If you haven’t noticed already, color is everywhere.  From colorful patterns mixed together, to outfits created through use of color blocking, it seems that this summer will be one of the brightest we have seen. 

Being a gal that tends to dress like Wednesday Adams, this is something I am ready to embrace…for the summer at least.  Below are a few ways to add a little color to your life while taking in the sunshine, fresh-cut grass, and dinners on the patio.

1.) Color Blocking

You will see this everywhere this summer.  Color blocking is creating just that, blocks of color throughout your outfit.  From Gucci to H&M this summer trend is everywhere, and one that works for all budgets. 

image courtest of gucci.com

image courtest of instyle.com

image courtesy of anthropologie.com

Keep in mind that color blocking is for the gal who is ready to embrace our summer of color to the fullest.  Below are a few ideas for some baby-steppers  like me.

2.) Color Patterns

For those of us who are ready to color block just yet, grab a pattern based around bright colors and add to your wardrobe as an add-on to any summer outfit.  This will allow you to rock the color, but ensure you don’t feel out of your element.

Throw on your favorite pair of jeans/jean shorts and this cute blazer below and you’ll be bringing some color to the party.

image courtesy of toryburch.com

 Brunch with the gals? Grab your favorite jean jacket, white cardi, or pair of nude flats and throw on this summertime skirt.  This will do just the trick to ease you into the color.

image courtesy of katespadelookbook.com

 And finally, for those who are still a bit nervous about these bright colors, below are a few options for adding some color to your life bit-by-bit.

3.) Color Makeup

Try Dolce & Gabbana’s new nail color in Shocking. This fuchsia is bright, bold, and just the splash of color you need to step outside of your comfort zone.

image coutesy of dolce&gabana.com

image courtesy of perfumezilla.com

During this break, I know that both sis and I have missed our blog writing terribly.  Writing our entries gives us a chance to talk with each other numerous times a day, immerse ourselves in fashion magazines, blogs and tweets, and step outside of our day-to-day routine to write about something we adore.

You see, since our hiatus began, so many things have happened.  Sis got engaged to a wonderful Irishman and is up to her ears in wedding planning.  She also recently became Assistant Editor at one of Chicago’s incredible luxury magazines. She is running around the Windy City and living her dream.  It has been amazing to watch.  On the other hand, I left my 5-year corporate routine and made the leap of faith to follow my heart.  Now working retail, at the bottom of the totem pole, I can now say that I have never been happier professionally and my outlook on my “dream accomplishing”  possibilities seems endless and optimistic.  With moves on our minds, and “next steps” being the topic of most of our conversations, our sweet To Each Their Own fell by the wayside.  But as the snow melts (for some) and the days seem longer, it only seemed right to log back into the place where we talk about just one thing…fashion.

So, as I listen to The Shins with hopes that you are still there, I am calling my sis to discuss the topic of our next post. 

Sigh…I am happy to be back already.

-Kate

picture courtest of hubpages

While black polish will always have a place in our rotation (there’s something exciting to about wearing an item everyday that was always reserved for Halloween), we’re drooling over this season’s grey offerings. From gunmetal to charcoal to ash to everything in between, this shade is the go-to hue for manicures this fall.

Our pick? MAC’s Nightfall. It’s long-lasting, and the perfect shade to complement an outfit without completely diverting attention from it.

Image courtesy of maccosmetics.com

Scoop it up now, and enjoy!

–Molly

That said, for the next week or so, TETO is going to feature a few of our favorite fall trends, piece by piece. We hope you like them as much as we do!

Our first fall must-have? The Leather Jacket.

From deep blacks leather with zippers galore, to yummy chocolate brown suede, these jackets will not only keep you warm from the crisp fall air, but they’re the perfect accent to any ensemble. Pair em’ with jeans and a plaid flannel, or rock it over a mini dress with some flat ankle boots. We love the versatility of this trend, and how it adds instant edge and a pop of style.

Here, you’ll find a few of our favorites:

Juicy Couture just released their Perforated Leather Jacket in black. It’s classic, timeless, and can be worn with just about anything.

We usually think prep-tastic when it comes to J. Crew, but their  Aberdeen Distressed Leather Jacket is one of our top fall picks. It screams Marlon Brando in Easy Rider, and we love the big ol’ pockets on the front.

Sure, the black leather jacket is classic, but maybe you’d prefer leather with a softer look. Go for a brown or camel version (camel= unbelievably hot for fall) instead. We love this Kenna-T Leather Motorcycle Jacket in Tobacco.

This gray version by Gar-de blends chic (via the gorgeous charcoal gray color) with badass, thanks to zippers and a chunky buckle.

This next gray version, by Mara Hoffman, plays with the neckline, creating a more elegant shape that could easily accompany even the most luxe dress.

Image courtesy of shopsheboutique.com

Finally, the Shrunken Bomber by S.W.O.R.D is a modern take on the classic bomber jacket. We love it’s sexy, body-hugging silhouette.

Okay, YES. These jackets have a pretty high price point. But we’re firm believers that, especially with leather, paying a bit more is the difference between soft, supple, and durable and a crinkly piece that looks faux.

Our advice? Take some of that hard earned cash and hit the stores for the leather jacket that fits your personality and style. It will be well worth it.

–Kate

Written by interior designer Cassandra LaValle, Rooms from the Runway brilliantly takes your favorite looks from designer fashion shows and creates home design based on your preferred styles.  I know!  I couldn’t believe my eyes.  So many times I have found myself looking at magazines, watching fashion shows and basically drooling. And now I can surround myself in that particular aesthetic. Amazing!

Once I found one picture, I simply couldn’t stop. Below are some of our favorite Rooms from the Runway translations.

In the example below, LaValle takes a look from Aquascutum’s fall runway show, and matches it to an actual bedroom to show how to crossover the look.  Who’s bedroom?  It’s actually a TETO favorite, Kate Spade.

Image courtesy of loftlife.com

The next look is LaValle’s translation of Masculine Modern. She took a look from Carlos Miele’s Fall 2009 runway show. Miele paired a classic evening gown with a gray leather jacket, mixing the looks of feminine and masculine, an aesthetic that works beautifully in a dining room.

image courtesy of loftlife.com

The next look comes from 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2010 collection. Lim liberally paired peach and red in a few ensembles. How do you create a comfortable, yet stylish space using the two?

Image courtesy of loftlife.com

And finally, her are a few room that stilled my heart,  I am determined to execute them in my own home.  I am smitten with her translation of Alexis Mabille into a home office, and then of course Chanel and Balmain into a home entryway. Brilliant on every level.

image courtesy of loftlife.com

image courtesy of loftlife.com

image courtesy of loftlife.com

For a few more Rooms from the Runway, check out the loft life blog.

-Kate

Enter the driving moccasin. Sleek and sharp yet casual, it basically encapsulates the ease of summer. For me, it conjures up images of 1960s summer movies, where the heroine hops in a convertible with a scarf wrapped perfectly in her hair for a sunny drive along the coast. Like the ballet flat, it can easily be paired with skinny jeans or a dress, yet adds a more classic, masculine edge to a look. It’s got all the versatility of a penny loafer, with a million times more comfort. Plus, it goes perfectly with the nautical gear that’s all the rage this summer.

The best of the best in driving mocs? The Cole Haan Marcella Driver.

Image courtesy of colehaan.com

Simply gorgeous, the black leather is accented with a metal clasp, adding a little splash of modern to the traditional look, and the split sole is oh so comfy (and perfect for putting the pedal to the metal on those drives up the coast). At nearly $300, the shoe isn’t exactly budget-friendly. But with luxe Cole Haan craftsmanship, and an eminently classic design, a pair of driving moccasins will be a staple in your shoe collection for years to come.

–Molly

Below, are a few of our favorite looks… 

This pink one shoulder dress is perfect for summer nights in the city.  Paired with a head-piece, similar to the one Bradshaw rocks in SATC 2, this is a definite show stopper. 

Image courtesy of Neimanmarcus.com

We chose the dress below as the perfect outfit for a summer time wedding.  We are visualizing huge gold earrings, stacks of gold bangles up the arm, and again…huge gold earrings. 

Image courtesy of net-a-porter.com

Sequins, sequins, and more sequins.  As our readers know, Molly adores the sparkle, which is why we chose the jumpsuit below. We know it’s not for every Midwestern gal, but for those who choose to rock it, sky-high heels will make this amazing piece complete. 

Image courtesy of shop.harveynichols.com

And finally, “there are no words” to describe the orange floor length dress below.  It has a unique 1970′s appeal that will make any gal feel like a queen for the night.  We love this dress. 

Image courtesy of neimanmarcus.com

Happy Shopping! 

-Kate

(Side note: We owe our thank you note appreciation to our Mom. Thanks, Mom, for all the times you made us sit down and write Christmas thank you notes when we wanted to be outside ice skating with our friends.)

Which is why we’re utterly smitten by Suitor, a Chicago-based line of stationery that is chic, sophisticated and adorably clever. Created by Jessica Murnane (one of the kindest and classiest people in Chicago), the collection sees simple phrases pressed onto thick, luxe paper. The weight-y stock paper feels gorgeous in the hand and the simplicity of the design allows your words to stand out. The stylin’ envelopes are a beautiful touch, as well.

Here are a few of our faves:

We love how one word says it all:

Image courtesy of Suitorlife.com

We love the playfulness of the phrasing here:

Image courtesy of Suitorlife.com

Perfect for reaching out when it’s been a while:

Image courtesy of Suitorlife.com

A great note to thank a host/hostess for a lovely visit:

Image courtesy of Suitorlife.com

And finally, one that’s just plain adorable:

Image courtesy of Suitorlife.com

Looking for something with more of a personal touch? Suitor also prints custom cards (including business cards), and with 8 simple fonts to pick from, it’s easy to find a look that radiates your personal vibe.

Visit Suitor to find locations or to order online, then reach out and drop a little dose of happiness into the mail for someone you love! We’re quite positive that you’ll make their day, and who doesn’t love that?

–Molly

To show you Polyvore in action, here are a few style boards I created for some upcoming trips/events:

Soon after we are headed to Laguna Beach with some of our best friends.  For me, you can’t have a beach bag big enough, and a cover up for some late afternoon shopping is a must. And of course, no sunny day would be complete without a classic pair of aviators, like the ones below.

Finally, the style board below is for our nights out in Laguna. On the agenda, we have sushi and drinks by the beach one night, a fiesta and bottle service another and poker and champagne for the last night. I put the three looks below together to give me an idea of what outfits I can be putting together prior to the trip.

So if you have a few minutes to spare, we really encourage you to check this site out. It will really get you thinking of ways you can truly express yourself through style,and in the end, it can really be a great packing organizer as well.

Happy Creating!

-Kate

We know that as the movie release date grows closer, the blogs will be a-buzzin’ with coverage. But while we want to avoid being just one of the crowd, the bottom line is that SATC fans are waiting with bated breath for the movie, and we’d be doing a disservice not to acknowledge it. But rather than plot speculation or character analysis, we’re a style site, so it’s our job to dig into the fashion institution that is SATC. So here, we offer a tag-team style retrospective of our favorite looks from Sex and the City, excitedly knowing there’s more to come.

Kate: One that I absolutely LOVE was when the ladies visited the Playboy mansion while in LA. Carrie rocked a sheer, floor length cover up with a classic black bikini underneath. Sleek yet playful, it was amazing. This is the outfit I think of when driving to yoga, or saying no to a second cupcake.

Image courtesy of Counterfeit Chic.com

Molly: If I looked like Sarah Jessica Parker (read: stick-thin and tan with blond hair), I would wear this dress every single day. I could say it’s because of the innovative design, or because I love the way it wraps about the body like an ace bandage. But let’s be honest: I’d wear it every single day because of the perfectly placed, eye-catching sparkles.

Kate:  I am obsessed with this next Carrie look.  After this episode aired, Gucci fanny packs became a hot trend, and with this ensemble it’s easy to see why.  The striped skit is a perfect fit on Carrie, and the true focal point of the outfit.  With her solid half top (wowza, ridiculous abs) and nude shoes, she looks impeccable.

Image courtesy of wornthrough.com

Molly: This next look is MY TOTAL FAVE. Of all six seasons, plus the movie, hands down. Something about the boldness of these colors together just rocks my world. (Side note: I always thought this was a top/skirt but recently read it is actually a dress.) I love the way the white shoes work in conjunction with the outfit, but not distracting from it at all. The simplicity of the solid colors just screams for a killer accessory, and the big ol’ heart-shaped necklace does the trick.

Kate: I would do anything for this outfit, and I think this could be my #1 Carrie outfits. The Bradshaw Burberry Prorsum fur coat and matching fedora are gorgeous.  The belt cinches it all together, and the over the knee boots is the icing on the cake for this ensemble. She is sleek and truly show-stopping.

Image courtesy of asiancajuns.com

Molly: I realize that the traditional Burberry pattern has been a bit played out, but it’s still a classic, and it still makes me weak in the knees. In this shot, I love how Charlotte uses it as her statement piece here, keeping everything else black– including her purse.

Kate: Charlotte York rocks this dress. While seeing the SATC movie, I know the draw was supposed to be Carrie’s Vivenne Westwood wedding gown, but I couldn’t take my eyes off of the black Zac Posen that Charlotte was wearing. The neckline is traditionally beautiful, but the mermaid bottom and back ruffling made my jaw drop.  It shows her penchant for classic elegance, but kicks it up a notch with a dose of modern fun.

Molly: A vintage tee under a blazer? Adorable. Playful yet polished, it’s a fabulous laid-back look. Plus, I love vintage tees because they can be a great reflection of your personality. One of my personal faves is my vintage-inspired Minnesota North Stars tee, which I love to wear under my black Rag & Bone blazer, thanks to Carrie’s inspiration.

Kate: Carrie’s Season 5 wardrobe was easily one of my faves. In this season, Sarah Jessica Parker debuted a new short bob, and also worked with Pat Fields to cover up her baby bump.  (Throughout this season, Carrie rocks more loose-fitting short dresses, accenting her legs and arms while shying away from her growing belly. In my opinion, the best of the bunch were the looks below: the black sparkly frock and the flowered Marni dress with the white blazer. I also dug the green Juicy Couture dress she wore while in the park with Stanford. That dress started the Juicy Couture terry cloth phenomenon and from that point on, you would see women wearing them everywhere.

Image courtesy of Hbo.com

Image courtesy of tbs.com

Molly: Carrie’s entire season six wardrobe was basically my dream come true. The silhouettes were ultra-feminine and insanely flattering, combining tightly fit bodices with wide skirts, complete with crinolines tucked underneath to make them poof out slightly. Simply gorgeous! Plus, her hair rocked in this season, too.

Molly: Along those same lines, here’s the the “un mille feuilles” dress she was wearing in France when Petrovsky stood her up. Soft, lovely, romantic and UNBELIEVABLE!

Kate: This last outfit is a random choice, but I heart it.  (Please excuse the pics, it was a hard one to find!) In the movie, when the ladies visit New York Fashion Week, Charlotte is super pregnant– but, her outfit is still straight off the runway. Her Valentino jacket, her Gianfranco Ferre dress and Chanel brooch are stunning, but the showstopper for me is the Fendi bag.  Wowza! It far outshines any thoughts of traditional maternity wear. Plus, the bag’s big size provides a nice balance with her tummy!

Molly: Finally, in this look from the movie, I totally dig the clash-y yet complementary patterns of her dress and coat. Plus, the contrast of the feminine floral prints with a small dose of punk rock, thanks to the rough and tough studded belt and dominatrix-esque shoes, is a perfect balance. The leather and studs balance out an overly floral look, and in just accessorizing with a black belt and shoes, it still allows the look to radiate femininity.

What are your favorite looks from the show? Why did you like them? Tell us in the comments! We’re excited to hear your thoughts!