Dear Magpies! I’m sorry about my week-long hiatus — with the holidays and a frenetic entertaining/social schedule, I’ve been running around like a crazy lady! In the interim, I’ve been seriously inspired and seriously coveting quite a bit, so look forward to some extra-juicy, extra-luxe, extra-covetable items in the next few posts…including, the delicious confection of looks below, the aftermath of a recent trip to Praline Bakery in Bethesda, MD. Mr. Magpie and I indulged in their amazing macaroons, and I was instantly in love with their delicateness and vibrancy. They’re petite and flaky, but they pack a powerful flavor punch and the meringue positively melts in your mouth. And besides — they’re just plain pretty.
(Of course, the shots above are of macarons from the esteemed Parisian restaurant and tea salon, La Duree, whose meringue-topped treats are the world-renowned house specialty.) As usual, visual inspiration leads me to fashion inspiration, and this post will accordingly translate the sweet pastel delicacy of the macaroon into wardrobe choices in a yummy palette of cocoa, mint, orange, almond, and lavender. To begin with: why is lavender so under-used in my life? I love these ladylike enorma-studs ($160, Ylang23), and envision them paired with a quiet violet dress by esteemed (but somewhat under-the-radar) designer Rachel Comey ($478, Stuart Wright):
Layer a somewhat tougher-looking chain necklace on top ($235, Reiss — the size of the chain links lends it a sense of masculinity), and then have a pair of blush-colored pumps ($79, Vince Camuto) round out the look. (Or, rather, POINT it out — I’m loving the revival of the Carrie Bradshaw pointy-toe.) Finish with an elegantly-shaped Marc Jacobs in a beigey-nude ($995, ShopTwigs):
Don’t you die over the gold locket? Oh, the details. For weekend wear, I’m liking the idea of a fun little statement necklace (this one is only $10 at Old Navy!) with this Anna Molinari faux-crushed-fur sweater ($165, TheOutnet) and some skinnies:
Finish with a lavender scarf ($180, Vionnet Boutique) and a pair of ladylike flats, like these Kurt Geigers (on sale for $44, Kurt Geiger):
For winter months, warm things up with a pair of white fur earmuffs ($145, Net-A-Porter) and a ruffle-accented charcoal jacket (how darling and happily affordable is this find?! — $109, Heery’s)?
Another pitch-perfect weekend look? A heathered lavender “dressed up” sweatshirt ($24, AE) topped with some sparkling statement earrings ($95, Kate Spade), a funky oversized pendant necklace (Lizzie Fortunato, $160, Kirna Zabete), and a taupe scarf ($19, Alloy):
Finish with some tassel-topped flats ($130, Jildor) in versatile nude-camel:
Top it off with this ruffly statement coat (I die — 3.1 Phillip Lim, on sale for $1,170, Net-A-Porter) and an of-the-moment putty-colored hobo (l.o.v.e. playing creamy-white off of taupey-greige — on sale for $227, Elaine Turner):
Alternately, for something a bit dressier — but a touch more grounded — how much do you adore this elegantly draped Malene Berger skirt ($204, MyWardrobe), which I’d pair with a lady-like bow-front top (on final sale for $45, Steven Alan):
I’d top with this accented chain necklace ($85, Old Soul New Heart) and a pair of unexpectedly fierce coffee-colored platforms (they balance the femininity of the rest of the ensemble — $111, Zappos):
The i.deal tote would be this slick Fendi ($3,320, Barney’s) — a girl can dream…
For work, nothing is classier than this creamy crepe shift dress (Joseph, $453, My Wardrobe), especially paired with an eye-catching, lace-effect statement necklace (in a recent interview, jewelry designer Ranjana Khan said: “People should be able to see your jewelry from across the room — not just across the table.” Love it. I’ve been upping the ante on the scale of my statement pieces ever since! The necklace below is Elizabeth Cole, $680, Vionnet):
I’d pair with some unexpected snakeskin flats in a fetching blush tone (Vera Wang, $195, Nordstrom) — I say “unexpected” not because of the color palette but because the flats take the look to a decidedly more casual — but just as refined — place, especially when finished with the boxy-chic Anya Hindmarch “Carker” tote ($995, Net-A-Porter):
Love the burnished, bronzey-gold with the blush and cream. I’d add to the yummy-looking get-up with a blush pink wool cardigan (it was 22 degrees when I left home today, so I shudder at the thought of bare shoulders — Theory, $285, Net-A-Porter) and an oversized, organic-looking rose quartz ring ($220, Max and Chloe) — all beneath a lovely ladylike topcoat ($149, Oasis):
The perfect confection, n’est-ce pas? And finally, as a perfect counterpoint to all the pink-blush-taupe-cocoa colors above, how about a little mint green? I’ve recently been increasingly endeared to this undervalued color (as I have to lavender). It can really cause quite the stir. Why not surprise yourself by tucking your requisite white blouse (Joseph, $295, Net-A-Porter) into an elegantly-draped skirt (on sale for $37!, TheOutnet):
A decidedly ladylike but statement-making collar necklace with a jade enhancer is the perfect add-on ($120, Amrita Singh), especially alongside some vintage Chanel clips ($700, Aloha Rag) and a
You could go one of two ways with the shoes and sweater combo: either take things to a decidedly modern place by adding black to the mix (I’m thinking slick black pumps and a crisp, tailored black blazer — very Rachel Bilson), or stick to the lighter palette by finishing with cream/soft pink/blush-toned pumps and a frilly pale pink sweater. Both are lovely options. Finally — for pure fashion folly — I daydream about a soft-toned evening look centering around this unbelievable Phillip Lim number ($875, Net-A-Porter):
I’d finish it with sparkling ear candy (with a dress this gorgeous, no one would ever suspect that your bling is costume — $55, Carolee), an OMG champagne-colored fur swing coat (Geraldine, $1,475, Matches), the perfect pair of soft pink pumps ($569, MyTheresa), and my favorite clutch of the season (so retro, so perfect! – $345, Kate Spade):
To.die.for. Serious fashion craving!
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