Desire/Acquire: Silk Camp Shirt

Maybe this is just me, but every now and then I see an outfit in a magazine or online, and it feels like it is burned into my brain.  It all started with Viviana Volpicella and her lovely blouse surrounding this gorgeous YSL day clutch, then morphed into a summer casual look from Carine Roitfeld featured on Style.com a few weeks ago.  Now I find myself scanning for the elements that will make this outfit happen.  This is where I am with the silk camp-style shirt I have been lusting over for the past few months.  Critical elements: two breast pockets with flaps, button down, roll-able sleeves (even better if there is a button enclosure to keep sleeve rolls in place), and neutral in color.  I have the white jeans, gold statement necklace, but the silk button down I have is too peachy and has ruffles (definitely looking for something with cleaner lines) and oxfords are a bit too tailored.  

Finally!  A shirt has been found!

The Silk Camp Shirt in Asphalt from Ann Taylor fills all my non-negotiables and comes in at $88.

In my opinion, this is a perfect outfit to transition into fall (yes you can wear white jeans after Labor Day).  Right now it's great with sandals or brown wedges/heels, then when fall hits I think it would work well with J. Crew's MacAlister Wedge Boots.  Enjoy!

Loving This MJ Day Clutch

Ever since I spied Viviana Volpicella's carrying YSL's super chic day clutch I have been on a frenzied hunt to find something similar: same concept (maneuvering through the day with only the essentials), same lines (needs to be large enough to carry said essentials), and a bit of hardware on the front to give it that luxe look.  And obviously, it needs to be priced to move.  Day clutch you say?  Yes.  I think this is about to get big, and everyone from Balenciaga to Top Shop is doing clutches that carry more than just a cc, lipstick, and phone this spring.

I think I have found a winner!  Here we have the Marc Jacobs large flat leather case in orange leather with gold-tone hardware.  It has studded detailing at the sides and a padlock on the front that screams Hermes.  I also love how it has an internal zip pocket for lady things.  At 10" x 8" it is a great size that will fit your goodies, but won't weigh you down at a cocktail party.  Best thing: It's $290 on Net-a-porter....ahem, when was the last time you saw anything designer and leather (that wasn't a key ring or a card holder) go for this price?  The new economy people!  I am heading to the Marc Jacobs on Bleecker this weekend for a test drive!

Marc Jacobs Large flat leather clutch on Net-a-porter

It's Always Summer for Viviana Volpicella

We may be in the throes of winter, but for Viviana Volpicella (editor's assistant for Vogue Nippon) it always seems to be summer. I have always approached color with a skeptic's eye, and needless to say, have ended up with a wardrobe full of black and gray. However, I am loving how she combines color in a modern way. I think the trick is to stick with a clean silhouette, steer clear of prints, and make accessories (like scarves or bags) burst with color. She is also the owner of the emerald green leather gloves I recently posted about. Read a bit more about Viviana on one of my fav blogs du jour, Habitually Chic.

Hands Down Best Winter Accessory

I was tooling around on Style.com when I found Tommy Ton's photos from Milan fashion week. Leave it to the Italians to look chic, but not so impossibly chic as the French. The picture above really caught my eye and truly exemplified the importance of accessories. No, not the cigarette as that will make you gag and not in a good way, but the emerald green leather gloves. Me likey! Winter can be full of blacks, grays, and browns, but a punch of color like this changes the game. Check out Portolano's website for their amazing, yet affordable, cashmere lined leather gloves. Each style has about 13 different color options, and I recommend going with the 4-button for yummy scrunchability.

Ladies gloves on Portolano.com