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

GREEN + SEQUINS FROM CFDA

No words...


The green + sequins is putting me over the top. I'm even loving the hood. A few more favorites shot by the incredibly talented Jaime Beck at From Me To You at the CFDA Awards...
My favorite dress.

My favorite hair.

My favorite peek-a-boo.

And - of course - my favorite twins.


*all photography by jamie beck. check out more of her coverage here.

COCO + KELLEY SPONSOR: JULES REID 25% OFF!

What's the next best thing to taking a vacation? Making every day feel like you're on vacation. How? Duh. Resort wear!

Putting on any of these bright, luxurious, patterned picks from the fabulous Jules Reid pretty much guarantees instant happy. The Parker blouse might be my most favorite new silhouette this season (top middle) but I'm such a sucker for a tunic... indecisive? Pick up both. Because right now the whole Spring/Summer 2011 collection is 25% off. Fabulous!

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!

PACKING A PALETTE

Whenever I go on trips, I like to pack clothes in a similar palette so that I know I can mix and match pieces as I go. I'm just beginning to think about what to bring to Italy with me - but two weeks is a much longer time than a long weekend to consider just one color scheme! Which is why I may be taking some serious inspiration from this editorial as I select my wardrobe...

I love the mix of rich jewel tones with softer pastels and nudes - there's tons of color, and endless options of ways to mix them all. The hardest part may be what hue to choose for my mani pedi! 

*editorial photographed by lachlan bailey for vogue nippon

PREPARING FOR SUMMER STYLE

Dear Readers, Crissie (from bug&Bear) here, with a very important question. Memorial Day Weekend is upon us, temperatures are rising and the sun is finally making an appearance in our daily lives, this can only mean one thing: summer is right around the corner. The big question? Are you ready?

I'm still searching for the perfect black bikini (sexy string or sultry retro?) and the perfect cover-up (pattern and texture or flirty frills?) to get me thought the sunny season. Where do you shop for the perfect suit? What inspires your summer ensembles?  And what's in your closet for this season?

 *Photos Greg Kadel, Vogue Spain and Asa Tallgard, Elle Russia via Fashion Gone Rogue

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!

WANT.

Razzle dazzle me, darling.

If the sun isn't gonna come out today the least I can do is brighten things up with some sparkly sequins, right? Right.

*doleman blouse by suno

GET THE LOOK: OLSEN INSPIRED SUITS + STRIPES

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen possess the type of personal style that is unique, innate, and always one step ahead of the trend. For the most part their day to day looks are an elusive mix of rare vintage finds and luxury items - in other words, totally and utterly unattainable!

Cristina from Fuji Files here to help recreate this simple suit and stripes look by shopping your very own wardrobe.

We're in luck this time ladies because MKA have broken it down for us and shown us how to wear the look in three different ways!


*shirt, shorts, & sandals Topshop, blazer Dion Lee, bracelet Tom Binns, clutch Reed Krakoff, sunglasses YSL

If a coral suit is too bold opt for a light neutral this summer, and if you don't own a light suit just recycle your basic black! Many of us already own a blazer, stripes, and sandals making it extra easy to recreate this look for free. Roll up your jacket sleeves to keep the look casual (the girls even rolled up their pant legs), and add heels to take this look from day tonight!


*images via olsensobsessive, netaporter, topshop

RAOUL

Raoul hit the nail on the head as far as spring pieces that I'm lusting for... shall we count the ways?

1.Chic white on white. 2. Sheer blouse + pleated skirt. 3. Pretty little lacy bits. 4. Layers of breezy nudes (but let's belt that, for some shape, mkay?). Have you added any similar pieces to your spring wardrobe? I've got the white and lace, but I'm desperate for a pleated skirt...

SASSY + SWEET = ZINKE

I received an email from Arin and Jessie (former sponsors and fabulous gals!) at Zinke today that set me swooning. They just released their latest lookbook,  and it's making my want to ditch my sweats for some much more enticing loungewear...





That lacy little jumper is calling my name, but I love the mix of comfort with a hint of sex appeal. Not to mention the red lipstick - obviously a must have. It all looks amazing! Which piece do you see yourself slipping into?

Oscar de la Renta Resort 2012

Only Oscar de la Renta would get me to 42nd Street on a rainy Monday night.  At first, I missed his old venue at the church on Park Avenue a few blocks from my apartment, but there was a great juxtaposition to the raw runway space and the gorgeous clothes.  It is the future home of the Oscar offices and meant that everyone had a great seat.  Thanks to a few souls who either did not brave the weather or got caught in traffic, a few of us were even able to move to the front row.  It was there that I sat two seats away from the still stunning model Carmen Dell'Orefice and close to Anna Wintour and the team from Vogue. Both left me a nervous wreck and wishing I had stopped eating carbs years ago.  That's probably why some of my first photos were a little out of focus. (For all runway looks, please visit Style.com.)  It's also very difficult to shoot moving models and my hat goes off to the professionals.  Speaking of hats, I absolutely loved the paper hats that topped the resort looks that were inspired by Spain, Picasso, Cubism and perhaps a bit by pirate Captain Jack Sparrow.  What I love most about attending fashion shows in person is the way the fabric wafts down the runway and the light catches the embroidery and beading.  I say it every time but it really is a magical experience and in this case, very artistic.  I think even Piscasso would have approved. 

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic