Giambattista Valli A/W '14 Couture

In case I haven't discussed my obsession with you yet that is the Giambattista Valli A/W '14 Haute Couture show, here it is. A black and white striped draped dress was what first hooked me in, as you all know I'm a sucker for bold black and white stripes. In doing further research via Vogue.com, I learned that the collection is "a late-sixties, early-seventies kind of freedom and eccentricity." The girl  of this collection is quite the traveler on vacation and as the collection continues it is as if she is dressing for the night's events having awoken from one the previous night. 

I've always had a thing for ball gown skirts with tops or t-shirts (Jil Sander Spring 2011, I'm looking at you!) The juxtaposition of evening wear with day wear (or in the pajama-esque top in the image above, bed-time wear, as well) just really works in my opinion, and is one that I try to re-invent often. 

Just when I thought that the ombre trend was finally a thing of the past, leave it to Couture to change my mind as soon as I've seen these cascading colors emerge in a new light. The crisp white button down tucked into buttery to neon yellows... I'm in love.

And, as mentioned earlier, while the colors were magnificent, bright, and enticing, leave it to classic black and white stripes to bring on the sophistication that pulls everything together. Not to mention, I would love to attempt the scarf turban situation. Perfect to throw your hair up in the summer heat, right?

When I dream about my senior collection this upcoming spring, these are pieces that I have in mind and a vision that I hope to somehow be able to similarly create. So, thank you Giambattista Valli for being a collection that I truly adored in every way.

Had you all seen this collection? I can't choose a favorite piece or look, but I'd love to hear yours!

Hope everyone has a great weekend ahead. 

Images via Pinterest + various Vogue websites

Tuesday Shoesday : Currently Coveting

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I know that we are supposed to be living in the present, but with all of the fall fashions starting to creep into stores, it's hard not to think about dressing for fall--especially in the footwear department. The last time that I sported slip-ons was middle school with spotted Vans (black and white, of course). However, these slip-ons featuring luxe fabrics and materials such as leathers and faux fur, and with detailed stitch work, prove to be the much more stylish relative. Now, which to choose?

Bastille

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Getting up and ready for the work week ahead on Mondays is hard enough as it is, and that's before heading to your closet to figure out what to wear to start off the week. Having a few dresses with just enough detailing to get you going are what I usually reach for when Monday morning comes around. With today being Bastille Day, here are three perfect work appropriate dresses in the colors appropriate for this holiday. You all know how much I love red, white, and blue.

Unexpected Match

| GAP t-shirt / Forever 21 skirt (old) / J. Crew sandals / Francesca's necklace / Essie's 'Saturday Disco Fever' nail polish |

Even though the 4th of July was already almost a week ago (!), red, white, and blue feel like the perfect combination for throughout summer. I used to never really be a t-shirt + skirt type of gal, but when it comes to separates, there are so many ways to mix and match. It makes the possibilities of the combinations in your closet seem endless. I would have never thought of adding such a dark t-shirt to a bright and nearly nautical look, but in the end, I loved how the dark of the top added a contrast, allowing for the bright colors to be dulled down a little bit, but still hold their pizazz.

What are some of your favorite outfit pairings? I love a good grey t-shirt with bright skirts, too!

Color Inspiration : Poppy

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Not too long ago, the thought of 'a pop of red' just never really did it for me. However, leave it to J.Crew's Style Guides to change my mind. Issue after issue I was faced with their models sporting the perfect lip shade that I had been hunting for. Red, but not too old. Bright, but not neon. Youthful, but not pink. I was introduced to Poppy. Since then, poppy red has made its way into my style in many ways other than a lipstick. This year's J. Crew sample sale had me longing over the Double Strap sandals pictured above. When on the last day they were marked down to $30, I figured that my new love of the color shouldn't exclude my footwear. Safe to say, they are my new favorites.

I included a few other 'poppy picks' above to show how versatile this color can be in your wardrobe. From swimwear to handbags, this is definitely a color that works in every department.

Which is your favorite?

Fourth of July

| Forever 21 blouse / American Apparel shorts (old) / J.Crew heels (sample sale) / Kate Spade purse / David Yurman ring / Michael Kors watch / Essie's Saturday Disco Fever nail polish |

The idea of dressing in a color scheme almost instantly excites me.  Not that red, white, and blue don't look perfect together on any other day, but when it comes to The 4th of July, the crisp whites, lipstick reds, and classic blues bring full-on Americana during this days celebrations.

As a result of spending this holiday in South Carolina with my family, instead of traditional navy for the festivities, I swapped out the go-to blue of denim and went with a preppier alternative with the southern staple--seersucker. Bringing elements in for the holidays based on your locations always make the holiday that much more memorable. Outfits included.

I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable 4th of July! 

Summer Styles

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Well, hey, everyone! It's been a while (again), but this time it was due to computer trouble (farewell old macbook), taking a quick jewelry class, and starting a new internship back in New York for another summer. As quick as that month went, it's about to become a new one with the welcoming of July in a few days. With that, comes one of my favorite holidays: July 4th, of course!

Now, the fourth of July is the epitome of summer celebrations. While the past two summers I've spent it watching fireworks off of The Hudson river in the city, this summer I'll be spending it in a different city, Hilton Head, South Carolina. When it comes to trips, I always get excited to pack and dress for that specific location. The four pieces above are ones I have been particularly drawn to as of late.

1. Pineapples, and fruit patterns alike, have been popping up everywhere this summer, and what better of a print to lounge on while at the beach. Not to mention, the bright green is festive, too!

2. I usually am terrible at packing, often somehow turning weekend getaways into weeklong ones with the amount I include in my suitcase. However, I recently purchased the duffle above at the incredible C. Wonder sale this past weekend. With it's black and white hawaiian print and my monogram in neon yellow that I added, it screams South Carolina and will hold up for all of those perfect little summer excursions and ones afterwards, as well.

3. I've been following the Marysia swimwear company for a while after seeing their sweetly scalloped suits on bloggers and Instagram feeds. There is something about their shape and style that seems so classic and stylish at the same time.

4. Finally, Kate Spade's month in Rio brought these toucan sandals. While I've never been to Rio, I have ventured into the Kate Spade store, I can vouch that these would look just as cute on the beaches of South Carolina as they would in Rio.

Hope everyone had a great weekend, and here's looking forward to a short work week ahead!

- Good to be back -