She colors way outside the lines.

speaks for itself.
 

 

 

I'm completely smitten with this hodgepodge of Fall colors and textures.

Suede. Vintage brass. Wood. Croc-inspired leather.

Mustard. Peacock. Burnt orange. Blush.

And obviously, that bracelet! Speaking volumes without saying a word is the epitome of style.

Used to top off a simple pair of jeans and a tee, these accoutrements blend together like a touch of cream in my pumpkin-spice coffee. And yet, each piece is strong enough to stand alone and pack the punch of a quality espresso (La Colombe, anyone?). I lust them all, and thankfully, the pumps, necklace, and bracelet are gentle on the wallet. The ring... possibly worth justifying a treat to oneself. The bag... it would be an investment piece. One that cannot yet be mine without a lofty bonus check upon my arrival to work Tuesday morning. And I suppose while I'm holding my breath for said check, I can also keep an eye out for those two little words I love oh so much:

ON SALE.

 

Staying inside the lines is so overrated.

 

 

- Steve Madden Traise Heel - 

- Lux Revival for Urban Renewal Vintage Carnival Knife Necklace -

- B.U. She Colors Way Outside the Lines Bangle Bracelet -

- Adorn by Sarah Lewis Jewelry Sticks & Stones Ring -

- Pour La Victoire Morandi Crococ Satchel -

all available @ Urban Outfitters

In the beginning...

...there was Marc Jacobs. Or at least back in 2010, there was this grey spotted skirt he designed... which in the past month (we're back to 2012 here), I have "spotted" inspirations (or are they imitations?!) of said skirt all over town. Literally. Gray/neutral colored pieces with blindingly bright spotted prints all over them! Don't get me wrong here - I grew up wearing neon in the 90's, and I totally dig a neon accent now. And I'm not totally digging the Marc by Marc Jacobs original, so perhaps an updated version is a good call. But has this trend gone too far??? I fear the handful of possible offenders I collaged below are just brushing the surface of shelves and racks across the country! American film is already a floundering "art" these days when it comes to originality...

Is fashion following the same path? - lemmings?! -

Was M.J. 2 years ahead of the curve, or is "accessible" style on the racks 2 years behind? -ugh.-

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but where do we draw the line? - ...... - 

Inspiration vs. Imitation? - Yeah, not so sure about that one yet either. -

What I do know is I'm ready for my late summer/early fall shopping ventures to no longer be tainted by blinding-spotted-print overload.

Though the guilty-pleasure side of me might just have to have that Anthro dress... As a test subject for answering the questions above, of course. With my oxfords. And the last breath of summer.
Sweet.
 

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dapper Gray Polkadot Pleated Skirt (2010)

Team 2012:

LOFT Cloudy Spot Print Bubble Hem Cocoon Blouse

Dusen Dusen Shapes Collared Mini Dress (@ Anthropologie)

Charles Albert Polkadot Platform Pumps (@ South Moon Under)