LUSTING...

This blazer? I should really just buy it already. I've been drooling over the combination of black and cream for quite a while now... 

There is so much goodness over at EmersonMade these days, it's impossible to resist! Including this absolute must-have for summer-to-fall, a perfectly simple sheath dress...

I don't know how they keep churning out the awesomeness, but they do. Hide your credit cards, ladies.

HAPPY (FLAUNT YOUR FLORALS) WEEKEND!

While we've had fairly comfortable temps here in northwest, I know the rest of the country has pretty much been melting this week...

Well, guess what? It's the weekend! So rid yourself of the workweek wardrobe, throw on a sheer, flowing, flowery dress and embrace the sunshine!

And have a little extra fun while you're at it. Dancing on tables? You can totally blame it on the heat.

Or better yet - get thee to the beach!

While I'll be running around getting ready for my trip, it won't be long until I'm enjoying some sunny beaches of my own. Have a fabulous weekend however you decide to beat the heat!


*images via fgr, unknown, fgr

GONE TO CAPRI...

After yesterday's post on packing for my trip, I promptly booked two nights in a sweet little hotel in Capri and spent a liiiiittle too much time doing some online shopping...

What do you think? I'm pretty sure I could wear this every day of my vacation and feel amazing (until I spill gelato all over that gorgeous white dress). The dress and hat would be fairly easy additions to the wardrobe. The Valentino tote and Antik Batik sandals? A bit of a splurge... but they could be necessary!

FINA DU: LOVELY LITTLE DRESSES

I'm over the moon for this new little online shop, Fina Du (which is 'lovely you' in Swedish!) that features beautiful pieces from Scandanavian designers.

They carry lines from the likes of well-known names like Malene Birger (a personal favorite - don't you want these beautiful summer dresses of hers?) as well as names being introduced to the US for the first time.

The dress on the top of my wishlist is the stunner on the left from designer Ida Sjöstedt. I am in LOVE with every little detail! Of course, for something a little more, um... subtle? The black piece is quite sweet.

The site also features gorgeous accessories and many other goodies. A must browse on this rainy afternoon!

Derek Lam + eBay = Perfection!

Collaborations are all the rage these days and none have been more hotly anticipated than Derek Lam for eBay.  I had the pleasure of attending a little soiree to celebrate this match made in fashion heaven this past week.  Derek and eBay turned Crosby Street into a summer block party that parked delicious food trucks outside while the interior of the boutique was filled with flowers, frocks and AstroTurf. On hand to toast the collection and shop were Bridesmaid Rose Byrne, Rachel Bison, Zoe Kravitz, and China Chow. Get your own dress online before they're gone! Happy Shopping!

Photos 2, 3, and 5 courtesy of eBay and others by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

ELIZABETH FILLMORE: DREAMS IN LACE

It's been quite a while since I posted anything wedding-related on my blog. Frankly, I was a bit burnt out on them from summer after summer of nothing but. I vowed never to post a wedding-related item again until my own wedding... but seeing as that is nowhere in the near future, and these dresses are too stunning not to talk about... I suppose we might as well indulge!?

As fate would have it, I've had these images saved since Bridal Fashion Week - before Miss Middleton (now Duchess of Cambridge) made her appearance in a long-sleeved lace gown. I've seen them pop up on more than a few blogs already too - which means we were all well-aware of this trend before it emerged as a royal favorite.


What I love about it is that, even though the idea of lace sleeves seems a bit old fashioned, it can actually look quite modern and fresh, like in the short little piece above (my favorite for sure!), delicately sweet (like the first dress) or updated victorian (middle). I think the reemergence of lace on the runways for several years now has greatly influenced the bridal world's inspired reinvention of this material.

Then again... there's always something fabulous like this! If you're going to go strapless, you might as well make it unique.

*dress designs by elizabeth fillmore. photography via wedding style magazine.

TO MARKET, TO MARKET...

In Seattle, much of our city gets tucked away for the winter, so one of my favorite parts about the change of seasons is the return of my beloved farmer's markets! While many shoppers tend to throw on a pair of worn-in jeans and a light sweater, I can't resist a little maxi dress to step things up a bit...

Let's be honest, a maxi is almost as good as sweats. It's a quick throw on, totally comfy, and you look like you actually put some thought into your ensemble. Top it with a few fun accessories and a casual cardi to ward of cooler temps, and you're set for the market... and whatever the rest of the day may bring! Now if the weather would just cooperate a little more...

*statement maxi dress by issa, cardigan at anthropologie, bangles at topshop, my favorite reusable shopping bags - baggu, and must have espadrilles at piperlime.

ALEXA + NET-A-PORTER: GET GIRLY

Loving this mini feature on Net-A-Porter right now featuring the always adorable Alexa Chung
Such a perfect mix of girlish details with that casual feel that Alexa always brings to her style. Can I have all three ensembles please?? (PS - I've decided that red ballet flats should be in every woman's wardrobe. I adore mine!)

TIE ONE ON

After spending hours last night on Pinterest and hopping through other inspirational sites, I rediscovered a few things... one being the fact that some of the best pocket change you'll ever spend is on a little length of black ribbon...


Personally I prefer double-faced satin, but any pretty texture will do...

*images via fashezine and pinterest

KELSEY GENNA: BEGONIA HOUSE

Good morning friends! I know you're as ready for spring as I am these days, so I'm pretty sure you're going to love this adorable collection I discovered this weekend - not just for the mounds of pretty little dresses and details, but the sweet, flowery shoot too!



Created by Kelsey Genna, the collection is called 'Begonia House' and is based in New Zealand. The designer herself? Yeah. She's only 19...



My favorite part of these dresses might be the stunning low backs. Nothing sexier, in my opinion! If only I could get my hands on one for my upcoming trip to LA! It would be perfect for this almost-spring weather...

*all images via kelsey genna

MC(FIERCE)SON

So... this is pretty much like wearing the most gorgeous vintage wallpaper ever ... right?

Jules, you know I mean that in the best way possible. I am absolutely head over heels for this dress! Wouldn't it be such a unique style for the holidays? I can just see myself passing around the martinis now...

*the mcpherson by jules reid

GET YOUR SUMMER ON: KARA JANX

Those of you who are old school Project Runway fans may recognize the name - but when was the last time you checked out Kara Janx and her beautiful + wearable designs?  I've always been a fan, so I was quite excited to get Kara's scoop on her most recent collection which she describes as "progressive, dynamic and well rounded."

As Kara notes, "Our customers love to buy the collection because each of the pieces are statement pieces that are believable and timeless... silhouettes that are a must-have."

"Color and fabrication are always key when introducing trends into the collection. The ethereal trend is highlighted in the softer, more neutral tones, military trends are highlighted in our greens and olives and the more girly trend is exemplified in our dynamic jewel tones. The silhouettes are echoed in much the same way: hard versus soft, structured versus draped."

"Our customer is the essential girl- ruffles + bows. However she is no fool to what she wants and knows how to own the clothes she wears. Ultimately we want our customer to keep adding pieces from the line and have some fun with the clothes!"

Well, I'll take one for every day of the week, please! I love Kara's colorful palette (especially the jewel tones!) and how their simple lines and sweet details are perfectly balanced. Like what you see too? Well, dear readers, Kara has been sweet enough to offer us all a 30% discount on her shopping site with the code: psw30, so feel free to indulge in some girly goodness for the summer while you can!

As for the future...here's a sneak peek at one of the styles from Kara's upcoming fall line...

I could so slip this on for a winter's eve topped with lots of sparkly accessories! Thank you Kara for giving us a little insight into your creativity and beautiful designs!

VALENTINO: RESORT 2011

Oh, Valentino...

Words can do no justice to this beautiful creation from the 2011 resort collection, which may be one of my favorite from the season. Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli did a magnificent job of drawing from classic 60's silhouettes and adding a little edge when modernity called for it...

And still giving us all that Valentino couture detail that we've come to expect from the fashion house...

Simply, perfectly, stunning.

SHE'S A BETTY

Someone better put a ring on my finger asap, because I just found my wedding dress...

I've always loved the idea of a chic little dress drowning in ruffles for a wedding. The bow is just a bonus. Take me to the courthouse!


*dress by former project runway designer leanne marshall

THE LITTLE WHITE DRESS...

Forgive me if I have weddings on the brain lately - it's that time of year where things have started to pick up in planning for my friends' fetes and it simply can't be helped! That said, I stumbled upon this gorgeous gorgeous dress (and bride!) via my bestie's blog (apartment #34), after it was featured on the lovely Perfect Bound...
And it reminded me of how much I adore the simple, structured look for brides. There's something so eternally sophisticated about it. In fact, it should come as no surprise that the designer here is Oscar de la Renta whose silhouettes constantly make me swoon.

I think I'd like to have that somewhat vintage inspired yet structured look myself and have already filed a few other images away as inspiration...
Ditch the hat for a birdcage veil, and this simple white sheath and coat is perfect for a courthouse wedding.
Bringing back the sleeve is such a fabulous trend right now, and I've always adored this dress and styling for its simple yet stunning cut and details.

Of course, since there are no wedding bells ringing for me this year, I suppose I'll set my sights on something a little more appropriate for now?
This pretty little Camilla & Marc dress (available at Sunday Brunch) should do the trick, don't you think? The ruffle details are killing me.

*photography by paperwhites photography, unknown, and john dolan

Getting Ahead of Myself...

There's a four-letter word we're not allowed to utter during the gorgeous Seattle summers. I'm pretty sure you can guess what it is (starts with an 'r' and ends with the need for umbrellas). But, I must say that when the weather changes next season, I'd be very happy to be wearing one of these adorable coats from New Zealand label, twentysevennames.
I cannot imagine a better accessory for lighter fall (or spring!) showers while the weather is still fairly mild. The classic trench qualities make it a keeper, but the capelet cut makes it much more original. I must find one!!

In the meantime, however, I'd be perfectly happy with either of these summery dresses. Sheer polka dots?? Yes please!