Fun in the Sun

I'm excited about the Trina Turk capsule collection that's just come out at Banana Republic. The poppy prints and sunny colors are perfect for summer. I'd love to wear a bright maxidress and stack of bangles while sipping cocktails poolside, even if I'm not in Palm Springs!

Photos from here. 

Color Cue: Tangerine

So, tangerine is the color of 2012. I'm cool with this! It took me some time to appreciate orange hues. My high school colors were orange and black -- not the freshest combination. But I really like vibrant shades like tangerine. I'd love to choose a single accent for an outfit or a room.

* Dress

* Purse

* Necklace

* Sandals

* Pillow

* Chair

Happy January!

I love January. It's the month the organization geek in me especially comes out. I like filling out a new calendar, simplifying and getting things in line at home, at work and everywhere in between. Here's wishing everyone a colorful, fun, fresh start to the year!

* Dress

* Calendar

* iPhone case

* Flats

* Purse

Art-Inspired Style

This holiday season, I've been drawn to metallics -- gleaming silvers and rich golds. I've used them in my Christmas decorating, and they got me thinking about the artist Gustav Klimt. While The Kiss is certainly his most popular work, I'm inspired by his portrait Adele Bloch-Bauer I. The gold and geometric shapes seem the perfect starting point for a glittery New Year's Eve look. 

* Dress

* Shoes

* Bracelet

* Clutch

Screen Style

Each year when spring rolls around, I get a little angst-y. Even though I've been out of high school for years, I can't quite shake out of spring-fever, school's-almost-out, wanna-be-free mode.

The movie that captures these feelings best is Dazed and Confused, set on the last day of school in 1976. It's a fun flick about friendships and hookups, popularity and parties. And the fashion's pretty cool too, all bell-bottom jeans, wedge sandals, vests and psychedelic-print tops.

Given this inspiration and since '70s style is a big trend this spring, here are a few pieces I'd love to wear -- even if I'm not cutting class or heading to a kegger.

* Maxi dress

* Necklace

* Wedge

* Cross-body bag

* Printed top

* Flared jeans

HIs & Hers

My husband reacts quite strongly whenever we happen to wear similar clothes. If we're about to go out and he sees that we're both in, say, jeans and a black shirt, he will sigh and head back to the closet to change. While I'm not suggesting that we go out in matching outfits, there is something appealing about looking like we complement one another. Maybe we could go for looks like these from Banana Republic:

Photos from here.

Aflutter

Here's to a Valentine's weekend filled with romance, love and a few sexy, sweet and fluttery pieces.

* Tinley Road one-shoulder top

* Kate Spade flower ring

* Forever 21 feather headband

* Anthropologie lingerie set

* Cosabella for J. Crew bra

* Banana Republic ballet flat

* Gap tank

* Badgley Mischka sandals

* Forever 21 peep toes

It's On

"Hey, do you want to go shopping this weekend?" my husband asked me this week. Um, yes! Of course I do. So that's our mission for the weekend. We'll be looking for clothes for him, but I'll try to find some special pieces for me, too. Maybe a new winter jacket? Here are a few I found to get me prepped to shop.

Pale and tailored.

A little bomber.

Belted and plaid.

An unusual shape.

Fun faux leopard.

Happy weekend to all!

Layered Effect

Recently while popping around the Banana Republic website (it's one of my favorite stores), I came across some cute outfits that incorporate several of the best trends of fall. A classic trench, smart pants, easy cardigans, skinny jeans, ruffled tops and full, short skirts are pieces I'm planning to wear all season. Cute hats, pretty necklaces and touches of animal print are details I hope to add in. And if I can work them all together in effortless layers, even better!

Photos from here.

Loving the LBDs

Usually when I'm going to an event, I like to wear some color. Something a little attention-getting and a lot of fun.

That said, I am really feeling Banana Republic's little black dresses. There's something about each -- whether it's sumptuous fabric or a smart cut or an embellishment -- that takes it beyond basic and makes it special.

Now it's just a matter of figuring which one I like best!

Photos from here.

Precious Metal

When it comes to jewelry, I prefer lighter, daintier, layer-able pieces over big, chunky necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

So my heart skipped a beat when I saw these gold and silver necklaces on the Banana Republic website.

Delicate strands. A fun tassel. A simple stone. Oooh, I want to snatch them all up!



Photos from here.