.. of Style Inspiration

I have always been a fan of scarf dressing. I've been made fun of for it incessantly *cough*alyce*cough* and I still refuse to give them up even in summer.

I mean even a small wisp of colorful silk can liven up an all black outfit.

Big trends in recent seasons were colorblocking, mixing patterns, and florals. For me the best way, the most inexpensive way, to access these trends is through accessories in general and scarves in particular.

Say you're wearing your standard go-to blue jeans and a bright pink sweater. Throw on an orange scarf and BAM! colorblocking.

Wearing a plaid button-down? Try a striped scarf. BAM! mixing patterns.

I especially enjoy wearing floral scarves because they soften even the most severe outfit and make it instantly more feminine without going to far.

And let's not forget their intended purpose of keeping our necks warm. There is NOTHING better than throwing on a pair of leggings, tall boots, a lived-in dependable sweater and a big huge fluffy scarf at the first sign of Autumnal chill.

The inspiration file holds plenty of evidence of my obsession...

Try 'em wrapped, tucked, twisted, and draped. Or try them B. Jones Style, no pun intended and wear one as a shirt!

Doesn't matter, just indulge. Prices range from well over $300 for a luxe cashmere knit or $3 flat at Forever 21. Don't discriminate based on the price point. This is not a piece that gets better when it's made in Italy like handbags or shoes. Instead focus on shape and fabric. A small silk square for summer vs. a wide and long wool knit for winter.

Don't be afraid of a little DIY either. Chances are someone you know (me) can knit or crochet and would be more than willing to take your favorite color and whip you up a little something special.

My DIY agenda...

Let's not forget the all-important turban...

If you must buy them they're all available at Shopbop.

via 5inchandup, 9to5chic, atlanticpacific, lefashion, bjonesstyle, shopbop

.. of Personal Style

The Fashion Industry.

Taking "Free Gift With Purchase" to a whole 'nother level. With the price of cotton these days one has to get creative I suppose.

This is who she is going to be when she grows up by the way...

Running around an Alexander Wang runway show saying, "oversized handbags are soooo 2 years old..."

She's my desktop and I love her.

via businessoffashion

.. of Hair Inspiration

Loooove this look! Rachel Zoe via WhoWhatWear. In fact, I think this is the absolute best I've ever seen her look.

Rachel is prone to wearing a drapey, more bohemian, 60's and 70's silhouette, personal style influences by her own admission.

She's also prone to wearing all black, something we all fall victim to from time to time.

Now in 2011, a budding designer, and a new mama it appears as though her style has changed. It feels more grown-up, more tailored, and more "designer" to me and I llllike it.

One more time for good measure.

By the way, the fishtail braid in her hair was my go-to style last year. I became obsessed with the easiness of it all after watching this video via Free People.

Try it. You won't regret it.