Inspiration Board: Lords John and Bernard Stuart by Anthony van Dyck

I drove to St. Louis earlier this month to bring my brother to the airport for his deployment to South Korea for his 12-month tour of duty. Instead of turning around and driving the six hours back to Wisconsin, my boyfriend and I made the weekend of it. The St. Louis Art Museum topped our agenda - and became a surprisingly source of inspiration for my fall wardrobe.

Of course, I fantasized about crisp swish of the tartan taffeta skirt in "The Chinese Statuette" by Richard E. Miller. (The painting may have been the real reason plaid is topping my fall 2009 wish list.)

And I was especially drawn to the saturated teal, mustard and burgundy in "Lords John and Bernard Stuart" by Anthony van Dyck.

My camera wasn't able to accurately capture the richness of the colors, but I think this is the perfect autumn palette. Here's how I would bring these colors into my home and wardrobe:

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Crate and Barrel, Carmen Teal Pillow, $49.95
J.Crew, Silk Tricotine Robin Short Dress, $195
J.Crew, Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, $145
Noritake, Verdena Gold Cup, $27.95
Kohl's, 14k Gold Princess-Cut Garnet Stud Earrings, $87.50
A.B.S., Teal Satin One Shoulder Draped Dress, $186

Thea Grant, Randolph St. Necklace, $345
Evolution by Waterford, Mesa Sunrise Vase, $140

KOTUR, Fino Vintage Brocade, $403

Recent Purchase: Banana Republic Jacquard Skirt

And it's official. I've begun checking off my fall wish list. First on the list is an embellished pencil skirt and I found this Banana Republic one on eBay:

I'm excited to pair this with a slouchy tan sweater:

J.Crew, Cashmere V-neck cardigan, $168

And raspberry tights:

Hue, Rhubarb Super Opaque Tights, $12.50

And these shoes:

Tahari, Shasta Leather Platform Pump, $79.95

Disclaimer: The shoes hurt. A lot. But I constantly get compliments on them from both men and women, which slightly offsets the pain.

On Vacation at Coco+Kelley

Photo via Veer

Cassandra at Coco+Kelley is taking some time off this month and has asked for vacation-related guest posts. See my New England fantasy escape here.

For this outdoorsy ocean escape, I'd keep with the nautical theme, opting for crisp cottons and relaxed knits. Here are some of my top picks.

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Thread Social, Wool Boucle Sweater Dress, $180 (sale!)
Emitations, Sirena's Gold Anchor Necklace, $34.95
Delia's, Collin Hoodie, $39.50
Kate Spade, Senora Shell Earrings, $64 (sale!)
Anthropologie, Stone & Cloud Skirt, $49.95 (sale!)
Amazon, Moby Dick by Herman Melville, $10.10
J.Crew, Lugano Leather Suitcase, $1,800
Kate Spade, Vanna Espadrilles, $146 (sale!)
Boden, Breton Bikini Top and Bottom, $23 and $20 (sale!)
Saipua, Saltwater Soap, $8

If you'd like to submit your own dream vacation plans, click here for details.

Orange Crush

I've been absolutely fascinated with orange lately and not just because it's Hermes' trademark color (although that's reason enough to admire the hue).

The real reason I love orange is for its versatility. Orange is optimistic and energetic as the weather warms, yet is equally appropriate for autumn. And it's arguably one of the few colors that manages to retain an air of modernity while celebrating its retro appeal.


(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Anthropologie, Fruiteria Lamp, $228
William Yeoward, Avington Orange Place Setting, $200 - $395
Anthropologie, Decorative Daisy Earrings, $28
Tracey Reese, Printed Crepe Chemise Dress, $345
CB2, Zombie Tumbler, $3.95
Bottega Veneta, Woven Box Clutch, $1,150
J.Crew, Cotton-Cashmere Ruffle Cardigan, $68
Ariella Collection, Adjustable Multi Prong Ring, $78

She Sells Seashells

Once I spy the first crisp white and navy stripes of the year, my heart skips in anticipation of summer.

The nautical trend continues to resurface, but let’s face it, the last thing any of us need is another striped tee shirt. Instead, reinterpret the trend this year with pieces that simply nod toward the sea.

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Banana Republic, Silk Strapless Dress, $175
Ice.com, Cultured Pearl 14K Gold Threader Earrings, $75
J.Crew, Solid Silk Garland Cami, $88
Anthropologie, Sound Mooring Skirt, $49.95 (sale!)
Kate Spade, Sea Island Scallop Bracelet, $95
L.L. Bean, Tidepool Boat and Tote (Medium), $30
Banana Republic, Turquoise Dome Ring, $49

Fall 2009 Shopping | Part Four: Purple Reign

I've harbored a long (slightly irrational) dislike for the color purple. For years, I shunned purple Crayons, grape Popsicles and lilac party dresses. In the last three years, I began warming up to the color only after my boyfriend brought me a bouquet of purple daisies on our first date. I think it's time to give in to this ultra-flattering color - especially with one of the items below.


(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Patricia Nicolas, Purple Single Swarovski Jeweled Earring, $178.20
Myla, Ella Padded Bra, $69 (sale!)
Charlotte Russe, Rosette Chevron Corset, $29.99
J.Crew, Perfect Pencil Skirt, $118
Kate Spade, Colby Sunglasses, $160

Collection Eighteen, Pleated Chiffon Scarf in Purple Dawn, $24
Steve Madden, Tayla Pumps, $119.90
Diane von Furstenberg, Victorio Dress, $398

Swarovski, Nirvana Ring, $260

Foley + Corinna, City Clutch, $425

Fall 2009 Shopping | Part Three: Military

While I was growing up, my father was enlisted in the National Guard. He may have been gone one weekend a month, but there were plenty of upsides to his enlistment: including the beautiful Goebel doll he brought back from Germany and the soda crackers that were part of his MRE rations. But I remember the clothing most vividly. I was fascinated with the sense of honor, duty and leadership the uniforms invoked. And now that my younger brother has enlisted with the Army, the military-trend resonates even stronger with me and my newfound patriotism.


(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Burberry, Felt Duffle Coat, $695
Fendi, Military Detail Blouse, $436
CC Skye, Braided Knot Mesh Cuff, $110
Michael Kors, Men's Goldtone Bracelet Watch, $250
J.Crew, Cadet Funnel Neck Sweater, $98
Tory Burch, Military Studded Leather Messenger Bag, $475
Vivienne Westwood, Draped Dress, $752