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

Earthy

/ H&M T-shirt / Francesca's Collection Necklace / Skirt + Clutch by me / Zara Heels / Michael Kors Watch / David Yurman Ring /

 Happy Earth Day, everyone! I love the opportunity to dress for a specific theme or holiday, and Earth Day is no exception! When it comes to Earth Day and the environment in general, the first thing that comes to mind are trees and the color green. I made this pencil skirt last year and figured that the palm tree print was both on trend (so many tropic prints lately!) and suitable for the occasion. The combination of a t-shirt, pencil skirt, and heels is one that is hard to go wrong with, and by quickly tying the top into a simple knot keeps the prim pencil skirt and kitten heels a little less fussy.

How are you all celebrating Earth Day?

New Uniform

Topshop T-Shirt / Cos T-Shirt / J. Crew T-Shirt / GAP Jeans / Target (Wrangler Mens) Jeans / H&M Tennis Shoes / Nike Tennis Shoes

If there's one thing that I have learned with living with seven roommates while being abroad, it's that I easily pick up on styles that I like and want to try. While I had long admired those who could master the graphic tee + boyfriend jeans + stylish tennis shoes look for quite a while, it wasn't until I came to London and bought my first pair of fashion tennis shoes--the snakeskin ones above (as opposed to ones reserved for the gym) that I realized it's surprisingly a look that I now wear (embarrassingly) too often. Whether it's a comfortable look for a Monday morning lecture, or a cool mix of casual luxe with the snakeskin and a tailored coat, this easy three-part equation is hard to go wrong with.

Is this a look that you would wear? Even if not, take a try at it--I bet you'll like it.

Trick-Or-Treat

/ 1. / 2. / 3. / 4. / 5. / 6. /

Trick-or-Treat, edgy or girly, sweet or a little bit spicy, contrasting elements always make for interesting and fun combinations. Taking the classic Trick-or-Treat idea from Halloween, I gathered pieces that fit a bit more of an edgier feel (Trick) with sweeter pieces (Treat) for a combination worth sinking your teeth into.  With embroidered eyes in the Kenzo jacket and mittens or a bat t-shirt with  pieces like a flirty Rebecca Minkoff mini, Kate Spade heels, or a Checked Topshop skirt make it fun to mix and match and create a look that is made up of different styles to end up with one that the perfect juxtaposition of trick and treat. It doesn't always have to be one or the other. 

Do you lean more towards the 'Trick' or 'Treat' pieces? 

I'd love to hear! 

Black Basics

//Tank: Topshop//Shorts: Zara//Ankle Boots: Target//Bag: Vintage//Necklace: Forever 21//Ring: H&M//Watch: Michael Kors//

When it comes to jeans and a t-shirt, I was never really that kind of girl. As much as I appreciate a crisp white shirt and perfectly worn-in denim, I have never really felt comfortable when I wear them together. When it comes to the denim and a t-shirt idea, throwing on these faux leather Zara shorts and my favorite worn-in tank is the closest I got to. Basics to me are about simplicity and with an all black palette, gold accessories, and full-on comfort, this felt just as basic as an easy jeans and a t-shirt look, but with a little more interest and style instead.

What is one of your favorite basics in your wardrobe?

A to Z: T-Shirts

More and more lately, I am embracing t-shirts. Pairing them with everything from slouchy denim shorts to colorful feminine skirts, t-shirts can be the perfect element to make the rest of your outfit a bit more casual, but still every bit stylish. I have been seeing these designer t-shirts around quite a lot lately, and though I haven't indulged in one yet, they are on my radar. From the classic Céline Paris one, to the humorous 'Homies' for Hermès and my personal favorite, 'Ain't Laurent Without Yves' for Saint Laurent, these t-shirts have not only the comfort and casual factor of traditional tees, but a little added humor and style, as well. Check out some fabulous ladies sporting these styles below.

What do you think of these tees? Which is your favorite?

//Céline Me Alone//

//Homiés//

//Ain't Laurent Without Yves//