Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer...

 

 

Have a great long weekend everyone!

xoxo

Hair inspiration: summer braids

Braids are the ultimate go-to hairstyle for hot and humid summer weather and there's an infinite amount of styles and variations to choose from.  I've been a long-time fan of the side braid, but lately I've been drawn more and more towards heidi-style, crown braids.  When I came across this tutorial on how to acheive a less severe version of the milkmaid style, I figured Memorial Day weekend would be the perfect opportunity to test-drive the look.  Here's how you can do the same...

tutorial via: A Cup of JO

Tickled pink and green with envy...

I spotted these insanely gorgeous photos of Cynthia Smith last week and have had serious outfit envy ever since.  I can not stop analyzing and obsessing over every ounce of this perfect ensemble–starting with her crazy-cool combo of mint green and pale pink.

the cherry blossom girl

the cherry blossom girl

the cherry blossom girl

the coveteur

Above are a few more pretty photos I came across while fueled by this color combo infatuation, and below are my favorite shopping picks for recreating the look...

(clockwise from left): NASTY GAL sunglasses, $30.  Theory shirt, $190.  Topshop shirt, $36.

Current/Elliott pants, $170. Old Navy bracelet, $8.50.  Sportmax sandals, $445,  Antik Batik skirt, $290. 

Balenciaga bag, $1,445.  Dorothy Perkins belt, $7.  J Brand shorts, $159.  Wool and the Gang sweater, $105.  

  

Summer can't come soon enough...

Elle France March 2011 photographed by Ben Watts

Who knew Proenza, Celine, Fendi and Prada could all work so well for the beach?  I'm dying for every one of these perfectly styled pieces... and even more so for the perfect weather to necessitate them.

Have a great weekend everyone!  Fingers crossed for sunshine! xoxo

Fresh prints...

images via Tommy Ton for style.com 

I'm loving the more abstract and nonuniform prints this season, especially those of the fruity and floral variety.  Mary Katrantzou is a genius and my ultimate favorite new designer.  Her original prints and patterns are insanely good, and have definitely inspired my wardrobe as of late...

clockwise from left: Zara dress, $99.90.  Bijoux Heart necklace, $1,235.  Zara skirt, $59.90.  

Fendi sandals, $770.  Zara scarf, $59.90.  Karen Millen clutch, $160. 

Outfit inspiration: suit yourself

Although I haven't worn an actual suit since college interviews, I'm loving these modern interpretations of the career staple.  The sleek lines and tailoring of a suit will always look chic, but updated with a pair of shorts or cherry-red fabric and it suddenly looks current and cool–even when you're off the clock.

images via: sequin gown, shopbop, streetpeeper, shopbop

from left to right: Acne blazer, $570, Acne shorts, $215.  Veronica Beard blazer, $550, Veronica Beard shorts, $375.

Theory blazer, $395, Theory shorts, $200.  Proenza Schouler blazer, $1,675, Hache shorts, $230.  No.6 shorts, $205.

Stella McCartney blazer, 3.1 Phillip Lim shorts, $295. 

images via: shopbop, golestaneh, lefashionesque, shopbop

from left to right: 3.1 Phillip Lim blazer, $485.  Viktor & Rolf blazer, $1,395. Vanessa Bruno blazer, $520.

Robert Rodriguez pants, $295.  Calvin Klein pants, $138.  3.1 Phillip Lim heels, $850. 

images via: theladiesaffair, Harper's Bazaar, fujifiles

All from Zara

Black, white and red all over

images via: fashiongossip10, jupeboutique and theblondejournal

Ever since I posted this ensemble in Monday's post, I've been obsessed with the look of breton shirts paired with pops of red and deep coral.   Ashley Olsen, in particular, gets style points for her full-suited version... perfection!

Outfit inspiration: fashion down under

images via Tommy Ton for Vogue.com

Hope everyone had a great weekend and Mother's Day!  The fashions seen both on and off the runway at Sydney's fashion week were so refreshing and inspiring.  I'm loving the color-rimmed glasses, bright prints, mixture of stripes and coral, pairing of aqua and tan leather and of course the bold collar necklace (last discussed here).

Last minute Mother's Day gift guide

 images (clockwise from left): Stella McCartney necklace, $295.  Tory Burch tote, $250

My Mom Style Icon book, $18.95.  j.crew ballet flats, $168

 images: Jo Malone candle, $65.  Burberry robe, $250.  Assorted MOR products, $12-33.  Barefoot Dreams Blanket, $140   

 images: Babycakes cakepop maker, $40.  Assorted magazine from ebay, $5-30.  PSA Essentials embosser, $60

 PSA Essentials stamper, $40.  Freund and Mayer sealing wax kit, $60

 images: lemon & poppy cookies recipe via Camille Styles.  personalized photo book via My Mom, the Style Icon.

breakfast in bed cut-outs via Jordan Ferney of oh Happy Day!

Happy Friday everyone!  Here are some fun Mother's Day gift ideas for all of you last minute shoppers out there!  This last set of gifts is geared towards those of us with moms (like my own) who are constantly telling us– "Don't waste your money on me this year!"  Whether they mean it or not, these gifts are virtually cost-free and have the added bonus of highlighting your creativity and thoughfulness.  After all, it really is the thought that counts!

Have a great weekend!

xoxo 

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