Fashion Files | French Engagement

A flash of white, feathered and beaded, adorned with a gold belt of leaves...I dare say that there is no lovelier outfit for an evening in Paris (and clearly she's in a hurry to a magical engagement).

And, I know that I have unions on my mind lately, but this would be the most perfect wedding dress. Imagine a city hall elopement or a nighttime rooftop urban ceremony...The fabric fluttering in the wind while catching and reflecting each piece of light. Heavenly!

Image via Pinterest. 

Fashion Files | Relaxed Fit

Slightly tousled, natural hair coupled with cool blues and bright whites...These looks are definitely my fashion inspiration for these final weeks of summer.

Mr. V and I are spending this weekend with both of our families at my parents' house in Virginia, and I'm really looking forward to some time with everyone together. These past few weeks have been so busy and summer feels a bit as if it's tumbling by at full speed. We've been traveling almost every weekend, largely to celebrate nine (soon ten) weddings this year already - and also planning our own for next April! It's been very exciting, but also hectic. I can't wait to share some of my inspiration with you in the coming months. Have a happy weekend!

Image one via Sincerely, Jules; Images two and three via They All Hate Us. 

Summer Dressing

I'm back in New York, where the heat has finally (somewhat) broken and I no longer feel like I'm going to melt into the sidewalk with each step. All of these changes in temperature have me yearning to find a few sundresses that I can really live in this summer, such as these great looks, captured by The Sartorialist...

The breeze and beauty of these three ensembles would definitely make beating the warmth a little easier, and certainly more stylish!

Images via The Sartorialist. 

Spring Style | Adapting to the Elements

For the past few weeks, the weather has been conflicted in typical spring fashion, quickly changing from warm and sunny to cool and rainy. This makes fashion choices a bit harder, as one has to be able to slip between sunshine and sudden showers without sacrificing too much style...

For me, this look perfectly personifies the style of many New Yorkers at this time of year - half sweet, with the tied blouse and red lips, and half tough, with the rolled jeans and motorcycle boots. A perfect pairing while the weather is still waffling!

Image via The Sartorialist. 

Perfect Palette | Melon, Yellow, and Bright Green

This watermelon, orange, and feta salad not only looks delicious, but it also inspires a gorgeous color scheme for this spring and summer...

From bright & bold fashion...

To a bedroom that would be a dreamy beach escape...

As May quickly approaches, the warmer weather has me reaching for all the bright blouses in my closet, and adding touches of color to the neutral tones of my living room. I adore these hues for the impending summer months!

Image one via Martha Stewart; Image two via Vogue Shake; Image three via M.A.S.H. from High Point. 

Leopard in the Spring

The beautiful Solange Knowles, as photographed in New York by Garance Doré.

Check out Garance's interview with her here, where Solange shares her fashion favorites...Her style never ceases to impress me!

Image by Garance Doré.

Sunday's Finest

Easter is a mere two days away, and I've got pastels on my mind...

These bright and fun colors make the loveliest ensembles, particularly when dressing for this weekend's holiday. I need to run out and find a few pops of pastel...Perhaps a weekend shopping trip is in the cards!

Image one via Elements of Style; Image two via FabSugar; Image three via Late Afternoon.

Retail Therapy

The temperature was in the low seventies today, with bright sun shining and a cloudless sky. Dying to get outside and enjoy the weather, I went on a neighborhood walk this afternoon that turned into a mini shopping trip.

I stopped at Ciao for Now on 10th Street for an iced skim latte and vegan banana bread, then headed to browse the stores on Bleeker. I came away with the loveliest seafoam lucite earrings from Alexis Bittar, a classic gold bracelet from Michael Kors, and a new candle from Diptyque. I also fell in love with a few pieces from Sandro, which I will be saving for this spring! I've decided to shop for a color palette of crisp white, tan, mint green, and melon tones for the upcoming warm months. This breezy white shirt dress perfectly embodies how I'd like to be dressing as the heat rises - classically summery and chic.

Image via loveelie.

Simple Elegance

There's nothing I love more than an all black outfit with a printed scarf and tortoiseshell sunglasses...A perfect combination in my book.

This week has been rolling along, and I'm looking forward to a lovely weekend ahead filled with birthday celebrations for my best friend...Two days until champagne!

Image via Left My Heart in Paris.

Bright Whites

I'm relishing my day at home today after a busy weekend, which included a tasty work dinner catered by Roberta's and a day of catching up friends visiting from Europe yesterday.

As usual, I'm devoting my Monday to catching up around the apartment. Today, I'm trying to find a new coffee table (I'm thinking about one with a white marble top), and trying to resist the urge I'm having to paint everything I own white!

Image one from One Kings Lane via Sacramento Street; Image two via Vogue, Image three via Left My Heart in Paris.

Olivia Palermo: Pattern Play

Last Thursday, I featured Olivia Palermo's chic mix of floral and leopard. And already, with another fresh take on leopard, she has won me over yet again...

How amazing is this outfit? It's bold, risky...and it works!

Image via tumblr.

Winter White

I adore these glamorous, yet colorless, cold-weather ensembles! It has only snowed twice in New York this season, so it's nice to see a bit of white this winter, even in a wardrobe...

These looks make me want to run out and swathe myself in monochromatic, alabaster layers. This is a beautiful way to stay fashionable while braving cooler temperatures!

Image one of Peony Lim; Image two of Laura Remington Platt by Vanessa Jackman.

Oscar Fashion

Gwyneth Paltrow's Tom Ford ensemble was my favorite of the night.

She looked beautiful. I love the simple, yet bold lines of the dress...And I'm smitten with that fantastic cape!

Images via Zibmio - See more photographs on RDuJour.

Leopard + Floral

Olivia Palmero wore leopard pumps with floral pants to the Topshop Unique London Fashion Week show...And I love it!

It's not easy to mix bold patterns (especially those two!), but she looks great.

Image via Meek~n~Mild.

On My Mind

My fashion inspiration for winter:

Burgundy, gold, black, and white....Classics with a twist.

Image one via Twisted Moss; Two through four via Left My Heart in Paris; Five via Tumblr; Six via Piccsy;

White Delight

This morning, I woke up to a light, steady snowfall coating the bare trees and empty sidewalks outside my window. Up to five inches are falling on New York today, which I am so excited about, as it's the first snow of 2012!

I'm about to swaddle myself in layers of black winter attire and dash outside to hunt for an available taxi (an Olympian task during snow or rain in the city). I hope to look at least half as fashionable as the amazing Vika Gazinskaya, whose turban and bold haircut make a strong statement, despite her monochromatic attire. So chic!

Image by Hanneli Mustaparta.

The Roaring Twenties

Lately, I've been craving a 1920s bash, which would be a perfect theme for a New Year's fête!

I'm enamored with the fashion, design, and general spirit of this era, which was filled with economic prosperity and creative flourishes.

I'd love to step back into the period in for a day, particularly in New York or Paris. The romance of speakeasies, the Jazz Age, Art Deco movement, surrealism, the Harlem Renaissance, flappers, and the amazing literature of the time (The Great Gatsby, Siddhartha, Ulysses, The Sun Also Rises...) is captivating. What decade do you wish you could experience?

All images from Vogue September 2007.

First Snow of Winter

My words last night were very appropriate, as hearty snowflakes fell from the sky this morning and coated the trees in a light dusting.

Mr. V and I are still at my parents' house in the country, spending a week sleeping in under a down comforter, visiting with friends and family, and eating delicious meals by the fire. This is the most relaxed I have felt in quite some time...For once, a week off isn't flying by at the speed of light!

When I emerge from this holiday, I'd like to channel this look for the rest of the season. I'm so drawn to the faux fur, metallics, and messy bangs! Sexy winter chic at its finest.

Image one via Pinterest; Image two from Elle Belgium via Red Glasses.

Keeping Warm Well

The only time I've seen snow this whole season was on Halloween (which is beyond strange)...However, it's been chilly nonetheless, and I find myself constantly adding layers as the weather vacillates from cool to bitterly cold.

I love how slim and chic these three women look, despite being all bundled up to face the elements! These are great examples of how to stay fashionable as the temperature drops.

All images via The Sartorialist.

Winter Turban

Loving how Vike Gazinskaya is rocking the turban...

What an awesome way to add a pop of unexpected color to a cold winter outfit.

I can't wait to head home for the holidays tomorrow evening!

Image via Jak & Jil, Photographer: Tommy Ton.