Leopard Print Pencil Skirt

(Pictured above: Topshop Animal Print Jersey Pencil Skirt, $56)

A leopard print pencil skirt is one of those “what if” kind of pieces that taunt you every time you pass one, whether it’s in the store or on someone else on the street. “What if I could pull that off in the office,” you think. Or, “What if I wore that with red shoes?”

Stop the what ifs. For $56 (or even less, if you check other retailers or your local thrift/consignment shops), you’ll be surprised (happily surprised) by the versatility of this animal print skirt in a classic, flattering shape.

My suggestion is to go a little quirky/old-school with the styling. Think Rachel Zoe meets over-accessorized fashion blogger. Big fur coat, big sunglasses, big shoes. For a sleeker look, try a slim-fit turtleneck paired with a skinny belt.

1. Halogen Slim Fit Sweater, $69
2. Chelsea Crew Colette Taupe Micro Suede Wedges, $63
3. Forever21 Blouse, $17
4. H&M Faux Fur Jacket, £40
5. MICHAEL Michael Kors Sunglasses, $98
6. Shop Ruche Crossbody Handbag, $59
7. Fergie Pumps, $90

Leopard Sunglasses

(Pictured above: Aldo Sunglasses, $12)

Chic, fun and a little retro—I have nothing bad to say about leopard sunglasses. They’re the perfect topping off to any outfit and are widely available right now at any price point and in many styles.

Pair a vintage-inspired set of frames like the ones above with an outfit in fun, summer-bright colors like orange, pink or turquoise. If things are getting a little too prim and proper for you, throw on some studded rings and aggressively dark eye makeup. (Don’t forget to wing the eyeliner!)

1. Forever 21 Pyramid Studded Rings, $4.80 
2. Benefit Magic Ink Liquid Eyeliner, $20
3. Miss Selfridge Dress, $68
4. Zara Block Colour Clutch Bag, $36
5. Nine West “Jemmy” Flats, $79

Maxi Dress

(Pictured above: J. Crew Maxi Dress, $98)

Maxi dresses are an instant outfit. All-in-one chic. You don’t need any jewelry, and hell, you don’t need fancy sandals either…a pair of flip flops can work. You’d have to really try to mess up a great maxi dress.

This one from J. Crew looks a bit on-the-yacht-ish and I like that. I like the idea of wearing this on some ridiculous yacht with a huge hat and sunglasses, but the reality is that I’d be more likely to be in my car (still wearing the huge sunglasses, though!), cruising in suburban Maryland, sucking down an iced coffee and hoping I can squeeze in some pool time over the weekend to remedy my ghostly white legs. But wait! I’d be wearing a maxi dress. Chic, comfortable AND it covers the ghostly legs. Perfect.

1. Wavy Hair - Let your hair air dry with a bit of product in it (pick your poison—I prefer a dab of gel and a bit of hair spray) and scrunch a tad as it dries.

2. Target Nicole Lee Handbag, $60

3. Payless Sandals, $17

4. Forever 21 Scarf, $7.80

5. Essie Nail Polish in Status Symbol, $8

6. Vestique Necklace, $18.50

Learn more about From One here.

Feather Necklace

(Pictured above: Urban Outfitters Multi Feather Necklace, $29)

Back before we got our ears pierced, my sister and I loved to go into whatever jewelry store was handy (usually Claire’s in the mall, naturally) and would find the longest, most obnoxiously feathered pair in the store and hold them up to our ears and dream of the day when we could wear them for real. These feathered concoctions seemed so glamorous and stylish: the perfect addition to any outfit. Feathers hanging from your ears! Could anything be more fun? I’ve had a soft spot for feathered jewelry ever since.

As great as feathered earrings are, the feathered necklace is a far more unexpected way to wear this perennial jewelry favorite. At first you may balk at the idea of wearing a crown of feathers around your neck, but I’d argue that done right (like the one above), it looks unique and a little boho-chic—especially when paired with a minimal, classic outfit.

1. Butter London Nail Polish in Cobalt Blue, $14

2. Big Buddha “Pearl” Handbag, $90

3. Lands’ End Boatneck Tee, $24.50

4. Ann Taylor Signature Wide-Leg Marina Pants, $98 [40% off today only, 4/14/11]

5. Forever 21 Bangles, $6.80

6. Seychelles “Sophia” Flats, $79

Learn more about From One here.

Sperry Top-Siders

(Pictured above: Sperry Top-Sider ‘Montauk’ Leather Boat Shoes, $90)

Every few years a shoe classic comes back into mass popularity. (I remember in high school when Birkenstocks became the preppy go-to and then, later, Converse. In between there, moccasins made a reappearance too.)

If you’re wondering what to wear with these slightly masculine, summer-in-Nantucket boat shoes, your best bet is to channel a New England summer vacation style and go for crisp classics with a great fit. Don’t forget your travel journal. :)

1. BDG Linen Fedora, $24

2. Moleskine Travel Journal, $14

3. Forever 21 Necklace, $4.80

4. Forever 21 Tee, $12.80

5. Cooperative Linen Tie-Front Pants (in Navy), $59

6. Aldo “Schwieson” Handbag, $40

7. ASOS Floral Bangles, $18

Learn more about From One here.

Oxford Flats

(Pictured above: Ecote Scalloped Oxfords, $49)

These shoes are a menswear-inspired flat—they have the wearability of the ballet flat, but not the sugary sweet connotations. Oxfords are a tricky shoe to wear, coming off either great or clunky depending on the style. The best versions are sleeker, more refined spin-offs of the familiar menswear oxford.

Whether you wear oxfords with rolled up jeans and a buttondown or something a little more feminine, this versatile shoe style is becoming a staple in closets everywhere. Has it invaded yours yet?

1. Candy Beach Sunglasses, $16

2. Tarte Lip Stain in “Moody”, $24

3. Lulus Retro Polka Dot Dress, $35

4. Cooperative Pebbled Leather Satchel, $68

5. Forever 21 Enamel Bangles, $6.80

Learn more about From One here.

The Side Braid

Let’s start with the ponytail…the easiest of all updos to master. It can look polished, messy, flirty (if worn high up on the head). The problem with the ponytail is that it’s a little boring…a little expected. Enter the side braid. This updo is nearly as easy as the ponytail. It’s surprisingly work appropriate and looks good even if you don’t get every strand in place. Actually, it’s better if it’s falling out a bit. Like Callie said, the side braid is a great reason to grow your hair out.

1. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Smoked Peach, $8

2. Aldo “Forwood” Wedges, $90

3. Forever 21 Dress, $22.80

4. Cooperative “Lady Bag”, $49

5. Oasis Gray Strap Watch, $70

Learn more about From One here.

Chanel Nail Colour in Mimosa (not yet available)

Everyone’s been buzzing about Chanel’s upcoming must-have nail color for spring and summer. The bright, cocktail-inspired color is perfect for hands or toes (or both).

When the weather gets hot this summer, throw on this light, easy dress, a pair of barely-there sandals and show off your newly-minted Mimosa pedicure.

P.S. I’m loving that adorable straw handbag from Aldo as an alternative to the standard straw beach tote!

1. (Throw your hair up in a messy bun!)

2. Aldo Straw Tote, $50

3. Cheap Monday Dress, $70

4. Forever 21 Hat, $10.80

5. Vestique “Chain of Events” Necklace, $21.50

6. Ecote Sandals, $29

Suggest a From One item of your own in the comments! Learn more about From One here.

I’m launching a new feature on the blog! It will (hopefully) be mostly reader submission generated.

To participate in From One, feel free to email me, request in the Ask box or comment on any post with one thing that you’d like to see inspire an entire look. [As always, the look will feature products all under $100.]

If you want an outfit to go with your favorite nail polish, book, handbag, to match a new piece of artwork you have, feel free to suggest it! You can also submit more abstract ideas—like a look inspired by spring flowers (or something like that).

If you have any questions, let me know! I’ll come up with a few examples over the next couple of days so you can see how the final From One posts will look.