spring forward

G.V.G.V. has recently emerged as one of my favorite lines, with consistently classy and trendy pieces that I’d wear in a heartbeat. The 2012 spring show‘s ladylike shapes, clean lines, and subtle ’50s vibes were no exception, and Tokyo-based designer Mug has once again turned out an easily accessible and effortless collection.  I was particularly taken with the Monstera leaf motif, and its pairing with off-white, buttery leather, and leopard-print was spot on; no pun intended!

However, since it’s a little too chilly to be thinking of lightweight fabrics (and Polynesian patterns are sparse), I’ve compiled some chic cosmetics and accessories with the same elegance, ease, and slight retro quality that will liven up any winter’s day. Though I’d rather bundle up and sip on hot chocolate at the moment, I can’t help but dream of tropical treats, floaty skirts, and perfect pastels to complement summer days and warm, starry nights.

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mustard & relish

mustard and relish

Flip-flop hunter green and sunny yellow to your liking, but keep the accessories neutral and golden.

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snake charmer

modeandthelikelove

I perpetually have a hard time classifying my personal aesthetic, since I am drawn to all kinds of clothes, accessories, shoes, and looks.  Color is always an important factor; I usually stick to shades of blue, red/pink, and neutrals.  But one month I’ll find a certain pair of shoes, or even a whole style, distasteful, and the next month I’m dying for those shoes or a product that embodies that style.   Maybe it’s the influence of a friend, a celebrity, a store, a blog, or just oodles of plain ol’ media coverage; each particular case is different.  What my yo-yoing has taught me is to never dismiss a trend so readily.  There is almost always a way to adapt it to your personal style, a way to make it your own.

In my recent Internet browsing, I’ve come across a few pieces that challenged my own tastes and made me contemplate if they would ever have a place in my closet.  For example, I never thought I would like the look of snakeskin (and on any day, I’d opt for faux), but some distinct sea foam green Zara heels made me do a double take.  And when I happened upon a minimal metal collar that probably would not fit around my neck, I stopped and realized that it was actually quite chic.

(Clockwise, from top left)

Slide Close Collar ($20), Need Supply Co.

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Roman Holiday ($24), NARS Cosmetics

Oasis Green Bracelet Watch ($36.59), ASOS

LOVE Magazine ($17.99), Need Supply Co.

Madewell Cableknit Crewneck Sweater in Heather Cloud ($98), Madewell

ASOS Square Shank Detail Ring with Fuschia Sphere ($14.64), ASOS

Deborah Lippman Nail Polish in Happy Birthday ($18), Beauty.com

Zara Snake Skin Court Shoe in Sea Green ($129), Zara

Topshop Eyes in Good as Gold ($14), Topshop

Betsey Johnson Snake Bangle Bracelet in Taupe ($75), Betsey Johnson

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil in Morphine ($20), Beauty.com

American Apparel Egypt Tote ($16), American Apparel

(Photos, via respective store sites)

city sidewalk sunday stroll

city sidewalk sunday stroll

Tie classic elements together with layers of color, texture, and pattern for a chic saunter around town.

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sunny side up

sunny side up

Perky yellow pumps elevate a casual look, while rosy cheeks and lips look stunning against glimmering gold jewelry.

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