Design Element: Animal Print Tees

Because it's warming up now, it's time to put away your French Hen sweater and swap it out for a bulldog tee.   These animal motif tees are all popping up everywhere for spring, and just like with the sweaters, they can be dressed up or dressed down.  Wear them with just plain skinny jeans, a blazer and flats, or dress them up by pairing them with high waisted full skirts and heels.
Whichever way you choose, and whatever your price point, there are way too many cute options to narrow them down to just one.

And yes, I included Micky, Hello Kitty, and Snoopy, because they are all animals, and I am five. 

Top Row: Old Navy Hello Kitty Nautical Tee // Old Navy Snoopy tee // Old Navy Hello Kitty Tank // Nerdy Penguin Tee (buy one get one 50% off

Bottom Row: Elephant Tee by Edun // Mickey Mouse Pullover by JunkFood // French Connection Bulldog Tee // Zoe Karssen Bat Tee

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Top Row: Lace Bunny Tee (buy one get one 50% off ) // Penguin Tee (buy one get one 50% off ) // Moustache Mouse Mustache Tee (buy one get one 50% off)

Bottom Row: French Connection Fast Panda Tee // Wildfox Leopard Lover Tee // Asos horse print tee // 

French Connection Fox Tee (Felix) 

Design Element: Cross Body bags

Cross body bags are so chic! I have a little bit of an ongoing love affair with cross-body bags that dates back quite some time.  The first tale begins in my Mom's closet, as all good fashion love stories do.  Because that is where the chicest, most perfect, black quilted Chanel cross body bag lives. Then, later on, a renewed love came about for these bags,  all because of the Louis Vuitton BB Alma. Swoon. Vernis cross body heaven.

They're everywhere this year; after making a big splash on the fashion scene last year, the trend has continued strongly this season.  Below are my picks for the best cross body bags out there, broken down by categories.


Contemporary:

The Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC is the most popular cross body I know of.  It has shown up on countless fashion blogs, in a variety of colors and textures.  I love the newest pastel colors, like the periwinkle blue color featured in my image above.  The Minkoff bag has recent competition from Botkier and the Valentina bag.  Both are priced the same ($195), both are a similar size and both have chain straps with metal detailing.  Is this a clever marketing strategy by Botkier or does it hit too close to copying? Which do you prefer?





Bucket bags: 

One of my favorite styles is the bucket-like bag that LV has been doing for years - the LV Petit Noe.   3.1 Philip Lim has a similar style out this season; their Scout Small Cross Body bag (floral version here)    I love the laid back feel of a bucket bag styled across the body rather than just hanging off the shoulder.

More affordable bucket options here, and here.

Design Element: Springtime Flats + Cotton and People Mag 24 Hour Runway Show

See by Chloe hit it right on the mark with these perfectly executed, both functional and chic flats.  Regular ballerina flats are getting an update for Spring!  We're seeing so many pretty designs that are popping up on spring flats: metallics, ankle straps, neon colors, cutouts and big sparkly bows!  I think any of these would look very cute paired with pastel colored skinny jeans that have been
rolled up a bit.

1. Boutique 9 Pahana Flat Sandal  / 2. Etsy purple bow flats  3. Esty Nautical red anchor flats / 4. B by Brian Atwood Amata Snake Ballet flats / 5. Express Color Block Sandal (comes in pink and brown too, so summery!) / 6. Express Studded Pointy Flat 7. / J.Crew Lillian Suede Low Wedges / 8. J.Crew Elsie Canvas Mary Janes / 9. See by Chloe Corked Footbed Sandals 10. Kate Spade Jenie Flat 9. / Red Valentino Cherry Print Flat 10. /Joe's Kitty mint green pointy toe flat

11. Old Navy boat shoe, mint. 

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Miami Event: 

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I'll be stopping by this even tonight!  It looks like it's going to be fun...24 hours of fashion? 

Yes, please. 

If you're in the Miami area come and check it out, it's free, or watch it live on People.com 

Design Element: Pastels

I'm all about color for Valentine's Day!  I've been in trial all week, wearing black every day.

Give.

Me. 

Color.

I've recently been drawn to pastels, ironically enough, after uploading bunch of pictures of clothes and accessories in bright neon colors to my Facebook.

1. Rebecca Minkoff Becky Jacket in this pretty mint green  2. Rebecca Minkoff Sienna Tote

3. Paige Denim Skyline Ankle Peg Jeans in Blossom Destruction 4. M.A.C. Viva Glam Nicki 2 Lipstick  5. Pillows of Pink Earrings 6. Gap Leather Ballet Flats  Splendid Strapless Maxi Dress in Julep

Have a wonderful day and thank you for continuing to read and visit The Fashionable ESQ.

Look for more outfit posts to come this weekend.

Love!

Design Element: Monogram Mania

Monogramming and initialing is on everything these days!  It seems that it's really gotten a boost in the last year or so.  My monogram love affair initially began with the Louis Vuittion Mon Monogram service.  I am a huge Vuitton fan, and their chic pieces with painted monograms? I could hardly resist. I mean, I could resist because my wallet required that I resist, but you get the point.

Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram - Left: Image from Google Images from the LV website; Right: Image from PurseBlog

The downside to monograms / initialing is there is little to no resale value in your pieces.  I know that many of you invest in bags and later on, down the road, decide to sell them.  If you're initials are on something, it obviously diminishes the marketability of the piece.  That's really the only downside I can see to this trend!

The monogram necklace/ pendant has been a huge hit in the fashion blogging community.  I own the original Jennifer Zeuner initial necklace (you know, the one that Lauren Conrad has in a larger size) and there is not a day that I wear it where I don't receive 10+ compliments on it.  Below are some cute picks that are in line with this trend.

1. Jennifer Zeuner Swirly Initial Necklace in large and medium size ( I have medium, check out this post for a size reference).
2. Miriam Merenfeld Modern Initial Necklace
3. Acrylic Block Cutout Necklace 
4. Lisa Stewart Serenity Bracelet
5. Miriam Merenfeld Modern Font Monogram Necklace
6. Monogram Iphone Case
7. Sugar Bean Jewelry Single Stud Earring
8. Monogramed Clutch from Esty for $20 from Monkey See Boutique. Adorable! (Do you guys love this idea and look or what!?).
9. Old Navy Monogrammed Sweater 

And a last minute add-in that didn't make the collage:

Personalized Notecards from Esty shop Hedoe Paper!

PS: today is the last day to enter my Stella & Dot Scarf Giveaway. Yes, they make scarves!

Design Element: Snake Charmer

1. Tai Snake Charmer Bracelet $85

2. Kenneth Jay Lane Green Snakehead Cuff $288. 
Here is another similar KJL snake cuff
Alexis Bittar snake bracelet here

3. Pieces Snake Bracelet $19

4. London Rebel Snake Shoe $34 
Similar here. 

5. GAP Braided Wedge Sandal $20

6. ASOS Metallic Snake Print Cuff $13

7. HOH Gold Pyramid Pave Wrap Ring $68
Similar here.

8. Serpui Marie Snake Minaudiere $297
Similar here.

9. Mia Seine Round Toe Flats $24

10. ASOS Snake Bar Clutch $19

Hope everyone is having a nice week.

Do you guys need a vacation as much as I do? Which one of these snake charmer items would you wear, and where? Let me know!

xx

TFE

Design Element: Beach Getaway

Two Collages!

1. ASOS Dolphin Hem Mini in Palm Tree Print $17

2. J. Crew Maritime Jersey Dress $98

3. Roberto Cavalli Shell Print Silk Chiffon Kaftan $2090

4. J.Crew Anchor's Away Bikini Top $62

5. ASOS Plunge Backless Suit $60

6. Michael Stars Striped Romper $88

7. Black Jewel Skinny Leg Jean by Black Orchid in Panama $167 (my favorite item from this collage!)

8. Madewell Cara Accessories Mixed Fabric and Gold Banlges $14 each

9. OndadeMar Coverup $338

10. Old Navy Women's Ruffle Button Front Top $19

11. Panama Hat by San Diego Hat Co $38

12. Wildfox Couture Bon Voyage Tank $89

1. Basta Surf Tico Shorts $98

2. Forever21 Sunglasses $5

3. Forever21 Braided Belt $6

4. Madewell Braided Friendship Bracelet $10

5. Splendid Gauze Maxi $114

6.  Forever21 Beach Please Tee $15

7. Karen Walker Deep Freeze Sunglasses $221

8. Forever21 Braided Straw Hat $12

9. Madewell Metallic Turnaround Sandals $138

10. Twist & Tie Dress by Threads for Thought $49

11. Trinity Floral Print Tunic $69

12. Old Navy Women's Striped Ruffle Tube Dress $24

13. Roberta Roller Rabbit Bondi Beach Tote $85

14. Frye Madison Braided Sandal $148

Design Element: The High-Low Dress

1. Michael Stars Alba Dress $168 (photo via Piperlime.com but link is to Revolve because they have all sizes in stock). 
2. Forever 21 Sleeveless High Low Dress: $29.80.
3. Forever 21 Ruffled High Low Dress: $22.80.
4. Urban Outfitters Reverse Lattice Waist $68 - A little cowgirl, a little floral and you have to be a lot brave to wear this (the middle section is open).
5. Phoebe Couture Pleated High Low Dress $390.
6. Delias Floral High Low Dress $44.50.  I think this is the best buy out of all of my picks! The picture on the site of the dress on the model gives a much better idea of how cute this one really is.
7. Forever 21 Flounce High-Low Dress $24.80
8. Parker Ruffled Strapless Dress $262.

Did you notice how my collage is shaped like a high-low hemline.  NO?
Use your imagination :/

And...

Love.

DVF Carsandra Dress (that's not a typo) $375, all sizes available here.

Readers: what do you think of this trend? I particularly love it on longer dresses with hems that graze the floor.  Do you feel this is a passing trend that should already just...pass? 

Design Element: Turquoise Necklaces

1. Michael by Michael Kors via Blomingdale's.

2. K. Amato via Max & Chloe.

3. Kenneth Jay Lane via Shopbop. (Shorter version here).

4. Z Designs via Pink Mascara.

5. K. Amato via Pink Mascara.

6. Ben-Amun via Max & Chloe.

7. Ann Klein via Macy's.

8. Kendra Scott via CUSP (Neiman Marcus).

9.Kendra Scott via Bluefly.

Design Element: Nautical

1. Spring Street Design Group Anchor Rope Necklace

2. Madewell Striped Clover Shorts

3. Madewell Best Mate Belt

4. Madewell Nautical Knot Charm

5. Eugenia Kim Marine Linen Flat Cap

6. Old Navy Women's Striped Terry Shorts

7. Topshop Stripe Bow Back Vest

8.  Betsey Johnson Nautical Theme Necklace

9. Street Level Nautical Stripe Canvas Tote

10. Ella Moss Castaway Dress - On sale in a beautiful mint color with rope belt. Adorable.
11. Alice & Olivia Fierra Dress and here, in teal.
12. Eugenia Kim Natalia Print Turban Headband
13. Old Navy Women's Printed Bandeau
14. Theodora & Callum Sand Dollar Necklace in gold and rose gold. (Seriously loving this).
15. Kate Spade All Aboard Studs
16. Kate Spade Anchors Away Earrings, similar anchor studs here and matching bracelet & a cute and delicate anchor necklace. 

PS: My friends told me I was a snob and only posted expensive things :(
I'm going to start doing an under $35 section - sound good? <3

Design Element: Tribal Time + Stella & Dot Giveaway WINNER!

I'm in love with tribal inspired items! I love the rustic, cool vibe you can get by wearing a wicker bangle or a rope bracelet.  An added bonus is that many of these items incorporate chevron stripes - one of my favorite patterns! The River Island Gladiators are my favorite. Which pieces are you going to pick up?
Let me know!   Also, scroll down to see who the winner my Stella & Dot giveaway was! Congrats to the winner ;) 

1. Orly Genger By Jaclyn Mayer Crosby Cast Rope Bracelet
2. Vero Moda Navajo Sequined Mini Dress
2. Asos Zig Zag Enamel Triangle Earrings
4. A Peace Treaty Ramu Earrings
5. Will Leather Goods Acalan Messenger Bag (These come in a variety of colors and they're all vibrant and amazing).
6. ASOS Aztec Wicker Bangles (Set of two).
7. Ben-Amun Silver Multi Beads On Ring Earrings
8. Wet Seal Zig Zag Canvas Skimmer
9. Miss Selfridge Tribal High Waisted Shorts
10. Threads for Thought Tribal KnitTop
11. Nasty Gal Rainbow Tribe Skirt
12. House of Harlow Tribal Ring
13. Sabine Tribal Pendant ALSO NUMBER 16, OOPS! HA, HA!
14. River Island Tribal Beaded Gladiator
15. Chinese Laundry Milk Shake Platform
17. Sabine Tribal Bangle


WINNER OF THE STELLA & DOT GIVEAWAY IS SHOPFREAK!
There were a total of 33 entries (comments show 35, but one of those was my comment and the other was Tracy's).

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED :)

I'll be hosting another one of these in the near future - stay tuned. Keep visiting. XO XO 

Design Element: Cuff Mania

I have gotten a couple of requests to do a collage on cuffs and bold bracelets - here you go!

A great, bold cuff can take your outfit up a style notch in a minute.

1. Bar III Cluster Cuff Bracelet.
2. Leslie Danzis Gold Tone Sculpted Stretch Bracelet.
3. Windsor Gold Ivory Marble Cuff Bracelet 
4. Vince Camuto Kate Thick Bangle.
5. Yves Saint Laurent Arty Gold Plated Glass Cuff.
6. Nordstrom Hammered Concave Cuff.  Similar gold version here.
7. Mulberry Bayswater Bracelet.
8. Nastygal Zipper Cuff.
9. Sataya Woven Cuff via Couture Candy.
10. Bar III Green and Resin Square Cuff Bracelet.
11. Yves Saint Laurent Ycons Enamel Cuff (sold out in red, but still available in black).  Red Ycons ring available here.
12. Jessica Simpson Crystal Infinity Cuff.

My favorite bang for your buck deal is number 3 - can't beat that price and style.

Design Element: Glitter

Glitter.

It transcends all age groups! It's my favorite. What girl doesn't love it? 

Anyone that's ever bought a tube of glitter at a craft store knows that it's not expensive...why, then, are all of the pretty, pretty glittered items so.expensive.  Is it because all that glitters is Miu Miu?

These are my picks for glittery items, some of which will burn a hole in your bank account & others which are more affordable.

Enjoy. Hope you sparkle in the New Year.
xo.
xo.

1. ASOS Limited Edition Lightning Bold pin - $11.
2. HSN Twiggy London Glitter Bangle - Set of five for $35.
3. Miu Miu Glitter and Suede Slingback Wedge Sandal - $650.
4. Anya Hindmarch Valorie Glitter Clutch in silver- $550 (In a more traditional black color here).
5. Wildfox Couture Gold Sparkle Heart Tee - $105.
6. Zara Glitter Ball Purse - $29.
7. Deborah Lippman glitter nail polish in Across the Universe - $18.
8. Miu Miu Glitter Wedge Platform Sandal (Pre-order) - $750.
9. J. Crew Mona Oxford Pump - $238.
10. ASOS Limited Edition Glitter Star Ring - $11.
11. Marc Jacobs Glitter Mouse Ballerina Flat - $230. 

Design Element: Bows

Bows! Whether it's on a tie neck blouse or a hair pin, I love the idea of putting a bow on a blouse or a bag as a design element.  They're feminine and flirty and everyone ranging from high-end designers down to affordable brands put them on their items.

Below are two different sets of items; the first is the break the bank set (if you're feeling generous).  The second set showcases items that are affordable, so you can pick one of each up for everyone on your Christmas list (me). 

1. Moschino Cheap & Chic Bow Neck Show Dress .
2. Mulberry Tippi Blouse on Mulberry.com. ASOS carries a similar style blouse by River Island that is on sale now for $39.
3. Valentino Patent leather Round Toe Pumps.  These are showstoppers and I'm absolutely in love with them. The satin and crystal version are amazing. The open toed version is also gorgeous.  You need these.
4. Prada Lurex Jacquard silk sleeveless Dress .
5. I'm embarrassed to say that when I made this set, I forgot to save the designer of this top! I love it! Does anyone know who makes it? Milly? Nanette Lepore? 
6. Chloe Rachel Bow Embellished Leather Clutch on sale on Net-a-porter.com.
7 .Louis Vuitton Sarah Noeud vernis wallet. Out of stock wonderfulness.
8. Salvatore Ferragamo Bow headband.  Currently sold out but now available in a glitter version?! Too.Much.Can't.Handle.

1. Juicy Couture Bow Back mini dress.
2. ASOS Velvet Bow slippers
3. Topshop Bow Trim Cross body Bag.
4. Lilly Pulitzer Skinny Bow Belt.
5. M-Butterfly Victorian Style Blouse. 
6. Dorothy Perkins Green Dandelion Bow Blouse.
7. ModCloth No Cutting Corners Heels.   Want these!
8. Fred Flare Hello Kitty Bow Brass Knuckles Ring
9. Delia's Stripe Bow Tee. 
10. ASOS Orelia Resin Bow Clip.


Readers: If you had to pick one of these 18 items, which one would you choose? 


XO,
TFE