opposites attract -- denim and denim.

ATTAINABLE: Ann Taylor Lace Cap Sleeve Peplum Top in Bright Jadeite (also in Lime Soda)

www.anntaylor.com; sale (now) $49.99

I've had major reservations about peplum tops, but I think I've officially turned the corner.  And this one is so charming.  I love the little cap sleeves and the pretty lace fabric, and the color is absolutely stunning.  This top would be so chic with dark jeans and little booties or flat sandals, but equally fabulous paired with pencil skirts and pumps for workdays.

 

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While denim-on-denim may not exactly be an "opposites" look -- in fact, it's the opposite of opposites -- it's a fashion contradiction that I find totally intriguing.  After avoiding the mixed-denim look for years, I'm ready to embrace it for spring.  I've decided that the key is in the contrasting hues and textures of the denim pieces (think: dark jeans and light chambray tops), as well as breaking the look up with standout pieces like scarves and jackets.  And for those of us who are a little more shy when it comes to the look, colored, printed, and white jeans are heaven-sent.

opposites attract -- denim-on-denim. by jfranske featuring embroidered shirts

Wishing you all a lovely weekend!

xo Josie

Thanks to Ann Taylor and Could I Have That? for the photos.

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look the book -- shopbop retro fit 2013.

ATTAINABLE: Banana Republic Shea Wedge in Champagne/tawny brown (also in Army Green, Ultra Yellow, Black, Basic Navy, and Blooming Red)
www.bananarepublic.com; $79 
A great wedge is one of my warm-weather essentials: it's chic and can go from day to night seamlessly.  This slightly sparkly one from Banana Republic is perfect for all of the upcoming spring events in my life, from Father's Day celebrations to weddings.  I love that the wedge and platform provide a little stability (a must when there's grass involved), and the touch of sparkle means that these can be paired with all of my favorite sundresses easily.

I'm more than a little obsessed with the 1950s Rockabilly look this spring.  It's so put-together without being fussy and adds just a touch of rebel to a classic wardrobe, a notion that I am all about.  And the beauty from the era is so fab: the red lips, the curls, the pompadours.  I was absolutely charmed by this glamorous Shopbop lookbook: something about the '50s styling mixed with the greasy-spoon diner vibe was just right.












What campaigns are YOU loving this season?
xo Josie
Thanks to Banana Republic and Shopbop for the photos.

obsessed -- bless'ed are the meek.

ATTAINABLE: Bueno Stripe Canvas Overnighter in Navy
www.target.com; $34.99
Summer is the ideal time for getaways -- road trips, weekend beach runs, day trips to explore new towns.  Thus, a cute overnight bag is a definite warm-weather essential.  I love this Target one: the handles are the perfect length, and it's just the right size to hold a few days' worth of necessities.  The contrast between navy and white is classic and chic, and the canvas material ensures that not only is it stuffable, but it's washable to boot.

I've always wanted to visit Australia -- as far as I can see, there's a lot to love about the continent: the vast difference between the outback and city, the sandy beaches, the gorgeous architecture.  And as far as I'm concerned, it's totally valid to add Add Bless'ed are the Meek to the list.  This Australian brand is the absolute epitome of chic.  Everything is so luxe: touches of leather dress up even the simplest of sundresses, and the draping is positively luscious.  These frocks are perfect for summer; they're light and flirty but still have a bit of an edge.

 
Bless'ed are the Meek Harpoon Dress
www.shopbop.com; $180
As a general rule, I don't find leather to be a particularly comfortable-looking fabric.  However, on this slinky jersey dress, the vertical leather detail looks not only chic but completely in-place.  I love the ruching in the front and slightly sculpted back, and the neckline is nothing short of genius for showing off summer shoulders.

 
Bless'ed are the Meek Anaconda Dress
www.shopbop.com; $170 
A little white dress is a summer essential, and this embellished one is so unique.  The trim at the bottom absolutely steals the show.  The tiny pom-poms are fun without being overworked, and the work done with the sequins to create an intricate pattern is nothing short of phenomenal.

 
Bless'ed are the Meek Foliage Dress
www.revolveclothing.com; $165
This is the epitome of a summer dress: with a soft shape, deep neckline, floaty skirt, and lots of exposed skin, it evokes images of days in Miami sunshine.  I love the modified loaf print and different shades of green, and the simple sheer panel in the back is utter perfection. 


 
Bless'ed are the Meek My Prerogative Dress
www.shopbop.com; $200 
What I love most about this dress is that it truly feels unique.  All the little details come together to create such a fabulous frock.  The sheer panels, the contrast between the edgy bodice and feminine skirt, the leather detail, the exposed back -- none of it should work together, but it simply DOES.

What are YOU obsessed with today?
xo Josie
Thanks to Target, Shopbop, and RevolveClothing for the photos.

entertain me -- pretty packaging.

ATTAINABLE: Banana Republic Mon Cheri Pullover
www.bananarepublic.com; $79.50
I'm SO drawn to graphic tops right now.  Perhaps I'm nostalgic for middle school, when the Abercrombie tees that I wasn't permitted to wear ruled the halls, but the ones I'm loving these days are far more charming and sophisticated.  This Banana Republic sweater is simply so chic.  While, as a fairly casual graphic sweater, it could naturally be paired with jeans or a cute pair of denim shorts, I love how it's been styled with an oxford, pencil skirt, and red lip -- absolutely brilliant.

Spring always seems to be a time for celebrating.  Between Mother's Day this weekend, graduations on the horizon, and weddings coming up, there are ample opportunities for gift-giving -- and isn't it fun to have your present stand out among the present pile?  I've been hunting down fun packaging techniques for wrapping gifts for upcoming events and am thrilled to share several of the cute, creative ones that I've found.

{These DIY neon bows are so simple and stand out beautifully against plain brown paper}

{I think that filling one of these glittery jars with makeup brushes and beauty products would be so festive}

 

{Little brown pouches and baker's twine are perfect for packaging tasty baked goods}

{This may be the easiest DIY wrapping paper I've ever seen, and the glitter is utter perfection}

Wishing you all a lovely weekend -- what big events do YOU have coming up?

xo Josie
Thanks to Banana Republic, How About Orange, A Beautiful Mess, Oh Happy Day, and A Cozy Kitchen for the photos.

pretty things -- tech accessories.

 
COVETING: J. Crew Schoolboy Blazer in Crosshatch Linen
www.jcrew.com; $175
I've loved the J. Crew Schoolboy Blazers for as long as I can remember.  The cut of this jacket is so clean and chic, and they go with absolutely everything.  I've tried them on countless times, in shades ranging from camel to navy, and constantly fall in love.  This spring's version, in a pale blue linen, is truly testing my resolve.  I love the subtle print that reads as a neutral from far away, and the idea of pairing it with dark denim drives me wild -- what a fantastic take on the denim-on-denim look.

Like the rest of the world, I'm fairly connected to my electronic devices.  Not to an unhealthy extent -- at least, I hope not -- but to the degree that they're important enough to me that I want to protect them.  Lucky for me, there are tons of adorable ways to do so.  From phone cases to laptop bags, there's no reason for your electronics to take more than the requisite wear-and-tear, and the bright, whimsical tech accessories out there mean that you can protect your goods in style. 

 
Marc by Marc Jacobs Tootsoe Flower Tablet Case
www.saksfifthavenue.com; $58 
Tablets are undoubtedly delicate, and this bright sleeve from Marc by Marc Jacobs will certainly keep yours protected.  Cushioned to ensure safety, I love this case's bold print, and the contrast between the aqua zipper and orange pattern is positively to die for.

 

Rebecca Minkoff Best Friends iPhone 4 Case Set

www.neimanmarcus.com; sale (now) $37

A little childish?  Perhaps.  But I guarantee that any friend you presented with one of these cases would be off-the-charts thrilled.  The jagged edges of the heart and color palette keep these cases sophisticated rather than bringing to mind the plastic friendship necklaces of first grades past.

Bloomingdale's 13" Laptop Commuter Case

www.bloomingdales.com; $45

I absolutely adore this pretty leather laptop case.  Padded for security, it has both tophandles and a darling shoulderstrap, making it perfectly versatile.  Best of all, of course, is the signature Bloomingdale's logo -- although I won't turn up my nose at the roomy interior pockets, either.

 

Kate Spade Saturday iPhone 5 Case in Good One

www.saturday.com; $25

You heard it here -- I'm totally obsessed with Kate Spade's tech accessories.  I think they're all adorable, from the earmuffs that connect to an iPod to the charming laptop sleeves to the pretty tablet covers.  Kate Spade Saturday holds its own in this market, too, and I think that this iPhone 5 case is the perfect reminder to get you through the day -- especially Mondays, let's be honest.

How do YOU protect your tech?

xo Josie

Thanks to J. Crew, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, and Kate Spade Saturday for the photos.

inspiration -- farmers' markets.

 
ATTAINABLE: Knitted & Knotted Winding Pointelle Cardigan in Red (also in Navy and Green)
www.anthropologie.com; $88 
I'm always on the hunt for a soft, pretty cardigan in the springtime.  They're so perfect to toss on over everything from dresses to shorts to combat chilly breezes and the overzealous air conditioning that constantly plagues buildings this time of year.  This one, by Knitted & Knotted, is too cute.  I love the tie at the waist, and the contrasting knits are darling -- perfect for adding a little extra zest to a spring look.

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There's something about farmer's markets that I find to be so incredibly inspiring (this is my favorite one).  I don't know whether it's the colors or the smells or just the fact that everything is so bright and fresh -- but there's no way I'd rather spend a sunny Saturday than strolling rows of flowers, strawberries, and herbs.  It's the best way to think, as far as I'm concerned.  And while the tasty ingredients lend themselves to creative days in the kitchen, the colors and product also inspire me fashion-wise -- so I've selected some bright, easy spring pieces inspired by my those sunny mornings.

inspiration -- farmer's markets. by jfranske featuring high heel shoes

What's inspiring YOU today?

xo Josie

Thanks to Anthropologie and The Frosted Petticoat for the photos.

good enough to eat -- boozy desserts.

ATTAINABLE: RD Style Vegan Leather Sleeve Knit Tee in Heather Gray (also in White)
www.piperlime.com; $39
There's nothing better than a simple, classic tee -- but I always love ones with a little bit of a twist.  This adorable one from RD Style is utter perfection in my book.  It's just long and slouchy enough to be relaxed, but the leather sleeves are a stroke of genius.  With a statement necklace, this top is totally evening-appropriate, and tucking it into a pencil skirt would elevate the T-shirt to new heights, but it wouldn't be at all out of place with a pair of denim cutoffs and flat sandals.

Although I'm not generally a huge fan of alcohol in desserts (I find that it distracts from the butter and sugar tastes of which I'm incredibly fond), with the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo this weekend, I'm thinking that a booze-infused dessert just may be in order.  Below are several of the options that have intrigued me of late, and I'm certain that each one would make for a fabulous treat this weekend.

 

 

{These Margarita Cupcakes from Brown Eyed Baker would be so fun for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta}

{Just tell me this bourbon-infused apple crisp from Ambitious Kitchen isn't completely drool-worthy}

{Chocolate, coffee liqueur, and sea salt make these Mudslide Cookies from How Sweet It Is a must-try}

 

{These Cherry Old-Fashioned Mini Pies from The Boys Club would be so fresh for spring and include a generous hit of bourbon}

Wishing you all a beautiful spring weekend!

xo Josie

Thanks to Piperlime, Brown Eyed Baker, Ambitious Kitchen, How Sweet It Is, and The Boys Club for the photos.