Technicolor Punk

If you know me but at all, you know that I'm not exactly qualified as punk or technicolor, certainly not a combination of the both. But the more and more that I see, the more and more that I'm liking everything I am seeing. It's taking these punk details and instead of seeing them in black (which is boring and oh-so-predictable), they're using them in neons which is very fresh for Summer. The black is so not me, and I am not sure that neons are my thing but I like that it's so different from what we're used to. Huge, chunky necklaces with neon stones and the conventional motorcycle jacket cut in a neon orange chiffon jacket. I mean how awesome is that? An amazing way to wear something different than everyone else and make a statement in some stellar color.

(photo: courtesy of Styleist)

New Color Ideas from Resort

Just when you were mustering up the courage to incorporate coral or other bright colors into your wardrobe, the latest resort shows have been showing even more colors that we want, need, frankly have to have. I always think its funny when they show their resort collections at this time of year. Of course they're talking about next December, but we can actually use what they're showing as inspiration for right now, the Summer season that we may as well call our own early resort period. These beautiful colors from Jenni Kayne show a pale and almost barely-there blue, a bright lemondrop yellow, and an orangey color that I am pretty sure I am wearing on my nails as we speak. I always get so fixated on one new color that it's hard for me to see beyond that, but looking at these new resort images, I'm starting to see the light. Plus, considering it's my resort season (a few months early, but whatever), I'm going to take some cues from what I see on the runway to incorporate it in my own way into my right now wardrobe.

(photo: courtesy of Style.com)

Street Style Inspiration for the Weekend

I love the way this model looks straight out of the '50s. I mean literally, if I didn't know this was taken a few weeks back in Milano, I would have thought it was an old photo. She looks totally timeless. What is it about us these days that you can automatically tell what decade (or even year!) someone is in. Is it the way we wear it or what we're actually wearing. I think it's a call to dress more classically. In fact, today while perusing the Barneys sale shoe options, I saw some that were totally trendy. Of course I wanted them but I stopped myself because I knew that in a year from now I would want a pair of near rainbow colored elastic platform sandals. This woman's picture should be taped onto my fridge (or onto my dresser mirror for that matter) as a constant reminder that classic is in, and it will always be in.

(photo: Courtesy of Altamira)

Neon Laces

So I bet when you think of lace, you think of whites, or pale creams and ivories that give off that sweet and feminine look that you would equate with the uber-delicate fabric. But in the spirit of doing the unexpected, I am kind of into the notion of doing lace in a totally out-there color. Even black could be kinda predictable, which is why I like the idea of these cool neons that It-Brit designer Christopher Kane is doing. They're calling them laser-cut laces because of the intricate detailing they use and in these cool colors they look so unexpected. I like the notion of pairing them with tough, hardened-up accessories like black leather heels with grommets or spikes, a handbag with some cool detailing, and even leopard or zebra prints could work. It's all about the contrast and with these awesome colored laces, any accessory would look cool.

(photos: courtesy of Net-a-Porter)

Stationary Staples

I'm in the market for new personal business cards (letterpress or bust!) and I've been trying to take a look at just about every place possible (save for Kinkos) to make sure that I have some nice business cards. If you think I've thought about Elle Woods rose-scented versions, you're not too far off. However, I can't seem to find one that is just right. I found out today that uber-cool blogger and photog (and most importantly, Frenchie) Garance Dore used this Thunderwing Press for her own purposes, so naturally I had to copy, I mean look it up, too. Turns out they've got some beautiful letterpress projects, fonts, colors, design, etc and I have yet another producer to add to my list. Any other recos are certainly welcome. Just want my card to convey my style, preppy with a dash of whimsy (at least that's what I'd like to think).

(photo: courtesy of Thunderwing Press)

New Color Combo: Coral + Lime Green

Sometimes it's as simple as seeing two new colors paired in the most unexpected way. I've been all about kelly green lately (skinny Rag & Bone jeans, hello!) that I've overlooked the lime-green Summer counterpart. And if I know myself well at all, I'd figure that I probably wouldn't be able to figure out what to wear that cool lime green color with. This image takes the guesswork out of the equation. The coral is so sweet and pretty and kind of offsets the lime green that would be a lot to take in otherwise. Plus by pairing a solid with a floral print it softens both for an effect that is actually subtle despite the two bright colors. I hadn't even been able to get used to my green jeans, but now it looks like it's time for a new kid in town. Plus coral. Way cool.

(photo: courtesy of Vanessa Jackman)

A New Oxford Update

Ok I know. I am not good at not falling. However, if I were a bit more graceful, I think these shoes would round up my wish list. I already have some oxfords from winter (retired since black leather seems a bit much in Summer) but nothing that is appropriate for Summer...yet. The wood platform wedge means I could actually wear these out without feeling at all dowdy and the light color is so pale (just like my legs) that it would really give me a long, lean silhouette. They're kind of cheesy, but I think with the right flouncy dress, they could be the perfect balancing act.

(photo: courtesy of Nasty Girl)