Faux Colorblock

I don't read tabloids and thus, have no idea whether or not Lindsay Lohan is drunk/sober/in jail/not in jail/painting her toenails/dating her cat. Though I loved LiLo in Mean Girls and The Parent Trap, I generally have little to no interest in her and her style. However, I'm obsessed with the pseudo-colorblocking that she pulls off in this particular photo. I always tuck my top into my skirt, and I'm surprised to see that it looks so polished and elegant while untucked.  At first glance, I even mistook it for a dress. Naturally, I had to give it my own twist.

The untucked top works best because of the material — I'm guessing Lindsay's is silk or a silk-blend — one that's a little more formal than your regular tee, longer (for layering), and with a looser cut. I adore this one by Theory. I also think a not-so-skintight skirt adds to the effect, which is why I picked a style in a shocking pink hue from House of Fraser. When the top is layered over it, it creates the seamless effect that resembles a colorblock dress while offering the freedom to play with the colors and proportions. I'd accessorize with spare details: these Rag & Bone wedges, a pretty gold necklace, and pair of Nina Ricci aviators. Now about that top...

[photo cred here]

Pops of Fuchsia

I've never been able to like fuchsia enough to own anything in the shade, aside from a hot pink trenchcoat that I absolutely adore (but I only wear it in the rain and with black so that the color gets diluted a bit). But I love the look of a eye-popping, neon pink, especially when set against an otherwise neutral ensemble. Any combination of black, white, camel, and pink? Oh yes. To me, it's the best way to incorporate the color without looking like you've been doused in Pepto Bismol. Fuchsia gets a little more grown-up when it's paired with classic neutral stripes or soft camel hues. I'm currently hankering after this Kate Spade tote to brighten me up for spring.

What do you think of hot pink?


[photo cred to 1, 2, 3, 4, all via Musings in Femininity]

Caramel Cafe

Finally back in Chicago after a whirlwind spring break! Today is my last first day of classes ever and I'm so excited for spring quarter, new classes, and sunny skies (a lot of the professors like to have class outside and under the trees when it's warm out, which is my favorite thing ever). It also makes me feel incredibly old and unprepared, but I'm trying very hard not to focus on that. I'll be spending the first few days replying to emails and settling in with classes — I love getting back into the groove of things.

What's on your agenda for this fresh, new week?

[photo cred to 1 and 2]

La Fiesta

An adventure in Puerto Rico:

We explored San Juan, which was painted in cheerful hues and bursting with flowers...

...as well as cobblestone and a view of the ocean. And eighty-degree weather.

On windy days, the wide green meadow outside of the fortress is filled with people flying kites.

As shameless tourists, we thought it would be a great place to do yoga (as a former competitive swimmer, I'm clearly more about doing a streamline than a proper sun salutation or... something).

We met some boys from the Air Force Academy and taught them how to do The Creep (you have to get your knees flexin' and your arms t-rexin').

And then we socialized.

Socializing is more fun when you're on the beach and completely willing to go swimming at midnight. And someone makes you laugh really hard before taking a picture of it.

We hiked in the rainforest, where we found a Naked Man. He hid behind a rock, but he seriously was naked. Naked Man became one of our most favorite discoveries in Puerto Rico.

Eventually, we had to move on from Naked Man and continue our hike.

We found a little-known local beach on our way back. It was perfect.

The boys from the Air Force Academy presented us with chips and homemade salsa. How cute is that? We ate them all. (The chips and salsa, not the boys.)

Of course, we had to go to Señor Frog's on our very last night. It caters to college students in the most typical of ways, and I almost felt like I was at a bar in Evanston.

It was probably the greatest spring break ever, although I flew home to snow (SNOW?!) in New York. On the bright side, I'm now eight times darker and have a treasure trove of embarrassing photos that I can use as collateral in the future. Also, a HUGE thank you to Alison, Carly, Ashley, and Roxy for their spectacular posts while I was away.

At the Beach

I adore so many things about Roxy — her thoughtful personality, her optimism, and her beautiful blog, My Cup of Te. Her blog is where I can find everything from satchels to awesome photography, and to top it all off, Roxy just happens to be one of the sweetest people ever. We share a special affinity for champagne and all things lovely, and I'm so excited to have her guest blogging for Mellow Fever. See for yourself why!

                                                                                                                                                                     
Hi guys! Roxy from My Cup of Te here! I'm overly thrilled to be here at Mellow Fever filling in for Deanna as she gets her SB 2011 on! I'm extremely flattered she asked me over, but not even the tiniest bit jealous at all that she's probably splashing around in the turquoise blue waves with her besties...and sipping on tropical cocktails complete with colorful baby umbrellas...and wearing fabulous over-sized sunnies and mini bikinis, and...did I say I'm not jealous? Anyways, I thought I'd share some things about the beach that are just my cup of Te(a)!

At the beach...

"Surfing" has nothing to do with the world wide web or http://, besides you can check Mellow Fever when you get back; it's been well taken care of ;)

As far as your worries and woes, no matter shape, size, or color, they will float away faster than pretty balloons...

...which makes jumping for sheer joy uncontrollable and often! You should probably skip versus walking too.

At the beach wearing something ridiculous and ten times the size of your head on your head is totally acceptable and certainly necessary while silly winter coats, much less clothes...

and cars are completely unnecessary.

The beach is where you take kicking back and relaxing to a whole new level, whether it's like this...

...or with something mouth-watering and delicious like this! I'll take two- two for me and one for Deanna. It's only fair since she gets to go on Spring Break, and I don't ;)

At the beach you no longer see the sunrise with sleepy eyes...

...and it's a joy to wake up, that is you ever went to bed in the first place—what uppp Spring Break 2011!!!!

And with that I will close with a My Cup of Te mantra—Live Sparkly lovers! As in don't forget to pop the bubbly and pour one out for the homies (aka me) seething with jealousy at home. Oh, and Nate Dogg too, just in case you heard.

{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10}

Dreamy Vacation Home

I only recently had the luck to find a little {dash} of ash, and man, am I happy for that! I had an immediate obsession with the design inspiration boards that Ashley puts together, and am so pleased that she's doing a guest post of just that for Mellow Fever. She's incredibly sweet and unbelievably creative; I know I can always find something lovely on her blog. Meet Ashley!

                                                                                                                                                                     

Hello friends of Mellow Fever! This is Ashley from a little {dash} of ash. Deanna asked me to do a guest post while she is away on Spring Break — the theme: my home decor inspiration for a dream vacation home! I was really excited and thought it would be so easy to put together a collage of my inspirations — but when I started to think more about it, I found it to be a harder task! Most likely because I have so many different visions of a "dream vacation home"!

Did I want to create a beach house in whites with subtle hints of navy (nautical) or soothing blues that reminded me of the shore? Did I want to create a house in the mountains with lots of large stones and hints of greys and greens? Or, a small little cottage on a lake with shabby chic details? I started browsing through some images on {pinterest} and quickly found a common theme of an entire vacation "experience"! What do you think of my Scandinavian Inspired Beach Retreat? One day.... For more inspirations — check out my blog {here} - xxoo! Ashley

[photo cred to Pinterest and Ten Scenic Drive]

Spring Break Essentials

I doubt she needs an introduction, as Carly, the College Prepster, is everywhere. In addition to her wonderful blog, she has a popular Tumblr and a weekly e-newsletter, Prep Talk, which covers everything from life lessons to recipes to fashion (the latter being shameless self-promotion, as I happen to write one of the fashion columns for Prep Talk). I'm so thrilled for her to be guest-posting today while I'm rehydrating on a beach in Puerto Rico, because she's an awesome person and blogger. So, without further ado, Carly!

                                                                                                                                                                     

I am loving J. Crew's new spring line. As I've mentioned on my own blog, College Prep, it's not quite the "Old J. Crew," but I really do like some of the more recent looks.

J. Crew right now totally allows for one-stop shopping. Everything you could possibly need for a spring break trip all under one roof. I'm all about making things easy... and this is easy peasy.

Spring Break look from head to toe:

1) Classic Straw Fedora
2) A.R. Trapp Troubadour sunglasses
3) Stila Lip Glaze
4) Polka Dot bathing suit
5) Timex traveler watch
6) Essie nailpolish (Peepshow)
7) Filson totebag without zipper
8) Irena gladiator sandals

The carefree neutral colors of the accessories really lets the melon colored bathing suit pop! While you're packing your bags for whatever spring break destination, pack about 90% neutrals and 10% color and then mix & match throughout the trip!

xoxo

Say Yes...

...to Friday's Fancies!

Alison has been one of my favorite bloggers for a very long time now, and with good reason. Not only is Long Distance Loving a fantastic blog that covers everything from fashion to, well, long distance love, but Alison is one of the sweetest, friendliest people I've had the luck to meet via the blogosphere. Every Friday, she creates amazing ensembles for her Friday Fancies series and was kind enough to do so for Mellow Fever while I'm away!

                                                                                                                                                                     
Hi! I'm {av}, the voice behind {long distance loving}! In Deanna's absence, she asked me to share my Friday's Fancies while she is on a {much deserved} spring break in Puerto Rico. For today, I pulled together my dream beach attire!

all numbered images are screenshots from the links below  |  photograph at bottom right: {av}

1) This shade of green sang out to me! Shoshanna nailed it with this Ruffled Bandeau Top and Ruffled Bikini Bottom. It also reminded me of the beautiful colors of Old San Juan--I visited Puerto Rico on my last college spring break! {see the bottom right photo!}

2) I'm an enormous fan of Milly. This Bead-embellished cotton and silk-blend tunic hit it out of the park for me! It adds a touch of glam to this versatile cover-up.

3) A beach trip isn't complete without a fabulous place to sit...and this Condé Nast House & Garden Beach Towel would certainly be a great seat on the sand!

4) Deanna and I both adore Kate Spade, so the moment I saw this hello sunshine willow tote, I knew it had to be included in my Friday's Fancies. In my book, Kate Spade + sunshine = pure joy.

5) Though I'd love to toss in a pair of wedges, I had to go the practical route with flats. {Who can walk in heels on the beach anyway!?} These Tory Burch Miller Logo Thongs are an easy complement to my dream beach attire. I love the gladiator look, but when I want to run into the ocean, I don't want to unlace my sandals!

6) I don't know what girl doesn't dream of Chanel sunglasses. Now that I've seen these Signature Ribbon Sunglasses, I'm sure they'll be haunting my dreams too ;)

What are your must-haves for the beach this year? 

{besides sunscreen of course!}

I hope you enjoyed my Friday's Fancies! Want to create your own? All you need to do is dream up an outfit you'd wear today if money were no object! Hop on over to {long distance loving} to link up—and check out a slew of other fun outfits made by bloggers across the world!

An enormous thank you to Deanna for having me post for her today—Mellow Fever has long been one of my favorites in the blogosphere, so I'm honored to grace her blog!
Have a happy Friday! xoxo {av}

Spring Escape

I've handed in my last final for winter quarter and now I'm frrreeeeeee, free as the wind free! For the next week and a half, at least. Tomorrow morning, I'm heading off to sunny (it'd better be sunny...) Puerto Rico to sip mojitos by the pool and go salsa dancing with my friends. I'm excited to return back about fifteen shades darker (even with sunscreen), because I tan easily and my skin tone in the winter resembles jaundice. We also had the luck to schedule our trip for the same weekend as a festival, aptly named "A Taste of Rum" (my parents weren't too pleased to hear this). Olé!

In the meantime, I have a SPECTACULAR line-up of guest bloggers, featuring Alison of Long Distance Loving, Carly of The College Prepster, Ashley of a {little} dash of ash, and Roxy of A Cup of Te! They're all fantastic and deserve a huge thank you for covering for me while I'm away. Have a lovely weekend (and a mojito, because livers need exercise too)!

[photo cred to Free People and Cooking Light]

Petals and Windows

The arches on these windows are so elegant and luxurious. Sunshine pours in, petals begin to unfurl, and it's a little easier just to breathe. Hope your Wednesday is sunny and bright!


[photo cred to 1, 2 & 3, all via Patterson Maker, and 4]

Spring Kicks

I just want to scoop up an armful of the new ballet flats from J. Crew and run. I'm already indecisive, and now I have to choose between snakeskin, Liberty florals, jacquard, studs, and tweed? Neon orange toe caps? Really, snakeskin?! I'm a sucker for snakeskin anything. LE SIGH.

French Vogue

How was your weekend? It was (finally) warm and springlike here in New York, so I played a bit of tennis and worked on my papers. I'm so excited to hand in my last final on Wednesday — I'm still a blur of studying and interviewing and networking. I just want to sit in my bathtub and drink some tea.

What do you think of Emmanuelle Alt's first cover for French Vogue? I adore Carine Roitfeld (although her near-pornographic aesthetic made my Catholic schoolgirl self squirm), but I'm digging the carefree, hippie vibe of this cover. Gisele looks gorgeous, of course, but the soft lighting and spring colors add so much more to it. I definitely want to pick up a copy (and finally put four years of French to good use!). 

[photo cred to Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matatin via Huffington Post]

Say Yes...

...Yes to springing forward.

Yes to bacon, egg, and toast cups.

Yes to 15 more pages before I'm done with winter quarter.

Yes to quirky wishlists.

Yes to dancing at your desk when a good song plays and no one is watching...

...or even when people are watching, because it's a good song, damnit!

Yes to waking up and actually feeling well-rested.

[photo cred to Model Love via Musings in Femininity]

A Bit of Bonne Chance

I have a job interview today! I don't want to jinx it, but I'll give you some hints: it's only a few blocks from where this photo was taken and I'm going to eat a good breakfast beforehand. These are actually really bad hints, but I swear, I'll tell you if I hear good news. Wish me luck, my dears!

[photo cred to Michelle Holden]

By the Seashore

As inspired by all things nautical:

1. I actually don't own a striped bateau top as of yet (I know, I'm so ashamed of myself) but I am beyond head over heels for this one by Cardigan New York, which was featured in a photo shoot on A Cup of Jo. It looks so gorgeous (and French!) with the red lipstick.

2. I adore the detail on these anchor earrings from Catbird. I rarely wear earrings and when I do, they're usually studs, but this pair is just so pretty and the fossil ivory, unexpected and quirky.

3. I already bought/have worn/won't stop wearing the black and beige pair of Marais flats, and now I'm hankering after the blue. A straight guy complimented them. A straight and very attractive guy. If that's not a good reason to buy a new pair of shoes, I don't know what is.

[photo cred to Our Edge via We Heart It]

Homeward Bound

Cue the most hectic day ever: I have a French oral exam in the morning, a quick lunch with a friend at noon, and then my flight to New York in the afternoon. I'm hoping that I'll be too busy to realize that the next time I fly home from Chicago, I won't be coming back. O'Hare, you've caused me a lot, A LOT of grief these past four years, but you actually have a way better selection of food than LaGuardia does. So I'll miss you and your consistent two- to three-hour delays. A little bit.

Cue typical college-senior meltdown.

[photo cred to Brian Doben for Chicago Magazine]

The Palest Pink

Good things to come in the next few weeks of spring:

1. Rising temperatures that call for wispy, light dresses in the most delicate colors.

2. Longer days, late sunsets, and even later nights.

3. Playing outside in the grass...

4. ...barefoot!

5. Wearing pretty shoes without having to worry about stepping in slush (or worse, on ice).

6. Mango iced tea and lemonade.

7. Not having to find somewhere to stash my coat when I go out.

This weekend, I caught up with old friends, went to a party at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and worked on my final papers. It was lovely, with the exception of Saturday night — I had trouble breathing and almost went to the hospital. By the time I woke up the next morning, though, I was breathing normally and had received phone calls, texts, and photos of cheap champagne that my best friend had sent me from New Orleans to cheer me up. I'm going to the doctor when I go home (home! La la la my favorite word ever) on Tuesday, just to be safe. How was your weekend?

[photo cred, clockwise from top left, to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, 2-6 via Linda's Pinterest]

Say Yes...

...yes to fresh fruit with breakfast.

Yes to grown-up messenger bags.

Yes to First Friday at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art.

Yes to bundles of posies.

Yes to long, invigorating runs...

...and to taking hot showers afterwards.

Yes to inspirational commencement speeches.

Yes to smiling for no reason as you walk down the street on a sunny morning.

[photo cred to 1 via Musings in Femininity and Ashley Greer Colbourne via Oh Joy!]

Violet Crush

Here's a color combination that I absolutely adore in theory, but am far too nervous to try in real life: all shades of purple (from violet to grape to a pale, almost periwinkle hue) with orange. I have a pretty Emilio Pucci scarf with both colors, but I feel like that's cheating because... it's Emilio Pucci. He could have taken a color wheel, smashed it to bits, melted it, and still have come up with a gorgeous pattern. But tell me, what are your thoughts about mixing up color? Are you feeling the purple and orange?

[photo cred, clockwise, to 1 via Patterson Maker, 2 via Le Fashion Chic, 3 and 4 via Ashley Breckel's pinboard]

Alexander Wang's Soho Store

If I could have a shopping spree with one designer, it would probably be Alexander Wang (come on, he has an entire line dedicated to t-shirts!). The aesthetic of his designs is everything I look for in clothing: slouchy, black, and requiring little to no effort. And now, he's found another way to pluck my heartstrings: a fur hammock, which hangs lazily (and luxuriously) in Wang's new store in Soho. 

I want to spend hours in the store, trying on his clothes and napping in that hammock. I kind of want to take it home with me... in addition to those sunglasses, of course. And boots. I'm loving the store itself, too — the clean black and white palette is appropriately minimal, but offers so much by way of textures, like leather, fur, and marble. You can read more about Alexander Wang's new store here.

[photo cred to Kirstin Luce for the New York Times]

White, Black, & Caramel

How awesome is that model's hair?! From this angle, it looks like the lovechild of the short Freja Beha Erichsen crop and a ladylike chignon, and I just cannot get enough of it. I'd wax poetic about it a little more, but I'm currently up to my ears in papers and essays and short stories. On the bright side, all of this work is worth the excuse to stay in and curl up with a cup of tea and Adele's new album. I love this time of year; there's all of the coziness of winter, but with the hope that breezy days are just around the corner. Here's to a lovely March!

[photo cred, clockwise from top to Tommy Ton via Style.com, 2, 3, 4]