feels like spring: pieces with bright stripes of color

Apologies for being a bit MIA lately - the allure of the sand + sun was much more intense than that of my laptop, and way too hard to resist. But (sadly!) I am back + ready to share a bunch of new favorites inspired by my break.

Coming back from a wonderful, warm vacation is always hard - facing an overflowing inbox, or watching your tan fade and any newly-acquired zen fly right out of the super-jammed subway window the first morning back.  Luckily, the weather here in NYC feels more like spring than winter, and I am still basking in the after glow of my week off. Here are some lovely little pieces that fit my still-sunny mood with a bright stripe of color . . . enjoy!

[dress] [bikini] [wedge]

 

clockwise from top left: [one] [two] [three] [four]






trends two ways: tassels

I love trends that are versatile - ones that can be dressed up or down, worn through season changes or even tweaked to mimic how I'm feeling from one day to the next. The tassels I've been seeing everywhere from gucci to juicy definitely fall into this category, so I wanted to showcase some sleeker options alongside those with a brighter, more fun feel.

Here are picks that work for elegant occasions and others that are perfect for playing in the sand:

clockwise from top left: [one][two][three][four][five]

Definitely on the subtle side, these feel just right for anything from business casual to cocktail hour. Simple add-ons like earrings, belts, and other jewelry are a great way to look fresh + current, but still stay polished + poised --- plus, they work year round.

clockwise from top left: [one][two][three][four]

Bags, scarves + shoes are perfect for when you want to pack more of a punch.  These rainbow-toned tassels give off a fun, summertime vibe. But be careful here: try to stick with one piece at a time to add a little bit of flair + a lot of color without looking too much like a box of crayolas.

Enjoy - and happy monday!

friday's one-of-a-kind find: wild+free custom cowboy boots

I don't know what it is with the boho/hippie theme this week, but I just can't seem to get enough. Fitting, then, that this Friday's find is these incredibly cool, custom made cowboy boots by wild+free. Corina Brown, the cali native + owner, claims to live the philosophy of her brand name --- and it shows in her work.

Her shop is filled with whimsical jewelry - from dream catcher necklaces to feather hair clips, flower headbands + even headdresses. But what I really love (and can't stop obsessing over) are her incredible upcycled boots. Each pair of leather cowboy/motorcycle boots is layered with fabrics, belts, chains + jewels in the most perfectly messed-up way. 

The result is so amazing I'd just rather show you then say another word . . .

 

Each custom order requires a deposit of $50 up front, along with any particular requests as to colors, materials, patterns, etc. -- all of which Corina incorporates into the final product. She has pictures of the boots she's made in the past + feedback from customers on her etsy page, and they all seem more than satisfied with the final result.

Can you blame them? These things are amazing - and totally one-of-a-kind. Perfection.

Have a good weekend!

[all photos taken from the wild+free jewelry etsy page]