Tag Archives: topshop

it’s the little things

topshop bag

| Mini V Panel Holdall, Topshop |

Some days, you just need a pick-me up. A little impulse buy with a big “joy factor” that will make you excited to check your mailbox for a few days.

Doesn’t this wee blue bag just make you smile? It’s $65, if you can believe it. God bless Topshop. Sure, it’s PVC and it will probably only last a few months, and we’re all supposed to be consuming less and making more mindful purchases, blah blah blah. But sometimes, some days, you just need a little something.

Since I just got a pretty adorable pink bag (I’ll show it to you on Instagram, I promise), I probably can’t justify one in baby blue too. But you certainly can!

Whether it’s this, the Greek-inspired necklace I treated myself to this morning or something else you’ve had open in a browser tab all week, I hope you’ll treat yourself to a little something today, friends. You’ve earned it.

 

Share 'it’s the little things' on Facebook Share 'it’s the little things' on Google+ Share 'it’s the little things' on Pinterest Share 'it’s the little things' on Twitter Share 'it’s the little things' on Email

currently coveting: midi skirts for spring

First of all, friends, I’m so sorry for being woefully delinquent a bit absent lately. If we’re pals on social media (oh, please say we are…a girl needs a little validation now and then), you’ll probably have gleaned that I have a pretty fantastic trip coming up in a couple of weeks. Paris and Florence! And truth be told, it sort of has my brain in a vice grip. I’m making packing lists (which I’ll be sharing), coordinating guests to hang out here while I’m gone, and trying to make sure I have my must-visit list of stores in order before I leave. So, just hang in there…your patience will be rewarded with loads of pretty pictures and some great travel guides, I promise.

For now, though, can we talk about how excited I am that midi skirts are in style this season? Not that I so much care about what’s “in style” if I love it and it looks good on me, but I very much care about what’s “available for purchase”, and if something’s in style, you can find it just about everywhere.

So, why the midi? Read on

Share 'currently coveting: midi skirts for spring' on Facebook Share 'currently coveting: midi skirts for spring' on Google+ Share 'currently coveting: midi skirts for spring' on Pinterest Share 'currently coveting: midi skirts for spring' on Twitter Share 'currently coveting: midi skirts for spring' on Email

the how-to: bundle up in style

When one of you (hi, Amy!) suggested that I talk a little about bundling up for winter, I got pretty excited. The truth is, winter is my season! While I hate the cold, I absolutely adore cold weather style. So, today I thought I’d dispense a few of my favorite tips for staying chic no matter the weather. Read on

Share 'the how-to: bundle up in style' on Facebook Share 'the how-to: bundle up in style' on Google+ Share 'the how-to: bundle up in style' on Pinterest Share 'the how-to: bundle up in style' on Twitter Share 'the how-to: bundle up in style' on Email

weekend forecast

Casa SMC has been Casa Crazy this week, my friends. Work is piling up (but that’s a good thing, right?), and I’m already swimming in holiday ideas for our gift guides. Lucky thing, since Hanukkah starts in…four weeks?! No pressure. Just wait until you see what I have up my sleeve – this year’s going to be the best yet!

Besides working my un-manicured little fingers to the bone, here’s what I’ll be up to this weekend: Read on

Share 'weekend forecast' on Facebook Share 'weekend forecast' on Google+ Share 'weekend forecast' on Pinterest Share 'weekend forecast' on Twitter Share 'weekend forecast' on Email

off the rack: london edition

london shopping, via shopping's my cardio

Friends, I have so much to tell you about the wonderful time I had in London last week! But first things first – I know you want the scoop on my retail adventures, and goodness knows there’s plenty to tell. In four days, I managed to hit Portobello Road, Liberty of London, Harrods, Topshop, Selfridges, the V&A Museum shop, Cath Kidson, and of course Boots. To say nothing of the sightseeing, eating, theatre and my afternoon at the Four Seasons. Exhausted? Yep. Worth it? Totally.

While I catch my breath, I thought I’d show you a few of my favorite finds from London. Don’t fret – after some very careful sleuthing, I’ve found spots you can nab each and every one of these goodies right here in these United States.  Read on

Share 'off the rack: london edition' on Facebook Share 'off the rack: london edition' on Google+ Share 'off the rack: london edition' on Pinterest Share 'off the rack: london edition' on Twitter Share 'off the rack: london edition' on Email

am i blue?

Most of you probably don’t know this, but one of the reasons I started SMC back in my wee baby blogging days was that I’m a chronic overshopper. Give me a task, a specific piece to search for, and I’m like an obsessive-compulsive dog with a bone – I simply cannot stop until I’ve unearthed every possible option, in every possible shape and at every possible price. With a blog as an outlet, that pesky little personality flaw just turns into “content research.” This is why we all need jobs doing what we love.

Case in point: now that blue is the bag color this season, I’m finally ready to take the plunge. Mind you, I’m no fair weather convert to cobalt. I’ve been eyeing those baby blues for at least three years now. But this year, I think I’ve finally got it. My elusive white whale (well, it’s a blue whale I suppose, really) is right here:

Read on

Share 'am i blue?' on Facebook Share 'am i blue?' on Google+ Share 'am i blue?' on Pinterest Share 'am i blue?' on Twitter Share 'am i blue?' on Email

currently coveting: MiH jeans

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.

 

Brighton in grey flannel, MiH, $202 / Dream colorblock sweater, J.Crew, $98 / Wayfarer in gold, Bass, $91 /
Wendy Necklace, Grayling, $120 / Mini Gabriella crossbody, Milly, $198 / Gold stud earrings, Marco Bicego, $405

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.

Marrakesh in hunter twill, MiH, $205 / Hunter tee, Club Monaco, $90 / Gala jacket, Helmut, $460 /
Geo panel tote, Topshop, $190 / Sylvia Piping boot, Frye, $320 / Crystal bracelet, Zara, $26

(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!

Share 'currently coveting: MiH jeans' on Facebook Share 'currently coveting: MiH jeans' on Google+ Share 'currently coveting: MiH jeans' on Pinterest Share 'currently coveting: MiH jeans' on Twitter Share 'currently coveting: MiH jeans' on Email

trend to try: boho glam

{Editor’s Note: Erin’s back with a look at one of the trickiest trends there is: boho. How to pull it off without looking like a hippie schlub? It’s a tricky business. The key is to glam it up and be wary of proportions, and Erin’s got a can’t-miss strategy to make it work for anyone…yes, even you.}

Altuzurra, via Style.com / Rachel Zoe, via Style.com / Hermes, via Style.com

Erin ~ The bohemian, free-spirited look is shown so often that it has become less of a trend and more of a type of style. However, this season has a little twist on the classic flower child look. It’s a little less Woodstock and a little more wealthy gypsy with a dash of urban sophistication. The look is characterized by rich leather, fur (faux or real), layers of luxe fabrics, and gold accessories. This is definitely a look for maximalists, so don’t be shy with the layers or the accessories!

For the weekend, start with a maxi dress in an autumnal palette. This is a great way to stretch your wardrobe and bring some of those summer sundresses into fall. A long necklace and patterned scarf bring in a bit of happy chaos to give that bohemian feel. Heeled booties lend the outfit a bit of urban edge and the tweed blazer adds polish and texture to make the look feel current.

Modern Lit Lecturer Blazer, Modcloth, $45 / Harness Heel Boot, Dolcetta by Dolce Vita, $98 / Plaid Shirt Scarf, Free People, $48 / Crystal Spear Necklace, Alexis Bittar, $155 / Paisley Maxi Dress, Eighty Sixty, $99

To take the boho look from 9 to 5, try pairing contrasting textures of rich fabrics. Gold jacquard pants contrast with a silky blouse, and the small diamond pattern plays well with a simple feather print, creating a harmonious mix of textures and patterns. Layer a black vest and bangles over everything to bring the outfit together and add an extra dose of boho cool. I personally love the look of cropped pants over a calf height boot or ankle booties, but this look would work equally well with a wedge heel or a classic black pump.

Darling Elizabeth Tunic, ASOS, $60 / Trinity Gold Jacquard Cigarette Pants, Reiss, $265 / Mighty Black Leather Zip Boots, Topshop, $90 / Sleeveless Wool Vest, Lord & Taylor, $60 / Art Deco Bangles, Tinley Road, $18

Lastly, for a night out, pair a jewel-tone dress (merlot is particularly on trend for fall) with a fur vest. A pair of chandelier earrings adds a touch of gypsy glimmer; after all, it is a girls’ night out. Tassels and fringe are standard for a boho look, but instead of a predictable pair of fringe boots or a bag, add just a touch with a tasseled skinny belt and keep the boots classic for a more sophisticated look.


Tassle Hem Faux Fur Gilet, Topshop, $110 / Timber Jersey Dress, French Connection, $138 / Emina Boot, Libby Edelman, $127 / Gala Chandelier Earring, Banana Republic, $45 / Skinny Waist Belt with Tassel, BCBGeneration, $24

This trend is a great way to get some extra mileage from your closet by making unexpected pairings. Mix glamorous, special pieces with your casual weekend wear, mix patterns and textures, combine floaty summer pieces with heavier fall clothes, and when in doubt, always layer on one more thing!

Share 'trend to try: boho glam' on Facebook Share 'trend to try: boho glam' on Google+ Share 'trend to try: boho glam' on Pinterest Share 'trend to try: boho glam' on Twitter Share 'trend to try: boho glam' on Email