Now and Later...

In the last week or so Resort 2012 collections have started to pop up on Style.com. I've already completed the virtual tour of each collection editing out looks to assemble my dream wardrobe. The pieces I have gravitated towards I've realized can play double duty in multiple seasons with a quick change of accessories and counterparts. So from the Resort collections I've picked the following::

I love this YSL top. It's fun, festive, and I don't think anything is quite as sexy as emphasizing the collar bone. I love it paired with these tailored and chic shorts but can also see it being worn with wide leg or flared jeans for the fall and an oversized belt.

Her collection screams of her own personal style which kind of makes me love it even more. Rachel Zoe knows what she likes, what works for her, and is unapologetic for her decisions. I absolutely adore this utilitarian inspired maxi dress accompanied by a substantial slit. I'd wear it now with hot pink wedge heels and a turban and just as she styled it with a leather jacket during fall--especially with the dark lips!

Michael Kors has had a career for 30 years and counting because he knows how to appeal to all women. His collection is consistently classic but still accounts for a touch of edge to keep things from being boring. A nautical striped t-shirt dress in of the moment neon is spot on. I wouldn't change anything about his styling to sport this now, and would throw on black liquid leggings and over the knee motor boots come fall/winter.

As I've already obsessed about and gushed over, I'm a huge advocate for color. Jenni Kayne has done it once again with an acid yellow cap sleeve t-shirt dress. Her collection is always on point and this is no exception. She kept things in a realm to make the clothes work with your every day life--nothing was overtly precious. The only part of this I would change for the weather now is a pair of J.Crew MacAlister wedge boots (here) and slip a pair of navy or grey tights with said shoes and a cognac leather bomber later.

DKNY found a way to stand out among a spectrum of bright, bold, intoxicating colors. Well structured and perfectly edited neutrals will get me every time. Painfully chic in the way that it appears so effortless. I'll take it as it is now and swap out the black heels for white converse kicks. Later in the year I would wear it with some kind of colored wing tip oxford.

{all images style.com}

I Think, There FUR I Am!

Although I might be from the South where we barely have a season called winter, I am a Texan that has grown up loving fur. I think my strong affection started with the soft and luxurious feel of the fabric. Now living in NYC with a start to a growing fur collection, fur has a different meaning to me. It will always mean luxury and elegance, but it also represents art in the way designers create, longevity to collect for the future and purchase from the past, and bold statements.

(photo by style.com for J. Mendel)

J. Mendel is one of my favorite furriers. Season after season he constructs these gorgeous coats, jackets, and vests that exude the definition of glamour and sophistication. This coat feels like a New Years piece. I would wear it exactly how it's styled, almost as a coat dress, with tights, and over the elbow gloves. It's that classic, Breakfast at Tiffany's style that every girl dreams about.

(photo by style.com for Jenni Kayne)

Jenni Kayne is another designer who has a distinct way of designing fur. Kayne's Fall 2008 collection inspired my fox fur vest I received last year for Christmas. This fall I'm referencing back to that collection for this black cropped vest. It pairs easily with jeans and a silk blouse and spruces up the look of a plain dress.

(photos from Who What Wear)

I want a pet Flemish Giant Rabbit. It doesn't look it will happen anytime soon so until then I'll "settle" for one or both of these rabbit pieces. The first is a Phillip Lim cardigan. LOVE IT! I feel like a fur cardigan isn't something you see every season. It's a fresh furry alternative that would work perfectly for the weather we have been having recently. The rabbit beanie is so chic. I'm always looking for new head pieces and this fits the cozy bill!

(photo by style.com for J. Mendel)

What is not to love about this jacket. J Mendel turns it out season after season with luxurious supple furs.

(photo by style.com for J. Mendel)

The cut and color combination make this jacket seem a little more casual and street chic! Paired with a great pair of jeans and a bright colored shoe, you've knocked it out!

While I know I will regret this come January, I'm looking forward to the chilly winter months only for the fact of sporting fur. I've started my hunt for the season a little early this year. I have a rabbit fur muff on the way and I'm hoping to add a few more muffs in various colors along with a black cropped vest, and a mid length and full length coat! A bit ambitious but here we go!!!!