In My Imaginary Closet:

Hello sweets! I'm back to share the new imaginary contents of my closet with you all. I generally shy away from wearing bright colors (almost all the clothes in my actual closet are safely within the black to neutral range), but these coral short and sandals really caught my eye. And since we are off in imaginary land (I don't actually own any of these lovely pieces) then I can also imagine that I'd be comfortably skipping around in pops of vibrant colors, right?! What do you have in your imaginary closet today? You know I want to see! xo Ez

Psst...you can see past In My Imaginary Closet posts here.

• Hair in a loose windswept ponytail - Photography by David Vasiljevic for Numero Tokyo September 2010 | via Dress, Design & Decor (via Allison on Pinterest).
• Linen Deck Shorts in Black Truffle and Silk Safari Shorts in Red Hibiscus - Madewell
• Dano Tee in Optic White - All Saints
• Bridgewalk Hoodie in True Black - Madewell (via Davina on Pinterest)
• Oasis Black Chronograph Watch - Asos
  
• Scotch Natural Polish in Heather Natural (their Highland Fling color is also divine).
• Matiko Rosa Sandals - Endless
• Foldover Zip Tote Bag - Topshop

Color-Blocked Belt Bracelet

I just discovered Of a Kind on Twitter yesterday and am hooked. Each week this creative business teams up with a new designer to introduce a limited edition piece (edition sizes range from 5-50 pieces), making it available for sale exclusively through their site. One such collaboration is this super amazing Color-Blocked Belt Bracelet designed by JF and Son. Yes...you can wear it as a belt OR bracelet! Perfect, right?! I just love the concept behind Of a Kind (you can read more about them here), and then pop on over to Of a Kind to see what editions and designers they are currently featuring. xo Ez

In My Imaginary Closet: Early Spring Edition

Hi lovelies! Today I spotted these goodies hanging in my imaginary closet. Nothing over the top or too fancy-schmancy. Just casual, throw-on-and-go clothes that are perfect for impromptu trips to the park or a day out shopping with one of my sisters. Perfect! What's in your imaginary closet today (when it's wishful thinking the price tag doesn't matter, right)? xo Ez

• Penelope V-Neck Pocket Tee - Delias
• Slouch Cardigan - Madewell
• The Scarlet Leather Watch in Black/Tortoise - Nixon
• Xenolith Pendant Necklace - AllSaints
• Linen-Blend Cargo Shorts - Old Navy (I own both of these and love them)
• Nail Polish in Natalie - Zoya
• Bertie Kazbek Heavy Jewelled Sandals - Asos
• American Eagle for Aerie Skinny Jeans - Aerie

Made by Noemi - Spring 2011

I always love when artists/designers share the inspiration behind their work. Sometimes the translation from inspiration to finished piece is a tad obvious (not my favorite) and other times it seems to be a bit more subtle (the kind I like). That's why the new "Darling Magpie" - Spring 2011 collection from Made by Noemi has me all kinds of breathless.

Designer Noemi Ivanova's "Magpie" inspiration is clear throughout her line, while still maintaining a look that is full of surprise and interest. It also doesn't hurt that the photos and styling of the collection are equally stunning. You're not going to want to miss it, so hop on over and check it out right here.

Image credits: "Black Billed Magpie" by John James Audubon (1785-1851) for The Birds of America Vol. I-IV. MbN photo by Ceen Wahren, Make & Hair by Linda Gradin, Model Linn from Sthlmsgruppen.

Chic for Cheap: A Business Casual Dinner + Wine Tasting

I haven't taken on a Chic for Cheap challenge for a while, but when Tracy recently wrote with a plaintive cry for help I decided to see what I could come up with for her. Here is the challenge in her own words:

"I am a stay-at-home mom in sunny (and casual) Austin, Texas.  My typical wardrobe consists of t-shirts with cardigans or hoodies, jeans, & converse chuck taylors.  If I'm feeling fancy, I wear my skinny jeans with boots.  And earrings.

I'm married to a lovely fellow who happens to fly all over the place in fancy clothes for his job. That's fine for him. I stay home with the kids getting paint on my shoes while we take on various DIY projects around the house. Until now. My sweetheart has received something of a prestigious appointment to a special committee for the CEO of his fancy company and there's a celebratory dinner he desperately wants me to attend with him. In Portland. With the CEO. I can't help feeling awfully intimidated at the prospect of trying to fit in with these successful, business types. It sure would help to go to dinner feeling stylish and hot! So, what in the world do I wear to this fancy dinner in Portland? The invitation says Business Casual. Also, the next day is a wine tour, which is casual, but I'm guessing probably less casual than my paint-spattered chuck taylors and frayed Gap jeans, right?"

Since Tracy is accustomed to wearing comfortable clothing, I thought it best to pick out pieces that would be a step or two up from the everyday, while still retaining a certain comfort value. In the first look, the fluttery top has a flattering fit that cinches in while floating away from any trouble areas around the midsection. The cardigan is a great layer to help keep her warm and her shoulders covered (since it is business casual after all). You can't go wrong with a pair of classic trousers, and soft neutral makeup, classic shoes, and understated accessories finish the first look.

Business Casual Look - Total $233.47

• Single Closure Shawl Cardigan - $59.50
• Fog at Dusk Top - $39.99
• Perfect Trouser Pant - $59.50
• Black Peony Pumps - $24.99
• Chained Hoop Earrings - $39.50
• Boots No7 Sheer Temptation Lipstick - $9.99

For the second look (wine tasting) I went even closer to Tracy's usual wear of skinny jeans and boots, but mixed in a few fun accessories and a beautiful top to complete the look. Of course for both of these ensembles you can always substitute in pieces from your existing wardrobe to cut the cost even further. I hope you have a wonderful trip Tracy! xo Ez

 

 Wine Tasting Look - Total $246.29

• Ruffle Shoulder Knit Top - $49.50
• Devin Military Peacoat - $59.50
• Classic Leather Belt - $29.50
• The Diva Skinny Jeans - $29.50
• Crinkle Colorblock Scarf - $8.80
• Kallista Riding Boots - $39.99
• Cali Bangles - $29.50