Well, I had plans to be productive this week, but honestly, how much attention are any of us paying when there’s a glorious four-day weekend on the horizon? But, I do have a few fun things to share before I start working on next week’s post about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale head to the pool… Read on
I have what friends might lovingly call a denim problem. Because I work from home, and because I live in a pretty casual part of the world (hello, fleece lovers!), I spend an exorbitant amount of time in jeans. To the point that I’ve had to have the seats in my car replaced because they’re covered in denim dye. Truly, I’ve tried to stop. But what are my alternatives? Cords? No. They make strange sounds when you walk, and leave woefully unflattering color changes when you sit. Khakis? Absolutely not. Have you ever looked at your backside in a pair of khakis?
So, what’s a girl to do?
As it turns out, the solution lies with those impossibly stylish folks at MiH Jeans. They singlehandedly resurrected the trouser/flare jean a few years back (for which I’m still thanking them), and now they’ve just launched their latest and greatest: a collection that translates their signature denim fits into a whole range of perfectly-fitting casual pants to get us through the winter.
The beauty of MiH, as with all denim, is the fit – and friends, the fits at MiH are absolutely dreamy, whatever your figure. They espouse a more structured style, which is very good news for your physique (though it does mean sizing up, so be prepared).
If you’re petite, you’re going to adore their Brighton, a cropped mid-rise style that should land right in that ultra-flattering base-of-the-calf/top-of-the-ankle zone and sit comfortably above your hips. I’m thoroughly in love with this grey flannel version which is, let’s face it, about as versatile as it gets.
And for my tall girls, have you met the MiH Marrakesh? Long, lean, and a stunner whether you have curves or not, this high-waisted flare does some gorgeous things for a figure, trust me. I’m head over heels for this one in hunter twill, which has such a fresh feel after all of those colored skinny jeans we were inundated with all summer.
(For the record, I can’t think of the last time I styled something in which I wanted every.single.piece. quite so badly. That blazer? Those boots? The leather-trim tee? Come on!)
If you love them as I do, don’t dally…shell out some support for MiH’s daring adventure into the world of casual pants, and let’s see if we can turn them into this season’s staples. Vote with your wallets, people!
I’m craving a great dress this fall. Something I can dress up or down, that will look amazing solo but has enough versatility to be styled a dozen different ways. I hadn’t seen anything that really fit the bill…until I spotted the Brijitte from Milly’s fall collection.
Yes, that’s exactly what I had in mind. The big, bold print is strong enough to stand on its own (just leave that neckline open a bit, so there’s some skin to break up the pattern), but will be easy to mix into all sorts of styling options. And I’m so grateful to finally see a dress I love with a knee-length hem.
For work, styling is simple. Loosen up the neckline, and pair it with a classic blazer with a perfectly nipped-in waist – something in black, navy, even chocolate brown is easy, but I’m feeling tweed for this look too. Keep the leg bare, or add an opaque tight and a great jewel-toned pump (suede if you have it). If you have a less conservative office, a heeled bootie would be amazing too. You don’t need much jewelry with the neck tie on this dress, but a classic gold hoop would be a perfect pairing.
But then, of course, there’s the weekend…and the thing I love about this dress is its 24/7 appeal. Ditch the blazer and add a long cardigan or vest – oh how I love this herringbone vest from Elizabeth & James. You could even funk it up with one of the fur vests you’re seeing everywhere (I know, I know…but trust me – but the fur vests aren’t as scary once you try them on). Keep the ankle booties or try a riding boot* for a bolder choice. Push up the sleeves, add a long pendant necklace in gold (I’m thinking of that pretty chevron locket from Acanthus) or something bolder (perhaps from that amazing Elva Fields), and you’re ready for just about anything.
*Speaking of beautiful riding boots, I have to take a moment to tell you about these. I’ve been wearing those very boots, the Frye Amelia in cognac, nonstop. I cannot get over how much I adore them. The fit is perfect (size down a half size), the color is so striking, and they’re ridiculously comfortable. Best new boot this season, if you ask me.
How would you style this beautiful dress?
i’ve decided to ignore the constant drizzle (and, ahem, yesterday’s hail?!) in my rainy city. i’m springing forward, darn it, and i don’t care what the weather has to say about it. this week’s list of friday finds is nothing if not bold, bright and full of spring color.
if this “pretty in prints” compact from clinique doesn’t bring out the sunshine, i don’t know what will. they teamed up with milly to design a palette that’s pitch-perfect for spring. the compact is etched with a classic milly pattern, and inside, you’ll find nothing but classic, useful shades of eyeshadow and blush to see you through the entire summer. plus, that pretty drawstring pouch makes this even more fun to throw into your beach bag. i’ll be using each and every shade until it runs dry – a bold claim from a girl who has never finished an eyeshadow in her life.
shopbop is always just hellbent on taking my money, and they’ve launched a couple of new treats this week to do just that. first up is their new “ONE by” boutique, which features one (and only one!) signature or special piece from designers off the beaten path. i’ll admit, most of it is more fashion-forward than i am. but i do love the thrill of having something from a designer no one else has heard of. and it makes for excellent window-shopping.
also, their spring collection of tucker by gaby basora arrived this week, and it’s all just so lovely, i’m speechless. all i can say is that i want nothing more than to spend every single day of spring in these bold, bright silks.
i know we just talked shoes yesterday, but i can’t resist showing you these stunning suede loafers by kubyan. they caught my eye in the march marie claire, and i haven’t been able to stop thinking about them. i’ve been wanting a pair of driving loafers that successfully walked the line between classic and tongue-in-cheek, and suddenly, here they are. now to come up with the $300 i’d need to make them mine. fortunately, they’re made by hand, by single mothers in colombia who need work. so really, it would be wrong of me not to buy them, right?
while i was in seattle last week, i took a moment to check out the go international designer collective reprise happening at target. they did a great job of bringing back the best styles, and the timing couldn’t be better, what with wedding season on the horizon. after trying on every several styles, and crying a bit over how short the black floral tucker dress was (it’s so lovely!), i left with this colorblocked shift from thakoon. colorblocking will be everywhere for summer, and this is an easy style with infinite potential.
that’s it for this week, friends. i hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead of you! i’ll be celebrating a little engagement-versary with the hubs, so hopefully some wining and dining will be involved, as well as a considerable amount of R&R. i hope you have something equally lovely planned.
i am loooving how generous shopbop has been with the coupons this year! through thursday, score 25% off sitewide (on full-priced items) with code INTHEFAMILY25 because you are my friends, and shopbop is practically family. or something like that.
now, what to buy? well, here’s a little taste of what i’m craving this season:
a slouchy, distressed, oh-so-casual hobo, like these by giorgio brato (i’m obsessed!) or this MbyMJ version.
some effortless spring dresses – perhaps this denim version from vince, or maybe i’ll splurge on this amazing dress by milly that’s been on the must-have list for a month. i’ll be wearing it to every fete in town!
and, some big, bold jewelry to pull any look together…this gold cuff from kenneth jay lane has been on my list for a while now.
but mostly, i’m dying to know what you’re buying – spill in the comments!
ps…to get the scoop on all of the other fab sales & discounts that arrived in my inbox today, check out my twitter-ness!
(psst…stay tuned! the contest winners will be announced later this morning!)
hallelujah! i’m so very excited to see the first of fall trends trickling in to my favorite retailers. fall is going to be all about a return to tailored, ladylike dressing…no more micro-minis, no more babydoll maternity tops. that’s right – flattering clothing is back, ladies! think 1940s glam – katherine hepburn, marlene dietrich, and i#mce_temp_url#. it’s going to be fabulous.
case in point: i just got an email from shopbop this morning, advertising knee-length dresses! after months of having to wear jeans underneath my fave frocks just to keep from looking absurd, it’s a thrill.
this nanette lepore dress ($335) is just the thing for summer fetes. the super-sized floral is oh-so-hot right now. and you don’t get much more girl than flowers and sweetheart necklines, yet look at that fab asymmetrical pleating on the bodice – it does a perfect job of keeping this beauty from getting too precious.
this fab classic from rachel pally ($238) is about as vintage chic as it gets – again with that gorgeous, slightly-modified sweetheart neckline (oh-so-flattering, ladies!). in white, it’s perfect for summer, but in black…well, since i’m not a great candidate for the sheath dress, this has serious LBD potential.
and i couldn’t resist sharing this jungle-leaf print dress from milly ($374). it’s the perfect option to keep you chic and on-trend at the office. that fabulous print, and subtle details like that flattering elbow-length sleeve, and the little kick-pleat in the back make this even more special than it first appears.
so, what do you all think about this new trend: fab or flop?