Ups & Downs

Lately, I’ve had the itch to do some interior redeco at home, and chevron rugs/prints are really calling my name.  The print is featured heavily in interior designer Ana Fortunes’ work, and it always catches my eye.

{images from Ana Fortunes}

I also spotted the print in the home of MadeByGirl’s Jen Ramos, and lived for it:

Finally, I wept with envy when I drooled over these shots of Ana Fortunes’ own home — note prominence of chevron:

{images from Ana Fortunes}

This has in turn spawned an obsession with all things zig-zagged, and it just.won’t.stop.  For example, I must own this monogrammed clutch ($50, Luxury Monograms):

And if not that (or rather, in addition to that), this bomb REVERSIBLE style from Hammocks & High Tea (Love, with a capital L — $169, Hammocks & High Tea):

I like the idea of maintaining the visual rhythm with a chevron necklace ($36, BGBG) layered beneath a black blazer ($100, TopShop) and atop a bow-front blouse ($142, TheOutnet), skinnies (as mentioned many-a-times, I like all J. Brand styles), and some studded sloafers (I find these a bit more wearable than the fancy pants Jeffrey Campbell pair I featured a week ago — $325, Loeffler Randall):

Heartsies.  Finish with a red mani (yes, I’m back on that wagon, and I still love Essie’s LOLLIPOP, which I wore to my holiday cocktail party this past weekend), a simple and elegant watch ($525, A Plus R Store), and a signet ring (currently on my TDF, must-have shortlist — $398, Sarah Chloe):

And, on the other wrist, GOTTA have this oversized bow bangle ($68, LeifShop):

I’m envisioning those Loeffler Randall tootsies resting atop a chevron rug of my own.  And while Jonathan Adler is sort of the kingpin when it comes to chevron rugs, his run a bit on the pricey side (the 2×3 is $165…), so I’ve been hunting for more affordable versions.  This 5×3 size is only $77 (at Wayfair), and I really.really. want it.

{Want something more colorful?  Check out the ETSY storefront Arbor Road for some boldly colored chevron rugskis.  Love.}  Wouldn’t the black style above look bomb next to a couch juged up with some patterned pillows ($90/pop, Hammocks & High Tea)?

Almost like an M.C. Escher print.  Me likey.  Of course, one can’t think of zig-zags without longing for Missoni, and while I (still) await my shipment of Missoni for Target items, I will dream about throwing on this little knit mini dress ($866, MyWardrobe), which would be perfection with black tights (I wear Spanx or J. Crew exclusively), a pair of booties (House of Harlow, $384, MyWardrobe — or check out these ankle-breaking Zanottis for a cool $795), and these textured sunnies ($195, Nordstrom):

I’d finish with a chevron necklace (um, amazing…and can’t beat that price — $34, Modcloth), and, since we’re dreaming here, this oh-so-perfect, wear-with-everything Fendi tote ($2,490, Barney’s):

I’d top it all off with this chevron fur coat (and check out that sweet lining! — Marc by Marc Jacobs, on sale in limited sizes for only $349, Shopbop and in a few more sizes for $417 at Saks):

For something a hair more affordable than the outfit above, consider this Missoni-esque scarf (Yarnz, $195, Kirna Zabete), paired with your standard go-to outfit and some bold red flats ($165, Pretty Ballerinas):

For something on the dressier end, I like this sequinned skirt ($270, All Saints) with an elegant black blouse (Miu Miu, on sale for a still steep $525, Net-A-Porter), black tights, and some black platformed pumps (this inexpensive pair caught my eye for its Charlotte Olympia-style platformed sole — $68, Victoria’s Secret):

Goes perfectly with a set of bangles ($100 apiece, Boutique To You) and this eye-catching, oversized-kiss-lock clutch ($495, Latitude):

Given the glitziness of the skirt above, should probably be filled with these sparklettes on NYE ($12 for 8, Catbird):

While on the subject of festive-gear, I saw and swooned over this zig-zagged little clutchski ($200, Liberty).  Wouldn’t it be the perfect way to offset an LBD?!

For casual-wear, I like this inexpensive chevron tee (on sale for $19, Old Navy) paired with a funky statement piece (love the drama of this style — $216, Patch NYC), black skinnies, and a pair of bow-toed bronzed flats (Lanvin, on sale for $416, Net-A-Porter):

I’d finish with a cherry red portfolio clutch ($425, Camille Zarsky):

And, finally, for some reason, these items together make me very happy: a chevron pouch ($28, iomoi), a funky necklace ($145, Pound Jewelry), and a monogrammed iPhone cover in a zig-zag print ($52, Rouge):

AND — do NOT forget to enter my giveaway for these awesome iPhone cases!  All you need to do is leave a comment on this post describing/identifying the most important phone call you’ve ever had in your life.  I’ve already read and cherished the entries so far.  Note that I’ll randomly select and announce a winner this Thursday, December 15th!  Also, if you could be a doll and like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, I will count your entry TWICE, which will increase your odds of winning.  And — if you can’t wait until then — you can use coupon code GIFTS for 20% off your purchase starting today!