Summer Wardrobe

Twitter: "@MarisaGray What are your latest fav spring finds for wardrobes"

Praise the gods for this @mention I received from my college roommate - a reminder that I've written one blog entry this month. Frankly, I've been going goo-goo ga-ga over all things related to matters of the home. ElleDecor? I'm there. OneKingsLane? I have the app. Williams-Sonoma? Way over-priced but I indulged. Pottery Barn? Brilliant. Marshall's... a new must for the rotation.

PS - I just moved into a new place. Hence the home furnishings tunnel vision.

But I do have opinions on Spring wardrobes, because one can't be walking around wearing lamp shades (or can one....), which I've previously shared (neons paired with neutrals, color-blocking, pastels with a modern edge, etc. etc.)... but we're approaching Summer, so let's embrace it.

A few turnkey pieces to keep in your Summer Wardrobe, starting from images above, top to bottom.
>> Get yourself a chain necklace and some white haute jewelry. This here is vintage Chanel from Monkee's of the Village  here in Winston-Salem.

>> Rompers. They don't flatter my figure very well, but I heart them a lot. Maybe I'll find The One soon. Pictured is DVF romper, and below that is also DVF, but a jumpsuit - which appeases my lankiness a bit more. While we're still in romper-land, I will go ahead and mention I fell in love with the bottom left photo via Rebecca & Co. by Hunter Dixon.

>> Blazers, so hot right now. Get a bold and a neutral, my preference navy. Buy this neon Juicy Couture one here.

>> White Jeans. I buy new ones every year. This year I got some Paige boot-cut and Joe's Jeans scalloped. BUT I will say last year I had a pair of all-time favorites, Citizen's of Humanity.

>> Cut-off Jean Shorts. Always. But these mint colored cut-offs really do it for me. Plus, they have a subtle leopard pattern. 'Nuff said. Buy here.

Not pictured, but let me provide insufficient detail, and help me if you can. For the life of me, I cannot figure out who makes the get-up that Jessa is wearing in an episode the Girls (which is amazing by the way) when her employer's friend says she has the face of Brigitte Bardot and the ass of Scarlet Johannson. Any takers?

Tribute to a Male

This goes out to my old pal who lives in Nashville. Sleek lines, humble watch, sitting atop a TUFTED couch. Dark-rimmed glasses and argyle socks that speak "I went to Vanderbilt, what of it?" One word: style. And ten more: ladies, don't sully his swag with texts, tweet at him @chrissong

Gena Chandler / Raleigh

Three things. New Alexis Bittar (so fun) jewelry. Tibi/DVF Sale. And Jonathan Adler (see my post here) at High Point Furniture Market. Gena & Chandler, doing it right, per usual. As for the jewels - ladies, you always need your hoop staple, and go ahead and indulge in a long chain necklace piece while you're at it. Stop in and see these amazing ladies, 4209-106 Lassiter Mill Road, Raleigh NC / 919.881.9480.

One King's Landing Sales

Any of the above elements can be added to, dare I say, any type of room to add an attractive zing. What zing means, you ask? As defined by dictionary.com...

zing

   [zing]  Show IPA

noun

1.

vitality, animation, or zest.

2.

a quality or characteristic that excites the interest,enthusiasm, etc.: a tourist town with lots of zing.

3.

a sharp singing or whining noise, as of a bullet passing through the air.

g.

Now, this accent table, likely isn't going to be suited for just any room. I envision this bamboo-and-tassel white delight in a sunroom, or entry way. A room with bright light, and perhaps holding up a fresh bouquet of Spring's most colorful botanicals.

I'm as equally excited to have come across these babies as I am bashful, but I give you my frank appeal for hot water bottles. For some reason, they help cure my insomnia. And now perhaps I can look less like a 85- year old hanging out with one.

d. Garrett Bench, Sale $199 (est. $545)
b. Hand-beaded Linen Pillow, Sale $99 (est. $145)
g. Faulker Accent Table, Sale $369 (est. $815)
f. Bradie Stool, $109 (est. $235)
c. 4x6 Shellwood Frame, Smoke, $Sale $22 ($44)
e. Square Mirror Tray, $39 ($110)
a. Clover Crystal Basket Mount, $169 ($345)

Tibi Meets DVF

A few inspirations as of late... some ideal for work, others for music festivals coming up, garden parties and the like... I will start by saying I am panting/drooling over the Tibi shoes up top. The thin lines whisper feminine, while bright colors and patterns speak fun and sexy. Great for work, or after-hours fashion statement. You can also see that I'm feeling the best-selling Maja Dress with bold, orange print per Diane von Furstenberg... such elegant flows to these dresses. Enjoy!

Rebecca & Co. of Winston-Salem

Sunglasses DO grow on trees, don't let anyone tell you differently. Tory Burch blossoms, etc. etc.

Reasoning behind deeming this "Rebecca & Co. of Winston-Salem" is because it is now owned by the one and only, Lisa, who has been dedicated for 16 years to this chic boutique... and it has paid off (pun)!

Had a lovely lunch break with the ladies of Rebecca's... Janie was sweet enough to pop in for me...and  Brianna, always so helpful ! I had been drawn to the James Jean scalloped, white pants (below) that I peeped online and decided it was a must-have. There is a plethora of new items... bright colors, chiffons, sassy shorts & fabulous bags - all just in time for Spring - as well as some great sales (hence the Marc by Marc Jacobs computer case, also below, that I decided I had to have).

I am particularly obsessed with the neon yellow Alice & Olivia top above... it is the epitome of modern female. Joe's jeans shorts in red...super hot. Lots of ring candy as well. A good day before Good Friday!!

April at Bevello

Can't believe it's April already. My "Spring Fever" involves 88% Shopping Fever, 5% Weather Fever and... well nevermind I can't do math. The final percentage is probably a combo of traveling, wining and dining, and good books for the travels (mags). Pictured above are one of my latest steals from bevello here in WS. Sam Edelman signature sandals, in just a good brown.

They also have a plethora of Ellison shirts, which I dig, because they're usually great colors (I have bright orange and pink so far), lightweight and can be worn for layering or just topped with a nice necklace pop. If you can't make to bevello, you can shop online at Tobi, because Ellison online is for buyers only unfortunately...