neiman marcus is having a spring sale so good, it’s making me reconsider my longstanding boycott of their online store (a very long story involving a dispute over some ill-fitting prada shoes which had not been worn, i don’t care what they say.  but i digress…).  anyway, the sale is fabulous, especially with regard to spring shoes.  you get to take an additional 25% off the discounted price of everything that’s already on sale, plus free shipping at any price (with code SHOPNM).

if you haven’t splurged yet this season, may i suggest:

from left to right:  michael kors bristol wedge, $118 from $225; antik batik gladiator sandal, $108 from $215; loeffler randall brynn thong, $163 from $325; cole haan air phoebe woven rope sandal, $84 from $168; prada espadrille wedge, $193 from $385; stuart weitzman leather wedge espadrille, $163 from $325; tory burch lizard-print reva flat, $118 from $235; tory burch espadrille flat, $58 from $115;  joie wingtip flat, $149 from $198.

not to mention all of the lovely, lovely loefflers on sale, and some elizabeth and james stacking rings i’m seriously considering.

just don’t test out your new shoes on a hardwood floor…trust me on this one.

ah, spring.  i’m so not a fan of warm-weather attire, but the shoes?  they’re another story entirely.  i get absolutely giddy when my favorite shops start to break out the sandals in january, and i start counting the days until i get to wear my peep toes for the first time each spring.  truth be told, i end up a little overwhelmed by my choices…in the best possible way, of course.

but i think i’ve finally narrowed it down to my favorites of the season.  i’ve tried (so very hard) to minimize the splurge factor, so most of these are under $100, and each and every one will bring some serious spring style to your closet.  this list is far from exhaustive (it’s a great year for sandals), but there isn’t a pair here that wouldn’t be extremely welcome at my house.

if you’re the type to pick one classic shoe to get you through the season, this cole haan ($108) is it.  sleek and simple, these will blend with any style you’ve got going.  but look closely, and you’ll see just a touch of inspiration from those oxford brogues we’ve been seeing everywhere.  add the nike air technology, and your long summer strolls will be utterly effortless.

these sweet mini-wedge espadrilles from marais ($92) just remind me of childhood…in the best possible way.  i’d love to see these paired with skirts and dresses, sure, but they’d be equally cute with cutoff denim.

for something a little edgier, i fell hard for these bright blue gladiators from aldo ($60) when i first spotted them.  i got the chance to test them out (yes, my job is awesome), and i can tell you they’re one of the most comfy sandals i own, and the construction is really impressive for the price.  i’ve developed a whole new affection for aldos after trying these.  rock them with your spring shorts, and release your inner badass.

i hardly know where to start with these studded snakeskin flat gladiators from modern vintage ($225).  they’re a bit of a splurge, i know, but look at them!  the snakeskin straps, the studded vamp…it was too much for me to resist.  these might just top my list this year.  (you can, incidentally, get a similar look for less here…not as wonderful, but under $100 is always nice.)

sigh…these rachel comey margot sandals had me at hello.  again with the mini-wedge and the bright, cheery color…i have a feeling these wouldn’t leave my feet all summer!  i’m sorry to tell you they’re a definite spluge at $275, but nab 20% off with code SPRING10 for the time being.

and last but not least, we all need a little something to kick around in when our pedicure’s lagging.  these striped yellow cordones from TOMS ($69) are an adorable alternative to those little leather oxfords we’re seeing everywhere, and a nice change from the keds of yore.  plus, you get do-gooder bonus points, as TOMS still buys a pair of shoes for someone in need for every pair they sell.  (update: the powers that be just emailed to let me know they’re discontinuing this color, so act fast if you love the yellow. if you miss out, the red version is sticking around, and it’s just as cute!)

happy friday, everyone…i hope there’s some shoe shopping in your future this weekend!

i don’t often spy a dress that will work for (nearly) all figures, (nearly) all occasions and (nearly) all budgets.  in fact, it almost never happens.  so when one comes along, i can’t help but shout it from the rooftops!  it just so happens that this rachel pally frock is exactly that kind of dress.

this dress just screams for a weekend – dressed up, it’s your go-to wedding guest dress, or pair it with a tan flipflop and it’s perfect for any casual outing.  top it with a cardi or a jacket and it’s a great option for the office as well (just keep that sweater buttoned, please!).  the length is ultra-flattering, the color is sweet but not saccharine (and not so nude that you risk being washed out), the cut is oh-so-forgiving, and the accessorizing options are literally endless.

plus, it’s 30% off at basic boutique through 4/16 with code TAXBREAK (as is anything else at basic that you fall for!).  that brings it down to about $165, which still isn’t a steal, but trust me, you’ll wear this more than enough times to make it worthwhile.

editor’s note: thanks so much for the input, everyone!  looks like the score is pretty well tied, but i do think i’m leaning toward the booties – would still love your thoughts, though.  for those of you with *excellent* memories, you remembered that the booties are the ones i featured last fall from sigerson morrison (they were re-released for spring) – and they’re still $295.  the sandals are by marni, but i found them over at yoox.com, also for $295…on sale.

i know black isn’t very interesting for spring, but i’m finding myself wanting a shoe with a bit of edge to keep my spring looks from getting overly girly.  i think i have it narrowed down to two choices…both pretty versatile, and not like anything else in my closet.  so, pricing and branding aside, tell me which you love best!

it’s a tricky one.  the sandal is the clear choice for spring…but when fall comes, i suspect i’ll wish i’d splurged on the bootie, and i do think i could make it work for some of my spring looks.  what say you, dear readers?  (once we get a consensus, i’ll let you know where you can find both of these lovelies!)

just stumbled across this rad (yep, rad) geometric tee over at need supply, and i’m thinking it’s just the thing for spring, especially if you’re floral-phobic, as so many are.

i love that the detail on this is appliqued, not screened, which makes it feel a lot more expensive than it is.  ditto for the mod cut on this tee: perfectly slouchy up top, but trim at the waist, so you get the look of the relaxed boyfriend tee in a more figure-flattering silhouette.  it’s the perfect no-brainer to pair with spring skirts and shorts, and it’s a very wallet-friendly $50.  not bad, not bad at all.

is it really possible that it’s time for spring sales already?  shopbop usually leads the pack in these matters, but still!  not that i’m one to look a gift horse in the mouth, and this sale is definitely, definitely a gift horse.  loads of pretty spring dresses, including my favorite buy of the season: my alexander wang cowl neck dress – at 50% off, no less (a little tip: size down on this one)!

from left: marc by marc jacobs splish splash dress, $208; t by alexander wang cowl dress, $46; free people striped shirtdress, $75.

and of course, don’t forget the staples.  i’ve been dying to try the citizens of humanity morrison jean – i love the narrow boot cut, and more forgiving rise – and i may finally have found my excuse:  30% off!  i’m also pretty crazy about this mike & chris moto jacket, which would be perfect for pattern mixing…after all, what wouldn’t match that chic marled fabric?  (though, if you happen to be a size 6, please, please take advantage of this amazing rag & bone tuxedo jacket, marked down 70%!)  the jewelry is also especially nice this time around…i’m sorely tempted to splurge on a bold new necklace (or three).

from left: citizens of humanity morrison slim boot, $144; mike & chris dede moto jacket, $157; cc skye devin necklace, $136.

but i’d really like to know what you’re splurging on…even if it’s only in your head!  leave your picks in the comments, and we’ll have ourselves a little virtual shopping marathon!

i’m so pleased with my latest brainstorm, i can hardly stand it. it all started with tan trench coats invading the spring runways. slowly, it creeped into my brain that i actually owned such a coat – albeit one from at least five years ago, and not something i’d considered terribly stylish (hence its residence in the very back of my guest room closet). but these new trenches were hip and perfect, and i couldn’t figure out why.

finally, it dawned on me…black buttons! for some reason, it’s all about the black buttons – the contrast in color adds the perfect edge to this classic. then, i started seeing them paired with that amazing military belt from burberry prorsum. if you haven’t seen it, it’s $350 and, if that weren’t prohibitive enough, it’s also sold out absolutely everywhere.

i knew there had to be a better way. and so, i’ve turned my lust for this:

(wait…go back and take another look at that belt. so fabulous, i can’t stop thinking of ways to wear it!)

…into reality with this:

yep, that’s my old tan trench (find something like it here or here) + the application of larger black buttons (thank you, tailor) + a quick google to track down *actual* military belts = exactly the style i wanted for spring, and it was in my closet the entire time. my tailor wanted about $15 for the button swap, and the belt is a very thrifty $9.99, leaving me with a whole new piece for under $25. not bad for a little brainstorming! plus, that little $10 belt is going to do some serious work this spring – i already have plans to pair it with pastel cardigans and cutoff shorts, and to edge up my girly floral summer dresses.

now i’m finding myself trying to figure out what else in my closet could stand a little updating. is anything in your wardrobe ready for a remodel?

(editor’s note:  my belt arrived! and it’s fabulous in person – just what i was hoping for!   a little tip on sizing: make sure you measure your waist.  the sizes listed are exact lengths for the belts…i guessed based on my denim size, and was totally off.  i’d say a small would fit you if you wear up to a 28 in denim; if you’re a 29-32, you’ll want the medium.)

i’m resurrecting this end-of-the-week mishmash of my latest favorite things…but i think we need a better title, don’t you?  suggestions?

to start, i can’t forget to tell all of you that bloomingdales is having its annual friends & family sale through sunday 3/28.  you can nab 20% off just about everything with code BFF.  there are just too many finds to post, but trust me…it’s worth a look!

british chef jamie oliver makes my favorites list this week not just because i have a huge tv crush on him (and i do).  it’s partially because of his new cookbook, jamie’s food revolution, which is full of some great recipes that are easy and fast, including loads of excellent curry recipes, which are hard to come by.  but also, my tv crush is coming back to tv!  he has a new show coming on that starts tonight on abc, and i can’t wait!

speaking of crushes, i have an official crush on this dress by eskell (courtesy of the always-enticing le train bleu):

normally, i am thoroughly unenthused by warm-weather attire.  but this dress is utter perfection. for those of you dying to try the bold layering/color contrasting trends that are so hot this spring, this dress is a foolproof way to go about it.  it would so easily go from office to weekend with just a change of shoes, and it has the most flattering cut i could imagine!

i’m almost embarrassed to show you this scarf by yigal azrouel, because it is so hideously expensive ($380.  i know, i know.):

but then, it’s soooo beautiful, how could i not share?  oh scarf, the lovely things i could do with you…all my jeans and tees would suddenly be chic and perfect. (and by the way, yes, the expression on that model’s face does make you think that maybe you accidentally slept with her boyfriend.)

as penance for making you lust after a $400 scarf, i’m going to show you my favorite bag for the summer (ahem…well, so far, at least), which happens to be an utter steal.

i love everything about this bag from mothology – the rough cotton/hemp cloth, the nautical french stripe, the leather handle…it’s total warm-weather perfection, and it’s only $82.  it reminds me of something elegant ladies would carry to the seashore.

have a fabulous weekend, all!

well hello, readers!  i missed you last week. but the whole time i was gone, i was taking furious notes of all the things i had to tell you about when i returned.  yes, i spent nearly all of last week revisiting my old stomping grounds in san francisco.  thank goodness the city is still as amazing as i remember…though i don’t miss that 9% sales tax!

i shopped and shopped, and then i shopped some more.  i got tees at H&M, mugs at jonathan adler, a tour of the new spring collection at michael kors, macarons (and way too much candy) at miette patisserie, made several trips to bloomingdales and barneys, neiman marcus and saks, and drank my weight in cappucinos at my favorite italian cafe.  and i topped it all off with lunch at neiman marcus’ rotunda restaurant, quite possibly my favorite lunch spot ever.  how can you not love a huge stained glass dome, birds-eye view of union square, all the popovers you can eat, and live models trailing couture past your table.

i also got to catch up with several of my dear friends that i left behind in san francisco (hi to A and J!), and spend some much-needed quality time with my sweet mom.  and i finally (finally!) got to meet the lovely connie, who’s been my e-friend for years, and is now a real live in-person friend.  love that!

sigh….i’m exhausted just reading that!  yes, i had missed my city.  and i worked very, very hard to hit all the spots i missed while i was gone.  i picked up so many new tips, brands and ideas that i can’t wait to share…but for now, i have to start with what i brought home, don’t you agree?

my big splurge was this amazing leather blazer by vince – on super markdown at barneys, i might add.  vince calls it their ‘paper leather,’ and it really is amazingly thin, light and matte – plus it has knit panels on the underside of the sleeve and along the sides, which makes it ultra-comfy and perfect for layering.  this is last fall’s style (which i prefer for being infinitely less trendy), but if you want to see the current incarnation with its asymmetrical lapels (also very cute), it’s right here.  i can hardly wait to start pairing it with cropped jeans and frilly spring dresses.  you know, something like…

…this ella moss version i picked up (also on the barneys supersale).  it’s not online any longer (the hazard of buying on sale…), but this one is awfully similar.  just imagine it with short sleeves and no black mesh detailing.  i’m already plotting to pair it with black tights and short boots now (and that fabulous new jacket!), and a chunky nude sandal come spring.  i love that there’s a bit of black in this print – it keeps it just shy of being girly overkill, and will make it so easy to layer with darker colors.

and last, i couldn’t resist these gorgeous bronze (really more of a coppery shade) mirrored cutout flats from belle by sigerson morrison – they were a last-minute treat from neiman marcus.  i love these as an alternative to sandals (especially when the pedicure’s looking a little less than perfect), and can’t wait to use them to dress up cutoff shorts or boyfriend jeans this summer.

other than that (ha!), i was pretty restrained.  i passed up oh so many luscious handbags, and managed to avert my eyes from the jewelry department every time i went to barneys.  but even with all that self-control (ha again), it was an ab fab trip, and i can’t wait to do it again.

how was your weekend?

time for a little wednesday rant.  normally, i look forward to spring and summer not at all – i’m just a girl that likes to layer, and loves her scarves, and summer just does not allow for either of those.  and then, there’s the fact that i strongly dislike being above 70 degrees.

but even in the depths of my despair, i always know that even when spring fashion disappoints, i’ll have all of those lovely spring sandals to fall back on.  sadly, not this year.  this year, they’re just…yuck.  woven peep toe boots, *more* gladiators, prep school oxfords and clogs?!  (okay, the oxfords may not be all bad.)  normally, the unveiling of all of those warm weather shoes put a definite spring in my step, but this season’s “hot” shoes have left me pretty cold.

the source of this rant?  an email this morning from saks, telling me to check out all of their hot new contemporary shoes for spring.  to-wit:

those were the first four shoes that came up.  are you depressed yet?  seriously, am i expected to wear these messes?

(okay, so maybe those elizabeth and james sandals on the right are actually kind of cute. but what exactly are those shoes on the left? they’re like keds…gone very, very wrong.)

personally, i’m rebelling…if this keeps up, i’ll spend the summer in my sperry topsiders (oh, and those luscious loeffler randalls i nabbed a few weeks back…), and not a single new shoe box will enter my closet until next fall.

what do you think of this season’s choices?   i’ll admit, there were a couple of styles mixed in that didn’t make me want to hurl (and don’t worry – i’ll be weeding them out for you)…but for now, i’m a little blue.