Orange You Glad I Found This?

I found something you guys!

Acessorizing into Spring by strandedinchi featuring tory burch

As I was perusing the internet, I came across this punishingly adorable dress. I think it's just perfect for spring! I love gingham, and the bright orange keeps it from being too precious. Feeling inspired, I threw together these three options to accessorize. I think they're all a little off-kilter in just the right way.

Not that a $400+ dress will be finding its way into my closet any time soon, but I hope this is beginning of a trend. I could really get behind a color palette that doesn't make me look dead coming out of winter (I'm looking at you, mint).

Which accessories would you go for with this happy citrus dress?

Hip-anema All Dressed Up

Hip-anema All Dressed Up by strandedinchi featuring alexis bittar jewelry

Since I was a little vague yesterday on what I thought would be a good look with Essie Hip-anema, I thought I would throw together a few pieces that I think would be really stellar.  Obviously I have a great love of all things nautical and this lightweight sweater from Joie seemed the perfect compliment to a bright red.  With skinny jeans and either of those shoes, you'd have a winning look.

Lord knows no outfit is complete without a little sumpin' sumpin' in which to carry your goods around, and this wristlet by Saint James for Coach is sheer perfection.  Other than that, gold jewelry is always an appropriate accessory, and there's no reason you can't play with color a little bit as long as you don't go overboard (har har har).

Click through to my polyvore to get the deets on all the items!  Hope you're all having a wonderful Wednesday.

Miscellany #4

My friend's adorable Kate Spade clutch | T+J Designs ring | Le Creuset wall at Sur La Table

Lee-Lee the Golden Retreiver | Cheerful flowers by moi | My biggest accomplishment this week

Here are some of the images I've collected over the past week or so.  My finger is pointed down oddly in the ring picture because I chipped the nail on the way to the train, haha.  So stealthy of me.  Especially considering I saw fit to tell you anyway.

I'm seriously proud of that orange peel, though.  Don't hate.  Not everyone can peel one in almost one piece.

The weather here is really atrocious, I was awake for about an hour at 4am but to raucous thunderstorms, so I'm feeling slightly out of sorts today.  And suggestions for getting back into my groove?  Hope y'all's week is turning out a little drier, and that mine shapes up soon!

Fashion Fridays: Summer's in the Bag

Happy Fashion Friday!

We all need the perfect purse to accompany our gorgeous, tanned selves around all summer, right?

Kate Spade Hit the Dock Stevie Purse

Raise your hand if you're surprised that the bag I picked has stripes on it.  What, no one?  Yeah, I'm not surprised either.  Big enough to throw in a bathing suit and a pair of flipflops, but not so large that you'll have your friends asking if they could just shove their towel in there real quick (don't you hate that?).  The best part?  It's half off right now on katespade.com!  I am sorely tempted, y'all.

What are you planning on dragging your necessities around in during the summer?  I may need some recommendations that don't weigh so heavily on my admittedly paltry bank account.

Pretty is the new North Face

The thought of summer has me yearning for classic clothes.  My taste doesn't really tend to lean toward the outrageous and experimental, but the (hopefully) impending good weather has me fully committed to the clean lines and bold colors that characterize East Coast preppy style.  My designer of choice today?  Kate Spade.

Candy Shop Jeanette Dress

Maire Dress

Ikat Caroline Dress

Striped Betty Dress

Striped Jeanette Dress

Striped Jillian Dress

CAN YOU TELL HOW I FEEL ABOUT STRIPES?  But honestly, I drool all over these.  Figuratively, of course.  Don't be gross.  True, not strictly preppy, but they're all, "Assistant, tell them I can make the polo match on Thursday as long as it doesn't interfere with the regatta that weekend.  And make sure I have a hat!"

Seriously.  I wish.  Someone hit me up with a big straw hat.

I want all the structured fun that is the essence of these dresses!  Just looking at them automatically improves my mood.  Just imagine what wearing them would do.  I know, my mind is blown, too.  Now that I know what I have in mind, I'll have to go find myself some more, ahem, attainable (read: affordable) options to fulfill my needs.  But for those of you who are capable, by all means, attain.  I won't hold it against you.  I'll have fun just knowing these are being worn somewhere.

What are you gunning to wear when better weather arrives?

Can't get this taste out of my mouth...

Both of these things were said to me as I was sitting on the couch with my roommate last night:

"I just want an over-the-top, ladylike bag, cross body and shoulder, in neon orange or hot pink for under 200 dollars."  (Not too specific.)

And,  "Why are so many purses ugly?"

Truly, words to live by.   Why, indeed, are so many purses ugly?  Perhaps it is only in the eye of the beholder (I find this extremely unlikely).  Thankfully, there are many lovely options with which to amuse myself during my internet cruising.

Sammy proceeded to locate this Kate Spade bag almost immediately via the interwebs, and I must say, I find it quite charming.  Of course, it's $395 and the pink is sold out, but that's just life.  I myself have been desiring something a little less compact.

Also not under $200.  But colors are in, people!  I want some lovin' up on my handbag, as well.  I can't promise I wouldn't buy a knockoff, provided it was juuuust right.  Do you have a handbag mainstay, or do you like to change it up as often as possible?

P.S. Thanks to No Doubt for the post title, love playing iTunes Roulette.