deal of the day: yellow ruffle blouse

again with the juicy couture...i'm scaring myself a little. but gah, this top is so cute! and marked down 40% in the net-a-porter summer sale. it'll be darling with shorts this summer, and i can totally see this dressed up for work with a contrasting cardi and trouser jeans. nab it for $106 while you can. fab.u.lous.

deal of the day: 25% off at sotto boutique

the lovely owner of sotto boutique emailed me yesterday to let me know that, in the spirit of helping us all dress well during a recession, she's taking 25% off her entire site! just use code relief at checkout, through june 15, and you can single-handedly help to restore our flailing economy.


sotto carries a fabulously well-edited selection of the most on-trend looks from this season. i adore this dusty blue silk "sunday blouse" from church & state - buttoned up, it's the perfect good-girl look for work, but drop those buttons down, and it becomes a flirty, sexy top perfect for evenings out. the options here are endless - belt it, layer it (under a sweater or over a tank), but don't miss out on it while it's marked down to $195.


while we're admiring that gorgeous shade of blue, i can't resist pointing out this lovely charlotte ronson cardigan. as usual, charlotte struts her stuff with impeccable design details that make a basic anything but. i adore those balloon sleeves, the two different knit styles, and the styling is as tailored as a cardigan gets, but the color keeps it relaxed. and if it feels too early for sweaters, this is a great summer "this air conditioning is positively freezing" addition to any ensemble, and will go from work to weekend seamlessly. nab it for $160 before the weather cools off!


and what a fantastic antidote to the bland gladiator sandal trend! these wedge sandals from devotte leelo are anything but neutral, and fabulous doesn't even begin to cover it. the purple suede and gold detailing are as decadent as it gets, but the styling keeps them ultra-wearable (and that slight wedge heel even makes them skirt-worthy). this is that pair of shoes you buy because you love them, even though it feels completely irrational, then realize you can wear them with absolutely everything in your closet. not a bad deal for $220.

check out all of the goods at sotto - i think you'll love just about everything they have to offer (and you will almost certainly, as i did, mourn the fact that those fantastic madison marcus leather jackets are already sold out). fortunately, there are plenty of other covetable items to distract you.

deal of the day: shopbop designer sale

agh...my wallet is positively groaning. neiman, saks, bergdorf, nordstrom - everyone has started their spring sales, and my restraint is wearing thin. but i was doing pretty well until shopbop's designer sale started.

now, those gorgeous anya hindmarch silver woven d'orsay pumps (wow, that's a long description for a pair of shoes) i wanted a month ago have made their way from a worthy splurge down to a very responsible buy. same goes for that stunning chocolate brown woven elrod. and her stunningly beautiful grey studded shoulder bag.

and these fantastic gatsby pants by peter som do, in fact, remind me of an afternoon soiree circa f. scott fitzgerald. they were just featured in the june vogue, so it's a wonder they've already hit the sale rack. marked down to just under $500, they're still a splurge, but if you have the bod to carry off the volume (read: long and lean), they're a classic style that is well worth your next bonus. while you're at it, check out som's luscious take on the classic cardigan - long, lean and oh-so-stylish, it would definitely be a worthy addition to your wardrobe.

loads of other unmissable options to peruse, so head over and get your shop on!

spring sale at basic boutique

oh, how i love sale season...truly my favorite time of year. today, i'm oohing and aahing over everything basic boutique has just marked down...it's a really lovely mix of spring-friendly items and a few pieces definitely worth storing away until next fall. a few of my faves:

i love the unique styling on this gorgeous silk blouse by twinkle - marked down to $138, this might just be the perfect spring blouse. use it as a shell during the day, dress it up with a pencil skirt at night, or jeans on the weekend.

something about this gorgeous dolman sleeve cashmere sweater by twig just sings to me. not sure if it's the dramatic cut, paired with the incredibly subtle, neutral color, or if it's the way they've made cashmere look light as a feather, and drape just beautifully - whatever it is, pick it up for $129, before someone else does!

if i worked in an office, i'd nab this crisp cotton lantern sleeve jacket by cynthia vincent, and i'd use it as my suit alternative all summer long. the styling has that perfect blend of classic polish and high fashion, and it's on sale for less than $200.

this swing dress by rachel pally doesn't seem like much at first glance, but give it a second look, and the potential really starts to unfold. that gorgeous neckline is perfect for girls with a smaller bust - it really gives you something different to show off, no wonderbra required. the pattern is subtle and chic, and the jersey fabric drapes like silk with none of the fuss. best of all, this baby is 70% off - for $112, you have all of your summer parties covered!

check out all of the finds at basic boutique's spring extravaganza - you're sure to find something you can't live without.

what i want today: sigerson morrison shoes

man, 10 minutes on sigerson morrison's website, and i'm as smitten as i was when i first discovered the line years ago. i'm not saying there aren't some definite misses in the collection from time to time, but overall...yum.

honestly, these orange patent heels are just fabulous, though. my favorite thing about all of my sigerson shoes is that they're just a little bit eccentric, but in that timeless way that keeps me going back, no matter what's "in" that season. my green suede d'orsays are still among my all-time favorite purchases. and i can definitely see these beauties being next on the list.

of course, i'd probably get more wear from these lovely patent flats...as i live in flats 95% of the time. but the heels are just so fun and exciting. hmm.

check out all of the pretties here or here...happy spring!

cheap thrills: old navy patent t-strap sandals

i am having oh so much fun with the "new and improved" old navy. these lovely t-strap sandals bear a striking resemblance to a pair i've been coveting for at least two years now, but at literally 1/20 the price. not bad for a day's browsing...

i nabbed the white, in the vain hope that my pasty pale skin will be a little bit more tan in months to come. but i'm sort of in love with this fabulous bright green color too. at $19 each, i probably should have just bought both, but i decided to tack these on instead (in yellow...divine!). again, not as cute as the original, but for $14, i'll take it.

ooh, and use code STUFFSAVE for 20% off your old navy purchase through 4/24.

what i want today: missoni scarf

i've been coveting a new scarf for positively ages - and the coveting was finally reinforced when even my darling hubs told me he'd seen more than enough of the ancient (but lovely) j.crew version i'd been sporting for the last 3 winters. i know it's not really scarf weather any more, but i continue to covet nonetheless.

for me, the ultimate would be one of the many beauties by missoni, who does an amazing job of making scarves that will go with anything, and in virtually any weather.

the version above ($225) is a cotton blend, so it's never too heavy, but at 9" wide, it's still thick enough to bundle you up when you need the warmth.

and i've been in love with this silk-trim version since i first spied it months ago. sadly, at $660, it's probably not coming home with me...but it's definitely in the "covet from afar" category.

either way, i'm sure to be warm and toasty all summer long. hey, that air conditioning can get bitter!

what i want today: big, bold prints

ever since i read an article in the april vogue about the author's first marimekko dress, i've been craving big pattern...in a big way.

there's the original, of course, which one can't overlook. this site has more options than just about anyone, and their pricing is pretty impressive. i love this tunic style shirtdress ($219), which gives you the fabulous pattern, but the conservative styling reins it in and makes it office-appropriate.

but then, i think if you're jumping on this look, the "reined in" thing isn't really the point at all. i love this blouse (on sale for $109), which is completely over the top, in the best of ways. wear it with a skinny black pant or pencil skirt, layer a turtleneck underneath, leave it open & call it a jacket, or close it up and call it a blouse - this is a piece i'd never get tired of.

i'm also loving some of the less obvious versions floating around this spring. this version by puella ($176) is a little bit 70s flower child, but the styling keeps it modern.

if adding color on top of pattern is just too much for you, try this big, bold black and white number by mika piirainen ($183). i love the swirling pattern and classic cut - this is a dress that's so classic, your daughters are sure to fight over it one day.

and, if all of this pattern is just a little more than you can convince yourself to try, consider dabbling with a fabulous marimekko scarf ($20), which can give you that splash of crazy color and pattern, without stretching your boundaries too far. for me, if i can track down these absolutely amazing wooden brooches (which seem, tragically, to be out of stock absolutely everywhere), i'll die a happy woman.

(PS...i would also be remiss if i didn't mention the marimekko line for H&M hits stores tomorrow, 4/10. a sneak peek can be found here..enjoy!)

what i want today: textural tops

this spring, i can't help noticing that designers are returning to some of the tricks of the trade that really make me ooh and aah. intricate pleating, ruffles, and other fabulous details turn everyday styles into something really extraordinary - finally, you don't have to look like every other girl on the street.

this pleated tunic/minidress by jovovich-hawk ($395) would be endlessly versatile for the warmer months. pair it with a slim black trouser now (just swap out the slip for a cami), and wear it solo for a fabulous outdoor party dress when summer's in full swing. the texture is so striking, i don't even think you need to accessorize this - it speaks for itself. hmm, well, maybe just a bold cocktail ring (which would be 20% off with code CYBR20)...

i love the gorgeous slate blue color and the over-the-top ruffling on this silk top by joie ($185). this would be every bit as cute with a white pencil skirt as it is with shorts - and those lovely ruffles are sure to hide the results of one too many frappucinos.

and the pintucked top and bold belt on this girly taffeta blouse by twelfth street ($192) just scream summertime chic to me - again, love this with a pencil skirt, maybe a wide-legged ash grey pant, jeans, tailored shorts...the options are endless. oh, and it's an additional 25% off (today only!) with code 25TODAY.

these are just a few of my faves - if you're in the mood for a little extra za za zoom in your closet, i'd suggest a stroll through shopbop's spring blouse collection - they've done a really excellent job of pulling some unique options together.

scarves, scarves everywhere...

i've been really in the mood for scarves lately, and with good reason - they're absolutely everywhere this spring (huge thanks to coquette for the runway pics). as french women have known for decades, a colorful silk scarf can instantly transform an average outfit into a chic ensemble. so i'm thrilled to see american fashion finally following suit.

but i find that i avoid accessorizing with scarves as often as i might like, and i think i've finally figured out why. square scarves, i've decided, are a lot of work. the folding, the twisting, the meticulous styling...it's all just so much effort, and not really what scarves are all about anyway. but, when the hubs recently picked up a gorgeous oblong scarf for me, it was love at first wear.

oblongs, which usually range from about 4" to 16" wide, and anywhere from 50" to 80" long, are infinitely versatile. toss them around your neck to dangle long, tie in a simple half knot (my favorite), or wrap them in any way you would wrap a winter scarf (find a few how-tos here, as i'm terrible at written instructions for these things).

use them as a belt (i love replacing belts on dresses with scarves), a head scarf (this look is impeccable at the beach, when your hair is a mess - and unlike a square scarf, an oblong will cover just the right amount of your head without turning into a babushka), or tie them in a big floopy bow at your neck to recreate that 80s "big bow" look that seem to be back these days.

another favorite look of mine is to replace (or just wrap) the handle on your favorite handbag with a scarf. this works best if your bag has metal fixtures at the handle bases - simply tie one end of your scarf to one fixture, and the other end to the other fixture. let the original handle dangle a bit, and voila. (i've asked my lovely michael kors skorpio bag to help out with this demo)
as for where to buy (we are all about shopping here, of course), most of the images in this post are from echo designs, which makes absolutely lovely scarves. my personal favorite right now, though i'd normally advise colorful scarves, is this black-and-white version, taken from a photograph by mena suvari, of all people.

echo also has a stunning vintage collection - they've recently reintroduced several of their older, classic designs. i love the retro style of this stoplight pattern. the colors of this moroccan tile design would complement just about any neutral ensemble. and this mod fish scale pattern is pretty fabulous too. best of all, most of echo's scarves won't set you back more than about $50, so you can afford to experiment. the trick is to pick a young, colorful design, so that you don't look like you raided your mom's closet.

there are also loads of gorgeous options at shopbop right now, if you needed further proof that scarves are as of-the-moment as you can get. my faves are the DVF options, which have that retro style/glam thing down perfectly.

the truth is that once you get a scarf (or several) home, if you're willing to be adventurous, the options really are limitless. and i think you'll realize what french women have known for years: just a touch of chic makes all the difference.

celeb alert: gerard darel bags

i know, we don't often do the celeb-stalking thing here on SMC, but i couldn't resist today. gerard darel has been a superstar in europe for years, and he's finally catching on stateside. i got a little sneak preview of his latest collections in my in-box this morning, and couldn't resist sharing this mega-size hobo that all of the starlets are carrying around lately.

and it's no wonder: if you're still insisting on toting a bag that will actually carry everything you need all day (instead of sacrificing preparedness for the beauty of that cute little clutch), darel's midday midnight hobo is just about perfect. i love the rich, saturated colors, and the leather is so wonderfully slouchy that it just melts into your torso when you wear it. a nice feature on a huge bag, as it allows you to carry it without looking ridiculous, no matter how stuffed or empty it is.

to snag the bag that katherine heigl, jessica alba, cameron diaz and the like are loving this spring, head to shoprumor.com with your $895 in tow. they'll have to special order it for you, but having tried last year to obtain a darel bag in the US, i can tell you it's all but impossible. i love that gorgeous orange-red that cameron's carrying (duh), but the purple is definitely of-the-moment, and that green is absolutely stunning too. you just can't go wrong.

what i want today: ruffle trench

not much to say about this darling except: perfect. spring. coat.

love the ruffle, the bright orange-red color, the 3/4 sleeve, and the flattering, fitted silhouette. i even love the price, which is much more reasonable than i was expecting.

nab it for $198 at jcrew.

what i want today: barbara bui satchel

and, in the category of "things we covet from afar" is this stunning pale-rose satchel by barbara bui. one of the ultimate under-the-radar designers, barbara bui is notorious in europe for her stunning, timeless and elegant pieces. this bag definitely qualifies.


i adore the color - this is probably the only shade of pink i'd dare attempt in a handbag. it's the ultimate secret neutral - it would really be stunning with just about any neutral shade (black, grey, brown, camel, white), and perfect for the warmer months ahead.

the structure and quality of this bag are just so understated and elegant, it has that amazing ability to look expensive but unplaceable. in fact, the leather is so thick and luxurious, it reminds me of styles from a much pricier french design house.

at just over $1,800, this is definitely an investment piece, but a very worthy investment, if you ask me. i'll be looking for any excuse to splurge on this beauty in the coming months.

asked and answered: summer party dress

hard to believe, but i'm already getting reader questions about summer wedding attire. is it really that time already?

no matter - i have a fantastic solution to this annual dilemma. this darling dress by theory just screams spring to me. i love the ruched bodice, love the length, love the pockets - i would wear this beauty to every wedding, baby shower, and bar mitzvah between now and september.

the color is fantastic, flattering on pretty much any skin tone, and perfect for warm weather. the silhouette is forgiving enough to allow for that second piece of wedding cake. and the style is simple enough to allow for multiple wears without anyone pointing at you and screaming "hey, you wore that to nancy's wedding last month!" after one too many trips to the open bar.

to restyle this piece and really make it your own, try adding a huge, chunky necklace in cobalt blue one day, and a dainty strand of pearls another. cardigans, blazers, sure...but i'd even consider layering a white button-down over it, and using the belt to tie the whole thing together (no pun intended). or, scrap the belt entirely, and substitute a gorgeous scarf.

that's a lot of mileage to get out of a dress for $250. oh, and free two-day shipping (hurray for avoiding their notoriously slow-boat shipping) with code NMFAST.

what i want today: anya hindmarch spring bags

i've been wanting an anya hindmarch bag for years. there's something about her style that i just love. but i was never really "in love" with any of her designs...until now. her new 'spider' clutch is just about as perfect as perfect gets, i think. that rich tan leather keeps it casual enough for day, but the metallic gold bottom and hardware make it perfect for a night on the town. plus, i love that the size (10x5) is just large enough for it to work as a day clutch, without being so huge that it joins the "mega clutch" trend, which will be out in mere months. and the price ($485) is actually reasonable among her high-end counterparts.

when it rains, it pours. this cooper tote is so lovely, i hardly know where to start. again, i love that metallic bottom, but the shape and color are just so perfect for spring. it's striking without being too "in your face" - really just fantastic. the chloet bag is the same idea, but she's added on those fabulous studs i couldn't get enough of from her aretha bag, but made the style a little more casual. plus, that grey color is so very fantastic. sigh.

you can check out everything for spring at shopbop.com or net-a-porter. i honestly don't know whether i should just snag that stunning clutch now, or save my pennies and hope the chloet bag isn't gone by the time i can actually afford it.

decisions, decisions.

when did the gap start making cute stuff again?

i can't think of the last time i really "wanted" something from the gap...usually, it's more along the lines of "i need a cheap cotton tee, and american apparel is too far away". but for spring, it's either a combination of my deciding i need some more basics in my closet, or of their actually improving their design - either way, i'm happy.



loving this ruffle cardigan, though i'll be ordering it in a tall size to avoid that cropped look that really only flatters 14-year-old bodies.


this yellow-and-grey rugby-striped cardigan would be just perfect on my dear friend A, who is hereby commanded to order it, stat.


i realize this probably means i'm spending too much time at home in sweats, but this 3/4 sleeve raglan sweatshirt actually looks like it might be a presentable way to wear my ratty PJs outside the house.



you know, i've been trying for weeks to decide on the perfect summer bag, and i almost think this one might be it. orange is so hot right now, i love the contrast trim, and i'm always lugging around magazines and books everywhere i go in the summer, so maybe a simple tote is just the thing.

best of all, with every single one of these items in my shopping cart, i'm barely topping $150. nothing wrong with that.

and no, i'm not going to drool all over the pierre hardy collection for gap, which was overpriced, largely unexciting, and sold out in about 30 seconds.

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.

what i want today: badgley mischka scarlet tote

i am positively head over heels for this stunning tote by badgley mischka. i love the slightly greyish tint to the white color, and i love the contrast black stitching and gold hardware, which make this a white bag you'll definitely turn to year-round.

best of all is the price - it's so reasonable, i almost think saks may have messed something up in their system. the site says the bag is ostrich skin, and it looks to be - but the bag is only $475. i'm honestly not sure if it's just embossed ostrich and they've made an error in the listing, but either way, it's a gorgeous bag that looks twice as pricey as it is. don't miss this one!

what i want today: lutz & patmos cardigan

you all know i'm loving that long cardigans are so in right now - they're just about all i'm wearing these days. but since it was 74 degrees at my house today, i'm dangerously close to having to put all of my yummy sweaters into storage.

for spring, i'm absolutely coveting this beautiful pritzker cardigan by lutz & patmos. the luxe gold knit is beautifully offset by its casual styling, making this a fantastically versatile piece.

i love it as pictured with jeans and a simple black tee, but it could so easily dress up a casual black jersey dress, be used as a light jacket for an evening out, or in place of a suit jacket with your favorite trouser and cashmere shell. truly a unique, classic piece that you'll wear for years to come.

you can find this beauty at shopjake.com for $495.

ooh, and while you're there, you can use code extra10 to take an additional 10% off everything on the shopjake sale rack (through friday 2/29), which is well worth a cruise.

what's next: mod print dresses

everywhere i turn this month, it's all about mod print dresses. cute little minis with gorgeous retro-inspired prints, and oh-so-wearable silhouettes. a few of my faves:

the print on this gorgeous badgley mischka shift dress ($398) is so stunning, i hardly know where to start. it has all the vintage charm you could ask for, which tells me this beauty will be staying in your closet for decades to come. the price is a little steep, but it's actually reasonable for the brand - a great opportunity to score a high fashion piece without a second mortgage. if i splurge on one great piece this spring, i think this dress will be it.

this marc by marc jacobs colorblock dress ($298) just screams retro, but he's done a beautiful job of updating the styling for modern wear. plus, the silhouette is ultra-flattering for just about anyone.


on the more affordable end of the scale, i love this shirt dress by maggy london ($158). i'm not normally terribly impressed by her construction, i'll warn you. but i love the print, and i love the ruffle collar - this dress would be absolutely perfect for work, and i think undoing a few buttons at the top would even make this happy-hour appropriate.

from our friends over at tobi, this soda blu flutter dress ($93) is a great way to try out the trend without breaking the bank. love the color combo, which is striking, but neutral enough that you can really use accessories to change the look.

finally, this version by ziji is really gorgeous - i love the print, but i love the silhouette even more. the drop waist, the asymmetrical neckline, the draped sleeves...it's just fantastic. and, it's marked down to $60. so, if you happen to be a size 8, you shouldn't even have to think about this one!