Haute In Fashion

Freshman year, my otherwise abhorrent roommate shared a compliment: "Your skin looks really good against white." I was wearing a plain white long-sleeve tee at the time, and I remember thinking, maybe she's right. Still, years later, I still lack the whites and ivories in my wardrobe that, apparently, make my Indian skin pop.

But with spring in the air and summer around the corner, I'm ready to rectify this. In fact, I propose we all begin again with something fresh, a clean white dress or an ivory eyelet top. The intrigue is in the texture, while the luxury is the choice of color, a palette that will leave you feeling like you're walking the beach in Nantucket. No matter what, in these pieces, you will feel lighter.

Comfy and casual

Dolce Vita Inigo Dress

JOA Organza Lace Top

Boho Chic

Jen's Pirate Booty Dahlia Tunic

LA Made Flutter Sleeve Dress

Dolce Vita Myranda Short

All dressed up

Nasty Gal See the Light Maxi

Dolce Vita Titan Top

I did it, you guys. I went shopping. And I wasn't supposed to. But isn't that always how it is? New outfits are as off-limits as a second drink on a weeknight. You want it, but you know you should stop at just one.

Yesterday, I did something I haven't done in a while. I in-person shopped. I was in an actual store, or rather STORES, and it felt kind of miraculous, trying new trends on and navigating the sales rack with the prowess of a seasoned frugal person. Yes, for once I was FRUGAL. And it was good for me.

The point of this is: it paid off. I am a big believer that every few months, we need a reboot, whether it be in our closets or with a new makeup regime or a haircut. It's nice to surprise yourself, and feel a bit brand new again. Mission accomplished in two purchases: one at JCrew, where I found a new baseball tee, in shades of magenta and maroon offset by a ivory backdrop, and another at Madewell, where I capitulated to my love of florals, especially before the official coming of Spring.

It's a happy new print, and as I'm loving button-downs in my thirties (don't worry, I'm not getting old, just getting into the classic silhouettes a bit), it's a perfect one to collect for the years ahead. And I do mean years, because when I invest in a piece, I intend to keep it for as long as it will last.

Happy April, everyone!

The return of overalls? Really? The outfits that made even the hot girl in school look like she had no butt?

This might make me sound like an old-fashioned curmudgeon, but I just cannot get behind this trend. To me, it epitomizes how the fashion industry toys with us, convincing us that beyond our better judgment, the outfit they are selling--an oldie, but now repackaged enough to be a goodie!--is worth buying.

Maybe you disagree with me. Maybe they already got to you. But do me a favor. Remind yourself what everyone in your class looked like in 1993. (In my case, it was 1994. I was a late bloomer and sported a pair from Sears in a terrible oversaturated navy.) Even the kids whose parents splurged for brand name versions looked a little homely and shapeless.

I'm saying no and sticking to it. If you go overall, do me a favor and don't spend all your money on what will surely be a fleeting trend. Not only are overalls back, but now, they're available in designer, which is sure to be costly.

Obsessed with the new magnificent metal liners from Stila, especially in Navy for a pop of color.