Black & Gold: Fashion

Before E's first deployment, as we began our transition from years of being "just friends" to being a couple, we only had a brief period together to sustain us through a year of separation. During that time, a lot of things felt exceptionally important. Talking. Sharing old memories. Creating new ones. Being side by side.

Annika Aschberg

And, for me, somehow so did making sure E was aware I was a "silver girl." I figured it couldn't hurt to offer some guidelines should he decide at some point to give me a gift of jewelry. Gold just wasn't my thing! When telling him this, I might have used the word "hate."

For our first Christmas as a couple, one spent on opposite continents, E gave me a silver bracelet. He had taken my words to heart.

James Bennett

Then, while E was still deployed, something happened. At first, I swore it was a one time thing, but slowly I realized it was more than a passing flirtation. I found myself adoring gold.

So, I added a pair of gold earrings to my jewelry collection. Soon after, a set of gold bangles found their way home with me too. In a state of utter bliss, my love affair continued.

James Bennett

I failed to confess my change of heart to E, but it wasn't long after he returned home that he discovered it for himself. One afternoon, I watched surprise and disbelief flash across E's face as he registered the color of metal hanging from my ears, and he exclaimed, "I thought you hated gold?!"

Perhaps hate was too strong a word.

L: Urban Outfitters. R: Tory Burch.


Anthropologie

Left and Right: Anthropologie

ModCloth


L: Tory Burch. R: Badgley Mischka.


tuleste market


L: Lizzie Fortunato Jewels. R: Fiona Paxton.


Alanna Bess.


L: Landver. R: Forever 21.

Forever 21

L: Free People. R: Ippolita.

Buffalo Check

I mentioned how I was craving a rustic retreat in the woods, and if I were going on such a getaway right now, the items below seem like they'd be perfect accompaniments to the trip.

L: Delia*s. R: J.Crew.

L: J.Crew. R: Pendleton.

L: Fur Hat World. R: Timberland via Endless.

Emerald City

I am smitten with this necklace and ring; the combination of emerald green and gold in these pieces has me hooked! I think they would pair beautifully together and would love to see them as a set.

Chanel Necklace- Douglas Rosin via 1st Dibs

Conroy + Wilcox at Erie Basin

Beyond the Sea

I've been completely infatuated with the color palette of seafoam mixed with hints of gold and champagne in recent months, and these images by Amy Neunsinger capture the beauty of this scheme perfectly.






Simply staring at this colorway seems refreshing, leading me to believe the palette is ideally suited for summer fashion!

L: swampYankee. R: Gerard Yosca.


Bridges


Metalheart Design


L: Deux Lux. R: J.Crew.


Newport News


L: Herve Leger. R: Nanette Lepore.

Not surprisingly, as the popularity of seafoam reaches back to previous decades, there are a number of pieces available in this shade through the vintage shops on Etsy.

L: Faithfull Vintage. R: Auld Revolutionary.

Stay tuned because there is still more seafoam and gold to come!

Utilitarian Chic

Earlier, I pondered what type of weekender bag I'd love the most if I were getting one for my road trip today. I considered some bags with fun prints, but I equally love the idea of utilitarian-chic totes with buckles and leather...

When I look at each of the following bags, I can imagine exactly how I'd want to travel while carrying them. I'd be driving a lovely vintage car or hoping on-board a private plane, perhaps one I'd pilot myself.

Jonathan Miller

I'd wear a crisp white button-down with a well-cut pair of linen pants (ones that miraculously never wrinkle, natch) and a pair of bronze metallic sandals. And I'd have a pair of aviators to shield my eyes from the sun.

This outfit is pretty close, and I wouldn't complain about looking like her!
Jonathan Miller

And, of course, I'd be jotting off to some exotic locale, such as Morocco for a long weekend (never mind that such a trip wouldn't likely entail only a weekender-size bag for me...)

Above and below photo- Tripod Agency

Where I'd take a glass of tea under this rooftop tent and watch as the sun set.

Marie Claire Maison via The Style Files

-Sigh-

Oh. Right. The bags!

I carried a white bag nonstop a few summers ago, and by the end of the season, it was definitely showing its wear. I know how impractical a bag like this is, especially for travel, but I can't help but lust after them all the same, including this lovely one from J.Crew.

I'd more than happily carry the gorgeous Balenciaga Giant Weekender in Sahara or almost any of the multitude of colors in which it is available.

The six-pocket extra large travel bag by Valhalla certainly looks roomy enough to carry all the things I could throw in it, yet it retains a stylish appearance too.


I love the Mulholland Safari Bag in waxed canvas; the bag, like many of its Mulholland counterparts, makes me a little weak in the knees-- a bit masculine, yes, but still oh-so-chic. And I'm positive it's a bag E would be happy to carry too.


I saw this tool bag mentioned months ago on Urban Grace; with its canvas and leather exterior paired with an interior full of pockets and dividers, I was instantly intrigued with the idea of it as a weekend tote-- I have been ever since.

I am about to hit the road, sadly, without any of these beauties, but I am excited all the same. I love a little roadtrip with some good tunes and a sunny day!