I have a bit of a love/hate with Friday Finds, which is why you haven’t seen it lately. I always want it to be packed to the gills with impossibly perfect picks, but that’s a tall order, isn’t it? But this week, so many covetable chestnuts crossed my path, I couldn’t resist the gravitational pull to show each and every one to you right.this.minute. Read on
{Editor’s Note: The following content is sponsored by Target, and you can read all about the gory details at the end. But as always, the content is 100% my opinion, which I’m never shy about sharing.}
I can count on one hand the number of brands whose seasonal launches I genuinely wait for. The ones I hound the designer about, to see what the launch date will be, and log on first thing that morning to see what’s in store.
Yes, I can count them on one hand, and Emerson Fry is one of them. Every single season, they come up with pieces that I wouldn’t have considered, that push my boundaries just a smidge, yet that will fit into my closet so seamlessly, I can’t possibly say no. Read on
This spring, I’ll moon about bright pops of color, florals and maybe even some monochrome black-and-white action. But what will actually end up in my closet?
I know, I know – I shouldn’t tease. But it’s 30 degrees outside, and as I look out my window, there’s a veil of frost over everything. I need a little light at the end of this wintry tunnel. So forgive me for seeing glimmers of springtime everywhere I look this week.
I do love a Kate Spade sale…I feel like they’re one of the last brands that *really* knows how to tempt a girl with a bargain. There are some pretty gorgeous goodies to be had, at some pretty incredible prices (up to 75% off) – including that Scout bag we were all fighting for last season. If I was in a shopping mood (curse this hot weather!), I’d be all over it.
1. Bedford Road Leighton, $199 / 2. Sunnies $62 / 3. Scarf, $89 / 4. Japanese Floral Austin dress, $139
5. Selma sweater dress, $98 / 6. Idiom bangle, $69 / 7. Essex Scout, $179 / 8. Big Time Statement necklace, $69
Ha! As if I could “find” anything in this mess of a house. Moving is so not conducive to my hyper-organized style. My living room is like something out of Hoarders, my kitchen looks like a bomb hit at my local Williams-Sonoma, and don’t get me started on the state of my closet. I can’t even get to my shoes!
But, I’m making progress. And if nothing else, I’m back to blogging. Which really, is not nothing at all. So, shall we talk Friday Finds?
First up is the highly-talented Nichole Robertson’s much, much-anticipated new book, Paris in Color (from Chronicle, of course). I am obsessed…and much too tempted to take an X-acto knife to the thing and frame half its pages. There are oodles of photos of this gorgeous tome floating around the www this week, but none as cute as mine:
{Daisy-approved!}
I am almost sorry to tell you about this find, because it’s biggest problem is just that: it’s really hard to find. Also, not cheap. But Philip Kingsley’s styling products are a serious obsession at my place these days. I use the Smooth Cream for frizz-free curly hair days, and the Preen Cream (this site has a killer price, and free shipping) for blowouts that last at least an extra day, sometimes two. Totally worth the hunt.
Spotted this J.Crew linen tee via the lovely blue moss girls, and am now obsessed. Slouchy, bright, and just the thing to throw on when you’re feeling style-less. Since I have at least another two months of long sleeves before summer arrives in Portland, I think I’m entitled to a little treat, don’t you?
To say that the very last thing I need right now is something else for the kitchen would be a massive understatement. That said, I am in love with this measuring cup from Terrain (via creature comforts), and it needs to be mine.
And last but not least, my weekly Pinterest pick. Truth be told, I haven’t been anywhere near prepared to Pin this week, but I hope to remedy that by catching up on my 800+ unread blog posts over the weekend. For now, I am borrowing a pin from Nina Garcia, a seriously awesome pinner. In the midst of moving chaos, nothing looks better to me right now than a room that’s utterly blank and serene.
Have a wonderful weekend, friends!
Cropped pants. I should probably disclose, before telling you that I’ve just bought two pair, that I really, strongly dislike them. Sure, they’re adorable on Audrey. But then, what isn’t? Not exactly the best measure for success. In general, they tend to be seriously unflattering on women with curves – too loose in the backside, too tight on the calves, too short to create that long, lean line that lends us all a hand every now and then.
And yet. Spring rolls around and suddenly longer trousers just feel out of place. So, I was determined to make these work for me. And I found some options!
First rule of cropped pants: length is key. Subtitle: Capris are terrible. They make your calves look huge, and instantly beg the comparison in size between your calves and thighs, which no one needs. If you’re going cropped, the only way to get that long, slim silhouette you’re after is if the hem hits that flattering spot right around your ankle bone. No part of your calf should be exposed.
Second rule of cropped pants: tailoring. Bubble butt is a huge problem with this style for some reason. But, it’s easily solved by your favorite tailor. A couple of well-placed darts on the backside, and you’ll have a fabulous fit – best $20 you’ll ever spend.
So, my two finds? First, an ankle-length printed pant from Talbots.
The paisley print felt more modern, and a bit more unique than all the florals floating around out there (it also looks an awful lot like something from Stella McCartney’s spring line, but no complaints here). The length is just about perfect on me, so anyone 5’8″ or less is set. They’re also insanely cheap just now – $45, plus an additional 40% off. They do require a little tailoring in the rear department, but you can more than afford it at that price.
Next up is the ubiquitous Minnie pant from J.Crew (which does not photograph well…sorry). They’re surprisingly flattering, but too short. So, semi-genius solution: I ordered them in a Tall size. Perfect! J.Crew is one of those brands with faux-tall sizes – all they do is adjust the length, with no change to the rise or any other measurement. So I often order a tall since I’m right on the cusp – better to hem than to flood. I went with boring black here, as I thought too many of the other colors looked like aerobic leggings once on. Give yourself a little room in this style to prevent that. I could have worn an 8, but went up to a 10 so they looked less legging, more pant.
What are your feelings on the cropped pant? Are you two old friends, or are you phobic like me?