Must Have Mustard.

After the camel tones of last fall, it was only a matter of time until this became a must have color in fashion:

That's right, mustard yellow.

The color is rich, bold, and the perfect compliment to autumnal hues. You can choose one mustard piece or opt for the head to toe look, as seen at the Acne Fall 2011 show.

Following the A.L.C. Resort 2012 collection...

And the Matthew Williamson Spring 2012 show...

{All photos via Style.com}

It is clear that mustard is here to stay for a while. Here are some ways to incorporate this "it" color into your wardrobe. Wear it with any neutral (especially camel, black and grey) or try the head to toe look and throw in a punch of teal blue or burgundy.

{J Brand, Mid Rise Skinny Pants, $169.}

{J Crew, Lulu Frost Thin Deco Bracelet, $45.}

{Topshop, Cable Pom Beanie, $28.}

{Carole Faceted Earrings, $6.}

{Topshop, Beaten Square Necklace, $28.}

{Queen of Hearts, One Shoulder Ruffle Dress, $129.99}

{Topshop, Beaten Square and Yellow Studs, $20.}

{Z Spoke by Zac Posen, Cotton and Silk-Blend Dress, $315. $94.50}  

{Tory Burch, Karen Pump, $350.}

{Chamak by Priya Kakkar, Embellished Bangles, $95.}

{Asos, Stud Earring with Enamel, $14.64 $10.98} 

{J Crew, Eden Cardigan, $89.50}

{Asos, High Waist Peg Pants, $64.03 $51.23}

{Kendra Scott, Drop Feather Earrings, $85.}

{Tissue Weight Cashmere Wrap, $98.}

An Equipment blouse is a wardrobe staple (see post here). This would be a great one to pick up.

{Equipment, Signature Blouse, $208.}

Not sold on mustard yet? Here are some more great looks.

So what is the verdict? Will you wear mustard?

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Shower the Bride with Special Gifts.

Wedding season is not over yet. Between planning my own big day and the two weddings that we are looking forward to attending in October, I have weddings on the brain!

I know I am not the only person inundated with bridal showers right now, so here are some fresh and adorable gift ideas for any special bride-to-be.

Planning a wedding requires a lot of communication. Pretty cards like these are a perfect way to send messages to the bridal party, vendors, or family members.

{BHLDN, Bride-To-Be Silhouette Cards, $48.}

I love this sweet little gold necklace. If getting married is anything like getting engaged, I could definitely use the reminder that I am a "Mrs." in the first few months. It took me two months to remember to use the word "Fiance"!

{Kate Spade, Say Yes "Mrs" Necklace, $78.}

Every bride could use something blue. This gorgeous pair of earrings would be a glamourous addition to any bride's outfit.

{Kenneth Jay Lane, Swarovski Crystal Clip Earrings, $75.}

A keepsake is always appreciated. How cute are these?! The new couple can flaunt their official status on the big day or just use these while dining together at home after the honeymoon.

{BHLDN, Sweethearts' Forks, $24.}

I can't be the only bride-to-be that is challenged in the kitchen. This beautiful cookbook has amazing reviews and would be a great gift for any newlywed couple. Star your favorite recipe before you give it to her or include one of your own within the pages. A thoughtful extra touch is always appreciated.

{Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook, $35.}

I have my dress, but I have no idea what I will be wearing with it. These are great for the whole wedding weekend. This two pack of pretty panties says "Bride 2 Be" and "Mrs." I would wear one pair to my rehearsal dinner and the other on my wedding day.

{Hanky Panky, Bridal Low Rise Thong Gift Set, $59.}

This pair says "I Do" and is also perfect for the big day. (Colors sold separately.)

{Hanky Panky, "I Do" Low Rise Thong, $31.}

The stylist in me has to make this last gift suggestion. This kit contains everything a bride could need on her wedding day. From a mending kit and super glue to an extra set of rings (in case the wedding bands are misplaced) to hairspray and stain remover, it's always good to be prepared. Everything comes packaged in a tiny silver clutch.

{Ms. and Mrs. Bridessentials Kit, $25.}

Bonus: Pick up a kit for the mother of the bride, the mother of the groom, and her bridesmaids too! Because you just never know...

I know I would be happy to receive any of these at my shower. Brides, what was your favorite gift that you received?

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Fashion For Your Inner Geek.

Back to school time brings to mind a jumper I used to have with an apple on the front. I think about the pencil case I used to organize and re-organize with all of its brand new pencils, erasers, and pens. I loved the smell of my new supplies and the feel of crisp notebooks waiting to be filled. I looked forward to the first day of school every year. Yes, I was a geek.

My school days are behind me now, but for some a new year is just beginning. A lot has changed since my apple jumper days, but my love for school supplies has stayed the same. Many of my peers are looking for an adult way to do back to school, grad school that is.

Here are some suggestions to excite your inner geek.


1) Thank goodness I will never have to carry a backpack again. But, if you are headed back to school this fall, you will need something other than a handbag to hold your supplies. I recommend a classic and polished tote or a fun trendy satchel. You will have this gorgeous Kate Spade camel leather tote forever. And the pop of kelly green on this classic satchel, plus its reasonable price, make it a must have.

{Kate Spade, Vanston Jackson, $475. $237.}

{Cambridge Satchel Company, The Batchel 15", $146.}

2) Of course you can't leave your laptop at home when it's time to write that paper. Head to your local coffee shop in style with one of these great cases that will also protect your beloved computer.

{Tory Burch, Ski Vintage Laptop Case, $125.}

{Kate Spade, Fairmont Striped Sleeve, $60.}

{Ted Baker, Quilted Laptop Sleeve, $89.65.}

3) You could always combine the two elements with one chic piece. Check out these laptop bags! Perfect for your computer, a folder, and a grown up pen (see below).

{LeSportsac, 15" Poppet Laptop Case, $62.}

{Bloomingdales, 13" Commuter Case, $45.}

{Marc by Marc Jacobs, Pretty Nylon Laptop Case, $118.}

{Marc by Marc Jacobs, 15" Turnlock Shine Commuter Case, $248.} 

{Herschel Supply Co., Canvas Content Bag, $110.}

4) It is time to put away the Bic and pick up a grown-up pen. Whether you choose playful or elegant, just avoid plastic.

{Waterman, Golden Beige Ballpoint Pen, $70.}

{Tornado Rollerball Pen, Peacock Teal, $22.50.} 

{Tornado Rollerball Pen, Stainless Steel, $22.50.}

{Tornado Rollerball Pen, Green Lacquer, $22.50}

 5) Spiral notebooks be gone. Express your style with a chic journal.

{Moleskine, Classic Red Ruled Notebook, $17.95 $14.36.}

{Moleskine, Classic Large Plain Notebook, $17.95 $14.36.}

{Moleskine, Volant Large Ruled Notebook, Manganese and Cerulean Blue, $12.95 $10.36.}

Are you headed back to school? What are your must have items this season?

Happy back to school everyone. xo

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Penchant for Pendants.

Anyone can get dressed. Anyone can put on a blouse and pants, jeans and a shirt, or a dress and some shoes. What separates the masses from the stylish crowd is the thoughtful ability to turn these items into an outfit.

Outfit:
"a set of usually matching or harmonious garments and accessories worn together; coordinated costume; ensemble..."

The key to an outfit is accessories. Specifically, the finishing touches that add personality to the "harmonious garments" you choose to put on. Watches, shoes, scarves, handbags, and jewelry are what you should reach for after you've put on your favorite dress, or t-shirt and jeans to bring some of who you are to the clothes.

In the jewelry department, the long pendant necklace is everywhere right now. (Though keep an eye out because chokers are making a comeback as well!) The pendant necklace looks great with a bohemian or 70's inspired look. It is also a great accessory to add visual interest to an otherwise plain top, and will draw the eye down to elongate the line of your body. Gold is the metallic color of the season, so pick up a necklace that combines these two elements to add an instant update to your closet.

Here are some fabulous gold pendant necklaces to get you started. (As usual, click on the item you like to buy it.)

1) The double strand on this necklace is nice and modern. And the feature stone is the color of the season- purple!

{Kenneth Cole, Violet Double Layer Pendant Necklace, $40.}

2) This gold pendant will go with anything. Wear it alone or layered with other necklaces of similar lengths. The "antler" design gives this piece a nice texture.

{House of Harlow, Antler Pendant, $115.}

3) Though you can't tell in this photo, this filigree pendant has some weight to it. I love the vintage tough of the filigree and the rich browns of this stone are perfect for fall. Try this pendant if your frame is a little larger. It will help balance your proportions instead of looking like a necklace that is too delicate.

{Sabine, Filagree Frame Pendant, $40.)

4) This little number is my favorite. I love the pop of spicy red that it will add to any outfit. The more classic shape and design matches my personal style. 

{Hive & Honey, Oval Pendant Necklace, $26.}

Which one is your favorite?

All of these gorgeous pendant necklaces are budget friendly and available online at Piperlime. Don't forget to add your name to their email list for an automatic 15% off your purchase!

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

That's right ladies. Scarf season has arrived.

As you may have read here before, anyone can throw on a t-shirt and jeans or a blazer and a pair of trousers. What separates the stylish crowd from those that simply get dressed are the thoughtful touches. Accessories are often what lend visual interest to comfortable basics and one of the fastest and easiest ways to turn ordinary separates into an outfit is by adding a scarf. The fun part is deciding how you will wear it. Here are some looks I am loving right now.

 

I wish I was this cool when I was young! I'm pretty sure at this age I was only wearing dresses and skirts. This little girl has been added to my style inspiration book.

Do you have any great scarves that you have been waiting to wear?

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.