Colorful Kate

So I'm pretty much obsessed with Kate Spade.  And I'm not talking handbags or shoes or even the woman who started the brand.  When Kate Spade was first popular back in the day, I had my fair share of adorable purses and shoes until my shopping habits at the boutiques fizzled out for a bit.  But the brand has really transformed in the past five years.  In 2007, Kate Spade New York was taken over by Liz Claiborne and Deborah Lloyd became the president and chief creative officer, meaning she now designs for the brand instead of Ms. Spade.  While I believe the brand still represents the quirky cuteness of the original Kate, I think it's executed more cohesively with more product offerings.  Namely, clothes.

Kate Spade clothing is now my absolute favorite.  Each season they feature amazingly perfect dresses in a rainbow of shades.  They also offer plenty of separates and even a jean line.  Oh, and the jewelry. Amazingness.  So many colors and fun designs and oftentimes not at outrageous prices.  My go-to outfits now consist of their perfect dresses that I can throw on and feel completely put together.

This month's new arrivals offer up bright shades that make me want to go on vacation - maybe some place tropical.  Here's some of my favorite looks and I'm sure I'll be bringing you more for KSNY very, very soon.

Striped Kerrigan Dress

Striped Celina Dress

Tropical Orchid Elliana Dress

Selita Dress

Abstract Uma Dress

Silk Leeya Dress

Colorblock Brodie Dress

Silk Roxanne Dress

Zebra Randie Top

(images via Kate Spade New York)

Summer with Tory

Today officially feels like the start of summer to me.  I am finally finished with this quarter of graduate school.  Can't believe it's been three quarters already - it has truly flown by.

Yesterday I spotted this video on the Tory Burch blog and it is inspiring me to celebrate summer in true Tory style.  While I love Tory all year long, her tunics, sandals and effortless dressing are perfect for hot summer days and being lazy by the pool.

Enjoy!

All White

So I have a thing for all white bedrooms.  I like the neutrality of white and that you can add in absolutely any color as an accent.  I also like how crisp and clean it looks.  Something about an all white room screams "I am neat" which, oftentimes, I am not.  Especially in my bedroom.  I constantly have clothes needing to be steamed or febreezed lying around and my bed is almost never made.  Oh, and shoes, everywhere.  But in my dreams, I have a crisp, clean, perfectly unstained bedroom (because I would inevitably spill all over white bedding, thank goodness my duvet has a pattern but yes, I have spilled soy sauce on it...).

All white bedrooms also make me think of summer beach houses.  A white room instantly seems light and airy, which is perfect for warm summer nights.  Maybe someday I'll have a lake or beach house that I can decorate in all white and natural woods...

Until then I'm coveting of the perfect white bedroom.  Sweet Dreams!

(images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

Cannes: Part Deux

Finishing up the last week of the Cannes Film Festival were more fabulous parties and premieres which brought with them beyond fabulous fashion.

Also, here's a look at the official poster for Cannes this year.  It features Marilyn Monroe which has been a little controversial considering she never attended the festival and was considered by many to be too low-brow for the event when she was alive.  Nonetheless, it's quite an icon poster. 

(via Cannes Shop)

Here's some of my favorite looks from the last week in the South of France...

Diane Kruger in Vivienne Westwood 

Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson

Berenice Bejo in Gucci

Joshua Jackson and Diane Kruger in Jason Wu

Erin Wasson in Antonio Berardi

Frida Gianini and Naomi Watts in Gucci

Georgina Chapman in Marchesa

Jada Pinkett Smith in Pucci

Jennifer Connelly in Gucci and Paul Bettany

Liu Wen

Mia Wasikowska in J. Mendel

Natasha Poly in Gucci

Kirsten Dunst in Dior

Mila Jovovich

Jessica Chastain in Gucci Premiere with Shia LaBeouf

Salma Hayek in Gucci

Joshua Jackson and Diane Kruger in Nina Ricci

Frieda Pinto

Nicole Kidman in Antonio Berardi

Diane Kruger in Chanel Cruise (seen here)

Doutzen Kroes in Versace

Nicole Kidman in Lanvin

Juliana Margulies in L'Wren Scott

(images via Harpers Bazaar and Marie Claire)

Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day! While I would love to be doing nothing by the pool and celebrating the beginning of summer, I am in class.  Yes, I have class.  On Memorial Day.  And I have a presentation and a final on Wednesday.  So while my summer does not officially start until 1:35pm on Wednesday, here's some inspiration for the rest of you.

Soak up some sun for me...

Bridget Bardot in St. Tropez by Slim Aarons

Slim Aarons

(images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Things I Love ... Coffee and Croissants

It has ended up being kind of a crazy week.  With a final exam and a final project coming up next week I'm doing lots of work balanced with lots of fun outings with friends.  So today I wanted to bring you one of the simpler pleasures in life that I love... coffee and croissants for breakfast.

I will actually eat croissants any time of the day, but this is always such a great way to start a morning.  It makes me think of loungey mornings in Paris... or anywhere in Europe.  And makes me wish I lived in France and could easily walk down to a bakery or a sidewalk cafe to enjoy such a decadent morning treat.  Nothing beats a fresh, flakey croissant and a hot cup of cafe au lait.  Especially when sipped on a Parisian patio.

Maybe I'll have to visit Whole Foods this weekend and get some croissants and take a minute to just slow down.  It's not quite the same, but it'll do in a pinch.

Happy Friday!

(images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)