In the Spirit of Spring...

Okay, it may only look/feel like Spring in Portland, like, 60% of the time right now...but a girl can dream! And you know what they say, "April showers bring May flowers"! Hoping that sunshine comes early though...as in next weekend...so I can host my birthday outside on the rooftop bar instead of around a crowded restaurant table.

Anyway, here's what's inspiring me for this new season:

My color of the moment is definitely white. It could be my recent discovery of Portland's Organic Bronze Bar and newly tanned skin that looks pretty amaze in the hue...but in my eyes, you just can't ever go wrong with white. Or black.

But for Spring, I'm loving the fresh, bright whites and crispy, clean pieces to update the feel of a wardrobe. Plus, something about white just screams modern day Jackie O and who can complain about that?

Maybe it's my new job at Free People, but right now I'm totally in to the idea of "festival dressing" even though I never find the time to actually make it to a festival...

The whole Boho Chic-Beachy Glam-Nicole Richie-esque style is perfect for this warmer weather we're having...or will be having...soonish.

Home sweet home, refreshed! What's better than a little interior facelift after that crazy Spring Cleaning sesh?

Update your dwelling place with a shot of color on the walls or in new linens. Fresh flowers, patterned pillows and simple, updated accessories are just what the doctor ordered to bring your home into the spirit of the season.

Enough inspiration...let's go shopping.

xx.

Holy Hot Weather, Batman.

Maybe it's the fact that I've been stuck in typical rainy Portland weather for the past 6ish months but this weekend's heat wave felt worse than usual. I mean, we're talking make-your-spray-tan-run hot! Not cool (pun possibly intended).

Anywho, in the midst of all the excitement over sunshine as if it never existed before, we celebrated Easter with a plethora of familial events. Always a joy. 

In honor of the weather, I pulled out one of my favorite Free People maxis and some of my tallest heels. And in true #giraffeproblems fashion, I attracted the usual "holy crap" looks and whispers from total strangers in church. My favorite, though, was from a little girl in the grocery store who stopped mid-aisle to gawk at my height as she yelled out "Wow, mommy, she is tallllll." I guess at 5'10" sans wedges, I kind of asked for it when I slipped on those 4 1/2 inch stilts. 

This dress was a total steal at a TJ Maxx in the valley during last year's stint in LA and actually came discounted even further due to a missing slip. Naturally, I couldn't resist the crazy deal so I took it anyway in hopes of finding a new slip. Luckily, I found the perfect color to match the springy floral pattern at Free People Portland this Saturday so the dress could finally come out to play.

Later in the day, I zhuzh'd it down a bit with a cropped denim jacket, a double wrap belt, and some cute buckled flip flops. Perfect for family gathering numero dos.

So excited for the weather to start turning, just wish my airbrush tan felt the same way! PS if you're looking for an awesome shot of color in the coming weeks check out Organic Bronze Bar on the Portland waterfront to get your Kardashian on. I tried them out on Friday and the color is awesome, seems to stay a bit better than the typical Mystic or Versa tan (minus a little run in the boob area from yesterday), and the colorist makes sure to get you bronzed in all those little places the booth can't reach. Added bonus - no "Ross" moments, just even color on all sides!

Happy Spring, people!

What I'm Wearing: Maxi Dress, Free People (old, similar here); Slip in "Berry", Free People; Split Heel Wedges (similar here); Denim Crop Jacket, H&M; Wrap Belt (from a Target dress, similar here); Pyramid Bangle, Forever 21 (similar here), Watch, B.P. ; Flip Flops, Aldo (Nordstrom Rack, similar here)

Photo by my lovely sister (myspace-esque shots by yours truly)

Newest From OPI

Hello beauties! Get your pretty little hands on the new OPI colors this month! Loving "Thanks A Windmillion" and "I Don't Give A Rotterdam". Treat yourself to a mani with one of these newbies!

XX.

From top, left to right:

Red Lights Ahead...Where?

A Roll In The Hague

Vampsterdam

Thanks A Windmillion

Did You Hear About Van Gogh?

Kiss Me On My Tulips

Dutch Ya Just Love OPI

I Don't Give A Rotterdam

I Have A Herring Problem

Petal Faster Suzi

Wooden Shoes Like To Know It

Gouda Gouda Two Shoes

Get.In.My.Closet.

...but really though...

Europe has been known to birth the most amazing designers and artists since god knows when but, this Spring, they are really kickin' it up a notch. 

Ran across this article on Refinery29 last night and about peed my pants over the first few designers they showcased. Mainly though, Avelon is completely unreal, amazing, perfect. And the shoes?! Dying. Dead.

P.S., here's what Refinery29 has to say about the designer:

"It’s alright that Erik Frenken is bit on the moody, almost-schizophrenic side (he claims his collections are “like duck-taped cocktail dresses”), because the Amsterdam-based creative director still has one ridiculously chic line. He credits it to his fascination with juxtaposing luxurious fashion designs with cutting-edge techniques and fabrics. Think leather overlaying viscose or a super-slim silhouette accented with an oversized geometric embellishment. He plays with proportions, shapes, and textures and isn’t afraid to cross the line now and then.

While most of us would abhor the thought of showing up to an elegant soirée in the aforementioned taped-up frock, Frenken’s designs are so unexpected, imaginative, and playful that you’ll happily reconsider the notion. No, he doesn’t actually design a duck-taped cocktail dress, that’s merely a metaphor for his distinct aesthetic — flawlessly blending urban cool with high-end fashion. And thanks to that witty POV, Avelon is one label we’re going to be seriously lusting after in spring." 

Drool for yourself! XX.

Side note: this dress is from F/W 11 and he clearly knew what was up back then, too! Nothing like a peplum hem.

Abstraction Attraction

Geometric abstraction has hit the Spring 2012 runways and I'm loving it. If you know me, you know that I'm clinically obsessed with stripes. This coming season, we'll be seeing more geometric shapes and angles in clothing that really showcase the color. And we can't forget that graphic black and white trend I've mentioned before. This is right up my alley - it's clean and modern, simple yet sophisticated. Something about stripes and geometric shapes just screams class to me. Love those crisp lines!

Anywho, check out some examples from the season's runways. XX.

Barbara Bui

Hermes

Marni

Technology Takeover: Part 1

Wear your favorite photos on your sleeve, literally. Of course, why not?

It's 2012. 

Digitally produced fabrics are becoming more and more popular this year. Extremely literal, gorgeous, detailed, and unique, this trend is just too cool. Not sure if I would personally be caught in such a giant, personalized print BUT it's cool, nonetheless. Really interested to see how this will translate into the affordable retail environment. This trend could easily flop if it's done cheaply...so let's keep our fingers crossed for some decent graphics. XX.

Mary Katrantzou 

Dries Van Noten

Akris

Topshop Unique

Pastels, Baby.

As previously noted, pastels are coming on strong this Spring. I'm so excited to ditch that 80's neon nonsense and transition to a more fresh, girly, playful look. As I've always said, Spring and Fall are the two times each year that we get to completely makeover our style. No longer just for innocent children or new baby nurseries, pastels should definitely be present in your new wardrobe. Simple as that.

Stay tuned for some updates on where to find some pieces for your closet. XX.

Louis Vuitton

Prada

Preen

Valentino

The 20's Drop Waist

Typically, we think of shapeless dresses and shirts as unflattering and just...weird. But not this season. At the Spring shows, it was evident that the drop waist is in again. When executed correctly, the silhouette can actually work with you, not against you. Of course, we always need to be aware of our own figure when choosing a trend like this so be sure do your own research. Go ahead and try something on, because you never know! For some, the high waisted thing was just not okay...so this may be your chance to bring that 1920's flapper cut back to your wardrobe. Remember the point is to choose a shapeless sheath...the drop should hit just around the widest part of the hip, which can actually create a longer, thinner line. Just thank these designers or giving us something comfortable to look forward to, rather than those restricted, high and tight skirts. XX.

Chloe

Reed Krakoff

Celine

Sonia Rykiel

Giambattista Valli

Matte Satin?!

90's Prom nightmare? One would think so.

But not after seeing and dying over these Spring 2012 runway looks. Matte satin is making a comeback, off the bridal floor. Seen at many of the shows, this classy fabric really makes a statement. It's fancy, yes, but somehow it's not fussy. These edgy designs from various big name designers add a modern element to the otherwise avoided daily fabric choice. XX.

Balenciaga 

Lanvin

Miu-Miu

Victoria Beckham

3's A Trend

Headbands?! Yeah, they're a thing. Again!

Blair Waldorf so successfully played them out in the past few seasons of GG but, much to my liking, they're back! There's just something so lovable about this girly, 13-going-on-30 trend and, as a former hair piece designer, I have a feeling I'll be forced to delve further into my craft again next season.

This year at the Golden Globes, 3 of Hollywood's "golden girls" opted to sport this playful look:



Michelle Williams, Charlize Theron, and Busy Philipps know how to keep it classic, feminine, and simple. XX.