Perfect Pairings: Colorful Caftans + Flat Sandals

Mondays mornings are so cruel... but at least there is an upcoming long weekend to look forward to! Memorial day weekend is the official kickoff to the summer season and though I'll be spending it at home in San Francisco, I know what I'd be wearing if I was sunning myself on a beach or pool - a colorful caftan paired with cute yet comfy flat sandals. 

Glam: Dress Kaftan, Gold Sandals / Boho: Short Caftan, Gladiator Sandals / Ethnic: Printed Caftan, Fringe Sandals

Glam, global, boho- there are so many colorful caftans out at the moment you can find one for any look you are trying to exude. The thing I love about caftans is that in addition to looking effortlessly chic, they hide a myriad of figure flaws.  My go to place for bikini's and cover-ups is Victoria's Secret, which has some cute caftans, and to make it even better they just started their summer clothing sale! For flat sandals make sure to check out Steve Madden, which has tons of cute and budget friendly options. I'm in love with all things Mara Hoffman, so the boho look has to be my favorite although I can't deny that gorgeous glam caftan dress or that ethnic inspired Theodora and Callum. Which of the three styles is your favorite - glam, boho or ethnic?

Shop Caftans:

Fashion Quote Friday: Phillip Lim

Photograph by Victoria Will for Vogue October 2012

3.1 Phillip Lim has to be one of my favorite brands to actually wear instead of just admiring from afar (remember my post on the Pashli Mini Satchel?). This quote is so fitting of Lim's designs: classic with just enough twist to make them unique while still maintaining an inherit sophistication. 

I've collected a few pieces of Phillip Lim over the years but am eager for more. On my wishlist at the moment are his draped trousers (I've tried them on and they are surprisingly flattering), this grunge meets glam draped silk tank, and of course the newest addition to the cult 'Pashli' line, a Pashli Medium Satchel (the perfect size for an everyday bag).

Last week it was announced that 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target will launch September 15, and I'm already preparing to throw elbows in order to snag one of everything! Just take a look at this image from The Wall Street Journal. What's on your list so far when Phillip Lim for Target hits stores?

Image via The Wall Street Journal

Happy weekend!

Holly Dyment Fine Jewelry & The Great Gatsby!

A couple days ago I posted about the fabulous Wallis event I went to New York for last week (see here), but I also wanted to share a couple more things from my time away from the blogosphere. #1 - Holly Dyment Fine Jewelry: Prepare to be obsessed! #2- The Great Gatsby exhibit at Prada: A little piece of me fainted when I walked into the store. 

While in New York I had the pleasure of meeting up-and-coming fine jewelry designer, Holly Dyment, and accompanying her to meetings at various fashion magazines. I have to say, the editors went crazy over her things, so expect to see them on the pages of your favorite glossies and adorning celebrity style stars in the near future. 

Each of Holly's pieces is like a small work of art meant for fearless fashionistas and punk rock princesses. As a former interior designer, she has a penchant for color and a natural eye for aesthetics. In addition to showcasing her 'Days of the Week' rings which feature an amazing array of skulls, she introduced her new astrological inspired pieces. 

Although Holly Dyment Fine Jewelry isn't for the budget shopper, the pieces make for fab inspiration, and I have a feeling we may be getting a diffusion line in the not too distant future...

In addition to "work," I was lucky enough to have some time Friday to spend with one of the designers of Wallis walking around SoHo. While there we visited the Dress Gatsby exhibit at the Prada store, and both of our minds were blown. Have any of you seen the movie yet? It is on my agenda for this weekend and I can't wait!

Each costume was so magnificently detailed and true to the character it was meant for. Prada also showcased jewelry and a capsule collection of Prada pieces from the past that have a Great Gatsby feel. In the words of Rachel Zoe, "I Died".  Have a look at more of Prada's Great Gatsby exhibit here.

Style Inspiration: Spring Greens

Tutus and kimonos and silks galore! These pictures instantly grabbed me on Pinterest- they fit perfectly with the lush greenery and blooming flowers that appear each spring. Green fashions are on my mind - either used to liven up basic black or as shades of mint and kelly green combined to create a colorful look. 

Kelly Green Mini Handbag / Printed Wide Leg Pants / Mint Cropped Sweater / Neon Green Skirt / Green Heeled Sandals

A couple of months ago I posted on mint handbags, but what about a mint green cropped sweater?? It seems like an obvious must;) If you were a lot of neutrals, kelly green accessories are a a great way to add some color pop to your outfit without feeling too out of your comfort zone.  And now let's talk about greens fit for fashion queens: A neon jacquard mini skirt is definitely punk gone pretty and those silk wide leg floral pants are out of this world! 

Shop Green Clothing:

Shoe Daze: L'AGENCE Sandals

Modern, sophisticated, clean, sexy: those are just a few adjectives that can describe the collection of  L'ANGENCE sandals out this season. A palette of black, white and nude is combined with of-the-moment plexi details to create graphic sandals with an edge. Go for a commanding heel for a  wearable fashion statement or chose flat sandals that can be just as easily paired with an evening shift dress as they can be with a bikini and floppy hat.

Clockwise from top left: L'AGENCE Theresa Clear Strap Sandals / L'AGENCE Dani Plexi Sandals / L'AGENCE Margaret Clear Strap Sandals / L'AGENCE Lauren Sandals

If you follow me on Twitter you may remember I bought these beauties a couple weeks ago. Unfortunately for my closet, but fortunately for my wallet, they were a bit too small (next time  I invest I'm going to follow my own advice and go up a half size). Until the shoe shopping bug bites again I'll be lusting over L'AGENCE online. 

Wallis Fall Fashion Preview

I've been a terrible blogger as of late, but I have an excuse... I was in New York working on the Wallis Autumn/Winter 2013 preview! Wondering what I wore? Head over to my Facebook page to get a peak.

The event took place at the Bryant Park Hotel last Thursday and previewed Wallis' collections of clothing, shoes, handbags and jewelry. For those of you that want immediate retail gratification, check out Wallis' current spring/summer offerings online here.   

Wallis ia a popular British high street brand, and although they opened in 1923 and now have over 100 retail locations in the UK, they just launched their e-commerce site in the states last winter. Known  for well made, on-trend clothing at an amazing value, their first autumn/winter collection available in the US is filled with smart separates, figure flattering dresses and must-have outerwear.

My favorite item of the entire collection has to be this coat, and it will be MINE!!! It reminds me of a warmer (more affordable) version of the 3.1 Phillip Lim 'Spot Pony' moto jacket that I'm lusting after. 

From feathers to cityscapes, standout yet wearable prints are abundant in Wallis'collections. One of the great things about Wallis is that they have an in-house print maker, so the fabulous patterns in their collections are exclusive to them. 

A few pieces sure to tug at shopper's hearts: a graphic shift dress perfect for day to night dressing, the ultimate military coat and flattering floral pants to add a little pizzaz to the cold months. 

Sleek, neutral colors go glam. Wallis' ombre animal print jersey maxi dress is absolutely stunning in person. I would wear it with a leather moto jacket and booties but it could also easily be paired with pumps and a chignon for an evening event.  Slimming black pants should be in every woman's wardrobe and Wallis also showed easy to wear classic sweaters with a little edge (shoulder and back detailing). 

And of course, why stop at clothing?! Shoes and bags and more were also on display.  Wallis' oversized leather clutch with chain detailing will be on my arm as soon as it is available. Booties with metal detailing on the heels and Isabel Marant inspired pumps were  a couple of editors' favorite accessories. 

September is still months away, so until then check out Wallis summer styles here:)

New York Packing Essentials

I don't think I've mentioned it yet, but I'm in New York for a few days for work! The occasional cross country trip has to be one of the most exciting and one of the most exhausting things about my job ( I'm a fashion / lifestyle publicist, btw). Check out my post about one of my past business trips here. 

Now, I may not be  an expert packer yet (just like Rachel Zoe, editing is not my strong point), but I'm getting pretty darn good at knowing what is needed. From backup shoes to backup iPhone batteries, I've got the essentials down. 

What to Pack for a New York business trip:

Pretty Punk

Are you ready for some serious fashion?! Tonight is the Met Gala (aka the fashion Oscars), and aattendees are sure to stun in rebellious creations that evoke the feeling of this year's Met Costume Institute exhibit Punk: Chaos to Couture. I can't wait to see what all the celebs and fashion icons wear. Have a look back at last year's amazing outfits here. 

In honor of the Met Gala, here are some punk inspired clothing and accessories that are sure to give any outfit some misfit edge.

From top to bottom: Fishnet harness tank/ shark tooth earring/ double spike cuff/ spike necklace/ B Brian Atwood stud pumps/ money print tank/ stripe leather skirt/ striped jeans/ tartan pumps/ safety pin necklace/ white mini bag/ yellow Rockie bag/ studded toe booties/ skull print scarf/ knit tank 

Punk inspirations have been seen on Spring 2013 and Fall 2013 runways of labels including Preen, Anna Sui, Christopher Kane, Phillip Lim, Jean Paul Gaultier , Versace and Moschino. To achieve a bit of punk in your own style add in elements such as  skull print accents, deconstructed open knits, plaid, homages to England, bold stripes and spike and stud jewelry and embellishments. 

"Punk: Chaos to Couture" will be at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Opens from May 9th - August 14th. Check out a sneak peak of the exhibit here. 

BTW, today I'm featured on the blog, Sense and Sequins, which belongs to the dynamic sister duo Holly and Casey! Hope you are able to stop by and check it out:)

Shop Punk Inspired Fashions:

Fashion Quote Friday: Christian Louboutin

Image via

Today I'm sharing a quote from the King of red soles, Mr. Christian Louboutin. It's pretty fab... and so are these Christian Louboutins... A girl can dream, can't she?

I'm r-e-a-d-y for the weekend. I plan on taking advantage of this great weather in San Francisco spending as much time outside  as possible (eating and drinking, of course).  What about you, any fun plans?

Check out some of the sales and links I'm loving now:

• Save up to 50% on Cusp! I'm eyeing this dress for an upcoming wedding 
• From now until Monday May 6th, Madewell is offering an additional 30% off all their sale styles (tons new added) with code EXTRA30. Visit the sale here
• Forward by Elyse Walker just some major designer looks on sale up to 50%. Visit it here
• ShopBop has rolled out more spring sale additions. I'm drooling over these vintage sunglasses
• Have you gone Mother's Day shopping yet? If not, check out my Mother's Day Gift Guide. There are so many options this year I still can't decide on one for my mom!
• SheFinds shares what to buy (and not to buy) in May. Read the article here
• The premier of the Great Gatsby is just one week away and I'm already anticipating the fabulous costume. If you're in New York, hope you can check out Prada's Great Gatsby Exhibit 
• The gals behind mega fashion website, WhoWhatWhere, have launched Domaine - a home website with stunning interior inspirations, celebrity design articles and shopping guides

Christian Louboutin Shoe Porn:

Accessory Alert! Orange Crush

First things first - How gorgeous is this orange Hermes bag?! As soon as I saw it on Pinterest I was smitten. As you may remember, in March I was mint handbag obsessed. But now, I'm brightening things up and crushing orange bags of all styles. Turns out I'm not the only one accessorizing with citrus hues - check out these style setters. 

Images: Miranda Kerr, Jessica Alba, Alessandra Ambrosia, Jessica Biel

In case you haven't been keeping up with celebrity style snaps on FabSugar or People StyleWatch, this season celebrities are all about orange handbags! 

Miranda Kerr's stunning orange Alexander McQueen Heroine bag is a fashion dream come true. If you don't have a supermodel budget try this structured $50 option. If you like the functionality of a crossbody bag like Jessica Alba's sleek Ralph Lauren, check out a look for less here. And if you need a carryall like Alessandra Ambrosia and Jessica Beil, tote tangerine in style with this on sale Michael Kors  or Sam Edelman tote.

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From the apricot colored Botkier satchel to the tangerine fringe Milly clutch, sweet orange handbags add the perfect pop to a spring outfit. These are just a few of my favorites. 

And finally I'm going to part with a tough question. If you could only buy one, would you pick an orange or mint handbag to add to your warm weather repertoire?