Well, if you're going to throw flowers at my feet, they may as well be decorating some fabulous heels.  At least that's what the voice said in my Magpie-Mind as I was looking through all the wonderful springtime-fresh fashions starting to emerge. While I'm less able to wear such beautiful but impractical high heels, a girl can still dream and admire the color and over-the-top embellishment on shoes like these. These gorgeous heels range from the wearable to the WOW. 

I'm seeing the signs of spring, and it's definitely giving my wardrobe Spring Fever.  Even if I'm still bundling up in the mornings, I'm in the Mood to look at flowy dresses, watercolor floral prints and light, dewy colors. These pretty things might be covered in winter coats for a little bit longer, but it's Springtime, dammit.  

Gone are the days when "floral  print" meant an overly-prim tea dress, or something Holly Hobby would wear on the prairie, bonnet included. Call it a case of Spring Fever, but this Birdie felt the Mood of the floral trend. I'm glad it continues with designers reinventing these bloomin' lovelies in more modern and easily wearable ways.

It can still be ladylike for a guest at a spring wedding, but it can also be bold and structured for the corporate world. Floral patterns can make it on casual pieces, feeling breezy and fun. And even when the sun goes down, florals can remain chic and sultry for a nocturnal setting. Who would have thought all these options could be in your garden-variety wardrobe?

Take a look at these Jaunty Finds in bloom: {1} Petal Dress by Matthew Williamson at ShopBop, {2} Mid-rise large floral capri jeans by J Brand at Piperlime, {3} Floral-print fabric pump by Oscar de la Renta at Neiman Marcus, {4} Off shoulder stretch cotton dress by Blumarine at Nordstrom, {5} Floral-print platform sandal by Giuseppe Zanotti at Neiman Marcus, {6} Hailey dress in floral jaquard by J. Crew, {7} Floral-print tie coat by RED Valentino at Neiman Marcus, {8} Floral dolman-sleeve slub tee by Old Navy 

Jaunty Fine Print: Photos from shops listed above - happy shopping!

It's the time of year again where you're not sure whether or not to pull out the fall/winter wear or keep pushing the summer wardrobe pieces juuuuuust a little longer. I know I should just change The Jaunty Magpie to The Jaunty J. Crew-Obsessed Magpie, but I can't help it, I love their classic, smart style. Their looks always Inspire me to no end, as did their summer floral mix that could just as easily segway into fall days, with a bit of layering.

The Power of J. Crew compelled me to pull this from the Jaunty Wardrobe: tie-front cardigan from Kenzie, t-shirt from Smoking Lily, skirt from Newport News, bag from Nordstrom, necklace from Romy, shoes from BCBG, bracelet handmade by my Jaunty Auntie!


Jaunty Fine Print:  photo from J. Crew website, wardrobe photos by Denise Sakaki

 

Admittedly, summertime dressing hasn't always been one of this Bird's strong suit. Cooler weather clothing that offers more layering is more my Jaunty cup of tea. But the Magpie managed to put together a pleasant warm weather outfit Inspired by a mix of natural patterns and textures. Thoughts of pearly swirls from seashell strolls and the floral hues of a freshly-picked bouquet were bouncing around in the ol' Bird-brain when pulling some items from the Jaunty Wardrobe. A pretty mix of a hand-sewn topper with a breathable, light blouse and skirt, plus near-flat bright yellow wedges and a bubblegum pink clutch makes for a summertime look that's sunny weather functional and doesn't make you look like you're in a t-shirt and cutoffs better suited for washing the car. Just because it's hot outside, doesn't mean you have to look a hot mess.

Pulled from the Jaunty Wardrobe: sequin-adorned blouse from The Limited, a neutral pinstripe pencil skirt from Macys, floral ruffle jacket is hand-sewn by the Magpie herself, yellow buckle flat/wedges are from Go Jane, the wood/shell ring and pink clutch were gifts, and the ivory flower earrings are vintage.


Jaunty Fine Print: photos by Denise Sakaki