Nearly Nautical

Not to say that my teabag (har har) is really what kicked me in the arse to come back to my blog - but it almost is, in more ways that one. I have been pseudo sick for the last few weeks (thanks, Philly) and haven't had the energy to get out of bed in the morning, let alone put together a post of any value - so I copped out and opted for the silence route.

I am finally feeling better (admittedly dragging my lazy bum to gthe gym helped immensely), and it was time to get back to my ever-growing list of boards to put together. I have ALWAYS been a sucker for nautical touches (note: stripe addiction) from navy and red to straight up anchors, but I can very easily go too far with it and can end up looking more like a sailor costume than straight out of a Sperry ad.

There are plenty of ways to add a nautical nod to an outfit this season without taking it too far. If you're going to do something as literal as an anchor, it's really important to keep the rest of your pieces in the nautical vein (ie a stripe, red OR navy, etc.) so that everything you're wearing isn't themed. Here are a few of my faves (and I had to cut about 15 that wouldn't fit - sad!):

1. F21 Striped Nautical Short | 2. Kate Spade Sailor's Knot Bangle | 3. J.Crew Tillary Tote | 4. J.Crew Factory Enamel Bracelet | 5. Port Winsor Longwood Tunic | 6. Kate Spade Sailor's Knot Studs | 7. Pink Pineapple Cape Knot Dock Belt | 8. Dorothy Parker Navy Knot Waist Belt | 9. J. McLaughlin Monogrammed Sailcloth Duffle | 10. Tory Burch Penny Loafer | 11. Kate Spade Nera Coat | 12. F21 Two-Tone Braided Headwrap | 13. James Jeans Sailor Trouser Jean | 14. LOFT Vintage Stripe Shift Dress | 15. Milly for Sperry Laceless Sneaker | 16. J.Crew Garment Dyed Toothpick Jean in Festival Green | 17. Kate Spade Anchors Away Bracelet | 18. Anchor Rope Necklace

Day of Love.

I am not normally one to go for pinks, but recently, I haven't been able to resist almost every shade - from fuschia to baby pink to peppermint.  Girly is not a word I would ever select to describe myself, and I don't know if it's been the looming holiday, my increased general happiness, or just the gorgeously saturated hues I'm finding, but I am gaga over this shade.

Today is the first time I have ever intentionally worn pink on Valentine's day - and I went ALL out (definitely rocking #1 WITH #8 - plus my #3s that came in the mail yesterday; yes, I am slightly uncomfortable but LOVING it).

1. J.Crew Tippi Sweater in Neon Azalea | 2. BaubleBar Flower Pearl Studs | 3. Forever 21 Heart Bracelet Set | 4. BaubleBar Ruby Coeur Studs | 5. Kate Spade Crystal Ribbon Necklace | 6. Steve Madden Karisma Ballet Flat | 7. Ted Baker London Quited Shopper | 8. J.Crew Minnie Pant in Vibrant Flame

Did you all dress for the holiday? What are you wearing?

Minimalistic Mono

If you've ready any of this blog, it should be pretty obvious that I have an affinity for color. I'm drawn to saturated hues, classic but bold tones (navy, red, etc) and also to a pretty pastel or even neon.

There's just something about the crisp sophisitcation of a monotone palette, especially in light of all of the crazy (amazing) colors overshadowing this season, that is so refreshing. Black & white is a classic combo (okay, I cheated a little with 11&12, but how MAJOR are those pants and pumps?!), but classic doesn't have to be boring. A small detail like lace, piping or bows makes it feel more current and less like you don't know how to put an outfit together.

 1. Tracy Lace Dress | 2. Faux Peter Pan Collar Zara Blouse | 3. Kate Spade Double Exposure Earring | 4. Topshop Gilmore Contrast Tow Pump | 5. ASOS Oasis Stripe Bow Back Top | 6. Kate Spade Jocelyn Pump | 7. Topshop Full Circle Skirt | 8. ASOS Leather Brogue Detail Cross-Body | 9. Kate Spade Anchors Away Necklace | 10. Dorothy Parker Cream Eyelash Lace Top | 11.  Zara Trousers With Contrasting Hem | 12. Zara Laminate Heel Sandal | 13. Zara Blouse With Contrasting Collar | 14. ASOS Oasis Monochrom Top

Cool it Down

Blue has never, ever been my color. The only shades of blue you'll find in my closet are navy (literally). It's just not my thing. It's fine and all, and I have nothing against it, but especially when it comes to clothing, I have never felt it does anything for me.

I am, however, a HUGE fan of green. I am a self-proclaimed green fanatic. Give it to me in any shade and I'm gonna love it. Throw in a stripe (my #1 addiction) and I am completely helpless.

That all being said, the blue/green colorblocking this season is killing my wallet, and at the same time, completely warming me up to the cool tones (har har). Throw in my addiction to nail polish and you've got me on a path to broke-dom. Deborah Lippman's I Know What Boys Like has recently made it's way into my collection and I have to say, it has become my gateway drug. It is the most gorgeous shade of bold blue, almost periwinkle but deeper, and I am totally in love. In years past, all of this would have screamed "Crayola Cobalt" to me and I would have hated it, but there's something about it that I can't resist anymore (especially when played off of my beloved greens).

I am clearly not the only one who is loving this trend. I've had this board building in my head for weeks now (since the first time I put on that polish - no exaggeration), but lookie what I got in my inbox this past week:

LOFT stealing my thunder! At first I was mad, and then I realized I should just be happy and take advantage of the huge sale to build up my pre-spring wardrobe and feed the bluesy frenzy (2, 14 and 20 will be making their way into my closet in a few days!).

1. Dorothy Parker Cobalt Pencil Dress | 2. LOFT Marina Stripe Boatneck Top | 3. Bauble Bar Topaz Quartz Studs | 4. Essie Mint Candy Apple | 5. Tobi Medallion Cutout Dress | 6. Eliza J Colorblock Crepe de Chine Dress | 7. Old Navy Printed Wrap Dress | 8. Essie Going Incognito | 9.  ECI Colorblock Silk Chiffon Dress | 10. Must find source... | 11. Totally adorable Kate Spade outfit in this scheme, complete with chartreuse pumps! | 12. Steve Madden France Leather Tote | 13. Banana Republic Geometric Patterned Top (sold out...so sad) | 14. LOFT Wide Strip Scoopneck Shell | 15. Steve Madden Dynemite | 16. Dorothy Parker Blue Structured Belt Dress | 17. Vince Camuto Leather Piping Belt | 18. Steve Madden Strip Scarf  | 19. Deborah Lippmann I Know What Boys Like | 20. LOFT Cotton Banana Split Stripe Boatneck Top | 21. J.Crew Toothpick Jean in Garment-Dyed Twill 

joyeux noel in paris!

i have been dying to start moodboard-ing for months now, and the timing of finding moodshare.com could not have been more apt as i am about to start packing for my week in paris!

i cannot put into words how excited i am to see the city decked out for the holidays and then spend new years there with boyf and his family. naturally, though, the second thought after "MUST. HAVE. MACARONS" is: "WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR?"

i am always big on dressing for the environment i'm in, but it is never more true (and yet, so much more difficult!) is when i am traveling. i am not delusional enough to think that i will be able to pull off a true parisian look - but i don't want to stick out like a sore....american? (for lack of a better word...) and let's be honest - there are going to be TONS of photos taken throughout the course of the week, so how can i NOT try to look amazing?

with that - this is my very first fashion board - and surely not my last (NYE in paris outfit coming soon!)

1. david yurman pearl earrings | 2. elie tahari cape | 3. asos bow blouse in peach skin | 4. kate spade necklace | 5. j.crew cafe capri in port wine | 6. j.crew viv flat | 7. rebecca minkoff mab satchel