Bric a Brac

I’m feeling a bit scattered today, my attention pulled in a million directions, my fashion sense so multi-sourced that it’s hard to collect myself into one theme-centric post. Accordingly: here’s a little of this, a little of that — the bric a brac of my fashion sensibility — arranged in no particular order.

First up: bright stripes. This almost feels dated given that F/W ’11 collections just hit the runways, but I’m still going bananas over the vibrant striped separates that defined Prada’s S/S ’11.

{images from style.com}

…though decidedly NOT bananas over the weird Frieda Kahlo hair, masculine-looking models, and hein shoes. I.want.the.colorblocked.stripes. And I’ll take ’em, in the form of a cute little tee ($35, Debenhams and $295, Neiman’s):

Perfect with some funky shades (Marc Jacobs, $120, Nordstrom), a bright scarf ($55, Madewell), and some cheery t-straps (never too early to start buying for spring, and these Sam Edelman’s are 50% off at only $27! — Shop The Ram):

Or maybe this lovely little beaded necklace ($165, Loren Hope Designs), an anti-depressent in the form of a quilted handbag (do you not die over the color?! — $79, Vieta), and those House of Harlow shades I’ve been drooling over ($125, ShoptheTrend):

Like the look and willing to go “whole hog”? Check out this chic Milly dress, or this Stella number.

*********************************************************************

Second: peachies. I’m hosting a little birthday fiesta for one of my oldest college girlfriends tonight. Her sole request? “Lots of peachies.” Have you tasted this nectar of the gods? Easy equation:

Just mix fresh peaches, pink lemonade mix from concentrate, ice, and tons.of.Absolut.peach.vodka. Blend, serve with neon straws, and then watch this magic little potion work its wonders…aka lead to hilarity, impromptu dance parties, and even an old-school round of “Thunder.” (If you don’t know this game…probably best you don’t.)

(Also, have plenty of snackeroos on hand. You’ll need something to counterbalance the unmitigated sweetness of the frozen wonder with something salty.) Oh, and don’t forget a killer playlist.

*********************************************************************

Next up in this random Holden Caulfield style post?! The Mexique.Chic. look. I’m seriously feeling the rustic, embroidered, crochet vibe at the moment. I want to wear breezy, gauzey tunics and dresses accented in reds, pinks, and oranges. Bring it. I’m talking a peasant style blouse ($175, Calypso) —

And a funky necklace ($135, APlusStore), a SICK crochet-accented heel (I need this pair, and pronto — $90, Aldo), and a straw tote ($195, Kate Spade):

And how about a festive dress, a la this Milly number ($295, Net-A-Porter)?

Some serious neckwear (Lizzie Fortunato, $975, Charm and Chain) and a pair of patterned espadrilles ($395, Theodora and Callum) nail the look.

*********************************************************************

Hi, my name is Jennifer, and I’m a mascaraholic. I’m seriously, problematically vain about my eyelashes, and I’m absolutely addicted to any and all mascaras — the darker and thicker the better. When I read that one of my favorite bloggers, Kelly Framel of the Glamourai, had mink lash extensions put on, I was instantly intrigued/obsessed with the idea. I’m fairly certain that it’s a costly process, so Mr. Magpie will definitely be putting the kibosh on this pipe dream, but…eee. Instead, I’m planning on pulling out the big guns this weekend and using my Givenchy powerplay mascara, which leaves my lashes awkwardly brittle but makes them look fantastically long.

Yes, yes, yes. The above three are my absolute favorites. Bisous, all of you.

*********************************************************************

With the unseasonably, delightfully warm weather, I’ve been in a country mood for the past 24 hours. (Typically, the wintry climes lead me towards brash, angry hip-hop music and fury-ball emo jams.) On my Grooveshark channel? The holy trinity: Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, and T. Swizzle. {And a little Band Perry and Lady Antebellum now and then.} When it gets seriously warm, I’ll up the ante to include the country men: Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, and Alan Jackson. This makes me want to drink one of Mr. Magpie’s Blind Pig Cocktails, all of which are served in mason jars, and two of which should be available in grocery stores within a few months’ time!

*********************************************************************

I’m headed to a black tie event on Mr. Magpie’s arm tomorrow night, and all I am thinking about is whether I should wear my hear up a la Faye Dunaway in the original Thomas Crown Affair. I recently tuned in to a portion of the film, and was smitten with her look. Love the enorma-studs, the uber-long lashes, the 60s styling.