INSPIRED BuY...alexa chung

alexa chung is one of the biggest fashion icons of the moment. in case you don't already know, she's an english model who hosted a show on mtv and most recently, she designed a line for madewell- one of my favorite stores. in her style, she likes to play with proportions (see the "mini with a long top" posts i've put up recently). she's all about the structured completer piece (jacket/blazer). this lacey tunic and this girly skirt with a blazer combo are two of my favorite alexa outfits, and inspired me to wear the following:

black and white

skirt- free people

spandex tank- the limited

wool blazer- madewell

tights- hue

oxford shoes- steve madden

necklace- blue tree boutique

winter white

leggings- forever 21

tunic- french connection

necklace- vintage

boots- vince camuto

INSPIRED BuY...the sound of music

first of all- who doesn't love "the sound of music"?! it's up there on my list of favorite musical movies (along with "the wizard of oz" and "newsies"). anyway- in the sound of music, fraulein maria makes the von trapp children beautiful clothing out of old curtains. i've spent a lot of time analyzing runway shows and i've found that a lot of the patternwork out there for spring 2011 has a curtain/tapestry feel to it (see rodarte and erdem). this paisley skirt from free people's fall line jumped out at me, and at the reasonable price of $58 i just couldn't resist. this skirt is especially wonderful because I can wear it now with boots and tights, and i can also wear it in the spring!

modern day liesl

paisley skirt- free people

charcoal cardigan- jcrew

beige tank- banana republic

over the knee socks- steve madden (macy's)

boots- vince camuto (macy's)

louisa's loungewear

paisley skirt- free people

beige sweatshirt- gap

over the knee socks- steve madden (macy's)

boots- vince camuto (macy's)

INSPIRED BuY...mini skirts

i am a little too obsessed with mini skirts these days. my favorite way to wear a mini is paired with a long blazer, cardigan, or shirt so that only about 2-3 inches of the skirt shows at the bottom. the length of the skirt elongates the leg for a sexy look, but paired with a longer, looser top it's not too revealing. here are two different takes: 1- a romantic, playful look and 2- a more chic, sophisticated look. i also just purchased a paisley mini from free people that i cannot wait to wear with a chunky sweater!

leather and ruffles

cardigan- banana republic

tank- h&m

skirt- free people

boots- vince camuto

metal bow necklace- urban outfitters

a splash of red

blazer- madewell

slub tee- target

skirt- material girl (macy's)

booties- old school from journey's

chain necklace- vintage wallet chain