Do you remember playing with tangram puzzles as a child? The ancient Chinese puzzle consists of seven simple shapes that can be arranged to form different shapes- animals, people, numbers and letters. The objective was to create a specific shape, using all seven pieces without overlapping. While today this may not seem like the most thrilling pastime, and perhaps it never really was, the shapes the puzzle creates are awfully cute and nostalgia inducing.

I came across this totally adorable Clara Tank from Dolce Vita and was completely smitten. The zipper detail, neckline ruffle detail and most of all- the tangram animal print- make this top a must-have. I love the cheeky originality of the print.

In anticipation of the third season of AMC’s “Mad Men”, Banana Republic has partnered with the network to celebrate the influential style of the hit series. “Style and fashion are at the core of ‘Mad Men’ with its 1960’s aesthetic highlighting the classic silhouettes that are still popular today,” says Jack Calhoun, president of Banana Republic. “Banana Republic is known for its modern take on these classics, such as the suit, trench coat and classic white shirt, so the partnership is a natural fit for both brands.” I couldn’t agree more, and am totally in love with this partnership. I stopped by my local Banana Republic and absolutely loved the Mad Men inspired windows and style guides- which feature character profiles with corresponding styled outfits and tips on how to get their look. While I’ve only seen one episode of the show (soon to be remedied by my roommates purchase of the DVD sets of the first two seasons), I don’t need a favorite character to have a favorite piece (or two) from the “Mad Men” inspired collection. I love the structured silhouette of the Lightweight Wool Sheath Dress and sweet bow-tie of the Summer Orchid Silk Geo-Print Bow Top.

Source: Stylist.com

I still haven’t gotten over my obsession with sweat pants, as evidenced by a trip to Ron Herman with the roommate recently. I was fully committed to leaving the store with these two purchases:

Vintage inspired sweat shorts and zipper detailed sweat pants from Monrow. Aaah, so deliciously slouchy and comfortable. They came in an amazing vintage purple and vintage olive. My roommate talked some sense into me, and I suppose that she is right that I don’t need to spend my hard earned money on fancy sweats. But, I can’t help wishing I was in them right this very moment. It’s no fun being sensible.

I spend some time this weekend cleaning out my closet, which got me thinking about the necessary items of clothing that every girl should own- a pair of jeans that fit perfectly, a basic white cotton tee, a smart professional outfit for interviews, and of course, a little black dress that makes you feel like million bucks. It also got me thinking about all the unnecessary stuff that clutters up our closets, but that is a topic for another post. I have lots of good stuff in my closet, as well as lots of unnecessary stuff, but what I seem to be lacking is the perfect little black dress. Sure, there is a lot of black in there- but what I am talking about is a show-stopper. The kind of dress you wear that puts all eyes on you when you walk into a room. I’m talking about this dress:

In both the long version on Natalie Portman and short, cut-out version on Ashley Olsen, I am absolutely gaga over the neckline of these Balenciaga dresses. The effect is almost like an attached bib necklace- yet way sexier than that sentence implies- it’s unexpected, modern and chic. I am now on a mission to find a dress for myself with a similar dramatic neckline. Unfortuntaly, no matter how many dresses went in the Goodwill bag this weekend, I can’t really justify a Balenciaga purchase…

The eye catching combination of a plunging neckline and criss-cross detailing on this Elizabeth and James Crossfront Technical Chiffon Dress, at thousands less than Balenciaga, makes this dress a totally justifiable splurge.

I was really impressed, per usual, by Phillip Lim 3.1’s resort collection. As always, Lim shows he has a great feel for what the cool girls want to be wearing. The collection felt modern but with a boho 1970’s twist. The patchwork denim, easy jersey pieces, and casual suiting separates were all lovely, but the standout for me was the antique lace.

I love the mixing of the different colored laces, the striking simplicity of the stark white dress, and also the mixing of the lace with urbanite separates. I am definitely inspired to wear more lace this summer.

I have a high-waist denim skirt that never makes it out of my closet, but paired with this Milly Antique Lace Camisole and a brown belt, would have a very Phillip Lim feel to it.

Image Source: Style.com

I ran across these images from Aussie swimwear label Zimmermann on Refinery29 Pipeline. So sultry and exotic, these images have me seriously lamenting the fact that my current tan lines are from Santa Monica and not some exotic, tropical locale. Not that I don’t realize how lucky I am to live so close to the beach, but the bold tie-dye prints, awesome styling, and still-hot-at-night vibe of this look book make me want to break out the passport and run away to somewhere wild.

Until my tropical vacation dreams come true, I may have to just have to play pretend in this gorgeous Big Chill maxi dress from Zimmermann. Props always help when playing pretend.

Source: Refinery29 Pipeline

I’m currently crushing on this 3.1 Phillip Lim Floating Lemon Print Tank I stumbled upon while window-shopping via the internet (browsing with no intention of buying never works well for me, it’s always when I don’t want to spend money that I find items I just have to own and vice versa). I love the pop of the bright yellow and green lemons against the tan and white floral ground print. It’s the perfect summer print, just looking at it makes me think of lemonade stands, cut-off shorts and umbrellas in my drinks. Totally versitile, it can easily be dressed up, as it is here, or worn with boyfriend jeans and sandals. And, at 40% off, the tank is $89 and a steal for a 3.1 Phillip Lim piece. Of course, my Recessionista voice-of-reason is trying to convince me I don’t need to spend money on a novelty print tank that will be harder to incorporate into my wardrobe come fall… but, really, how can I resist this cheeky print?!

The roomie and I rented Confessions of a Shopaholic this weekend, and while I knew that it wasn’t going to be my favorite movie ever (I actually did not really care for the books, although I know there are many fans out there), I was hoping for some serious fashion eye candy. After all, the movie’s stylist was none other than Patricia Field, the wacky genius behind Sex & the City’s amazing, trend-setting, fashion. I have to say I was more than a little disappointed, we never got to see the main character do any serious shopping damage besides for an ugly pair of Gucci boots and a green scarf. There was not a single fashion movie montage, not a single one! The one saving grace was the movie’s star, Isla Fisher. The woman is hilarious and adorable, and her personal style is quite covetable. Much more so than her onscreen personality in Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Whether running errands in jeans or glam on the red carpet, Isla looks chic, feminine and youthful. Her style is fun without being over the top and begs to be emulated.

A fan of statement jewelry (as you can see above with her bold metal necklace choices), Isla would no doubt be smitten- as am I- with this Gilda Collar Necklace from Fiona Paxton.

I’m seriously obsessed with Rachel Roy’s resort 2010 color story. Lime green, coral and navy with some black and light khaki thrown in for good measure.

While the bright colors and sequined separates are perfect for those ladies lucky enough to vacation during the resort season, the more muted colors and sophisticated silhouettes (like the awesome structured shoulder of the navy blazer above) offer options for the 9-to-5 set. And, in this economy, having “something for everyone” isn’t such a bad idea.

You don’t have to wait until this winter to get the Rachel Roy resort look. Try mixing and matching within her color story now- these colors are perfect for summertime!

I love the scooped armholes of this coral Charlotte Russe Gathered Racerback Top. Pair the top with Loeffler Randall’s feminine navy Slouch Shorts for a laid back, yet totally chic, summertime look.

Image Source: Style.com

This image from Garance Doré’s amazing blog of “Italiassime Giorgia” perfectly epitomizes what I have been craving for summer- simple stripes. Whether in the form of summer dresses (this strapless version is perfection), inexpensive rib tanks from Old Navy or even lace-up stripe boots- there is something about stripes that just screams summer. Especially in chic nautical colors such as white paired with navy, red or yellow.

It’s not exactly the same dress (or maybe it is the same dress- just a different color?) but I plan on playing “American Girl in Italy” this summer while running around Los Angeles in this Ya Ya Love Yaya Eve Navy Stripe Dress.

Image Source: Garance Doré