Breaking the color rules of winter

I remember clearly when I was a kid how my grandmothers and other senior relatives followed "color rules" based on the season. That meant no white after Labor Day (and certainly not before Memorial Day), no patent leather except for in the spring, no pastels in the winter except for winter white, which of course then couldn't be worn in the spring or summer. It was dizzying trying to remember all the do's and don'ts.

Living in a warmer climate, these rules seems to not be as strict. There are some colors that seem to cross over between spring, summer, fall and winter. Like this bag by Alexander Wang. I managed to snag it on sale at Barney's although sadly it has sold out there. It's the Rocco bag in mustard. I think this could possibly be a year-round bag, as the color doesn't seem to fit a specific rule in the seasonal book.

Winter boot perfection

Hold the phone ... I found the perfect winter boots! Finally! Well they aren't for inclement weather but they are perfect for non snow days. Yummy black suede, a comfortable heel and the ultimate in style. The only thing that is temporarily holding me back is the price, but usually Christian Louboutin is worth it. These boots are available at Saks for $1,095. By hook or by crook I will find a way to add them to my wardrobe.

A no-hassle tassel

I'm generally not a fan of tassels or fringe -- I immediately think of a western theme gone wild in a bad way. Even the famed Balenciaga bags are sometimes too much for me. Ralph Lauren can be the same with his fringed pieces. If you add a great deep purple into the mix, though, I can be swayed. Case in point: the fabulous Coach Brynne. It's similar to a Gucci Boston or Louis Vuitton Speedy, but the leather is divine and the colors rich. The website shot of the purple doesn't do it justice -- it's much better looking in person. So of course you're not surprised that I added one to my collection.

Vince is my new boyfriend (sweater)

I've always been a huge fan of Vince sweaters. They are made well, they are easy to wash and they last a long time. Plus they are comfortable -- an added bonus! They are not cheap but I feel they are worth it. My choices for this fall and winter are as follows:

Bootie fall fever

Fall is almost here, and all the new boots in stores are looking great. I love to start off fall with new basics. Suede is great because the fabric gives and is more comfortable than many leather boots. On my immediate wishlist is a pair of Gucci brown suede boots on the DSW site and a pair of black suede Christian Louboutin boots that I saw at my local Saks.

A pink room as an adult

There was definitely a time where I didn't want to go too over the top or rock the boat. But when the opportunity came along for me to redo my home office, I decided to have some fun with it. After all, we only live once, right? I wanted the whole thing to be pink but my decorator talked me out of it, keeping accents pink. Here's a sneak peek of what it looks like, two of the walls are painted four shades of pink. I think it looks pretty cool and this is probably what I had in mind as a little girl but never got. Ah, the advantages of being an adult! All these shades of pink are from Benjamin Moore.

Blingy Boston

Who doesn't love shiny, silvery things? I know I love many things shiny. I had my eyes on this Gucci silver Joy Boston bag when I saw it in Neiman Marcus this past winter. Knowing it would probably go on sale, I waited. Thankfully it was worth the wait! This great bag is on sale in boutiques and of course on the Gucci website.

Meow meow, I mean Miu Miu!

I've always been a huge fan of Prada but had never ventured into the Miu Miu side of the equation. I think that is going to change shortly after seeing the latest Miu Miu prints. They've ventured into RTW with this particular print as well as on a clutch and ballet flats. I had better purchase these from Bergdorf Goodman before they're gone.

Things just keep getting cuter

I'm seeing a theme here ... Coach just keeps getting cuter. I snagged these thong sandals on the Macy's clearance rack and scored and extra 25% off with their current sale. Can't beat these for $35.

Not apologetic for pink

I love the color pink. Any color pink will do. I love baby fresh pink all the way to garish hot pink lacquer. Not necessarily in clothing that I wear, but a splash of color is an unexpected fun element in a room. Since I'm redoing my second bedroom and turning it into my office/lounge, I'm adding some Jonathan Adler accessories. Lacquered and hot pink, of course.

To add to the fun, I also got an initial pillow (in "L" of course) and a delicious-smelling candle, which has a graphic pattern on the outside which will match my graphic curtains. This is going to be the best small home office ever.

Poppy pop-art

I'm always on the lookout for cute tennies, because I live in my New Balance out of necessity. They are fabulous shoes but they are just not cute. I've had my eye on these Coach Barrett shoes for quite some time and I finally bit the bullet today because Macy's was doing their presale for their Friends & Family event. I couldn't resist paying only $46 for them.

One of the ultimate mid-century modern pieces

There's a perfect lounge chair and ottoman out there by Eames. Of course the design is decades old but never loses its appeal. There are many knock offs, just like there are for Noguchi designs. I have wanted this chair and ottoman for years myself, but I finally had an appropriate place for them. I am looking forward to adding this set in my home office.

A touch of spring in a handbag

Generally I'm not a fan of Coach and their monogram line. I tend to only like one monogram, and that's Louis Vuitton. I was outlet shopping today and wandered into the Coach outlet. This sweet tote was strategically displayed facing the entrance. When I see something that makes me smile, I am usually going to purchase it -- because I think that anything that does that is worth having.

Here is the Coach Daisy Floral Khaki Bleecker tote in pink.

Playin' the ponies

I have a few style weaknesses, and one of them happens to be ponyhair. And leopard prints. Coach really hit it with these flats and funky heels.

 

Shape of my Heart against my tile floor background

I was looking forward to using this special edition nail polish color. I ordered it from the Lippman site but it is temporarily sold out. As my luck would have it, I dropped it on the kitchen floor so now you can see what it looks like on tile instead of my nails. I pleaded with their customer service to replace it for me and I am waiting to hear back.

Definitely black, but not so basic

I find it amazing that I often don't have the "basics" that most people would consider critical to one's wardrobe. Until recently I didn't have basic black pumps. These beauties are a little different as they're slingback platforms, but I just couldn't resist snagging them from Bergdorf Goodman. They are by Christian Louboutin and the style name is the Cathay.

They're like potato chips ... one just isn't enough

I'm talking about Tory Burch flats. I get tired of them easily and I often sell them on eBay, but I always wind up buying more. I can't resist a good sale, and suddenly Tory Burch has them on sale. Prayers are answered! You can also find the sale in boutiques and I've heard that Nordstrom will price match the sale. Time to add more to the collection!

Something racy and lacy

Who can resist black lace? Seriously? No one! I am feverishly hunting down these Christian Louboutin Paola lace booties which must be added to my shoe wardrobe. Different renditions have been sold out for the most part at Neiman Marcus and Saks, both online and in store. Net-a-Porter has a similar style that is now sold out as well. I am hopeful that my sales associate has tracked down the right pair for me and I hope to acquire them in the upcoming week.

Happy 2010! Are you ready for a punch of spring color?

I know, we've just landed in 2010 and I'm talking about spring bags already. I can't help it, I actually found a buttery yellow bag that isn't garish or looks like part street sign. Yes, it's called Canary but don't hold that against this bag. I have been obsessed with the Coach Zoe bag and undoubtedly this obsession continues as they keep releasing colors that appeal to me. Looking for the perfect yellow bag that is subtle and far from offensive? One that won't make you look like you're 12? Here is the one for you. This is the fourth Coach Zoe bag I've purchased, but I haven't regretted a single one.