Mellow Fever

Short Cuts and Red Lips

2012-08-21T05:30:00.000-04:00

Surprise: I cut my hair short again!

My hair is curly and thick, and, in the summer, often feels like I've wrapped my head in a mohair throw. I couldn't take it any longer. I showed up at the salon for a trim, threw my eight pounds of hair over my shoulder, and eyed the scissors longingly. My stylist (Julien Farel, if you're wondering) promised me he could cut a bob that, despite my hair's texture, would be wash-and-go.

I'm not dumb. I've had bobs before, and I've devoted hundreds of hours to disciplining them all with straightening irons because, left to its own accord, my short hair ends up resembling a yield sign. But I decided to take a leap of faith: A) Julien has done magical things with my hair; B) The combination of heat and humidity was starting to give me impromptu dreadlocks; and C) Dreadlocks can work on some people...but are mostly gross.

So I got this cut, below:

It actually almost kind of looks like the style in the photo, so long as I apply a healthy handful of Fekkai Glossing Cream to it every three hours. It also helps if you, like I, are legally blind in one eye. Nevertheless, success! I just have to keep hair products in my purse and maintain a 10' berth around all hoses and sprinklers and, um, rain. But give me credit: I'm not showing up to work with a topknot. (Don't even get me started on topknots. Nubby little topknots are the sweatpants of the hair world.)

However, I was nervous that, besides a triangular head of hair, a bob would put me in the "matronly" zone. (I'm turning 23 on Friday. Therefore, this is a legitimate fear.) Long hair is more feminine—so feminine, in fact, that my grandmother once said I looked like a "sexy hussy," which she meant as an well-intended insult. Insult or not, I was afraid I'd lose that along with the six inches of split ends. The fix? I took a cue from the same photo above and am now married to a dark red lip; my favorite, for both color and wear, is Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Color in Inimitable. I layer it with balm to dilute the intensity and take the Gaga look down a notch. Note: Don't use lipliner unless you do like the matronly vibe.

Next up: Growing in my eyebrows. Also, posing. And the possibility of rompers. (All inspired by the above photo.)

Photo credit: UFOs Over Baghdad

Dress Up

2012-08-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

True confession: I showed up to a spring break trip in Puerto Rico with a suitcase full of pretty sundresses...none of which were suitable for a spring break club scene. I actually don't own anything that qualifies as a party dress, save an American Apparel number-turned-Jigglypuff costume. If you weren't aware, a Pokemon-themed outfit is less welcome at a club than a full-length muumuu.

My birthday is in a week and, in my frenzy to find something besides a drop-waist dress that I've worn for three previous birthdays (...I'm a girl of habit), I've come across the perfect style for Girls Who Only Rage on Rare Occasions—a party dress, not too short and not at all tight, that can nevertheless hold its own on a dance floor. Do you know what's sexier than an up-to-there hemline? An exposed back. Proof:

Is this not the most clever way to get a cheeky look without having to wriggle your dress down every five steps? (Seeing as we're on the topic of cheeky, anyway). An open-back dress is unexpected, and the sexy factor doesn't hit you over the head so much as whisper in your ear. It's gamine, not garish; think Audrey, not Marilyn (modern day translation: Marion Cotillard, not Kim Kardashian). I could go all day with this. The electric-blue hue of the Free People dress ($118; freepeople.com), bottom right, keeps the lace from looking too saccharine.

In this case, less is not more, but just enough.

Photo credits: Blair Edie/Atlantic-Pacific and La Lune

Classic Twist on Colorblock

2012-08-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

There's Eastern Standard Time and then there's the little-known Magazine Standard Time, which is four months plus whatever the hell time it is in New York. This means that lately, I've been swilling peppermint drinks and celebrating fake New Year's Eve countdowns and listening to Bing Crosby.

Naturally, I've been going through my drawers to look at my neatly-stacked jeans and weep as I sweat in the sticky, relentless heat. I can't even LOOK at my sweaters (but only because the last time I did, I found a cockroach hanging on one. Is that gross? Sorry. New York and stuff). But whatever, I'm going to start early. My thoughts are halfway through November, and if Boy Scouts can prepare, why can't I?

Colorblock is big. Bright colors, try pairing hot pink and red like Sarah Jessica Parker did that one time (you know which outfit I'm talking about), blah blah blah yawn sneeze yawn. While splashes of fuchsia and coral and Kelly green will fly in the summer, fall is a different story. You just don't want to wrap yourself up in a cozy neon-orange sweater. (Trust me.) The fix? Take a note from Stella McCartney's Fall 2012 RTW show and try colorblock with a twist: neutrals.

Black and white. Camel. Maybe navy, if you really feel like pushing the envelope. I love how a simpler palette emphasizes the geometric foundation of colorblock; instead of focusing on the colors and how they work together, these pieces show off the shapes and illusions that can be so flattering. I'd wear the Rag & Bone blouse (top, click to buy) with skinny jeans and boots (boots!), or tuck it into a pleated skirt for an unexpected pairing. The Trina Turk dress (bottom, click to buy) would be perfect for the office and for happy hour afterwards. Plus, when the weather gets chilly, a cropped leather jacket would give it a little kick.

Neutral colorblock? Wear it now. Wear it later. Scout's honor, it'll work.

Hi There

2012-08-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

I accidentally took a month-long hiatus from blogging. In between working and baking countless loaves of zucchini bread and attempting to revive my social life, my reasons for blogging slipped through the cracks. I only realized this last week; an intern asked me about the edit test I took for my job at More. I explained that I'd felt overwhelmed when I first received the test, and then realized that it wasn't entirely different from the writing I did every day (okay, every few days) here on the blog. Then I remembered that I had a semi-defunct blog.

I've been struggling to find a balance. I love to write, clearly, but I don't have the time for a long-form sort of blog that goes on for pages and pages; plus, as reader, I find that that's a lot of text to wade through when I only have a few minutes here and there to spare. This is my long-winded way of saying that I'll be trying to figure out a good, satisfying routine in the new few weeks, one that gives fair effort to each bit of my life, from my social interactions to my job to vacuuming my apartment. Maybe I'll even post Instagram photos of my baking endeavors on here!

Just kidding. This isn't going to turn into a baking-slash-feelings-slash-photos-of-myself blog. I'm just going to write about shoes and how much I like polka dots and why I can't wait for peplum to get off the racks and out of my life.

Good talk? Good talk.

Photo courtesy of: Leslie M K

Confessions On Chambray

2012-06-25T09:06:00.001-04:00

After much thought and deliberation, I've decided that I hate chambray.

It reminds me of denim, and though I love my Rag & Bone jeans as much as the next girl, there is no way that I'll ever be on board with denim shirts and jackets. I understand that chambray isn't denim, but the color and texture are enough of a reminder to keep me far, far away. I can sum it up like this: I dislike chambray as much as I dislike gingham.

But not polka-dot chambray.

If you ever need to convert me to something, just pop some polka dots on it and call it a day. The polka dots and playful jewelry add some whimsy and femininity to chambray, which, depending on styling, can seem a little utilitarian and stiff. This J.Crew blouse ($78; jcrew.com) is the perfect shape, too: fitted at the waist, but just slouchy enough to layer.

Don't worry, though. The day a jean jacket appears on this blog is the day you know girlfriend has been hacked.

Photos courtesy of: Gitman Brothers via Have Less Be More and J.Crew.

Summer Sweater

2012-06-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

Guys, the temperatures in New York are supposed to reach 90 degrees this week.

That is SWELTERING, sticky, sweat-down-your-back status, and about the moment that I desperately wish for fall: crunchy leaves underfoot, creamy lattes topped with cinnamon, and most importantly, sweater weather. Seeing as how much I like to wear jeans and indulge in my lazy-casual style, sweaters are an obvious staple in my closet.

An oversized, cozy sweater just won't do in this heat (unless I want to shrivel up somewhere between my apartment and the 59th St bridge), but I've discovered the next best thing: sheer knit sweaters, also know as The Summer Sweater. See here:

The loose weave keeps it lightweight, breathable, and a touch see-through (come on, live a little!). Plus, the bright colorblock makes it season-appropriate—there's a right time and place for charcoal and navy, and mid-July is just not it. I love the punchy coral hue of the Knitted Kid top ($179; etsy.com) on the left. For a nicer price, scoop up J. Crew's fitted version ($80; jcrew.com). Pair it with denim shorts (or, for the brave at heart, a contrasting color like cobalt blue). Wear everywhere. Rinse, wash, repeat all summer long.

Top photo courtesy of: Sluchevskaya.

All About Ombré

2012-06-14T08:08:00.000-04:00

The other day, I went ombré.

See! Look! I did it!

I also spent two days trying to decide how I feel about it. I'd never gotten highlights or done anything besides dump a box of red hair dye on my head in college, so it was a bit of a shock. The wonderful Aura Friedman at the Serge Normant at John Frieda salon started the color higher up (just about even with my eye line) to accentuate the layers I hadn't previously appreciated or even really noticed. I love that the effect is really subtle, as we went with a chocolate-toned caramel color. Good to know: if you have dark hair and eyes as well as a warm skin tone, it's a safe rule of thumb to avoid going any lighter than the color of your eyes. Who knew?

What do you think? Would you go ombré? I'm just EXTREMELY relieved that it did not turn out looking like Miley Cyrus's dip-dye job..

After Hours

2012-06-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

What do you do when you get home from work?

I always have high hopes for some sort of productivity, but these usually devolve into a grainy portrait of myself on the couch, where I cradle a pint of raspberry sorbet and think out loud in French between commercial breaks. And then it gets dark and I realize that I haven't turned on a single light. Obviously, I'm far too comfortable to rise and slap the light switch, so I sit in the dark until my stomach growls loudly enough to distract my attention from whatever I'm reading or watching. I then spend two hours cooking dinner and fifteen minutes eating it before I look up and realize that I'm pretty much ready for bed.

EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. Mostly.

Is this normal? Am I a hermit in the making? Is life eight hours of work and sometimes happy hour but mostly a steady, unadulterated sugar coma punctuated by the occasional sitcom marathon? Share your best piece of advice on how to spend after-work hours and I'll tell you where to find the best pint of chocolate gelato in NYC.

The Perfect Pout

2012-06-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

What's your favorite shade of lipstick?

Lipstick is, by far, my favorite product to try; it has an immediate effect that brightens and energizes the entire face. Plus, since I dress fairly casually (read: like a schlub) most of the time, a swipe of lipstick is the easiest way to look pulled together and somewhat polished in less than five seconds.

As much as I would love to love pink lipstick, it just isn't happening. I'm so obsessed with the neon-bright hue of Giorgio Armani Sheer Lipstick in Pink 8 that I just keep it on my desk and play with it a few times a day. And then I cry. But orange-red shades just flatter my skin tone more, and because Tangerine Tango is Pantone's much-publicized Color of the Year for 2012, orange-red lipsticks keep rolling across my desk (and incidentally, into my purse)(and my desk drawers)(beauty editors are the original hoarders). All I wear is FACE Stockholm Cream Lipstick in Gladje and Laura Mercier Crème Lip Colour in Tangerine. Both are hydrating, flattering, and saturated with color.

I think a staple lipstick shade is so telling about one's personality, almost like how your favorite kind of chocolate reveals something about you (mine is milk with almonds, for the record). I found a deep purple lipstick by Dior that I just KNEW had to go to my best hipster friend, because she's the only one cool enough to pull it off. So which is your go-to shade? Pale pink? Dark, classic red?

Photo courtesy of: Eva Green Love

In the Summer Sun

2012-06-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

Do you tan?

This weekend, I read this article in Self magazine about three women who give up the tanning bed. I've always been fairly consistent with wearing sunscreen in the summer, but thanks to my job, I'm now positively manic about it. One woman in the article said that she would "reconsider salons" after learning about alternative ways to reap the (few) benefits of UV light, such as vitamin D and serotonin boosts. Yes, reconsidering the tanning salon might be a good idea.

I'm vigilant about slathering sunscreen on my face and neck every single morning (I like Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30 and SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30), but I do admit that I'm not as careful about the rest of my body—specifically arms, legs, and ears. Do you use sunscreen every single day? I'm always tempted to skip when it's cloudy, but I have it so grounded in my routine that I rarely do so.

But to be perfectly honest, the best part of wearing sunscreen? Smelling like you're at the beach when you're (sadly) nowhere near it.

Photos courtesy of: Maudelynn's Menagerie and Sun Dance, both via Modern Hepburn

A Toast to Lunch

2012-05-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

I brown-bag my lunch to work every day; in the land of $10 salads, it's the most economical option. However, my daily tuna sandwiches have begun to taste like refrigerator—you know, that cold, one-dimensional flavor of absolutely nothing.

Therefore, I love the idea of repurposing open-faced toasts as lunch sandwiches (after topping it with another slice of bread, of course). I want to try every single one of these:

I think the salmon toast and I would have a grand old time on my lunch hour. (Although Nutella and pear...that is just a work of genius.) Which is your favorite?

Photo courtesy of: Wit & Delight

New Space

2012-05-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

I've been MIA, but not without a fairly good excuse: I've moved on short notice from a dark first-floor apartment to a little studio above Manhattan. The view is nice and all (also qualifies as fantastic), but it is nothing compared to finding the holy grail of NYC apartments: an ensuite washer and dryer. I used to drag my laundry upstate because I hated paying so much for it; I'm so excited about this that I've been doing laundry two, three times a week, full load or not.

However, I was a little apprehensive about living alone. This post from Joanna at Cup of Jo was so comforting (and fascinating), and to be honest, I'm already enjoying the abundance of alone time amid my books and magazines. Do you, or have you, ever lived alone? Did you like it?

From Madrid to Manhattan

2012-05-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm back!

And I have news. It's not the groundbreaking kind, don't worry. It's more of the I-didn't-buy-any-clothes-while-I-was-in-Spain kind, the not-even-from-Zara variety. I know. I'll give you a moment to collect yourself off the floor and settle back in your desk chair.

When I wasn't dropping euros on queso y jamon y calamari y the cheapest wine ever, I was spending them on hand-painted ceramic plates (and matching bowls). And serving spoons made of olive wood. It feels so nice to be buying things that I'll have forever and ever for my apartment, or until, at least, I break them. I have officially turned into my parents.

But it's so refreshing to be back in New York, the land of scallion cream cheese and That 70s Show. Photos from Madrid and Barcelona will definitely arrive shortly!

Photo courtesy of: Anthony Limas

Adios! (Para La Semana)

2012-04-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'll be taking next week off from posting so that I can romp around Spain and drink good red wine in little street-side cafés. Au revoir! (They understand French in Spain, right? Because that's what replaced my five years of Spanish classes.)

See you in a bit with updates and photos and stories!

Photo courtesy of: That's Chic and Patterson Maker

Vintage Finds

2012-04-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

Years ago, when we were children, my parents would lock me and my siblings in the car while they went antiquing. It seems cruel now, but we brought it upon ourselves by wreaking havoc in many an Oriental rug warehouse. (Listen, it's extremely fun to play tag on five-foot high stacks of Oriental carpets). Also, they'd come back at intervals, give us ice cream, and break up fights. It happened. Now, my parents' house is like a gold mine of interesting little artifacts.

I thought antiquing was stupid until I grew up and realized that having an urn from 40 BC in your formal dining room is pretty stellar, even if no one else notices it (ever). And then I realized that I'd inherited the antiquing gene. Why? Because I found this couch and I want it:

It's located in a shop called El Changuito in Barcelona, and honest to God, how cool are those built-in arm...tables? (Please note that I'm not even close to Barcelona yet and I'm already shopping). I also really like the lamp on the right, so if the couch proves to be out of my souvenir spending-budget (it will) or if my parents call to remind me that I have nowhere to put a couch, I'll settle for just that.

Do you antique? Do you refuse to use "antique" as a verb? I just remembered that I had a thing for miniature tea sets when I was younger, the ones so small that they could fit in the palm of my hand. I guess those would be easier to fit in my apartment than a couch..

Photo courtesy of: Patterson Maker

Style Set to Jet

2012-04-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

Usually, I'm a lazy traveler. I sit around and think about what I'd like to eat (mostly anything of the cheese variety) and drink (mostly anything of the red wine variety). I did a complete reversal this time, and this weekend, I turned into a trip-planning monster. I'm set for my flight on Friday, and with to-do lists and packing lists and planning lists coming out of my ears, it's no surprise that I even have my NYC-to-Madrid ensemble picked out.

1. J.Crew sweater ($65; jcrew.com): The mint-green hue is perfect for spring, and the cotton blend will take care of chilly plane cabins.
2. See by Chloé tote ($195; zappos.com): I don't actually own this bag, but I'd like to. I'm not usually one for label-flashing, but the transparent bag is so damn cute and punny that I'll let it slide. Onto my shoulder, to be exact.
3. Bensimon sneakers ($65; jildorshoes.com): I will wax poetic about Bensimon sneakers until the day I die (incidentally, I will still be wearing Bensimon sneakers when that happens). Comfortable, versatile, and chic, they're the perfect shoe for roaming around European cities.
4. Rag & Bone jeans, ($187; rag-bone.com): These are form-fitting jeans (and not denim leggings), but they are hands-down the most comfortable jeans I've ever shimmied my butt into. The denim is structured and substantial but has the right amount of stretch. The wash is flattering. My best friend and I had a long discussion about what we're looking for in a pair of jeans, and I think this makes the cut.
5. Michael Kors watch ($225; neimanmarcus.com): A chunky silver watch lends a touch of menswear. Plus, I'm kind of over rose gold trend. For the time being.

What are your in-flight essentials? I feel like I should have included slippers, because I refuse to be one of those people who wanders to the bathroom in socks (ick!).

Madrid in the Springtime

2012-04-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

I've been researching Madrid and Barcelona for the past few days in preparation for my trip (next week!), and I have something to admit: I'm scared. Does it make me a huge baby to be frightened by beautiful European cities? Probably. I've been to at least thirty-odd beautiful European cities, but this is the first time I won't be able to wedge myself between my dad and my older brother whenever I feel unsafe, like that time we got lost in the red light district in Amsterdam. (The red light district of Amsterdam is no fun when you're a thirteen year old girl). (Or ever).

But I've found a solution: going onto Pinterest, searching for "Madrid," and seeing everything that appears before me. BAM. Currently thinking of hidden plazas and ice cream.

When I'm knee-deep in travel guides, I forget that there's more to a city than petty crime and seedy neighborhoods. Plus, I live in New York City. (Granted, I'm in the safest zip code available, but that doesn't mean that something bad can't ever happen). Still, from now on, I'm going to focus on the great things about Spain: the parks. The wine. The tapas. The museums. The outdoor markets. The dining al fresco.

Have you been to Madrid or Barcelona? Are there any can't-miss spots? I'm already looking forward to the croquettes, the hole-in-the-wall wine bars, and exploring ruins.

Photos courtesy of: Gilmar Mattos and Jou Jou Villeroy

Kicking It with Marc by Marc

2012-04-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

I missed the Isabel Marant sneaker-wedge boat (below, left). That's okay. Why? Because these Marc by Marc Jacobs kicks (right, $320; marcjacobs.com) are fresh out of the oven (circa today) and haven't yet been splashed all over the blogosphere. We are in love.

Sure, they seem a little clunky at first glance. But then you remember the wedge, and the subsequent extra height that makes your legs seem a touch longer. One point. And then there's the calf leather. Two points for that. And then there's the part where it's a calf-leather HIGH TOP SNEAKER. Eight points right there. Unlike every other pair of sneakers that I own (all Bensimon, save for one pair of limited edition Nike Dunks), these don't look better the more worn and dirty they become. But paired with skinny jeans and an oversized sweater (and kept nice and clean, of course), these could become a part of the greatest weekend uniform I've ever owned.

Photo courtesy of: The Blonde Salad

Painting the Blues

2012-04-03T00:00:00.000-04:00

Within the next few months, I'm moving into an apartment that I'll likely be in for a good number of years. Do you know what this means? PAINT. PAINT. PAINTING. COLORS. I'll no longer rely on curtains and a duvet to provide character and personality.

However, my parents think that beige is a nice, sensible color for a small New York apartment. What this means to me: I can pick any color I want as long as its muted, light, and not cherry red. I fought very hard for a red foyer and was shot down. And then I found this photo, in which my affection for grey was usurped by a newfound love for the palest blue:

I imagine that Marie Antoinette would've insisted her walls be painted this color. Isn't it so feminine and light in the most subtle way possible? It has a hint of mint within the blue, which really brightens it up. Luckily, it happens to be similar to Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year, Wythe Blue. Paired with pops of dark pink (flowers, lacquer boxes, etc), it would look so gorgeous.

Photo courtesy of: Patterson Maker

Style Set for Spring

2012-04-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

This cool, cloudy, and hovering-in-the-50s weather isn't exactly my ideal, but here's the perk: it's perfect for wearing a leather jacket. I have a cropped, black leather jacket that I adore, but Chicago weather was never in-between enough (while I was there, at least) to really use it. It's the Goldilocks of fabric: leather doesn't provide enough warmth for chilly weather, and in anything above 70 degrees, it becomes your personal sauna of sweltering, sticky PAIN. (That's not hyperbolic). Therefore, the past few days in New York have brought glorious moments of just me in my leather jacket.

But let's be real, I'm looking forward to days with my leather jacket and ombré hair. That's right. It's been fashion editor-approved and happening soon. (Actually, my fashion editor is coming with me). (I have severe separation anxiety from which my bosses are not excluded). I've only colored my hair once and accidentally turned it a dark plum shade, so I'm a little apprehensive. However, I love ombré in all of its manifestations, so I figure I should try it out before I'm too old to play with my hair. Are you yay or nay for ombré?

Photo courtesy of: Dulceida, via From Paris to London

Addicted to Adler

2012-03-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

The other weekend, I decided to take break from HGTV (Property Virgins, anyone?) and switched the channel to E!. I never watch E! besides the occasional Sex & the City rerun, and Sex & the City reruns trump everything, even Frasier. So there you have it, an inside look into the shows that still have me paying for cable.

I caught an episode of Fashion Police, during which I remembered how I feel about Kelly Osbourne's grey and/or mauve hair. (I loathe it). Fortunately, I was able to distract myself by ogling the set, which has Jonathan Adler splashed all over it. See here:

Chartreuse drapes? Chandeliers? Black walls? I want them all. But what stole my heart were the black and white armchairs. The shape is classic Louis, but the glossy white lacquer (lacquer!) and charcoal upholstery update it to fit the eclectic-chic vibe.

The thing is, I'm so cheap that I make two trips around the supermarket: the first to put things in my cart, and the second to take out everything that isn't absolutely necessary, like meat tenderizers and boxes upon boxes of apple turnovers. Therefore, I will not (and really, cannot) drop $1,300 on an armchair. Plus, I've always had a crush on everything in Roxy Te's (of the fabulous blog My Cup of Te) home line, Society Social. Naturally, something like this was bound to happen:

Compared to the Jonathan Adler version (left, $1,295; Click to Buy), the Society Social Duchess Chair ($395; Click to Buy) has the same traditional-goes-rogue feel and a similar color scheme, both for a fraction of the cost.

Consider me sold.

Sandal Season

2012-03-15T00:00:00.000-04:00

Now that the weather is cooperating and I'm considering a badly-needed pedicure, a new pair of sandals are in order. I tore last year's pair to shreds, so I'm looking for something a little less wimpy this time around. The issue: I have...shapely legs, which means that with the wrong pair of shoes, my legs can resemble Christmas hams. Trying to avoid ankle straps on sandals leads me into the flimsy V straps of flip flops, which are neither comfortable nor stylish whatsoever. Alber Elbaz can't even make flip flops look cute. And if you cite Tory Burch's number with her little medallion on them, those do not count particularly because they have that little medallion on them.

The solution: nude sandals. Just as nude heels elongate the leg because they create an illusion of length, a similar hue on an ankle strap doesn't break (and thus shorten) the line of the leg. If the shade of the sandal is close enough to your skin tone, it works. Here are a few versatile options that would look just as cute with shorts as they would with a sundress:

1. These KORS Michael Kors leather sandals ($125; Click to Buy) have a more substantial sole than what you'd find on a typical flat sandal, and I love love love the look of the double ankle-strap. It lends a touch of the gladiator look without going all Russel Crowe on your footwear. The shade's a little dark, but it's not a jarring contrast.

2. This pair of J.Crew leather sandals ($118; Click to Buy) is the trifecta: made in Italy (read: better quality than most at this price point), the perfect shade of nude, and has a padded sole for comfort. These would look great with shorts, or a maxidress, or a skirt, or a sundress. Do you see where I'm going with this?

3. If you need a little lift, Marais suede wedges ($160; Click to Buy) are a sophisticated option. They're not exactly nude (the height of the wedge excuses the grey shade)(I make the rules)(this is an autocratic blog!)(just kidding)(kind of) but I love Marais shoes for the focus on comfort and urban designs. That T-strap just kills me. Come to mama.

4. Coral counts as a nude if you have VERY pink undertones or didn't slap on enough sunscreen before hitting the beach. (Doesn't it?) I understand that I'm taking a lot of liberties with the definition of "nude" here, but if you think about, the color nude for a Swedish girl isn't exactly nude for Eurasian me. Anyway, these Delman calfskin sandals ($195; Click to Buy) are simple and pared-down without looking stark. I love the small details on the sides; they're a great option for the more feminine of ladies.

Current status: team J.Crew. You?

The Signature Look

2012-03-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm a huge fan of Garance Doré; I think she's witty, personable, and unbelievably charming. I'd like to make her my best friend at some point. One can usually spot her signature topknot hairstyle, and when I saw the above street-style photos, I got to thinking about signature touches, whether they be Alexa Chung's shoulder-length hair or Freja Beha Erichsen's (guys, you knew it was going to head in this direction) leather jackets.

I don't have a signature touch. Sometimes, I straighten my hair before work. When I remember to do so, I'll swipe on Nars lipstick in Casablanca. Mostly, I just let all of my makeup fall off before going home and washing off the remnants before bed. I feel like I should implement a signature something, but the intent to do so seems fraudulent and a little forced. One of my bosses has a perfectly frizz-free bob regardless of rain, shine, or monsoon, and the other wears bright red lipstick on the regular. One fashion editor likes to wear ankle boots with opaque black tights and flowing, floaty minidresses. I doubt any of them set off with the motivation of making each her signature look.

I can let nature run its course, but I don't want my signature look to be dark skinny jeans and chapped knuckles. Should I just let a "signature" happen or try to influence it with purposeful applications of mascara (for doll-like lashes) or orange lipstick (à la J.Crew catalogues)? Is a signature even a signature if you've lifted it from the pages of popular clothing store ad? Probably not. Earnest Sewn and a perpetual need for hand cream it is.

Do you have a signature look? I'm just going to wait for mine to develop on its own. Currently, I'm crossing my fingers and hoping to God that frizz-free, humidity-immune hair somehow happens.

Photos courtesy of: Chicago Street Style and The Photodiarist.

Good Morning Mug

2012-03-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

I love mornings. My undying love for breakfast food notwithstanding, my parents trained us to wake up at the crack of dawn to get a head-start on the weekends. To this day, sleeping past 9 AM causes an existential crisis about how I'm wasting my life. The downside is that I usually nod off by 11 PM and rarely partake in fun social activities. I'm nearly certain that my parents planned this in advance.

This Morning Mug ($29; Click to Buy) is such a cute illustration of the night-to-day transition.

The mug is "asleep" when cold, and as fresh coffee or tea is poured in, the heat "wakes" the mug. Is this not adorable? (Yes. Yes, it is.) It would make such a great hostess gift, or a present for that friend who has everything except a cheeky little mug.

Keeping in Touch

2012-03-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

I took the leap and bought an iPhone. I'm still barely over my Razr, so this was obviously not an easy transition. I set it on my desk (carefully) and stared at it for an hour, too nervous to touch it. What if I drop it? What if it rolls out of my hand through no fault of my own? What if someone snatches it out of my hand and runs? This thing is like a newborn baby. I'm half surprised it doesn't wake me up and cry in the middle of the night.

The obvious first step was to get a case for it. I decided on a simple black-and-white chevron pattern for the time being, because the idea of holding out for a great, creative case and leaving my iPhone vulnerable for more than a few days was beyond me. But I've been on the look-out for something better. I know what I want in a case: something simple, French-inspired without being obviously so (no tours d'Eiffel), and cheeky.

Et voilà, I've found my technological soulmate. Check out this gem from Society6 ($35; Click to Buy):

J'adore quand ils m'appellent Big Poppa! God rest your soul, Biggie. If this doesn't make springing for an iPhone a good decision, I don't know what would.