Not Just Neutral

It has been quite a while since I have needed to buy some fashionable clothes. I admire from afar but since I have been spending my work time either inspecting roofs or writing construction estimates, a skirt has not been a "regular staple".  However, I have lately been considering reentering the office world--the world where fashion can matter.  Everything I have is from a number of seasons ago and I will need to update.  The big question is with what?

This is a SS14 MiuMiu look--it is young without being silly.  I guess I do need to face that I may not be as young as the clothes are targeted to anymore but that doesn't mean I need to look boring or dowdy.  This blouse with this jacket and an statement necklace are perfect for someone my age to look professional.  No cleavage.  Color of the season.  Emphasizes fashion without being objectified.  I love the diamond jaquard weave and the way red pops next to it!

I love this outfit and normally I dislike poofy sleeves.  I love the colors, the gentleness, the timelessness of this ensamble.  I want to wear this. it is a SS14 look by Maki Oh.  This line is based in Nigeria by Amaka Osakwe that has been showing and winning praise in New York.  The polka dots appear to be woven into the skirt and it hits the knee perfectly. Now, if only I can figure out where to buy this!

photos from style.com

Foot Fetish

One of the odd things about Prada is that for some reason over the past maybe 3-5 years their Resort collections are always their best of the year.  I have no idea why that is.  Maybe because Resort is really about dressing women for when they are out having fun and being themselves and that is what inspires Miuccia the most.  Frankly, I don't know.

Prada's Resort 2010 collection gives me lots to say.  It all boils down to the cold hard fact of I WANT IT.  They did themselves proud.  

The shoes for the collection are spectacular.  The ones with leather flowers are cute, feminine and wearable.  They are fun and would look equally well with a black dress as with a print skirt and comfortable top.  While they are close to the shoe collection that they put out under their MiuMiu label a few seasons ago, there has been enough tweeking with the shoes to where one could own both those previously made ones and these without feeling like it was simply deja-vous.  And, the nice thing is that they are aren't terribly trendy so they could easily be worn several years from now without it being an issue.  Now, that is something to be excited about!

Picture from style.com

May Flowers

It is now unarguably spring!  And, one of the best parts of spring are all of the beautiful flowers blooming.  As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers!

Floral prints are always in style.  It is classic, beautiful and easily adaptable to any trend that happens to be going on at any time.  The florals that seem to be hot this season are usually abstract/hand-drawn and on a light background.  The big breakout hit in this sort of print was the Prada 2008 Resort collection and the trend is still going strong this spring.

One of the coolest interpretations of this is by Marni!  One of the things that Marni does best is floral prints.  This spring will probably be remembered as one of their best in the last few years.  The prints look like hand-drawn doodles of sorts yet are totally wearable and chic!  And, they look classic enough to where if you invest in a piece, you'll be able to wear it seasons from now.  Pretty!!

Picture from marni.com

I See London, I See France...

Better hope you've got some good underpants!!

There is one fall trend that I just don't get.  This whole less than opaque lace-macrame thing as garments.  Especially when there does not seem to be a corresponding line of either interesting slips or over-garments.  I like to be as edgy as the next girl, but something about wearing someone's craft weaving as a skirt and have to hope that I don't give a free show just isn't something I'm willing to consider.  While the trend looks nice on the runway, this is one of those trends I hope I don't run into on the streets.  

Picture of Prada FW08 from style.com