It's a melange!

All this bloggin' is makin' me very impatient for spring!   Last night I went to bed thinking about a shop in Vienna that I used to frequent because they carried CLOSED - a favourite spring/summer line of clothing.  They now have an online shop and even offer free shipping --- within Europe.  Hmm, is travel across the Atlantic called for.........
Here are my virtual picks and I would've worn them today if I could've....

J'adore this washed red denims and you betcha I would've dared....

 would've stepped into Fiorentini + Baker

 Serena said that this handbag makes her think of Ali McGraw in Love Story, so now I WANT it even more!

Ippolita Fettucine-hoop earrings

Wright & Teague  is to me what Tiffany’s was to Holly Golightly.  I’ve not breakfasted in front of their Mayfair window yet but I am planning to do so the next time I am in London!  This sentiment charm bracelet says all wonderful things: Vita, Love Divine, Amor, Faith, Vade in Pace, Amor Vincit Om and Walk on the Wild Side

Poetry in jewelry?  You've no idea how that gets me! This is Jeanine Payer's Coralie bracelet.  

"I do not wish to expiate, but to live.  My life is not an apology but a life.  It is for itself and not for a spectacle... My life should be unique, it should be an alms, a battle, a conquest, a medicine...."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

So kitsch and so me! 

This emsemble:
CLOSED Dori Kari embroidered tunic 
CLOSED cotton scarf
CLOSED United-straight white denim
CLOSED United-straight red denim
Fiorentini + Baker Tizz thong sandals, Barneys New York
Mulberry Phoebe handbag
Ippolita Fettucine-hoops
Wright & Teague sentiment charm bracelet
Jeanine Payer Coralie bracelet

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Then Cinderella wakes up and rushes to her closet and realizes that she needn't travel too far.  She has these pieces et voila! 

washed blue embroidered linen tunic from Flats Napa Valley (a must-visit store in town!)  

 

Tolani scarf 

white Paper Denim & Cloth distressed jeans

 durable, reliable, always chic, crochet and leather Miu Miu (i've had this forever and i still love it bag!)  and last year's BCBG gladiator sandals 

Unode50 and Chan Luu accessories

and so Europe can wait, the weather is here!!!!

More

Layer and peel....

If I would have had to shop for my outfit for today, these would have been my choices and yes, they would have provided instant gratification!  My current fancy is to layer as smartly as possible - the scarf over the vest, over the jacket, over the long-sleeve shirt, over the tank top and then peel from the outermost layer (like an onion!) as long as the weather keeps switching from wet and cold to dry and warm and vice versa.

Items in this set:
Grapefruit Massachusetts Long Sleeve Top by American Vintage, 44 GBP
H&M Shop Online
Moto skinny jeans, $240
MONCLER SS10/4832150 780 NYLON/FEATHERS GILET, 230 GBP
Distressed Ankle Boot - Dark Brown, $765

I have a weakness for t-shirts by American Vintage, Majestic Paris as well as Michael Stars, Velvet and J.Crew.  They are perfect for layering, they withstand a normal wash cycle and do not shrink or lose their shape.   We now wear them tee-over-tee: long-sleeve over short-sleeve over tank-top, snug or loose, long (hurrah!) and layer-visible.  Similarly, Target's Tissue T-Shirts are a good value at $9.99 and are perfect for everyday wear.

Items in this set:
L'Agence Loose-fit jersey tank top, $130
Grey Mississippi Cashmere Mix Boyfriend T by American Vintage, 50 GBP
Acne - Tank top YouHeShe.com, 50 EUR
White Jacksonville Short Sleeve Top by American Vintage, 43 GBP
Fuchsia Massachusetts Tee, American Vintage, size: S, 44 GBP

And I think that CURRENT/ELLIOTT's legging jeans are the best complement to the layering story.  I like the look of ankle boots over them, or depending on the weather, ballerinas or thong sandals, although clearly, strappy heels are deliciously conspicuous and highly tempting! 

But the only shopping I did today was in my closet and this is what I have been able to put-together...

It worked too! 

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It was a gorgeous day today.....

 I dared the weather gods and put these on......

French sailor boatneck top, Barneys New York Outlet  $109.00

boyfriend jeans, True Religion (last season's) 

ETRO scarf

Anyone out there who hasn't owned a pair of Keds? Keds and Loomstate worked together in creating a green footprint, made of 100% certified organic cotton uppers & lining, nickel-free eyelets and 100% recycled insole board. Transition into these from your Uggs! Barneys New York Outlet  $35.00

Loomstate by Keds

and Girlfriend is right, boyfriend jeans need heels, or for my part, these Tod's platform wedges. 

and this would have completed the ensemble.....Christian Louboutin  black patent tote bag, saw it at Neiman Marcus yesterday.  I believe it is still there enclosed in the glass case....

WHAT I AM WEARING TODAY.....

It's been pouring and it doesn't look like this rain is going to let up anytime soon (yes, even in sunny California!)  As much as I'd like to think spring and post some interesting finds and looks that I wish to follow in the coming season, I need to stay warm and dry.  Here is my outfit today and it's keeping me just that.  And considering how wet, grey and cold it is outside, I am going to splash colour by stranding bracelets on my wrist and draping my favourite scarves and shawls (one at a time of course!)

stretch trousers, Marithé et François Girbaud

Scarves, ETRO 

fleece cardigan, Calvin Klein

from the CK outlet store $29.90

down vest, Moncler 

Patent leather boots,  Hogan

Shawl, Hugo Boss                               

My dear friend Alexandra thoughtfully sent over an addition to my crazy collection of Zoé Bonbon bracelets (can't get enough of them!) and this one is the theme of my sorely missed home, Vienna!  I am doing a mélange of this bracelet with another favourite designer, LyievanRycke.  What I love about these "schnick schnacks" is that they have adjustable laces and can be worn fitted to your wrists! 

www.zoebonbon.com   €25.00

www.lyievanrycke.fr