Eeny, Meeny, Miney...

I've definitely had kate spade on the brain lately, and these cuties are calling my name. From top to bottom: Gold Coast Lacey, Portola Valley Stacey, and Mikas Pond. Which would you pick?

Starlight, Star Bright

{bhldn}

How freaking cute are these Stratosphere Mary Janes? I got so excited when I saw these that I spilled my coffee. True story.

Something Blue

{bhldn}

Brides have been opting for fierce wedding heels as their 'something blue' of choice long before Carrie stepped out in her signature Manolos. While cobalt is definitely a bold statement, I'm all about these chic Tiffany blue pumps. The pearly scalloped detail is super feminine, and really, they're named Elopement Pumps. 'Nuff said.

Beach Beauties

{john rawlings, vogue 1941}

This beautiful day has me daydreaming about a day at the beach. I love the off-seasons when there's just a bit of a chilly breeze coming off the ocean, but the sun is warm and bright. Chris would be adventurous enough to spend a 60 degree day like today on a surf board. I swear the man is part polar bear; he once spent New Year's Eve and New Year's Day surfing off the coast of Chincoteague Island. I don't think I'll be throwing on my wetsuit until at least May, but I would sure love to curl up in the sand and relax like these lovely ladies.

Gypsy Warrior

What do you get when you combine boho chic and rock n' roll glam? It's not rocket science-it's Gypsy Warrior. Founding ladies Nicla DiCosmo and Michel Bezoza dream up edgy yet feminine designs from clothing to accessories to slick vintage must-haves. I'm currently obsessing over that second outfit featured above and this gorgeous salmon blouse.

Lemon + Leopard

{photo by nataly lemus photography}

Sunny peep toes with a little surprise.
Pardon me while I wipe the drool off my keyboard.

the Most Important Meal Of The Day

It's only Wednesday, and I've already been having quite the week. I'm trying to distract myself from all the frenzy by obsessing over all things kate spade. Not a bad plan, right? I'm totally digging this Eat Cake For Breakfast terry. It's just so darn cheeky, and really, who doesn't want to eat cake for breakfast?

Side note: I completely forgot to wish everyone a Happy Mardi Gras yesterday. It's just further evidence that I've got my poor head screwed on backwards this week. For all of you observing Ash Wednesday today, I wish you a reflective and prayerful Lenten season.

Downton Does Vogue

photography by jason bell. styled by fiona golfar. spotted on tom + lorenzo.
{vogue uk from tfs}

Downton Abbey became my go-to guilty pleasure when it debuted on PBS early last year, so I was psyched to find that my favorite back-stabbing sisters were featured in the August 2011 issue of UK Vogue. Ladies Mary, Edith and Sybil Crawley portrayed by Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael and Jessica Brown-Findlay, respectively, traded in their early 1900s inspired frocks (like this jaw-dropper, featured in Vanity Fair) and stepped into Ralph Lauren, Bottega Veneta, Oscar de la Renta and Valentino for this glamorous shoot.

I admit, I've already seen all of season two; I couldn't resist the full online episodes that were originally aired in the UK. It still hasn't stopped me from tuning in every Sunday night for Masterpiece though, and I can't wait for season three. Have you gone head over heels for Downton Abbey as much as I have?

Noire

{photo boudoir on film}

I've always loved staying home on Valentine's Day, and I'm super excited that Chris and I get to do just that. Whatever your plans are, whether it's a night out on the town or a night in behind closed doors, have a very Happy Valentine's Day.

the Patrice

I recently discovered that this kate spade coat and I share the same name. I love the crushed raspberry color and full skirt; it's taking just about everything in my power not to whip out my credit card right now.

the Little Black Dress

Liv Tyler in an Oscar de la Renta mini
and Christian Louboutin peep toes
{norman jean roy for glamour magazine via lovely liv tyler}

When Coco Chanel appeared in the pages of Vogue in 1926, the little black dress went from a symbol of mourning and loss to an elegant essential in women's fashion. Flashy trends may come and go, but the little black dress is forever.