Uniformly Chic

My must-have item for Spring and Summer this year is a utilitarian jumpsuit. I love these 70's inspired versions from French clothiers A.P.C. and Zadig & Voltaire which are simple and very chic.

The A.P.C. Short-sleeved jumpsuit ($280) is available for pre-order on the A.P.C online store. Made of 100% cotton in a deep blue indigo with a drawstring waist and contrasting color buttons.

I also love the long-sleeved A.P.C. Disco jumpsuit ($330) in a burnt orange color which appears to be completely sold out online. Dommage!

The Zadig & Voltaire jumpsuit ($400) has more of a military vibe. Available as shorts in khaki or in a long pant version in a dark grey (coke) color.

I'm going to see if I can find a vintage version of these jumpsuits that are more in my price range on Etsy.com.

Wren

I'm obsessed by this star t-shirt from the clothing line Wren which was shown in the latest edition of Lucky Magazine.

I love that the stars are silk-screened on the inside of the shirt as well. The shirt is not up on the website yet, but I'm going to keep checking back.

The Bonjour Tristesse t-shirt/dress ($78) is also really cool. I would pair it with a cropped tuxedo jacket and leggings.

This shirt would also look great with the sequined shrug ($495) although it's a little out of my price range.

I like the shrug paired here with the cotton skirt with a metallic waistband ($198) for a just a hint of the unexepcted.

Wren clothing is also available at revolveclothing.com and at Dish in Berkeley.

Cottage in a Day

These modular pre-fab houses by Cottage in a Day are green and energy efficient, but also cool and stylish.

The construction is based on the use of structural insulated panels which provide superior strength, sound reduction, and energy efficiency.

The shed-style metal roof, low maintenance cement board siding and movable shutter doors are perfect for the weekend cottage, but I could also see living in one of these full-time. Built to withstand exreme weather conditions these would be perfect for Quebec.

I like the simple plywood interior and the open airy feel of the living spaces.

Pricing is really reasonable with the the most basic model starting at just $49k and going up to $200k for the large structures.

Since this is a Michigan-based company these structures conform to Michigan state standards. Plans would need to be approved for use outside this state.

Road Warrior

I am loving this black leather cuff by YMK for Castro ($274). Features slits all around interspersed with copper rings and a 2-strap buckle closure with a chain detail.


This cuff fits in nicely with my current post-apocolyptic clothing obsession--tough, yet still refined and pretty.

I Want You (for the US Army)

On my trip down to L.A. a couple weeks ago it seemed like everyone was wearing an army jacket of some kind. Some heavily embroidered, some just basic and oversized.

I love the Black Label army jackets ($110) from Planet Blue. Each one is unique with patches, embroidery or stud embellishments. Unfortunately they tend to sell out the minute they are posted online!

I'm thinking of looking for a plain one at American Rag and then doing my own embellishments. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Romper Room

I would normally avoid a piece like the romper, but these examples of how to style a romper from shopbop.com actually make me want one! Using the Joie Amara romper ($298) as a base they created multiple looks--one for each season. Here's three of them:

The Aqua silk patterned romper ($78) is an affordable alternative to the Joie version. Available from bloomingdales.com. I don't like the pattern, quite a much but definitely like the price better!

Denim Blazers

One of the must-have items for Spring this year is the denim blazer. They are available in a variety of washes and styles to work into either your work or weekend wardrobe. Here's a few of my picks:

Rock & Republic

The Rock & Republic Brooks jacket ($228) is a shrunken style jacket with a bit of stretch. It features peaked lapels, a one-button closer and flap pockets at the waist. I love how it is styled here with white jeans.

Gap

The Gap denim blazer ($88) is a more casual jacket in a faded waded. A great weekend jacket with darker wash jeans or thrown over a flirty floral dress or romper.

Charlotte Russe

The Charlotte Russe denim blazer ($17.49) is a bargain, but I'm sure it won't last long. In a dark wash denim with a notched lapel and single button closure, a floral interior lining. It's even machine washable! I like that this jacket could be dressed up or down.

Mango

The Mango denim blazer ($109.90) is more of a boyfriend style blazer. I love this look for work paired with trousers and a feminine blouse or it would look great with a crisp pair of white pants for summer and a bright top.