Dramatic temperature swings have defined the first weeks of spring this year. But, for a brief moment last week, it felt like summer. I was ecstatic for the chance to wear all of my new warm weather favorites, and to be able to share some of them with you in partnership with Ann Taylor.
Fashion's association with frivolity stems in part from its disconnect with practicality. Beyond being just a barrier from harsh weather elements, clothing is often used to signal our gender identity, profession, mood, culture, or tribal identity. And for much of recorded history, fashion has also been used to suppress: corsets, for example, have been one of the most enduring forms of subjugation (in certain forms, anyway).
That isn't to say that things like high heels, as tortuous as some can be, have no place in modern society (because I would never voluntarily give mine up). But there have been palpable, seismic movements in fashion toward "comfort," bringing us entertaining concepts like suitjamas, dress pant yoga pants, and snockers (or sock sneakers).
That isn't to say that things like high heels, as tortuous as some can be, have no place in modern society (because I would never voluntarily give mine up). But there have been palpable, seismic movements in fashion toward "comfort," bringing us entertaining concepts like suitjamas, dress pant yoga pants, and snockers (or sock sneakers).
Floral for spring is as natural as red-and-green for Christmas. This spring, I especially like floral prints on floaty fabrics and in a looser fit, a necessary change of pace from my cold-weather uniform of slim trousers, wool turtlenecks, and structured blazers (and oversized coats).
I recently added to my closet this eye-catching Free People Floral Wrap Dress, which is offered in two colorways. I like the bright floral print, tulip sleeves, the airy silk-y material (100% viscose), and the midi/maxi hybrid length (though at 55" OAL, it's closer to ankle-length on 5'2 me; the fit is otherwise true to size for Free People). I wore it to brunch with friends the other day and it was received warmly.
The only feature about which I am indifferent is the deep v-neckline (if you are buxom, bralettes or camisoles might be necessary); for those who are comfortable forgoing a bra (though I would still recommend using nipple covers), the neckline should be no issue, but I opted to wear a lace romper underneath to raise the neckline and to avoid having to wear bike shorts underneath (the dress gapes in the front with movement and strong wind so a bottom layer is necessary).
You can buy the Free People Gorgeous Jess Wrap Dress at Shopbop, Macy's, Free People, Revolve, Nordstrom, Dillard's, Yoox, Lord + Taylor, and Zappos.
I recently added to my closet this eye-catching Free People Floral Wrap Dress, which is offered in two colorways. I like the bright floral print, tulip sleeves, the airy silk-y material (100% viscose), and the midi/maxi hybrid length (though at 55" OAL, it's closer to ankle-length on 5'2 me; the fit is otherwise true to size for Free People). I wore it to brunch with friends the other day and it was received warmly.
The only feature about which I am indifferent is the deep v-neckline (if you are buxom, bralettes or camisoles might be necessary); for those who are comfortable forgoing a bra (though I would still recommend using nipple covers), the neckline should be no issue, but I opted to wear a lace romper underneath to raise the neckline and to avoid having to wear bike shorts underneath (the dress gapes in the front with movement and strong wind so a bottom layer is necessary).
You can buy the Free People Gorgeous Jess Wrap Dress at Shopbop, Macy's, Free People, Revolve, Nordstrom, Dillard's, Yoox, Lord + Taylor, and Zappos.

Season by season (since mid-2016), I've found that Banana Republic's collection has grown more dependable, both in interpreting trends and in styling. I like that, for the most part, the brand has stayed focused on practical workwear that incorporates some trendy elements. The Banana Republic Soft Pleated Long Trench seen in this post is one of my favorite pieces for early spring: the length (42" long in XSP) might be challenging for those who are especially petite, but works well with both pants and skirts; and the material (100% Triacetate) drapes well but has enough weight to it to avoid being wrinkle-prone.
Happy Easter and April Fools'!
It'll be another 11 years before these two occasions align again, so I thought I'd incorporate both celebrations into this post. The outfit featured here is color coordinated to Easter, and below I've shared my favorite "fake" news and products from today.
It'll be another 11 years before these two occasions align again, so I thought I'd incorporate both celebrations into this post. The outfit featured here is color coordinated to Easter, and below I've shared my favorite "fake" news and products from today.
Nearly a year ago, J. Crew announced that it had trademarked its own Hallmark holiday, designating March 31 "National Stripes Day." And fashion media ate it up, giving the retailer tons of free, positive press.
Never one to let a perfectly good (made up) holiday pass me by, I will happily wear stripes on National Stripes Day (not that anyone needs a reason to wear stripes), because stripes are all-purpose and always in vogue.
Never one to let a perfectly good (made up) holiday pass me by, I will happily wear stripes on National Stripes Day (not that anyone needs a reason to wear stripes), because stripes are all-purpose and always in vogue.





