S/S 2011: Orla Kiely

I've been waiting for Orla Kiely's new collection ever since last fall.  The prints and tailoring of their A/W 2010 pieces made me weak in the knees, and the number of Peter Pan collars made me swoon.  I couldn't contain my excitement for this season's looks, and it doesn't disappoint.  The sheer dresses and blouses seem perfect for a spring stroll through the city.  Some of the skirts and shorts have wonderful '60s mod prints, but with an updated twist.  There's skirt suits and more Peter Pan collars too!  And to make things even better, Orla Kiely also has SS11 accessories like wallets, bags and sunglasses, not to mention their lovely homewares and paper products.  But out of all of these great items, the S/S 2011 apparel collection is definitely my favorite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photo credits: Orla Kiely Facebook

S/S 2011: Sonia by Sonia Rykiel

The combination of nautical wear and '60s silhouettes is one of my personal favorites.  Not only do I like this combo aesthetically, but I love that it reminds of me of holidays, sun and for some reason, Europe (maybe it's all the bretons).  Sonia by Sonia Rykiel's lookbook has solidified my want for sailing and Mod eyeliner.  I'm lusting for schooners to lie on while off the coast of France, or maybe simply a day without a wind chill of -20 degrees Fahrenheit.  This collection at least mentally warms me up!  The colors and patterns are bold, yet the details are intricate.  Pockets and pulls add character without distracting from the garment.  I would wear almost everything from this collection, but here are some of the standouts for me:

All photo credits: soniarykiel.com

Han Cholo Makes Me Happy

I stumbled across this brand today and really fell in love with its jewelry, especially the pendants.  My personal jewelry tastes lean more towards the kitschy and gaudy.  I never got a class ring in high school because all of the styles and stones offered seemed somewhat mundane.  I wouldn't want a diamond in an engagement ring since they've become the standard go-to for such occasions.  The idea of insuring jewelry that's not vintage seems expensive.  I believe the fine jewelry you see in TV commercials would look silly on me, and with my lack of coordination, I wouldn't put it past myself to lose an earring or ring worth more than the finger or ear it was on.

Han Cholo brings fun, individualism and flash to jewelry.  These are designs that echo past-time hobbies and childhood, while also bringing an edge that isn't seen in any Zales commercial.  My personal favorites are the Sniper Army Man pendant, the Bat necklace and the Medusa ring.  Check out Han Cholo for more sweet pieces.

Photo credit: http://hancholola.blogspot.com/

Photo credit: http://hancholola.blogspot.com/

Baking and Biding My Time

Today's high was 2 degrees, and sadly we've already fallen below that. Though because of this sad news, the cold convinced me to bake some banana bread.  I cannot cook and can only pass as a below-average baker, yet over the years I've somehow developed the skills to make a mean loaf of banana bread.  So while my kitchen lightly wafted smells of bananas and warmth, I daydreamt about spring, rain, flowers and sun.  About wearing dresses, sandals and lightweight cardis! I can't wait to see some of the S/S 2011 collections start coming out, and actually be able to wear some of the non-pant and short sleeve numbers! (Oh, imagine a world where Long Johns were unnecessary!!)

Dear Creatures has given us a sneaky little peak at a few pieces from its spring collection, and I'm excited! I've loved Dear Creatures and its concept of mixing vintage details to well-tailored new items for a long time. I drooled all over its A/W 2010 collection, just hoping to eventually wear at least something from it. I finally ordered the Avalon dress in cream, but I haven't received it yet.  When I do, I'll be sure to post some photos.  But, back to spring now.  Here's the preview for DC 2011:

photo: Dear Creatures facebook

photo: Dear Creatures facebook

photo:Dear Creatures facebook

Hello!

I've started this blog for a few different reasons. For one, I may be lacking in hobbies during this frigid, snowy winter.  The cold climate of Minnesota doesn't lend itself to very many outdoor activities for me.  You see, I'm quite uncoordinated when it comes to balance and overall strength, so skiing and running in winter are out of the question.  I went snowboarding a few years ago and enjoyed it until I realized there's a good chance I'd fall down...a lot, and you have to do it outside when it's really, really cold.  I don't like the cold.

Yet besides the freezing weather keeping me indoors, I wanted to have a space where I could rant and rave about all things vintage- and fashion-related.  I've always had a special spot in my heart for dusty attics filled with bits and bobbles, moth balls and treasures.  The chance to rummage through my grammie's closets gets me very excited, especially when I know she's kept everything since she and my grandpa got married.  Dresses, coats, hats, shoes, scarves and more.  That would be my heaven, a huge expanse of vintage clothing to peruse at my leisure...with the Beatles playing in the background.

Vintage, to me, has so my meanings.  While it can easily mean something from, say, 20 years ago, it can also stand for an era of style, a fond memory from childhood or going green to cut down on consumer waste.  Vintage fashion pre-1970s is my personal favorite; The mod dresses and mini skirts of the '60s, the fabulous hats and jewelry of the '50s, even the dropped-waists and peter pan collars of the '20s make me smile.  These feel like classic pieces that can be updated at any time.  What makes this even better is the amount of great quality, preserved vintage pieces we can find today.

I want to use this blog as a venue for fashion discussions, vintage finds, photography, trends and whatever else I may be feeling on a particularly random day.  We'll probably see some news, odd observations and posts that are simply cathartic for my own selfish needs.  If there are ever questions about any of this nonsense, please, feel free to ask away. Allons-y!!