Either/Or

Today felt like Fall in NYC well, almost.

My bare legs were actually chilly walking to the subway after work and with fashion already on the brain, it really got me thinking about the trends ahead for Fall.

I had a laugh thinking about how Spring’s itty bitty hot pants look has given way to it’s polar opposite–and one of Fall’s biggest trends–the super long maxi skirt.

Ironically, both looks are insanely hard to wear if you stand any shorter that 6′ tall. Hmm.

I wondered what the rest of you think of these two trends. Would you be more inclined toward showing a little (ok, a lot) of leg or letting it all hang down to the floor?

Me, I don’t usually strut around pantsless but if I had to choose, I’ll admit there is something slightly more appealing about keeping it short and sweet rather than leaving everything to the imagination. I mean flaunt’em while you still got’em, right?

I guess what I really want to know is this: Either or Neither?

Hot Pants from Derek Lam S/S 10; Maxi Skirt from Richard Chai F/W 10. All images courtesy of Style.com

Either/Or

Lately I have been finding myself in a bit of a jewelry drought.

Most of my usual pieces are all feeling a little too sweet and charming and I am longing for something a little more earthy and rough-hewn. A statement piece that doesn’t need company to shine.

I want jewelry that looks more like the materials it was forged from, something that feels more organic and personal and less factory-produced.

Something like one of these two rings.

Jamie Joseph (on top) is a longtime favorite designer of mine. I’ve wanted one of her large stone cocktail rings for years now. They are all amazing but this mother of pearl ring with diamonds (from The Claypot in Brooklyn) is a particular favorite.

Dara Ettinger also makes beautiful jewelry with an organic feel. The Bridget Ring (sold at Urban Outfitters) is a real stunner and a considerable steal compared to the Jamie Joseph.

So folks, Either/Or: I know my pick* but which is your favorite? Splurge on Jamie Joseph or save with the Dara Ettinger?

*(Personally I think I am going to hold out for a Jamie Joseph. When you’ve loved something for this long, it can be worth waiting (and saving) for.)

Either/Or

Now that we’re into July, I’ve started thinking about Fall transition shopping.

I want to buy pieces that I can wear now and keep wearing into September and October when temperatures start to cool off  (hallelujah!) and the Fall starts to settle in again.

One piece I am most coveting right now is the safari dress. I think it looks so cool and effortless without trying to be. I keep seeing good options everywhere and am having a hard time narrowing down which one I want.

Here are two picks, the silk army green is from my tried and true favorite J.Crew while the trendier khaki military-inspired is from UK line ASOS.

Which is your favorite? J.Crew silk fatigue (on sale now ps) or the one with all the bells and whistles (from Whistles via ASOS).

Either/Or

All I want to carry in the summer is a trusty tote bag.

Lately I’ve been tossing my leather handbags aside and combing through our stash of grocery store totes for the cleanest and coolest one to sling on my shoulder.

Perhaps it is best though to leave the grocery bags for toting groceries and to invest in a real summer tote.

I have always loved the Longchamp Pilage bag. I know it is one of the most ubiquitous bags around but I think that’s actually why I like it. We you go to Paris, all of the hip Parisian women are carrying these around from the hipster teens, to the sophisticated women and, well you know the rule: if it is good enough for a French woman…

But then I saw this bag from Want les Essentials de la Vie at Opening Ceremony. It has the same fabric and leather mix as the Longchamp and to cool sporty feature of being yellow in the front and navy at the back.

I like them both, I can’t decide.

What is your pick for the tote with the most?

The classique très chic Longchamp?

Or too cool for school OC bag?

Either/Or

Ok summer, after a sun-soaked New York weekend it has to be true, you are officially here.

And with you summer comes the need for easy, breezy footwear. The kind that is equally at home on sandy beaches and city streets. Shoes without zippers, buckles or laces that can be slipped on in a heartbeat for an impromptu boat ride or dinner al fresco.

Each summer sees a new favorite shoe in this category. Flip flops, TOMs, Crocs and others have definitely had their day.

But this summer is all about the espadrille.

And why not? This classy shoe has been popular for years along the European coastline and well, if it’s from Europe, then it’s probably fashionable. Right?

Here are two of my favorite styles. On top is the strawberry/vanilla color-blocked combo from Argentine brand Mymu. Just one of the spectacular color-combos they offer.

On the bottom is this striped pair from Spanish company Soludos. I love the bold stripe and the contrasting print lining the shoe.

As usual, I can’t decide. I am usually a sucker for stripes but when color-blocking comes into play it is anyone’s game.

What’s your favorite? Pink and white or jailbird stripe?

Either/Or (x2)

I’ve was really excited when I noticed the return of the rucksack onto the fashion radar.

Let’s face it. We ladies have a lot to tote around these days weather it is a trip to the beach or the library or a picnic in the park, we need sturdy,substantial bags that look cool and hold all of our shit stuff.

Just in time for summer, there is a barnd new crop of rucksack styles to choose from.

I’ve compiled some of my favorites into a 2-way Either/Or because they’re all so good I can’t pick a favorite.

Clockwise from the top left: Alexandra Cassaniti’s “Money Bag” is a cute quirky favorite. I like the tongue in cheek graphic and the super classic styling.

Cynthia Rowley’s collection for Roxy is a winner all the way around (as I may have mentioned) and her Daybreak Bag in brown and orange is no exception to the rule.

Rachel Comey it seems can do no wrong, and this backpack is the perfect accessory for the country and urban jungle alike.

Lastly, this simple rucksack from the Mariner’s Supply Company is a nautical-inspired carryall at a great price that perfect if you’re going to get a little rough and tumble this summer.

All good options but which is your favorite to sling on your shoulder this season?

Either/Or

Well, it isn’t exactly swimsuit season but that doesn’t stop this girl from dreaming about it.

Looking at the Chanel Resort Collection in St. Tropez today was more than enough to get my wheels spinning about summertime and in particular, summer swimwear.

While I do love the new high-waisted bikini look, I am also really digging how the classic one-piece is using the same vintagey inspiration in a totally different way.

These two summer standouts have it all. Throwback floral prints pair with vintage details like piping and a tie belt or a ruched bodice to recall the glamour of days gone by in a fresh new way. It’s like the perfect summer sundress in swimsuit-form.

Both styles are guaranteed to turn heads but I can’t decide which is the better pick.

Is it Marc by Marc Jacobs‘ pretty and piped look or a high-impact ruched look from DVF that is fit for a diva?

Either/Or

It’s about time we had a talk.

Watches are definitely a “thing” these days (although to say that sounds kind of silly because when has telling time not been a good thing?) Even so, the wristwatch is enjoying a good deal more attention of late than it has in a while.

Although most of us can check the time on our computers, smart phones, car clocks and nearest bank billboards, there is something undeniably classy about sporting a watch on your wrist.

There seem to be two schools of thought on this trend.

One one side there are the minimal, bright plastic watches like the Nixon Time Teller P which I particularly love in monochromatic white. On the other side there is the menswear-inspired, linked band, Rolex-lookalike watch. This oversized style from Michael Kors has been on my wishlist for quite some time now.

Both watches are totally fun ways to wear this trend and are sure to get you to your appointments on time. But timeliness aside, we’re talking about fashion here! What are you going to wear on your wrist? Fantastic plastic or the Faux-lex?

Either/Or

Think about your perfect summer weekend look.

Ok, now think about how much better your perfect summer weekend look would be, with a pair striped shoes.

Infinitely better, right?

Right.

Like I’ve been saying and saying, stripes are a hot commodity this season and I think that’s great.

I love the idea of finishing a simple outfit with a pair of striated kicks. They are a sporty and cute twist on a blazer with cutoffs or black skinny jeans and an oxford button-down.

I picked out two adorable ways to wear stripes on your feet in style.

I love the Keds because the remind me of the carefree days of my youth when Keds were all I wore all summer long. Plus, they’ve been making a seriously cool comeback recently with the help of some awesome collaborators.

I also love these striped lace-ups by F-Troupe that are a little more sophisticated and savvy. The leather piping and rounded toe add a feminine spin to the menswear-inspired look.

So readers, which one? Young at heart lace-ups or all grown up brogues?

Either/Or

Oh my god what a glorious weekend! We threw open the windows and let the breeze cool our apt while we repainted the kitchen (part of a larger redecorating project I think I’ve mentioned).

It is amazing what a coat of paint can do. Now everything feels fresh and new and Spring-like both inside and out. I’m smitten with the walls and the weather.

With Spring comes an insatiable desire for some new clothes (of course), particularly a new Spring jacket.

I have a very well-loved Army jacket in my closet. It is something I got from Urban Outfitters years ago and has really stood the test of time. I love the way I can throw it on over everything from casual jeans and tshirts to frilly dresses. It always adds that little bit of edge that helps finish my look.

Alas, I think my perfect Army jacket has seen its last springtime & it’s time to invest in an update.

I love the Ecote Cropped Surplus Jacket from Urban Outfitters (top), the 3/4 sleeves and stand-up collar are updated details that look so right for right now.

On the other hand, the Kill City Hooded Army Jacket (bottom) is a total classic. This style doesn’t need any bells and whistles because it gets all the details just right.

So, what would you do? Go a little trendy with the Urban Outfitters jacket or timeless with Kill City?