Still loving what J Crew’s doing…now that spring has sprung they’re doing some fabulous tunics and beachy looks (natch):

J Crew Tunic, $48

It’s a great look, albeit a little boyish. When I saw this top on Ebay, I loved how the cinched waist kept it feminine, while the notched collar felt so fabulously safari:

Ebay Tunic, $4.99

I picture it with a great statement-y necklace under the collar, just peeking out, some khaki capris and maybe espadrilles. Ah…bring me my rooftop in Cairo with a sunset backdrop…and a glass of wine and plate of olives. Paging J. Peterman…

I just found these great enamel flower rings at an Ebay store called The Jewelry Muse, and I just love them!

The carry them in a variety of colors, but these two specifically (the coral and teal) remind me of something J Crew would sell:

And this black one is SOOO Chanel, it’s just awesome:

They also have matching bracelets available if you prefer…I wouldn’t double up, though, these are statements enough one at a time. Now in the interest of full disclosure, these are “vintage reproductions” and the pearls are obviously faux…but on the flip side they’re going for less than $10 a pop on Ebay, so I think we can manage!

I know I’ve been MIA for a long time now, but I have a bunch of new stuff to post and the ANTIQUES FAIR is gonna be here in a few weeks…that should have LOTS of goodies for me to talk about. Stay tuned!

I love the beaded cardigans that everyone is showing this season:

Juicy Couture

Old Navy, $29.50

Beaded and embroidered cardigans were very popular in the 50s, and you can still find some truly beautiful examples. A tone on tone color scheme will always be subtle and classic, and of course black on black is the most understated of them all:

I particularly like the grey one; grey is so in right now, it looks like something you could buy off the rack.

Another classic combo is cream with copper or gold beading:

The craftsmanship and attention to detail back then was amazing, too…check out the embroidery on the sleeves! They even embellished the back, so there’s even more to see when you wear your hair up:

A lot of vintage beaded sweaters you’ll find online are in incredible shape, since owners would often store them for special occasions and never take them out again. You can also pay as much or as little as you like; the sweaters above ranged in (auction) price from $3.00 to $50.00. Keep your eyes peeled for a great deal and you’ll love wearing it even more!

I think this vintage top is so cute:

As the holiday season gets into full swing, every single piece of clothing that’s embellished with something shiny is catching my eye. All things sequined and beaded are eligible for New Year’s Eve consideration. I like this, though, because the pattern is unusual for an all over sequined top, and it’s whimsical and unique without being overwhelming. I picture this with a pair of beautiful winter white pants and fabulous gold sandals.

It can be yours for $95.00 CDA from Refresh Vintage.

First, a disclaimer: in my desperate attempt to ignore what Juicy Couture hath wrought on the fashion landscape (namely establishing “permission” for grown women to leave the house in the their pajamas, which they charge a preposterous amount of money for) I was unaware until recently that they made real clothes. And I was further shocked to discover that some of them were really…cute.

Behold an LBD with a twist:

Feather-Hem Silk Dress, $358.00

Sorry for the tiny photo, but hopefully you can see that those are feathers along the hem. I love this! I would not go black tights with it (what is up with that trend?) but I think this dress is so classic and yet so interesting. It’s very Audrey Hepburn but also modern and quirky.

Big ups, Juicy; now let’s put more effort into items like this dress and less into items like this:

Yikes.

Piggiebacking onto my earlier post about fabulous ruffle skirts, check out this little number offered by Refresh Vintage:

Ruffle Dress, $45 CDA

Remind you of anything?

Lawd amighty do I love this dress from Banana Republic:

Lace Lady Dress, $175

I think the black stockings on the model are a huge misstep; I’d wear it with some dead sexy nude back seams (if I wore stockings at all) and a ladylike D’Orsay heel. But it’s just beautiful, a totally classic LBD. The cut-in shoulders are flattering on most anyone, the fit is gorgeous, and the matching lace overhang at the neck and hem? Brilliant. This one’s going into my wardrobe stat (and if you like it I suggest you hustle, too; it’s been featured in Glamour, so it’s likely to go fast).

Ruffles are THE embellishment this season, check out what J Crew and Gap are offering:

Now take a look at this divine vintage number (disregarding the ill-advised pearl necklace and gloves the model is wearing):

Look how beautiful the detail is on it:

Total swoon! I don’t have too many occasions that require a floor length gown (unfortunately), so I would shorten it to just below the knee; voila, an adorable dress for a wedding or shower that just screams springtime. You could save the removed fabric to use as a wrap or scarf, as well.

Dreamy!! Oh my goodness, I love this dress:

I love the colorblocking of the black and ivory, but I’d be careful to accessorize right to balance out the colors: black shoes, and a string of ivory pearls. Maybe a gardenia in the hair? Sigh…when’s the Black and White Ball?