Airport Chic

Gwyneth Paltrow

While most of us don't have to worry about being photographed as we dash through an airport, there is something to looking decent when we fly.  My parents have always been the blazers-and-loafers type of flyers and made sure my sisters and I looked nice too. I definitely don't wear heels as these jet-setting celebs do -- but always flats (never sneakers or sandals).  Blazers, layered tees and cashmere sweaters/wraps atop jeans or leggings are de rigueur.

Charlize Theron

On a side note, I am glad to see the J.Brand Houlihan cargos are still making appearances. I have already brought mine out from the depths of my closet and been wearing them on warmer days with flats.  Thinking of buying a pair in white....

Kate-spiration

From grunge...

To glam...

How to change up a casual, everyday shirt.  

The Everything Shirt

J.Crew

I am just coming off throwing a big kids' party... and now on to packing up and moving houses.  During this crazy time, all I want to wear are my soft, cotton button-up shirts.  I lived in a super casual cut from J.Crew post-pregnancy, and am now back to wearing it again. Once I realized how much use this top would get, I bought in bulk -- light and dark chambray, white, and a light peachy-nude.  They are so versatile -- I wear them belted with leggings, tucked into my jeans or just loose and easy. In the summer, they go over swimsuits or atop shorts.

J.Crew

While I don't think they have the same exact style in stores now, any iteration is a good one. It is also the perfect seasonal transition piece as it can so easily be layered under sweaters or worn with the sleeves rolled up and unbuttoned just enough. Ironing? Forget it. The lived-in look just adds to the beauty of this everything shirt.

The (White) Denim Diaries, Part II

I went to Zara in search of white jeans (see my previous post on my hunt for this summer staple). They had none. I ended up with this...

A white cotton tiered minidress.  Looks much cuter on than in the pic. It has an exposed zipper in the back which adds a little character. Will probably wear it with flat sandals for summer nights or afternoon parties. Need to experiment with accessorizing it.

Love this mini -- has a retro feel to it. The stiff fabric and slight A-line is really flattering. Again, will wear with flats and maybe topped with a simple tank. 

Pretty blouse in blue...  wish it was an even deeper navy but I like it nonetheless.  Seems like it will be versatile in my wardrobe.

I liked the slouchy casualness of these tanks. The colors are fun and the zipper is a cool detail. Will wear with white jeans (if I ever find them!).

I can't even explain how comfortable these little canvas-y flats are!  They have a rubber sole so, they are perfect for the playground and running around with the kids -- I will not worry about ruining them because they were literally less than $30!

Note: I tried on lots of poppy red pieces (see Red Alert), and had no luck. Maybe the hue is just not for me? 

While my search for white jeans continues, I am making some great discoveries along the way!

La Liz

Harper's Bazaar / Everett Collection / Butterfield 8, 1960

Honoring Elizabeth Taylor -- an icon of glamour.

Harper's Bazaar / MGM/Courtesy Neal Peters Collection / Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, 1958

Harper's Bazaar / Everett Collection / Cleopatra, 1963

Harper's Bazaar / Frank Teti/Neal Peters / In Edith Head at the Academy Awards, 1970

Harper's Bazaar / At the Paris Opera 1963

Harper's Bazaar / Everett Collection / 1953

Harper's Bazaar / Everett Collection / Suddenly Last Summer, 1959

Mommy Chic, cont...

A family outing for the Jolie-Pitts. Love them!

First Lady of Fashion, cont...

Michelle Obama wears Marc by Marc Jacobs

Hello spring!  The first lady kicks off the new season with bold, bright dress -- by one of my fav (and affordable) labels Marc by Marc Jacobs.  She looks great!  Perfect for a jaunt to Brazil with her husband. 

Marc by Marc Jacobs "Simone Stripe" dress

Menswear, Maybe?

Kate Moss

I haven't worn a suit in I don't know how long -- years and years. My jobs never required it and honestly, it is just not my style.  But maybe it is time to think about investing in one again? A well-fitting, high-quality suit is one of those things that we should always have in our closet. Undoubtedly, occasions arises when a suit is the appropriate attire.  And in between, there is nothing wrong with wearing the pieces on their own. I do like wearing blazers. I have been throwing on a black wool Chloe jacket at night recently and feel instantly polished and pulled together... always balancing the structure of the jacket with something feminine (see my post on ruffled blouses).

I love the way Kate Moss looks so cool in her gray suit -- not the least bit stuffy or stiff. Even the Olsens look grown up and sophisticated. While a suit is not high on my shopping priority list, it is something to think about... 

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen

Milla Jovovich

Cate Blanchett

Pretty Purple

It may not be the first pair of shoes or bag you reach for off the shelf, but you have to admit there is something pretty and elegant  (and maybe even sexy?) about purple ... 

3.1 Phillip Lim

Marc Jacobs

Lanvin

Miu Miu

Yves Saint Laurent

J.Crew

I actually buy a lot of purple -- dresses, tops, bags, shoes -- for my three-year-old daughter. It is her absolute favorite color. Perhaps it's time to start adding a little to my wardrobe?

Sarah Jessica Parker

Read all about bringing purple passion into your life on my post on the Well Appointed House blog.

Red Alert

Need a little inspiration to get your bright on?  Natalia Vodianova radiates in her little red jacket and matching Chanel bag.   

The stores are full of this poppy hue for spring... I stopped into Zara the other day and saw racks of pieces in this spirited shade. I love buying on-trend pieces there because it is not a big investment or a commitment.  Wear it just few times during the season and it is no big loss.  I'm thinking of going back to get a one of these dresses and the basic tank.

I bought this for my mini-mes (wish they had it in my size!):

A cute cotton short or skirt in this tomato red might be an simple/sweet way to wear it -- with just a white tank or tee. 

J.Crew

J.Crew

A slouchy tote or flats in red would no doubt end up being summer staples...I like the matte leather in this shade of red.

Marc Jacobs

J.Crew

I think a little poppy could go a long way, no?

The (White) Denim Diaries, Part I

White jeans are always the hardest to track down...  I think the challenge is in finding the right combo of a not-too-thin denim and a tight enough fit. Last year, I spent the entire season trying on white jeans and never ending up buying a pair. I gave up when it started snowing. Now, I am on the hunt again.  I am going to start with the J.Brand pencil leg that I've been wearing in dark denim lately and go from there... Maybe try J.Crew, the Gap, Current/Elliot... A friend told me she found a good pair from Notify. And I actually like the look of the Victoria Beckham jeans!

Victoria Beckham "Mid-rise skinny" jeans

J.Brand "912 low-rise skinny" jeans

Current/Elliott "Stiletto low-rise cropped  skinny" jeans

Zara

J.Crew "Matchstick" jean

J.Crew "Toothpick" jean

I do have a pair from Zara that I've worn for years now but they are just OK, not great. I know that the perfect-fitting pair is out there!  Let's just hope I find it before the season is over.