co-ords

I've never had as natural of a knack for men's fashion as I have for women's. I'm unsure of what's appropriate for certain events, what prints go with which ties, etc. Anytime I try to dress a male family member or my boyfriend, I feel like I want to make them look like Brad Goreski. When I edit back and show restraint, they pretty much look like they do when they dress themselves.

Part of my confusion has to do with suits. I always encourage the men in my life to buy suits. I feel like they can wear the separates in different ways, as well as together. While I'm not sure if it actually works this way, I'm certain that the new trend in women's fashion is made to add diversity to a wardrobe.

A bunch of different retailers are selling matching tops and bottoms this season. From my beloved crop tops and pencil skirts, to matching blouses and shorts, suit-inspired dressing is definitely on trend. Leave it to Topshop to make online shopping that much easier by selling these looks together in their "Co-ords" section. I'm not sure if this online department is new, but right now it's packed with adorable two piece outfits. The looks are adorable paired together, but can also be mixed with other pieces. I love that they sell the pieces individually, too, in case you're a different size on top than bottom. I'm obsessed with the Swan Print Bralet and Skirt. They look amazing together, or I might throw a white blazer on top, and both pieces would look amazing in different outfits.

Swan Print Bralet and Skirt // Daisy Bow Back Top and Pleated Skirt // Graphic Blazer and Trousers // Swan Print Tie Bandeau and Skirt // Motel Print Denim Bralet and Pencil Skirt // Collarless Blazer and Shorts

be mine

Happy birthday my sweet Valentines! I hope you have a love-filled day with your significant other, friends and family. I'm on a major sugar high already and it's not even noon! Not to mention I'm about to down a cherry Fun Dip from my lovely coworker, Katie! I know there are lots of Valentine's Day haters out there but you cannot argue with the obscene amount of baked goods and treats! (Although maybe if they weren't all red and pink my mouth wouldn't look so ridiculous)

for the man who has everything

My boyfriend's birthday is coming up and just as I finished up getting his Christmas gifts (I kind of nailed it this year, woot woot) I've started thinking about what to get him for his birthday. This... is not on the list.

Jonathan Adler has teamed up with Lacoste for some pretty fabulous collaborations. They've got polos, pillows, a tennis racquet cover... and semi-life-size Lacoste crocs.

I am partial to the gator. My Pre-K-12th grade school apparently didn't have a mascot for decades until the "gator" was adopted because all the girls wore Lacoste polos with their uniform kilts (I know crocs and gators aren't the same, but "croc" doesn't really sound right as an all-girls school mascot). By the time I was rocking the collared shirts, we'd moved on to the much less chic monogram of the school's name on the chest. So I love this symbol that's synonymous with over-the-top preppiness. But this gets a little out of control.

There are two ceramic versions available that come in gray and white and measure 18 inches long. I could get down with those. They'd look interesting and conversational on a coffee table or next to a sofa or side table. However, this beauty is almost two feet long and will only cost you $2,500. Don't worry, it's made out of pure brass. A 22-inch pure brass Lacoste crocodile box.

So while my lovely gentleman won't be lucky enough to get this present, I love the idea of giving that "man who has everything" the one item he definitely doesn't have yet. Hurry if you're thinking of giving this to your lucky guy! They only made 35!

no words

This... Is a beer pong needlepoint belt. The worst part? I know people who who hands down wear this. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against this prep school inspired style of belts, but I'm not sure how I feel about broadcasting your drinking habits on your clothes, whether it be a t-shirt or this. The preppy combination of this drinking game and the needlepoint is just much more of the worst form of the fratty and bro cliche than I can handle.

proper presents: manly man

Presents for guys can be challenging. There are a bunch of things out there that scream GIFT FOR MEN! but whatever you give should still be personal, useful and special. These gifts are all super-manly but aren't cliché.

1) Dean and Deluca St. George Absinthe Verte
2) Brooks Brothers Black Fleece Buffalo Check Button-Down Shirt
3) Woolrich The Cordura Field Jacket
4) Michael Kors Chronograph Watch
5) Jack Spade iPhone Cases
6) Tereforma Whiskey Stones
7) iBright iPod Docking Station
8) Bed Bath and Beyond Coasters with Holder
9) Land's End Mariner Knit Throw

ice cold beer on the other

My obsession with designing, styling, making looks and exploring aesthetics knows no bounds. I'm like an addict for imagining and creating. My boyfriend may be moving soon. Ok... So probably not for a while. Or, he may actually not really move. He's sort of not even thinking about it. BUT he did mention the word "moving" to me... I think. So of course, my mind jumped 400 steps ahead and now I'm planning the decor of his nonexistent new apartment (I know, I sicken myself, too).

We've already discussed my appreciation for Pendleton's Native American-inspired prints. The first thing that has to be included in the boyfriend's new digs is a Pendleton glacier print. I don't know what it is about the clean bright stripes on that cream background, but I've been drooling over this print for months. It just really has no place in my almost-over-the-top girly decor.

The park blanket, folded at the bottom of a cherry wood bed frame would look so amazing. Or the park throw on a worn leather sofa? Ahh, I love it. Worse comes to worse, I'll get the travel mug for myself! I can drink coffee out of it on my way to work. It wouldn't clash with my car's interior.

Stay tuned and I'll update you about Operation: Boyfriend's (Not Really Happening) New Apartment.