I know it's disgusting outside and nearing 1000 degrees, but HEY, LET'S TALK FALL. By now, most stores and shops are starting to clear out the summer stuff to make way for oppressive-but-cute sweaters and coats that, if you don't get your hands on them NOW, are more than likely to be dunzo by the time the leaves start to fall. And with that in mind...
...Jewel tones are a great way to start looking ahead, and you can totally incorporate your fall wardrobe right away without piling on heavy layers - look for ultra-thin knits that you can pull out at the first sign of overbearing A/C and tops or dresses that you can layer up later when the weather changes. And when the weather DOES change, don't forget to extend yourself beyond basic black when it comes to tights. Lastly, don't be afraid to totally saturate yourself in different shades of the same hue, as pointed out over at Style Bubble, and bonus points for finding pieces that incorporate ultra-modern colorblocking!
1. Colorblocked! And summer-appropriate! $17.80 at Forever 21.
2. Light as air, and available in several jewel tones (I snagged the magenta one this weekend). Lux basic cardigan, $48 at UO. 3. EVEN MORE SUMMER-APPROPRIATE COLORBLOCKING. Cotton spandex two-tone fitted mini-dress, $32 at American Apparel.
4. Get this lightweight, grape-colored Libertine-for-Target cardigan while the getting is still good, as the next GO: International collection isn't too far away... $29.99 at Target.
5. I saw these tops last weekend and was shocked at how not-cheap they looked; I realize that "chocolate isn't exactly a jewel tone, but the colors were so saturated that I thought it was fitting . Xhilaration Charmeuse Tunic, $14.99 at Target.
6. "Charcoal" isn't really a jewel tone either. Tiered Trapeze Cami, ON SALE for $10 at Old Navy.
7. I decided a long time ago that I hated corduroys, but the skinny fit and rich color of these kind of make up for all the patchouli-associations. BDG 5-Pocket Skinny Cords, $49 at UO.
8. This is a slightly sturdier version of the Proenza-for-Target windbreaker I didn't buy in February. This one is cheaper anyways. $22.80 at Forever21.
9. This is OPI's "Lincoln Park at Midnight" and it's totally awesome, but seriously, unless you're willing to spend like eight bucks on nail polish you can find this and every other shade in existence at Beauty Island on Columbia Road for around $1. And while these deeper hues are a neat shot of color for nails, if you're also wearing jewel tones in CLOTHING form try a matte grey polish instead - it's unexpected but it'll be a nice complement.
10. Elasticized, sequinned trim for headband purposes (or any other use you can come up with). $6.75/yard at G Street Fabrics.
11. I love love love Abaete's fall line at Payless, and these heels are the best of the bunch - the mix of patent and matte "satin" is amazing and will go perfectly with ALLLL of the above. "Flavin" platform, $25 at Payless.
background photos from the f/w 07/08 collection by anne-valerie hash, via style bubble; all other photos from the respective websites. Except for 1, which I discreetly took in Target and 10 which I didn't have to be discreet about because I bought it.
God loves a cheerful giver.
i meant 5. i discreetly took number 5 in target.
i find the placement of #5 in respect to the background image to be hilarious.
Too bad it's too hot to wear most of this. Bummer.
Bebe has incredible jewel tone shirts in their new collection:
red, yellow, fuschia, a brown color called mink that reminds me of a Wendy's Original Chocolate Frosty, but a bit darker
and yes, i bought one in each color