Yellow fever

(Katy Rodriguez, Diane von Furstenberg jacket, Kenneth Cole boots, F21 ring, Fallon earrings, Michele watch)

























Photos by Catharine Acurso.

Last year, I was browsing the racks at a Refinery29 sample sale in Los Angeles, when I unearthed this whimsical number from designer Katy Rodriguez, whom I've long admired for her knack of giving party frocks an edge. The first thing that drew me to the dress was not the exaggerated bow (although that was a close second), but its rich mustard golden-yellow hue. I love the chic all-black and neutral ensembles that I find so many stylish people wearing lately; the look is so classic, effortless and sophisticated. But I feel like life could always use a little more color - a dash of fiery red here, a burst of sunshine yellow there - so I try to incorporate as much as possible in my wardrobe!

On deck

(Phillip Lim cadet jacket, DVF blouse, A|X jeans, John Fluevog shoes)

It was tough work indulging in the endless parade of food and fun activities onboard the cruise ship, but someone had to do it! I had a good time on the mini cruise for work and spent the first evening walking around on deck in my new favorite Phillip Lim jacket. I had agonized over this purchase for weeks but finally gave in. I find everything about it irresistable, from the bright red color to the military-style asymmetrical panels down the front. 

Since purchasing the jacket, I've spotted it in several fashion magazines, which has given me inspiration for new ways to wear it--over a white summery dress, with black leggings and boots, paired with gray trousers and shiny black oxfords. The jacket makes such a loud statement on its own that I need to pair it with simple pieces. If you've any ideas for new ways of working it into an outfit, I'd love to hear them!

Welcome back to the '90s

My attempt at '90s fashion for a coworker's themed birthday dinner turned out to be an interesting one--I was told that my look veered toward somewhat the late '80s and early '90s. With a L.A.M.B. printed T-shirt tucked into a lime green Diane von Furstenburg cotton skirt, I had the colorful mismatched clothes down pat. Then I added black Converse and knee-high black socks, plus a chunky necklace from Subversive for Target jewelry for good measure! While I was slightly more put-together than I should have been, getting all dressed up for a theme party was a load of fun and the experience made me think about theme parties I could host in the future.

Style Inspiration: Ashley Olsen

Ashley Olsen's outfit at the Met's Costume Institute Gala this year exudes sexy minimalist chic. Always the trendsetter, the twin walked the red carpet in a sleek Diane von Furstenberg dress with cut-out keyholes on the side. Combined with fresh-faced makeup and simple hair parted down the middle, Ashley was definitely going for a subtle, understated look last night.

Her look inspired me to search for a similar dress more suited to my lifestyle (unfortunately, I won't be attending the Costume Institute Gala anytime in the near future). I found one lookalike LBD by Black Halo called the Cut-Out Jackie O Dress. With a shorter hemline and curve-hugging body-conscious fit, this dress is perfect for dinner and drinks on the town. But the best part lies in the bare back and side cut-outs for just a hint of raciness!


(Image of Ashley Olsen from Getty Images)