We’ve Got Your Basics Covered

When filling out any wardrobe we can’t emphasize the importance of basics enough. They’re not the most exciting addition to your closet, but trust us, they’re the most essential. We’re talking your solid, jersey knit tee, maxi, cardigan, your go-to when you’re running behind but still want to feel put together. They need little more than a great pair of shoes and accessories to dress up or down, a crucial detail for any time-crunched fashionista.

Sure you can purchase a few v/crew-neck tees and call it a day, but how about some basics with a little attitude? Well you’re in luck, because that’s just what Cerato and Kristin Hassan teamed up to accomplish. The result: a collection of classics you’ll be intermixing in your current wardrobe for some time (talk about a great investment!).

The ideas leading up to its inception are pretty short and sweet. After combing the fashion market for a line indicative of both Cerato and their ever-confident consumer, they felt nothing quite made the cut. Thus, they began throwing around the idea of creating their own. After months of hard work and a string of obstacles, we are happy to announce the arrival of our very own apparel line!

We’ll be officially launching this Friday for our 2^nd Anniversary party! Stop by and check out our twist on the typical basic. You’ll want one in every color!

Concert-Chic at Cerato Boutique

The end of Coachella’s two-week stretch only means one thing: our much-desired spring/summer concert-hopping is on the horizon. When talking concerts there are always a few reasons we can’t wait to get our hands on some serious outdoor concert tickets (actually, any tickets for that matter). Those reasons begin and end with fashion, though we may be a little bias. The dress dotting the crowds and swaying to the electric beat is just about as hot as the music blasting from the sun-drenched speakers. We all know music and fashion, hand in hand, strolled off into the sunset some time ago. Below is our tribute to their everlasting entanglement.

If you’re looking for concert comfort, try a refined version of a typical backstage boho look. The skirt and top look exudes effortlessness, but still feels put together. There’s a lot of arm-candy going on in this picture, but that’s the beauty of these muted hues, pops of color pair almost seamlessly.

We love a good contrast pairing, especially when blended with a texture. This outfit screams sheer elegance (literally) as well as edge and the floor length lace is to-die-for. Topped with a white mesh back tee, this look is more than ready for the sweetly cool melody of St. Vincent (if you haven’t heard of her, check her out here—she’ll even be in Chicago in a few weeks!).

This last ensemble is definitely for the updated, hippy-chic in all of us. Long maxi dresses are the perfect canvas for a retro-inspired wrap cardigan. If you’re a little less adventurous, try a black maxi, but we love a bold sweep of green. Layer a few long necklaces and some round sunnies and you’ll look Lollapalooza bound.

What We Picked:

Left: Top: Karen Zambos; Skirt: Jack by BB Dakota

Middle: Dress: Robbi & Nikki; Cardigan: C/FAN

Right: Top: Robbi & Nikki; Skirt: Young

Obsessed with Jess

Judging by her clothing style outside of the show, we’re guessing Zooey Deschanel has a lot to do with the quirky, ultra feminine looks her character Jess dawns in New Girl. We find the pattern mixing, high-waisted skirts and bright ballet flats a refreshing approach to our everyday. Style doesn’t always have to be safe or even chic; it can just as easily be playful and experimental. The best part about this: you’ll never end up wearing the same thing twice. And as a bonus, you’ll never have to worry about blending into the drab, depressing nature of an urban sprawl. So, in honor of our obsession with the daring dress of our favorite fashionable TV character, we’ve created three looks from Cerato that exude her bubbly, carefree sense of style.

Our first look incorporates the often-recreated high-waisted shorts, tights and cheeky prints Zooey’s character wears on the show. We adore this combination for its ease and versatility. With the addition of a few accessories and stepping into a wedge or heel, this ensemble can be transformed from day to night effortlessly.

Cardigans seem to be a staple for Zooey on and off the screen. Rarely do we see her wearing dresses without one. We think it’s the best way to add a layer of conservatism without making an outfit feel overly stuffy. Her dress/cardigan pairings are never boring, however, mixing in metallic or patterns via belts and accessories. This look is preppy, but cute, playful, but classic.

It wouldn’t be right to pull outfits for Zooey or her character Jess without considering the high-waisted skirt. We mostly find her rocking a shorter hemline, flats and long-sleeves, a style decision that never seems tired or overplayed. We specifically picked this candy striped skirt in bubblegum, because frankly, it couldn’t scream “Zooey” any louder if it had a mouth. We imagine she’d go for a basic long-sleeve knit and bright blue flats.

*All Jess-inspired looks are available at Cerato Boutique (with the exception of the high-waisted Marc Jacobs shorts). Shop these looks in store or online, here.

Three Ways to Wear Eskell

We love flowers—getting them, growing them and of course, wearing them. Fun and feminine, florals always manage to find their way into spring and summer trends, but we always love when they’re designed with a bit of edge. Eskell’s silk, floral prints are exactly what we’re talking about. Rather than going the all-over, ultra feminine (could’ve been your grandmother’s wallpaper in a past life) route, Eskell specifically places their richly hued sprawls of flowers. The doily-esque delicacy of flowers has been kicked up a notch with sharp gestures and bold floral choices. In addition, we adore the choice of black, which acts as another layer of contrast.

Little creativity is often given to dressing up or down a dress (simply change a shoe here and add a stack of bangles there), but we’re going to show you some options that you perhaps haven’t thought of. Even though this dress is silk with a chiffon overlay, surprisingly enough, it can still be worn during the day. We like the idea of dressing this floral piece down with a breezy, asymmetric cardigan, canvas booties and round sunnies. We just love how much the oatmeal color softens the edginess of this floral creation.

The best part of a dress is how easily it can go from day to night. Eskell’s Hannah dress has “drinks with friends” written all over it (well, not literally). A night on the town always calls for femininity sprinkled with a bit of edge. And in lieu of this concept, we’ve paired this sweetly silky number with a structured black leather biker jacket. We chose this one specifically for its low-key hardware (you don’t actually want to look like you just jumped off your Harley). Try a suede peep toe pump (a classic feminine touch) and a chunky, vintage-inspired necklace to finish off your rocker-chic look.

This piece is of course perfect for the office, lightweight and formal, but unique (you should never resort to a tired pant suit when options like this Eskell dress exist). To keep this look from saying, “Hey guys, I’m going to the martini bar across the street after work,” try simple, delicate accessories and shoes. A great black flat (look for a distinct, structured loafer) and delicate statement necklace pull this look together without spilling into “nightlife” territory. The double-breasted trench coat in cream is just another layer of dimension, softening the black and further balancing the business-professional. We love an opportunity to make your work wardrobe feel fresh and creative.

Get the Look: Eskell Hannah Dress (available at Cerato Boutique or shop online, here.)

OTR: Cardigan: Zadig et Voltaire; Shoes: Rag & Bone; Sunglasses: Selima Sun for J. Crew

GNO: Jacket: Warehouse; Shoes: Classiques Entier; Necklace: J. Crew

WW: Coat: Orla Kiely; Shoes: Madewell; Necklace: J. Crew

Polished to Perfection

These are some of the hottest new colors coming out of Essie for spring and we’re in complete awe! Tangerine, lilac, soft peach, it’s like they read our spring-ready minds! And what better way to celebrate their arrival than by finding the best pieces to pair with our favorite shades.

Our first polish pair features Essie’s “A Crewed Interest,” a luminous peach with a little attitude. We think this color epitomizes subtle surprise, which is why we’ve chosen to wear it with the Oxmo striped cardigan; small brassy buttons and camel hued elbow patches prove it’s all in the details.

Tangerine, tangerine, tangerine. It’s everywhere this spring and we couldn’t be happier with Essie’s contribution, “Orange It Obvious.” Such a striking color will be hard to miss—and so will you—when you wear it with our new Karen Zambos Jane Dress. Wear it as pictured or turn it to the side for an instant one-shoulder dress!

You can never go wrong with a touch of shimmering lilac. Such a feminine color, Essie’s “To Buy or Not to Buy” is our flawless remedy for adding allure to an otherwise neutral outfit. As a refined take on an unconventional color, we suggest pairing this shade with the just in Oxmo shift dress in champagne and polka dot.