:: new favorite combo: gray and yellow ::

Last fall I was visiting friends in Virginia, and their guest room was all daffodil yellow and light gray. I fell in LOVE. It's the perfect combo because it's gender neutral, but still lends itself to a little femininity with a floral or curvy geometric pattern. And it clashes with NOTHING. Seriously, think about it...brown? Black? Pink? Blue? It's invincible.

Cédric Charlier stripe dress / Charles Jourdan leather handbag / Andrea Fohrman moonstone earrings / Tom Ford sunglasses

:: wedding "underbasics" ::

I'm getting married in September and I'm sorry, but all this planning is NOT a pleasure. The flowers, the table rentals, the save-the-date cards, the DRESS, are all giving me some crazy anxiety. I find it hard to pull the trigger on easy things sometimes (ordering lunch off a menu, choosing between paper or plastic), so this stuff is definitely not in my wheelhouse.

But what I wear UNDER my dress is a no-brainer. As part of the Commando Crew, Commando has generously sent me some of their fabulous items to try out. My favorites are here, and all of them will hold a prime spot on my wedding weekend and beyond.

Commando classic thong / Commando whisper weight layering cami / Commando double take racerback bra
 

Clockwise from top right: 

 

Commando classic thong: I have a number of these, and they've overtaken Hanky Panky as my go-to underwear.  They're made of microfiber and are super simple, so there is ZERO bulging or puckering no matter what I'm wearing. 

Commando Whisper Weight Cami: Crazy thin, and with no seams, it's hard to believe that this cami doesn't unravel and float away. It makes me feel all tucked in and tied together, and the torso is long enough so it doesn't bunch up, whether I'm tucking it into jeans or wearing it with a dress for some extra opaqueness...is that a word?

Commando Double Take Racerback Bra: This one is definitely happening on my wedding day...as I've recently discovered that a strapless dress is not in my future. So delicate and yet also very supportive, it's a great every day bra that transitions well to being a dependable first layer for a formal outfit.

Check out what's new at Commando here. If you're getting married soon or in a wedding soon, or just going to a wedding soon, they have a whole page for you here. If you're a bargain hunter like me, their sales are great too...check them out here.

:: Tees by Tina, Redux ::

I was in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina over the weekend and if 80 degree weather and sunshine weren't enough, I stumbled into a Tina Stephens store! I've written about Tees by Tina before here, but I had no idea that there were actual stores I could go into! (There are two more--Sarasota and Martha's Vineyard).

So, aside from buying a pair of basketweave leggings and a ANOTHER tank in calypso green (for spring!), a sweet sales girl gave me some laundering tips for keeping all my Tina items fresh looking. I've had a bunch of them for at least a few years and they're starting to look a little bit ragged. But now I know I wasn't caring for them right either.

Here's my new regimen:

1. Hand wash cold separately or machine wash cold in the delicate cycle IN A LINGERIE BAG (I wasn't doing this).

2. Turn everything inside out (I wasn't doing this).

 3. Don't bleach.

4. Hang to dry (I wasn't doing this).

5. Don't iron.

And now, I'm off, to wear more of these fabulous tanks and leggings. In spring colors like this:

Tees by Tina clothing / Tees by Tina clothing / Tees by Tina clothing / Tees by Tina clothing / Tees by Tina clothing / Tees by Tina clothing / Rose bouquet

:: backpacks: not just for middle schoolers anymore ::

I'm sorry, but I hate the look of a backpack. Especially if I'm wearing a cute outfit and heading off to work and post-work cocktails. If I'm on a mountain camping or hiking, bring on the Patagonia, but otherwise...no.

Unfortunately, my back, neck and shoulders have been protesting as of late. And all this hellish snow have made me feel like I need both hands free in case I take a digger. It's only a matter of time, folks.

So, in the spirit of comfort and safety over vanity, I'm trying to find some backpack inspiration here:

backpacks!?

3 1 phillip lim bag / Marc by marc jacobs knapsack / Radley grey bag, $335 / Longchamp backpacks bag / Nila Anthony gray bag / Black faux leather bag, $38

:: we're all good ::

I'm going to pretend that it doesn't get so cold in Boston that I'd need seven of these to survive the winter. This denial is acceptable because I've been eyeballing Athleta's All Good Anorak for over a year and their semi-annual sale has it down from $118 to $44. The gray is gone but the taupe is still available!

It's so versatile and I'm a sucker for deep, horizontal pockets (T pass, cell, mace, whatever...). Plus it has a hood. Ship it!
 

Anine Bing distressing jeans / Athleta clothing / Athleta petite activewear

:: pantone. marsala. 2015. ::

I love that we're going to be doing Marsala for 2015, even though it is a little too similar to the oxblood craze we had going on a while back.

There's something about this color that says "winter" while still feeling warm, and offers up some depth without having to go the chocolate route. I consider it a neutral, which means I should probably trade in some of my black items for some that are a little more maroon.

And the best part about Marsala is that it's so versatile, you can incorporate it EVERYWHERE, from your sunnie lenses to your lips and fingers to your leather accessories. And feel free to throw a few red wine stains in there while you're at it.

marsala

:: currently coveting...athleta ::

I've been POURING over the fall Athleta catalog. I know a lot of people feel differently, but I think their stuff is so much better than Lululemon. And much more appropriately priced. The sales staff at their Newbury Street store are so helpful and friendly, that I find myself wandering in there on autopilot.

These are the items that I'm in love with for autumn. And isn't that mulberry color just the best?

Also, I'm a huge fan of buying workout clothes that can double as real clothes. It helps me justify my purchases and it also allows me to be lazy and go right from work to the gym without changing. Sad but true. Anyway, those Bettona Classic straight leg pants are exactly what I'm talking about. Work meeting to yoga class, no problem.

currently coveting...athleta featuring a slouch beanie

Athleta top / Athleta clothing / Athleta brown top / Athleta infinity scarf / Athleta slouch beanie

:: what i wouldn't give for a little shut eye... ::

and these five items, on my body ASAP.

It's only Thursday...how can it be ONLY Thursday?! Maybe it's because it's been so dreary in Boston this week, but all I want is my bed and some white wine and a book. And maybe a roaring fire, but that might be asking for too much.

These earplugs are amazing, BTW.

Untitled #65

:: just a little plaid... ::

I have to confess, I'm not a huge plaid fan. It just makes me feel like a boy, or someone who's trapped in a hunting lodge. Or in Scotland or something. But I have seen so many cute plaid collars peeking out from underneath big cream-colored sweaters lately and I have to say, I kind of like it.

But not enough to go straight up lumberjack on my closet. So I found a little number below that makes me feel like I'm in on the trend, without fully embracing it. Cute, right?

Any other ways for me to wear plaid without feeling like I'm back in high school and listening to Nirvana?

just a little plaid... 

Cardigan long sleeve top, $300 / AG Adriano Goldschmied rolled cuff jeans, $200 / Splendid platform high heel boots / Rampage blue purse / Michael Kors heart jewelry

:: Fall florals ::

Even though I love flowers, I totally shy away from floral prints. They just seem grandma-ish. I see Alexa Chung and Lauren Conrad and everyone else totally all over them, but it just never feels right for me. So, determined to pick a floral print that I could maybe make work, I came up with this one from Forever New. At $28, if I end up wearing it to bed, so be it.

Fall florals by mascaraordie 

And while they're usually so springy, these prints can totally be brought into fall with some more rugged footwear and maybe a pair of cords. Come January, I'll probably be begging for all the color I can get.

Any other florals worth considering?

:: frizz halo ::

It's getting worse. WAY WORSE. I know, I know, total first world problem, but still.

 I haven't found my frizz zapper by way of a Moroccan oil or a serum because I just don't like the idea of adding anything greasy near my roots. And that's exactly where I need the help. So I've tried to kick the problem in another way--leave-in conditioners! And I am making some progress. I tend to wash my hair at night because my mornings are a disaster. So, I wash and condition, towel dry and then spray in (or rub in) a leave-in. I let my hair air dry for about 15-20 minutes and then I top-knot it while I sleep. Frizzies aren't gone completely, but it definitely lessens their ranks. Below are a few of my recently discovered favorites.

Any others you'd suggest? Or techniques to pass along? My frizz doesn't head south for the winter so I'm thinking going to bed with wet hair in January isn't going to make me happy...

:: frizz halo :: 

:: beachy neutrals ::

I know summer is the time to get bright and fluorescent and loud with color, but I'm feeling a little bit more subdued this year. Not in a bad way, just in a "doze off in an Adirondack" rather than a "kill it at Bonnaroo" kind of way. And I feel like this is the kind of palette that can get me there. Doesn't it feel all beach glass-y and relaxing? Get me to the ocean!

beachy neutrals 

:: girl crush: connie britton ::

From Friday Night Lights to Nashville to American Horror Story, Connie Britton's hair always looks like perfection. And she's 47, people. Also, born in Boston, thankyouverymuch, despite the Texas/Tennessee drawl thing she has going on in most of her roles.

She was also in the New York City Junior League and has adopted the cutest little baby boy in 2011. But really, I'm just super obsessed with her hair. Every time I think of chopping it, I think of her and stop myself. If she looks that good in her late 40s, I'm using her as inspiration from here on out.

:: girl crush: connie britton ::

:: soggy but still fashionable ::

Do these seem silly? Because i kind of love them. I get that any kind of rubber shoe ends up being a glorified Croc, but my big Hunter boots are so clunky and sweaty for the summer that I can't bear to even look at them. So, my alternative is then flip flops when it rains and those involve slipping and gunk water on my feet. So, no. 

I guess in theory, if it REALLY rains, these aren't going to keep my feet dry, but they are going to avoid me from ruining a real pair of shoes. And that's the point...fashion preservation while still being a little cute. I just bought that purple pair of Chooka's below in black. And they're super comfy. 

Clockwise from top: Green (with a cute gingham lining!): Target, $33; Baby blue: Hunter, $125; Pink: Tory Burch, $100; Purple: Hunter, $79; Navy: Hunter, $125; Plum: Chooka's, $65. 

Memorial Day weekend is supposed to be rainy. Booo. But I'm ready. 

Rubber soles 

:: beachy manicures for summer ::

I have super pale skin that only barely tans in the summer (it doesn't burn, thank goodness). But I've always felt like I've had to do the pinky, Essie Bubble Bath, bubble gum pink colors in the summer time and that was as light as I could go.

Otherwise, it looks like I don't actually have any nails. But I'm trying to embrace the nude nail. One, because it looks so summery and effortless. And two, because if I get a chip, it's barely noticeable. Try saying that about Lincoln Park After Dark.

 Anyone have any taupe-y favorites for me to try?

nude nails by mascaraordie 

:: coral crush ::

Doesn't this color just make your mouth water? I LOVE it for spring. With gold jewelry or with a contrasting shade of bright green or turquoise. It's perfection all the way around. And it really does look good on everyone.

I need those flats in every color under the sun (likewise for the Keds) and that dress in the middle is straight out of Joan Holloway's closet, don't you think? I love how fashion always comes full circle.

Happy Monday!

coral crush 

:: rainy wednesday ::

I'm not complaining about the current downpour. Mainly because it's not snow and also because for once in my life I remembered to bring an umbrella for my morning commute. But it would be nice to get a little blast of vitamin D sometime in the near future.

In lieu of that, maybe some fun rainy day attire will suffice. I love this raincoat. And the umbrella. And these Chooka boots are a great alternative to the Hunters that are E V E R Y W H E R E. And that cute jewelry down there...I'm warming up to the mismatched earring trend. Especially if it can replace that one mismatched nail polish finger thing that I still see going on. Happy Wednesday!

rainy wednesday 

:: what to wear: newport wedding ::

When wedding season finally arrives (and I'm talking about the temperature, not the calendar), there are so many cute ensembles to be had. You need an outfit you can dance in, as well as something with a little pop of color. And also something that can easily transition from day into night.

One of my friends is off to a Newport wedding this summer, so I've put together two different (yet similar) brainstorms to help her get started. Navy is so classic, and also preppy without being preppy. She is going to be in Newport after all, so it's a little important to fit in with the locals. And after picking either a sheath dress or a maxi, the accessorizing is up to her.

I love some costume-y jewels around the neck--it's an easy way to dress up an outfit and while the two examples here might be pricey, Etsy and Stella & Dot and Just Fab have a much lower pricepoint and basically look identical.

I'm partial to ballet flats most days always, but I know my friend likes a bit of heel. So here we go with two different options. Both are summery, but the silver ones are definitely more casual. And while I love natural rattan, I think it always goes better with gold, and she's more of a silver girl, so the clutches give here a few different options as well.

Let me know what you think. AND...this was so much fun I think I'm going to do these "what to wear" posts regularly! If you have an event to go to or a piece you don't know how to style, I would love to give it a shot!

Newport wedding 

:: stella & dot wish list ::

Last night, I headed over to the Omni Parker House for Stella & Dot's national tour event. We saw a lot of people with A LOT of pretty accessories. The summer line didn't float my boat like crazy, but a lot of their other items did. Including those below. Those two necklaces? They actually clip together, so you can wear them like one giant sparkle. I can't find a video, but trust me, it looks pretty easy. And that bag? Totally justifiable for any season. They have it in geranium, too. Is anyone else eyeing some of their items?

stella & dot wish list by mascaraordie featuring a vintage pearl necklace

:: party in paris ::

I'm STILL freezing my butt off here in Boston. Spring is only a few days away, but I'm not entirely convinced that it's ever going to arrive. I know there are people who like skiing and snow and brisk weather, but these temps have me and everyone I know seriously funked.

So in an attempt to boost my mood (and maybe yours), I've put together the following ensemble with the help of Modcloth. Springtime in Paris...it must be nicer in Paris now, right?

Party in Paris 

Aside from involving that pretty party frock, everything here is also super affordable. The dress is the most expensive part of this outfit at a totally reasonable $138, and everything else is pretty much just icing on a delicious mint and cream cake. From the $13 camera necklace to the $48 Girl Meets Voyage travel wallet, now all we need is a private jet and a suite overlooking the Champs Elysees. Le sigh.