Cherry Blossoming

Fashion is all about instincts.  I was recently emailing with one of my lovely readers, who commented on the fact that she was interested in test-driving knuckle-duster rings but found herself a tad afraid of the look (I’ve seen it work out quite nicely on uber-chic peas, like the blogger behind CherryBlossomGirl, as seen here), and I found myself cajoling her into taking the plunge and trying it out. Then I realized I’m a ginormous hypocrite, since I just the other day found myself inexplicably drawn to a deep plum colored nail lacquer (Essie’s Big Spender, shown below — $8, Essie), and then wimped out and opted for routine orange-y red.

Coulda.woulda.shoulda, but I’m now determined to try it unflinchingly the next time around.  This entire anecdote was a long-winded, rambly way of getting to my major point here: the fuschia/plum/deep pink color family.  LOVE.  (As an aside, this color family would be an excellent point of contrast to all things seafoam green, as showcased two weeks ago in my “Seafoam” post.)  This post made be a touch influenced by D.C.’s lovely cherry blossom season, which is all but over here (sorry for being such a loser latecomer) — one of my favorite times of the year.  In my childhood home (“the house that built me,” as Miranda Lambert put it), I had an enormous cherry blossom tree directly outside the window by my bed, and even as a little girl, I reacted very strongly to its beauty.  I remember thinking it looked like pale pink snow, or cotton candy, or pink clouds — all the stuff of dreams for a mini Magpie who lived and breathed Barbies and My Little Ponies.

{image from lejson}

The season and its attendant flowering trees may explain why, the other day, Mr. Magpie and I talked about setting up a dress-up date night, and I instantly imagined myself in a silky fuschia/plum dress, a la this Burberry stunner ($995, Net-A-Porter), with a pair of sparkly drops ($295, Dannijo — even though I am a huge fan of the enorma-stud, I’ve been venturing into shoulder-length danglers lately for evenings out) and my hair up in a high bun:

I’d finish with polished gold gladiator-style heels (ummm come to momma, little tootsies — Camilla Skovgaard, on sale for $230, MyChameleon) and a blinged out clutch (this Anya style is sick — $480, Matches):

And how darling would it be to accent an airy white dress (Paul&Joe, $445, MyWardrobe) with a pink fringed clutch ($79, ShopMarySol — 20% off with coupon code INSTYLE20) and some be-pom-pommed flats ($570, Anya Hindmarch):

Too cute for words, eh?  I’d finish with some enamel clover studs (love and live in my pairs by KEPDesigns — $55, KEP Designs), and, for a little extra fun, a stack of mismatched-color bangles (I think I’d opt for a yellow and a coral — $38 apiece, Nordstrom):

Alternately, a bold, floaty fuschia top ($185, Reiss) with white jeans, a bold statement necklace ($150, Amrita Singh), and some funky sandals (aren’t these amazing?! — $154, DolceVita):

I’d finish with a statement flower ring (isn’t this lovely?  — $360, OpeningCeremony) and this gold stud-accented wicker clutch ($225, KateSpade):

Love the high contrast of the above look — the majestic richness of the purple against the crispness of the white.  Take inspiration from bloggerina Ania B., who shows us how its done:

{image from Ania B.}

I’m also loving little POPS of magenta against neutrals, like a drapey gray striped top ($97, Ambiance) with some white skinnies, a statement necklace ($200, Suzanna Dai), and some magenta strappy flats ($295, LoefflerRandall):

This foldover suede clutch ($175, Henri Bendel) finishes the look:

Alternately, how about a crisp white blouson-sleeved top (Whit, $195, Steven Alan) tucked into some metallic-thread shorts (M. Patmos, $280, Les Pommettes):

And accented with some strappy heeled sandals (on sale for $231, DVF) and an oversized leather clutch (MiuMiu, $431, MyTheresa)

I’d finish with some gold ball studs (Alexis Bittar, $125, Charm & Chain) and a long gold chain necklace (love the little lion charms on this bad boy — $200, Elizabeth Cole Jewelry):

For work, I’m liking the idea of a boxy white blouse ($88, Madewell) paired with a flint-colored skirt ($225, LesPommettes) and some statement studs ($74, Oliphant):

I’d finish with sky-high, pitch-perfect suede Louboutins ($695, Net-A-Porter) and a luxe-looking quilted tote (Lanvin, $1,490, Barney’s):

For a summer wedding / big event, I am smitten with this silk scoopneck maxi, a special collaboration between Parker & Barney’s ($265, Barney’s) —

And would pair it with a little fuchsia-tipped clutch ($540, Kotur) and some classic gold sandals ($129, TheTannery):

And round it out with some gold drops ($25, TopShop) and a funky little owl ring ($48, Rachel Roy):

The above accents would look equally as fetching at a slightly more casual affair, paired with this darling printed Tucker cami dress ($295, Net-A-Porter), paired with

I might swap out the flap clutch for this little box clutch (also Kotur, $455, Boutique1):

For the home, do you not love the idea of this hand-embroidered coverlet (kinda reminds me of the Tucker dress above! — $295, LoadedTrunk) and some stately monogrammed pillows in contrasting taupde ($75/pillow, LuxuryMonograms) to spruce up a guest room?

A funky magenta birdcage might be an interesting accent piece in an otherwise neutral room ($182, CocoCozy):

For the desk/bureau/bookshelf, how lovely is this peony-accented 16×10 tray ($42, DianeJames)?

Perfect for storing a stack of personalized notecards (Kate Spade, $244+, Crane’s):

Don’t forget to enter my SPECIAL giveaway for one of the beautiful be-flowered belts from LuxeLucy!  To enter, leave a comment telling me which style (the Aphrodite, the Mariah, the Kitty, or the Rose) is your favorite by this Thursday, 4/28!  A winner will be announced on Friday!