style concept - spring/summer '08

i know i promised this quite a while back on painfully hip, and i've been slacking - or having surgery - and haven't done it yet...

forgive me?
here it is.

style concept, spring/summer 2008

* this season i will not be afraid of clothes. i will make a conscious effort to eliminate fear.
i will not be scared of colors, textures, mixing prints and patterns, looking girly, the concept of pretty, wearing things that make me feel like a sore thumb, big hats, pretty jewelry, little shorts (note: i did not say "booty shorts." there's a big difference.) girly blouses, short skirts, full skirts, things that aren't tee-shirts and jeans, wearing flats and other things i sometimes shy away from, even though i secretly want to put them on.

* i will approach outer layer(s) as a finishing touch, and not a hoody just because i'm always cold. (simple boleros, 3/4 sleeve jackets, patchwork-ish jackets, pretty over-sized cardigans...)

* this season i will work on incorporating small finishing touches into garments and outfits that make them more unique, classic, feminine and "inspired" feeling - vintage leather accessories, jewelry, pretty hats, tastefully done sequins and beading - my "bling" - removable collars, etc.
i am especially drawn to the idea of playing with monochromatic detailing - black sequins on black fabric, purple beading on a purple blouse.

* i want to pair delicate lingerie-inspired pieces with menswear styles, such as vests and pants. i will try to incorporate more floaty, floral, ruffled tops into my daily attire, rather than the standard american apparel tee shirt. i have been studying couture sewing techniques, and want to try to incorporate some of these things into my summer sewing - things like silk button loops rather than button holes, key-hole openings, adding lace designs, hand beading, and...

* more specifically, i have had these images in my head:
-floaty little empire waist dresses with tall stockings and cute flats,
-light colored bottoms with nautical tops, leather resort shoes, and big vintage hats,
-rompers with elastic legs in breezy florals, like the kind my mother dressed me up in when i was two. (i want to avoid the heavier materials like denim and corduroy, which i've made rompers out of in the past and always feel to "heavy," like i have to wear something underneath...)
-pretty under things - short bloomers and tap pants - worn under full short skirts.
-wearing pretty make up and avoiding push-up bras - we're aiming for "pretty" rather than "sexy."

my inspiration file on my laptop has grown to the level of "too big to share in a post," so i've compiled it here . (or you can just click on my "look book" link to the left.)
i'll probably be updating it as i get inspired.
i've tried the best i could to give credit to pictures that are not my own. unfortunately, i've lost the links to a few, so if you happen to know where they came from, please let me know so that i can remedy this!

as a final note, here is a short list of the books i've been reading for inspiration/how-to lately.
(these are sewing books, and i think they're all amazing.)

- sewing lingerie from the singer reference library
- beautiful lingerie (this is a kwik-sew book) by kerstin martensson
(the styles in this book seem rather dated at first look, but it comes with patterns for all the pieces it features, which can then be altered quite easily.)
- sewing lingerie that fits by karen morris
(this is a taunton press book, and it's out of print, but it's well worth the investment if you are interested in the topic. actually, i have yet to find a taunton press book i wasn't impressed with.)
- threads magazine
i have always adored this magazine, but it seems as if lately they have turned their focus back on to more serious, advanced techniques. they currently are running a series on couture techniques, and also usually have in-depth articles on fitting, pattern drafting, and other attention-worthy topics.
(oh, and it's also a taunton press publication. see what i mean?!)

ok, enough out of me for now.
if you feel like sharing... what's been inspiring you for spring?
i'd really love to hear!

xo

Comments

[Missa]

I love your style concept. Pretty much everything I've been wanting to try this Spring/Summer is on there so thankyou, now I don't need to write my own ;). Lately, I've also been really inspired by all the children's wear as adult wear that I'm seeing. Babydoll dresses, rompers, boy's jean jackets, blazers and vests (they have that great shrunken, fitted, 3/4 length sleeve thing going on). I'm definitely planning on spending more time in the kid's section at the thriftstores this season!

[diana]

i just recently started re-visiting the children's section, in search of blazers. i found the greatest yellow blazer with blue and orange checks on it in the little boy's section a few weeks ago. woo hoo!