Black and Creme: Clean lines for Spring

Pairing black and creme adds an architectural, vintage component to any ensemble.

I am in love with this forties inspired look by Rachel Antonoff-- Saddle shoes, black slouchy trousers, and a creme colored blouse with black bow detail.

In my quest to recreate it, I found a pair of soft leather saddle shoes available as an online exclusive through Urban Outfitters. 

I'm also seeing a lot of two-tone garments that bring sixties mod and eighties glam punk to mind.  I found this bisected long sleeve mock turtleneck dress by Australian designer Josh Goot to be especially inspiring. It's simple, It's glamorous...

Also favorites are these Chanel two toned tights.

They can be easily incorporated into streetwear when paired with a minidress, some ankle boots, and a light leather jacket.

The Caged Shoe

I'll be honest. The first time I saw YSL's new cage boots I asked myself, 'Why? Who could possibly want these?' 

Drumroll please... The answer is, ME! 

What-a-sellout!

But they look amazing with day dresses! 

Amazing with cropped stovepipe pants!

And they've inspired multiple spinoffs. For those days, when boots just won't do...

Costume National has a crocheted slingback sandal--a perfectly appropriate substitute for a gladiator. Try pairing them with a pair of Acne Needle Black Jeans and a sheer tunic.

As a more formal alternative, try 

Stella McCartney's Fishnet Sandals.

Pair them with a classic suit for a fresh, summer look. 

Confederacy

Please. Bury me here--beneath the floorboards of this treasure filled Los Feliz boutique. A coordinated effort on the parts of actor Danny Masterson and stylist Ilaria Urbinati, Confederacy's floor boasts labels guaranteed to light up the hearts (and empty the wallets) of grungy hipsters and fashion aficionado's alike. 

Among my favorite discoveries were Repetto perforated ballet flats in summery shades of red and marigold,  a black cutout dress by Sophomore, and a perfectly flared ballet skirt by Opening Ceremony.

And accessories. 

Oh! Accessories! 

Arranged in the glass walled cashier's desk were small, glimmery joys. Bracelets and rings by Made Her Think and feathered headbands by Eugenia Kim were among the greats.

For the summer months ahead, they plan to have a coffee bar operating out of the back gallery.

Caffeine and couture. Who could ask for more?

Confederacy is located at 4661 Hollywood Blvd, Los Feliz, CA 90027

Related Links:

www.madeherthink.com

www.sophomorenyc.com

www.repetto.com

www.openingceremony.us

www.eugeniakim.com

For your Inner Victorian

Taxidermy inspired jewelry is making a major resurgence for spring. Its bizarre and darkly 

delicate aesthetic has most effortlessly captured my heart.

Among my favorite findings are metal castings of hummingbird skulls by Erica Weiner, bear head rings by Pamela Love, and mix and match octopus tentacle earrings by OctopusMe .

They gracefully lend an edge to any outfit, without being overtly gothic.

Try pairing them with a silk ruffled blouse or vintage floral dress for a little grit.

Erica Weiner Hummingbird Skull Necklaces and Pamela Love Bear Head rings can be purchased on Bonadrag.com

OctopusMe Mix and Match Tentacle earrings are available on Etsy.com.