sunshine, shades & soul
There’s something special about the light in California, the way it seems to radiate effortlessly, evoking quintessential Golden State visions of quiet suburbs, heatstroke highways, and sandy beaches lined with lonely palms. Seasonal transitions are subtle when it comes to sunlight, and the severe winter glare that plagues many a foggy San Francisco day has finally begun to simmer into a warm, pre-summer blaze.
Sunglasses are a must in California, if not for function, then for pure flair. Even though my collection of shades is fairly diverse, I’m always on the hunt for a new pair to stand out among the sea of Ray Bans. This morning, when I came across Wild Soul, their collection of specs hit the spot, so much that they stirred me from my blogging slump. And here I am!
vibrant visions
It almost goes without saying that amidst preparing for finals, I’m anxiously awaiting the summer months. I’m ready for lime greens, warm yellows, and pops of orange. I’m ready for barbecues and swimming pools and fiery sunsets and evening drives. I’m ready for denim shorts and sandy flip-flops. I’m ready for a break!
Until that time, however, I’m forced to make do and only dream about warm weather and freedom while I’m stuck inside doing homework. Though bright beach towel hues seem oh so distant, I was recently inspired by a box of pistachio and vanilla-almond macarons that my mom gave to me; in love with their sugary sweetness as much as their colors, I couldn’t resist preserving the moment before I gobbled them all up.
In other color-related news, you may remember my ceramic pumpkin-potted succulent from October which has blossomed beautifully thanks to a sabbatical in Calistoga. When I retrieved the plant from my parents’ house, it was thrilling to see that my little plant (a.k.a. Planty) had grown. I’m so glad that Napa Valley was good to him, and I can’t wait to transfer Planty to a bigger pot as he continues to flourish.
anna selezneva and malgosia bela by ezra petronio for self service s/s 2010
I love the slightly over-exposed, Polaroid-like feel of these photos. Bela and Selezneva remind me of sultry seventies gals, and matched with the heavy-handed makeup, glitter, and black garb, both models radiate a minimalistic glamour. I’m also obsessed with the idea of a different colored shadow on each eye, especially the combo of blue-violet and teal… I can’t wait to try it.
spring forward
G.V.G.V. has recently emerged as one of my favorite lines, with consistently classy and trendy pieces that I’d wear in a heartbeat. The 2012 spring show‘s ladylike shapes, clean lines, and subtle ’50s vibes were no exception, and Tokyo-based designer Mug has once again turned out an easily accessible and effortless collection. I was particularly taken with the Monstera leaf motif, and its pairing with off-white, buttery leather, and leopard-print was spot on; no pun intended!
However, since it’s a little too chilly to be thinking of lightweight fabrics (and Polynesian patterns are sparse), I’ve compiled some chic cosmetics and accessories with the same elegance, ease, and slight retro quality that will liven up any winter’s day. Though I’d rather bundle up and sip on hot chocolate at the moment, I can’t help but dream of tropical treats, floaty skirts, and perfect pastels to complement summer days and warm, starry nights.
a flurry of prominent pastels
Jill Stuart’s color-blocked confections brought sweetness and youthful nostalgia to the catwalk, overflowing with the distinct femininity for which the brand is renowned. The apparel featured sleek, free-flowing silhouettes that oozed stylish sensibility for warm weather. Sensual dresses, separates, and a smattering of lightweight coats floated in soft pink, peachy tan, lemon chiffon, and muted turquoise, with injections of creamy coral and vermillion orange for good measure.
Though Easter came early with sheer fabrics, tea party frocks, and watercolor prints, the fresh sensation of spring moved far past the April holiday and straight into a suburban summer. Not only were the palm trees—large, small, and graphic—a hint, but the cropped pants and above-the-knee scalloped skirts had staying power.
Accessories were kept to a minimum with skinny belts, oversized clutches, and glimmering platform heels. Adorning details manifested elsewhere, such as in collars, sashes, delicate stitching, and textile choices. A quilted, sateen-like fabric reminiscent of old slippery couches found its way onto an assortment of jackets and dresses, but the pieces’ simple shapes hoisted themselves out of the trailer park and back onto the stage.
And if tucks, pleats, and the occasional paper-bag waist strike you as unnecessary jejune frill, fear not. Stuart disseminated a ladylike quality throughout her cotton-candy collection, creating a dream-like vision of freshly cut lawns, torrid love affairs, and sophistication.
