Lavendou

Lavender.  It’s so hot right now.  And I’m not just talking a little lavender here and there — I’m talking monochromatic looks in varying depths of hue.  See below for inspiration, but do not attempt the nerdy walking short look on my recommendation.  I say this with particular authority because I just recently re-watched When Harry Met Sally {best New Year’s Eve movie…ever}, and, in the midst of reciting every single line in my head {there was a time in college when I put it on basically every single night and it lulled me to sleep}, I scoffed at Meg Ryan’s hid-ey-ous walking shorts and knee socks combo.  Ick.  I’m glad that look has fallen by the wayside.  Un.flatt.er.ing.

So let’s talk lavender.  First.  In part inspired by J. Crew’s new garment-died skinnies {OMG, I have to have these in both the neon persimmon and the bright citron hues}, I am dying over the idea of pastel denim for the spring.  And these Current/Elliotts captured my heart with their Parisian-chic nonchalance (~$250, Matches — but you can find the same color in a ankle-zip style from Current Elliott at Shopbop for $198).  I’d pair mine with a loose-knit sweater (ALC, on sale for $166, TheOutnet), some pointy-toed flats ($46, ASOS), and some unexpected sparkly studs ($40, Betsey Johnson):

I will gladly admit that the above ensemble pays homage to Isabel Marant’s Spring/Summer 2011 ad campaign, which left me breathless with its moody downtown-chic vibe.  Perfection.  I’d finish with this textured capelet from Missoni (heartsies — on sale for $650, TheOutnet), which just about ties it all together.

Finally — a girl can dream — this snakeskin crossbody by Fenid ($1,510, Barney’s):

For work, I like this nude blouse (love the contrast lining along the buttons — Theory, on sale for $135, Matches) with a lovely lilac pencil skirt (Jil Sander, $545, Net-A-Porter), some enorma-studs ($125, Max and Chloe):

Finish with classic nude pumps (Miu Miu, on SUPER sale for $264, Net-A-Porter) and this lovely Lanvin chain handle bag ($1,450, Barney’s):

Also, how TDF is this floral printed number, featuring pops of lavender, from OSCAR DE LA RENTA (on sale for $1,196, Net-A-Porter)?! Swoon.  Pair with a statement necklace ($240, Max & Chloe) —

— and some ladylike tootsies (Valentino, $745, Bergdorf’s) with a roomy, structured tote (ugh, the ostrich embossed leather — $525, Kate Spade):

Alternately, for work or a lady’s luncheon (perfect bridal shower get-up), consider this lavender sheath (Marc Jacobs, on sale for $420, TheOutnet) with some gold-and-bling earrings ($57, Elizabeth Cole):

I’d finish it with gold pumps (love the cap-toe! — $225, Vince Camuto) —

— and this pebbled leather tote ($1,500, Mulberry).  The color is plum perfection.  Meanwhile, smell like perfection by dabbing on a little Stella perfume ($68, Amazon):

Or, how about trying out a bold pant?  A colleague of mine snagged a pair of orchid wool cropped trousers (ones below are by Etro, $470, MyTheresa, but you can get the look for far less with these $118 J. Crew cafe capris in the bright dahlia hue), and she looks fab in them.  I’d pair mine with a bow-front blouse (Jason Wu, $555, Brown’s — or get the far cheaper counterpart by French Connection for a cool $49 here) and some chunky cluster earrings ($31, Whistles):

In an ideal world, I’d finish with those studded Valentinos I obsessed over in December (the purple-hued python is just dreamy — $1,100, Farfetch):

Finish with this made-for-the-Valentinos purselette (Marc Jacobs, on sale for $514, Farfetch):

Or — love the idea of this slouch-fit tee dress (T by Alexander Wang, on sale for $79, MyTheresa) with a big ol’ statement necklace ($860, Elizabeth Cole):

I’d finish with some nude/blush flats (love these — DV by Dolce Vita, $59, Heels):

Round it out with the Kate Spade Gold Coast MaryAnne ($478, Kate Spade):

Now, I know this is a bit on the different side for me, but I’ve fallen head over heels for this maxi-length DVF ($595, Net-A-Porter):

I know we’re in winter, so this is unfair, but I already envision it with some lavender t-straps for the transitional weeks between spring and summer ($150, Frockaholics):

Oh.la.la.  I’ll conclude by sharing an extravagant covet of mine — this silky kimono robe from 3.1 Phillip Lim ($495, Shopbop):

So luxe, so feminine.