Starts with a contrast collar...

My love for a standout statement necklace is no secret.  But what about a statement collar? More subtle and lighter than bejewelled collars of seasons past, a simple contrasting border is nonetheless eye-catching and memorable.

I paired this top with neutral colours to really let the collar pop. I also brought out my not-quite-vintage (but still decade-old) Fendi baguette. This well-loved piece was one of my first handbag purchases, and despite an unfortunate scratch on the leather, is still beautiful to me. 

Do you have a special piece in your collection that you've held onto over the years? If so, tell me about it!

Top: J.Crew Factory blouse (sold out, simliar here), Gap cardigan

Bottom: Gap

Shoes: Elie Tahari
Bag: Fendi (old)

Starts with a floral tank...

The warmer weather of late has been the perfect segue into springtime florals.

Paired with flowy silk cargo shorts and a bag in a pop-out hue, this was the perfect ensemble for an afternoon stroll through the park with the hubby.

Have a great weekend!

Top: Topshop tank, Banana Republic cardigan

Bottom: Club Monaco (old)

Bag: Botkier "Valentina Shouler"

Jewelry: Gap and Tiffany & Co necklaces; Hermes and Tiffany & Co bracelets

Wishlist: J.Crew Color Collage Statement Necklace

J.Crew statement necklaces are no stranger to my "Wish List" posts, and this newest member is perfect for summer. I'm already envisioning this with an all-white ensemble and a pair of killer shades.

Available here.

Image source: J.Crew

Starts with Inspiration: Blue Suede Pumps

Ever since I added a pair of blue suede pumps to my wardrobe (seen here and here), I've been consistently impressed with how versatile this colour truly is. The perfect alternative to black for Spring, this colour complements everything from denim on a Saturday to slim cropped dress pants for work.

Left to right: Manolo Blahnik (available here), Ann Taylor (here), Zara (here)

Image source: Polyvore

Starts with a cargo jacket...

Hello! Hope you had a great weekend. If you celebrated Mother's Day, I hope you had a wonderful time with her and your families!  

In addition to spending time with my own mother and my  mother-in-law, I also had another special event this weekend. Back in January, I wrote about signing up and training for my first 10 km race. This weekend, I ran it and managed to achieve my goal time! I definitely felt a great sense of accomplishment, and am already looking forward to being even faster next year!

Top: J.Crew jacket (here), Club Monaco t-shirt (here)

Scarf: J.Crew

Bottom: Citizens of Humanity "Avedon Slick" skinny jeans

Shoes: Zara

Handbag: Louis Vuitton

Starts with a fresh face...

Monday mornings are notoriously hectic for me. So when I've hit the snooze button a few too many times, I rely on a few trusted products to help me look (and feel) more awake. As the saying goes, "fake it 'til you make it", right?

1. 

Yves Saint Laurent Touch Eclat (available here): A few dabs blended beneath the eyes, on the bridge of the nose, and cheekbones are all that are needed to add brightness to the face.

2.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Duo (available here): The ultimate secret for those not gifted with naturally luscious brows. This fine powder is perfectly natural looking when applied with Anastasia's angled spooley brush.

3. 

Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof eyeliner (available here): Long-lasting and perfectly versatile, a thin line works best for day, while a thick one adds more drama for nights out.

4.

Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation (available here): I've been a devoted fan of this for almost decade. This sheer powder complete with SPF literally makes the skin glow and creates a smooth, even look.

5.

Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow (available here): rich pigment and long-lasting colour make this palette another go-to product. My favourite is "Earth Reflections" which is a great combo of browns and champagnes. I also lightly dab and blend two spots of the champagne colour right at the inner corners of the eye to further to create a more "awake" eye.

Image source: 1, 2, 4, 5, from Sephora; 3 from Chanel

Wishlist: J.Crew Downtown Field Jacket

It's official - the parkas and wool coats are being put away until next Winter. And perfect timing too since this military-inspired field jacket is calling my name. The length and colour make this a Spring weekend staple, and much more versatile than last summer's denim jacket (personally, I am not a fan of the denim suit). 

I'm already imagining it paired with black cropped skinny pants, a white tee, and a bright statement bag...

Available from J.Crew at 25% off until May 3 with code SpringBest

Image source: J.Crew