on summer dressing

Let me just put this out there: I prefer Winter to Summer. I like layers and fur (faux) and boots. I like hot chocolate and duvets. I like tea and biscuits. The reason I don't like Summer so much? Summer is too hot for all these things.

This might come as a bit of a shock after my post from last week, but let me explain: at this point almost every year I get nostalgic for the activities of summers past, and think about all wonderful outfits I'm going to wear. This carries on until the hot weather actually arrives (although usually only for a few days in Britain) and I panic and curse myself for not having anything to wear, and then panic shop and buy a black maxi dress.

So today, while thinking about what to blog about, I realised; my inability to dress for summer is through a lack of preparation. Or put in simpler terms, the fact that I never plan for a summer wardrobe.  Well not one that I feel comfortable wearing (lets face it, I'm never going to look like Alexa Chung in denim cut offs).When the summer months start looming I carry on buying items that work for me in the cooler weather (sequins, leather, layers etcetc) because I'm stupid it's all I know. Consequently, I overheat and complain.

This isn't going to happen this year! This year I am going to be prepared, and find a way to make my wardrobe summer appropriate! So, without further adieu, here is the start of my 'Summer Wardrobe Conversion Therapy':

Outfit One

Cropped Tee: Alice and Olivia // Clutch: Lulu Guinness // Printed Maxi Skirt:Zimmerman @ Matches // Necklace: Kate Spade //  Belt: Paul Smith @ ASOS // Sandals: Topshop

The Idea: Re-using what I've already got.

The Reality: I already have similar items to this in my wardrobe (though I can't tell you what I wouldn't do for the skirt. Seriously.), so this is just a case of reworking the maxi skirt with less layers and summer accessories. Also a good example of how to rework winter (read: black/darker) accessories into summer. Because I do love my black.

Outfit Two

T-shirt: Rag and Bone // Shorts: Levis // Kimono: H&M // Sunglasses: Linda Farrow 

Bag: Marc Jacobs // Platform Brogues: Topshop

The Idea: Making getting my legs out less scary.

The Reality: Realistically, I don't think my denim cutoff dreams are ever going to cease, so this is all about finding a thin layer to wear over the cutoffs to conceal anything I'm not quite ready to bare, which due to the aforementionedtea and biscuits is pretty much everything at the moment. Note to self: running is your friend.

That's all for now; a step in  the right direction. After all, isn't life so much more appealing when you're dressed for the occassion?

en été

Dimphy Janse by Hunter & Gatti for Vogue Spain Janury 2012 

via Fashion Gone Rogue

 

    

The warmer weather that we've been having in Britain lately has made me more than excited for the summer to come, and more importantly, the clothes that come with it. Seeing this editorial on Fashion Gone Rogue has only built on this excitement, and has me reminiscing about the wonderful (mostly French) summer I had last year, and planning how I can make this year better.

So let's talk about what I want to be wearing. In short, all of the above. I love that with this shoot all the clothing is actually quite unremarkable (except the fringe/feather skirt in the last photo, which of course, I need), and it's the accessories that do the talking. Feather headbands, floral headbands, headwear in general, feathers, drawstring bags, beat up leather boots and belts, vintage jewelry. I want it all. This editorial definitely encompasses the kind of mix and match style that I feel fits the sporadic nature of summer so very well.