Day Dripping: Sasha Pivovarova by Mario Testino for Vogue US May 2014

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I'm crazy about all the energetic prints and patterns! What a great spring inspiration editorial. Also, I'm really happy that Sasha is doing print work again. She's fabulous. 

Latest Obsession: Printed Pants

I wear black more or less every day. It's not intentional. It just so happens that when I'm shopping, I'm attracted to structural, black clothing. Prints (or any color, really) aren't typically appealing to me. 

But this past weekend, I did something so crazy, so different, so unusual, that it has caused me question my own identity, sanity, and fashion sense. Even my best friend called me today to say "I don't know who you are anymore." The truth is, I don't know what's gotten into me either. I don't know why I did it. But all I know is that I'm happy, and I feel like a million bucks. Here's how it all went down...

"I must be going crazy." I thought as I picked them up. "These are totally not for me. These are for brave, adventurous girls." So I put them back down. "Still..." I thought. "They're pretty freaking fabulous." And the next thing I knew, they were in my shopping bag on the way to the dressing room. And then, they were in my hand on the way to check out.
"These are so not you." Said my dad as we were checking out at the counter. "What's gotten into you?" "I don't know.... but I love them." And then, Cha-ching. It was done. I BOUGHT PRINTED PANTS.

Ever since I realized the beauty of printed pants, I haven't been able to stop wearing them. They're unlike anything in my subdued, minimal closer, but they match nearly everything because they have so many colors in their print. They look amazing with heels, boots, or sneakers, and they make any shirt you're wearing pop. I've been getting compliments on them like crazy. 
See kids, sometimes, taking fashion risks really pay off. 

Now that I have 2 pairs of these babies, I'm going to need more. and more. and more. 
Wild Pair to the rescue! They're having huge sales right now, and it's the perfect time to snag your own pair of perfect printed pants. Here are my top picks their website: 

Sun Jeans

Chain Jeans

Lot Pants

Blue Juice Pants

Python Jeans

Pacific Jeans

Geo Leggings

Compensation for this post was provided by Wild Pair. Opinions expressed here are my own.

Nonoo By Misha Nonoo Spring 2013 Presentation

This middle look is my favorite from the collection. The colors blend so perfectly. (and who doesn't love a good mint blazer?)

I loved the Nonoo presentation. Misha Nonoo is definitely one to watch! Her collection was perfectly on trend, featuring incredibly fun and quirky prints (that still managed to be very sane and wearable). Patterns ranged from cheeky flamingos on a full-length dress to petite stars on a blazer. Although the collection screamed ladylike, it was kept young and casual with cobalt blue drawstring pants, T-shirts, and short-but-not-tacky hem lengths.
She also did a few dresses with flouncy hemlines which were definitely a collection highlight (also, I'm biased, because I completely fell in love with them).

I also really loved her use of lace. A lot of designers this did season did lace here, there, and everywhere. But Misha's use of lace was very sophisticated, tasteful, and classic. 

For an extra shot of sportiness, the entire collection was styled with chunky white shoes (even the long ball-gown style skirts!). It was such a fun, unexpected detail! 

I loved the sheer paneling on these looks. It's a nice update to a classic idea. I'd wear the white dress on the far right in a second!

 I was a big fan of the hair and makeup. The orangey lips were perfect, and I'm really considering attempting the Frida Kahlo-inspired hair with fabric woven into the braids.

This was the first time I was able to see a collection from Misha, and I was thoroughly impressed by the expert craftsmanship and accessibility of the clothes. I’m looking forward to seeing what she does in the future! You can check out past collections on the Nonoo website.

Editorial: Keke Lindgard By Arthur Elgort In Mezcla Valiente

This is an oldie, but a goodie. I love the print mixing and bold jewelry. Arthur Elgort is wonderful!

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CrOp by David Peck Fall 2012

I briefly met David Peck during New York Fashion Week while we were waiting for the WHIT show to start. (Review on the way, I promise!) A few days later, the amazing look book for CrOp by David Peck fall 2012 landed in my email inbox, and I was smitten! The colors are so rich and the cuts and fabric combinations are wonderful. I really enjoyed the original prints! My favorite pieces by far were the gorgeous, whimsical evening gowns. I remember seeing the collection for the first time and I just kept saying "oh my goodness... amazing..."  I love his silhouettes and use color blocking. Take a look for yourself! 

The original prints featured in the collection were inspired by autumn leaves, geography, harbors and lace. CrOp isn't only gorgeous, but it's a line committed to giving back. A portion of sales from each collection are donated to the inspiration associated with that season. They also manufacture in the US! I always have so much respect for brands where all operations are based in the US because it creates jobs and keeps things local. CrOp is still quite new (the line's first collection was spring 2011) but I'm already excited to see what they come up with each season. Also, be sure to follow their blog!