Mary Katrantzou for Topshop! I die.

Ever since winning the British Fashion Council's NEWGEN (New Generation) award for emerging designers in 2009, Mary Katrantzou's popularity has skyrocketed. Her baroque style, distinctive prints and structed skirts show that she truly understands a woman's body and how to style it. Now her lovely designs will be coming to Topshop! So far there is only a tiny sneak peak of one of the dresses, but if the rest of the collection is anything like this piece we are in for a real treat.

Sunday Best

A large yellow necklace had been on my wishlist for some time so when I spotted this I knew I had to have it. The price tag was a bit hefty though so I waited it out and it's good thing I did. I was able to get it for over half off at a Kate Spade flash sale and with free shipping too! 

Hot pink and yellow is one of my favorite combinations and this necklace is a great way to jazz up a basic dress. Add some patterned tights and you've got a fun and colorful look that will brighten up any work day.

Cut to the Chase necklace - Kate Spade (sold out at katespade.com)

Amrita Singh Cocktail Ring - HauteLook

Gray Dress - Ann Taylor Loft

Pink Cardigan - Ann Taylor

Floral Tights - Banana Republic

Peep Toe Wedges - Target

Clothes I'm Coveting

And a pair of shoes too. To be warm and cozy and stay stylish has always been a challenge for me. The cold just makes me so miserable that I really can't think about anything but keeping warm. In an effort to not look like a crazy bag lady that has gained 15 pounds due to all her layers, I have been searching for well structured pieces made of substantial materials. Cozy knits, funky coats and little suede booties all make my list.

Cheongsam Dress Coat - Tracy Reese for Anthropologie
This coat is very similar in style to another coat I have (seen here), but in a heavier winter weight.

Cashmere Cocoon Popover - J.Crew
I was in love with this reversible sweater last year as well, but with a hefty price tag of $1350 I had to pass. Really J.Crew, who do you think you are?

Tile Quilted Mini - Anthropologie
The thick textured material of this skirt makes it ideal for falling temperatures.

Mackage Single-Breasted Coat - Bloomingdale's
Love the knit cuffs and funnel collar.

Katama Chinos - Anthropologie
These probably aren't particularly warm, but I'm loving all things mustard for the season.

Petty Bootie - Sam Edelman

Sunday Best

For once DC is actually having a real fall and the weather has been beautiful. I am so happy not to have to go directly from summer dresses to three layers under all my pants. So in that spirit, I've been challenging myself to make my summer staples transition into fall. Pairing these lightweight shorts with ribbed tights and a tweed jacket provides some extra warmth and makes for a versatile autumn ensemble. 

Silence & Noise Jacket - Urban Outfitters (seen here)

Organic Cotton T-shirt - H&M
Lucca Couture Scallop Short - Urban Outfitters (seen here)
Necklace - Banana Republic (seen here and here)
Gray Peep Toe Wedges - Target

Jonathan Hoefler Said What?

When I heard that Jonathan Hoefler was going to be speaking at the AIGA Pivot conference, I was beyond excited. Not only is he the creator of one of my favorite serif type families, Hoefler Text, he is pretty much a superstar in the world of typography. Because Hoefler was voted one of the forty most influential designers in America by I.D. Magazine, I knew I was in for a treat. So imagine my surprise when he uttered the words, "I don't think Papyrus is that bad." What! Could this be true, could my type idol really be saying these words. He followed up with, "it does what it's supposed to well, it's kitschy." At first I was outraged, but then I started thinking about it, maybe it's not the font so much that I loathe, maybe it's how people use it. Although it's supposed to signify kitsch, people most often use it to communicate fanciness. But then I think, if a font doesn't communicate what it intends to the masses, is it really a success? I'm still thinking on that one. In the end Hoefler's presentation was all that I hoped it would be, he even got me to open up my mind. Just a smidge though, I still pretty much hate Papyrus.