Summer sneakers

Bensimon sneakers are the French girls' Converse. I bought my first pair for our honeymoon, and I've worn them every summer ever since. They look cute with jeans, shorts and dresses; and you can slip them on quickly when holding a wriggly baby. Well, Bensimon just released a limited-edition set of pastel colors for spring, made exclusively for Madewell. Aren't they lovely? (P.S. My big-foot size has already sold nut, so hurry if you'd like a pair!)
(Top photo by The Singular; bottom layout by Jennifer Hagler for Cup of Jo)

Emerson Fry's new spring collection

Emerson Fry (formerly known as EmersonMade) is the fantastic fashion line based in New York City. They just launched their spring/summer collection, and it's gorgeous. Emerson's clothes are the type of breezy, chic clothes I always dreamed I'd wear when I grew up. Oh that orange dress! Be still my heart. Check it all out here. xoxo

(Please note: Emerson Fry is one of my beloved sponsors, but this isn't a sponsored post. Thank you! xoxo)

Summer dress

Although this looks like a skirt and tee, it's actually a summer dress. How easy (and feminine!) to wear all the time, from picnics in the park to romantic dinners--and you could just stuff it in a suitcase for traveling. Wouldn't you love to live in it this summer?

Which color would you choose? (Pink is my fave.)

Accidental twins

Yesterday afternoon was sunny and gorgeous, so Toby and I met friends at Washington Square Park. Everything was going swimmingly...until I realized that I was dressed exactly--exactly--like my friend's four-year-old son. I sometimes tease myself for dressing like a ten-year-old boy, but I guess I was six years off. :)

P.S. I need to wear these wedges.

(Photo by my friend Ashley)

Do or don't: Vests

Vests used to confuse me. When would you wear one? I wondered. If it's cold, you want sleeves. If it's hot, you'll just wear your T-shirt. Although they looked cute, vests seemed random and unnecessary.
Until Alex got one. Now I totally get it.
Here's the funny magic of vests: Do you sleep cuddled under the covers, but always stick one leg out? Or keep the window open so your nose gets cold? So it feels both cozy and refreshing? That's what a vest feels like!!!

It's perfect for spring and fall days, or cool summer evenings. Tomboyish and laid-back. I love it. The vest we have is sold out, but this Barbour vest is similar; and also this Belstaff one is super chic. Have you ever worn a vest?
(My jeans are Emerson Fry and boots are Loeffler Randall)

Good news

I very rarely post about sales, but this is too awesome: The rad British store ASOS has agreed to give Cup of Jo readers a whopping 20% off all full-priced items from today until Sunday, with the code ACUPOFJO.

Don't you love the spring trend of pastels? I'm eyeing mint jeans and this adorable dress. But I'm most psyched to finally order a pair of Swedish Hasbeens, which I've been lusting after for years!!! The cutest girls always seem to wear them; they're comfy to walk in, make your legs look miles long and never seem to go on sale. Thanks so much, ASOS. xoxo

(Spend up to $895; U.S. orders only; single use per customer and cannot be used in conjunction with another discount code; code good until this Sunday at 8pm EST.)

Parisian wedges

Jordan posted about these peep-toe wedge sandals this week, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about them. Since you walk everywhere in New York, I usually wear sneakers or flats, but wedges make your legs look longer, your silhouette slimmer, and your posture somehow straighter (don't you always seem to walk more gracefully in heels?). I ordered the green pair and am looking forward to a more feminine spring:) Thanks, Jordan!

(Photos by Jordan and Paul)