(Swoon)

I don’t want to get all mushy on you, but last Thursday was my two month (!) wedding anniversary, and when I stumbled upon this lovely Amy Free photo the day after, I just thought —

Image from Amy Free Photography

“Well, isn’t that perfect.” Something about the old-timeyness of the photo, the vintage typewriter, the simplicity of the typed letters — I don’t know why, but the image just pulled at the old heartstrings, especially within the context of my two-month anniversary! And despite last week’s over-the-top enthusiasm for androgynous flannel, tweed, and heavy knits, I found myself wanting something a bit more romantic — a bit softer — in terms of wardrobe picks thereafter. And isn’t that, after all, the great thing about fashion? Reinvention?

I am thinking along the lines of a blush pink, elegantly-pleated blouse (Elizabeth and James, $132, TheOutnet), tucked into a startling black silk, rose-effect skirt (Tibi, $270, Net-A-Porter):

Now, I know it’s odd to chase after a romantic look by reaching for black right off the bat, but there’s something so glamorously feminine about the contrast. I’d finish the look with these jet black enorma-studs (unexpected and chic — $38, Kate Spade) and these dazzling “Graham” mesh-and-suede pumps ($395, Kate Spade):

Alice and Olivia get my drift — check out this divine petal pink-and-black combo dress ($370, Net-A-Porter), and let’s swoon over the draping while we’re at it:

Pair with these affordable MaxStudio pumps — love the unexpected design (on sale for $77, Amazon) and a floral clutch ($98, Sondra Roberts):

Finish the look with these eye-catching danglers by up-and-coming jeweler Suzanna Dai ($150, Max & Chloe):

Create the look yourself by pairing a femme silk-chiffon dress in classic black (ugh, I die over this Proenza Schouler number — $795, Net-A-Porter) with some blush-colored pumps (Giuseppe Zanotti, $437, Endless):

Perfect with these pale amethyst art deco clips ($165, Ylang23):

Alternately, how to die is this gorgeous blush lace dress by Joseph ($795, Edit)?

Perfect with some platform black suede pumps ($250, FootNotesOnline):

(I a.dore suede everything these days.) I’d probably coordinate the look with this oversized Lauren Merkin clutch in honeycomb-print black suede ($200, Lauren Merkin):

If you’re a purist, keep the look fully feminine with this blush-toned dress ($187, Madewell) and a some ladylike pearl-accented add-ons (I’m smitten with Juliet & Company’s affordable line of “opera-house” ready costume jewelry, including this multi-strand bracelet — $38, Juliet & Company — and this tiered pearl “piano” necklace — $65, Juliet and Company):

This ruffle-front coat (Rebecca Taylor, $595, Edit) would be the perfect topper, especially paired with these fun little pearl-studded clutch (love the retro minaudiere shape — $187, Sondra Roberts):

Or maybe this eye-catching lavender silk dress (love the drama of the plunging neckline against the soft, ruffly glory of the hem — $187, TheOutnet):

Go Jazz Age with your accessories — I love these dec0-esque dangling Kenneth Jay Lane earrings ($150, Max and Chloe) and these flapper-style Casadei shoes (on serious sale for only $150, FootCandyShoes):

For everyday wear, I love this blush-toned drapey cardigan (Splendid, $63, Net-A-Porter) with this festive little top ($34, Madewell) and jeans:

I’d add coordinating flats (Delman, on sale for $110, Zappos) and rose gold accents. It’s been a recent revelation that I absolutely l.o.v.e. and live for rose gold pieces — I still love the look of polished gold, but a feminine rose gold watch (Freelook, $249, Endless) and a pair of coordinating rose gold knots ($195, Alexis Bittar) are just it: