Mustard? Don't let's be silly.

Sorry folks, I couldn't resist an opportunity to quote from Alice in Wonderland. In all seriousness, mustard's star has been on the rise since Michelle Williams took our breaths away at the 2006 Oscars. Since then, the bold and surprisingly flattering color has held its own both on the red carpet and on the streets. Since yellow was one of my favorite go to colors this summer, it's no surprise I'll be turning to mustard to keep that glow through the fall.

My first foray into mustard... 

Sorry for the poor photo quality, I'm clearly mirror/lighting challenged!
(Top-Charlotte Russe, Necklace- Forever 21, Skirt- Ebay)

The Celebrity Muses 

 Michelle Williams in Vera Wang, still one of my all time favorite red carpet looks.

Diane Kruger can do absolutely no sartorial wrong in my eyes, and neither can Jason Wu. His marigold hued gown really pops against Diane's fair skin and red lips.

Emmy Rossum struts her stuff in a cinched marigold number.

Melissa George is a golden goddess on the red carpet...

and equally lovely sporting the shade at Fashion Week.

Eva Mendes is flawless in this strapless Cynthia Vincent dress -the perfect complement to her bronzed skin. 

Eva Longoria elongates her petite frame with this sleek sunny dress.

If you're like me and have few occasions to wear an amazing gown, fear not. I went on a hunt for equally gorgeous, yet far more versatile mustard ensembles. I hope these great looks inspire you as much as they've inspired me!

Street Wear 

Isn't she gorgeous? My friend Tori has fantastic personal style. I adore the unexpected pairing of a satin mustard blouse with a lovely green high waist skirt. Not only does she do style better than most, she even has her own tea shop and  brand! If you live in the Bay Area, I highly recommend popping into Satori  for a cup!

How adorable is fellow blogger Natasha in this vintage frock? I'd wear this in a heartbeat!

Another look I would love to duplicate. Krystal calls it, "Ketchup and Mustard." I call it perfection.

It's hard to believe thepetiteblogger's luck in finding this vintage dress in her mom's closet. The military style of the dress is spot on this season, as are the gold and black accessories she pairs it with.

Unfortunately, I can't remember where I found these lovely ladies, but check out the mustard shift dress on the left. Red lips, lace tights and a vintage hat make for one stand out party look.

Neutral accessories are the perfect frame for Sydne's Forever 21 find.

Don't you love how Debye of Modestly Styled. Modestly Me. contrasted a golden cardi with a vibrant lilac tweed skirt?

She's done it again. Michelle Williams looks positively demure in a spicy mustard frock at the Venice Film Festival.

So much fresher than "just another black pea coat." Lauren Conrad, can I please live in your closet for just one day?

The same goes for you Taylor!(In my mind, we're on a first name basis)

Rachel Bilson, another style fave, puts a slightly tougher twist on daytime mustard, with a leather jacket, ray bans and opaque tights.

 Sarah M. gives a classic look major pop with a mustard cardigan (and the sassy poses don't hurt). 

Chictopia's Lulu has a fresh easygoing take on the yellow hue.

If you're still not fully convinced that mustard is for you, why not ease into the look with one of these great accessory ideas? 

I love me some Miss Dior Cherie, and adore the sunny shades in their ad campaigns!

I'm still beyond bummed that I didn't score a pair of Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges before they sold out, but I can't hold that against the cutie behind I am Style-ish.

When does Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere not look incredible? I love how the pink head scarf and bold shoes transform this outfit into a look.

If you love shopping at Anthropologie, I highly recommend familiarizing yourself with Cat of Anthrosdottir fame. Her Anthro reviews are always right on the mark, just like her fashion sense.  Mustard wrap sandals are the cherry on top of an adorable outfit.

Which is your favorite mustard look? Is mustard a color you've already incorporated into your wardrobe? If not, do you plan on making it one?

Suede in the Shade

Despite having spent the past weekend clad in bikinis and cotton dresses, I'm now seriously yearning for heavier fabrics like suede. More specifically? Suede shoes.

I'm eagerly anticipating the day Aldo introduces half sizes for people like me, but I might be willing to sacrifice comfort in exchange for these stunner's perfect mink shade and unique Art Deco detailing. 

These Nine West pumps stopped me in my tracks today at Nordstrom,. It probably doesn't hurt that I've wanted studded heels since my first pair of Candy's (I was 16, don't judge me). As much as I love the garnet shade, I would be more tempted by the nude version with gold studs (picture currently unavailable).

Both shoes are sexy and unique in their own right, but which do you prefer?

Love her look

There are few things I love more than stumbling across a blogger with a great personal aesthetic. As soon as I found Le Blog de Sushi (think Alice in Wonderland's stylish brunette sister), I spent hours pouring over her site's archives. Since she's home based in Australia, her winter is our summer and vice versa. So, although some of my favorite looks of hers are about 8 months old, they're impressively on point and have definitely given me ideas for transitioning my own summer wardrobe into the fall. P.S. Must find that bow belt, stat!

I find it somewhat infuriating that although I own most of the pieces making up this outfit, I would never have been clever enough to combine them on my own.

Chanel inspired shoes, Rodarte lace, the perfect shade of blue, and a bow belt, bought from Topshop, Target and Ebay respectively. No surprise she's my new style crush!

A more recent outfit combines my favorite polka dot tights, a gorgeous peach organza skirt, and a timeless trench for a look both ethereal and surprisingly practical.  

Rivals in Rodarte

I have to share "The Black Swan" trailer again, because it is just THAT good. If this doesn't give you chills, you may want to check for a pulse. Be sure to pay attention to the film's gorgeous ballet costumes, designed by the genius sisterly duo behind Rodarte. You know where I'll be December 1st.

Drown Me in Dots

In case you haven't noticed, I recently went off the deep end for dots. Never one to discriminate, I'm equally obsessed with both the polka dot and her diminutive sister the pin dot. Well it looks like I'm not the only one! Check out how adorable Ms. Lauren Conrad looks in this little Anthropologie number.

Buy it here if you lack self-control like I do.

Everything about this Brigitte Bardot look is perfection, especially that pin dot pencil skirt.

I have a love/hate relationship with J. Crew's creative director, Jenna Lyons. I love the gorgeous direction she's taken the retailer in, but I hate not being able to afford every single item (especially you, you darling little skirt, you). For maximum impact, I would pair this blouse with a mustard pencil skirt.

Thanks to all of you who sent me great feedback over the past week. Many of you mentioned an interest in starting your own blogs. My best (and perhaps most clichéd) advice, is to just go for it! I guarantee that its easier than you might think, and can be extremely cathartic. Just be sure to let me know when you do so that I can be one of your first followers. Have a great holiday weekend!

Covet

I have been yearning for the perfect pair of leopard pumps for the past few months. Well as it turns out, all the perfect pairs of pumps in this world cost half my rent. Yep, not happening. In the mean time I will just have to settle for staring at pretty pictures of my favorite costly pairs while scheming up ways to wear them.

These swoon worthy Christian Louboutins can be purchased here.

Apparently I'm not the only blogger dreaming in leopard.

  Thanks to Fabsugar, I haven't been able to get the irreverently sexy pairing of leopard pumps and a red dress out of my head. 

 And just so we're clear, these are not what I have in mind (and will set you back $741 dollars!)

Have you been similarly eluded by something on your wish list?

Finishing Touches

I wish I had the luxury of spending my days a little more like Kelly Brook here.

See more of Kelly here.

But, since my life consists of very few high heeled bike rides (and even fewer Victoria's Secret caliber hair days) I find that surrounding myself with pretty aesthetic touches, even when they're hidden under a desk, can help take the monotony out of the 8-5 routine.

I love the contrast between these playful Forever 21 bangles and a masculine Michael Kors watch.

The cut out details on these Betsey Wedges always put a smile on my face.

A silk scarf gives pop to my otherwise neutral handbag.

Last year I feared polka dot tights were a bit too chicken pox chic for my tastes. But this year when the weather starts cooling down I'm going to incorporate this cute look from Ann Taylor into a few of my work ensembles. Check out the full look here.
 

Further evidence that I must introduce polka dot tights into my rotation stat! (along with those metallic peep toes, quilted bag, and...you get the picture)

What are your tricks for avoiding feeling drab during the work week?