See Jane's Apartment

I always love getting fresh interior ideas, seeing as I've been riding the same Hollywood deco meets ghost chairs meets stacks of coffee table books wave for a strong four years. Blogger darling Jane Aldridge of Sea of Shoes recently moved out on her own and so got to infuse her very first apartment with her signature dose of eclectic designer charm. I love the mix of mid-century accents and all-out French (almost baroque) glamour. It's completely over the top and yet completely suits her. A fun new reference point to gain some new ideas if I'm looking for a seasonal refresh.

(photo: courtesy of Sea of Shoes)

Gradiant Manicures

I am not quite sure how I feel about these, but I think in cool shades it can be a fun alternative for Spring and Summer. I've been seeing a lot of mint and green hues and so doing a gradient manicure like this allows you to go crazy with all the colors you want--and feel festive as the weather heats up. If you're going to go with trends like these, go all out with unexpected colors. Commit all the way to the trend--it's so much more fun!

(photo: courtesy of Sincerely Jules)

Candy Colored Confections

I am so used to throwing out assortments of candles and magazines on my own coffee table that sometimes I forget that what looks so whimsical is candy-colored creations, the more old school the better. I love this picture which combines beautiful dusty pink roses (a color I usually sidestep) with jelly beans, tootsie rolls and more sweet treats. Sometimes the most classically colorful additions really look the best. So forget the expensive alternatives and go for something simple--and 

(photo: courtesy of Fashion Toast)

From the Front Row: Instagr.am

I am consoling myself that I'm not actually attending any European fashion shows by carefully following my favorite fashion Tumblrs, Twitters and select Instagr.ams. My favorite real-time coverage has quickly become the from-the-front line photos from the editors at Style.com. It makes me feel like I'm actually with them and their tweets are infused with their editorial voice that you can hear through the text they use and candid photos they capture. And if you're on Instagr.am, follow @styledotcommarina to see some of the most spectacular fashions in Europe through a wonderful editor's lens!

(photo: courtesy of Style.com Tumblr)

Inside Margherita Maccapani Missoni's Apartment

It's gotten to the point where I love all things Missoni--especially Margherita. As their youthful brand ambassador, she exudes creative spirit and wears the signature pieces of the brand with her own, unique flair. Her apartment in Milan is no different. Full of the brand's chevron print, it mixes deco details, baroque furniture and vivid accents that can make your head spin, and yet coming from her they all co-exist in harmony. The beauty is that they work best together, no picked apart nor on their own. Their strength and design force comes in their pattern play and total, deliberate mix of textures.

(photos: courtesy of Lifestyle Mirror)

Garance Dore Does #NYFW

I am become more and more intrigued by these cute little vignette videos that are created during Fashion Week. This one, done by lovely, classy, ever-humble photog/blogger Garance Dore features some of the industry's most influential ladies talking about what they love most about the week. Plus, my favorite part, it gives you an inside look at what it's like being behind Dore's lens.

(photo: courtesy of Garance Dore)

Sofia Coppola for H&M Video Preview

We're still a few days away from its official stateside launch but I still can't get enough of this beautifully shot video, courtesy of none other than Sofia Coppola. Brilliant casting of the lovely Imogen Poots (by Bright/Daniels Casting) and a shooting location in Marrakesh that makes you endlessly jealous. The Bryan Ferry soundtrack is the pinnacle of perfection--and exactly what we've come to expect from Coppola's projects. Genius. 

Estee Lauder for Mad Men

So it didn't even occur to me but after all of their clothing collabs, Mad Men had yet to partner up with a beauty brand. Now it seems as though they've found the perfect fit with Estee Lauder. A brand that itself had its heydey in the 1960s, the limited-edition collection comes just in time for the debut of the show's fifth season. In a Palm Beach-esque palette, these shades are as pretty as the packaging. The pieces are available March 18. 

(photo: courtesy of Beauty Counter)

Tavi for Uniqlo

Known for their ultra luxe version of basics--and their dreamy collab J+ with Jil Sander--Uniqlo has quickly become a go-to for me when visiting New York. It brings uptown fabrications downtown and they're trying to stay hip. Case and point: they've hired my absolute fave, Tavi, to star in their latest compaign. Since she can do no wrong in my eye, I am happy to see her critical acclaim crossover into commercial success and love that the dark Uniqlo colors that I've known for so long are coming in pretty poppy hues for Spring.

(photo: courtesy of Fashionista)

Street Style Inspiration: Army + Prints

This "action" shot from Fashion Week is about as good as it's going to get--plus it capitalizes on some of the season's biggest trends. No matter how much wear and tear it endures, my army green jacket continues to be an all-star MVP in constant rotation in my wardrobe. It easily goes with everything, including this season's need-them-now print pants. This silk incarnation dresses things up a bit with heels and yet the contrast of the army color and canvas jacket nicely dresses things down and keeps it all real. The juxtaposition is what makes this look work--and makes those pants wearable to someone like me.

(photo: courtesy of The Sartorialist)

Take this Book To Go

Handmade in France, these completely unique handbags from designer Olympia Le-Tan come in the shape of some of our favorite reads of all time. I think these add a fun literary spin on your best looks and women are keeping their most important possessions in these compact colorful clutches. Add something unique with these awesome bags that are anything but ordinary and completely unexpected--such a welcome change of pace.

(photo: courtesy of Olympia Le-Tan)

Runway Spotlight: Mulberry

Every season Mulberry turns out an incredible collection and their Fall runway production in London just turned things up a notch. Themed after Where the Wild Things Are, there is something a bit less whimsical about these clothes and accessories (including a new bag to add to their arsenal named for Lana del Rey). I always think that they do beautifully feminine clothes perfectly, but there is something that is more grown-up this time around and perfectly sophisticated for the streets for New York. The brand is definitely taking a new direction with new layers, textures and a whole new look.

(photos: courtesy of Style.com)

Street Style Inspiration for the Weekend

There is nothing about this photo that I don't love. Coming off of a standout Fall '12 runway show, Proenza Schouler is at an all-time high with critics, retailers, and girls who can't wait to get their hands on just about everything. This photo captures the best of the past few seasons, by taking some of their best bets and reimagining them with vivid textures and bright colors that put the Winter weather at bay. One look at that magenta PS1 and striped technicolor coat and Spring has sprung--in the way that only Jack and Laz could beckon.

(photo: courtesy of Vogue.com)

Chatting With Editors During Fashion Week

I get an unnatural kick out of hearing what editors think during Fashion Week. I love looking at the pictures but seeing their commentary first hand is something I relish during New York Fashion Week in particular, when it's all so extremely accessible. New York Magazine has been taking editors in between shows in the back of a Benz and filming them, getting their take on the latest trends, first impressions, etc. It's awesome to see it in real time and see the editors I love in street style photos come to life. Two of Lucky's finest below.

(video: courtesy of New York)

SPOTTED: J. Crew for Fall '12

If you can imagine in the cluttered mix of shows that is New York Fashion Week, one of the most anticipated presentations is actually J. Crew. Jenna Lyons has become such a superstar that what she turns out each season is watched very closely. What I noticed with her Fall '12 looks is more elaborate knits, certainly a departure from the standard crewneck fare, in addition to more heavy layers, which I think is an extension of what she's already begun to do so well--and gain high praise for. She continues with the vibrant pops of color and creates a more designer-driven interpretation of that granny-chic meets preppy-glam look.

(photos: courtesy of Style.com)

New Site to Bookmark: LoveSpoils

New internet ventures are a dime a dozen these days but it's not often that one manages to set itself apart from the pack. LoveSpoils was launched with the idea that you get to shop while your significant other/BFF/what have you gets to reap the rewards of your habits. You spend, they get points to redeem on awesome finds geared specifically for them. It's a win/win making for happier and more lasting relationships everywhere. Plus, the sites you get to shop are some of my faves (hello, rag & bone). Seriously, if you're shopping online, shop here. 

(photo: courtesy of LoveSpoils)

Everything Adele

Adele is everything. Her voice is stunning and her looks somehow timeless. Vogue has put her on the cover of their March issue and I am thrilled that we get a fashion perspective at the artist who heartbreak catapulted into our lives. They've pinpointed her classic features for their cat-eye effect and warm beige tones, which can--of course--be easily recreated with the right products. They've suggested Diorshow mascara, Aqua eyeliner for precision and OPI's taupe Tickle My France-y for effect. If you can't belt it out like she can, at least you can try and recreate the look.

(photo: courtesy of Vogue)

The Downton Abbey Effect

If you've caught onto the magic that is Downton Abbey then you've become privy to the English goodness that is Sunday night soapfest on PBS. As befits any good pop culture sensation, fashion is starting to get inspired by the Dowager and all the great characters living at Downton Abbey with their empire waists, elongated hems and early 20th-century countryside appeal. Stumbled across an article that compared designer Tadashi Shoji's latest collection to that which you'd find on the Masterpiece Classic and I know this is just the beginning. A great place to start getting inspired.

(photo: courtesy of Racked)

A Prairie Home Companion

Watching all of the coverage of Fall '12 Fashion Week and I sometimes find it hard to remember what it was like before we could get instantaneous coverage online. I've been eating it all up and trying to do my best to see what I think before I read all of the reviews online. It was hard to avoid all of the positive buzz surrounding the Band of Outsiders show. Designer Scott Sternberg presented his menswear and womenswear together in a reinterpreted Western theme and hit it out of the park. A departure from his signature preppy aesthetic, this looser tailoring and more washed fabrics are an exciting new path for the line.

(photos: courtesy of Style.com)

Pretty Pressed Flowers

I haven't seen pressed flowers in a whole long time and I have to say that I forgot how pretty they really were. They kind of make me think of the '80s--maybe early '90's--but when they're done well there's something very glamorous about them. Gucci Westman (an amazing makeup artist in her own right but almost married to one of the brains behind Rag & Bone) opened up her home to T Magazine and showed walls covered in framed pressed flowers and floral prints. It's very English countryside and laid-back glamour, which is exactly their aesthetic and I love how they can bring a sweet refinement to an otherwise edgy and/or modern abode.

(photo: courtesy of T Magazine)

SPOTTED: Vests as Shirts from Steven Alan

I have this great Helmut Lang sweater that's really a cardigan that I've been wearing more and more as a full on shirt. I know it's not is function, but it kind of works and I think it looks chic. I may have been ahead of the curve because Steven Alan just showed his presentation for Fall '12 and I love this vest-as-shirt iteration. It's very Brenda Walsh circa Senior Year and I love the Wintry fabric and totally envision this over a long, hunter green maxi skirt. Worn under a long, slouchy blazer, this vest would be ideal, just make sure the rest of the outfit isn't too structured, add some looser elements to juxtapose the vest's tailored lines.

(photo: courtesy of Style.com)

DOMINO is BACK!

Yes, ladies and gents the rumors are true. The beloved--and shuttered--home decor and design bible, Domino is going to be back in a bi-yearly newstand only version. We're heavily obsessed with the scant details we're hearing, especially that the new magazine is going to source from the original archive of images. Sadly, the new version isn't going to have any of the old, brilliant staff on-hand (former Editor-in-Chief Deborah Needleman confirmed this via Twitter). But, that said, since the mag became such a cult favorite, expect a lot of the same budget-friendly designer tips, great inspirational details and entertaining know-how to keep us sustained just a little bit longer.

(photo: courtesy of Fashionista)

Street Style Inspiration of the Day

No doubt, this outfit has an awful lot going on. I can name four textures just looking at it off the top of my head (carpet-like wool, quilted nylon, velvet, spandex tights. It goes on and on. So how does it somehow work--and I think it does--is because each piece is a streamlined, contemporary shape. They could all be some weird draped fit or cut but they're all pretty classically cut meaning she can wear each piece without letting them wear her. Yes, she stands out, and yes her look attracts attention. But that's the best part about fashion. You can focus on what she's wearing instead of how crazy she looks in so many different pieces.

(photo: courtesy of All the Pretty Birds)

Pretty Prints Ready for Spring

Stumbled upon this artist on the internet who makes the most visit pieces of art that are perfectly poised for Spring. They call to mind the likes of Mary Katrantzou and Peter Pilotto and I'm just getting started on all the ideas there are to do with such a beautiful print. I could bring it to a pattern maker, pin it to an inspiration board or keep these colors in mind for what I want for Spring. Check out her site, she's got some incredible color combos and ideas for the seasonal warm-up.

(photo: courtesy of Society 6)

Tips for Thrift & Vintage Shopping

To say that I am bad at thrift store and vintage shopping would be a gross understatement. I get insanely overwhelmed and then jealous when everyone finds something great. Lucky Magazine came up with this great how-to list of tips to shopping--and finding--some great things when you're shopping "already loved" apparel and designer goods. If you're up for the challenge, these can be really helpful. I bid you good luck.

1.     Shop Often: Unlike regular stores, since thrift stores operate under donations, the inventory constantly changes. There is new stuff ALL THE TIME! Find out when your local thrift store changes inventory, and go often because there’s always new (er… old) stuff, and since there’s only one of each item, once it’s gone, it’s gone.
2.     Go with Cash: Double check your store’s policy, but many thrift stores are cash only, so be prepared. You don’t want to find a cute skirt for $5 and be forced to pay $3 in ATM fees to withdraw cash.
3.     Do a 360 Examination: Examine, examine, examine! Check the armpit area to see if there are any stains. Make sure all buttons are in place. Check the pockets to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises. In general, check for any stains, rips, tears, and holes.
4.     Think seasonally: Spring cleaning? Tax season? College graduation? These are all times when people purge their closets and donate unwanted goods. Take advantage, and run to your nearest thrift store!
5.     Don’t Pigeonhole Yourself: There’s no rule that says you have to stick to the women’s section. The men’s section is the perfect place to find an oversized blazer. Or if you’re petite, the children’s section can broaden your options.
6.     Think Ahead: In this world of instant gratification, most of us dislike thinking ahead… seasonally that is. We like buying swimsuits during the summer, coats during the winter, and so on. Yet, in the thrifting world, timing works on a different schedule. See, people donate their goods after the season is over.
7.     Spring cleaning means getting rid of winter jackets and scarves. Take advantage by purchasing your clothing off-season. Trust us, while you can’t picture yourself wearing a wool coat in June, come December, you’ll be thanking yourself.

(photo: courtesy of Lucky Magazine)

New Accessory: Safety-Pin Earrings

This is by far my favorite feature on Vogue.com. They take girls from their office and track them for 5 days and document their painfully chic clothes. The standout of the latest Five Days, Five Looks, One Girl feature was these safety pin earrings that I think are just so cool. I'm currently wearing little dove earrings that are so small you can barely see them, but the small rose gold design is just so sweet that I love them. These have a similar appeal. I haven't seen too many people wearing them and I like the way they hang in an subtly dangly way without being a real dangly earring. Plus the shape is three-dimensional, making them so much more interesting then regular studs. Great takeaway.

(photo: courtesy of Vogue.com)

Makeup Tips from Pat McGrath

Pat Mcgrath is known as being one of the foremost makeup artists in the industry. She's created all sorts of crazy cool looks (including that of Lisbeth Sander in Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and she's the Global Creative Design Director for CoverGirl. I can't say that I own a ton of CoverGirl makeup--well any--but I am eager to see her tips first hand. She's backstage at a ton of runway shows for Fashion Week and she's just the real deal. See what tips she's sharing in this cool video.

New Coffee Table Book: Jimmy Choo XV

I am always looking for new coffee table books to add to my never-ending collection. It's literally the only collection of things that I own that I never tire of and that I know will only get better the deeper the collection gets. I recently stumbled upon this beauty from Jimmy Choo that is all about the vivid imagery. I am not a devout fan of the brand but their images bear to mind really beautiful editorial campaigns and I'd love to be able to flip to them for inspiration any time. Despite being a brand in transition, I know some of these ads and images--not to mention shoes--will be some of the iconic ones we remember over time.

(photo: courtesy of Jimmy Choo)

How To Wear: Chic Sneakers

I literally haven't worn sneakers out--aside from gym excursions or hiking--since I lived in New York when I went through a very strong Chuck Taylors phase. These days I prefer ballet flats to the burden of lacing anything up. But everywhere I turn at least someone chic is wearing Isabel Marant's hidden platform Willow sneakers. They're always paired with some sort of oversized sweater and skinny jeans or leather leggings and all of a sudden I have a hankering to wear gym shoes. I think the key is to keep the rest of the look undeniably chic. Everything else should look somewhat dressed up, not too casual and super-sleek. 

(photos: courtesy of Canned Fashion)

New From Club Monaco

I have a love/hate relationship with Club Monaco--I love what I see and hate that I never make it into the store. They just released their latest washed out lookbook for Spring and the clothes and looks have that easy, neutral vibe that they seem to do quite well. Their palettes are all seemingly spot on and the fits all look effortlessly cool. The backdrop has me dreaming of Coachella days and blistery Summer nights and I think this collection screams Southern California. It's a welcome mid-Winter respite we can all get behind.

(photos: courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue)

The Perfect Black Shoe

Being on the wedding circuit, finding the perfect black shoe for a night out can be a daunting task. Whenever I'm in the position to buy a new pair, I opt for a colorful or jazzy style which leaves me shoe-less and void of the simple black style that so many dresses necessitate. Enter this perfect, sleek style from--gasp--ZARA! I know, I was shocked too, but look how amazing it looks. It screams Alexander Wang with it's sleek lines and the suede dresses it down so it can be worn more casually, too. Shocked and delighted that they've turned out such an exceptional pair.

(photo: courtesy of Le Catch)