Loving This Week: A Richly Colored Tunic + Jeweled Flats

Monday, July 28, 2014

Zara Flats - Maison Martin Margiela Coat - Zara Linen Top - BB Dakota Coat - Pleione Tunic

We are forehead deep in our annual (but still somehow always “unexpected”) Bay Area heat wave. Everyone is miserable in that way that only we spoiled San Francisco types can be when it comes to ugly weather. Fellow blogger Lisa at Privilege has rather poetically detailed the realities of Bay Area heat waves.

Anyway, it’s hot. So, of course, all I seem to want to shop for is new fall goodies. I’m too lethargic to fight it. Luckily, once this week passes, we’ll be back to regular SF summer weather, which could pass for fall most days. Here’s a peek inside my fall-flavored online shopping cart this week…

1. Zara Ballerina Flats with Gems, $59.90
This find from the new fall collection at Zara is the first jeweled shoe that has ever really called my name. The just-shiny-enough black gems, paired with the matte black vegan leather upper, seem more relaxed than your usual shoe jewels. I’m dubious about how well the manmade construction will wear in the long run, but for this price I’m willing to take a chance. I think these shoes will add a subtle pop to an all-black ensemble.

2. Maison Martin Margiela Double Faced Coat, $2,490.00
The fall Maison Martin Margiela line landed at Barney’s this week. Ahh, this is the stuff sartorial dreams are made of. This virgin wool-angora felt coat is luxurious and minimalist and beautiful all rolled into one. I have its much less expensive baby cousin – a wool-cashmere-acrylic blend Calvin Klein coat in nearly the same shade – and adore it. There’s nothing like a winter white coat for making an entrance. If I win the lottery in the next few weeks, this will be my first clothing purchase.

3. Zara Linen Top, $49.90
While this lovely linen top is technically part of the Zara fall collection, it seems awfully summery to me. I love the boxy construction and relaxed shape. This top would paint a striking picture paired with one of those un-frumpy long shorts I picked out last week.

4. BB Dakota Moselle Zebra Coat, $145.00
I couldn’t resist one more fall coat pick, particularly because this one is a huge steal. I ran across this zebra print coat in the new arrivals section at Shopbop.com. It strikes me as being much more posh looking than the price would lead you to believe. Even in extreme close up photos the brushed basket weave knit vibes chic, not cheap, and I really dig the combination of the minimalist silhouette with the pop of zebra print.

5. Pleione Mixed Media Tunic (Regular & Petite), $37.90 (was $58.00)
Since this time next week the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale will be over, I decided to take one more spin through the clothing section. This tunic stood out to me for a few reasons. First, the price is fabulous. It is made from rayon, which I generally avoid, but that transgression is forgivable at this price. It’s a great shape for work or play, and it’s available in 12 colors, including this rich dark purple.