I think I have strep throat and it's probably because I was busy pretending it was seventy degrees today when it barely breached the mid fifties... So if we're going to keep on pretending spring has sprung, then it means that Coachella is right around the corner and we're going. 

I went to a thrift store today in search for a denim dress and I kid you not, the first thing I put my hand on was a silk Isabel Marant Etoile Dress much like the silhouette of the one pictured, just with a much smaller print and in a deep maroon. I'm an idiot though - because I left without it. Every spring I find myself wanting to emulate this carefree girl that exists in my head - she has 101 different quirky vintage t-shirts and this Weekday Banana Tee  is 101% something she would own -  however this shirt is sold out and this website does not ship to the US, so that girl probably lives abroad. I go in and out of phases where I love a bold lip and I hate a bold lip and these Karen Walker sunglasses  seem like a good alternative to making a statement on your face without too much of a commitment. I'll be honest and state that I found this denim brand "Runawaydreamz" on Kylie Jenner's Instagram, that is also a "z" slapped at the end - likely so the brand wouldn't be confused with this. The Runawaydreamz shorts are a little on the high side, but look how beautifully faded and frayed. 

Once I think I've decided what I want from Zara, I find three more things the next week that I deem even better that the items from the weeks prior, most recently these fringy sandals. Part sneaker, part sandal, part loafer Phillip Lim got it right with these. This Lulu Frost Gold Code Moon ring, could be a moon, or it could mimic my first initial. 

If I glue pom-poms all over this jacket will it be equally as cool as this Phillip Lim embellished bomber?

This Opening Ceremony Sumi bag is charming in many ways, the electric hue, the cracked leather and the round little discs that make up the handle... it's the little things. The carefree girl that I mentioned earlier (the one with the t-shirts) also happens to have every peasant ruffle blouse you could not only imagine - but want...like this Isabel Marant one. This is really a sunglasses case, but I believe it has the power to pretend that it's the french-est of french minaudière. Why not bring a little bit of France to sunny so-Cal?

Okay see you at Coachella. Toodles.

Fashion Month is nearing it's end, but the past two days in Paris have been giving me new life - even thousands of miles away in New York. From blue-grey palettes and emerald offerings, to prints so good they'd turn a solid girl into a printed lady, bordeaux in feather form, an athletic aesthetic so bright it almost singlehandedly convinces you to go to the gym, cloaked cashmere that seems suit for this never ending winter, and knits tied and layered so well that it prompts smiles from even the models. 

 New Hue

Julien David showed fuzzy woolen bomber jackets with matching skirts and the clunkiest Birkenstock style sandals. Phoebe Philo was like I'm going to make all of these girls want to be one of my girls, and that is exactly what she did. The Celine woman eludes a distinct brand of effortless energy, clad in clothes that feel so right now - gingham turtleneck dress + blazer/dress with oversized embellishment, and will continue to feel right for years.  Acne's collection garnered attention through their risky silhouettes - can we get a heck yeah for those huge hats? At Viktor & Rolf, through there surrealist meets kitschy take on the season, I picture them saying faux bralette that forms faux peplum but lets do it with culottes. It's a conversation that makes sense in my head, and apparently in their heads too, but most importantly through the clothes. 

Emerald Club 

Isabel Marant does something very similar to Phoebe Philo, in terms of making you want to assume the brands very same identity. Upon clicking through images from the show I thought this is a physical manifestation of the modern urban warrior. Make of that what you will. If we are still actualizing a modern warrior then look no further then Aquilano.Rimondi That coat is not beaded, but rather adorned with three dimensional metal flowers. Often times I believe that Marni does not receive enough credit for the truly remarkable pieces Consuelo Castiglioni produces. This is in turn one of those times - from an ombre trail of feathers, to that boxy emerald neoprene skirt suit paired with those bright white pointy metallic trim loafers. Dries Van Noten shined with metallic optic prints, with pieces that were two parts wearable and three parts funky fresh. Julien David balanced a basic black jacket with a dress full of fun in fringe formation. 

All Good Things in Bordeaux

Lanvin brought flapper fringe to new-age NOW, through fringe ascending down tops, skirts and coats all in a different matter.  Marni continues to be 150% Marni, this time with a full on fringed feather top paired with what would have been just a basic skirt - that now suddenly seems like something more. Aquilano.Rimondi continues with metal additives this time on bordeaux dress, that would look oh so good over a charcoal turtleneck. Peter Copping does amazing things at Nina Ricci, with a collection that is equal parts wearable, provocative, and elegant. What could be a maroon plaid blanket is currently moonlighting as a blanket coat at Etro, but to make matters even better, look at those boots, look at the fringe tassel necklace. Just look at those looks.

Plenty of Prints

While everyone was on the same Fall florals page, each print is remarkably different. We'll start with Marni who did a black based floral with splotches of pale pink and green. Next up at Issa, with an eye-catching emerald and Pepto pink sash.  Rochas with a smaller black based floral, this one with more of an ethnic feel, with fleurs in deep violet and bordeaux, paired with buttery leather dish gloves. Dries Van Noten made me want to book the next flight to Hawaii with bright and orange and navy florals with the fur, with the fur. (sung to Low by Flo Rida). The burnt orange layered sunflowers over gingham at Stella Jean seemed so definitive of Fall. 

Athletic Shade

From the palette de Americana at both Iceberg and Jacquemus - let freedom ring. The Jacquemus girl (3rd and 4th lewks) - always has a certain confident sporty je ne sais quoi - this season was no exception. Meanwhile let us backtrack to Dior where Raf Simons continues to be the Andy Warhol of Paris with pops of color that seem so right, and color combinations that the average mind would have never considered ex: draped and ruffled vibrant red and pink, and that cobalt vest paired with the sportiest of pumps.

Parisian Ease

Casual elegance through looks that seemed so indicative of the effortless nature of the French. Starting at Celine, with a thick long olive green rib knit paired with a skirt and creepers in the same hue. The Chloe show prompted one single tear to fall from my left eye upon its closure, from the draped baby pink coat, to the cascading silk ruffled dress, to the leather boots with a tongue that seemed like a gentle jab at the sneaker wedge, I didn't want it to ever end. Maison Rabih Kayrouz continued the trend with long nubby knit coats, draped gingham, and a luxurious silk dress only elevated by the large simple tie up top.

Swaddled Knits

Just keep knitting, Just keep knitting. Whether it be a turtleneck, or layered and tied, I want to be wrapped and cloaked in all of these looks if at all possible. Starting a Barbara Bui with an ecru poncho like braided and rib knit turtleneck. Layers formed visually through a thick wrapped and tied scarf atop a white sweater of the same variety at Sonia Rykiel.   Knitted yak wool and denim, beige and deep olive, necks and knees covered, Christophe Lemaire is the unsung hero of knitwear. Ter et Bantine in eggshell, with a cropped turtleneck, over short choppy layers and a long mid-calf skirt over leggings.  Lastly grey blanket like coats with fluffy fringe where Issey Miyake summed it up best by stating, "Cloth harbours the power of life: wrap yourself in it and feel an instantaneous metamorphosis into pure joy at the wonder of living."

All images from Style.com & Nowfashion - links accordingly.

Part III of Fashion Month to follow.

It seems like everyone and their sister is having a sale right now online, in-stores, or both... Essentially this blog should just be titled "Cool Things I Want" but whatever. I've crafted three semi-not-all-complete-outfits from various online sales, separated into three columns, in which I think everything is under $500. 

Outfit #1: (left) Theyskens Theory watercolor satin dress, Dannijo Liana collar necklace (available in gold too) Alexander Wang Black cut-out Dasha ankle boots (at SSENSE). Seeing that my size is one of two left, I'm taking that as a sign these are meant to be. I would probably add either a black leather motorcycle vest or jacket.

Outfit #2: Low Classic faux leather cut out skirt at Opening Ceremony, really taking texting to a whole new level. I would wear with a white linen tank, or a white collared button up with this Dannijo Lincoln Collar necklace. How perfect for working on the fourth of July? For footwear I would add white converse, or a simple black flat sandal. 

Outfit #3: Dannijo Otto cuff, Diane Von Furstenberg yellow and zebra print mini wedge, Kenzo front flap skirt, and these Rag & Bone tortoiseshell Monroe sunglasses, (which act as a summer essential - don't let your pupils be damaged) And although it is legal for ladies to roam the streets of NYC topless, that is not the case here in Dallas, so this outfit IS indeed missing a top.  A white linen tank would suffice here too, or if we're feeling spendy, add the Isabel Marant Etoile Linen Freedom tank.

The only bad thing about working for free is the whole not being able to figure out what you're going to buy thing, seeing as well...you can't really buy anything. So am I already figuring out what I'm going to buy via my summer job? Absolutely.

First on the list: (in no particular order) Isabel Marant Patchwork Denim Jacket, (pictured above Etoile Isabel Marant Denim Shirt) It's not the same gem that I turned down at Beacons Closet, and I'll continue to ask myself why, why was I that idiot that turned down a $54 Isabel Marant jacket? Any who the Alexander Wang Kori Booties are perhaps at the tippytop of this wonderful list, as well as this collection of Rings ASOS, Tom Binns, Dannijo, Kenneth Jay Lane, and ASOS(again)

Okay. Okay. I know what you're thinking.

 Am I actually considering paying over $500 for a pair of slightly distressed sneakers? yes. 

LOOK AT THEM. Those beauties have dots, stripes, AND stars, and there is no price too high for patriotism. Sure, they better live up to a certain level of walking on clouds comfort, but really I can't get over the effortlessly perfect aspect of these Golden Goose Tricolor Sneakers. 

In other news, eBay has further proved that it knows me perhaps better than I know myself. Case and Point, randomly suggesting this Rick Owens jacket to me. Dusty grey and olive ribbed velvet, with a dose of exaggerated collar pure perfection. (shown above is also Rick Owens via Pinterest) 

Dannijo Marilyn Bracelet. I'm particularly intrigued by Dannijo for their offerings of both short and long bracelet lengths. As a lad with small wrists, a few of my greatest fears consist of my bangles slipping off, breaking, or landing into a subway grate, all of which are very tragic.

 A shorter length would simply wash away my fears. 

Not only are these Alice & Olivia high waisted shorts, my current brand du jour but I feel like they would benefit multiple pieces I already own (see denim crop top, Prabal Gurung for Target wedges)

As Lana says "Money is the anthem to success"

I highly believe in the mantra "Look good, Feel good, Do good" So in anticpation for finals, a quick little collage of a few things I need want in preparation of finals. In reality though, I will probably purchase as a reward if I do well, not as a crutch to brace studying/sanity on.

Included are things such as necessities like the Marc by Marc Jacobs flash drive, I have to store my papers and notes somewhere right? A slouchy casual cool Topshop sweater, in the perfect shade of emerald, paired with Rag & Bone Jeggings. I'm still obsessing over these denim Isabel Marant Sneaker Wedges and Floral Doc Martens, so those are included seeing as they are both comfortable and add to an otherwise basic outfit. 

The accessories also play a crucial role in my fantasy finals outfit. The sunglasses, just in case the sun ever comes out. The Marc By Marc Jacobs Messenger Bag, seeing as its the perfect size for essentials needed for testing days, and it would be perfect as a carry on for the flight home too. The Finn Love Knot Ring as something to jitter around my finger while testing. The Barneys Red Fur, because the wind chill is frigid and a simple knit scarf may not do during the drastic days of finals. 

And the last but not least, the teal coffee cup that smiles back, mainly because I foresee copious cups of coffee this week.