Spring Summer Inspiration
My mood has officially moved to spring/summer fashion. Snow is forecast for this week but I’m not having any of it. Bring on the light layers, the bright colors and the slouchy wide legged trousers. This past weekend I sifted through magazines to make a mood board. Crossed legged on the floor of my daughter’s bedroom, together we cut out our favorite pictures to make a collage. My end result was the above image that ended up showcasing what I want to be wearing over the months to come. A list of those things is below.
Tailored separates in loose silhouettes. Can we talk about the resurgence of menswear and power dressing. It’s good.
Silk scrunchies are another must. The scrunchies I’m currently wearing are velvet and, therefore, far too wintery for a springtime look. I must get my hands on some silk ones, preferably in bold vibrant colors. Pictured above you’ll find some by Hermes. This is the dream. I will likely find some on Etsy or do a DIY.
How are we feeling about bucket hats? I know these have been trending for a while and they aren’t anything new but I’m still kind of obsessed with them. Last year I bought a cheap option from Amazon and it was truly horrible. I think the answer might be to buy one that’s a little pricier. Perhaps the fabric composition and shape needs to be a bit more thoughtful to have it truly look good.
Neon. I know, who would have thought. I normally shy away from bright colors but I’m in the mood to wear something painfully acidic (get ready to guard your eyes).
Yellow. Yes, I’ve loved yellow for a long time but this season’s version feels a bit more muted. I like that.
Coordinating sets. How cute is the matching STAUD skirt and top pictured above? I’m not sure if I’m ready to bare my midriff but maybe if I found a set that was quite high waisted and just showed a couple inches of tummy I could embrace this style (on or near the beach).
A summer sandal update is a must and I’ve got my eye on the Big Buckle Birkenstock.
Ladylike accessories. Need I say more? After a year hunkered down in my sweats indoors I’m in the mood to look elevated and put together. Enter pearls, structured handbags and pieces that show I put more than 2min into getting ready.
Round neck t-shirts with short chained necklaces. Yes and yes.
Minimalist beauty. Because if the past year has taught me anything it’s that less is truly more.
Ok, that’s my rundown of must-have items for spring/summer ‘21. I will report back with news on how it goes incorporating these things into my wardrobe. I may just stay in my house like a hermit for the next four months and continue to wear my sweats but I’m hoping I break free a bit and explore the world again in clothes that feel fresh and alive.
After all, it officially time to embrace fashion (and life) again.
In Between
The place in between
When you're neither here nor quite there.
One part drawn to black and white, another part doused in a rainbow of shades. Forever pulled between monochrome and glitter, the realistic and the fanciful, the here and now versus the what could have been. The existence of being caught between two places.
Currently drawn to images that feel simple but pack an unexpected punch. The ordinary with a touch of sparkle. Simplicity captured in a way that feels dreamlike. When the basic takes on a life larger and more imaginative than its own. That's the space I want to inhabit.
Click the images to visit their source.
Autumn 2016
At a stage where I'm in constant bemusement over the increasingly fast pace of times movement. It's embarrassing how often I ask if it's really mid-July.
But really, is it seriously mid-July?! This year is going by way too fast. Life is just ticking along and it seems as though summer will be gone before I know it. As much as I love the heat, I've got to say the constant high of 100+ degrees (that's 40+ for those of you living in Celsius) is getting a bit old. Thank heavens everywhere in America, my house included, has air conditioning. Were it not the case, you'd have a very grumpy girl on your hands.
Entertaining my thoughts lately are dreams of autumnal dressing (pass the layers), skinny straps (be them on shoulders or on backs), coffee delivered in bed (my husband has started doing this on the weekend), and trips to faraway places. Now that I live in America this entire country seems to be at my fingertips - my inner wanderlust is calling out for a road trip. I'm off to England next month but I'm thinking in the fall I'll set off on that road trip. The Grand Canyon is calling.
Charlotte Brontë
Obsessed with all things dark and moody at the moment. This editorial in the October issue of Vogue China nails the season perfectly. Fluffy knits, floor skimming coats, and a mix of muted colors. Something feels painfully Brontë about the backdrop to these pictures. Those weathered looking hills and cold seas are the setting to a modern day Jane Eyre. One where she, and all her friends, wear combat boots and shearling. That's something I can get behind. Now if only the incessant heat would lay off.
Photographed by Nathaniel Goldberg. Styled by Caroline Newell.
Spring 2015
Sure, it might be -10 degrees outside but my heart if firmly set on the belief that spring is just around the corner. Rumor has it the weather is meant to turn around this weekend and with that in mind I'm already mentally packing away my winter attire. Never one to rush into things, my Birkenstocks are looking mighty tempting indeed.
Sure, it might be -10 degrees outside but my heart if firmly set on the belief that spring is just around the corner. Rumor has it the weather is meant to turn around this weekend and with that in mind I'm already mentally packing away my winter attire. Never one to rush into things, my Birkenstocks are looking mighty tempting indeed.
With that in mind, I've lately been drawn to all things summer. Think bikini clad chicks sitting on the beach, waves crashing in the sea and palm tree lined streets. Otherwise I've head my head firmly tucked into style.com where I've been pinning away all my favourite looks from the collections. But for now lets not focus on that. Instead take a peek at the images that have been swirling in my mind as of late.
Find these and more over on Pinterest
Winter 2015
Hard to believe that we are already edging our way towards the end of January. I feel like the month has been plagued by dry skin and dreams of warmer weather. I'm already willing my way towards mid February when I'll be hopping on a plane to Zurich and then to London for fashion week.
Hard to believe that we are already edging our way towards the end of January.
I feel like the month has been plagued by dry skin and dreams of warmer weather. I'm already willing my way towards mid February when I'll be hopping on a plane to Zurich and then to London for fashion week. I can't wait to be reunited with friends that I haven't seen for way too long and devour some delicious food (I think London has the best restaurants around). For now I'm dreaming about far away destinations, couture creations, and types of hair I wish I could recreate. Some of the pictures that have been swirling around in my mind are below. Click to view larger and scroll through.
From a selection on Pinterest.
December 2014
Not entirely sure how it's already December. The past twelve months have flown by so quickly. It's hard to believe in just a few weeks we'll be rolling into another new year. I have to say I'm looking forward to the fresh start.
Not entirely sure how it's already December. The past twelve months have flown by so quickly. It's hard to believe in just a few weeks we'll be rolling into another new year.
I have to say I'm looking forward to the fresh start. There's something about new beginnings that speaks well to me. I already have a list of resolutions that I'm toying with in my mind. They fall under the regular self-help categories of run more, eat healthier, read more often etc. etc. etc. We'll see how they play out. If they're anything like last years...
Lately I've been feeling drawn to a heap of beautiful images. They're generally of the foggy landscape variety sprinkled with a helping of minimal interiors. I like anything white, black or grey. Navy blue is also okay. In general that's also all I like to wear. Bleak colors just feel right in winter.
Photos from a selection on Pinterest.
That Fall Feeling
November is officially here and it feels strange to think we're heading full steam ahead towards winter. At the moment I'm on the hunt for a job and a house. The search is tiring and as a result I've retreated into the world of Pinterest where I'm browsing through an endless stream of photos that have me yearning for dreamy landscapes and even dreamier interiors.
November is officially here and it feels strange to think we're heading full steam ahead towards winter.
At the moment I'm on the hunt for a job and a house. The search is tiring and as a result I've retreated into the world of Pinterest where I'm browsing through an endless stream of photos that have me yearning for dreamy landscapes and even dreamier interiors. Stop and browse my favorite images of late. Click to view large and scroll through them all.
August 2014
Currently feeling drawn to all things dark and moody. Namely foggy photos of Norway, clunky black shoes with rolled down matching socks and anything Raf Simons x Adidas.
Currently feeling drawn to all things dark and moody. Namely foggy photos of Norway, clunky black shoes with rolled down matching socks and anything Raf Simons x Adidas.
Summer in Switzerland seems to have taken a backseat - in its place has come an onslaught of rain and chilly weather. Pretty much just feel like cozzying up on the sofa with a good book. Tomorrow I'm off to Zermatt for a couple of days and there it's reported to be snowing. Fairly certain that will catapult me into the autumnal mindset.
Bring on the knitwear...
Photos via Pinterest
Summer 2014
Currently I'm sitting at my desk listening to the rain pound down against the windows. It's hitting at a monumental speed and sounds as if it's going to break down my roof. Tomorrow the forecast says it's going to be hot and sunny. At the moment I can't believe it's true.
Currently I'm sitting at my desk listening to the rain pound down against the windows. It's hitting at a monumental speed and sounds as if it's going to break down my roof.
Tomorrow the forecast says it's going to be hot and sunny. At the moment I can't believe it's true. If it is, then I'm going down to the river to spend my Saturday swimming and reading magazines in the heat. I've got my fingers and toes crossed that the forecast is correct.
May has been a serious disappointment in terms of weather. All this rain has got me craving summer and as a result I've been trolling the internet in search of inspiration. Think lots of palm trees, bikinis, bare legs and surfers. I've got my hope set on June being a scorcher!
Photos via Pinterest.
// INSPIRED BY LAUREL DAILEY //
Some people view the world in a unique and beautiful way. Laurel Dailey is, undoubtedly, one of those people. We met for the first time back in 2010 at a photo shoot for Quiksilver in London. Strangely, it turned out that we had both lived in the same part of California a few years earlier when she went to a university that was a five minute drive from my old flat. Afterwards I started following her blog of essays (it's witty beyond belief) and got hooked on her clever insights and honest writing style. We were reunited a few years later when she flew to Oxford to shoot one of my friend's weddings.
Laurel's a photographer and lives in Long Beach, California. She never seems to stay in one place for too long though. If you look at her pictures you'll instantly see that she's hugely inspired by her friends. Following her visual diary on Instagram is like tapping into a world that's effortlessly cool. Her pictures never look like random snapshots, instead they portray moments of sheer beauty and simplicity. There's a nonchalant grace to her work. She takes basic moments, like someone sticking their hand out a car window, and captures them in a way that makes them appear achingly beautiful. When I asked Laurel what inspires her most the first thing she mentioned were blogs. She then went on to talk about her unconditional love for California, a state she's lived in for the past thirteen years, and a place that continues to inspire her work.
Books: East of Eden, Travels with Charley in Search of America, The Fountainhead, The Corrections.
Music: The War on Drugs, Courtney Barnett, Foxygen, Mac DeMarco, King Krule, Haim.
Photos c/o Laurel Dailey's Instagram account. Click to enlarge.
// THE LIST OF MY DESIRES //
Lately I’ve been trying to disconnect from the online world. Sometimes I find myself constantly glued to a screen - whether it’s the TV, my laptop or cell phone. There is so much inspiration online that it can be overwhelming. Scrolling through Pinterest, looking at blogs, stalking Instagram, or watching films... it’s all so fast and so all encompassing.
This past week has provided the perfect excuse to take a step back. It was Easter weekend and then my birthday on the 22nd. We had my husband's family visiting from Sweden and so made the most of the long weekend. Instead of sitting on my sofa in front of Friends, I was out exploring Zurich. I love it when people come to visit because it gives you the excuse to be a tourist in your own town. I was totally reminded of how beautiful Zurich is and how lucky I am to live here.
For my birthday I was given 'the list of my desires' by Grégoire Delacourt. I just finished it today and, I've got to say, it really got me thinking about what I want from life and how to go about getting it.
Something I've always loved is hearing about what inspires people. I'm a firm believer in the idea that inspiration is everywhere and that you just have to open your eyes to see it - whether it's food, traveling, books, art or just buying a new striped romper at American Apparel. Sometimes the littlest things can be the most inspiring. I'm trying to get back in touch with what originally made me love blogging. The spontaneity of it and the ability to put across how you're feeling without having anyone edit your work is what I loved so much about it when I started this bad boy back in 2009. When I started blogging I never thought twice about who was reading what I wrote and I just posted about whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I want to get that spontaneity back but I also want to have some structure. To give some regularity to my posts I'm going to start a new feature that focuses on individual people and what they find inspiring. I want to look at all sorts of sources like books, magazines, food, culture, the outdoors and art. I also want to ask people what's on their list of desires. Whether it's something little like a new swimsuit or something big like starting a charity. In order to accomplish what you want you've first got to admit to yourself that you want to achieve it.
All photos taken with iPhone 5c. Click to enlarge.
Spring 2014 Collections
It might be hard to recall but it showed its face last September. Since then we've seen pre-fall and couture - so it might all feel a bit muddled. Funny that the fashion gods have already moved on to next winter while us mere mortals are stuck trying to clamber our way out of the current one.
While everyone is shoving their faces into the metaphorical pie that is AW14, I thought I'd take a moment to reflect on the season that is upon us. Remember spring 2014?
It might be hard to recall but it showed its face last September. Since then we've seen pre-fall and couture - so it might all feel a bit muddled. Funny that the fashion gods have already moved on to next winter while us mere mortals are stuck trying to clamber our way out of the current one. But guys, I promise you this, spring is just around the corner. So before we get sucked into the vortex that is next-next season let's recall what the spring collections were all about.
Rodebjer did bedouin inspired stripes, Prada plastered faces onto everything and Tommy Hilfiger reinvented scuba gear. At Rick Owens the very nature of a fashion show was called into question and at JW Anderson tops were tied on by strings. Exaggerated ruffles made a return at Dries van Noten and Bottega Veneta. Ugly sandals were everywhere and at Lanvin models carried bags that looked full of trash. There was monochrome in abundance, geometric prints galore and, at Celine, Phoebe shook the minimalist agenda. In many collections the focus of sex-appeal moved to the back with deep Vs and crossed straps.
While I might not be able to afford any of the things pictured below, I'll be using them all as inspiration when it comes to getting dressed. Now all we need is some sun.
Photos via Dazed & Style.com
// A SPORTIER TYPE OF HAUTE COUTURE //
Times, they are a changin'.
When Lagerfeld had his army of top models run down a flight of steps, as they entered the venue of Chanel's spring 2014 haute couture show, jaws undoubtedly dropped. You don't run in couture, darling. Surely you step lightly, move slowly and stay far far away from red wine and spaghetti. Not so anymore. The new breed of couture wearers, according to Uncle Karl, can now embrace sportswear just like the rest of us. Thank god they don't have to dabble in New Balance or Nike though, these girls get their sneakers from the Chanel couture collection. They're crafted by Massaro and aren't made from cotton but instead feature python, pearls and lace. Best to avoid the puddles then, eh?
While the internet was alight with fascination over the brand's decision to mix sportswear with couture, the fine folks at Dior had actually done exactly same thing just the day before. Granted the statement wasn't as loud as it was at Chanel. Every model wasn't wearing trainers but a fair few of them were. Raf Simons took the movement even further than Lagerfeld dared, because why opt for conventional tennis shoes when you can embrace their even ghastlier brother: the water shoe. The fashion industry may have taken warmly to the trend for ugly flat footwear but, to date, these monstrosities have remained firmly in no man's land - until now.
Who would have thought it possible? Now, I'm considering investing in a pair of $18 Speedo Amphibious Zipwalkers so that I can rock a Dior inspired couture look too. Who needs Chanel when you can have do it yourself Dior, baby? All I need is a pack of sequins and some thread and I'm good to go.
Here's to hoping you'll join me in the movement.
Photos via Style.com
A blonde Karlie Kloss
Karlie Kloss has always ranked high in my books. She has nailed the wholesome all-American girl thing. She looks down-to-earth and, lets be honest, the girl is achingly beautiful. I've always thought she was a bit square though. She doesn't pack much of an edge.
That was until I saw this editorial from Interview's October issue. Karlie looks fierce. The choppy bleached blonde hair has totally transformed her. She looks edgy and cool. Her dark eyebrows are giving Cara a run for her money. I love the slightly disheveled styling and that she's goofing around with kids in a skate park.
The best bit though is undoubtedly the athletic socks with slip on sandals. An early nod to Prada S/S 14?
