Style Crush : Yasmin Sewell

Left: Tulle skirt worn over cropped denim / Right: Flared floral pants + mod mini/turtleneck

Long before I knew who she was, referring to her as 'the girl in the pink dress', Yasmin Sewell has been one of my style crushes. She has a sense of style that is very polished focused on tailoring and the cut of garments (often leaning on the boxier side), as well as a fairly monochromatic approach to dressing, and is risk-taker. With her style, I always note that it is the shape and texture of the pieces that seem to be most important. Let me tell you, she sure can rock her share of wide-legged pants. As a London based (Australian born) buyer, fashion consultant, and member of the BFC's (British Fashion Council's) New Gen committee, she was even responsible for being the first to pick up (one of my absolute favorites) Christopher Kane's collection during her time at Browns department store in 2006. Not only is she a key figure for finding amazing talent, but her sense of style is talented in my book, as well.

Left: Feathered skirt + furry turtleneck / Right: Pink Power in cropped wide-leg trousers + button up

Left: Extreme wide-leg emerald culottes + furry turtleneck / Right: Christopher Kane's intricate velvet dress

Which are your favorite looks of Yasmin's?

Images found via Pinterest

Tuesday Shoesday : Kitty & Co.

All kitty flats from Charlotte Olympia

Charlotte Olympia has been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember. The whimsical designs of her shoes and accessories always have the perfect combination of fantasy and luxurious sophistication. On my rather long lust-worthy shoes, Charlotte's 'kitty' flats are a favorite contestant. In visiting their site recently for a bit of inspiration, I came across their Kitty & Co. collection. Kitty & Co. is limited edition collection of theirs that bring their classic kitties to an animated style. From pouts to parties to love and hippies, there is a kitty for every attitude and girl who wears them. As cute as they are, though, I admit I still have my eye on the classic black velvet version.

Which is your favorite?

Not so Hidden Agenda

1 . Ban. do Agenda / 2. Lilly Pulitzer Agenda

Nothing gets my week started better than organizing. A good detailed to-do list and calendar helps me to know what I have to complete for the week (or weeks) ahead, and keep me on track. I was never one of those people who was able to just remember their assignments as they were added, and truth be told, there is a sense of satisfaction for me that comes with crossing off my completed tasks (and then making a new list). For the previous two years of college I have used a large Lilly Pulitzer agenda to keep my school work and extra-curriculars in order. The colors were bright and happy, the pages were large enough for my notes, and being in a sorority, was kind of a given. I was about to add  'Peelin' Out' (the Lilly print above) to my shopping cart, when I remembered that another favorite company, Ban.do had released their first 17-Month agenda. Equally cheerful as Lilly and filled with illustrated doodles and beloved stickers, I was drawn to the bold and honest I am Very Busy cover that will perfectly accessorize my packed senior year schedule. Decisions, decisions.

So, I ask you dear readers, Which one?

Vote Lilly

Vote Ban.do

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

1 / 2 / 3

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

1 / 2 / 3

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

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

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!