Settling into spring
Spring has always been a season that I’ve never paid much attention to. I think it’s due to the weather in Chicago remaining relatively chilly for such a long time after the season “officially” begins, I’m always ready to jump right into summer. I am beginning to take time out to notice to beauty of spring. I took the picture above and the picture below while I was walking to grab some lunch:
The only fashion confusion that I encounter during this season is that I never really know when it’s appropriate to wear open-toe shoes without hosiery. Instead, I just defaulted to my newish pair of oxfords, which are really starting to show some wear and tear.
What do you love about Spring?
A work in progress: dressing it up
I am still working on feeling comfortable and becoming healthier as I once was eons ago. I’m eating much better and go to the gym semi-regularly. One question still lingers: what do you do in the meantime? Changes don’t occur overnight and if you feel comfortable in the skin your are in, there are ways to make adjustments.
That’s why I’ve decided that the majority of my Spring/Summer will be spent in dresses and skirts.I think that will be a first for me as I can be an everyday pants type of girl. However, I’ve decided that I don’t want to spend the majority of my time stretching my waistband to note any changes or lamenting when a pair of pants don’t fit just right. You are much more flexible with dresses since you can belt them, cinch them or wear them loosely.
During my online hunt for vintage dresses, I was perusing the Dear Golden Vintage shop and listening to music. Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon” (the song about an old Welsh witch, according to Ms. Stevie Nicks), when I came across a dress with a very pretty print. I looked at the name and saw that the dress was named…Rhiannon! Need I say more? I instantly brought the dress and wore it for the first time yesterday:
I wore the dress with a pair of leggings, belt and an older pair of Aldo boots. It’s pretty sheer, so I’d always have to wear a tank/camisole underneath, but otherwise, I absolutely adore this dress. Plus, it fits right in with my new outlook on wearing dresses/skirts only until…well, I guess until I just don’t feel the need to anymore.
What do you like to wear when you want to feel most comfortable?
And a Happy Easter to you, too.
I honestly forgot how much fun it can be dressing up for Easter. When I was a little girl, my mother took much delight in dressing me up on Easter Sunday, color coordinating my hair ties and sending me off to church with my dad. I didn’t grow up in a deeply religious household and we were what I’d like to call “fair weather Christians” since we only went to church on Easter and Christmas.
Now, my parents and I meet up for Easter brunch each year. Although we don’t do the church celebration and have simple brunch, I still enjoy dressing up for the occasion.
I had a different dress mind than what I wore today, but er, things weren’t working out too well. This old dress from The Limited has always worked well as a backup for that very reason. The gray tights were also meant for the other dress, but I was running late and my mother is very mindful of what time proper brunch begins, so I had to go. Ditto with the necklace. I threw on my Jeffrey Campbell 99 wedges for comfort.
How is your holiday? I hope that you are having a wonderful Sunday afternoon!
Looking Back: My Style Inspiration
Do you ever feel like you’ve “lost your way” and need a bit of inspiration? Do you find yourself second-guessing your style or in a rut and instead throw on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt because it’s easier than working on your own personal style?
Is it just me?
I’m not very referential in terms of magazine editorials. I don’t tear out pages, but instead save random pictures in a folder if I feel that an image is inspiring–but they are rarely editorial images. However, I’ve kept the September 2003 issue of Vogue magazine with me since it first hit the stands. It went away with me to each of my college dorms, back home for a brief period and my first two apartments. All because a portion of an editorial featuring Nicole Kidman has always been my source of inspiration.
I honestly thumb through this issue at least once a month. It’s still as fresh to me now as it was back in ’03, when I was just entering college. When I go shopping, flashes of these pages appear in my mind as a reference and although it doesn’t dictate my style, it’s a wonderful source of inspiration.
Are there any images that inspire you? Any specific editorials that you continue to reference? Pictures?
She’s Got the Look: Diana Orving’s S/S 2010 Collection
Over the last couple of days, I’ve found myself periodically glancing at Diana Orving’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection on her website.I am a recent convert, after accidentally coming across a pair of her pants on sale for a ridiculous price. After more avid searching, I was led me to this gorgeous kimono coat, which is also on sale:
Orving’s Spring/Summer 2010 Collection exemplifies pretty much what I would wear if I were to go for an entire “look” from one designer. The prints, the draping and the styling are perfection in my view. Here are some of my favorite pieces from her Spring/Summer 2010 collection:
Kimono jacket image from Oogaboogastore. Spring/Summer 2010 collection pictures from Diana Orving website.
Spring is here, but I’m not ready.
Spring is here and it appears that I’ve missed the memo. Instead of getting ready to wrap the belt of my newly altered trench coat around my waist, I’m still trotting around in my vintage wool winter coat. And I’m still wearing boots–but the Uggs are retired since the snow has disappeared, I swear!
I’m also in a transitional phase where I am throwing out A LOT more than I am going to be bringing in. I want to edit my wardrobe drastically and only have a few outfits for the seasons (basically Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter) in my closet. The trips to H&M and Zara for “fast fashion” items are going to be coming to an alarming halt.
If it’s vintage? Well, I’m beginning to become more comfortable in buying vintage clothing. I’ve found some great online vintage shops lately such as Dear Golden Vintage and Cherry Bloom Vintage, amongst others.
These are just some of the thoughts that are running through my head as I am planning what to wear for spring. I don’t really have a “look” in mind and there really isn’t a source of inspiration. It’s all based on what I like and what I feel will fit the best. I’ve already got the trench and I’m thinking easy fitting dresses, harem pants or loose trousers, simple tops and oxfords.
This warmer weather has once again stirred up my desire to buy a new bicycle to ride around town. The idea is a bit out of the realm seeing that I have no room in my apartment for storing a bike. I just chalk it up my jealously gazing at the bike commuters on the way home from work, soaking up the gorgeous sun and getting exercise while I’m sitting in my car with my sun visor down in bumper to bumper-traffic. Yeah.
How is your wardrobe for Spring coming along? Do you have any items planned or are you just winging it?
Image Sources: WeHeartIt, Soia&Kyo, Permanent Vacation, SSense
Audey Fall 2010 Collection & Bridal Collection Debut
On Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending the Audey Fall 2010 and Bridal Collection debut show. I’ve previously written about Jess Audey’s line of adorable, whimsical dresses, so I was stoked to have the opportunity to finally view them in person.
Bold prints and classic silhouettes dominated the Fall collection. Overall, I thought it was a good progression from what I’ve seen of her Spring 2010 line. One of my favorites? An adorable mustard yellow fall coat over a brown print dress.
I also thought her bridal collection debut was just as strong. The color was classic white with a twist of modernity as models danced up and down the runway. Bridal is a natural direction for the Audey line given that I always felt that her regular dresses would be great for guests at a wedding or bridesmaids.
Here are my photos from the Fall 2010 collection:
And here are pictures from her bridal collection:
My newly discovered gem: Chie Mihara shoes
I admit that I am quite limited in my knowledge of the vast array of shoe brands out there. I pretty much stick to my tried and true brands that have gained my trust over the years. I’ll occasionally try out a new brand, but there is always lingering skepticism.
So when a friend suggested that I check out shoes by Chie Mihara, I told her I would oblige, but I was still reserved.
After one visit to the website and after browsing through each section, I became a fan. I know I’m way late to the party, but I’m glad that I did show up.
The brand, named after its creator, was born in late 2001. Mihara designed for Sam and Libby and Charles Jourdan before striking out on her own and creating her own brand. On the website, Mihara describes her shoes as “design, comfort and quality.” An excellent combination.
What I like about this shoe line is that it packs so much personality while remaining classic at the same time. I would call her shoes trendy, but I think they definitely stand out amongst the pack.
Another plus? Mihara’s dedication to a comfortable shoe–and yes, that includes heels.
Here are a few of my favorites:
All photos from chiemihara.com
A Change of Heart
One thing I have always said about fashion is that you never say never. You may have your personal style resolutions down pat, but there can always be an item or two that pulls you in and you just must concede.
I religiously wear my ballet flats when there is no snow on the ground. I wear them out like Amy Winehouse wears her light pink ballet slippers. I only try to buy one new, durable pair once a year.
However, flats are not easy to wear during Chicago winters. Walking in piles of snow that turns into dirty slush leaves precious flats open to ruin. Yes, boots are the best solution, but how about an alternative?
So I’ve opened myself up to a shoe that I swore I’d never wear: oxfords.
There really isn’t a good reason as to why I swore off wearing oxfords. They just never really were my style, I suppose. However, as my own personal style continues to slowly evolve, I’m becoming more open to wearing items that I’d otherwise never considered. My biggest reason for opening up to oxfords is practicality. I think they are the next best pair of shoes to wear when I want a break from my boots–and when I want to remain comfortable.
Here are a few pairs that I’ve had in mind:
R.I.P Alexander McQueen
Your visionary talent will truly be missed.
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