There's Something About Orange

While just about any technicolor shade is right on trend this summer, there's something about orange that I'm loving right now. Perhaps it's because orange seems just right for the increasingly warm weather. Or maybe it's just the punch of bold, bright, cheerfulness that my wardrobe needs right now. Or maybe it's got something to do with how well it pairs with other colors I love like navy blue, turquoise and white. Regardless, orange is a "must have" for me this summer.

The key to pulling off head-to-toe orange? Keep the silhouette simple and streamlined; the color is the standout here, so keep the details unfussy and accessories (try just some simple gold jewelry) to a minimum. Also, stay monochromatic if you want to keep the look feeling sophisticated and edgy as too many bold colors easily read as too young. Nude shoes are a great (and leg-lengthening) choice.

Despite my love of statement-making color, I'll confess I don't always have the hutzpah to wear head-to-toe brights myself. I all too often tend to retreat behind black, navy or gray. If you're anything like me (and I expect many of you are), then the easiest way to play with the bolds and brights found on the Spring 2011 runways is to incorporate these shades into your existing wardrobe in smaller doses, via shoes, jewelry, and handbags.

Source List:

St John Double Face Crepe Jacket and Pencil Skirt (Nordstrom; $795 and $395)

Diane Von Furstenberg Bateau Neck Dress (Nordstrom; $285)

Verbena Dress (Tory Burch; $350)

Kate Spade New York "Daycation" pouch (Nordstrom; $50)
Lanvin Grosgrain espadrilles (Net-a-porter; $595)
Elephant Belt (Kate Spade; $95)

Cara Accessories Bead & Metal Bangles (Nordstrom; $48)

Dylan Large Shoulder Bag (Linea Pelle; $415)

Tory Burch Synthetic Straw Shoulder Bag (Nordstrom; $350)

Horton Sandal (Tory Burch; $295)

Shabby-Chic Linen Ballet Flat (Banana Republic; $79)

Juicy Couture Endless Summer Stackable Rings (Nordstrom; $88/set of 3)

Shoe Blues

I bought the top pictured Calvin Klein shoes on Gilt Group (for something ridiculously cheap like $30 buckaroos). But I just don't love the matte gray color with anything I wear and haven't worn them yet, but can no longer return them. I saw the second ones in High Gloss Magazine from Sigerson Morrison... Do you think I can change shoe #1 into shoe #2? Taking my shoes (and this blog post) to my shoe guy this week to find out!

Spring/Summer Essentials

Although Houston enjoys moderate winters, there's just something about Spring that puts a little bounce in my step. Perhaps it's the promise of summer (though my summer vacations have long since passed) or the newly budding flowers, but a gorgeous spring day never fails to put me in a good mood. And, of course, I love spring and summer fashions: the bright colors, the perky prints, fabulous sandals and wedges...it's just so refreshing after months of grays on black.

This Spring, I'm looking to update my wardrobe with some fresh new staples that are easy wearing...and easy washing (both Baby G. and I seem to go through several wardrobe changes a day now)! The type of clothes that will transition from mommy-hood to my pretty casual office. Navy and white (especially white jeans!) are my go-to's for warmer weather, but I'll be updating the classic nautical pairing with bright accessories like those gorgeous Tory Burch Sandals (orange and hot pink are both amazing with navy) and fun prints like Kate Spade's Daycation shopper. An on-trend maxi dress in a bold print is an easy weekend staple that will keep me cool and casual without feeling schleppy. Finally, I'm longing to swap out my everyday watch for something fun, light and a little bit different, like Michael Kors' resin and rose gold watch.

Clockwise (from top left): Coral Dress (Tory Burch), Jersey Blazer (Boden), Daycation Bon Shopper (Kate Spade), Denim Pleated Trouser Short (Gap), Gold Coast Lacey wallet (Kate Spade), Stripe Sunburst Tank (J.Crew), Horton Sandals (Tory Burch), Michael Kors Show Stopper Resin Watch (Nordstrom), Sexy Boot Surplus Jeans in White (Gap), and Dorrie Skirt (J.Crew).

What pieces are you craving this Spring? Any new trends you're dying to try out?

Color Combo - Red and Gold!

Last night I had a girls night out (a belated celebration of my 31st b-day) and I decided to pull out my Loubou's.
My husband bought me these red Christian Louboutin wedges for my 30th birthday, which I LOVE but I've only worn once. So I realized it's about time I break them in.

In a stroke of genius, I paired them with my skinny jeans and this top from Edun, with gold thread woven in.

I threw on my watch and party ring and went on my merry way to dinner!

It got me thinking about combining red and gold in the home - and I'm loving it. I can absolutely see this gold moroccan pouf {from Horchow}...





Next to this red fretwork table {also Horchow}



Or how about these two pillows together?Red zebra from Jonathan Adler, Gold sequin from Nate Berkus for HSN.


LOVE this Arteriors lamp.


Which I'd place next to this D.L. & Co red candle.


Fashion-wise, if I'd like to rock some more red and gold, there's always this adorable ban.do headband!

Shoe-Democracy

At the LTD Expo I attended two weeks ago we got a little goodie bag, which included some things that don't fit into my life (home hair lice removal coupons) and some things that DEFINITELY fit into my life - like a discount on my next purchase at Tory Burch!

After my husband treated himself to his motorcycle, he's definitely supportive of me using this discount... Here are some of the goodies I'm thinking of:

My first choice, though the price tag is a bit more than I want to spend ($325.) Though I would wear them ALL the time. Maybe even on dog walks and to bed.



Some adorable flats:

Choice A - black and glittery goodness


Choice B - versatile metallic


Choice C - a happy orange
I'll let this be a shoe democracy - which should I get?

Motorcycle Mama

This image from the Anthropologie catalog pretty much sums up my life right now... Two wheeled vehicles and home accessories!
In my business life I am having a great time finding goodies for my interior design clients (I found the most gorgeous candlestick from House of Honey yesterday that I cannot wait to post!)

And in my personal life... I think we are getting a motorcycle! We've been talking about it for years (well, my husband has been talking about it, and I've been saying "no!") But in Costa Rica we really talked about how life is too short not to do the things you love.

So my husband (and now I) have fallen in love with the Harley Davidson Iron 883.



Of course all I can think of are my fabulous riding outfits - I've got my eye on these Frye boots.

They remind me of this gorgeous post on ombre goodies by Cassandra of Coco + Kelley. I think that model's messy side braid is even the perfect hairdo for me to combat hair-whipped helmet hair.

On a side note, today I am attending the LTD365 Expo for Entrepreneurial Women - I'll be checking in on twitter to share any good tidbits I hear!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Hope your 2011 is bright and sparkly!
image from Rue Magazine

Chevron Chic

As you know, I'm a huge fan of pattern. Loving this combo of pattern for your feet and pattern for your home!
Shoes: anthropologie. Pillow: etsy.