Saturday, March 13, 2010

Spring Essentials


Each season we face the same quandary: what do we really want to wear? The question doesn't call for much soul searching, but the difficulty of answering said query is nothing to scoff at. After all, there are approximately 404 new trends to try right now, but who has the timenot to mention energy, resources, and budgetary flexibilityto experiment with even a fraction of those alternate fashion identities? Rather than suggesting a manic course of action (buy everything!) or scaring ourselves into an inert state (buy nothing!), we decided to spend some time crafting a spot-on shopping strategy for spring's key pieces. Today's roundup is the result of these labors and just what you need to ease into a stylish new season. We've spotlighted our favorite iteration of each piece, as you've no doubt surmised, but feel free to tailor the categories to your own personal taste too!


1. Boudoir Top / Topshop Paisley Lace Bralet ($40) in Grey
Whether it's worn on its own, underneath something sheer, or as an accent piece over a more substantial top or frock, one thing's for certain: lingerie is front and center this season. Of course, you can't just reveal any old ratty bra or step out in a grungy slipthis trend calls for a little forethought. Well consider yourself prepared with this demure bralet from Topshop: it's a sweet piece that would look darling peeking out under a prim button-up or even worn over a t-shirt à la Erin Wasson.

2. Khaki Jacket / Theory Nani Jacket ($325)
The spring runways were awash in classic trench coats and loads of utilitarian, military-influenced item. This beyond-cute linen jacket from Theory offers the perfect blend of these two important looks and is sure to become your favorite lightweight outerwear option. The oversized collar and abbreviated cut are stylishly subtle while the cool details, like big horn buttons and cropped buckle-adorned sleeves, elevate the whole piece. All in all, it's one of the best buys you could make this season!

3. Cat-Eye Sunglasses / Tom Ford Eyewear Nikita Sunglasses ($240) in Tortoise
Around this time last year, the frames of choice for our favorite tastemakers were circular sunglassesbut that was then and this is now! Currently the shape to seek out is something a bit sleeker: the cat-eye. Wild versions turned up on the runways of Luella, Miu Miu, and Giles Deacon, but we think you'll find this tortoise style from Tom Ford is a bit more wearable and wonderful too. Sure, the price is a bit steep, but considering that sunglasses are such important accessories, we think investing in a well made, marvelously on-trend pair is a sound style plan.

4. Mid Blue Denim / Les Halles The Denning Jean ($115)
When it comes to denim for the season, we're personally looking to the slightly-seventies mid-blue hues spotted at Chloe and Stella McCartney for fashion guidance. Accordingly, we were beyond buzzed when we spotted this soft shade from Les Halles. In addition to the great wash, we love the Denning style; it's soft, stretchy, and super slim, but still super flattering. Though this exact pair isn't available online yet, you can call and place your order today!

5. Opening Ceremony Sunburst Lace-Up Wedge ($510) in Leopard
The moment Alexander Wang's S/S 10 show started we knew it: animal-print accessories were officially a must-buy! Happily we weren't the only ones feeling a little kittenish, as these amazing wedges from Opening Ceremony attest. The cut-outs, lace-up front, and peep-toe wedge make the shoe interesting enough, but then the fact that it's enrobed in leopard? Good lord, we can't keep from drooling!

6. Structured Satchel / Mulberry The Alexa Bag ($1150) in Oak
If bag shopping is a bit like datingyou flirt with one style today, have a torrid affair with another type tomorrowwe're ready to settle down. There's a new tote that's so desirable, you'll want to commit forever: Mulberry's Alexa bag. Inspired by the one and only Alexa Chung, this small satchel is a cross between the brand's beloved Bayswater style and their men's briefcase. It's a bit schoolgirl-ish and super chic, but what can we say, we're in love!

7. Fuchsia Lipstick / Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick ($9) in Fuchsia
As you no-doubt know, we're never ones to shy away from a bold lip. But right now the color we're craving is a bit more vivid than the blood-orange reds and sweet peach tones we've been wearing. Maybe it's a reaction to all the nude, khaki, and olive green colors that are so popular this season, but the shade we crave is boldly and unapologetically pink. Our source for the most fabulous fuchsia lips is super affordable and easily accessible to boot: Revlon's new ColorBurst Lipstick. Having tried all the colors (we're carrying at least three at any given moment), we can swear that the formula is fabulous and the pigment is true. Try it today and we promise you'll have a new beauty crush too!

8. Little White Dress / Calvin Klein Collection Needle Punched Detail Dress ($2495)
You undoubtedly have a LBD in your closet, but we want to make sure you have the warm-weather equivalent of this wardrobe essentialthe LWD. The little white dress was a major item on the runways and showed up everywhere from Calvin Klein Collection (how beautiful is their version?) to Givenchy and back, so make sure you sleuth out the best version for you now before they all get snapped up. Of course, not everyone wants to save up for a runway frock, so we also found a few alts for your shopping pleasure, like IRO's Adate Dress ($280), Supertrash's Silk and Lace Tiered Dress ($128) or Preen Line's Rib Dress ($297). The first is minimalist, the second romantic, and the third coolly distressed: one is sure to catch your eye!

9. Leather Shorts / Joie Dempsey Leather Shorts ($378)
Of the many, many, many leather items out there this season, we think you should try the most unexpected option: shorts. A wide-leg style like Joie's Dempsey Leather Shorts is especially awesome: they're very Lauren Bacall-meets-Mad Max and the combo of tailoring and toughness is quite seductive. Best of all, they're actually quite versatile: pair them with a simple striped tee and neutral flat sandals for the weekend, a delicate white blouse and a cropped blazer for the (creative) office, or with statement heels or booties and a semi-sheer top for a night out with your friends. We're sure you'll find a way to wear them well!

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