Spring/Summer 2015 Theme: A Midsummer Night's Dream - blackberries, elderflowers, Titania and Puck

I love it when the New York Times Fashion section, echoes my own choices for a season.

 As I've shared before, each season I pick a "theme" which becomes a running thread through my choices for any shoe, accessory, or clothing purchase for the season.  Fall/Winter 2014 was "Predatory. Provocative. Dark Glamour." and there was a lot of black, sheer fabrics, sensual shapes and flirty details. It was a season of seductive thoughts meant to be edgy and even a bit scary.

With Spring, I feel lighter but not necessarily brighter.  I am feeling muted, languid, capricious and moving from being seductive this past Fall/Winter to enchanting. Titania from Midsummer Night's Dream was the inspiration - all fairy magic, elderflowers and sweet, yet possibly dangerous, berries - to tempt, to entice, to bewitch.


Funny enough, New York Times sees this season in a similar light.  Their collage below showcases their take on the "Bohemian Rhapsody" influences, filled with "a dreamlike state... referencing a romantic love affair with the spirit of Mother Nature."

I'm feeling the need for dreamy fabrics and frothy tulle. The shimmer of iridescence and the reflected glow of dew drops on petals and coating spider webs. Embroidery, eyelet, floral appliqués and dusky prints.

Some items I've already acquired are Sophia Webster's magical, winged Evangeline sandals...

Ann Taylor has some magical items as well. Like this sheer, flower-bedecked top.

... and this eyelet pencil skirt...

My other shoe addition were the Valentino rainbow Rockstud heels. What could be more appropriate for Spring and Summer?

As the season progresses, more will be added to the board.  I love going back to see how the inspiration moves and comes together.

Spring/Summer 2014 Themes - Pom-Poms and Loving Cups

I'm well into stocking myself up for my Spring/Summer 2014 "theme" which this season is "Pom-Poms & Loving Cups".

What's inspiring me are playfulness, soft gelato colors, picnics surrounded by dusky blue hydrangeas, old books and old silver, weeping willows, and watery colored gemstones.

My Pinterest board is already filled with white button downs, a classic trench and Manolos in soft shades perfect for a drowsy bumble-bee filled Spring and Summer.  I'm also loving tailored short suits, white jeans and and shiny shiny skirts.

After this horrid Winter, I want mild temperatures and scented blossoms and warm sunshine.

I need a good nap in the hammock too.


To see past Themes (and their boards), check out:

Clean Collage Prep and Chromatic French (Fall/Winter 2011)
Pastel Ice Cream Sundae and Vintage Garden Party (Spring/Summer 2012)
Chic School Girl and Deep Woods Floral (Fall/Winter 2012)
Cotton Candy Carnival and English Summer Picnic (Spring/Summer 2013)
Fallen Leaves and Pumpkins (Fall/Winter 2013)

Fall/Winter 2013 Themes - Fallen Leaves and Pumpkins

It's time for the turn of the seasons.  It's time for my favorite part of the year - Autumn.

As in the past, I have a theme for my wardrobe as we travel into the cooler months.  In the past I've had:

Clean Collage Prep and Chromatic French
Pastel Ice Cream Sundae and Vintage Garden Party
Chic School Girl and Deep Woods Floral
Cotton Candy Carnival and English Summer Picnic

This Fall it's - Fallen Leaves and Pumpkins.

For each I typically do a Pinterest board of inspiration and things to buy/purchased.  It's great to see how I can build on each season - taking some items out and adding some in.

Before I begin, I think about the textures, patterns and colors I want to focus on, as well as what items I have that would be perfect or what I need.

For example some theme items are: leopard print, red, black, brown, aubergine, orange, oxblood, taupe, emerald, stripes, metallics and thick lace.

I'm ready to get cozy in tall boots and slim jeans, Breton strips, and faire isle sweaters paired with whimsical skirts.

It's time for crunchy golden leaves!

Fall/Winter 2012 Themes - Chic Schoolgirl and Deep Woods Floral

I am loving how Pinterest is helping me to refine my vision and themes for each season, which I do twice a year.

In the Spring, I had Pastel Ice Cream Sundae and Vintage Garden Party, which included a color scheme of pink/mint/white/lilac/mocha and cobalt/hot pink/coral/navy/neon/black.  Textures and patterns were polka dots, pastel plaids, floral and seersucker. Some key purchases were a cobalt Celine bag, neon pink watch, hot pink blazer, mint patent loafers and pink glitter Miu Miu sunglasses, among other items.  My board for the season is here.

I already have a pretty full board for Fall/Winter 2012.  The first theme is Chic Schoolgirl.

This theme uses black/white/grey/silver/gold/taupe/creme/pink with contrasting collars, cap-toe mary janes, houndstooth and polka dots.  There's lots of shine, glitter, sparkles, and bows.  Sweet with a bit of naughty.

I've found a great contrast collar sweater dress, a silver sequin skirt, Miu Miu silver glitter heels, a cat ear pearl headband, chunky sparkly necklaces and long opera pearls.  Simple black Converse and charcoal over-the-knee socks will be mixed in too.

The second theme is Deep Woods Floral.  This theme is romantic, lush and misty.  Deep burgundy, moss, smoke, emerald green, navy, dark brown and red. Woodsy florals, distressed finishes and sueded textures make for a very touchable and cozy look.

Tall boots with ruffles, an arrow necklace in sliver, a bright red maple leaf fascinator and gold tassel loafers are going to make repeat appearances over the next few months.

I think of these themes almost as the flip sides to each other.  One is cool and crisp and playful.  The other is warm and embracing.  I like to have variety as I never know how I'm going to feel, who I'm going to want to be.

I've switched out my closets for the new season.  It's now officially Fall.

Adore-able! Sally Hansen Nail Effects for Spring '12

Sally Hansen... you keep doing it so right!

Not only was Valentine's Day heart-filled and sweet, but you've totally hit the mark for Spring.  I mean, how much more perfect could these be for a "Pastel Ice Cream Sundae" spring theme??? I really need every single one of them... okay, maybe two of each!

Seriously!  How cute are these?  I got the ones below and am just missing Not A Peep! (a must have I will need to track down).  I may need to get another Pink-a-Dot too.  

I found mine at Ulta but usually CVS has them too.  Keep an eye out and grab them when you can!

Images via Nouveau Cheap (top 4), Mine

Spring '12 Theme 1 - Pastel Ice Cream Sundae

Sure it's February but that makes it the perfect time to be planning for Spring and Summer.  Not that I haven't been already.  I mean, I've bought more than a few dresses, shoes and bags to get me ready for the season.  February is always my least favorite month but all the Spring goodies coming in stock have me excited.

I'm going to do a recap of my Fall Themes (Clean Collage Prep & Chromatic French) and what I bought, since I made sub-categories for Investment, Seasonal and Whimsical purchases.  But I am excited to share my two themes Spring.

What I first determined a few weeks ago is "Pastel Ice Cream Sundae" and, amazingly, yesterday found  this Louis Vuitton SS '12 ad campaign making of video.  It epitomizes my inspiration!

One of my first purchases for this "theme" were my new ASOS patent mint loafers.

This theme is going to have color-blocking in candy-colored shades, soft fabrics and a bit of a retro style.  

I'll be sharing more of my finds soon too, but you can get a glimpse (as well as some of Theme #2) via my SS '12 inspiration board on Pinterest.

Falling for Fair Isle

The other day I mentioned I had been searching for the perfect Fair Isle items to add to my holiday wardrobe.  Well, I've actually been thinking about this since October when I saw the Sally Hansen Nail Effects patterns for the 2011 Holiday collection.

I may have found my perfect items in this tunic and sweater coat from Macy's.

I love Fair Isle in red and white, so that was my first criteria.  When paired with black (and on major sale), this sweater tunic will be great with leggings and boots.

And I'm going to wear it with the Plaid About You decals, plus some saucy red gloves.

And while I wasn't looking for a new cozy cardigan, this Tommy Hilfiger piece was so perfect in pattern and shape, that I couldn't resist.   I mean, what is more holiday-ish than these snowflakes?

And yes, the matchy-matcherson in me is probably going to wear the Snow Bunny decals with it.  Or maybe Peppermint Twist (the candy cane stripe design).

While I have a soft spot for these patterns and pieces on their own, even better is that they combine my two themes for the season.  They fit into the "Clean College Prep" style while using the "Chromatic French" color scheme.

Perfect!