Summer Dressing

The temps are sweltering, I'm eight months pregnant -- and I have no intention of wearing anything but sleeveless, knee-length dresses for the rest of the summer! These pretty frocks, all from Piperlime.com, in their refreshing hues and perky prints, are giving me major inspiration.

Photos from here. 

Art-Inspired Style

On Saturday, my husband and I joined some friends and coworkers out at a trendy bar for an event. It was a fun time, and it made me realize how much I've been hibernating this winter. So I think a night out soon is called for, and what better inspiration to draw from than a twinkling night sky by Vincent Van Gogh? Vibrant blues and glimmering golds tempered by a bit of black seem great makings for a fantastic night on the town.

* Starry Night Over the Rhone

* Jumpsuit

* Heels

* Bracelet

* Earrings

* Coat 

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

Sweeter than Candy

I let out a little squeal when I first saw a pair of these vibrant shoes. And I was like a kid in a candy store scouring for more of them on Piperlime. The rich colors, the striking patterns, the towering platforms and heels -- heck, these are even better than candy!

Photos from here, here, here and here. 

Comfort Fashion

Perhaps it's due to the new chill in the air, or maybe it's because I've been hunkered down at home with a cold, but all I want to do is wrap myself in a cozy sweater. The chunkier and softer, the better! I think any of these would feel like a giant hug all day long.

Have a wonderful, warm and cozy weekend!

Photos from here, here, here and here.

Screen Style

The Sound of Music is an incredible movie, a film that always uplifts and inspires. Julie Andrews is wonderful in it, and Christopher Plummer is so dashing. But until recently I never gave much thought to the fashion -- but it's pretty great too! Here are a few of my favorite things:

Green and white prints feel so fresh for running around this summer -- singing on a mountainside, climbing trees and falling into lakes are optional.

* Green dress

* Skirt

* Print dress

* Shift

* Top

* Shoes

I'm crazy about the full skirts and nipped waists that the girls wear in the movie. And who doesn't love a cute sun hat?

* Skirt

* Hat

* Camisole

* Flats

* Blouse

And I want a soft, fluttery-sleeve dress perfect for falling in love and kissing in a gazebo!

* Short dress

* Long dress 

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

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

Just Enough Sparkle

For the first time in longer than I can remember, I'm planning a low-key New Year's Eve. And I'm really looking forward to it. Instead of hitting the town or a friend's party, my husband and I are going out to a nice dinner with my sister and her husband. And we'll have champagne waiting at home to ring in the new year later with our little pup.

Even though it should be a pretty relaxed night, I still want to wear something a bit sparkly. This shoe should do the trick!

Photo from here.

Short and Sweet

There are a lot of cute booties out there, lovely little things with embellishments and peep-toes. And they're great if you live in a place where winter doesn't involve snow, ice and slush. But these short, neutral-hued boots, found on Piperlime, might hold up to the realities of my life -- and look pretty darn chic in the process.

I'm digging boots ...

with a little bow.

that have a sassy fold-over.

with a smart buckle.

that are slightly boyish.

with cozy knit detail.

Photos from here.

Step it Up

The work day is over, it's blazing hot out and I'm going out to dinner with my man in a few hours. Whew!

I wish I had these sexy, summery sandals to step out in tonight, but even without them I think I'm going to have a good time.

Photo from here.

White Hot

White holds a special place in my wardrobe. It's the hue of my handbag, many of my favorite tops, a few warm-weather dresses and waaay too many pants. But the final frontier for white in my closet are shoes. So I'm intrigued by this spring's white shoe trend. I hopped on Piperlime and found lots to love:

Nexi by Rock & Republic

Atwood by Naya

Denise by L.A.M.B.

Telepop by Michael Antonio

Gaie by Jessica Simpson

Photos from here.

Oooh, Shoes

I logged on to Piperlime today with the most practical of intentions. I was in search of a pair of black boots to see me through fall and winter. But instead of shopping for basics, I ended up drooling over some much more fun footwear. Such as ...

Ladybug by Chinese Laundry

Gouda by Nine West

Privilege by Carlos by Carlos Santana

Hina by DKNYC

Dahlia by Calvin Klein

Big Shoes to Fill

A trend I'm intrigued by this spring is the major sandal. There's nothing dainty about these thick-strapped, chunky-heeled, embellished platforms. I'd love a pair that would make a simple tank, skinny jeans and a single piece of jewelry look like a stylish, complete outfit. I can only imagine the adventures a shoe like this could lead me on ...

A quick search on Piperlime brought me to these:

BCBGGirls' Dalton

Chinese Laundry's Belgium

Pour La Victiore's Pascale

Steve Madden's Madalynn

Photos from Piperlime.