Spring jeans

I’m kind of a fan of this denim top from Celine’s spring 2011 ready-to-wear line. This Moto Denim Roll Sleeve Tee, $60 at Topshop, has hints of it…

I need a new bag!

I’ve now gone 2 seasons with the same green can’t-find-a-damn-thing bag. So now I’m in the market for something new.

Here are a few I’m thinking about:

1. Leather Ring Detail Buckle Satchel, $112.06
2. Alternative Apparel Brief Bag, $128
3. Melie Bianco Maurissa Olive Green Handbag, $94
4. Soft Briefcase Satchel, $62
5. Truly Gritty Gorgeous Bag, $99.99
6. Bedstu Sobel, $94
7. On the Case Bag, $179.99
8. Lizette Crossbody, $69.99
9. Tan Washed Look Satchel, $70
10. Handcrafted Satchel, $139
11. Jean Crossbody Bag, $227
12. Large Satchel, $335
13. Laramie Satchel, $228

Anyone have any favorites?

Don’t worry, get strappy

Ever since I saw the shoes Alexa Chung was wearing in a video on thrifting in Brooklyn, I’ve coveted a pair of strappy flats.

Sure, hers were Vivienne Westwood (not very thrifty of her) but they were cute. I’m not going to spend $500 — but there are some options out there in cyberspace. Here are a few:

1. Francine Ballerina Flat, $109
2. Heaven Ballet Flat, $100
3. Tan Taboo Strap Ballet Flat, $40
4. Loxley Buckle Ballet Flats, $175
5. Maryjane Ballet Flat, $495

Setting sites on fashion: Outfit blogs

What’s Cracking Good — Outfit sites

I have my own style. It’s not really worthy of a fashion blog — but it works for me and I’m happy with it.

That said, I’m always open for a little inspiration.

There are loads of outfit blogs out there. Some of which I look at for the shock value (She’s wearing that?!), some for the cool photos/illustrations (see right), and some just because it’s fun.

8 blogs/sites I tune into on a pseudo-regular basis:

1. The Wardrobe Diaries – My friend Celine is always wearing something interesting
2. I Want to Be Her – Great illustrations (and photos) that make me want to draw more
3. Quality Rivets – A good model for pregnancy style
4. The Glamourai – She spends way more than I ever would — and takes more time getting ready (I imagine) than I ever would, but I do like how she puts things together
5. The Sartorialist – The outfit blog originator
6. Who What Wear’s Style Stalker – A monthly feature with some of the best style bloggers
7. Independent Fashion Bloggers – A link to a host of style bloggers, plus links to helpful information for the aspiring blogger
8. Tea Talk – Always interested in seeing what my ex-student, Chelsea, is up to

Shop this look

I’m not often a fan of “Shop this look” features but I do kind of like the recent Shopbop Neighborhood Hangout spread — especially this one — though instead of wearing heels (how uncomfy!), I’d probably wear something more like these Melanee Perforated Oxfords ($70).

Pregnancy style

I’m nearly 6 months pregnant now — and dressing has become something of a challenge.

There are friends/bloggers who have boasted, “I didn’t buy any maternity clothes!”

To those anti-maternity shoppers, I say — I don’t believe you.

In my mind if you’re buying clothes (especially bigger sizes) to fit a giant stomach — whether they have an expandable waist from Pea in the Pod or not — you’re buying maternity clothes.

I feel lucky that I’m going through this whole ordeal throughout the fall/winter — it seems much easier (and comfortable) to find cute clothes with coverage for the cooler months.

I had some pieces that I’ve been able to wear throughout (so far) — long crewneck tees, elastic waist “jeggings,” roomy knitwear, and there have been a few additions: jeans with elastic waists or panels and some swingy sweaters.

Here’s a sample of what I’m wearing these days:

• (Elastic waist) Twill Moto Cargo Capris, $22.80
• Old Navy Skinny Jeans, $34.50
• Old Navy Denim Leggings, $35.50
• Buckkie, $189.95
• Chunky Cocoon Cardigan, $138.99
• Twisted Cable Cardigan, $54.99
• Pancho Sweater, $250
• Tokyo Bay Leela Orange/Brown Watch, $95.99
• Ballet Flat, $19.50
• Women’s Crew-neck Jersey Tees in Tall, $14.50
• Nautical Shirt, $75

Other pregnancy style I like:

- Quality Rivets
While I don’t buy her claims of buying no maternity-wear, I do like how she maintained her urban/trendy look without looking like she’s wearing costumes.

More places to shop:

- Shopbop
Brand name trends for the expanding body.

- Old Navy Maternity
Basics that won’t break the bank.

Little black jersey dresses

I’m drawn to the versatility of this jersey dress, now on sale for $116.99.

You can dress it up or down, pack it, wear it seemingly year-round — and now it’s on sale.

Here are a few ways I might wear it:

1. Corner Apartment Cardigan, $89.99
2. Nicole Miller Paisley Tights, $24.99
3. Costume National Wedges, $250
4. Chrishabana Gold Oversized Chain Bracelet, $88  OR
5. Ice Cluster Bib Necklace, $118
6. RSVP Sofy, $60
7. Herringford Jacket, $88

Looking for a fall/winter bag

The weather is changing, my wardrobe is changing — It’s probably about time my handbag hibernate for the fall/winter as well.

I still love my green hobo from Urban Outfitters, but it’s looking a little spring-y for the cooler months.

Here are some contenders for my cold season purse:

1.) Turn a New Leaf, $54
Love the texture leafy pattern.

2.) Kimchi Blue Sophisticated Satchel, $68
A classic shape and a perfect size.

3.) Meet me in the Woods Handbag, $49
Messenger bag meets purse.

4.) Montclair Tote, $109.99
Reminds me of something my mom might have had in the ’70s.

5.) Sasha Large Top Zip, $102.99
Love the deep persimmon color.

6.) The Sak Silverlake Flap, $109.99
Another mom-esque bag — but I really like it.

What’s not in my closet: lace bell-bottoms

Every so often I find a look that so offends my sensibilities to completely, that I have to put it out there in the fashion universe just so I can process it. My newest find: lace bell-bottom leggings.

Some of my hates have turned to love (skinny jeans).

My feelings on leggings, however, I think will forever be in Purgatory. I have a pair I’ll wear gardening. My friend loves pointing out any pair of pants that might be called “leggings.” But in my mind, tight pants do not actually make a legging. It’s that expanse of flat black lycra across my legs I can’t get behind.

I tried a romper, but felt so dowdy I immediately threw it in my give-away pile.

While I could be wearing lace bell-bottoms with colored stirrup tights in 2 years. I’m hoping not.

New online store: Spotted Moth

I love it when I learn about new sites — blogs, cool retail stores –  but cute stuff at reasonable prices is an extra special excitement.

I learned about Spotted Moth from a students’ blog (Tea Talk!) a few days ago. It’s a fashion/accessory site with trendy items — mostly under $100.

Here are a few things I like:

1. Fair Isle Knee Socks, $20.99
2. Machu Picchu Jacket, $64.99
3. Silver Molar Necklace, $28.99
4. Wild Thing Vest, $44.99