where there's a will there's a way

All you knowledgeable fashionistas will probably recognize this attempt at an Isabel Marant runway look.

For those of you who (like me) do not want to spend $185 on the original Isabel Marant tank, I would suggest searching on eBay for "string vest" (include men's and search worldwide) and make sure you get the 100% cotton ones, not the nylon fishnet. And don't spend more than $10. 

Alternatively, if there's a section in your city populated by Jamaicans, the neighborhood stores there might sell them. Again, don't spend more than $10, $20 tops.

The camisole I am wearing underneath the open-knit tank is awesome - Le Mystere Tisha lace cami. It has a full, built-in underwire bra. It is quite expensive but I highly recommend it. It goes under everything and eliminates the quadruple straps you would have to deal with if you wore both a bra and a camisole.

cotton open-knit tank (eBay.com) // Sara Berman leather pants (theoutnet.com) // Costume National silk blazer (eBay.com) // Christian Louboutin pointed-toe pumps

runway to my way

Ann Demeulemeester S/S 2011 skirt.

Ann Demeulemeester S/S 2011 skirt // Nation Ltd. gray top // Martin Margiela black mini tube skirt //
thrifted Donna Karan sandals // Prada evening bag

Skirt on the runway and on Harper Bazaar Australia's Christine Centenera

Although I cannot imagine a situation where I would let the train drag behind me (that is until I buy my marble-floored mansion and hire a team of minions to keep it dust-free) I still wanted to keep that option open. I saw these snaps-on-a-strip at the sewing supply store and tried them out, sewing the strip along the edge of the skirt and at the tips of the train. It works very well and because the snaps are an inch apart I can actually adjust the length for different heel heights. This skirt is currently my favorite "not-so-basic" basic. It looks great with a plain white tank top in the summertime and I plan on using it as a layering piece when cooler weather rolls around.

warm days cool nights

tank top with side tails, knit cotton mini dress - original Helmut Lang by Helmut Lang //
Rachel Comey boots // Elke Kramer necklace

the long and short of it

New Theyskens Theory tank. This was never on my radar until I tried it on in store. 100% pima cotton, not too tight, and best of all, I can wear a regular bra with it - not always the case with flimsy summer tops. From Barneys Co-op, Philly.

It is longer in the back than in the front. Unfortunately the side slits are positioned right in the "muffin top" area, but as long as the waistband of my pants don't dig in I'll be fine.

Also, Elke Kramer resin pyramid necklace. The rope-like chain has a summery vibe and I like that the length is easily adjustable. This will be the perfect accessory for the simple dresses I plan on wearing to beat the heat in the summertime. From Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, Philly.

 

brighter days

These are without a doubt "man repelling" pants. They are super-wide and balloon-y. But nothing beats a comfortable, loose-fitting pair of linen pants for warmer weather. As long as I wear them with heels they are not so offensive.

Just like newly-minted Duchess Catherine, I too brought out my family jewels yesterday (ha!) I had a choice between a loud belt or a loud necklace - I would never wear both at the same time - and I chose the latter. 

It was finally time to wear sandals! And bags in other colors besides black!

Not looking forward to making a mess and switching out my wardrobe for the new season. I think I'll ignore that task and enjoy the beautiful weather instead... just like I plan on ignoring the enormous bill for dry cleaning my winter coats.

Chloé silk blouse (Chloé outlet @ Woodbury Commons) // 3.1 Phillip Lim linen trousers (yoox.com clearance) // Burberry Prorsum sandals (theoutnet.com clearance sale) // Fendi bag // flea market necklace (Greenflea Market/NYC) // inherited pearl and diamond ring