haute or horrid? marc jacobs mouse flats

i've always loved the marc jacobs mouse flats...but i'm starting to think i've outgrown them. i think i love them for my 20-year-old self...not so much for my 30-year-old self, who i'm pretty sure can't pull them off any more than she can successfully pull these off.

but then, my 20-year-old self was so not buying $250 shoes. so, what do you all think...is the price point proof enough that these are cute for grown-ups, or are they still a little too "reclaiming my youth"?

fortunately, i'm not completely out of luck. i can definitely pull off these lovely suede boots, which are high on my list for fall. as are these gorgeous navy and salmon heels, which have that 1940s vibe i so love.

hurray for piperlime starting to carry great shoes like marc by marc...it's about time i had an option other than zappos (who i'm boycotting ever since they suspended their free overnight shipping).

what i want today: retro jacquard diamond skirt

i adore skirts - they're so fabulously girly, and perfect for most any occasion. but sometimes i get a little weary of the same styles over and over again. pencil, flare, a-line...black, white or a big, bold pattern.

so, i'm thrilled to pieces by this sassy little retro number from marc by marc jacobs. i love just about everything here - the chic pattern, the button detail (and i love that they're faux - i detest buttons on skirts, which only ever lead to unflattering bulges), the seasonless styling...everything. it's like chanel meets gogo girl. this will be fantastic all summer, sure, but also fab with tights in cooler weather. plus, with the retro vibe, this beauty isn't going out of style any time soon.

oh, and did i mention it's on sale?? $117 at bloomingdales, but buy quickly - their site is notorious for the eternal backorder.

what i want today: marc jacobs turnlock clutch

this clutch is giving me fond memories of a certain oh-so-beautiful MJ zip clutch i briefly owned. it was the most stunning emerald green color, and i adored it so...and babied it so...and consequently, i was seriously wallet-paranoid, which is an annoying person to be. so, i sold it. but i still miss it every day.

this marc by MJ version would make me much less nervous, at half the price, and i think it has nearly all the style of the original.

probably not the same fabulous suede and satin linings, though...

sale of the day: marc by MJ at barneys

i made a little visit to barneys yesterday, and had to let you all know they have loads of lovely new items on sale...including some fab MbyMJ scores. among them, that lovely graphic print top (above) that i've been coveting since i first spied it. naturally, they're out of my size...but if the tee fits, i hope someone will snag this cutie.

don't miss this fantastic coat that would be well worth picking up, if only to store it away until next fall. and i picked up a fantastic vince cashmere cardigan for $150...it's a little more fun than this one, but the price is definitely right either way.

check out all the goods here.

PS...random tanget, but i simply do not see how this item of clothing, lovely though it may be, qualifies as a "dress".

what i want today: marc by marc jacobs spring '08

i am so very, very pleased with the marc by marc jacobs spring '08 line, i had to share. it seems like he's finally shaken the "despondent teenage grunge" vibe, in favor of something a little more retro, a little more colorful, and definitely a little more fun.


take this silk "scarf stripe" dress ($458) for example. an updated but classic silhouette, a fabulously retro print, but the details are still signature marc. this is a look that would be perfect for the office, but you could so easily dress this down with a long cardigan and colorful flats.


this darling silk tank dress is another great example of the new-and-improved marc. the shape is much more tailored than i'm used to seeing from him, and i love the '60s vibe, but those bright enamel buttons make it clear he's sticking to some of his signature style.


i hate shopbop's styling on this piece (i am so not wearing a sweater vest with short shorts), but i love this cropped knit vest ($228). check out the close-up pics for better detail - it's the perfect way to add personality and style to just about any ensemble. this is one of those pieces that you're not sure about, until you get it home, and then you suddenly find you're wearing it with everything. ditto for this gorgeous crocheted cardigan ($348), which i'm pining for in a very serious way.


and once spring officially hits, i'll be dying for this gorgeous silk striped cami ($188). the violet/navy combo is so striking, yet i know it'll be incredibly versatile in my closet.

even this simple silk jersey tee ($158) has me swooning. the color is the ultimate neutral, and the sailor-style tie is so of-the-moment. this would be gorgeous as a layer, or solo when the weather warms up.


i even love his new take on old marc classics. this turnlock teri tote ($428) has become notorious in seasons past for its sinfully soft leather, but this new grass green shade makes it completely irresistible to me.

check out all of the gorgeous options at shopbop.com or net-a-porter.

random rant: marc by marc jacobs sloan tote

so, i'm actually in the process of writing up some lovely marc jacobs praise, but i came across this sloan dot square tote and had to yell just a little. it's adorable, no? great color, love the mixed dot texture. and $300...well, that's pretty reasonable. until you realize it's PVC.

am i the only person who's actually a little offended that someone would try to sell me a plastic handbag for $300??

deal of the day: saks contemporary sale

okay, so i don't have a ton of time to blog this one, but wouldn't feel right leaving you all in the dark. saks just started their women's contemporary sale, and they've made some pretty fabulous markdowns.

remember that nanette lepore cardigan i recommended a while back? it's down to $111 - from $300.

and i just grabbed this very yummy grey cable knit sweater coat by ya-ya...for $110, down from over $400. (it's the one pictured at right - darling, isn't it?)

probably just as well i didn't see this until after i clicked 'ship it', but this darling boatneck marc by marc sweater is down to $68 from $260.

i could keep going, but really, you should be looking for yourself before everything's gone. oh, and use code HOLIDAY7 for free shipping!