Going All The Way

As seriously as I may take myself sometimes (I am a Virgo, give me a break), I do envy those who can approach fashion with a bit of lighthearted whimsy. Looking at this double-breasted button down sweater at first glance and I'd say it's pretty over-the-top feminine. It's almost cutesy with the small sweet collar and poufy short sleeves. There's something very "young" about it. My immediate inclination would be to rough it up a bit. Pair it with some great flared denim, or even a leather skirt with booties. But this blogger takes it the completely opposite direction and wears a bow in her hair instead. I love that she does exactly the opposite of what I ever would have imagined and she pulls it off so well. Instead of adding a rough, masculine touch, she goes all out feminine and I think succeeds in a major way. So if you're wearing something uber-femme, why not go all the way? Rocking a blazer? Throw on a jeweled bowtie or collared necklace. I think the further you go, the cooler it can look--and the more successful you can be!

(photos: courtesy of Sea of Shoes)

How To Wear It: Stripes on Stripes

How amazing is this latest image to come from J. Crew. I particularly love the combination of stripes on stripes. The two terribly different patterns completely clash, but that's the entire point. It's such cool way to keep things interesting and to re-wear what you already own with things you would have never considered wearing them with (see: clashing floral prints). I think the brightness of the blue flats pops against the stripes and while they all kind of compete to grab your attention the effect is still somewhat muted. No crazy bright colors means that all these pieces (though all making somewhat of a statement) can peacefully co-exist in one single outfit. Yet again, they hit it out of the park.

(photo: courtesy of Le Fashion)

New Collar Necklace Idea

I don't think I'm the only guilt one. Everyone has been loading up their dresser with oversized statement necklaces for some time. Whether it's J. Crew for Fenton Fallon (my fave) or Dannijo, we've all got a sweet spot for something major. But I like that someone has come up with a wearable alternative. This lace-y collar is so unique and different and just a little bit man-reppeler. I would wear it over a all-the-way buttoned-up button-down so it wouldn't get lost. Or if you like to leave a few buttons undone, it gives a little bit of a eye-deceiving effect, creating a collar on bare skin, which could be cool, too. It's definitely an unusual piece of jewelry and a conversation starter if nothing else. Kind of love.

(photo: courtesy of Refinery29)

Street Style Inspiration of the Day

I still own hardly any belts, but in my mind, my closet is chock full of skinny belts that wrap around twice or studded skinny versions to cinch all of the freeflowing day dresses (that I also don't have). Well, I've been so busy fixating on these skinny styles that I forgot that there were actually other options out there--and cute ones, to boot! I like the idea of the tassel swinging down the front of this skirt. I have amassed a few maxi skirts in the past year and wearing a belt with one is something I clearly hadn't quite considered yet. The tassel down the front is a super cute update to what I'd already been considering and definitely gives an extra bit of oomph to a plain tee or cableknit sweater. It's just a fun, different alternative that could be easily thrown into the mix! 

(photo: courtesy of Mr. Newton)

Must-Watch Video: Missoni for Target (Again)

I know. My obsession is next level. There is a countdown going on in my filofax leading up to the September 13 date when Missoni hits target. While I'm still busy figuring out exactly what I want to get (or the few things I don't actually want), I will distract myself with this cutesie video. I used to see Margherita Missoni all the time in NYC and track her every sartorial move. Hint: she was always enviably disheveled, mixing prints and plaids and knits in a way that I can only dream of. She narrates this adorable video that will have any Missoni fan chomping at the bit. La dolce vita indeed.

Fall's Hot New Print

I guarantee you are going to be seeing a lot of this print come Fall. The red and blue plaid is from the designer Thakoon and he's already created a limited-edition scarf, where proceeds go to charity. I really do love the idea of dressing something up that is inherently casual, like a my favorite Steven Alan button down with a major statement necklace and black slim pants or a worn-in sweatshirt paired with a pencil skirt and heels. Dressing up plaid is in the same vein and I love that this designer has updated some pretty classic silhouettes and dress shapes in this more casual print. It gives them a real youthful feel and makes them completely unorthodox at the same time. I don't know if the dress would be my thing but I do love it as a skirt or the scarf is still an awesome option, too.

(photo: Glamour Tumblr)

SPOTTED: Polishes for Fall

I'll admit it right here. The Muppets take Manhattan is one of my all-time favorite movies. There's just something about it, I can't quite explain. That's why I have watched every trailer that has been released for the new Muppets movie and followed the travails of Kermie and the Pig (btw, Miss Piggy is making a cameo on Fashion's Night Out at Opening Ceremony in New York). So they've teamed with OPI (which I think everyone does) to release some limited-edition polishes in time for the movie. They're all crazy sparkly and glittery but I think paired over a neutral shade for Fall, it might be a welcome alternative to what's usually in the mix. You can't look at them and not smile.

(photo: courtesy of OPI)