La vie en rose

Credit: Say Yes! to Hoboken

I saw this outfit on my friend Liz's blog the other week and I knew I had to have it. The different shades of pink matched with the delicious gold skirt is to die for. It's from J. Crew clearly, but I have no idea when it's from or where I can find these pieces! It's so frustrating. 

Never one to shy away from a challenge, I decided to attempt to recreate it. Since nothing was quite right, I included options for some of the key pieces! (My biggest struggle? Pretty honeysuckle Mary Janes - want these!)

Sweater: Ralph Lauren long-sleeved sweater, available at Yoox: $149

Shirt: J. Crew long-sleeve stretch perfect shirt: $59.50

Necklace: Anthropologie Strawberry Cheesecake necklace: $48

Skirt: Diane Von Furstenberg Bolo Skirt: $269.50 (Or try... Loft Ivory Flower Jacquard Skirt; Kate Spade New York Kylie tweed sequin skirt; Michael Kors knee length skirt; ECI skirt)

Shoes: Kate Spade Karolina: $298 (Or try... Manolo Blahnik Round-Toe Mary Jane pump; Fornarina high-heeled sandal; Vivienne Westwood Anglomania for Melissa crocodile heeled shoe; Sergio Rossi peep toe pump)

Does this outfit make you rosy-cheeked? Or does the pink trend stink to you?

This Week's Facts: Puppy in an Hermes scarf

Best dressed of the week: these French dogs in Hermes scarves. (via ilovemyscarf.com)

• Link of the week: Stripes and Sequins shows us how to make our very own tassel earrings. I need to get to a craft store stat.
• Run, don't walk, to check out this new site, The Coveted, which takes a look at what inspires cultural influencers and their personal style. My fave? Harper's Bazaar Senior Fashion Markets Editor Joanna Hillman's picks. 
• But wait, you're saying. Isn't there already a wonderful fashion blog called The Coveted? Read about the naming controversy at Racked. (My two cents? They definitely should have picked a different name.)
• Wedding awesomeness: Check out Anthropologie's new wedding project, www.bhldn.com, and a new line that would actually get me to consider buying my dress at David's Bridal - White by Vera Wang.
• Check out this nifty list of 50 closet classics from a glamorous little side project.
• Love this how-to for wearing color to work from FabSugar. These looks completely wearable even in the sometimes stodgy, ultra-conservative DC.
• I've raved about Eddie Borgo's gorgeous jewelry... And WhoWhatWear loves him too. Now, if only there were a holiday coming up where men typically give women jewelry... (wink wink, fiance).
• Jezebel has an expose of sorts on Forever 21's shady design practices. I try not to feature their clothes too regularly due to their copyright issues, but sometimes I can't help it. This girl loves a bargain...
• Fashionista examines what trends stuck from the fall runways, and what didn't. And check out style.com's list of spring trends you must embrace.
• Shoe porn: Apartment Therapy gives us a glimpse inside some celebrity closets.
• Grammar Nazi Alert: This Wet Seal T-shirt has been making the rounds on the Internet due to its lack of grammar and yet it's STILL BEING SOLD. Ick.

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)

Boxing match

Earlier today, FabSugar posted 15 gorgeous box clutches to add an aura of chic but tough glamour to any outfit.

After being inspired by Meryl Streep in It's Complicated, I bought a minaudiere last year (unlikely inspiration, I know).  I love my box clutch (pictured here in full iPhone glory) though it's not quite big enough to fit both my personal and work phones, plus keys, lipstick and credit cards. But if I can limit myself to one phone and stick my digital camera in the fiance's pockets, we're golden. And it's fabulous for evening events! (It's from J. Crew, no longer available).

So check out the ones from FabSugar or these below (and please forgive the layout - I was using less than sophisticated technology today *cough - MS Paint cough*). I adore the edgy, knuckle clutch from Alexander McQueen (if you're splurging) or the sweet, timeless sparkle of the clutch from Lord & Taylor.

1. Celestina Espasol silver-plated filigree clutch, available at The Outnet: $397.50
2. La Regale sparkle box minaudiere, available at Lord & Taylor: $48
3. Ann Taylor exotic minaudiere clutch: $98
4. Alexander McQueen satin flower knuckle box clutch: $1,760
5. Rafe Maryanne minaudiere, available at Endless: $495
6. Diane von Furstenberg Lytton love knot minaudiere, available at Neiman Marcus: $298

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

Perfection

I cannot get over the sheer perfection of this Jason Wu bridal dress, designed exclusively for Net-A-Porter. The classic 50s glamour updated for a modern setting, the conservative neckline with the sexier dipped back.... I die. It's got me thinking... Can I wear white to the rehearsal? Should I change into a second dress for the reception? Can someone lend me $2,600 so I can buy this thing of beauty? Can I diet my way into a size 0 so I can buy the only remaining size?

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

My favorites of the Pre-Fall collections

Just a pretty picture post of my favorite looks from the Pre-Fall 2011 collections...

(This is the first year I've really paid attention to pre-fall - and only the second year it's really been on people's radars - but it's definitely worth it. I would definitely check out the full collections from all the designers I listed below... There is some truly beautiful stuff. Also, it might be the frigid weather, but I especially loved the coats from Costume National, Giambattista Valli and Burberry Prorsum)

Bally

The Row

3.1 Phillip Lim

Alexander Wang

Burberry Prorsum

Tracy Reese

Nina Ricci

Stella McCartney

Jason Wu

Zac Posen

Reem Acra

This Week's Facts: Bear down!

This week's best dressed: Selena Gomez's bold orange gown at the Golden Globes after party and Emma Stone's amazing Balenciaga at the Critics Choice Awards. (Credits: FabSugar/FabSugar)

What's up, friends? Hope y'all have some fun plans for the weekend! This Sunday, I'll be cheering on the Bears as they take on the Packers at Soldier Field. Bear down!

Here's what I was reading/loving this week.

• I ran through my favorite Golden Globes fashion earlier this week, but FabSugar has some of the best looks from the After Parties. Camilla Belle, Selena Gomez and Cat Deeley rocked it.
• This week, Rent the Runway debuted Rent the Runway weddings... perfect for wear-em-once bridesmaids dresses and other necessary party frocks. Brillz!
• I'm loving NYT's What I Wore feature. This week, the pub featured author Sloane Crossley's casual cool wardrobe. If you haven't read her book, I Was Told There'd Be Cake, you must.
• For your daily dose of adorable this week, check out this amazing photo spread in honor of MLK Day over at the Bride's Cafe.
• Did you love Claire Danes' pretty pink look at the Golden Globes? You're in luck - Honeysuckle pink is the color of the year. So Much to Smile About and Wardrobe Diaries have some lovely inspiration to help you plan your pink wardrobe.
• I know, I know - Enough with spring until it starts warming up, right? But I can't resist. I'm looking forward to spring trends as much as WhoWhatWear is.

How Would You Wear: Chambray shirt

I wasn't 100 percent on board with the chambray shirt trend. I waffled on it: Is this going to be a fleeting trend or is this a wardrobe staple? I nearly bought one last July, but ultimately decided against it. But then in December, while at the J. Crew factory store, I stumbled across one of the "Perfect Fit" chambray shirts for $35. Too good of a deal to pass up, I decided, and boy, am I glad I did. I wore it twice this weekend (hope that's not too gross!).

But another part of my concern about the shirt was how to wear it. Is denim-on-denim too garish for daily wear? Or is it so Western-y that it looks comical?

I decided to have a little fun with Polyvore to create some outfits to wear with my new purchase. I couldn't find my exact shirt, so I used this Selvedge one from J. Crew. What do you think? And how would you wear a chambray shirt?

1. J. Crew Selvedge chambray shirt: $98

2. J. Crew wool bell skirt: $49.99 (red is sold out but the black is equally cute)

3. Forever 21 mid century betty purse: $22.50

4. American Eagle woven wedges: $49.50

5. Modcloth earrings are for lovers: $13.99

6. Rayban Wayfarers, available at Amazon: $73.99

(This next look was inspired by Grace from Stripes and Sequins)

1. J. Crew Selvedge chambray shirt: $98

2. Eddie Borgo bracelet: price NA

3. Barney's diamond stud earrings: price NA

4. By Malene Birger skinny leather pants, from The Outnet: Sold out (sorry)

5. Topshop patchy faux fur swing gilet: $80

6. Chanel sunglasses, available from Sunglasses Shop: ~$411

7. Mulberry Alexa, available at Net-A-Porter: $1150

8. Madewell oxford slingback: $225

1. J. Crew Selvedge chambray shirt: $98

2. Seven for All Mankind skinny jeans, available at Piperlime: $149

3. Kate Spade New York sweet nothings stud earrings, available at Nordstrom: $38

4. Topshop aviators: $24

5. MOIO basil ayo scarf, available at Je Ne Sais Quoi: ~$160

6. Rebecca Minkoff Honey bag: Sold out (Sorry)

7. Hermes belt: $585

8. Tory Burch Revas, available at Shirise: $195

We like to party

The other day, I was headed out for a night on the town when I realized I had nothing to wear. I mean, sure, I have my go-to going out dresses, but I've worn them many times now. They no longer feel special or fun.

I've been so focused on revamping my work wardrobe and buying professional pieces that I'd neglected my after-work wardrobe. What I needed was a fun Saturday night dress - pronto. It's hard to find a good balance between cocktail, casual and conservative - I wanted something fun and bright but not so amazing that it was a "special occasion only" dress.

That said, I could not justify spending a ton on a dress that is made to risk getting spilled on at Cafe St. Ex or messed up in a crowded Georgetown bar. So I spent a while poring over some less expensive websites like ASOS, Modcloth and Lulu's - which I'd never really shopped at before! They have some cute stuff.

Here's what I came up with as potential party dresses:

1. Nasty Gal Serious Flare dress: $48
2. ASOS chiffon and mesh drape dress: $77.58
3. Lulu's Own It woven blue dress: $43
4. Modcloth Fevered Rays dress: $74.99
5. Modcloth Glamourous Garnish dress: $74.99
6. Nasty Gal Poppy drape dress: $78
7. Lipsy bandeau dress with draped glitter finish, available at ASOS: $78.44
8. ASOS oversized sequin shift dress: $146.54
9. ASOS plain drape crop top dress: $68.96
10. ASOS woven hem t-shirt dress: $60.34

Can you guess which one I bought already? (Hint: It's got color...)

What's your favorite thing to wear out for a night on the town?

And the Golden Globe for best dressed goes to...

The 2011 Golden Globes were somewhat anti-climatic to me. Maybe it was because I wasn't really pulling for any particular film, but between the ho-hum hosting, blah award-winners and relatively lackluster fashion, I wasn't blown away. But here's my round-up of the best of the night - and the worst.

Best dress

Anne Hathaway is so consistently stunning on the red carpet, and this Armani dress took the cake last night. The column-esque, fitted, long-sleeved dress (with basically no back) was an unexpected, unconventional look, which is why she stood out to me as the best dressed of the 2011 Golden Globes. And her hair and makeup suited the look to a T.

Runner up

Emma Stone looks amazing in Calvin Klein. (Actually, so did all the ladies in the designer. Claire Danes' pink dress was so fab!) I know people compared her to Lindsay Lohan, but the blonde hair is for her roll in Spiderman, and I sort of love that she's owning it. Also, can I have her body? 

Best black

Black is always popular on the runway, but I thought there were a lot of particularly interesting black dresses this year. My favorite, though, was definitely Eva Longoria, who said "Eat your heart out, Tony Parker" in this elegant Zac Posen. Runners up in this category go to: Glee's Jayma Mays, who was almost recognizable with long hair, smoky eyes and a vintage-esque black gown; and Julianne Hough's black sheath with a highly embellished neckline.

Best green

Emerald green was all over the red carpet. And who can blame our stars? The green stands out on the red carpet and is completely eye-catching. But to be honest, none of these dresses really had me green with envy (sorry, I couldn't resist). Angelina Jolie looked sort of rough in the hair and make-up department, and the rest of the dresses were a little same-dress-different-color. My favorite goes to Mila Kunis, who might have been the best dressed Black Swan cast member, though I thought the dress looked a little long on her.

Best red

Another red carpet trend was on the other end of the color spectrum - red. My vote for best red dress was  January Jones, though I know this will be contentious. A lot of people thought the Versace showed too much skin, but I thought it was daring, sexy and stunning. I loved the unique fringe skirt. Even though the lovely Ms. Jones probably didn't eat for a week before the awards, she looked amazing.

Most Underrated

Lots of big stars made their turns down the red carpet, but some people get more attention than others. These ladies looked knock-out in their dresses, even if they didn't win any awards or garner lots of media spotlight. I also call this category "The best of the rest."

Mandy Moore's bright blue, which fits her perfectly. I'm sort of almost over the one-shouldered trend, but I like the simple sheerness of it here.

Julie Bowen, who is another star who has always been getting it right on the red carpet, subtly stuns a dove gray Tadashi Shoji.

Finally, Amber Riley wowed in this sequined number. She shows bigger girls can rock the sparkly look, and I love the way the black belt edges it all out.

Worst dressed

I actually had a hard time choosing just one. So I didn't!

This dress makes me understand why people think J.Love Hewitt is so desperate. She looks puffy in an unflattering ice-queen bridal gown.

OK, Halle Berry, we get it - you're hot. Leave it in the bedroom.

Christina Aguilera, if you don't want people making pregnancy rumors, don't wear a dress a size too small. Also, don't wear a dress that looks like you are only wearing sheer lace with flowers growing from your lady parts. Also, why is your  face so puffy? Ugh, I just don't like her at all.

And a couple of closing-out comments...

I know a lot of people loved Olivia Wilde's Marchesa, but I just thought it was a lot of dress for a relatively undeserving actress. She's stunning, but that gorgeous dress screams "Best Actress nominee" - not supporting actress on a TV show. And her hair was meh. Secondly, I did not like Lea Michele's ODLR. She usually looks stunning in the designer's gowns, but this gown looked like a weird knockoff of last year's Valentino ruffled gowns. Finally, I feel like Carrie Underwood barely got noticed in this pretty golden dress - it's nothing original or non-obvious, but very nice nonetheless.

Did you watch the Globes? What were your favorite gowns? Were you happy with the winners? 

(All photos credit FabSugar, except where noted).

Sunday Lust List: Yes, on a Monday

Got a little sidetracked yesterday and didn't post this... But I love all these pieces so much, it's better late than never!

1. Moschino cotton-blend jersey wrap dress, available at The Outnet: $368

2. Vera Wang pearl medallion necklace, available at Bergdorf Goodman: $532

3. Madewell oxford slingback: $228

4. Dominic Jones fang 22-karat rose gold-plated earrings, available at The Outnet: $136.50

5. Blank NYC paneled leather pants, available at Nasty Gal: $138

Saturday Style: Mixing brown and black

This outfit was inspired by my friend Liz's style, as well as some recent purchases I've made (including a similar sweater from Forever 21 and these exact Target booties - super cute and real suede!).

Mixing black and brown so directly hasn't always been kosher, but that is no longer the case. Mix away! The rule of the weekend is this: Break a few fashion rules. More often than not, you'll actually look cool.

1. Forever 21 deconstructed cable knit sweater: $24.80 (wear a tank underneath, obvi)

2. Rock and Republic Five Pocket Leggings, available at Couture Candy: $148

3. Juicy Couture reversible chunky beret, available at Revolve: $58

4. House of Harlow 1960 tribal locket necklace, available at Shopbop: $158

5. Rebecca Minkoff Nikki hobo, available at Zappos: $495

6. Target Mossimo Supply Co. Kalayla boots: $34.99