#newiphoneobsession

After an incident last weekend left me with a shattered phone, and suffering the social humiliation that includes everyone-and-their-mother telling me "That's why you have a case," I've bitten the bullet and purchased a hearty iPhone cover.

And, I found an awesome new company while at it.

It's called Techcandy. Their cases are a hybrid of soft and hard, and come with color options for the soft underlay to achieve a different look. I invested in the Bordeaux case above, and have the orange in action right now. (Although I know the time will come when I switch to gray, then back to orange, and back to gray again, so it's really great to have both!) If you're the streamlining kind, there are matching iPad products too!

Country Strong

There's a fine line between dressing for a music festival and music fesitvals dressing you.

I prefer the former. And the last thing you want while drinking beer at 10AM is to look like you are trying too hard.

This weekend I'll be venturing east to the land that is mostly famous for the ultra-trendy music festival Coachella, for a less trendy music fest called Stagecoach. With a forecast of 95 and sunny, and a fun-ness projection of 100%, my concerns are avoiding tan-lines, keeping cool, and pairing my outfits with cowboy boots.

This is what will be in my suitcase:

Aztec Embellished Shell Top

Robbie Shorts

               

 Serape Striped Top

 Gwen Cuffed Shorts

Broderie Cropped Halterneck Top

Mexican Blanket Shorts

Add cross-body purse, mid-calf cowboy boots, and beachy hair.

Also perfect for any summer concerts, BBQs, flea-marketing, fairs, coffee-talks.

Just the Ticket

No matter how much you love the new "it" piece, "it" will never ever be put to use unless you make it work with your style.

Repeat after me, "I don't work for the trend! The trend works for me!" And, don't you forget it!

Even Rihanna couldn't pull of this Spring's floral frenzy if she weren't doing it with stiletto nails and a buzzed head. We've gotta stay true to our roots!

It took me a while to understand how to fit the pajama trend into my wardrobe without having flashbacks of middle school spirit days.

But, sound the trumpets... I've finally figured it out! (For me, that is...)

Joie Layana Shorts + White Pocket V + Relaxed Neutral Blazer

Oh, and be sure to top it all off with a killer pump. My patent leather t-straps FINALLY made their debut!

Success!

Crazy/Beautiful

The best part of having brilliantly creative friends is inspiring conversation.

The second best part is reaping the benefits of their brilliant minds.

I haven't been able to take these stunners off since I got them for my birthday last week...

Lovely scarves by my darling doll Beatrice's line, GG Collective. 

Made in Los A, babay. 

www.ggcollective.com

All In Moderation

Trends are so easy to get sick of, especially the loud ones.

I say, invest in high-quality basics and sprinkle trends into your seasonal wardrobe in doses.

Then, when the new, "new black" comes along, you won't feel as guilty to ditch the old and infuse the new.

Neons are spring's perfect example.

Holiday with Henri

Listen, Henri Bendel is already one of those places that you can walk into with no intention of buying anything and then walk out a thousand bucks less rich. It's like Target on steroids. 

And, don't even get me started on the travel accessories. I started out with the 'Travel Trio" a couple of years ago, and it was all downhill from there. 

Because there's nothing more annoying than un-tangling necklaces...

Centennial Stripe Travel Jewelry Box

Or searching for your Hanky Pankies...

Travel Trio

Nothing more irritating than the baggage claim...

HB Clear Beauty Travel Case

Or sleepless nights...

Lavender Leaves Travel Candle

Or the morning after a glass of wine (or two)...

Cashmere Brown and White Striped Eyemask

Problems? Solved. 

Thanks, Henri!

Verameat.

Verameat first came into my life while I was working as a fashion rep. We "almost" got the line in our showroom about a million times, much to no avail. So, instead of spreading the word about the neat little treats, I longingly stared at the samples for a good month or so.

But, I remember being immediately drawn to the little creatures morphed into quirky, fun necklaces and rings, and envisioning how perfectly they would fit into my jewelry wardrobe.

My memory was jogged last week when my sister told me about the jewelry line she was newly obsessed with. Verameat, it was!

Current favorites below, of course.

Elasamasaurus Lochness

Vampire Duster

Yes, Dear

Eagle Animal Power

Baby Bull

They're just those pieces that will automatically make your outfit, and you, so much cooler... Ya know?

Inspired.

A little reminder to keep creating. 

And, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Leather Craft

I'll never get over my leather phase. Actually, it's no phase. It's a way of life. (Quote that.) 

I love it best in interesting and unexpected shapes, colors, and details.

Currently drooling over the beauties below.

With a pastel tote and a fun and girly pony...

Alice + Olivia, Abby Leather Laser Cut Dress

 With a bright pink, silk blouse and retro-inspired platforms...

Parker, Pleated Leather Miniskirt

 With a sheer, button down and distressed denim...

Tess Giberson, Leather Bandeau Bra

 With a cashmere tee and black, heeled booties...

Vince, Leather Jogger Shorts

With a white pocket-tee and a neon necklace...

Vince, Leather Blazer

 With floral-printed denim and fuchsia lips...

Zero + Maria Cornejo, Leather Neka Top

Gimme. Gimme more. (Gimme, gimme more.)

Black Beauty

Seriously upset with Barney's for inadvertently introducing me to black opal.

Irene Neuwirth Diamond Collection, Black Opal & Diamond Ring

So beautiful. So outrageously rare and precious. I'll be drooling over this piece until the day I win the lottery.

Shop-a-holic

The perfect outfit for a Saturday filled with boutique-ing.


Chunky Sweater + Leather Shorts + Chic Sneaks

Vince, Frayed Open-Knit Cotton-Blend Sweater

Alexander Wang, Leather Shorts

The Row for Superga, Cashmere

Oh, and you'll obviously need a solid pair of sunnies.

Illesteva, Dasha for Illesteva Leonard Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses

Comfy, but killer. 

Wedges For All!

For the Gold-Digger

kate spade new york, lila braided espadrille

For the Free Spirit

Joe's Jeans, Trixie Wedge Sandal

For the Minimalist

Sam Edelman, Sophie Low Wedge Sandal

For the Nudist

BCBGMAXAZRIA, Laurol Embossed Wedge Sandals

For the Life of the Party

Alice + Olivia, Jana Tie Dye Sandal

For the Glamazon

Elizabeth and James, Platform Wedge Sandal

For the Fearless

Rachel Zoe, Emma Suede Wedge Mules

For Mama Earth

Dolce Vita, Jade Nubuck Wedge Sandals

You get the height and you get the comfort. Is there anything better? So glad to see such wedges go beyond raffia and cork!

Candy-Colored Accessories

If you build it, it will come!

Start infusing the delicious candy-inspired colors of Spring 2012 into your life, and maybe spring will come a little bit sooner. (Fingers-crossed for my 4-seasoned friends!)

Don't be afraid of the pop colors, treat them as a neutral. There are no "tone on tone" rules anymore, and rules were made for breaking anyway, right? ;) 

Porenza Schouler

PS1 Small Leather Satchel

Chloé

Madeleine Patent Leather Duffle Bag

Nixon

Time Teller Rubber Watch

Eugenia Kim

Chiara Silk-Charmeuse Turban Headband

Rag & Bone

Keaton D-Frame Acetate Sunglasses

Yves Saint Laurent

Leather Cardholder

Isabel Marant

Pop Color Brass and Silk Tassel Necklace

Alexander McQueen

Enameled Skull Bangle

I know they look good enough to eat, but please... DON'T DO IT! These treats are far, far too pretty. 

www.net-a-porter.com