Summer Staples, cont...

Barney's fashion director Amanda Brooks in Castaner espadrilles

Cool and comfy espadrilles are warm-weather classic (see previous post Summer Staples)...  But I also love a glammed up version. The summer shoe with a platform wedge is the perfect way to give a casual look a slightly dressier feel -- and the ideal footwear for on-the-grass parties (to avoid the dreaded sunken heel syndrome).

Tory Burch

Yves Saint Laurent

Lanvin

Christian Louboutin

Rochas

Orange Crush, cont... (Taking Risks)

Akris

After wearing a brightly colored cocktail frock out a couple weeks ago, I was hooked on color. And so excited to wear an electric orange evening gown to a black-tie a few nights later. I loved it. I certainly stood out in the sea of black dresses -- but it felt great. The Akris gown I wore was also pretty slinky, to say the least. And, I actually wore a "fascinator" (the party theme was "Bold & British" in honor of the Royal Wedding)! I am usually relatively restrained with it comes to what I wear but it was so fun to break out and take some fashion risks. You only live once!

Jennifer Aniston in Vivienne Westwood

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Diane Von Furstenberg

Tory Burch

Jonathan Saunders

Tibi

J.Crew

It's good to be bold and break away from black once in awhile...

The Girly Go-To, cont...

A few takes on the ruffled top...

Tory Burch

Tory Burch

Zara

Zara

Alice By Temperley

Alexander McQueen

It is a pretty classic piece... a versatile component to any wardrobe. Perfect for when I want to dress up jeans just a little...

Pretty Prints

Leifsdottir

An evening of shopping and champagne? It doesn't get much better than that! The glamourous Melissa Hawks, of the Well Appointed House, opened up her very well appointed house to host a trunk show for the newish, contemporary brand Leifsdottir.  (Read all about the stylish soiree on the Well Appointed House blog.)

Melissa Hawks in a Leifsdottir print top and skirt

The summer collection was on display for purchase and it was all about exotic prints. Now, there is nary a print or pattern to be found in my closet, but I think it's time to change that. Sifting through the racks, I envisioned myself at a summer cocktail party in a long, flowing patterned frock (shod in flip-flops or gladiators),  or maybe a short, bright print flirty frock for a sultry night out. Think Hamptons or Saint Barths.  

Leifsdottir

Leifsdottir

I've also been eyeing this purple paisley-print summer gown from Tory Burch ever since I saw the below picture of Kirna Zabete owner Sarah Easley on the Tory Burch blog.

Tory Burch

How cool can she make a floor-length frock look?!

While summer is certainly not yet in the air around here in New England, it is definitely on my mind! And a pretty print could be the perfect way to help usher in the new season.

Orange Crush

Diane Kruger in Lanvin

It seems like black has taken a backseat to brights on the red carpet lately -- especially this spectrum of orange-y to poppy red shades. (I guess we can be grateful that the celebs can test out the new trends for us.) So far, I think spring's electric hues are looking good. I love the idea of going for such a bold shade at night -- sure to get you noticed! -- especially paired with an equally bold shoe in a different color.

Emma Stone in Lanvin

Blake Lively in Marchesa

Kate Bosworth in Calvin Klein

Orange is the ultimate summer shade -- it looks great with white jeans and shorts (staples), as well as khaki, denim and chambray (and a tan!). have a pair of T-strap Ferragamo sandals in apricot that I wore to death last summer so, I need to find replacements. I almost forgot about my tangerine-y leather Tods tote that I have not used in years. It's super sporty and will be perfect for casual around town days. I also just unearthed a pair of satin ballet flats in the shade that I bought a few years ago and have never worn...will start now (if the snow ever melts!).

 

Rachel Bilson in Burberry

 A fitted cardi in a bright shade would be cute and easy to wear... with just a simple tank or nothing underneath.  Gold jewelry is a superchic accompaniment to bright orange on sunny days -- so layer it on!

And of course an accessory would be the easiest way to get in on the trend without making too much of a statement. Love the Marni rope bracelet!

Tory Burch

Miu Miu

Marni