Tuesday, April 28, 2015

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.


Tuesday, April 14, 2015

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

I've never been a huge fan of Cinderella, at least the not version that made it to the movies.

I much preferred the 1970s Big Golden Book version... so much so that I have a framed gilded print of the book cover art.

I always thought the art in this book far surpassed the look of the movie.





Possibly only slightly better than the confections that are the Mary Blair concepts images.









But even though I'm not a huge fan of the Disney-fied story (I like the one of the older Grimm versions with the 3 dresses gifted from a magical tree), I can get behind the fancy footwear!



One of my favorite ads we did when I worked at Walt Disney World Marketing showcased the magic and transformation of the right footwear.


So how could I not be entranced by the gorgeous shoes created for the new Cinderella movie.  They're all beautiful and unique.





But the Jimmy Choo sketch really is the magical shoe brought perfectly to life.




I am entranced to say the least. They're utterly gorgeous, nearly unattainable and I'm going to find a way to make them mine sooner or later.

Just wait...