Spring 2016 Inspiration | Blue Palms

Inspiration

Over the past month or so I’ve been working towards something really fun that I’ve always wanted to do - creating a mini spring collection for my closet! It’s not for any professional purpose or for sale or anything, just a project for the fun of it! I’ve used a mix of commercial, indie and self made pattern designs and then selected fabrics to compliment my theme and the different silhouettes. I’ll be debuting each look next week and talking about the patterns and fabric in even more detail! Stay tuned! 

The mood I’m going for is like a hazey blue sunset during an early 1950s Florida vacation - a faded snapshot from the beach full of full skirts, play suits and halter tops.

Palette and Fabrics

This collection is all in cool tones - teal palm leaves, bold kelly green, faded chambrays, navy, and an over dyed stripe.

I’m super limited with what fabrics I can buy locally and I really like to feel them in person and see how they move.  These pieces used both quilting cottons and upholstery fabric (!!!) but I love how the end results have a vintage vibe.  To get the colors right, I overdyed my stripes in the washing machine with a package of indigo and navy Rit dyes. I love how it transformed the colors.

Silhouettes

My skirts are all simple circles that I measured and cut without a pattern and then added a simple waistband to bring the focus to a natural waist. The shorts (which I’ve stitched before) also have a high rise.

For the tops (minus my vintage alteration), I started with sketches and then found commercial patterns that had the same feel I was going for (so for clarity, these aren’t my original designs!) I actually really like using store bought patterns because a) they save massive amounts of time and b) because I really like sewing from instructions! I think one of the things I enjoy most about it is the precision of pinning and sewing the pieces together, creating perfect seams and pressing the garment. Sewing nerd alert! 

Accessories

To coordinate with my looks I’m blocking a new sunhat (no photos yet, still a work in progress!) and a pair of hand made espadrille shoes. I dug through my collection of vintage silk scarves to tie around my hat or beach bag and pull each look together. I also bought a couple pair of cheap-o sunglasses (one pictured below) that are a little experimental for my style. Matchy matchy forever. 

What I Wore | Basic

WhatIWore: Mama always told me if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. This outfit is alright, but my mood is… moody. I’ll let this one be short and sweet… like my skirt! Hope your week is going a little bit better than mine, as I cohabitate with a leaping toddler. 

When: November 16, 2015

What:
Shades: Karen Walker ‘Super Duper’
Lips: Tom Ford Matte Lipstick in Black Dahila
Sweater: Lands’ End
Jean Jacket: Mavi (similar)
Skirt: Old Navy
Tights: Not sure
Quilted Backpack: Vera Bradley, gift
Boots: Modern Vintage (old)

Where: Morning working out of the house

See Also: I wear cream sweaters a lot in the fall and winter! See examples: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten!

What I Wore | Bold Tones

     

WhatIWore: I’m so into these dark wine tones lately! I just want to wear shades of plum and purple and maroon, so today I’m sporting a hat I made for Stars + Field with a pretty neutral outfit. Felix and I go to the library on Wednesdays and it’s always hot in there, so I need an easy to remove sweater and comfy pants for crawling after him at story time (today he danced and clapped in the middle of the circle like the little ham that he is. This kid loves to be the center of attention. Who did he inherit that from?!?) I ditched the hat once inside too. And yes, I’m definitely the craziest dressed mom in the room, but it’s just who I am! 

When: November 11, 2015

What:
Hat: Stars + Field
Shades: Karen Walker ‘Super Duper’
Lipstick: Tom Ford in Black Dahlia
Poncho Sweater: ModCloth
Pants: Old Navy (similar style, different fabric)
Booties: Rag and Bone

Where: Library with Felix 

What I Wore | Fall Back

WhatIWore: I used to really love day light savings time. I actually prefer getting up to the sun and I don’t mind it getting dark earlier. We’re on the far edge of the eastern time zone so the sun doesn’t set until around dinner time. My child on the other hand? He doesn’t know what to make of it. The witching hour falls right when I’m trying to make dinner (instead of after it) and on top that, our routine of three daily naps has morphed into one (maybe two, if I’m reaaaaaallly lucky). We’re also slowly trying to get the kiddo into his own room (sad face for mommy and baby) and in short: I’m exhausted.

That said, on mornings when I have help with Felix, I try to put a little extra effort into getting dressed. Truth be told, I changed 10 times and felt like nothing looked good, so I went with my fall back vintage black dress and army jacket. It always works! 

When: November 3, 2015

What:
Shades: Karen Walker ‘Super Duper’
Scarf: Target (similar above)
Dress: Vintage
Jacket: Old Navy (old but similar above)
Tights: We Love Colors
Booties: Rag and Bone

Where: Coffee Shop work date with Adam!! 

In other news, Christmas is just a little over 50 days away. WHAT?! I’m working on some gift guides (partially just to make my own list) and I thought I’d ask you… what’s on your wishlist this year?