaded bullseye ring, available at Cusp: $72

Soleil fringe earrings, available at Cusp: $80

Alexander McQueen folklore print sheath, available at Bergdorf Goodman: $955

Pendleton original flea bag, available at Satine: $520

Blee Inara elastic feather bracelet, available at Cusp: $34

Giuseppe Zanotti tribal-cuffed flat sandal, available at Bergdorf Goodman: $1,095 (Let's pretend these aren't way overpriced. Keep an eye out for a look for less, as I'm sure one will pop up soon!)

Sunday Lust List: All dressed up

It's gala season in DC. And while I have a couple full-length gowns hanging in my closet, waiting for a good reason to be worn, I can't help but look around. When my friend Danielle sent me this BCBG dress, I was hooked.

Issa silk-jersey gown, available at Net-A-Porter: $885

Azzaro Carmen evening gown, available at the Outnet: $2,458

3.1 Phillip Lim sequined silk dress, available at Net-A-Porter: $1,100

BCBG one-shouldered belted gown, available at Bloomingdales: $298