Realistic Chic

It's that time again for me to corral as many current fashion essentials as I can for a Spring roundup. I've been shopping a little lately - okay, a lot - and after sifting through some of the painful 70's cowboy revival pieces plaguing our gallerias these days, I've found some great and affordable items that will pair effortlessly with almost anything this season (and well into the rest of the year and beyond). Here's what I love:

This has already been covered, but sparkly gold pumps (and flats) are seriously hitting every style mark for me right now. So chic and timeless, they can go incredibly dressy with a cocktail mini or downright casual with jeans and a classic trench (or even extremely formal with a wedding dress, a la me). Of course, trench coats are another must-have for your wardrobe since they never go out of style and always lend a polish to any outfit. I've already mentioned the on-trendness of white jeans, but if you're getting tired of the jean look, you can also go with white "Treggings," a hybrid of trousers and leggings (I kid you not). Tarnished gold accessories and frilly floral scarves make great add-ons to any ensemble.




What do you think of these essentials? What items (present or not) are a NEED for you?

Who thought it was a good idea to use Dolly Parton as a fashion inspiration? Apparently H&M did. I typically adore the place, known for its accessible styles at more than affordable prices. HOWEVER, they can come in with a few misses now and then. This time though, the miss was substantial. Just walking through their store yesterday resulted in a myriad of what seems to be bad yearbook photo inspired jean ruffles - complete with a healthy dose of acid wash - and leather fringe. Then, as if it wasn't enough of a Greek tragedy to have such embellishments on the clothing, they threw it onto the shoes...which are platform. Two words: God awful. I cannot begin to tell you what a travesty it will be for anyone to actually purchase, nonetheless wear out in public, these mid-70's and 80's abortions. I've said it once, and I'll say it again: "What happened in the 80's should STAY in the 80's."


This list begs the question: who exactly are these items created for? Is there really some young filly living in a relatively urban area (since H&M only exist in somewhat-high populations) who sees those faded denim and cork hooker heels and thinks "WANT"? The lace fringe vest???? THE PAISLEY MC HAMMER PANTS???? Does such a person really exist? While the attempted mash-up of tacky-70's-cowboy-hippie-Randy Travis-on peyote is a complete FAIL, there were still some redeeming pieces in H&M's Spring collection. Here's a look at some right items and how to put them together. We'll call it romantic-boho-safari-chic:


Thoughts? Disagreements? Unabashed admissions of liking the fringed cowboy thing? I'd say you can tell me and I won't judge you, but I have to admit I'd be lying. <3

PERFECT.


A fabulous friend of mine shared a link with me last night...to a photographer's blog who shot her friend's wedding...a wedding at Swaneset...IN THE SNOW. Needless to say, when I saw this photo I squeaked like the mermaid in Splash when she broke the TVs:

 Because of this, I no longer dream of rain on my wedding. I want snow!!!

This image makes me so excited!

via weheartit

Yes, I had totally forgotten to post my shots from Cannon Beach, Oregon. We took a drive down the coast last August, and camped at a great little site about two blocks from the surf. The beach itself was wide, miles long, and gorgeous (click on any image for a high-res version):

Some random nature shots I took on the short walks from our campsite to the beach, and adorable mother and baby rabbits that spent the whole weekend with us (I'm sure I blackmailed them with enough leftover salad):

But the best part? The picturesque little shopping district that runs along the beachfront, complete with shingled walls in cheerful light colours. The highlight was a little place called Bruce's Candy Kitchen. They made their own salt-water taffy in a variety of flavours, candied apples, fudge, and a whole range of other sweets - not to mention carrying a good selection of classic iconic candies, pop culture accessories, vintage inspired treats, and quirky paraphernalia (bacon flavoured gum, anyone?):
Can one have enough sugar-covered pinkness? Methinks not.