Oh Couture!

The stuff of which dreams are made...but then again, a trip to Paris might be nice!

A torrid love affair ~ Oscar de la Renta's Marigold silk taffeta gown, Spring 2012 Collection: $4,990. Black tulle floral embroidered caraco: $3,350.

Privileged class ~ Black bijoux pendant printed silk faille dress by Oscar de la Renta for Fall 2012: $2,590.

Piece de resistance ~ Oscar de la Renta's pink silk chiffon strapless gown: $12,567. One precise little number.

Pick-me-ups

While fantasy shopping the March 2012 J. Crew catalog the other day, I happened upon a dreamy assortment of delightful little scuffs. I got lost for a moment, indulging my imagination with thoughts of nautical stripes, soft suedes and saturated hues aligning my closet walls. Where couldn't I go in such spiffy flats?  Like a kid in a candy store, I was completely consumed with the vivid colors, beautiful textures and the mouthwatering assortment of temptations just waiting to come home with me.

Now this is what shopping should feel like, whether it's on a whim, in a stolen moment, or in dire need. My senses were heightened, my imagination ignited, and my practical side appeased. Ballet flats to cover all the bases, in bold colors, prints and charasmatic styles.

To view the entire collection, visit The Ballet Boutique at J. Crew ~ there is a color, a look and a price point for everyone, beginning at $125. 

My mother, in all her infinite wisdom, had the perfect word for this kind of purchase: a pick-me-up. As we await and anticipate spring to kick into high gear, these are quintessentially just that.

Classic leather ballet flat in soft fuchsia, $125 at J. Crew

Stripe ballet flats, $138 at J. Crew

Cece suede ballet flat in retro lemon, $128 at J. Crew

Nora calf hair ballet flat, $250 at J. Crew

Quorra ballet flat, $158 at J. Crew

Lula Bow ballet flat, $138 at J. Crew

Suede ballet flat with bow, $148 at J. Crew

Classic printed ballet flats in bright persimmon, $135 at J. Crew

Birken Babies

Ah the winsome days of spring. They beckon, they entice, they lure us into dreamy fantasies of warm, balmy breezes and bright yellow sunshine, beaming down upon us as we slowly emerge from winter's long and dreary grasp. 

One of the first things we long to do as this wonderful season sets in is get rid of the practical footwear. How our peds long for the weightlessness of lovely sandals or the excitement of a bright pair of ballet flats. The first time we indulge in the sheer impracticality of such delight (spring can be so wet and mud season lurks around every corner), inevitably before the temps really allow for such temptation, it's as if we can breathe again. The weight of the world is off our shoulders. Or, at the very least, our tired feet.

It must be said, I am not a fan of Birkenstocks. Those earthy shoes often worn with woolen socks, regardless of climate or geography. Comfortable, yes. Clunky and unfeminine, most definitely. Like slippers, I am sure many folks reach for them as the snow melt kicks in to ease their burden. Regardless how much comfort these may bring to one's feet, one never happens upon the words "Birkenstocks" and "good-looking" in the same sentence. Paragraph. Or magazine. It just doesn't happen.

Yet every once in a while, a new take on an old standby causes one to reconsider. Garnet Hill has done just that with their delightfully feminine embellished leather thongs for girls. In fabulous colors like turquoise, lime green, Red Apple, Pink- and Purple-Multi, these charming little numbers will have moms everywhere clamoring for more. Priced at a reasonable $39, you might even be tempted to treat your little darlin' to two. No sign of big girl sizes ~ I already checked.

Garnet Hill's Girls' Embellished Leather Thong Sandals in Pink Multi, $39

Garnet Hill's Girls' Embellished Leather Thong Sandals, Pink Rose Pom-Pom, $39

In the trenches....

It's "spring ahead" this weekend, the crocuses are pushing up through the snow and the sun is high in the sky. Can't you just feel it? The promise of spring is intoxicating and lovely and calls for us to meet it head on. In our best colors. With sunny prints and patterns. Rejuvenated.  

And when those spring showers come, and they do come, a little cheerful resolve always works wonders. Simply grab your coat ~ don't forget your umbrella ~ and forge right ahead, downpours be damned, with some joyful optimism on your sleeve...

Lands' End Regular Pattern Sunshine Coat, $110 at www.landsend.com

Boden's Rainyday Mac in Apple Provence, $178 at www.bodenusa.com

Boden's Spring Trench in Buttercup, $198 at www.bodenusa.com

Boden's Rainyday Mac in Harbour Provence, $178 at www.bodenusa.com

Kate Spade's Topliner Trench, $698 at www.katespade.com

Anthropologie's Puddle Chaser Coat in orange, $198 at www.anthropologie.com

A breath of spring...

Finally, spring's true colors begin to emerge, and not a moment too soon.

Just when it seemed like neutrals would be the pervading theme for spring 2012, along comes Milly with a delightfully feminine, wearable and appealing collection for spring. With its grassy green foundation, floral prints and mellow pink accents, this is an assortment of enticingly optimistic frocks.

What perfect timing...

Milly's Kalie Belted Sheath Dress, $395 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Milly's Bianca Pleated Skirt, $295 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Milly's Double Breasted Peacoat in watermelon, $495 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Milly's Lily Combo Lace Dress, $365 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Milly's Slim Haley Dress, $370 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Milly's Belted Karolina Dress, $435 at Saks Fifth Avenue