Inspiration From Across the Pond

I was having a minor freak out when I learned that I had to wear something other than a t-shirt and yoga pants to class while studying abroad in England, Summer 2006. You see, we Americans are used to the t-shirt and lounge pants look as perfectly acceptable school attire. Well guess what? Other countries actually dress up a little bit just to attend class. This meant my mom and I were on a hunt for comfortable yet put together and classy apparel. My experience in Newcastle Upon Tyne, located in the far North of the country, has influenced my fashion desires now and transformed the way that I look at styling myself.

An anecdote: I quickly befriended a girl from Sheffield, England. She and I decided to get out the first Friday we had and I was quickly to my closet searching for some great outfit. I felt confident and great in my tan peep toes, boot cut jeans and nice v-neck brown top with a belt that wrapped into a bow in back. When I met up with her, I felt like I was dressed to go to a BBQ alongside her, who looked like she was straight off the runway. She was wearing a graphic tee, leggings, bright red booties and accessories to the max. I don't know how it looked so dressed up, but she made it work- she made everything work. I could not get over her bright red booties, like ones left. My point is, to me, she was fashion forward and I loved her glamorous, yet effortless, look.

Let's fast forward 1 year and some months ahead. . . . while living in Newcastle with my fiance (who I met that Friday night), he and I wandered the city centre frequently. On this one occasion, I stopped dead in my tracks as I noticed a family of 4. Mom, Dad, daughter and son were all in jean shorts, white socks above the ankles with sneakers and sweatshirts from some Universities. This screamed "I'm an American tourist" just as much as a man wearing a baseball uniform, carrying the Star Spangled Banner and eating a hot dog does. Now, I know we are not all like this because we have some hugely stylish people knocking about this massive country. On the flip-side we have plenty of white sock sporting, 90 jean shorts and sweatshirt wearing families.

Moving swiftly to my point, again: I have been inspired to always look towards the English (and Europeans) for some style sense and to ensure that I am living in fashion forward ways (to a degree). Some websites I visit often for inspiration are reiss.co.uk, tedbaker.com and topshop.com, (I always click on the UK flag so I get their styles). This summer I am after a jumpsuit, or as it is often called across the pond, a playsuit. This one I found at top shop, I am in love with and hope to find. Paired with these Ted Baker shoes, I would feel edgy, elegant and oh so stylish. Whatever you do, do NOT wear white socks above your ankles with sneakers and jean shorts that give way to the camel toe- yes, I said it. Research styles/trends online, be inspired by what you like and keep this in mind while shopping.

Back In The Swing Of Things

Oh My! I knew that it had been a while since I wrote on my blog, but I did not expect that it had been a little over a month. It's a disgrace. My initial intentions were to write on my blog at least once a week. That, fortunately, turned into something like 2 posts a week, which just happened naturally. THEN I had a career change and found myself working and sleeping with a lot of sick time in between leaving zero time for anything else. Phewwy. I am now, finally, getting into a new groove and routine. I hope I find more time on a weekly basis to update my blog. If you're reading this, THANK YOU!! Oh and so you know, I am the new Selling Department Manager at Antrhopologie. I'm loving it!

Anywho, on to business, as they say. We are 3 weeks from the first day of Summer. Unbelievable, if you ask me; that means we are half way finished with year 2010. Where does the time go? As Summer approaches, new styles are revealed and new trends emerge. Designers have recently presented their Fall/Winter collections which is then followed by Resort Wear and we are refreshed with some new ideas for fashion. For those of you who don't know, Resort Wear was first designed by upscale designers for the affluent folk who would more likely than not take a post Winter Holiday vacay away, sometimes on a cruise, as it is also named. Resort Wear is presented at a time of year that bodes well for those of us looking for some inspiring looks for our current season of Summer (although the styles are meant for the Winter season vacation).


The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) just last week presented their awards to celebrate the tremendous talent we have here, living in the 'Land of the Free.' The ever so talented, Marc Jacobs was honored with The Womenswear Designer of the Year Award. So I thought it appropriate to highlight some of his Resort Wear 2011 to be a little bit re-inspired as we ease into the Season of sun and beach.

His collection was full of charming femininity. Many of the looks seem to combine an early 60s feel with a vintage YSL nod incorporated with some oh so very classic Chanel signatures.

Most skirts are mid length or shorter and have flirty hemlines- either wavy or flowy or sequined. If the hemline isn't unique they showcase extreme feminine detailing such as lace or sequined applique. A-line skirts showcase as well.

Suits debut with a military inspired cut- though the fabric and color add a fresh edge and beachy feel. Short and skirt suits mainly.

Colors are pastel. Pinks, yellows, greens and some blues appear in jackets, suits, hats, tops and skirts. The pastel colors are perfectly positioned with his feminine chic designs.

When shopping this Summer look for these pastel colors, feminine touches of lace and flowers on tops and dresses, short skirts that aren't skimpy and all things flirty and girly. You'll be yacht bound in high class and charm. Effortlessly chic indeed. Congratulations Marc Jacobs! You're at the top of your game and we're so lucky that you provide such charming designs and style. Images gathered from WWD.com.