Item of the Day: Balmain’s Striped Sequin Dress

The perfection of this Balmain dress has effectively rendered me a giddy idiot. Let’s take stock: mixed metallics, exposed back zipper, sequined stripes and those signature pointy shoulders. Oh, and as a final “*&^# you, I’m awesome,” a built-in layered chain necklace.

Seriously, all I can think to say is, “heyyyyy gurrrrrllll.”

Currently on sale at $3653.75 (originally $14615).

Item of the Day: By Malene Birger’s Bead-Embellished Satin Tunic

I’m not too big on seasonal colors with clothing, which is to say, you won’t catch me dead in pastels at any time of year. However, I have to admit that my palette can tend to be a little dour at times. This was highlighted last weekend when I donned my new grey sweaterdress over black leggings for a friend’s birthday party and my husband said, “you’re wearing that? But…it’s summer.”

I do love bold jewel tones, though, and they tend to be perennial: bright enough for summer, but rich and sophisticated enough for winter. Currently I’m obsessed with anything ochre or rust-colored, and this beaded tunic from the always reliable By Malene Birger is sheer perfection.

Currently available for $545.

Item of the Day: Jay Godfrey’s Zaha Mondrian Panel Dress

Jay Godfrey’s Zaha dress is totally making my inner art historian geek out this morning. Even if you don’t know your Mondrian from your Mabuse, you’ve got to love the cool geometric paneling, pop color palette and easy summer silhouette.

Currently on sale for $132 (originally $440).

Item of the Day: Elizabeth and James’ Lorimer Satin and Jersey Dress

I love high/low fashion, and this Elizabeth and James dress is particularly witty: t-shirt-like heather grey jersey is layered under a sweetheart necklined black satin, and finished with an exposed back zipper and ruching details.

Currently on sale for $158 (originally $395).

Item of the Day: Chamak Jewelry’s Set of Six Copper & Black Crystal Bangles

Bangles are generally a ‘good in theory’ kind of accessory for me. As much as I like them, I don’t rock bracelets as often as necklaces or earrings, and good bangles are usually on the spendier side (because, of course, you’re buying multiples).

This Chamak Jewelry bangle set may be costume jewelry, but the combination of the mixed metals and black and copper stones make it sophisticated and versatile (and at a price that won’t make you forgo your car payment or major surgery).

Currently on sale at Gilt for $45 (originally $105).

Item of the Day: French Connection’s Golden Samantha Sequin Dress

Man, I am just a moth to a flame when it comes to sequined dresses. I am pretty self-aware in terms of what works for my body and what doesn’t, and as a general rule, a large amount of sequins is a tough sell unless you are super twiggy.

But this dress! I just love her so much. I am willing to suspend disbelief to imagine myself in it with a pair of nerdy sexy black booties.

Currently available at $298.

Item of the Day: AllSaints’ Aztec Mini Dress in Coral

Put an event on my calender, and you’ve given me an excuse to fart around endlessly on the internet looking for the perfect outfit. My friend Danielle is getting married in August, so I’m currently digging around for a summer wedding appropriate dress. So, no white, red or black (although I will bust out with the black at winter weddings), and something not in my usual dour color palette (but also something that I can conceivably wear year round).

During my travels I found this very lovely AllSaints dress. Now, I know what works for my body, and a shift dress ain’t it, but I do love the tribal pattern combined with the flapper-esque sequined body.

Currently available at $390.

Item of the Day: Alexis Bittar’s Flora Rose Dust Link Earrings

I’m a big fan of Alexis Bittar’s jewelry, his Black Iris Pin having long been my elusive white whale (life lesson: if it’s on sale and you love it beyond reason, just buy it. You can figure out details like getting a summer job mowing lawns or selling kidneys later).

In the meantime, I’m digging the more accessible Flora Link Earrings. The color palette and shape lends them a sort of intergalactic appeal, and the contrast of the smoky and rosy gems against the cool blue Lucite hoops is just gorgeous.

Currently on sale at $156.90 (originally $235).

Item of the Day: Leifsdottir’s Ilona Open Toe Pumps

You can call off the search. I have found my perfect neutral shoe. To attempt to describe these pumps would be like a finger painted rendering of the Venus de Milo. Let’s just observe in the humble and respectful silence of the unworthy.

Currently available at $328 (a few retailers have them on sale, but generally in one random (read: not my) size, boooooo).