Announcing...

Always hard at work

Many of you have likely fallen into a panicked haze, worrying yourself sick as to why your cherished Atticus blog has been so quiet lately. Calm down; maybe pour yourself a drink and rest assured: we haven't abandoned you, actually quite the opposite! We've been logging extra hours migrating content and upgrading the site to our very own stylish platform.

In addition to easier navigation, you can now manage subscriptions and sign up to receive e-mail alerts every time we publish our poignant inner musings. Dream come true, right? But dear readers, as an added bonus for your patience, now through May 31st, when you subscribe, you'll be automatically entered to win a $50 Atticus gift card. We're giving away 4 total as a token of appreciation and just because we love you so much.

What are you waiting for? Go check it out! We'd love to hear what you think.

Notes On: Paying it Forward

Inspired by a few random acts of kindness, I decided to offer a fortuitous treat to you, loyal readers. The concept of a "pay it forward" campaign has always made me smile. I once pulled up to the Starbucks drive-thru to find out the kind stranger in the car ahead of me had already paid for my triple grande nonfat cappuccino. I'll never know who decided they could spare an extra $4.18 to brighten my day, but I often think about how unexpectedly happy I was. I actually think I was supposed to continue the kindness by doing the same thing for the car behind me, but I was just too shocked to do anything except drive away in amazement! (editor's note: I promise I paid for the car behind me on my next trip!)

This morning Summit Credit Union came to me with a similar campaign and left a ten dollar bill hidden in one of the Atticus fitting rooms with a message for the lucky finder to use it to help someone else. Moments later, a gust of wind knocked over a recycle bin on the curb in front of the shop and hundreds of papers started blowing all over the sidewalk. Stephani and I immediately ran out to help pick up the sudden mess, and within seconds we were joined by about 15 passersby who stopped to help. At the risk of sounding super cheesy, I have to tell you that I actually felt like my heart was swelling at the thought of so many people taking five minutes of their time to help clean up our street. So, setting aside the cynical humor you surely have become accustomed to as a reader of our blog, I want to remind you that sometimes it's nice to give a random gift, or to help a fragile model if she happens to fall on the Prada runway.

Here is my random gift to you:

Use the code: PAYITFORWARD at atticusshop.com to receive 15% off your entire purchase (including sale items!!). If you're in Madison, mention this post at Atticus to receive 15% off your entire purchase. This is only good through Friday, May 7th. So, hurry up before your luck runs out, and don't forget to pay it forward by sharing the news with your friends!

Impulse Buy!

On the way to work this morning, I let my feelings about how I looked be known with the comment,"I might as well die...I hate my outfit." That may have been a little dramatic, but I really just didn't feel good about my staple Nicole Richie go-to outfit today.

The minute I got to work, I ransacked the racks and tried on all of my current Atticus favorites (Relwen men's shirts, Charlotte Ronson dresses and Filippa K Tanks) and the winner was the Loomstate La Paloma Jumper.

Even though I told myself I was going to stop shopping, it's impossible to feel guilty about this outfit. It looks so good, in fact, that I didn't even have to justify the purchase to Kristin (who already told me she'll be borrowing it...a lot).

Sites We Love

Why is everything British always better? Vogue.co.uk falls into the daily roster of sites I must read the second I wake up. For what-to-wear inspiration, I always check out the "Today I'm Wearing" feature. Each month the site follows a different stylish girl as she chronicles her sartorial choices. Today is the last day to check out April's feature, girl we love to hate, Olivia Palermo.

What Are You Wearing?

Since Madison has finally reached the 75 degree mark today, I allowed myself to break out my summer clothes. While basking in the skimpier clothing section of my closet, I realized I had ten minutes before I had to be to work. So I threw together the first few things I saw and ran out the door. Even though it's so windy outside that I watched a girl's skirt fly up multiple times on my way to work, I still can't help but to be uber excited to break out my summer clothes for the season! Today I'm wearing

-T by Alexander Wang Classic Tank

-Abercrombie&Fitch Destroyed BF shorts (Now normally I'd be embarrassed to write that I own these...but they look good, so I'll be honest about where I got them)

-Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Murray sandals

-House of Harlow assortment

Accessories Report

Rest in peace beloved Madewell necklace. It died an honorable death this weekend, and after trying fruitlessly to revive the sad tangle of chains, I opted instead to take this opportunity to amp up my collection. I've never really been an accessories kind of girl until I began spending time with some eminently inclined friends. One expertly piles on bracelets a la Kate Lanphear and the other's collection of colorful, eclectic bangles never escapes my jealous stare.

On the bracelet front, I'm partial to Jessica Kagan Cushman, (see my favorite here) but for those not akin to wearing their hobbies on their (literal) sleeve, rings are an equally statement making route. Outrageously over sized, double knuckled or anything extravagant will do. House of Harlow corners the market on affordable costume pieces, but if you're looking for something a bit more haute, Giles and Brother's handcrafted charmers are nothing short of mini masterpieces.

Perfect for warmer weather when clothes start coming off, your accessories can take the main stage.

Come and knock on our door

The life of an insomniac is not an easy one. I rarely fall asleep without a pharmaceutical cocktail and even then, most nights I'm still wide awake staring at the ceiling come 3 a.m. Even though I have 300+ channels at my disposal, somehow I always end up at the same place, Three's Company. The rosy hues, outlandish 70's fonts and cheese factor are my version of warm milk and a bedtime story; a few episodes and I'm counting sheep in no time.

Last night however, something caught my eye and I sat up with rapt attention. "Oh my god," I said aloud to no one. "I'm totally digging Chrissy's style!" Her blend of playful rompers, teeny-tiny short shorts and striking mix of colors and textures spoke to me. One commercial break later and I was furiously taking notes, planning how I'll be biting her style this summer. Here are a few looks I decided on:

• Wide leg, high-waist pants with slouchy tucked in tees, or cropped tops and vests
• Obscenely short shorts paired with wedges and socks
• Jumpers and one piece play suits
• And of course, there's room in any wardrobe for a little glitz, even if happens to be in a dream sequence

Think I'll skip the side pony tails.

Deep Thoughts: Free from Baggage

Aiming for a happy medium between these two

I'm a classic over-packer. "What? Four pairs of shoes for 24 hours in Chicago is unreasonable?!"

I always begin with sparse intentions, carefully planning outfits and accessories but end up throwing in half my closet at the last minute, "just in case." Faced with the daunting task of packing for a 9 day excursion to Morocco is extremely challenging in itself, but I'm also limiting myself to one (!) piece of checked luggage, so this time I'm determined to tote along only the bare necessities.

My initial instincts to channel Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca were regrettably, but quickly discarded, because as much as I'd love to don fedoras, khaki trench coats and elegant two piece suits, these don't exactly scream low maintenance, nor do they save room in my suitcase. Also considering Morocco is an Arab influenced nation means I've got to go a little more, ahem, conservative than I normally do, while still managing to be (and look like) myself.

Here's what I've decided to bring:

• Charlotte Beach Pants and Jumpsuit
• Leggings in gray and black
• Alexander Wang and American Apparel tanks
• Burnout tees
• Cardigans in gray and black
• 2 swimsuits: loeffler randall and ella moss
• 2 or 3 jersey dresses
• A crazy DVF dress that's probably only appropriate when worn in Africa
• A giant Cynthia Vincent tote so I have plenty of room to bring back gifts for friends

Help! What am I forgetting?

Atticus Spring Soiree!

So cute it hurts to look...newest Atticus models, our friends Jon and Skye

What's better than warm weather, great music and unbelievable deals? Nothing that we can think of!

Join Atticus as we toast Spring with an afternoon soiree this Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 12 p.m. Stock up at the first farmers' market of the season, then stop by for refreshments and an extra-special performance from Brooklyn based musician, J.M. Airis.

If that's not enough incentive, we're also offering fantastic one-day only deals on our newest Spring merchandise!

The more you spend, the more you save:

Spend $125 Save $25
Spend $250 Save $50
Spend $500 Save $100
Spend $750 Save $150
Spend $1000 Save $200

Music starts at 1 p.m. See you there!

What Are You Wearing?

Last night in my geology class (yeah, that's right...don't make fun of me) my group members switched our research project from volcanos to earthquakes. As everyone was discussing what we could do for the project, my contribution was, "I can wear my Hope for Haiti tee!". It must have still been on my mind this morning while getting dressed because it was all I could think of to wear. Today I'm wearing

-To Haiti with Love tee

-Current/Elliott cropped skinnies

-LnA black Scoop Neck tee

-Black Hunter Wellies

What are you wearing?

What Are You Wearing? Rainy Day Edition

Dreary weather may create somber moods, but I love it. There's nothing better than cozying up in bed, listening to thunder and rain, or in my case, letting Lorrie Moore and the melodic tapping of my ancient G4 lull me to sleep during the first spring storm. Maneuvering treacherous elements in style requires a bit more finesse, but you needn't let cloudy skies keep you from looking bright.

Investing in rainy weather gear is a must for any urban dweller (or pseudo urban dwellers who rarely venture beyond their 10 block concrete playgrounds). Fashion forward rubber boots, candy-colored slickers and delightfully fun umbrellas keep you from focusing on how miserable it is if forced to venture beyond your bed. And with nearly every brand churning out adorable, not to mention affordable, accessories, your weather wear is an opportunity to punch it up and have fun.

My favorites:

• Hunter Wellies
• A classic trench coat
• Marc Umbrellas
• Plush tights (to keep the chill at bay)
• A waterproof nylon bag

Photos 'borrowed' from Mr Newton and Vogue

What Are You Wearing?

I absolutely hate out of season weather. Not because of the sunshine, people finally going outside or the drum player serenading me outside of the store. I hate it because my instincts tell me not to dress in clothes that don't involve five different layers, Uggs and jeans. However, I refuse to look the part of a junior high girl with my shorty shorts, flip flops, tank top and pasty white skin on the first day of April in Wisconsin. So, I compromised and didn't wear full Uggs, real denim or long sleeves. Today I'm wearing:

-Current/Elliott Cropped Skinnies in Bluebell

-LnA Zipper Pocket Tee

-Splendid Cardi

-Ugg Dakotas

-An assortment of House of Harlow jewelry

What are you wearing?

In The Bag: Alison

Administrative authority by day and graphic design guru by night, Alison Monday also knows her way around a kitchen, a sewing machine and the blogosphere. One would assume such a creative chameleon would carry a bag jam packed with remnants of her many projects. Instead, being the super cool girl she is, she carries only the necessities. And some rock candy.

Bag?
Ashley Watson

What's in your bag?

iPhone, 2 pairs of sunglasses, business cards, keys, wallet, iPod, toiletry bag that looks like a cassette player, a blue reusable shopping bag and rock candy

Notes On: Pants

Though most of the comments I make regarding my distain for wearing pants are facetious, I really have taken somewhat of a hiatus from wearing the garment. The pieces that I once couldn't get through the week without wearing (Current/Elliott bf jeans, Acne skinnies and my old Gap camouflage cargos) were collecting dust on the top-most shelf of my closet while I rocked leggings, skirts and dresses for the duration of the dark season. Then came the fall runway shows, and suddenly it appeared the fashion world was once again obsessed with pants. Fixated on pleated trousers from Ann Demuelemeester, leather crop pants at Isabel Marant and velvet at Alexander Wang (which I'm sure I'll come to love by the time they hit the retail floor), I was inspired to pull down my old faves and create some updated looks. In anticipation of what I'm predicting to be the summer of many things including pants, I am offering you a list of the looks I plan to wear in heavy rotation:

1. Acne Gin Chinos in navy rolled at the ankle with an Alexander Wang Classic T and driving flats

2. Current/Elliott Captain Trousers in army (coming soon!) with a beater and my C/E Bomber Vest

3. Splendid Harem Pants with a worn in t-shirt and my trusty Acne jean jacket

What Are You Wearing?

After waking up 30 minutes late this morning, I threw on the first outfit I saw and ran to Atticus....and of course I didn't realize I had unintentionally paid homage to Nicole Richie. Today I'm wearing:

-Urban Outfitters black crow dress

-Filippa K Long Slip Tank

-Current/Elliott jean jacket

-black tights

-Frye Paige boots

-Ashley Watson brant bag

And if you're wondering, I totally wore this outfit before she did.

Trend Spotting: Mixed Prints

"Ooooh, I'm so excited to wear it, I just don't have enough prints yet!" I nodded excitedly at a friend's recent sentiment during a lengthy spring trends discussion. As someone whose closet is approximately 98% black (with heather grey when I'm feeling really crazy!), mixed prints reign supreme as my must haves for the coming months.

Designers delved deeper than conventional florals for spring 2010, infusing high-impact patterns and hues. Bursts of colors and textures at Balenciaga, leopard-prints merged with whimsical blossoms at DVF and the oft referenced futuristic tie-die at Proenza reinforced that this spring, there's no such thing as too much of a good thing.

Style Crush

My love for Loeffler is no secret. (See here, here and here.) In addition to showcasing their drool-inducing footwear and apparel, the brand's absolutely gorgeous e-commerce site houses what's quickly becoming a favorite blog. Granting behind the scenes access to photo shoots, insider interviews, inspiration palettes and my personal favorite, a peak at the incredibly stylish staff, it's a must read. Call me biased but I squealed with schoolgirl glee when I saw the most recent 'How We Wear It!', featuring the enviable style of my cute as a button friend, Steph. Check it out here.

Inspired By: Garance's Basics

Garance's top 10 basics list got us giddy with excitement. The chance to combine two of our favorite things: fashion AND making lists? Kristin and I could barely write fast enough, attacking this task with an almost disturbing intensity. Here's our version:

What Are You Wearing?

My day is starting out in sunny Madison, Wisconsin and ending in an apparent winter storm in Breckenridge, Colorado. The precarious weather and the chance that I may end up spending the night in the Denver airport led me to a look of layers, comfort and of course black. Actually all black. It's my favorite color for many reasons, but even I have never gone completely monochromatic. Until today. Would you ever wear all one color?

Today I'm wearing:
T by Alexander Wang Long Sleeved Shirt in black (kiped from my sister's closet!)

Aude Michelle Scarf in black

JBrand skinnies in black (circa 2005)

Frye Engineer Boots in black

Charlotte Ronson Faux Fur Motorcycle Vest in black

Style Story: rag & bone

Jokingly referred to as "our boyfriends" around Atticus, rag & bone designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville's impeccably tailored, effortlessly cool styles quickly become indispensable, 'how did I ever live without these?' staples. The crisp essentials are structured yet street, with clean functionality and an obsessively unparalleled fit. Forgoing the fast fashion route, rag & bone's style ethos reintroduces quality construction and pure form. Fundamentally timeless, the brand rises beyond trends, proving that function truly is fashionable.

Your Favorites

Name: Bekah Hunt

Age: 28

Occupation: "Real job": web editor for uwalumni.com; other job: honorary Atticus Girl/writer

Hometown: I'll never tell...shhh

Said in Context

"A show is a ceremony. It’s a religious ceremony with the people that really believe. You don’t go to a Comme des Garçons show if you don’t really believe in Comme des Garçons. If you don’t believe in it, you go to a baseball match, right?"

– Olivier Zahm, editor and founder of Purple Fashion via style.com

Notes On: Dressing for the Kill

Someone who has always walked a fine line between being an admirable mentor and ruining my life once instructed me to add deer hunting as an interest on my resume. Whether he really thought it would be an interesting talking point for an interview or was hoping that I would humiliate myself, I'll never know. Either way, hunting is definitely not an interest of mine. Sportsmanlike style, however, has always seemed to peak my interest. Not surprisingly, the first and only time I accompanied my dad on a deer-hunting trip, I was far more concerned with my outfit than the game. Choosing to forego the traditional orange attire, I wore my matching neon pink jacket and snow pants and carried an equally bright "handbag" filled with a thermos of hot cocoa, a rubix cube and a box of Girl Scout cookies. (editor's note: I was in the fourth grade.) Neon colors and Thin Mints aside, I've found traditional English hunting clothes quite inspiring lately. The vests at Rag&Bone and Boy by Band of Outsiders for Fall 2010 are incredible layering pieces, and who doesn't love plaid? In anticipation of the Fall trend, here are some hunting inspired pieces to start mixing into your wardrobe:

Acne Joy Chino in beige

Ashley Watson Cormorant Bag in olive

Charlotte Ronson High Waisted Leather Shorts

Current/Elliott Zip Bomber Vest

Trovata Solano Flannel in cloudburst

What Are You Wearing?

It's an Atticus miracle! In celebration of my half-way presentable work attire today, a post is in order. Chalk it up to the hints of warmer weather or possibly the 8+ hours of sleep (thanks Dr. Jacob!), but I woke up with more than 4 minutes to get ready. I'm wearing:

• Earnest Sewns
• T by Alexander Wang asymmetrical tank
• Anthropologie cardigan in gray (gifted from my adorable mother)
• Ugg mocs

What are you wearing?

In the Bag: Michelle

Possibly an In the Bag first, Michelle Goldstein's organized to perfection bag reveals only the bare necessities. That is, if you consider Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel basic essentials. And let's be honest, who doesn't? As Business and Affiliate Manager for shopbop.com, it's no surprise she has impeccable taste, but her Martha Stewart like talent makes whipping together a dinner party, baby shower, farewell send-off or just plain old happy Tuesday soiree look easy. Always the gracious host, her calm under pressure is clearly no act.

Bag?
Rebecca Minkoff

What's in your bag?
Sunglasses (currently wearing Gucci), fingerless gloves from Forever 21, hat from a store in Park City, Utah, Extra sugar free gum, Chanel bronzer & lip gloss, YSL magic stick (known as touché éclat – radiant touch).

When and where was it purchased?
shopbop.com, 6 months ago

Spring Denim Event!

Now through Saturday, March 6

50% off all denim (in-store only)

What Are You Wearing?

I finally have a day that doesn't include having to dress up to see important people or do extra important things. This means the high-light of my day is deciding what kind of sandwich to get from Potbelly's. Since it's a day that I get to wear whatever I feel like, I planned my outfit around the ultra-coveted Frye boots (see picture, and no...they're not the boots on Roy) from my sister's closet.

Today I'm wearing:

-Kerrigan Rugged Snap Tunic

-Kerrigan Richard Jacket

-Kova&T Oxy Leggings

-Frye Engineer Boots

-A smile on my face, since I'm now officially addicted to coffee

The Justification: Pieced Out

Our new men's denim line, Comune, has finally arrived at Piece! There are really only two things you need to know about it to justify your purchase:

Justification #1: It's under $100

Justification #2: We think boys look oh-s0-good in them!

T by Alexander Wang

Justification #1: Between Piece and Atticus, we've stocked every style you'll ever want...racer backs, long sleeved shirts, hoodies, and the ever-coveted capelet tee.

Justification #2: Even though the other Atticus Girls pounced on the racer backs and long sleeved shirts as soon as they came in, there's still more than enough left for everyone else. However, I'm on the prowl and I can't guarantee Wang will be here for long!

Snow Way!

Nothing can stop your beloved Atticus editors! We're slaving away just for you.

Deep Thoughts: Hanging Outfits

Many ill-fated nights begin between these walls.

Inspired by a good friend's musings on first date outfits (and okay, a little miffed I wasn't consulted to weigh in on the subject) I set about conducting a serious scientific survey of my own, appeased by said friend's promises that when she writes her 'what to wear to make out in an alley' post, I'll be her first call.

Since I adhere to a strict anti-dating regime, many of my hang-outs happen spontaneously so I don't have the benefit of knowing when I'll run into friends who also happen to be boys. This week, however, I found myself in unfamiliar territory, panicked and stressed, not only because I had committed to an actual time and place but because all I really knew about the boy I was meeting was his seriously stylish aesthetics quite possibly surpassed my own. A text from my fashion advisor/life coach reassured me that showing up in anything other than my usual sartorial masterpieces would feel wrong, so I settled on a variation of my daily uniform: boots, dark denim, loose layered tanks, an oversized cardigan and 3 or 4 necklaces.

The responses from friends confirmed that the only thing to remember when selecting "hang out" attire is to wear what you love.

What Are You Wearing?

On Piece's grand opening day, I'm at Atticus. Working all by myself. While everyone else gets to listen to Vinnie Toma and eat candy. Even though I'm not with the rest of the Atticus Girls at the new store, at least I'm looking cute. Today I'm wearing:

-Alice by Temperely Tiger Print dress (A special order, but we have the skirt in the same print)

-Frye Paige boots

-"Vintage" moto jacket (yes, it's too embarrassing to say where I actually got it from, so I'm calling it vintage)

What are you wearing?

Get Excited About: Piece by Atticus

We’re thrilled to introduce the newest addition to our fashion family, Piece by Atticus!

The new brick and mortar store at 551 State Street in Madison, Wisconsin is only a few blocks from the Atticus you already know and love, but with one seriously major perk: every item in the store is priced under $100.

You talked and we listened. The response to item pieces and lower price points was overwhelming, so we’ve been slaving away (with much help from Mom and Pop Wild) to create a shop stocked with a quality, affordable, fashion forward assortment. In addition to discounted apparel from Atticus, Piece will carry contemporary brands like House of Harlow 1960 jewelry, new men's denim line Comune and luxe basics from LNA and T by Alexander Wang.

Can’t control your excitement? Read more here and join us for our grand opening party this Saturday, February 20!

In the Bag: Shayna

Although she could easily be mistaken for an Upper East Side lady of leisure, Shayna Miller is Madison to the core. As Style Editor of Madison Magazine, she's an authority on all things retail, dishing about eclectic offerings and diverse shopping venues that make up this fair isthmus. An advocate of locally owned independents and champion of sartorial individualism, her voice is every bit as unique as her editorials.

Bag?
Aldo

What's in your bag?
Kleenex, phone, reporter’s notebook, digital camera, pouch full of lipglosses, giraffe-print pouch full of other essentials (Band-Aids, Bath & Body Works sanitizing hand gel, eye drops, etc) wallet, sunglasses, hand lotion, purse clip, iPod Shuffle, receipts (um, I shop a lot), coupons (I shop a lot), snack bar, business cards, gum, Listerine pocketpack strips and a mac and cheese recipe from the Old Fashioned (run last year in Madison Magazine, no less) that I’m dying to make. I’m actually quite organized and don’t like to carry around a lot of unnecessary things!

The Justification: What's New

Justification #1: The first shipment of Alice by Temperley is in, and this piece is by far my favorite!

Justification #2: The tiger print is fun, but not so overdone that people will be staring at you for the wrong reasons.

Justification #3: This line gives the quality and details Alice Temperely is known for, at a price point that everyone can love.

Justification #1: The first shipment of Rag&Bone/Jean is also in! We're one of the first to have it up online...proving yet again that nice girls finish first.

Justification #2: The stiletto bootcut is perfect for wearing over your favorite booties without being reminiscent of ever-so-popular 2002 move of bootcut Sevens over hideous pointy-toed heels.

Style Story: Alice by Temperley

As the countdown to the premiere of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland continues, we've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of a different Alice. Alice by Temperley. With her own ability to add edgy details to a whimsical story, Alice Temperley is well known for creating flirty frocks and infusing her collection with sharp silhouettes like studded jackets and leather skinnies. Her new diffusion line, Alice by Temperley, places a piece of her world at an accessible price point with no shortage of covetable looks. Inspired by girls-of-the-moment in London, the tiger print dance skirts and Victorian blouses cinched with pirate belts really do remind us of a collection that fell into a rabbit hole in Mayfair and landed somewhere in the East End.

Shop Alice by Temperley

Happy Fashion week!

We'll Miss You

I'm forgoing my usual deep thoughts for the week to pay homage to one of fashion's true talents. Alexander McQueen's death will leave a gaping hole in an industry starved for exactly his brand of outlandish genius. Especially now, when many designers are forced to choose between bottom lines or artistic vision, he never concerned himself with playing it safe. He was a rule breaker, but also the kind of man who, when asked in an interview with his mother, answered that love makes his heart skip a beat.

His innovative imagination and seemingly limitless talent churned out brilliant, truly astounding collections season after season. His moving, controversial, fantastical interpretations of modern aesthetics were what fashion is really about. Loved or hated, the designs were deeply emotional and brought even the most jaded back to that visceral gut feeling reminding us why we fell in love with this industry in the first place. Viewing his collections, suddenly we were all 8 years old again, staring wide-eyed, minds racing with an aching desire and passion that no matter how many words spilled, could never be articulated.

Editor of British Vogue, Alexandra Shulman sums it up,

"at one level he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashion shows that mixed design, technology and performance and on another he was a modern-day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over. His death is the hugest loss to anyone who knew him and for very many who didn't."

He will be missed.

Gift to Love!

What Are You Wearing?

On a day that involves a lunch date, a dinner date and a meeting with my fake boss, the right look for my semi-busy day required being decked out in Atticus gear. Today, I'm wearing

-Kerrigan Richard Jacket

-LnA Men's Deep V

-So Low Leggings

-Frye Paige boots

-Variety of House of Harlow Jewelry

What are you wearing?

Now and Later: ACNE

With the start of NY Fashion Week hours away, I'm finding it increasingly hard to concentrate. In lieu of sneaking an adderall from one of my fortunate prescription-holding friends, I've been staying sane by focusing on Stockholm Fashion Week.

Stealing the show, as usual, is Jonny Johannson's cult line Acne. The FW10 alien inspired collection mixes metal ankle braces, unitards and spray-painted foreheads with down-to-earth details like zippers, fringed scarves and shearling boots. I'm quickly becoming obsessed with the tough leather details and body con mini dresses. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. We can't forget that there are the milder spring months to enjoy first and just as lighthearted, the current Acne collection that will be arriving in a few weeks.

Exuding much more of a bohemian and earthy feel, Acne SS10 features dusty hues of pink, beige and mauve. Breezy tanks and flowing dresses create a mystical mood that exists throughout the collection. My favorites include the tie-dyed pieces and the soft spring knits. Perfect organic-feeling pieces to wear on Earth before Acne transports us to another world.

In the Bag: Sarah

A boy scout’s dream come true, Sarah Reiter’s bag has got it all. As Director of Marketing for luxury design and architecture firm, Brownhouse, and active mother of three, she manages no easy feat, exuding enviable style while commanding her hectic schedule. Ballet slippers and a Google phone? Saltines and business cards? They’re all an arm’s length away, proving she's prepared to tackle any situation.

Bag?
Melie Bianco Black Vegan Studded Tote

What's in your bag?
Google phone, hand knit hat I recently finished (sage green alpaca chunky yarn from Lakeside Fibers), The Hangover dvd – loaned to us by our son's preschool teacher (is that wrong?), returned Christmas card (Shelley Prosise Smith, if you are reading this, send her your new address!), She-mergency kit (always prepared), daughter's ballet shoes (they are too small and need to be replaced before Friday's ballet class), blank notebook for random notes, wallet from boden.com, almost empty bottle of perfume, invitation to fundraiser for Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra in honor of Andrew Sewell's 10 years as music director, two pairs of almost identical sunglasses, Kleenex, Starbucks gift card, crumpled $5 bill, keys, stack of business cards, recent shopping list written on Kate Spade notebook paper (list includes: toothpaste, Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo, granite cleaner, saltine crackers, clementines, bunny grahams, pull ups), 6 sharpie pens of assorted colors and widths, 1 highlighter, 1 lavender dogs-in-snow pencil, 4 crayons (from recent family dinner at Old Fashioned), 1 pink plastic pig figurine, Aveda lipstick in hot pepper, Jane Iredale lip liner and lip gloss in nude ,3 Brownhouse chocolates (doubles as lunch some days), 1 piece of trident gum (still in wrapper, what luck), 1 quarter, eye drops (Bausch & Lomb, from a recent ski trip), Chapstick

The justification: Valentine's Day Gifts

Oh, Valentine's Day. It's a great day to receive presents if you're with someone, or a day to be dramatic and hate life if there isn't a boy (or in some circumstances, the boy is too busy to text you back). In any case, here are some gift ideas to bestow on the one you're with or just yourself.

Giles&Brother XO Studs in Gold Vermeil

Justification #1: Sturdy yet delicate, these earrings can be worn while dressing up or down. Trust me...I wore them everyday for six months straight.

Justification #2: If gold vermeil isn't your thing, check out the XO Studs in Sterling Silver.

Friend or Foe Frank Sinatra Tee

Justification #1: It might not be the most romantic gift, but it's red and it has a great fit.

Justification #2: Just remember...when in doubt, clothing is WAY more exciting than thoughtless chocolate.

Deep Thoughts: Dressing Down

Before and much, much after

As much as I adore dolling up for black-tie events, I also can't wait for that moment at the end of the night when I haphazardly discard my outfit in a pile on the floor, pull on comfy clothes and curl up in a Wild sister's bed. This past weekend we attended an adult version of prom, a charity ball held in our little state's capitol. Dance party mayhem and screaming renditions of Bon Jovi and Journey songs left me far from my A-game come morning, but a night in Kiki's new Keep Me pants seemed magically to hold my aching feet (and head) at bay.

For most, downtime is so scarce we're willing to toss on any old ratty tee inherited from past amours. But lounge wear, with its ability to sooth and comfort, is truly worthy of its own category on the shopping list. If you're anything like me and your basics extend outside the house, say to work or to brunch the next day, it's best if they can pull double duty. A few of my favorites:

• Keep Me basics
• My beloved Bop Basics burnout tees
• American Apparel hoodies (preferably stolen from a boy who pretends not to notice)
• Finally, I almost didn't include them because they're hopelessly uncool and should never see the light of day, but show me something more comfortable than Juicy sweats and I'll convert.

Style Story: Billykirk

There is something refreshing about the simple life, and I'm not referring to heiresses sleeping in a pink Airstream. Instead, I'm thinking more along the lines of current menswear trends. The demand for selvedge denim and a resurgence of classic rugged brands like Pendleton and Woolrich indicate that, these days, dudes want well-made gear that will defy both trends and time.

The idea of quality goods is not a new one for Billykirk design duo and brothers Chris and Kirk Bray. Their line offers leather goods designed with much practicality and minimal extras. Kirk explains their design intent it to "keep the designs simple and let the organic qualities of the leather speak for it self." The Bray brothers' decision to have many of their satchels, belts and cuffs made by Amish leather workers reinforces their commitment to beauty, quality and simplicity.

What Are You Wearing?

After partaking in an event completely out of my normal routine (a basketball game!) I crawled into bed last night, too tired to change. Today's edition is an extra special two for one: pajamas and Wednesday office attire! I'm wearing:

• James Perse tank I wear everyday
• Marc shirt
• Grace Sun cardigan
  
• Earnest Sewn's given to me by my dearest bestie

A bit boring, it's only a slight variation of my usual uniform (actual pants instead of leggings!) but definitely comfy. What are you wearing?

Photo stolen from an interesting little site I just discovered.