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.

LET'S (POOL) PARTY

Hello lovelies!! I'm running around High Point again today (day two!) and already I've seen so many fun things to share with you (soon, soon!). But, in honor of the fact that the sun is shining to the tune of 80 degrees, I'm thinking maybe it's time for some summer dreaming...?

Like the makings of a fabulous pool party, perhaps? Flirty little striped sandals, cocktail tables meant to follow you wherever you go, designer ping pong paddles, and graphic napkins to set the scene. Not a bad start, right?

BEHIND THE SCENES: RUE COLOR TREND PAGES

Ever wonder how those many market pages in the front of magazines get put together? Well, I don't know how the other mags do it, but here's a peek behind my process as the Market Editor at Rue!

When I begin putting together the color trend pages, I usually start with pulling runway shots and interiors that appeal to me in the moment, coming up with a few different options to select from. For Issue #4 I wanted to find a combination of color that included some of the bold colors that we're seeing in the marketplace, while still remaining sophisticated and realistic as palette that others would want to imitate in their home or wardrobe...

There were many options (a few of which you may see in future issues!) but I kept returning to two images - the room above and the Tracy Reese runway look below. The palette conjured up images of vacationing in the Caribbean while being soft enough for spring - a perfect mix! Then comes the fun (and challenging!) part... shopping!

Once the palette is chosen, I spend hours and hours combing through my favorite sites to find pieces that might make the page. Then, I send all my options on to our Art Director, Bri, and we pick the best of the best to make the page. And the leftovers? Well, usually they get ditched, but today they get their day in the sun right here. I especially love the striped options because they mimic the original room... what are your favorites?

*resources: 1. tomas maier dress 2. grecian pillow at wisteria 3. matiko sandal at urban outfitters 4. tabac chair at jayson h&g 5. a.l.c. tank top 6. stella mccartney skirt 7. vases at lamps plus 8. undersea lamp at anthropologie 9. mali sabatasso necklace 10. jonathan adler bolster pillow 11. j.crew sawyer hobo

PS - to get your sneak peek behind the 'looming large' trends page, head on over to the Rue blog today where I share more wonderful wovens!

MORE MJOLK PLEASE...

I discovered this magical little shop a few weeks back and I'm completely obsessed with their combination of Scandanavian and Japanese design...

There's such beautiful simplicity in the pieces they carry! But a bit of whimsy too..

Not to mention the most sculptural bottle openers I've ever seen. (They will require some seriously sophisticated beer.)

For more lovely pieces, visit Mjolk where I believe you can send them an email to place orders for now. Looks like they're working on an online store! (Yippee!)

TOTALLY SPRUNG

Dear spring... Would you stop being such a tease and get here already???

I have so many wonderful goodies to adorn myself + home with when you do!

*birdcage pendant by voliere at conran shop, christian louboutin gingham pumps at luisa viaroma, stripe pillow at urban outfitters, jonathan saunders skirt at net-a-porter

Chic in New York: Etos

I've written about Etos before but they have recently renovated their space and it's definitely worth another look.  The store is owned by Mercedes Desios and Alberto Villalobos who met while they were students at the New York School of Interior Design.  They share not only a store but an interior design business and the chicest sense of style.  Mercedes is Italian and Alberto is Colombian and it seems like they are always flying off somewhere exotic to source for the shop and holiday.  They are not only talented but honestly two of the nicest people I've ever met.  Their travels mean the shop is an eclectic mix of antiques, accessories and new pieces.  I especially love the pre-Colombian bowls that Alberto brings back from visiting his family.  I hope you'll stop by the next time you're downtown. 

Etos

67 East 11th Street

New York, NY 10003

212-673-3056

www.etosnyc.com

Mercedes Desios and Alberto Villalobos

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

FRIDAY, I'M IN LOVE...

Is it spring yet??? We still have a few months to get through before the weather even slightly resembles warm weather around here, but that's not going to discourage me from lusting after some decidedly spring-inspired pieces for the the home + wardrobe...

Yes, please and thank you to all of the above!

*dress by yigal azrouel, heels brian atwood, missoni throw, and  alexandra table lamp at burke décor

RAH RAH RED...

Maybe it's the sudden proximity of the holidays, or the fact that I keep being told that red is 'my color'...

But I suddenly feel the urge to don a cape and sip loads of hot cocoa.

*cape by paul & joe, mugs at heath ceramics

Club Monaco at Shopbop

Club Monaco is one of my favorite retailers in New York.  I always know I can find great clothing and accessories that don't scream where I bought them.  I would always feel bad about posting my favorite pieces on Habitually Chic though because not many of my readers have access to their stores but all that has changed today.  Shopbop has partnered with Club Monaco to offer their fabulous fall collection for sale online.  I attended the launch party last night and am already eyeing that plaid coat above.  It would be perfect for the cooler temperatures today.  I'll leave the over the knee socks to you tall skinny girls! Happy Shopping!

Photos from Club Monaco

H&M HARLEM REINVENTED

Hello lovely readers - Crissie here again (of bug&Bear) and today I am thrilled to be hitting the streets as coco + kelley's New York City correspondent to bring you all the inside scoop of the goings on in NYC. My first adventure led me up-town to the H&M on 125th St… last Thursday night was the grand re-opening of the chain's Harlem location.

Located just blocks from the iconic Appollo Theatre, the Harlem H&M never used to have much to offer. I recall stopping in last summer to pick over the bedraggled racks and hearing a fellow shopper comment to her companion-"you know why they never have anything here? They send it all downtown."
That was certainly not the case on Thursday- walking into the newly renovated store I was greeted by racks and racks of what H&M does best-- affordable versions of the season's hottest trends. It was an explosion of stripes (heaven), military influence, and boho chic (which they call Romantic Hippie…) Topped off by countless helpful employees, a DJ and h'ordeuvres (a girl could get used to it!)

The event was sponsored by Uptown Magazine and unveiled not only the store's shiny new look, but also their new partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem.

In the end- it is really not much more than just another H&M- but if they can keep up the stock and the gang of friendly crew members the store's reinvention will make it worth a visit (if you're in the area…) 

*interested in becoming a correspondent on coco+kelley for your own city? email us if you happen to live in a happenin' design town: cocokelley {at} gmail {dot} com