Pretty Pleats, with a Cherry on Top?

So.  I had this post nearly done and ready to go for yesterday, and then I suffered a deeply distressing fashi-tragedy and was too grumpy too finish.  The Karen Walker sunnies I’d been dying over and had finally ordered arrived…and looked seriously stupid on me.  Like, they were 23″ too wide, and made my face look small and weird in a not-cute, you-look-like-a-mutant-child way.  I’m in serious fashion bummer-ville because I had been so.so.so excited.  But, as my bestie put it: just more $$ to buy another covet.  Like a pleated skirt, because allofthesudden, I want to toss out my entire wardrobe and only wear floaty pleated skirts.  I’ve been eying them — first with vague bemusement, then with genuine interest, and now with full-on envy — as styled by some of my favorite blogleteers and as captured by some of my go-to fashion news outlets:

{blair of atlantic-pacific — two thumbs up to this color pairing!}

{liz of late afternoon — the color palette here is just.to.good.to.be.true.}

{street style captured by Elle, repurposed from yesterday’s post — how refreshing is this palette?  Melon and strawbs?}

{found and loved on tumblr}

{some of my favorite looks from last season’s chloe runway}

I’m smitten with the airy floatiness of these pleated chiffon styles, and, much to my dismay, literally own nothing remotely close to them.  So, for spring, and in light of my recent (begrudgingly received) refund for those KW shades: pleated separates are first on my agenda.  I’ll begin on the conservative side — a simple, versatile, pleated blouse ($285, DVF), which can be easily tucked into a pencil skirt (Adam, $78, TheOutnet) for work:

Especially spruced up with a vibrant orange oversized clutch ($149, ClareVivier) and some classic pointy-toed patent Louboutins ($595, Net-A-Porter):

I’d finish with some I-mean-business pearl enorma-studs ($99 Max&Chloe) and a layered statement necklace ($72, Max&Chloe):

 

Yeeeah, buddy {Pauly D. voice}.  You mean serious (chic) business in that get-up.  Alternately, let’s take a look at the blush-tones, which I’ve also been seriously coveting of late, a la Chloe.  How about a tomato red blouse (DVF, $325, Matches) against a floaty cream-colored skirt (D&G, $478, MyWardrobe)?

 

I’d finish with a luxe leather clutch (Marc Jacobs, $1,150, Saks) and some classic pumps (Louboutin, $695, Net-A-Porter):

 

And then perhaps a stack o’bangles ($78, Matches) layered atop a gold-and-leather watch ($55, Endless):

 

And because I’m a bag lady and we all know I can’t keep my load of miscellaneous “must-have” belongings in a measly clutch throughout the workday (Mr. Magpie laughs at me every day as a barrel out the door toting my gym bag, my lunch bag, my laptop/iPad bag, and my purse…it’s pathetic), I’d need this coordinating and DARLING tote (MaxMara, $320, Matches):

More tassels!  Whadya know.  I guess WWW was spot-on (tassel-on?) about that “micro-trend.”   The above tote would look equally compelling paired with this easy-on pleated dress ($90, TopShop) and a fabric-accented link necklace ($178, Amanda Pearl):

 

I’d finish with a pair of ladylike pumps ($77, 6PM) — these are oh.so Louis Vuitton Fall 2010, minus the 4-figure price tag —

It all adds up to the perfect polished, lady-like look for an important work meeting, especially rounded out with this I’m-a-big-girl tote by Reed Krakoff, one of the hottest handbag and footwear designers on the scene ($1,190, Reed Krakoff):

A pair of simple pearl studs ($78, Satya Jewelry) seal the deal:

Now: get ready, get set, DROOL over this Jonathon Saunders gown ($1,450, Net-A-Porter) — the dove against the clementine orange is just genius:

 

 

I’d dress it down a bit, take it out for a stroll, see how it moves.  Love how versatile it can be thanks to the punchy print.  I’d finish, for example, with these Suzanna Dai earrings ($138, SuzannaDai) and some gray-on-orange sandals ($100, Aldo):

And a wear-anywhere/dress-up-dress-down taupe clutch ($50, TopShop):

Love-leh.  I’ve been hearing from/styling a lot of adorable, glowing brides-to-be lately, and — if you have the figure to pull this off — I think this pleated, flapper-esque Halston number would be a lovely “getaway” dress (for leaving the reception, if you’re into that) or bach party get-up or even rehearsal dinner option ($502, YouHeShe):

 

Can you imagine the stares you’d get pairing with these sick glitter pumps (Louboutin, $3,095, Barney’s) and these phenom Alexis Bitter drops ($255, Charm and Chain):

I like it with a soft gold leather clutch ($295, Lauren Merkin):

(And P.S.: for those of you who like to rock a maxi dress, the above dress also comes in a full-length version ($1,060, Matches).  Not sure how/whether I could/would rock this, because the beauty of the above, shorter variation is that it shows off the leg.)

So — thoughts?  Anyone else into this look?!  P.S.: ROYA, you were way ahead of the curve on this one, my little magpie!

P.S. RIP, Karen Walker dream sunglasses.  What do you think I should buy for my replacement Magpie 1st Birthday gift?!  Thoughts?!