PERFORATED

I love it when a new accessory can update your entire wardrobe.  

I waited anxiously while these boots got back-ordered twice.  Happy to report... it was well worth the wait!

Perfectly worn and weathered, with slouchy perforated shafts and the most beautiful wood stacked wedge heel...I am smitten!

Bed Stu is a leather goods brand based in Brooklyn.  Their attention to detail is admirable.  

Our unapologetic line of boots, shoes, and accessories boasts a vintage style that reflects both the resilience and character of the tough streets from which their design derives. We age our natural materials to perfection through proprietary processes and unique hand finishes – giving them their timeless yet modern appeal. 

Photography:  John Hillin

Details:  

Jacket- Crea Concept, simliar here, here and here.  Tunic- Ace&Jig, similar here and here.  Denim-  Joes , here.  Bag-  Marc by Marc, here.  Boots- Anthropologie, here. 

MORE BED STU BEAUTIES:

CURRENT FAVES FROM ACE & JIG:

SAINT

I love mixing feminine and masculine, romantic and utilitarian, old and new.

When I received my package from STYLE SAINT, I knew immediately how I wanted to put the look together.

For me, a pretty dress with pretty accessories and pretty hair...it's a little too obvious.  It's far more exciting to do something unexpected!

The Saint Augustine dress from STYLE SAINT is cut so well, I imagine it would be flattering on anyone.  My sky high Gucci heels from ages ago, lifted it just off the ground.  The Saint Society jacket is the perfect layering piece, soft and nipped slightly at the waist.  I had fun digging through my grandmothers jewels, by far the best drawer in my jewelry box, for something you would never put with a military jacket.  These oversized clip-ons were perfect!  A messy knot in my hair and of course an orange lip.  Done.

I think that this outfit would be perfect for a hipster wedding or maybe a date to some new foodie restaraunt for a date night.

More on STYLE SAINT here, here and here.  So happy to be working with such an amazing brand!
Shop here.

Mary styled her STYLE SAINT jacket here, if you want to check it out.  Obviously I stole her gorgeous Phillip Lim clutch for the photos.  Can you blame me?

photography:  John Hillin

Details:
Dress- c/o STYLE SAINT, here.  Jacket- c/o STYLE SAINT, here. Shoes- Gucci, vintage.  Clutch- Philip Lim 3.1, here.  Jewels- vintage.

GET THE LOOK FOR LESS:

SPLURGE BECAUSE IT'S WORTH IT:

BASIC

As basic as it gets- denim and a tee.

I wore this for CLD's 5th birthday.  I can not believe a month has passed since.

While I would like to dress each day based on how I am feeling creatively, comfort takes priority when you are a momma.

This back zip knit tee is the perfect answer.  The sculpted shoulder and oversized brass zip makes it feel more fashion then function.

The Mother denim is insanely soft and stretchy.  I bought the lighter wash on sale from summer and I can not wait to pair it with oversized knits and my new wood stacked wedge boots!  Light colored denim is a favorite of mine for Fall.

The finishing touches- my triple buckle leather wedges, cobalt blue fold over and stud earrings for a pop of color, and all the silver bangles I have. Then last, my orange lip...

Spring 14 runways confirm that my Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Valencia Orange lip should continue.  I swear sometimes it seems to bring me back from the dead.  I am a fan!

Details:
Knit top- Anthropologie, here.  Denim- Mother, here.  Wedges- Madewell, here.  Clutch- Clare Vivier, here.  Shades- Ray Ban, here.  Bracelets- collected silver, my own.

Scroll and click to shop:

OMBRE

I picked up this lovely little frock at a Megan Huntz studio sale last spring.  Megan is an Atlanta girl, although until recently she has been living abroad.  

When I read about Megan's process - sourcing gorgeous fabrics from some secret wharehouse in Italy and hand dying her dresses by the sea in Spain, well I had to have one.

I adore garment dyed pieces, they feel special and intentional- not generic and mass produced.  

I have worn my pretty dress several times and even pulled it out at Bonaroo.  The gorgeous ombre silk and the flirty curved hem makes it feel playful and fun.  It is most beautiful when the wind catches the skirt sending the color rippling into soft little waves. 

For fall the leather toughens it up a bit.  When cold weather arrives, my plan is-  black tights, my cream wool jacket and some long layered brass necklaces.  I think I might even have the perfect pair of peep toe wedges.  I love an open toe shoe with a tight in the winter.

For now I'm still totally obsessed with my blue suede booties. They literally go with everything and they make old stuff new again.  Isn't that the best?!

Shop for your own Megan Huntz creation here.

Follow here, here and here.

Details:

Silk shift- Megan Huntz, here. Asymmetrical  cropped leather- BCBG, similar here and here. Blue Suede ankle boot- Madewell, similar here and here.  Spotted clutch- Clair Vivier, here.

Shopping a pretty dress of your own?

Here are some of my favorite frocks from Free People that will totally transition into fall....

DOTTED

If you live in Atlanta and attended the Shaky Knees Festival, you might have seen me wearing this outfit, dancing to the Lumineers in the rain. (with different shoes on, of course)

In my opinion, there is nothing more versatile than a full and flowing midi skirt, nothing more flattering!

Easy to wear, comfortable, flattering on all body types, feminine and flirty, but edgy when styled properly.....the midi skirt is the answer.  It can be appropriate for all occasions and can be dressed up or down with the right accessories.

I found this dotted skirt while thrifting.  When I am shopping for vintage I tend to stay away from tops and jackets and go for skirts and pants.  Usually the fabrications are more natural, less synthetic and age better as a result.  Full skirts in silk or wool always become forever favorites.

The painted tee was something I purchased in a dark bar during Nashville Fashion Week (sample sale, Amanda Valentine)  The shoes were a last minute impulse by on my way out of town that same weekend, I could not resist the color.  Both are things I have loved wearing all summer long.

Details:

Evil eye tee- Amanda Valentine, here and more goodness from her here.  Dotted skirt- thrifted, similar options below.  Blazer- Banana Republic (old), similar here and here. Shoes- Pelle Moda (no longer available), alternatives here and here.  Crossbody- Elaine Turner, here.

Join in on the MIDI MADNESS.......

TRANSITION

For me, there is nothing more important in my wardrobe then a great grey t-shirt (or ten).  So, you can imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon this dress from Madewell.  

It might be the greatest dress ever made and I am not exaggerating.  

With an oversized brass zipper up the back and pockets hidden in the full skirt, it's function and fashion married- a perfect day dress for a momma like me. 

All Summer I have thrown it on with sandals or my favorite moccasin booties.  Plans for Fall include: tights and boots, statement necklaces and jackets of all kinds.  I think a cropped knit pullover might look just as good as this leather bomber.  Thoughts?

More later on my Clare Vivier messenger and my sweet blue suede boots from Madewell.  If you want to shop the look, scroll and click below.  

Details:  

Lip- Bobby Brown, here. Dress- Madewell, here.  Boot- Madewell, similar here (on sale!).  Bomber- Halogen, here.  Crossbody- Clare Vivier, here   Studs- Marc by Marc, here. Baby bangles Frosted Willow, here.  Ring,- Jamie Joseph, similar here.  Necklace- thrifted in Austin.