February pretty much automatically makes me think of lacy little underthings. I’m pretty sure it’s the one-two punch of Valentine’s Day marketing madness and the fact that the last few February’s I’ve worked on wedding blogs, where lingerie was the perfect topic around Valentine’s Day.

One thing it definitely has nothing to do with is wearing or receiving copious amounts of laciness in February. In fact, this Valentine’s Day my husband won’t even be home because some jerkholes thought it was a good idea to schedule a business trip that week. I’m thinking extra chocolate should be necessary to make up for that one.

Still, this February has me kind of longing for some pretty in my life. Lingerie is one of those things that doesn’t really matter if anyone sees it or not. You feel better just by slipping it on.

I’m not talking about anything over-the-top. I have two kids and there are parts of me (mostly in the abdominal region) that I don’t really want to see the light of day. They’re much better under wraps, thank you very much. But that’s OK. You can still feel and even be sexy without serving the goods up on a silver platter.

When it comes to buying new things versatility is key in my book. If I’m going to drop money on something, you better believe there are a variety of different ways I can wear it and unlimited places where I can prance around in it. I’d much rather get rid of my debt or buy things for my girls than dump money on something with a limited shelf life.

That said, I decided to start a new series on versatile pieces that can work for just about anywhere. I’ve enlisted the help of my super-talented sister, Michele Frechette, to sketch out the looks for me.

Today, we’re talking motorcycle jackets.

Let me start by saying that I’m all for the faux stuff here. It’s less expensive, kinder to other living things (hey, cows!), and there are plenty of high quality options out there.

I’m more than a little obsessed with the styles that have wide lapels and zipper details. While it might sound surprising, you can absolutely wear this style of jacket just about anywhere.

Feminine with an edge

Going on a much-needed date night with the hubs and getting all dressed up in a lacy, feminine dress? Give it a little bit of edge by putting a motorcycle jacket on top and pair it up with some spiked heels and a sparkly clutch. It adds a little kick of style without detracting from your dressiness.

If you’re afraid the jacket won’t go over well with your company (ie set-in-her-ways grandma at your cousin’s wedding), you can always remove the jacket when you go inside. At least you’ll know you looked fierce on your way in!

Shop Feminine with an edge

 Weekend casual

Heading out for a cup of coffee on your day off? A motorcycle jacket is a no brainer if you want to feel like you put in a smidge of effort. It’s totally on trend and totally easy. All you need is your favorite jeans and a t-shirt with a pair of your comfiest flats. Bonus points for an animal print infinity scarf and a messy top knot (a couple of my other obsessions).

Very little thought, very little effort, but lots of style.

Shop Weekend casual

Business friendly

Don’t think you can pull off a motorcycle jacket at work? While it might not fly in all areas of business, there are plenty of places where you could easily wear one in place of a blazer. The key here is keeping the rest of your look very professional. A button-down shirt, tailored pants, and maybe a fun pair of oxfords would be perfection.

I almost (almost) wish I had an in-house job again so I could try it out. But then I remember how much I like setting my own hours and mid-day cuddle sessions with my babies and I realize I’d rather leave it to other ladies to try.

Shop Business friendly

What do you think? Do you agree with me on the motorcycle jacket’s versatility or do you think I’ve lost it?

clockwise from top left: white, cobalt, hot pink, black, blush, blue

I always swoon a little when I see a pair of lace shorts, whether in a store or online–especially when said shorts have pretty scalloped edges. There’s something so feminine and pretty and somewhat unexpected about them. I guess it’s that you expect to see lace on lingerie and the occasional camisole, but shorts? Not so much.

Some people find them a little much. They think they’re a little too much like lingerie. I’m not about to traipse around town in lace hot shorts, but if they’re long enough I’m all for them.

Still, I don’t own a pair–yet.

Where do you fall on the lace shorts continuum? Are you a lace shorts cheerleader or do you think they’re just for harlots?

Whenever the temperature starts to rise and bare feet no longer means frostbite, I find myself on a hunt for bohemian pieces. There’s something about golden rays of sunshine and feeling a warm breeze on your skin that releases your inner hippie, don’t you think? It just makes me want to wear flowy skirts and flowers in my hair.

This is a major reason why, when we were putting together the first issue of our bridal magazine (a summer issue), we decided to do a bohemian photo shoot. We chose flowy, laid back dresses, piled on bracelets and big floral hairpieces (which I made!). The result was a gorgeous spread that even non-brides can look to for inspiration.

Since way back in December I shared my list of to-dos for 2012 with you, I thought I’d share some of the fabulous photos from my first big styled shoot!

photographer: JacPfef for Bijou
makeup: Meredith Hayman
stylist: Jen Garry

Are you drawn to bohemian fashion as much as I am?

Jonathan Adler bank / Valentino dress / Cole Haan sandals / My Bearded Pigeon pillow Calypso St. Barth skirt / House of Harlow 1960 necklace / Anthropologie coffee table