today’s the day.

Prada. Brooks Brothers. Tiffany’s. #GATSBY.

spring shopping: pregaming for summer

Ignoring the fact that it’s 47 degrees right now, let’s talk summer. Scratch that, let’s talk summer clothing. While I still think fall is my favorite season style-wise, I can never turn down a good sundress or a killer pair of wedges. Per usual, I’ve been binging on my Pinterest “wishlist” board, on the verge of overkill. Whoops.

But if I absolutely had to narrow down my choices for the upcoming season, here are the things I’d most like to add to my closet:

Ray Ban aviators - I have the classic pair and wear them to death, but the new colored shades (ha, ha. #punny) are really tempting me. The only problem is that I’m worried I would look like I have bug eyes. I may have just ruined them now. Shoot.

You can never have too many maxis- and this neon pleated dress from VS would be SO pretty with a tan and fun neon nails. I’m heading to Vegas in June with friends and could definitely see this for dinner one night.

The Carrie tank from J.Crew – this comes in so many different colors and really is the epitome of being able to be dressed up or down. Dark jeans, white jeans, shorts, skirts – you can wear it with everything you’ve already got in your closet.

These vegan leather shorts are my favorite on the market so far. There’s no way in hell I would wear the skintight options out there (when it comes to showing a lot of leg, you get leather or tight, but you do not get both), so a looser, more relaxed version is right up my alley. For daytime (seriously, daytime!), just pair them with a tank & blazer and flats or T-strap sandals. At night, mix sweet and sexy by wearing  a sheer or embellished blouse with chunky heels.

Behold, the sundress for everyone. A pretty, girly silhouette and a color scheme that’s universally flattering (or maybe I’m just a sucker for navy and green).

I’m really loving Amanda Uprichard lately, and can’t wait until this blouse is back in stock. I like how it’s paired with leather here, but in the summer nude tops + white bottoms are my go-to. It’s a pretty neutral palette, but you can always add unique jewelry, a beaded clutch or try a new, daring lip color without it seeming like too much.

Finally, what would a summer post on eastcoaststyle be without a swimsuit or a little Lilly? I’m killing two birds with one stone here, but I couldn’t resist the combination of pink/green, polka dots, and ruffles.

Now that I’ve tortured myself with all of the things I want to wear in warmer weather, I’m not sure which is worse: the fact that we have 3 months to go, or that I am still way too pale for any of this?

xo

Diane

shoes, continued.

Hola! Insert standard “long-time-no-post” mention here. One day I’ll just let that be a little unspoken rule between us.

Anyway, I wanted to post this outfit as I am really obsessing over Stubbs & Wootton lately. They’re nothing new, and neither is my shoe problem, but I’m thinking they need to be purchased soon and have been trying to decide which ones I want. It’s either the (bespoke) ivory linen with topiaries or sunglasses, this cheeky pair, or these bad boys…

stubbs by dw737489 featuring a zipper bag

I don’t even really like gin that much but, you know, I could be persuaded.

xo

Diane

Shopbop New Arrivals

If there’s snow outside your door, forget about it. Close your eyes and go back to the warm days where you dreaded blow-drying your hair and always allotted some primp time to find your other flip-flop.  There, isn’t that better?

We may not be in the throes of spring and summer just yet, but once again retailers are way ahead of us. Pastels will be replacing neon this season (thank you, sweet baby J), in saccharine, feminine silhouettes just begging to be worn to brunch. I’m envisioning lots of messy-curls, dewy skin, and pale pink nails worn with the looks below.

All that’s left is to master your self-tanner application. And to find those sandals.

xo

Diane

(all shopping information can be found here and here)

“if it’s not moving, monogram it.” – reese witherspoon

Lately I’ve been … experimenting. Mixing it up. Branching out. Going out of my comfort zone.

No, I’m not doing anything requiring science goggles or Xanex, just updating my wardrobe. Leather leggings, studded booties, and edgy jackets (not all at the same time, mind you) have started to become staples, and I have some fun ensembles up my sleeve for the right occasion. Still, when it comes down to it, I’ll always be a girly girl at heart – one who loves her accessories and can appreciate a well-placed monogram.

The monogram is everywhere lately – even Vogue is into it (if this ever falls into a Vogue staffer’s hands – hire me, please) - but it’s easy to fall into tacky territory. I won’t name brand names  - ahem –  but let’s just put it out there that a monogram should never be gigantic or placed on a bikini top. I much prefer an understated, classic style on bags, jewelry or small leather goods.

Here are my top picks for monogram-able items:

Clare Vivier clutch

Misela pochette

Boulevard Lola overnighter

Gorjana bracelet via Baublebar

Jacquie Aiche Alphabet ring

I actually recently ordered that luggage for my NYC commutes (#internlife) and can not wait to see how the monogram turns out. It ships within 24 hours!

xo

Diane

5 Trends to Try in 2013

So remember my guest post for Catherine a few months ago? I couldn’t wait to switch it up and have her post for me as well! Her topic comes at the perfect time, when most of us are still in the throes of New Years’ Resolutions to update our style or branch out in the beauty department.

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5 Beauty Trends to Try in 2013

Hot Lips

Brightly colored lips can act as the perfect accessory. You do not need heavy eye make up, or large jewelry to make your look stand out because your lips are already making a dramatic statement. I will admit I was hesitant to try this beauty trend at first. I felt self-conscious with raspberry colored lips, but after some getting used to, I was sold. It was so easy. Keep my ensemble simple, and add a bold detail in a matter of seconds.

The key to wearing bold lipstick is making sure it suits your skin tone. The beauty department shares a few good tips to finding the right shade for you. If you are still uncertain, I would highly recommend visiting a store like Sephora or Ulta, OR stopping by a makeup counter at a department store like Macy’s or Nordstrom’s to consult one of the sales associates. I have had a lot of luck at all of these stores.

(image via 1, 2)

Animal print shoes

Animal print can act as a neutral, as you can wear it with most solid colors. My personal favorite animal print is leopard. I really like this smoking slipper. It is slightly slimmer than your typical smoking slipper, and thusly appears more feminine. I might wear these with cigarette pants (you know, the slim fitting, Audrey Hepburn-esq, pant that stops at your ankle) and an oxford with a cardigan. This shoe possesses a casual feel, but has the ability to make your look more interesting.

Daisy Buchanan Inspired Style

With the impending release of The Great Gatsby, something tells me we will be seeing a lot more 1920’s inspired looks. Daisy Buchanan (though she is one of my least favorite female protagonists in all of literature) oozes of delicate, demure, femininity. She wore wispy fabrics, lace, embellished hair pieces, T-strap heals and strands of pearls. Taking a cue from an earlier decade is a creative way to update your personal style.

(pearls/shoes/dress/headband)

A Coat That Makes A Statement

Recently I was in the J.Crew at the Prudential center in Boston and several of their coats were on display. Though each coat was a traditional cut, and offered traditional color choices, there was also the option of a bolder hue. I was really drawn to this particular coat in “Dublin green.” I like the idea of a coat that makes a statement. It spices up the drab of every day life, and adds a bit of sophistication to any wardrobe.

Retro Hair

Zooey Deschanel is the most recent cover girl of Glamour Magazine. Of course, she is donning her trademark retro hair and as usual I love it. I like retro up-dos, half pony’s’, or ponytails. They are girly, simple, and polished. The Beauty Department created an awesome tutorial for a 1950’s inspired ponytail. The next time you are about toss your mop in a messy bun, spend the extra minute and give your hair a chic makeover.

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I have to say thank you to Catherine for such a great post – and making me even more excited for The Great Gatsby! Be sure to follow her blog, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram (obsessed with her #OOTD posts), and Pinterest!

xo

Diane

mr. big must have been a shoe guy.

Firstly, happy new year! It only feels right for my first post of 2013 to be about my never-ending obsession with shoes, since lately I’ve been purchasing new pairs left and right (ha, ha) without even having anything to wear them with. And you know what? I blame you, Carrie Bradshaw.

Let me preface this by saying that I absolutely can not stand her character (do love me some SJP, though). Besides the unrealistic lifestyle aspect, she’s selfish, whiney, entitled, and has caused me to cringe whenever someone says, “I couldn’t help but wonder…” People love to hate on Miranda but I even prefer her over Carrie – she has some of the funniest lines in the series and Steve is way more attractive than that stuffy old Russian.

But anyway. Besides her wardrobe in the movies and a few select episodes, I never really understood why Carrie was such a style icon. Give me Charlotte or Samantha’s closets any day. BUT…the girl did know her shoes. Especially her strappy sandals.

This particular silhouette (a Bradshaw favorite) has been making a comeback lately, from Steve Madden & Zara styles to Manolo Blahnik & Giuseppe Zanotti. I think the delicate shape of a high stiletto is so feminine, while still being sexy AND comfortable because of the ankle strap.

strappy sandals by dw737489 featuring high heel shoes

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

I mean, come on. That girl had to know something to score Mr. Big.

xo

Diane