Rustic.Spring (+ Ann Taylor Reviews)

Prada totes, RTW, and pumps are on sale today at Gilt. 

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Ah, spring. What a wonderful time of year to be alive. I recently discovered a new running trail that is off the beaten path and is quiet even during rush hour. Being able to run outside with gentle breezes and a clear sky is seriously a priceless gift. I went through my blog folder earlier today and found some unpublished drafts from February in which I sound absolutely dejected. I should really consider a move to somewhere permanently warm and sunny.

Gap Jacket | Everly Mother of Pearls Button Blouse | J. Crew Crinkled Silk Tempest Skirt | Forever 21 Necklace | Marc by Marc Jacobs Rose Gold Watch | Tory Burch Daria Top-Handle Satchel Bag | Zara Basic Court Shoe

Punk Floral

One of J. Crew's featured prints and heavy-hitters this spring is a print by the name of punk floral. I couldn't bring myself to pay $398 for pajama bottoms (which, admittedly, could look amazing on someone with longer gams), the swimwear didn't really speak to me (one-piece, halter one-piece, triangle top, hipster bottom, bikini bottom, and rash guard), the dress, blouse, sweater, skirt (truly pretty) and top all sold out before I had a chance to struggle with a decision, so I went with the obvious choice: a scarf.

Scarves in fun prints are a safe bet. While I've purposefully added prints to my closet in the last few years, the overwhelming majority of my clothes are still solid colors. Scarves allow me to consider my wardrobe in new ways and expel the humdrum that I sometimes feel about a closet of relatively conservative choices.

Burberry London Mottram Trench (also here and here) | J. Crew Printed Linen Scarf in Emerald Pool | Marc by Marc Jacobs Rose Gold Watch | Forever 21 Rhinestoned Flower Bracelet (similar) | CherryKoko Dress (similar) | J. Crew Tote | Zara Basic Court Shoes

Review: Kate Spade New York Charlotte Street Reena Tote

Kate Spade's surprise online sale ends tonight (5/15) at midnight. Those of you who follow me on Twitter already know that I gave in and ordered the Primrose Hill Little Kaelin Bag and the Martina Top even though both items were final sale. While a few great items have sold out since my original tweet, beauties like the Bow Bridge Little Kennedy (just lovely in green), the Bow Bridge Helena, Daria Dress, Checkered Myrna Top, Bondi Road Neda, and the Irving Place Little Nadine are still available. 

Get 25% off your purchase at Macy's with code ICONS. The Michael Kors Selma Satchel reviewed previously is eligible for this discount and is available in large E/W, large N/S, medium, clutch, and flap. 

 On full-priced women's apparel purchases at J. Crew, use code LOOK20 for 20% off.
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A drawn-out detour later, I finally found my way back on topic. Yes, I want a white bag for spring and I don't think it's an overreaching wish. While the Kate Spade Charlotte Street Reena Tote wasn't the one, it was a step in the right direction (compared to last week's colorful totes).

Thus far, my favorite bag remains the Michael Kors Large Selma Satchel. Not only is the price more attractive ($358 with the possibility of department store discounts), it also met most of my requirements: long strap, structured body, affordable price, and durable material. In contrast, the KS Reena Tote seems expensive at $478, stiff (crosshatched "Saffiano" leather that looks a little plastic-y at times), restricted in use (handheld or over the shoulder only), and doesn't stand on its own when empty or near-empty (though pictures of it on KS's website shows that it stands; the one I got didn't).

The design is frills-free which bodes well for shoppers with conservative tastes. There are no extraneous charms or random accoutrements on the exterior. The logo is small and appears only on one side.

Review: J. Crew Valentina Pumps vs. Kate Spade Licorice Pumps

On uninspired days, I opt for vanilla combinations like navy and white with a dash of red. It's classic, patriotic, if not bromidic. With a few accessories and texture play, though, even boring combinations can be rejuvenated.

One of my other safe bets is the traffic light, an examples of which can be found here. 

What color combinations do you currently wear and re-wear tirelessly?