Summer Time & Vintage Bicycles

credit: Shannon-Lynn-Photography

Spotlight Saturday - Royal Ensemble On Display

The Royal hoopla is still all a buzz, as it was noted in the news today that the complete wedding ensemble worn by Kate Middleton, accessories included (shoes, earrings, bouquet & silk tulle veil), is being displayed at Buckingham Palace as of yesterday, Friday, July 22nd and through to October 3rd of this year, as part of the palace's annual Summer opening.  In the spotlight once again, the ivory and white satin gown designed by Sarah Burton for the Alexander McQueen fashion house.  Visitors will be able to view up close and personal, the hand made lace applique that was made for the bodice and skirt using techniques that dated back to almost two centuries ago.  Middleton's gown had intricate patterns of rose, thistle, shamrock and daffodil incorporated into the design to represent every nation in the United Kingdom.  The garment truly is a work of art...

  
pics: fashionologie.com

Hippie Headband

Wear this anywhere
And everyone will stare
At the girl with stars in her eyes
And stars in her hair

Triple Natural Sugar Starfish Elastic Headband by dreams by the sea

The Summer Of Love - June 1967

Forty four years ago, in June of 1967, over 100,000 people migrated to the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco in what was known as a 'hippie rebellion'.  Many young people traveled from across the world to be a part of this event which promised them the opportunity to cast off social conservatism & experiment openly without reprecussions, basically in the areas of psychotropics, free love (i.e. promiscuous sex) and of course rock n' roll!  There was no formal advertisement for this gathering, it all came together by word of mouth that spanned a huge distance and diversity of individuals.  The most positive thing that arose from this was the idea of 'unity, love & acceptance' for all of humanity...That's the part I like best! 

I know some of the history of 'The Summer Of Love' first hand because of my now reformed, once die hard hippie, Uncle Noel who said it was given the name to offset the negative impression the media was pushing for, of it being a drug infused, hairy hippie orgy.  Of course, for all intents and purposes it pretty much was exactly just that, no matter how much they attempted to sugar coat it!...   

A fashion trend arose from this decade called 'bohemian' which is a combination of the anything goes style of the hippie movement sprinkled with a little bit of nomad and topped off with a pinch of free spirited gypsy.  This vintage style will never be out of style as it has lasted the span of four decades having not changed very much from the beginning of its origin.  The allure is that the wearer does not conform to the norms of fashion or society for that matter and in turn to some extent becomes a 'rebel'... Boho-Chic entails everything colorful, flowing, comfortable & can even incorporate mix matched prints into style choices.  It's the same now as it was then and is absolutely one of the most simple trends to keep up with because it never really changes...

Of all the eras of clothing I personally find appealing, I'm all about the Mod early 60's thru to the late vintage Hippie 60's to early 70's because of the non-comformity of the fashions.  What is your favorite style era?


: bellasugar.com , imeanwhat.com , bohoblindness.blospot.com , katsville.wordpress.com , liberallifestyles.com , dannymiller.typepad.com , hubpages.com , umodels.com

Keeping Cool & Staying Stylish

Just because were in the midst of the dog days of Summer, that doesn't mean that we have to lose our fashion sense.  Keeping cool & staying stylish at the same time is easily attainable as well as affordable.

There are a few simple 'must have' staples to include into your Summer wardrobe which should include... A sundress as well as a maxi dress, a pair of flat sandals, loose fitting Bermuda shorts (khakis are always 'in') and or a pair of jean cut offs (a timeless style), a tank top & some bold sun shades.

Warm weather is obviously all about everything 'minimal' which makes it easy to mix and match the few pieces you need to stay stylish for Summer 2011.


: fashiontrendspotting.com , stylebakery.com , eatdrinkshoplove.com 

Bathing Suits Perfect For EveryBODY

It's so beyond hot today here in the 'D' that I think I'll probably spend the remainder of my day lounging by my pool, so with that being said... Since it's bikini/bathing suit weather, the pressure is usually on 'us women' to find the perfect style to compliment the shape and size of our bodies.  Long gone are the days of the vintage 'modesty suits' as I like to call them, when women didn't have to be concerned so much as to what was 'showing' because the suits didn't allow for much more than arms and mid thigh skin baring!

Suits nowadays leave little to the imagination of course for the most part and finding the 'right suit' can seem like nothing more than a dreaded chore!  


Here are some tips that might be helpful...


If you have a boy'ish body, meaning minus the curves, to create the illusion of an hourglass figure, try to find suits that are shirred or crossed over at the midsection because that will give an appearance of an accentuated waist.  Also, deep 'V' necklines will visually widen your shoulders making your waist look smaller.  

If you're looking to hide your mid section, tankini tops are the way to go as they perfectly conceal the tummy area!

Trying to look proportioned? Look for suits with horizontal details that visually 'break up' the midsection or suits with extra fabric to accommodate should you have a longer torso.

Whatever your shape or size may be, finding the right suit for yourself doesn't have to be painstaking come every Summer and the good thing is, designers are always at the helm of trying to create the 'perfect' suit, to suit every woman....

: vintagegal.tumblr.com  doesthislookstupid.com , pregnancyfashion.sheknows.com , mcazeem.com , swimwearforme.com

Watercolor Floral

There's a new diversion to the common floral print taking over these days as 'water color floral' designs are making a big statement this summer.  Gone is the idea that 'floral prints' are a vintage design of the past or for your granny, as solids are out & vivacious brush stroke hues are in!  Watercolor prints look like something that came straight off of an artists canvas...  Floral is big in Hollywood at the moment, seen here being worn by Cameron Diaz, Heidi Montag and Leslie Mann.

Floral was seen at Prom this year in designs such as this watercolor floral low draped back prom dress...

This watercolor floral bohemian print peasant blouse is ultra feminine paired with a pair of stone washed denim jeans...

  
Floral is everywhere and in every design from bags to shoes and don't think it's going to go away come Winter as it's even being incorporated into colder weather clothing although considered non traditional.

 thisnext.com , stylebyne.net , static.fasion4us.com , divavillage.com , marctimes.com , jovani.com , refinery29.com , theinsidesource.com .

Showin' A Little Leg!...

Shorts suits have been trending once again as we are seeing more and more women revamping their office style workday staple with blazer accompanied shorts suits.  This offers a fresh and cool alternative to slacks in the Summer giving a feminine touch to an otherwise masculine power duo.

Of course the definition of work attire varies given the nature of your profession which in turn gives rise to the question..."Is there really a dress code anymore?"   I would think as long as micro miniskirts and baring cleavage are a 'NO', you're all good to go!  Keep in mind, that keeping it professional should be at the forefront of your clothing choices as a must.


When done tastefully, shorts in the workplace can be appropriate for a day at the office.  Just make sure that you are cautious of the length because you want to maintain a modest appeal to your career fashion choices.  Shorts as work attire is a fairly new concept because even up to around fifteen years ago, it was unheard of and considered unprofessional.  I particularly love the Bermuda shorts suit...

Designers such as Doo Ri, Erin Fetherston & Jason Wu, have put together some amazing shorts suits which are becoming an instant classic!

There is also a more party'ish style short suit that can be worn as dressy attire...

On an end note...I'm not sure that this style works for dudes!  What do you think?...

pis: refinery29com, runwaydaily.com, la-casa-couture.com, elle.com, fashionistagirl.blogspot.com, vstyleblog.com, denimology.com

Flippin' For Flops...Timeless Vintage Pop Culture Footwear

When the dog days of Summer roll around, you're always sure to see scads of people out strolling around in the perfect seasonal foot wear known as the  'flip flop'.  As of late, the versatility of the flop has become so diverse that we're even seeing young girls wearing them as an accompaniment to their Homecoming/Prom dresses.  I did a little research on the history/origin of the flop and here's what I found...

The 'flip flop' concept (thin rubber soles with a Y-strap) has been around since the 1930's but were originally woven soled and dating waaaay back prior to that.  They are the most primitive form of footwear going back to six thousand years around the stone age!   It wasn't until the mid fifties, during post war that these cheap rubber (usually made from recycled tires) flops became a part of pop culture. 


In the twentieth century, the vintage pop culture flip flop has become a part of dress wear just as much as jeans and a t-shirt have, and both teen girls and movie stars alike have popularized them by accessorizing their formal wear with them.

Over three decades, the most popular of all flip flops called Havaianas were originated & produced in Brazil, selling for around $3.00 per pair, mostly to peasants, housekeepers and other working class.  As the times, economy and styles changed, Havaianas became more of a fashion staple as designers were taking on the concept of embellishing them and experimenting with materials, colors and patterns. 


Juicy Couture

    
Havaianas

Coach

This simple form of footwear will always be a timeless piece of vintage pop culture... 


       
pics: inspirememine.tumblr.com, the-designer-sunglasses.com, thisnext.com, cgi.ebay.com, pollsb.com.












 

Jungle Love Summer

This Summer, everyone will be seeing spots as lead designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Norma Kamali, Calvin Klein and Kenneth Cole are making a splash with their animal print inspired swim suits.

Animal prints have the ability to add a twist of 'wild' to even the most conservative cut swimwear and is a welcomed break from the conventional beachy bright color patterns we've become so accustomed to. 

Norma Kamali's collection is off the hook!...

You may find it to your surprise to know that this pattern is quite vintage and has been worn by many lovelies of the past...


Elizabeth Taylor...

Bettie Page...

If you're a gal on a budget as are most of us these days, you can find your very own animal inspired suit at a more affordable price by checking out...Victoriassecret.com

Happy hunting...




pics: victoriassecret.com , polyvore.com , thisnext.com , theoutnet.com , theselvedgeyard.wordpress.com 
   

Nitty Gritty Vintage Navajo Inspired Fashions & Accessories

Get your true grit on this Spring because vintage inspired, Western Navajo accessories such as sandals and wide brimmed fedoras are taking the reins!  Embroidered leather totes, basket weave sandals and turquoise jewelry...  It's all about the bohemian rustic vibe as we roll into the dog days of Summer... 

Ralph Lauren's Spring 2011 collection showcased the wild west with a modern American prairies feel to his pieces that included giant belt buckles, suede choker necklaces and Navajo rug tote bags.
  

Fendi, Chloe & Emilio Pucci are in on the action this Spring strumming up some colorful Native American style shoes and hand bag...

I am truly fond of the vintage old West style, however I don't think of this fashion trend in terms of Summer wear because it doesn't have that light and airy appeal to me, but I am definitely looking forward to seeing more of this trend for Fall 2011.




 styleist.com , thelookstore.com , petite.about.com