upcoming trends: fresh from NYC

My good friend Jamie just returned from fashion week in New York.  Upon her return, she promptly reported a few key trends she observed while she was there.  These, along with trends I've seen in many of the fashion week recaps are all things I'm excited to embrace in the months ahead...

a little crossbody bag, preferably in a neon shade (this particular one is from the lovely kate spade)

{image via}

yummy knits in warm, rich colors like this "marled toffee"

{image via}

black booties—simple and versatile

{image via}

leopard print was prevalent in all forms—jackets, scarves, bags, you name it!

{image via}

NYFW fave: sachin + babi

{images via style.com}

Sachin + Babi is a label I haven't followed much in the past.  However, as I was following the Fall/Winter shows at this week's Fashion Week in New York, the beautiful pieces from their collection caught my eye...

With an understated palette and simple yet unique silouettes, I fell in love with nearly everything and clearly couldn't pare down my favorites... what you see here is almost the whole show!  I can't wait to replicate some of these looks this fall (or maybe even now...)—neutral basics with a pop of color and edgy jewelry to toughen it up.

excited for spring...

I'm not sure if it's the warmer weather here in Seattle, or that it's January and I'm feeling in a wardrobe rut, but I am already getting really excited for spring!

Here are some color trends I'm looking forward to seeing in just a few (short?) months, as featured in Refinery29...

 Pink!  But more specifically, honeysuckle pink (a bright, almost reddish hue),
which was voted color of the year by Pantone. 

{Peter Som, Jil Sander, Nina Ricci, Valentino}

 

 Orange in a warm, persimmon hue.  I love how bright and fun it is!

{Vena Cava, Prada, J. Crew, Versace} 

 

Yellow is one of my favorite colors anyway—with this range from butter to mustard
(and the added zest of pairing it with pink) brings it to the top of my list.

{Christopher Kane, VPL, Jason Wu, Nina Ricci} 

Blue, a classic color, takes a trendy leap with a variety of shades
(from sky to navy to aqua).  I am particularly drawn to how amazing the 

sky blue pants look with the bronzy rust top on the left!

{Diane von Furstenberg, J.Crew, Proenza Schouler, DKNY} 

Earth tones will be a nice go-to this spring for an all over neutral look 

or to pair with the other spring colors above.

{Vanessa Bruno, Rag & Bone, United Bamboo, Marc Jacobs} 

White is always a great color for the warmer summer months, but bringing it into your wardrobe early this spring is a must!  I love that you can find this color anywhere and everywhere, and in drapey soft fabrics, or something more structured and crisp.

{Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein Collection, Derek Lam, Peter Pilotto} 

   

{all images via Refinery29}

Stay tuned for more spring inspiration in an upcoming post!

sale section: driftwood consignment

I'm always looking for a good deal.  And in Seattle, there are tons of fabulous places to find great clothes at affordable prices.  I consider thrift shopping an art (my good friend J is a pro!) and often don't have the patience for a trip to Goodwill, so when I'm in the mood to boutique-shop for beautiful, designer brand clothing and accessories at reasonable prices, I make a trip to my favorite consignment shop, Driftwood.

There are two Driftwood locations, one in Madrona, and the other downtown on Stewart Street.  I've only been to the Madrona location, but have become a frequent customer and consigner!  Some of my top finds?

See By Chloé Daytripper Bag ($260 vs. $795 full price)
{image via}

J.Crew Wool Blazer ($22)
{image via}
 

Alice + Olivia Pinstripe Pants ($11.50!)
{image via}

If you hurry, they're having a sale where all apparel and select shoes and bags are 50% off (which is how I got those Alice + Olivia pants for such a great price).  Enjoy! 

looks i love: new years eve

{image via}

I always have high expectations for New Years Eve plans—sometimes they pan out, other times they don't.  No matter where I am, I love to celebrate with friends by my side and a glass of champagne in hand.  Here are some looks I would love to be in when ringing in 2011...

a pretty lace dress to wear with killer heels...
{image via nordstrom.com}

an embellished sparkly top to pair with jeans and flats...
{image via shopbop.com}

sequined pants in winter white with a casual top and fun jewels...
{image via asos.com}

and for a more conservative affair, this simple grey dress with a beaded necklace.
{image via nordstrom.com}

Hope you have some fun planned for Friday.  All the best for a Happy New Year—cheers!

fall/winter trend: faux fur

fall/winter trend: faux fur by wakincloset featuring a faux fur vest

There's a whole lot of faux fur around these days... and I love it! It makes its appearance in a variety of neutral colors and textures on vests, as scarves, lining even the most casual pieces like hoodies.

Last season I got myself a faux fur vest which I've put to great use already this season, pairing it with flowy tops, jeans and boots. I also picked up a sweatshirt at Old Navy with a faux fur hoodie which is so comfortable and so cozy.

These are some of my favorite faux fur items I've seen this year. Bundle up and stay warm!

new favorite shoe(ties)!

 

{image via shopbop.com}

I was on the hunt for a new pair of black heels and came across this pair of "shoeties"on shopbop.com.  While the heel height was lower than what I originally wanted, I bought them to try them, since they were on sale and Shopbop offers free shipping on returns. 

They arrived a few days later and the minute I slipped these beauties on my feet, I was in love and absolutely thrilled with how comfortable they were!  Honestly, it felt like I was wearing running shoes... I also adore the lace-up, making them more unique vs. a traditional black pump.  Thanks, Michael Kors!