Paris

Paris is on my mind. If I had to describe one of the major driving mantras in my style ideology, it would be "try to look like you're not trying." I think this is what makes Parisienne women so chic. They can be dressed up or down but it looks completely natural.

I'm calling myself out by mentioning this but I have a minor obsession with all of the Real Housewives. Last week on the Beverly Hills version, the ladies were in Paris. A couple of them looked so ridiculously L.A., so over the top, so... wearing things that look like they are trying to be stylish, that they stuck out like sore thumbs in the City of Sophistication. Note to self, when visiting Paris, keep it simple.

I don't have plans to visit again any time soon but, if I were suddenly to be whisked away for a whirlwind long weekend (hint, hint), here is what I'd pack.

Weekend in Paris by milkbreadfashion featuring current/elliott

Proenza Schouler striped sweater / Markus Lupfer / Isabel Marant / Current/Elliott / Isabel Marant printed pants / Rachel Zoe jersey skirt / Marc by Marc Jacobs leather pants / CO-OP Barneys New York platform booties / Isabel Marant low heels / Valextra bag / Chanel shoulder bag, $3,890 / Diane von Furstenberg color block handbag / Stackable ring / Alexis Bittar earrings / Alexis Bittar crystal stud earrings

Track Pants

A couple of years ago (4 seasons maybe?) I bought a pair of blush track pants by 3.1 Phillip Lim. The fabric is some kind of silky synthetic concoction so they are sturdier than silk but still have that look. The waistband is elastic. The legs taper at the ankle. They are, by all accounts, sweatpants made from fancier fabric. I have worn them too many times to keep track of but they have served me well for all different types of events. They've been paired with a sequin tank, tribal necklace, and fedora for a casual party, with a silk top and white tuxedo jacket for a cocktail party, and, just the other day, with an Isabel Marant vintage-inspired baseball tee and fitted denim jacket for day. It was in just this ensemble a couple of days ago that I realized how many people still have not taken the leap to trying out this silhouette. I had no fewer than 5 people stop me to tell me how much they liked them. I was amazed that people seemed to react as if they had never seen something like them because the style is everywhere in the stores. I myself have added 4 or 5 additional pairs in different colors and fabrics, the most recent being an amazing black leather version. So, if you haven't tried them yet, give it a shot. They're much more flattering- and comfortable- than you imagine.

Look at these ladies from LFW and see what I mean...
(Images from Vogue and Harpers Bazaar)

Leather Love

You might not think of leather as a typical Spring fabric but this season's versions are lightweight and buttery soft. While I know the thought of wearing it in a DC summer is ridiculous (I won't even wear cuff bracelets when the humidity makes it feel like 100 degrees), I think of the lighter version as a three-season kind of prospect rather than just Spring. So indulge now because the weather is perfect!

Leather Love by milkbreadfashion featuring helmut lang

theyskens' theory leather tank / Alice + Olivia peplum tank, $570 / Vince jacket / Vince jacket / Helmut Lang / Helmut Lang slit skirt, $410 / A.L.C. / Proenza Schouler

Underwhelmed at Target- Again

Once again, there was lots of hype surrounding the Prabal Gurung for Target capsule collection. And once again, I'm underwhelmed. This time, I didn't even bother showing up on launch day. But, as I was in this morning shopping for last  minute chocolates for the kids, I stopped to take a peak.

The positives were this: a couple of the prints were quite lovely and there was a jersey print dress that I could almost get behind, save for the cheap looking skirt attached to the bottom. The shoe collection was fantastic especially a pair of painterly, single sole pumps and a black floral print open-toe bootie. I loved the shoes.

The negatives were the same that they usually are. The fabrics by and large look cheap. The dresses are cut for girls in their teens or twenties (and I don't mean they are too skimpy they just look like they belong on really young women), and the quality of craftsmanship reflects the inexpensive price tag.

Anyway, I don't know. Maybe it's time to pack in the designer capsule collections. Except for Missoni, they have been adequate at best. My advice would be to save your money and splurge on something special that you really love. Cue the disappointed "sigh."

** In the interest of accurate information, there are reports that this collaboration was a success for Target. Success or not, I didn't like it. I guess I'm in the minority.

White Shoes

Have you heard that white shoes are back for Spring? Specifically, white stiletto pumps with a single sole. (I also see lots of platform versions but I feel like they look a little too close to "dancer" heels, if ya know what I mean. I like a classic version.) Love it or hate it, it's happening so here are a few ideas for how to do it right.

White Shoes by milkbreadfashion featuring a collar necklace

H&M , $6.22 / Oasis striped shirt, $59 / American Eagle Outfitters sports t shirt / Equipment blouse / Miss Real faux fur coat, $39 / Topshop army jacket / Rebecca Taylor pleated skirt / J Brand low rise jeans / Love, Zooey pants, $175 / Topshop skinny fit jeans / Manolo Blahnik white shoes / Be & D studded bag / Gold handbag, $940 / Gold handbag / Adami & Martucci leather earrings / Earrings / DANNIJO collar necklace / DRKSHDW baseball hat

What We REALLY Want for Valentine's Day!

My Valentine's gift to you, ladies, is a gift guide for your lover made up of things you might truly want to celebrate that not-so-special day. But, hey, what am I saying? Any excuse to get a gift is okay by me. The following are some overtly Valentine'sy gifts that are chic enough to keep using day after day. You can thank me later.

P.S.-
Those crazy cool red shoes by Michael Kors are available at The Shoe Hive. Don't buy them from zappos!

What You Really Want for V Day by milkbreadfashion featuring gucci

Banjo & Matilda cashmere pajamas / Charlotte Olympia high heels / Monica Vinader / Jennifer Zeuner gold necklace / Gucci / Marc by Marc Jacobs marc jacob / Deborah Lippmann / Real Love stories never have endings Glitter Laser Die Cut / MICHAEL Michael Kors Aria Flat Red Suede - theshoehive.com / MINI heart.beat NECKLACE - heart beat - Shop by Collection

Spring To Do List

February 1. I woke this morning to a chilly, wet darkness outside my window. 15 minutes later big, fat flakes of snow had completely covered the grass and cars. But alas, we were not to have a snow day this day which is JUST FINE WITH ME BECAUSE I HATE WINTER!

Get me to Spring is all that's on my mind and so I've been putting together a little list of hopes, wishes, wants, and desires to freshen my closet for warmer weather. (This is purely a Spring list. Summer pieces are yet to come.) If you're looking for trends in this, let me point out just a couple. Relaxed chic, warm weather leather, yellow, floral, 70s inspired. But mostly this is just a list of things I like.

I showed you mine. Now you show me yours.

https://pinterest.com/kjmshopper/spring-to-do-list/