Up The Wattage

Live life colorfully, but dress in black and white. There's something familiar yet fresh about this dual-colored look. A patriotic-tinged star print and a Lolita-esque bow up the wattage on what could've veered into basic black-and-white territory.

Given the 70-degree weather in the forecast, today's outfit feels right on target for a spring style statement. If the pants are a bit loud for your comfort zone, opt for a print-free black wide-leg style for a similar effect. But, remember reader, life is short. Try the freakin' star print! 

RED Valentino top, $367  /  Chloé bag, $890  /  Max Mara wide-leg pants, $745  /  Gianvito Rossi shoes, $623

The Other Tom

Don't get it twisted: I love Tom Ford. I've already waxed poetic on his genius so I'll spare the repeat offense here. I may live for Mr. Ford but am always peeved that the other Tom - Thom - gets the cold shoulder from fashion. I'm talking about Thom Browne - the wildly eccentric genius who spins something as simple as a wool cardigan into a story of a farflung, dystopian fantasia.

Thom's vision carries a whiff of the artistic proclivities that the late Alexander McQueen was admired for and his penchant to clash cultural touchstones and dissonant ideas into one collection calls to mind the beauty of Miuccia Prada. 

I wait impatiently like a toddler for the Tooth Fairy when it comes to Thom Browne's haunting fashion shows but it isn't just his storytelling that makes him the visionary designer he is. It is the way he takes the concepts of the catwalk and churns them out into accessible commerce.

Yes, a warped Wizard of Oz-meets-Geisha collection is out there. But then he strips down the dramatics of the runway and crafts wearable apparel that has the feeling of that collection. Browne doesn't water down his vision when selling his wares but gives everything his Midas touch - even something as assumedly simple as a turquoise polo. 

This outfit was inspired by Vogue editor Kelly Connor - again! Her drool-worthy collection of Thom Browne fuels many a fashion fantasy of mine. And - after quite a bit of legal style stalking - I see she lives for a good pair of Vans and a classic Hermès Birkin. So I tossed those into the mix because my goal in life is to be as cool as Connor.

Thom Browne cashmere polo, $1,220  /  Seafarer jeans, $102 (was $235)  /  Hermès bag, $9,200  /  Vans sneakers, $55

You Gon' Hear Me Roar

This roaring tiger-knit sweater makes me want to shout that good ole' Katy Perry anthem from the nearest mountaintop (is there a mountain close to Manhattan?!). Yup, it's that good. I already talked excessively of my Gucci obsession so it comes with no shock that I'm living for this fab feline sweater. Paired with this bohemian beauty of a bag (it's Saint Laurent!), chunky brown wedges and lightly-distressed denim, this is the easy breezy lemon squeezy, throw-on-and-go outfit you've been dreaming of.

Gucci sweater, $950  /  Saint Laurent jean, $890  /  Saint Laurent bag, $1,990  /  Aquazzura wedges, $675  /  Gucci belt, $420