New Banana Republic Arrivals!

I’ve been hearing lately that Emerald green is the “color of the year” — whatever that means…Anyway, I have to just say, I’ve always loved Emerald/pine green. It is such a rich, saturated color and perfect with gold accessories (which you know I love). I rarely see clothes in that perfect saturated green shade though. However, just a couple days ago I went to the Banana Republic site for some reason, despite not having thoroughly browsed in a while. On the homepage was a model wearing the most beautiful green blouse with this stunningly simple, long gold pendant necklace. Kind of horsebit-icon-ish, which reminded me of Gucci. The blouse had the perfect shade of green, perfect casual/loose/effortless fit, and the gold necklace matched so well with it. I was so in love yet immediately disappointed to find that color had sold out in all sizes. I dragged myself down to the local Banana Republic store and asked around — the color was sold out everywhere. I resigned myself to constantly checking the site to see if any randomly pop up in my size. Luckily, I snagged one yesterday! The normal stock photo below really doesn’t do it justice.

Banana Republic Silk Pintuck Blouse – Pine Green – $79.99

Banana Republic Silk Pintuck Blouse Pine Green

 Banana Republic Silk Pintuck Blouse – Pine Green

The Navy is currently on sale for $59.99. If the Pine Green comes and is as amazing as I think it’ll be, I’m definitely ordering this in all the colors (white, navy, black). I think they’d all look great with the gold pendant necklace below. Get it here from Banana Republic for $79.99.

Banana Republic Indo Bamboo Pendant Necklace – $39.50

Banana Republic Indo Bamboo Pendant Necklace

Banana Republic Indo Bamboo Pendant Necklace

Banana Republic Harley Twist Tank – Navy – $49.50

Banana Republic Harley Twist Tank

Banana Republic Harley Twist Tank

Love this outfit. It feels so high end and somehow very Hermes. The graphic print on this top is very rich and quite flattering, prone to hide any bumps. Great looking drape and perfect tucked in or belted. Paired with a white skirt or white jeans/pants, add a pop of color via orange leather belt, and it’s an inherently very high-end look. I love it and will be on the hunt for the perfect skinny orange pebble leather belt to complete this outfit! Get it here from Banana Republic for only $49.50.

Recent Jewelry Obsessions

It’s almost that time of the year — almost every other commercial on every channel shows some kind of jewelry, aka hint hint to all males “buy jewelry for Valentine’s Day.” I don’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day; it feels artificial and I don’t really need some pre-determined day to celebrate love………however, for some reason, I’ve been on a recent jewelry kick. Not really sure where it’s coming from all of a sudden, considering I don’t wear any jewelry and haven’t ever really. But anyway, I’m obsessed with a couple of things now — diamonds (cliche, I know, but I swear I was never that girl), gold/rose gold, textured bangles, statement/cocktail rings, dangling/hoop earrings, gold/rose gold watches, and very thin/light/airy bracelets. Here are a couple of my current picks:

Judith Ripka Lola Heart Large Stone Ring

Judith Ripka Lola Heart Large Stone Ring

Judith Ripka Lola Heart Large Stone Ring

Ok, this is stunning. I think it literally took my breath away when I first saw it. It’s so bold yet so delicate — look at that intricate detailing in the setting! It’s just ridiculously gorgeous. What a statement piece. Made from sterling silver, and heart-shaped canary crystal center stone is 27.24 carats. White sapphire bezel. Crazy. Love it so much I want it in every color…except it’s just a tad too expensive for that. Just the right price for a nice splurge. Get it here from Neiman Marcus Last Call (on sale!!!) for $243.75.

Judith Ripka Heart Charm Necklace

Judith Ripka Heart Charm Necklace

Judith Ripka Heart Charm Necklace

Ok, I’ll admit it, I’m suddenly slightly obsessed with Judith Ripka. Pretty gemstones. Great detailing. Rich texture everywhere. What’s not to love? These pieces just look so inherently rich. This particular charm necklace is on the whimsical side and it’s simply adorable. I want these on a necklace and on a bracelet! So feminine and yes, perfect for Valentine’s Day. They come in a ton of different color combinations so go find your favorite! Get it here from Neiman Marcus at $250.

Judith Ripka Crystal & Sterling Silver Drop Earrings

Judith Ripka Crystal & Sterling Silver Drop Earrings

Judith Ripka Crystal & Sterling Silver Drop Earrings

Seriously, how gorgeous? The detailing is simply beautiful; these have a simple, classic silhouette yet will really pop and draw all the attention to your ears. Most of all, this color is so saturated, so deep, so rich, so powerful, yet feminine. I love these so much and I don’t even have pierced ears! These make me want to find a way to convert the back to clip-ons. I need these. Get them here from Saks for $675 (ok, I know, the price is a huge stretch for most of us, but what a fantastic splurge…).

J.Crew Gold Bangle Set

J.Crew Gold Bangle Set

J.Crew Gold Bangle Set

These are great, everyday basic bangles that are not so basic because of the great texturing. Pair with a watch, wear one or all simply with a black maxi in the summer, or even with a white button-down and a great pair of jeans. Gorgeous, affordably priced, this will be my Spring/Summer go-to bangles. Get them here from J.Crew for $39.50.

Gorjana Taylor Leather Wrap Bracelet, Redwood

Gorjana Taylor Leather Wrap Bracelet, Redwood

Gorjana Taylor Leather Wrap Bracelet, Redwood

There’s something really effortless chic about a rich leather paired with gold hardware. This seems like a growing trend — Hermes started it I think with their Jumbo Hook bracelet, which is literally a piece of leather with a gold hook. It’s a bit boho chic but very preppy, especially in this cognac color. I think this is another must-have for me. Get it here from Neiman Marcus for $80.

Gorjana Chevron Tribal Cuff

Gorjana Chevron Tribal Cuff

Gorjana Chevron Tribal Cuff

Simple. Gorgeous. Effortless Chic. Perfect stacked with other bracelets or with a gold-tone watch. Chevron seems to be trendy right now, so this is spot on. And for a relatively affordable price. Get it here from Shopbop for $80.

Daniel Wellington Watch – Rose Gold

Daniel Wellington Watch Rose Gold

Daniel Wellington Watch – Classic Sheffield

I’m obsessed with Daniel Wellington watches. They’re so classic and so preppy. I love the rich leathers (currently they offer black, brown croc, and cognac) paired with the elegant, understated but luxurious rose gold, and I love that you can swap out the straps for uber-preppy NATO straps for a completely different look.

Daniel Wellington Watch

Daniel Wellington Watch – Classic Oxford

The company is relatively new and based out of Sweden, so the prices you see everywhere for their watches actually include 20% (or is it 25%?) VAT, which will be deducted from your final price when you check out if you live in the US. I’m definitely picking up this watch — now the question is, which straps? All? I shall collect them one by one until I have them all! The NATO straps are only $35 each, so technically you’re getting a totally new and different-looking watch for just $35 extra each time! Get them here from Need Supply. Lady versions are cheaper than male versions, all either $175 (for NATO strapped ones) or $199 (for the leather strapped ones).

David Yurman Cable Wrap Earrings – Lemon Citrine

David Yurman Cable Earrings

David Yurman Cable Wrap Earrings

Ok, David Yurman is not normally in my vocabulary. Actually, he never has been. These earrings are way out of my normal price range, but one can always think, “one day”…right? These earrings are stunning. What an unique combination of elegance and edge. It’s almost as if something beautiful and very aristocratic has been bound by barbed wire. It’s a conversation piece that will stand out yet is very understated at the same time. If I ever get my ears pierced, I will definitely be saving up for this one. Comes in a variety of colors too, so check them out. Get them here from Neiman Marcus for $1500 (I know).

J.Crew Spring Arrival Picks

It seems time passes so quickly these days. It’s been almost 2 months since I last posted — apologies. It seems despite all the snow, everyone is talking about preparing for Spring. I’m no exception — it’s as if preparing for Spring will actually speed up the rest of Winter! Anyway, here are some of my picks from the latest batch of J.Crew’s Spring arrivals.

J.Crew Collection Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan in Colorblock – Lilac Grey – $248

J.Crew Collection Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan in Colorblock

 

J.Crew Collection Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan in Colorblock

I didn’t really notice this sweater when browsing the new arrivals online, but it’s because the Aqua Navy color they show as the default photo didn’t really appeal to me. When I saw it in the latest catalog in this pretty grey and pink color (see photo below), I fell in love. I love that the color pairing is unexpected, and that the colors are so airy and Spring-y. That’s the beauty of J.Crew cashmere I guess — perhaps not exactly warm in the Winter but perfect as a light outer layer in the Spring. Get it here from J.Crew for $248 (pricy, I know…might want to wait for a sale on this one!).

J.Crew Collection Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan in Colorblock

J.Crew Collection Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan in Colorblock

J.Crew Postage Stamp Sailor Mini – Bright Poppy – $89.50

J.Crew Postage Stamp Sailor Mini

J.Crew Postage Stamp Sailor Mini

When I saw this in the catalog, I instantly loved it. I have a huge thing for gold buttons and the whole military/nautical look, so it’s no surprise. But then I was like, wait a minute…how did I miss this when browsing online? And how many other cute things have I missed?? Anyway, the problem is poor merchandising again on J.Crew’s part. Why not show the most flattering photo of the product as the default photo? Instead, they have the photo below of the Navy, where you can’t even see the cute buttons. Just looks like a plain mini. No wonder I passed it by! I think it’d look amazing and adorable in both Bright Poppy and Navy — can’t wait to snag this for Spring. Get it here from J.Crew for $89.50.

J.Crew Postage Stamp Sailor Mini

J.Crew Postage Stamp Sailor Mini

J.Crew Rosie Dress in Medallion Paisley – $198

J.Crew Rosie Dress in Medallion Paisley

J.Crew Rosie Dress in Medallion Paisley

I have to say, I’m a fan of the new Medallion Paisley print. Prints with a high level of detail and interest are one of those things that can make a simple (and easy-to-wear) shift dress like this look very put-together and in style with very little effort. This print/dress is also versatile and will look great any season. Love it! I may just pick up the top and the skirt in the same print. Get it here from J.Crew for $198.

J.Crew Mila Novelty Ballet Flats – $158

J.Crew Mila Novelty Ballet Flats

J.Crew Mila Novelty Ballet Flats

I just realized I’m quite predictable, aren’t I? Of course I’d fall for the flats that have the nautical vibe with a pop of gold. These are super comfortable, bendy, and the nautical trend seems to pop up every Spring as a tried-and-true classic, so this is a no-brainer for me. Get them here from J.Crew for $158. Here’s another shot of them from the catalog, just for fun.

J.Crew Mila Novelty Ballet Flats

J.Crew Mila Novelty Ballet Flats

J.Crew Sperry Top-Siders – $98

J.Crew Sperry Top Siders

J.Crew Sperry Top-Siders

These never used to be my style. I never even noticed them until one day while traveling in San Francisco, my normal flats were killing me and my friend suggested I try these. I balked a bit until she persuaded me to just try them on. I’ve always liked her style, so I thought maybe I’d change my mind once I try them on. Looks aside, when I slipped my feet into them, I thought, wow this is shoe heaven. I didn’t know shoes could be this cushiony and…so cushiony. I bought them on the spot in their plain old beige color and I wore them out of the store. They actually go with the whole nautical look perfectly considering they are indeed boat shoes. The cushion factor is just a bonus now. I love that J.Crew came out with funky, fun colors for this collaboration. I think my picks would be the grey with the orange and the navy striped one with the fun pink sole. Unexpected, youthful, and very Spring. Get them here from J.Crew for $98.