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?

Object/Outfit + Cup of Jo

Since I’m not going anywhere for the holiday weekend, I am choosing to live vicariously through the travels of others and and this amazing photo snapped by Joanna Goddard (of Cup of Jo) during her honeymoon in Italy.

Since Sex and the City 2 also premieres this weekend, I thought I would make today’s outfit larger (and more glamorous) than life and take advantage of the amazing sequin dress trend and feature some of my favorite accessories designers like Jamie Joseph and Meredith Wendell. So what do you think, would Carrie wear it?

Photo courtesy of Cup of Jo. Outfit clockwise from top left: Jamie Joseph Rainbow Moonstone Ring (via Claypot–though sadly, sold out); Meredith Wendell Medium Shaver in Sand/Uncle Peter; Charlotte Bjorlin D’Elia Star Earrings (via Barneys); Christian Louboutin Strappy V Sandal (via Bergdorf Goodman); Essie Nail Polish in Loophole; Proenza Schouler Sequin on Chiffon Dress (via MyTheresa); Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna (via Sephora–my bronzer of choice); Mercedes Salazer Large Woven Silk Bracelets (via Kitson Boutique)

I just glanced at Cup of Jo and saw the wonderful news of their new baby boy. Please join me in congratulating the new family!!!

What I Wish I Wore Today

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that the denim vest is the must-have piece for summer dressing.

I love the way it looks with a feminine dress and a pair of smart shoes.

Wish I was wearing one today with this beautiful sundress from No. 6 (love that store), a pair of loafers and a snappy little mini-backpack. Wouldn’t that be so cute & cool in the hot weather?

Outfit clockwise from top left: Lucky Brand Adelaide Denim Cut-Off Vest; No. 6 Ruched Bodice Dress (via Steven Alan); Rag & Bone Canterbury Loafer (via LaGarconne); Urban Outfitters Urban Renewal Remade Leather Mini Backpack (on sale!)

Fashion Crush: Sonia Rykiel

How can you not love Sonia Rykiel?

She creates sexy clothes for sexy women who know how to have fun. Quite the sexy woman herself, Rykiel’s signature look has inspired a thousand portraits. After Coco she is the only one to have added her own twist on the idea of the modern French woman.

Oh yeah, and she practically invented stripes. What more do you need ?

Images clockwise from top left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Gimmie!

I always love a little black dress, especially one with personality and Brooklyn designer Dona Monroe definitely knows a thing or two about that.

Her Spring 10 collection of black minidresses is the downtown girl’s perfect summer secret weapon.

I particularly love this Sleeveless Jacket Dress, don’t you?

I can see myself walking through Nolita wearing these Karen Walker Sunglasses with a treat from the Van Leeuwen truck in hand. Summer, I’ve missed you!

Dona Monroe dresses can be bought where the cool girls go to shop: In God We Trust in NYC and Frances May in Portland.

DIY: Pennant Flag Cake

I’m no Martha Stewart but I made this little homemade pennant flag cake decoration for a birthday party this weekend and I thought you might like it.

Here’s how I did it, sorry I didn’t take a better photo of the finished product!

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?

Bottoms Up!

In my recent spring/summer shopping I’ve noticed a bit of an odd trend: I am only buying bottoms.

I can’t think of the last dress, top or even sweater that has found it’s way into my closet, it’s all been pants, shorts and skirts.

So here I am, all shopped out for summer and thoroughly outfitted from the waist down. But what about on top?

Ah-ha!

Enter the white tee, I plan on living in one of these this summer. It may be the ultimate basic but to me it becomes anything but when worn with a pair of silk shorts (like these or these) or a leopard print pencil skirt (ooh like this one!) or a pair of perfect chinos (I’ve told you how much I love these pants).

Summer dressing should be about comfort and ease, you should look good because you feel good. And who doesn’t feel good in a white tee, hm?

Sounds Good: The National

This weekend Andy and I got to see The National play at BAM. This is no undiscovered little band, on the contrary The National has been majorly blowing up of late and with good reason. They’e awesome.

The band’s latest effort, High Violet is a total gem. Rich instrumentation is layered over the deep, rich molasses and whiskey-filled vocals that has become their signature sound. Put out with label 4AD, High Violet feels distinctly new for the band, clearly these boys have no intention of resting on their laurels.

To read more about The National, check out this article from the NY Times Magazine. NPR is also streaming High Violet on their website. Give it a listen and you’ll be hooked. And please, support the band and buy the record.

Head Games

Well heeeelllllloooooo little lady!

I picked up this chick over on Stylesightings and immediately fell in love with her knotted head scarf and bright red lips (you know how I’m feeling for bright lipstick these days).

I like the element of Americana with a sassy, modern spin.

Scarves are definitely an old favorite that is back on the radar for Spring. Refinery29 recently featured a scarf slideshow and many of my favorite designers are adding them to their Spring lines.

For me of course it is all about matching your scarf to your lips. I’m definitely going to try this look out this weekend.

Here are my favorite combinations so you can too!

Top Row: Rachel Comey Bobcat Tie Scarf (via LaGarconne) with Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in Jungle Red; Middle Row: French Connection Bornshin Scarf with Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey (via Sephora); Bottom Row: Carven Printed Silk Satin Scarf (via Net-a-Porter) with Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in RT165 (via Sephora)