PRETTY IN PINK//

Molly, Duckie, Blaine...classic.  I loved this movie so much when it came out that I bought the VHS video tape (that makes me feel really old!) and watched it constantly.  I loved Molly Ringwald with her integrity and very personal style, but I have to admit that I have never really liked the color pink.  I have always felt like pink is a color that is appropriate until the age 10 and then it is suited to New England snobs and women who wear things like Juicy Couture track suits and platform flip flops.  This spring, however, I have changed my tune.  When I saw the models in Isabel Marant's spring show walk down the runway in Pepto pink cropped demin lace up pants, I gasped.  They were cheeky and fun and perfect.  Wearing these pink pants has opened me up to color and I have to say, there really is something pretty about pink.

Isabel Marant pants worn with Mayle leather jacket, Dries Van Noten pumps (so gorgeous!)

I love the details of these pants - the tie in front, patch over the knee, and gathered fabric down the side. Worn with Pamela Love talon cuff. 

While not quite as pink as the Isabel pants, these Rag and Bone jeans have a great blush tone that give them color but versatility as well.  Worn with Raquel Allegra top, Natalia Brilli bracelet, and Dries Van Noten pumps.

I discovered Raquel Allegra many years ago at Curve boutique before she expanded her line. I instantly fell in love with her work - she takes t-shirts and reworks them all by hand - dying them, creating new silhouettes, and literally deconstructing them.  Notice how the top moves; so cool. 

Raquel Allegra shirt and Natalia Brilli bracelet.

In keeping with the 80's feel of "Pretty in Pink" I had to wear my Isabel Marant Perkins sneakers.  I absolutely love these shoes. When I put them on, I feel cool, period. I love mix of high and low in this lux sneaker. 


All photos by Teresa Rafidi

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS//

My closet is filled with all kinds of pieces by all kinds of designers.  When I am investing in a special piece, the first thing I look for is versatility.  I don't see the sense in spending a lot of money on something that can't be incorporated into your everyday look.  I own a few things that I regret buying because while they are really beautiful runway pieces, they are very specific and for the most part, hang in my closet unworn.  Some designers have the great ability to make beautiful pieces that can go from the runway to reality without getting lost in translation. 

 

This Dries Van Noten Jacket is perfect for spring and can move into fall.  I love his take on a trench style jacket - the body is very tailored and masculine and the ombre denim sleeves add a quirky uniqueness.  The sleeves allow this jacket to be worn in all occasions - I wear it constantly.  The pants are Isabel Marant and I love them because the cut and material is very simple and casual, but the red and black stripes make them anything but basic.  They are fun but not over the top and can be worn in so many different ways. 

Ahh...the Celine leopard loafer. To say I am obsessed with men's style shoes is an understatement.  I love the androgyny and modernity of a shoe like this - I have been wearing them with everything from dresses to shorts.  The leopard print on these is chic and so fun and can really be worn as a neutral. Love.

One of my favorite jewelry designers is Pamela Love. I have loads of her things but I think this cuff is my favorite because of its versatility and toughness.  It is just the right width, has just the right finish, and the bolts on either side add just enough detail to give it personality.  With all of these pieces, the details are what make them special.  I love how the details of the jacket, the pants, and the shoes go together.  This has become a go-to outfit for spring.

All photos by Teresa Rafidi

SHADY//

I have many, many pairs of sunglasses. It's ridiculous actually.  Among the pairs of Oliver Peoples and Marni shades, my favorite pair is the Ray Ban wayfarer (I have three pairs.)  There is just something cool about the wayfarer with it's iconic square shape, thick frame, and silver detail at the temples.  Not to mention all the "cool kids" have been wearing wayfarers for many, many years...

DOUBLE WIDE//

A clear trend that has emerged for spring and summer is the wide leg pant.  While I hate following trends, this is a refreshing and chic look that will be around for many seasons to come.  There is something liberating about the wide leg; there is definitely more room to breathe than with those awful jeggings.  There are many interpretations of this look, and I love them all.

I love these Derek Lam high waisted trousers because of their versatility. Here I embraced a more 70's look by tucking in over sized blouse (Jenni Kayne) and pairing with a vintage Judith Lieber belt and suede Isabel Marant booties. 

This is a totally different interpretation of the wide legged trouser.  These Dries Van Noten pants are cropped and slouchy and very versatile. 

I like pairing these pants with a more over sized top to complete the whole slouchy look.  I love this Stella McCartney top (it is a sweatshirt meets men's white oxford shirt - so cool and versatile).

 Once of my favorite accessories - Natalia Brilli leather chain link necklace. Perfect with everything.
 

I'M WITH THE BOYS//

The other day, my three year old daughter said, "Mommy, you dress like a boy." I looked at myself in the mirror and I had on slouchy jeans rolled up, an over sized white oxford shirt, animal print loafers, and Ray Ban wayfarers.  If I didn't have long blond hair and breasts, I could have passed for a boy.  I never gave it that much thought, but I do prefer to dress like a boy - blazers, trousers, basic t-shirts, leather, and boots or loafers. There is something sexy and modern about androgyny.  While my daughter would prefer we "match" (meaning I should wear pink dresses with sparkles), I think I will stick with the boys for now.

James Dean; 1950's cool

Bob Dylan - perfection from the hair to the boots

Oh MJ - the leather, the cropped pants, and the oxfords- greatness.

My beloved Celine loafers

 

TO THE MAXI//

Truth be told, I am not a huge fan of spring.  I have terrible allergies, people start acting weird and overly excitable in spring, and the fashion is not my favorite - I naturally lean more towards muted colors, prefer boots to sandals, and fabrics like chiffon and silk make me nervous.  However, there is one piece of clothing that I cannot seem to get enough of this season - the maxi skirt. There is something so chic and versatile about these long skirts; I have been pairing them with everything from basic t-shirts, to fur, to over sized blouses. One word of warning: this silhouette can fall into a "bad 90's" category (think body hugging, heavy cotton, elastic waist).  As long as the skirt has movement and is in a light fabric, it is chic and versatile. I think this length is a new wardrobe staple.

 Rag and Bone skirt, Isabel Marant top, Celine bag, Lanvin sandals, Pamela Love bracelet and necklace.

 Rag and Bone skirt, Isabel Marant fur vest, Celine box bag, Anndra Neen and Pamela Love bracelets, Dries Van Noten shoes.

 Helmut Lang skirt, Vince top, Pamela Love and Anndra Neen jewelry, Alexander Wang shoes.

All photos by Teresa Rafidi

CUFFED//

Recently, I am very into rolling all my pants - straight leg, tapered, loose, tight, whatever.  There is something playful and unexpected about a rolled hem. It also helps show off a great shoe which is an added benefit. I especially love a rolled hem with booties and wedges.  There is something chic and sexy about that peek-a-boo of ankle between the pants and shoes.  And I love the lux sneaker with rolled leggings - so wrong it's right!

 from top: Etoile Isabel Marant jeans and Isabel Marant studded booties; Etoile Isabel Marant jeans and Alexander Wang leopard wedges; The Row leggings and Isabel Marant Perkins sneakers