Out Shopping...

I made time for a quick stop in Madewell this past weekend and just love the current collection they've got going! Lots of funky stripes, denim and bright colors for spring.

1. Shadow-stripe scarf + wayward jean shirt ($49.50 + $88) - Madewell offers a crazy-awesome selection of scarves year-round. I love the red detail bordering on this blue and white striped scarf. And if you don't have a jean / chambray shirt yet - what gives?!?
2. Striped drifter shorts ($69.50) - Love these, especially as styled in the photo above with a worn in brown belt.
3. Bright tees and shorts!! - a whole wall of the store was tricked out with reds, corals, and oranges. I love the way they mix these brights with basic whites, greys and soft pinks. Try these online pics in similar shades: silk intermission top in red hibiscus ($88), silk capulet tank in french terracotta (on sale: $69.99), and silk safari shorts in red hibiscus ($88)
4. Super cute pair-able bracelets ($8-12) - not offered online, so go to the B&M store to pick these up. I got a handful while I was there, so affordable!!
5. Grey silk crepe blouse ($88) - not available online but the somerset pocket top in raccoon ($78) is a similar silk crepe fabric. This is a great fabric for spring and summer - and versatile as a layering piece worn from work into the weekend.
6. Le minor® dip-dyed tee ($95) - they carry better colors in-store but I'm fond of the ecru anthracite offered online too!

luxe lust

I'm obsessed with Tom Binns jewels. I'm not the only one, his designs have been worn by an interesting variety of fashionistas...from Cate Blanchett and Michelle Obama to Lady Gaga.


I think his pieces are simply put - stunning. They're works of art and admirable as standalone objects let alone as part of an ensemble. I've been lusting in particular for the top right Hand-painted Swarovski crystal necklace below ($715). It feels more realistically wearable for my everyday life. Though I dream of the days I have the lifestyle, shopping budget and appropriate event to wear his massive bunches of pearls and crystals, or the lower right Ethno Teknik necklace ($2,175).

For now I'm hoping he decides to collaborate with a mid-range brand to provide his beauty to the masses...thoughts on an interesting collaboration partner for Tom?

Tom himself describes his inspiration as follows "...creative inspiration was and remains the early twentieth century Dada movement, amongst whose themes were deliberate irrationality, anarchy, and the rejection of standard beauty and social organisation." Art from the Dada movement is often classified as nonsensical, rule breaking, and whimsical. The images below and the pieces on his website surely embody these characteristics.

Spring 2011 J.Crew Jewelry

I absolutely love J.Crew's jewelry. J.Crew has made strides across all categories over the past few years (clothes for the office, clothes for the weekend, shoes, handbags...the list goes on), but whenever they announce new arrivals I always race to the website to first check out the jewels. 

I am particularly fond of their necklaces - they're a great way to mix up your wardrobe and turn a jeans & basic tee ensemble into something more stylish. While J.Crew often has very chunky necklaces, the current Spring jewelry line includes a few that are scaled down and more wearable for all.  

Find a few of my favorite picks below - 2 mini-bib necklaces (#'s 1 + 2 below) and 3 beautiful Lulu Frost pieces (3 - 5). J.Crew's collaboration with Lulu Frost has been amazing. As a partnership they've continued to turn out beautiful necklaces, earrings, and bracelets starting with their 2010 holiday collection. The pieces are a bit more expensive than other J.Crew pieces, but totally worth it in my opinion!

1. Mini mesh supernova necklace ($45) - available in 2 colors, antique gold (shown) and antique silver, this necklace is 18" long and with a 3" extender to make it work with all tops and necklines. I love the simplicity of it - super versatile!
2. Mini crystal supernova necklace ($55) - basically the previous necklace covered with tiny crystals - love it. Also available in antique gold (shown) or antique silver. Same length and extender as the mini mesh
3. Lulu Frost for J.Crew heirloom starry tassel necklace ($185) - gorgeous 10K gold plated with a few layers, sparkles, and a tassel thrown in. This necklace is a great option for the long necklace trend we saw across Spring 2011 runways, it's 25" long
4. Lulu Frost for J.Crew heirloom crystal lattice earrings ($120) - I wear studs every day, but if there were ever a pair of earrings with a chance of enticing me to mix things up it would be this pair. These beauties are lavaliere-style and 3" long. I just love the single green stones in there. While these are in the Spring collection you could actually wear them across seasons very easily - imagine them paired with a LBD for holiday parties!
5. Lulu Frost for J.Crew bohemian lattice bracelet ($120) - the earrings' bracelet counterpart. The design used in both of these pieces was taken from a vintage brooch. The bracelet is 7.5" with a 1" extender


Two additional notes about J.Crew jewelry: First, I'd say about 1/2 of the pieces end up going on sale so patience can be a virtue here if you're on a budget. Second, J.Crew is also offering free shipping on most of its full size jewelry products right now - so if you must have one of the items above go for it!