I've Got the Blues

Sometimes a post title is the hardest part of blogging.

Lately I've been obsessed with deep blue colors. Cobalt blue, Royal blue...love. Next to pink, rich shades of blue are probably my favorite color and it has been popping up everywhere! For starters, my car is bright blue--"Winning Blue" as Mazda puts it. Since my car is slowly dying I could perhaps be displacing some of the loss I'm feeling from replacing him into my current obsession of this color. I've recently made 2 bright blue purchases, and there's so much more I want!

My purchases:

Zara $79.90 (100% silk)

Nordstrom $42 (Juniors--I was uncertain how often I would wear them, but I love them!)

If I'm uncertain about investing in a trend, and lets face it, brightly colored pants will likely not be around next year, I try to find and inexpensive substitute. The Nordstrom Juniors department is usually a good source.These are actually good quality, not low rise, and really flattering.

My other current crushes:

Madewell Skimmers $88

Target BodyCon Dress $22.99

Target $17.99

While looking on Target's website, I also came across these but they're out of stock and online only.

I've also been painting my nails this color, but wouldn't wear this color if rocking any of my recent purchases:

OPI Roadhouse Blues (it looks great with Essie's Matte top coat, too)

What color have you been crushing on lately? Sparkle season is in full swing, and I'm loving all the dresses, nail polishes, shoes and accessories that are completely bedecked in glitter. I've got a post in the works for Holiday sparkle (although I am a big fan of sparkles year round and for any given day, personally).

Peplum and Pussybows

I feel like I should break out into a Sound of Music song right now. Peplum and pussybow blouses are my current obsessions. I can't get enough of them. I have a small fall shopping list and these two are topping the list. Lets take a look at some of my favorites:

Zara

Anthropologie

ASOS

H&M

H&M (and top of my list currently)

Mod Cloth (Love polka dots!)

Old Navy

H&M

J Crew

Marc Jacobs (if only...)

ModCloth

Victoria's Secret (love it)

Old classic silhouettes are making a comeback, but when I see things like this...clothing in styles that are modern with the classic silhouette is it really a comeback? Or is it just that a classic has caught the eye of the majority? I'm drawn to bows, and I've got a pussybow top I bought at Old Navy back in 2003, and a peplum jacket that I just donated to a swap that was from 2006, so these styles have always been in. I think Rachel Zoe says it best, they're having a major moment right now.

Versace for H&M

Designer collaborations are everywhere. It's a great way for designers to introduce themselves to markets that may be unfamiliar to them. After the Missoni for Target debacle, I'm weary. (Although I still managed to land both my flats, and the heels at a later date at my local Target!)

Versace for H&M was much talked about, and well...now that it's available online (way earlier than expected, I should add). I'm not loving it. Donatella is innovative. These pieces just don't call to me. Let's look.

$199

$99

$129

$149

$199

$249

$49.95

$79.95

$129

I like the colors in the bustier top, but not at that price...and I'm not much for bustiers. Had it been a tank, or even a floaty top, I'd probably be mildly interested. Instead, I'll be sitting this collab out. This is just a small touch of what's available. To check out all the flops, head on over to the H&M site.

What's your take on collaborations?

Missoni for Target

I have to say, Target gets some mean designer collaborations. Rodarte, Liberty of London, Tucker, Cynthia Vincent, McQueen...just to name a few of them and they are always well received. The latest collaboration announced was Missoni for Target, scheduled to hit stores September 13th. I'm going to be stalking my local Target (and Target.com) like mad. Here's a preview of what's to come:

Sweater coat- $80, tights- $16

Scarf- $20, Cardigan- $45, Shell- $30, Skirt- $40

Dress- $55, Boots- $35

Ballet flats- $30

Previously, with the collaborations, my Target has released them earlier than the official release date, so it can't hurt to check your store out the few days leading up to it if there's something you want. The Cynthia Vincent collaboration was practically sold out at my store before it was even officially released! Me? I'll be keeping an eye out for the flats, tights, and that skirt! I dream of owning Missoni, and this may be the closest thing I can get.

Burnt Sienna

Next to pink, my other favorite crayon as a kid was Crayola's "Burnt Sienna" , this orange-brown color was constantly one of the most worn looking crayons on my desk. Every fall, this color creeps back into my life. It's everywhere! Not only found in nature, this shade is popular in fall fashion.

Here are some examples the fall 2011 RTW collections (all photos from Elle):

Michael Kors

Proenza Schouler (color detail in the pant)

3.1 Phillip Lim

Alice + Olivia

Here's how I'll be accessorizing with this color:

Anthropologie Triple Strap Tank

Halogen Ponte Knit Pencil Skirt

J.Crew Skinny Belt with Bow

Lulu's Burnt Orange Blazer (check out that lining!)

Anthropologie Sun Shaped Bangle (on sale!)

I am a huge fan of neutrals and brown tones, but add a bit of a burnt orange hue to it, and I'm just obsessed. My closet is kind of like a grown-up box of crayons, except instead of hanging my work on my bedroom wall, it's around my neck, on my wrist, and on my body.

Trend I'm Loving: Color Block style

I am loveloveloving the color block trend. I feel like I've been carrying on a romantic fling with color blocking for a few years now, and I think it's because it's clean lines and classic styling make it less of a trend and more of just a bold statement. I love punches of color, and color blocking just feeds into that.

While swooning over some color blocked clothing I thought "I should really make color block jewelry, it's so me!" Then I realized..."duh, Erin, you already are." These earrings are fun and an easy way to get into the trend. You can wear them subtly with just a white top and jeans (let the earrings make the statement) or go crazy, and add them onto a color blocked outfit (which I fully plan to do!).

View 1, 2, 3, 4 in my shop

Just so you know, this weekend I will be offering free shipping with the code "FreeShip". I hope you take advantage of it!

Baby got Back

While browsing the interwebs, I've been coming across a lot of tops for Spring that are pretty simple from the front, making your entrance just kind of average, but when you look at the back, you can tell that with these tops, it's all about the last impression as you walk out of the room. Here's a few back details that have caught my eye:

 Past Reflections Pullover (Anthropologie): I love the back detail, but overall this top falls short for me. I don't care for the candy cane like stripes, or the knit, and the fabric just isn't doing it for me. Maybe in a different fabric/non-knit, I'd dig it.

 Bow Back Corset Top (Free People): I love bows, and Free People has been infiltrating my closet at a rapid pace. I like the fact that the cutouts get smaller as they go down the back, helping nip in the waist, while the floaty almost peplum ruffling beneath helps hide any pooch. This needs to be mine. Paired with cuffed skinny jeans and flats or even wedges, and a cardigan on top for the workplace, perfect.

 Lace Back Cardigan (Gap): Someone give this model a booty, stat! I love this cardigan, it's lace back is unexpected, and perhaps just what I need for a spring/summer work cardigan to leave at my desk. This would be great with a few dresses and sleeveless tops I already own. I'm picturing my Free People floral trapeze tank under this awesome lace detail, how feminine!

 Chic Taupe Top (Lulus):  Okay, part of me loves the lace racer back tank under this. Part of me thinks this top got into a fight with Freddy Kruger, Edward Scissorhands, and Shredder from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Fidelity Black and White Striped Top (Lulus): I like the drape and I'm a sucker for stripes. You could most certainly get away wearing a bra with this top, but the draping may make a booty look larger. I picture this more for the beach or a cookout, than any other kind of situation, just add shorty shorts, and sunblock.

In my wishes to shop smarter, I'm already working on my Spring and Summer wish list and needs. I've got a few things that need to be replaced for those seasons, and I'm looking forward to a little seasonal wardrobe update. I'll be sure to share what I come across. In the meantime, what say you on the back details? Yay? Nay? Did I miss a totally amazing top somewhere?

Pink. It's not even a question.

I am SO overly excited, about this years Pantone color of the year for 2011. Ridiculously excited.



Pantone Color of 2011, Honeysuckle

For anyone who knows me, you know I'm a HUGE fan of pink. Bright, cheery pinks; subdued, pastel powdery pinks, and sometimes even bright, almost neon pinks. I live for pink. If I can get something in pink, you better believe I'm doing it. (Even my favorite band ever, sings a song about my favorite color ever)
Pantone today, released it's color of the year, Honeysuckle, and I am beyond thrilled. From the Pantone site, they describe the color as: Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world.

And today, it just goes with our fashion. (Yes, I am listening to that song while I type this..."inspiration" is what I'm calling it, but really, it's just an opportunity to play a less played CD by my boyfriend, Steven.)

 I have a huge collection of pink beads in shades similar to this. I have more pink beads than I've been able to use in this shade. You better believe I'm taking advantage.

You see, it's not quite so new to me. I have been using this color for some time now, and I would like to show you the petal & pink contributions (from 2009 and 2010 mind you) supporting this "brave new color":

L-R clockwise: Pink Flourish, Bauble in pink, Berry mini baubles, Preppy bracelet

As you can see, I'm prepared, and you can expect to see plenty more of this shade in my shop for the time being. I love working with bright cheery pinks, and even when Pantone announces its next new color of the year, this color will still be with me. I may no longer be a little girl in pigtails with pink everything, but that girl has grown up, and continued with the color and made it mature with her.

Pink. It's like red but not quite.