{royal wedding} just kidding, evening looks too...

Kate is wearing another Sarah Burton-designed gown, with a darling cropped mohair sweater, and William looks all kinds of perfect in a double-breasted tux. 

*Regarding the sweater; sure it's a wee bit casual for a royal wedding, but if you had been bound and buttoned into a corseted dress with an 8.5 foot train for most of the day, wouldn't you want to just play it down for a minute upon arrival to your evening dinner dance? She will surely remove it, ya'll. Calm down.

Finally, this was perhaps my favorite moment from this morning, I caught it live just in time before I hopped on the Boston-bound bus I am blogging to you from now:

Future hubs take note, this is the most perfect exit in the most perfect car.

{royal wedding} i'll just leave it at this...

 The Sarah Burton designed Alexander McQueen dress.

 The kiss.

Gina and I woke up at 6 a.m. to watch the ceremony, and it really was like a fairytale. Kate looked beautiful and traditional, her dress was very reminiscent of the one Grace Kelly wore when she wed Prince Rainier in 1956. William looked wildly handsome in his military uniform, and seeing Harry whisper to him briefly as Kate approached the alter made us tear up. After the ceremony and the carriage ride to Buckingham Palace, we dozed until around 8:25, just in time to catch the first kiss(es).

InStyle.com has a great gallery of photos.
As does The New York Times.

Did you guys wake up (or stay up late) to watch the live fanfare?

(images via New York Times and New York Daily News)

pardon my french, but...

"In the Jagger house, seduction is a family business..."

(Image via Grazia France via Who What Wear's blog.)

{always inspiring} the glamourai...

Kelly Framel of the Glamourai always turns it out. Hers was one of the first personal style blogs I ever laid eyes upon, and I have been an addict ever since. This particular look really grabbed me when I was browsing her site this morning, mostly because I have a similar moto jacket (my amazing Schott Perfecto). I also love the way she is playing with the length and volume of her skirt with her shirt tails poking out underneath. I have an extra-long button down, so maybe I'll have to play a little dress up next week...

check me out on the StyleList blogger network!

You guys! I am so excited to show you that my profile on StyleList is finally up, and I'm absolutely thrilled. I think it describes my point of view pretty well, don't you?

I feel proud to be a part of such a talented group of bloggers from Trop Rouge to What I Wore to StyleLikeU and Karla's Closet.

the $100 handbag challenge...

If there's one thing I like, it's a really, really expensive handbag. Chanel, Hermes, Proenza, these are the things my dreams are made of. However, until the day when I'm a high-powered fashion lady, ruling New York city with an iron stiletto, I'm just your average 20-something gal on a very tight budget.

My roommates are in a pretty similar stage of life and finance, and the other day Tully and I were discussing how hard it is to find a good bag around or under $100. At this price point, you're probably paying too much for shoddy quality, or just enough to make you think you should have saved an extra $200 and gone for the real deal.

I've generally stuck to the policy of "go big or go home" when it comes to bags, and have happily and without regret spent upwards of $600 on a single handbag (and an additional $150 on another one, in the same hour... Don't blame me, blame Paris). But that's just me. I know some of you out there would rather throw down for the perfect peep toe, a Burberry trench or perhaps even some sweet rims for your ride.

When it comes to a great bag, though, is there a middle ground? Does a great bag exist that is not actually a wallet, a make-up pouch, or a wristlet for $100 or less? I've put it to myself to find out. Additionally, I'd like to extend the challenge you. If you can find / have already found a legit, good-looking, not tacky full price bag - leave a link and a note in the comments!

Let's meet back here a week from today and discuss what we've found!

Happy hunting to you and me...

mid-week music moment...

After last week, I worry you might have grown tired of my musical selections. However, this is my blog. So, you know, deal with it. Today's selection is from one of my favorite NYC musical treats, The Knocks. Well, it's their remix actually, of that Foster The People jam, "Pumped Up Kicks." Hope this puts a little pep in your Wednesday step...

who what wear's spring essentials...

For the most part, I really like WWWD's selections for their spring essentials.  

1 & 2. Colorful separates: Yes please (see my outfit post from today)! 

3 & 4. Tribal choker: Ehhh.

5. Bold shades: Of course.

6. White flares: I am not totally sold on these for myself, but they probably look excellent on model types.

7 & 8. Bright bag: That's definitely the AA medium carry all, and that color is pretty wild, but I think I could get into it.

9 & 10. Coral Polish: With a tan, yes.

11 & 12. Snakeskin shoe: I don't care for those heels, but my Mee Too flats are my life blood.

Darling readers, what are your spring essentials? You can find mine here.

{outfit post} kissing crocs...

Okay, admit it, how terrified were you when you read the title of this post? Unless you were all up on my Twitter feed last night, you were probably sitting there going, "Oh. My. God. No. She's gone completely batty and bought Crocs and loves them so much she's going to kiss them."

Never fear, my most beloved readers, I would never subject myself or any of you to that kind of crazy. Last night Meghan and I attended a little soiree to celebrate the new Lacoste + Catherine Malandrino collaboration at the Soho Mondrian Hotel. Their Twitter hashtag for the event was in fact, "#kissingcrocs," so there you go. The event was held in the garden room of Imperial 9, and it was absolutely beautiful. Models paraded around in white sunglasses while we drank white (and rose) wine.

Additionally, Tuesday was one of those absolutely freaky days where the temperatures soared to over 80 degrees for no reason at all, and the entire city had a little bit of a mental break down. Obviously we all had work to do, so having perfect weather on a mid-week work day out everyone a little on edge. Luckily, by the time evening rolled around, the air was still sweet and warm, and the party crowd was dressed well and feeling fine.

 Urban Outfitters (men's) shirt; Urban Oufitters skirt; Mee Too flats; vintage necklace; Ba&sh clutch; Aritzia lace bralette; MK watch; J. Crew watchband; Tiffany & Kenneth Jay Lane Bracelets; Lincoln Park After Dark nails.

I was in a wild rush to get dressed to meet Meghan for this event, so I just sort of let my spirit guide me. I knew this men's UO shirt would breathe well in the warm air, and I figured that there was no better time than a Lacoste event to try my hand at what the editors are calling "bold separates." Hence, I am wearing a turquoise shirt and a bright orange skirt. I found though, that my snakeskin flats and neutral clutch helped keep my look grounded. (PS: I know the shirt is quite sheer, hence why I wore a pretty little thing underneath. Doesn't it worry you that a man is intended to wear such a thing!?)

 Meghan took some fab Instagram photos while we were socializing... The above is myself, my wine and my bling; and the below is the lady Catherine Malandrino chatting it up.

 Meghan & Moi & a few models...

There's that top knot again...

 The scene & the ridiculous chandeliers....

 Malandrino & the models (both from Meghan's iphone)

a dream, of the garden variety...

Soon, when I am living a decadent life of luxury (one complete with a salaried job and my own bedroom) I will treat myself to fresh Peonies and Ranunculus by my bed all the time. Peonies have long been my favorite of all flowers, and I think Inslee put it perfectly that Ranunculus are "the best. Like totally laid-back, unpretentious roses."

I figure, if I'm not (yet) waking up next to Prince Charming, I might as well wake to something just as lovely and gorgeous. I mean, right?

Of course, I realize this post has nothing to do with fashion. However, a fashionable girl/boy should have a favorite bloom that is not a ridiculous, long-stem, red rose. So, what's yours?

(Images via Google search, found on Apartment Therapy &  Southern Accents.)

jazzing around in my new suede shoes...

DV by Dolce Vita tassel flats, $70 from Nordstrom.

(I mean, are they loafers, really? I sort of hate that term for some reason, so not delicate.)

Have you noticed yet that I find buying new shoes to be such an occasion that they usually get their own post? Anyway, I'm obsessed with these little treats, and I've been lusting after them for months. 

Now that they're mine, I have been sporting them every chance I get, trying to really break them in. They are crazy comfortable, and I love how they look with everything from crisp white shorts (Arizona) to cuffed up J Brand skinnies (New York). 

Added bonus? Tassels are totally in right now.

Bean Town bound...

You guys, I'm so excited. This Friday I'm off to Boston for the weekend. Two of my cousins live there, and I'm long overdue for a visit. It's my first time heading up there, and I've heard wonderful things about the city. I don't know much about it beyond that tea party, lots of colleges and fanatical baseball fans (like my cousins).

In preparation for my little jaunt up north, I've created some looks on Polyvore that represent my aspirational dream outfits for things like sitting on the Bolt Bus for four hours and attending a game at Fenway Park. Hope you enjoy...

I call this "Bolt Bus Chic:"

bolt bus chic by TDavies

This is quite close to what I will most likely really be wearing, just without the Ralph Lauren Black Label, The Row and T by Alexander Wang business. Longchamp, Minnetonka, ipad, The Virgin Suicides? That's all real. The general idea of course is just to be cozy without being sloppy. Layers that can double as pillows and lots of entertainment are musts, as is an extra large pair of sunglasses to hide behind.

If the weather is great, here's how I'd love to dress for the ol' ball game:

take me out to the ballgame by TDavies

Again, this is a mix of the dream and the reality. I personally do not think of sporting events as big, raucous theme parties meant for face paint and giant emblems, but to each their own. I'd like to support my home team with a Mariners-appropriate and on-trend pop of electric blue and a nautical scarf, and keep the rest of my look rather understated.

For exploring and shopping, perhaps something like this:

the town by TDavies

As you guys know, I like to treat each occasion as a chance to dress the part - no more so than when I travel. So for exploring and hanging out around Boston, I feel like I'll be tapping into my collegiate/prepster/uber East Coast-y side. Simple, tailored layers, my beloved tassel flats (again), J Brands and Ray Bans. I put this Foley + Corinna Mid-City bag in a previous post, clearly it's on my mind these days, and I can't help but think it would be perfect for toting around the town.

Stay tuned next week to see what I actually end up wearing on my little adventure!

tgif...

Thanks to Megan for introducing me to this song.

Way to go me for finding the video, which I think is pretty much the perfect TGIF / let's just dance / spring is here video.

SebastiAn - "Embody"

Enjoy & have a great weekend!

color me, J brand...

(Rachel Comey sheer silk blouse, $345, Winter Kate vintage blouse, $309, Tucker print blouse, 115 GBP, J Brand mid rise skinny jeans, 229 EUR, J brand jeans, 205 GBP, J brand jeans, $175, Lanvin ballet flat, $485, Gentle Souls ballerina flat, $236,

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent ballerina flat, 132 GBP, Mulberry leather handbag, $1,250, Snakeskin handbag, $766,
Proenza Schouler leather handbag, $895, Proenza Schouler leather handbag, $735, Foley Corinna vintage handbag, $477,
Foley Corinna leather tote bag, $485.)

So, a girl can dream, right? I am very into all these fun, punchy hues of J Brand skinnies. Though New York definitely has a reputation as a city where you can never wear enough black, these days everyone is incorporating that pop of color that keeps things from getting too drab. During these transitional months before the oppressing heat settles in, I basically live in a uniform of skinnies, a flowy blouse and ballet flats. Obviously that can get boring, so changing things up with some spicy denim and some print mixing is just the ticket for updating my spring wardrobe. The bags are covetable and versitile styles from my dream designers: Mulberry, Foley + Corinna, and Proenza Schouler.

Editor's note: My nifty Polyvore work above is meant to be a bit of a fashion Venn Diagram. For example, the electric blue pants would look great with either blouse closest to it, with the bag in between. In my mind, each pair of shoes would also work with any of the looks.


What do you guys think of this little creation? I rather enjoyed putting it together. Would you like to see more of this? Do me a favsies and leave a comment!

it's 3 pm, so here's another jam for you...

I have been listening to this song all day, so I figured that even though I already hit you with a hot jam earlier, I would share this one as well. Feast your ears on "Gentle Roar (Mylo Remix) by Niki & The Dove.



I mean, right?
Desk dancing, party of one.

mid-week music moment...

Sometimes I just want to post that Miles Fisher song over and over again as the MWMM. That's how much I cannot stop listening to it. I won't put you through that though, don't worry. Instead, I'm going to give you a cover of The XX that I am really loving at the moment. This is Hercules & The Love Affair doing "Shelter."



It's pretty fun, right? Still sexy, but a little more dance-y and a little less heart-ache-y.

Enjoy, and if you're in NYC, enjoy this sunny and crisp spring day, too! I'm jazzing around town (sitting at a desk?) in my new suede tassel flats (that I promise to share with you guys ASAP) and a floral blouse.

PS: My darling Meghan of WIT & Whimsy and I have a brunch / photo shoot on the books for Saturday (we're trying out Extra Virgin in the West Village) so you have a new outfit to look forward to on Monday!

{inspired!} that pink J. Crew button down...

It looks like the lovely Late Afternoon has the same pink J. Crew button down that I do.

I love how she's styled it here, especially that fancy roll she's working with her cuffs.
Since I have black skinnies, oxfords, a similar AA clutch and bangs, I think I could work something like this out.

Ashley Olsen: all black (almost) everything...

 I don't know, it's just been a while since I threw an Olsen twin on le blog.

Ashley almost always has her you know what together style-wise, and this mostly black but highly casual look is an all-time favorite. I love a good turband and aviator (see here), and to be honest, there's not one element of this outfit that displeases me. 

Giant bag? Check.

Jorts? Forever.

Flats? Duh.

Gold watch? C'mon now. 

Speaking of Olsens, I really wish Very Mary Kate would come back. 

{cameo outfit post} Megan in spring neutrals...

I stayed at my friend Megan's apartment during my Arizona vacation, so naturally we consulted each other while getting dressed each night. I was instantly jealous when she showed me her delicate spring-perfect scalloped shorts from H&M. They are incredibly shear, so anything she tucked in was going to be wildly obvious. Being the caring friend that I am, I suggested she just wear a sheer top as well, then slightly conceal all that sexy with a blazer. After some tucking and untucking, buttoning and unbuttoning, we put together a really lovely all-neutral ensemble, off-set by my vintage black beaded clutch. Behold our tag-team styling:

 H&M blazer, shorts, and necklace; Banana Republic top; vintage clutch, Plenty by Tracy Reese wedges, Banana Republic bracelet.

It's still a bit on the wintery side to pull off a look like this in New York these days, but in Phoenix, land of the eternal summer, it was just right for a warm, breezy night. The contrast between a structured but soft blazer and the super feminine shorts - plus the fact that Megs has legs for days - makes this a look I will be coveting and attempting to copy just as soon as this city will cooperate.

PS: I instructed Megan on the classic style blogger pose (look down, cross legs, pop elbow, show bag), and I think she totally rocked it. What a natural.

{dressing the part} Annie Hall...

"The... the other important joke, for me, is one that's usually attributed to Groucho Marx; but, I think it appears originally in Freud's "Wit and Its Relation to the Unconscious," and it goes like this - I'm paraphrasing - um, "I would never want to belong to any club that would have someone like me for a member." That's the key joke of my adult life, in terms of my relationships with women." 

(There are few things that irk me more than black and white stills of movies shot in color.)

This scene always makes me want a lavender button down, like, badly.

 "Love is too weak a word for what I feel - I luuurve you, you know, I loave you, I luff you, two F's, yes I have to invent, of course I - I do, don't you think I do?"

Coachella x Mr. Newton via Bazaar...

 I am so over Coachella. Would I have loved to go? Sure. Do I like hearing about it every five seconds via every media outlet on planet Earth? Please. Get over yourselves concert-goers!

Anyway, I am especially tired of all these girls dressing like Coachella is a psychedelic hippie costume party set to the music of today. The girls above did a great job of mixing their personal style with event-appropriate attire. The top girl is not named, but her look is so casual and fun (you know I can't resist a good stripe). Second is DJ Harley Viera Newton looking wildly chic and relaxed, with an enviable Celine cross-body bag; I'm entirely obsessed with her look. Lastly, my fav of all favs, Diane Kruger - just being Diane Kruger.

You can peep the rest of the photos on Harper's Bazaar.

monday night reunion with old friends...

Remember when this was a thing?

Gossip Girl is finally back tonight. (Yes, I still watch it. On my television, not the internet.)

Sure, the plot-lines have taken a bit of a turn for the annoying, but few shows have their pulse on style like GG, and Chuck Bass is always worth tuning in for.

(Also, I've been dying without New York magazine's recaps!)

Khloe Kardashian likes Louboutins...

Let me preface these photos by saying that I do not support the Kardashians as fashion influencers - because they are not. However, those girls have a lot of money, and I think they must spend 80% of it on shoes.
All that being said, I absolutely love these photos from ELLE & The Coveteur of Khloe Kardashian's shoe closet. I can't even comprehend having this many pairs of Louboutins, let alone a closet this massive. If I did, my shelves certainly wouldn't be as eye-catching... They'd be full of flats!

CNN talks to ADR...

"Fashion isa muse, you musta seduce her."

that's so clutch...

For a while, I went through a no-clutch phase. If it didn't have a practical strap from which to hang off my shoulder or elbow, I wasn't interested. Trying to manage one of those, a drink, and one-handed text someone was just more than I could handle. Literally. Then came the over-sized clutch craze. I was anti no more. Flush with excitement to rejoin this arm candy arena, I was royally annoyed that most of my favorites were well beyond my budget. (So often this is the story of my life...)

Enter: American Apparel. Their leather carry-all pouch comes in two clutch-worthy sizes, and at $50 - $68, they won't cause you to choose between fashion and rent. I went with the medium size ($45 in store), and I couldn't be more pleased. I picked a dark, forest green shade of leather that reminds me of a Chesterfield club chair you'd find in your grandfather's study.

You can see it in action here, but I thought I might give you a peek of what's usually inside as well. I packed this as my main bag for my trip to Arizona, and, tucked inside my Longchamp carry-on with my books and snacks, it was pretty much perfect for flying.

I kid you not, all these things fit in there - at once:

Esquire's Big Black Book: A great primer if you have any interest in what's up with menswear this year

Apple ipad: indulgent essential for a blogger on the go

Urban Outfitters wallet: ugh, I hate it, potential new wallet post is forthcoming

Ray Ban aviators: all day, everyday

Marc by Marc Jacobs keychain: the best $5 no one needs to spend on Bleeker Street

Circa 2008 LG touchscreen phone: I like to keep my communication vintage

L'Occitane lotion: rough hands are not desirable unless you're a farmer

Aquaphor: it's miracle worker

(You can see this bag on just about every other personal style blog in the galaxy, so do some exploring to see more fun ways to style it. Additionally, it now comes in some punchy new colors for spring, so don't be surprised if I (or you!) double up.)

it's sunday. i don't need a reason.

God bless my friend Casey, she always knows how to make me smile. She left this video on my Facebook yesterday so I thought I might share it with you all, too. I know I've heard this song before, but I had definitely never seen this gem. Be sure to watch out for the ridiculous fur coats and early edition harem pants...



"Ra Ra Rasputin, Russia's greatest love machine."

Hope you're all having a fabulous Sunday. I'm finally getting a haircut and maybe even going to the gym. Could be a really exciting day.

weekend movie moment...

If you're having a particularly lazy, rainy, indulgent afternoon, might I make a suggestion?

Get on your streaming Netflix, pop some corn, crack a beer (steap some tea?) and cue up Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Robert Redford and Paul Newman are the most delightfully charming and comically excellent duo, perhaps ever. (Not to mention two of the most handsome creatures that ever lived.) They play off each other so well, and set the bar for future bromance teams like Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson in Wedding Crashers. 

This is just so, so much better, though. I can't put my finger on it really, but it's a style of comedy and dialogue that you don't see in most current films. It may have something to do with the caliber of the acting/directing/producing as well.

Katherine Ross as Etta Place could almost fit into my 'dressing the part' series, but I think mostly I just find her beautiful and terrific in this part. Her outfits are, uh, very prairie.

Anyway, it's funny, it's engaging, it's gorgeous to watch, and it's a classic. One of my all-times, to be sure.

Still not convinced? Check out one of my favorite scenes, featuring the musical stylings of one Burt Bacharach:

never not loving Joanna Hillman...

Miss Hillman makes more appearances on my blog than the word fab.

She's far and away my current favorite style inspiration.

By the way, I borrowed this image from Citizen Couture, which is a really handy / wonderful site you should check out. From their breakdown, we know she's wearing a Saint James top, Zara (!) jacket, Miu Miu shoes and a Chloe bag. Additionally she's rocking her usual side braid + Ray Bans + red lips combo that never fails.

tgif...

So, if you're a longtime and/or compulsive reader of this blog (Do you exist? I love you!), you will note that I have already posted this song as a MWMM. Until yesterday, I had never seen the music video. While taking a petite rest from cropping photos at my internship yesterday, I had the sudden urge to listen to Camera Obscura's "French Navy," and figured I might as well investigate if there was an accompanying vid. Clearly, there is, and boy did it do a mid-afternoon number on me.

I've been fortunate enough to visit Paris something like five times in my young life, and a few of those times have been, well, wildly romantic. Obviously I won't get into that, but this video definitely transported me to some very happy memories for a few minutes.

Even if you haven't been to Paris/Barcelona/Rome, if you discount the not-super-aesthetically-pleasing shots of the actual band, this is a lovely escape/escapade.

Avez-vous un weekend tres fantastique.

speaking of new books...

If ever there were a photo that could sell me on purchasing an entire book, it would probably be this. Oh, how I adore it. This is an image from Parisian Chic, a guide to Parisian style and a bit of Paris the city, too, just recently published by Chanel muse Ines de la Fressange. It features images like the above - staring her daughter Nine D'Urso - illustrating elements and quirks that make Parisian style so distinct and alluring. I am shamelessly obsessed with Paris, so anything that makes me feel closer to it, wherever I am, is always a plus.

This makes me want to go home right now and change into my Theory blazer, shove the sleeves over my elbows, cinch a belt around it, and come back to work. I envision my return to the office going something like this: "Hmm? What's that? Why, yes I am naturally this carefree and chic all the time. No, no, I'm not French, but I can see why you might think that."

Oh, oui oui, that's exactly how it would go...

(image via The Cut via Parisian Chic.)

Kate Moss x Mario Testino...

Photographer Mario Testino is largely responsible for the glam side of model Kate Moss.

The two have worked together for ages, and the above is definitely one of my favorite shots of Moss,  pretty much ever.

They've published a book together through Taschen, Kate Moss by Mario Testino, featuring photos by Testino (obviously) and text from him and Moss.

There's a little more info here, and you can buy the book at Taschen's site.