Blame the candy aisle of the grocery store on this one. With Valentine's Day coming up, I was faced with an endless stream of red and pink confections that lodged themselves into the Bird Brain, including the old classic, Red Hots. The little cinnamon-flavored candies that you can often find in heart shapes during February reminded me of a pretty necklace I have. It's a long silver chain festooned with heart charms and is totally a Valentine's Day kind of accessory. It got me thinking about what to wear on a sweetheart Date Night.

Rummaging through the Jaunty Wardrobe, I pulled some simple favorites. I love a basic color block and the rule about No White After Labor Day is just a silly thing. I picked some sweet, candy-Inspired things and put this outfit together that may come out around February 14th!

From the Jaunty Wardrobe: white skirt from Macys, nude heels from BCBG, straw and ivory belt from Banana Republic; jewelry, red blouse and clutch were all gifts.

Jaunty Fine Print: photo from Martha Stewart, photos of the Jaunty Wardrobe items by Denise Sakaki

So, the Birdy decided to forgive Summer for being such a brat this year, especially as we enter that lovely period of in-between, where the weather isn't too chilly, but it's cool enough to start layering or wearing items that maybe felt too stifling on an 80-something degree day. I was Inspired by the best of things, good old-fashioned Mother Nature. We're losing the light earlier these days, but I do take time to catch the sunset more often. When there's clouds in the sky, we're given one heck of a light show, and it made me think of colors, seasons and just some of my favorite things sitting in the Jaunty Wardrobe. I wanted to give some of those pieces a swan song for the season, wearing some that I knew won't be long for this soon-to-be dreary, chilly world.

Not trying to copy or recreate any runway look in particular, let this be a reminder to pull out your favorite summery pieces and wear them while you can! From the Jaunty Wardrobe came forth a blouse from Target, skirt from Macys, aviator sunglasses from Banana Republic, jeweled sandal wedges from Romy, bag from la Redoute (I think?), and the necklace is actually an orphaned chandelier earring, fashioned as a pendant!


Jaunty Fine Print:  photographs by Denise Sakaki, styled from the Jaunty Wardrobe

Hap-hap-happy 2012! Did you have a fabulously festive New Years weekend celebrating this bright and shiny new year? Are you probably still nursing a wicked hangover and putting off that pesky ol' resolution thing until the aspirin kicks in? Yeah, yeah, this Birdy gets it, we've all been there.

Of course, one of the big reasons I love New Years is the excuse to get dolled up and be a fancy Birdy. This year was no different, bringing together old favorites that give a bit of sparkle and shine. I was Inspired by a vintage 1930s photo of a swimsuit that was actually crocheted, if you can believe it. I liked that it had the look of a jumpsuit, almost disco-like. I have no crochet skills, but I need no prompting to find an excuse to wear sparkle-sequin shorts! A 1970s whim made me pull my favorite purple halter tie-neck blouse out. It's a Jaunty Wardrobe outfit that's made appearances before, but this Birdy doesn't care that it's been worn -- gasp -- a couple of times. We wear what makes us feel festive and fun. And really, when else is a good time to wear sequin shorts, but New Years??

From the Jaunty Wardrobe: fabulous sparkle-sequin shorts from Express, silk halter top from Macys, boots from The Bay, jewelry and handbag are vintage. BYO party attitude.

Jaunty Fine Print:  photo from Vintage Home Arts, Jaunty Wardrobe photos by Denise Sakaki

This Bird appreciates being able to wear pieces from the Jaunty Wardrobe all season, but it's tricky to get perennial with tweedy, fall-appropriate items. I was particularly Inspired by the lovely Emily Blunt, seeing a red carpet snapshot wearing a lovely combination of bright turqoise and a neutral skirt, all in a lovely, ladylike silhouette. Of course her outfit is a single dress that's meant to look like separates, but as always, the point of these posts is to pull something together from an existing wardrobe, without buying anything new.

I liked the idea of pairing something totally summery with something on the opposite end of the seasonal spectrum. I hadn't worn my high-waisted grey tweed skirt in a while -- why would I? It's so fall/winter, right? But I was pleased to say the light, fluttery blouse lightened things up and balanced the skirt out for summer wear. I wore this combination to a cocktail party and the flat silver sandals made it friendly for all types of terrain, be it grass or concrete, plus comfort to be able to walk about for a few hours. The statement necklace had a similar color range with the blouse, so they spoke in unison for a pleasant overall hue.

Cheers to perennial menswear and tweed! From the Jaunty Wardrobe: blue blouse from Forever 21, grey tweed skirt from Express, silver sandals by Tommy Hilfiger, faux croc green handbag from JCPenney, vintage charm bracelet, glass jade necklace from Macys.


Jaunty Fine Print:  image from InStyle.com and wardrobe photos by Denise Sakaki

So, at the risk of this Birdie looking a total retro/vintage hot mess, I couldn't help but put together an outfit not only inspired by the fashion stylings of Kate Spade, but the bags themselves. Granted, I didn't have the exact-matching cardigan color to match their signature spring style vert, but the trappings of 1940s vintage ivory earrings, bright red tights and patent shoes and a bold print feels just crazy enough to qualify for getting totally Kate Spay-ed, right?

I love how the Kate Spade brand has expanded to clothing. Granted, it sort of forces them to qualify a particular look that fits their overall company image, but since last year, I've been totally loving on their cheeky, young, vintage look. It's both classic and modern-funky, the perfect combination I love so dearly, as the Jaunty Wardrobe is just a giant collection of style insanity that runs the gamut of wearable options, but defintely leans more towards the love of retro styles and silhouettes.

For this outfit, the not-quite-Kate-Spade-green cardigan is from Old Navy, dark purple shirt is from JCPenney, the black and white graphic-print skirt is from J. Crew, grey buckle handbag is from The Limited, red tights from Express, red patent Mary Jane flats are from Nine West, and the clip-on earrings are vintage ivory.

Jaunty Fine Print: Photos of wardrobe pieces by Denise Sakaki, from her own Jaunty wardrobe; photos from Kate Spade

 

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

 

Ever take a wandering gaze through the closet and literally just grab whatever tickled your fancy and - voila - crazy thrown-together outfit? This Bird meandered through the Jaunty Wardrobe and pieced this kooky getup together. A mix n' match of menswear, textures and patterns, it's combining the use of masculine fabrics and the rebel yell of mixing different prints.

The original thought came from putting together something with my favorite pair of grey tie-waist shorts after seeing this simple style from Tommy Hilfiger. And then it all went to crazytown after picking some different favorite pieces from the Jaunty Wardrobe. Outfit includes: ruffled tie-waist jacket and printed top and tights from The Limited, tie-waist shorts from Macys, brown oxfords from Steve Madden, jewelry and handbag are vintage.


Jaunty Fine Print:  wardrobe photos by Denise Sakaki, Tommy Hilfiger runway photo from Elle.com

 

Finally, the summer has arrived, after months of unusually chilly, wet weather, and now this Bird is in seasonal culture shock. I'll always have much love for Jaunty layering, but it's just not practical when the sun decides to peek out and warm up our days and nights. I found myself Inspired yet again, by our favorite lady of summer, Miss Carrie-B. I know the movie's come and gone, but I still find myself going back to that lovely and simple Halston white dress from the opening. So summery and perfect! Sadly, I have no Jaunty Halston summer dress, but I had a simple jersey knit dress and chose a few sparing accessories to make it sparkle. It's definitely been a change of pace to select items in the Jaunty Wardrobe with a much lighter hand, so I'm taking all the Inspiration I can get!

Selected from the Jaunty Wardrobe is a summery blue jersey knit dress from Macys, vintage gold lattice and shell earrings (converted to clips, as this Bird doesn't have pierced ears!), vintage jade ring, aviators from Banana Republic, faux snakeskin clutch (a gift), and gold peep-toe pumps from Steve Madden.


Jaunty Fine Print: image from Sex and the City 2

 

Whoa, turn off the waterworks, Seattle! This week has managed to get this Birdie stuck in several downpours to much un-Jaunty wardrobe and hair malfunction. But never fear, this will not drench the Magpie's spirit, as it inspired me to use some of my favorite wearables this week. 

I've often said that I have an unhealthy obsession with jackets and coats. This post gives you Jaunty readers a chance to peek at what's sitting in the Jaunty Wardrobe. And bear in mind, these are just a sample of outerwear in the key of Jaunty Rainyday Wear. My first trench coat was a khaki London Fog, which I think everyone had at one point in their life. It was precisely the color of skin and looked horrible in photos. This Bird flipped the Bird to that trench and went wild with prints and color! When walking through the rainy streets of the Pacific Northwest on a busy, rainy spring day, no one has time to take off one's coat, so why not wear something that's as colorful and noteworthy as an outfit?

This rainy day trio of lightweight toppers include {1} a black flower applique pattern coat from Newport News (I'm a catalog fiend!), {2} a navy and white-print trench from Target (Tar-jhay!), {3} and a red and black geographic print trench from Nordstrom. I loved the Nordstrom trench so much, I bought it years ago, during their anniversary sale, and it wasn't even on sale! Oh, the retail lust of it all!

Jaunty Fine Print: Photos of coats and trenches by Denise Sakaki, courtesy of the downstairs coat closet.

 

Seriously, Summer?! You show up late to the party, don't even bring a hostess gift, be cranky and full of mood swings for the whole season and only now you put your party game face on?? We were wearing parkas in June. The rain didn't seem to end until mid-July. And the temperature swings have been more like hot flashes, with the numbers jumping from one end of the spectrum to another in a matter of days. Summer, the Bird has to say, she has had just about enough of you...

But the crazy last hurrah of summer over the weekend, with a burst of heat on Sunday put everyone in a particularly Inspired summer spirit. I hope you took the opportunity to wear your cutest shorts, your flowiest blouse and biggest sunglasses. As a late-to-the-party summer celebration, the Jaunty Wardrobe put forth this collection of seasonal-specific pieces, as there's no way a lot of this is going to be re-purposed when the cold months return, try as this  Birdie might! The blouse and sunglasses are from Forever 21, shorts are either Gap or Old Navy (I can never remember!), silver bangles were a gift, brown and gold wedges are from Alloy, and the necklace was made by the Magpie herself, but the pendant was a Jaunty gift from a friend's trip to Venice.


Jaunty Fine Print:  photographs by Denise Sakaki, styled from the Jaunty Wardrobe

Magpie... Jaunty Magpie. A recent rewatching of some James Bond favorites got this Bird thinking, if 007 were to be restyled as a female secret agent, what would an outfit look like? You want to be one part smooth operator, but not just look like a gal in a tuxedo. I wanted to create an outfit from the Jaunty Wardrobe that was Inspired by the spirit of James Bond, but not just look like a sidekick Bond Girl. While there's no room to stow a Walther PPK, I could at least carry a spare lipstick in a little snakeskin clutch, so really, that's all that matters, right? 

For this double-o-mashup, I grabbed my favorite sparkly sequined tank from Express, grey shorts from Macys and blue suede and patent leather booties from Piperlime. The jewelry and clutch were gifts that seemed to fit with this oh-so-groovy look.   

Jaunty Fine Print:  Jaunty Wardrobe photos by Denise Sakaki, James Bond photo from imdb.com

Don't lie, you've always wanted to pretend you're someone famous, wearing sunglasses indoors, trying to conspicuously look inconspicuous. And after all, we're Inspired by the best, as whenever you see pictures of famous actresses trying to "blend in" they do about as good of a job of being unnoticed as a giraffe standing in a crowd of field mice. But a fabulous giraffe.

So the Magpie proclaims a Pretend Day, where you wear some of your favorite things with sparkle, ruffles and shine, and keep those sunglasses on indoors. Keep 'em all guessing, wondering, Just who the hell does she think she is? Jaunty, of course. 

Some of the Magpie's favorite "LOOK AT ME, DAMMIT!" items from the Jaunty Wardrobe include: a bright pink clutch given as a gift, evening sparkle worn in the daytime from Betsey Johnson, silver glovelets from Nordstrom and a ruffle-collared jacket from Ann Taylor. And don't forget those sunglasses -- even if it's cloudy outside.


Jaunty Fine Print:  photo from Instyle.com and jaunty wardrobe shots 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

 

The Birdy can credit Pinterest for helping me find this lovely blogger, Glamor Guru -- I loved this outfit, from the red boots to the schoolboy blazer. I have a blazer very similar from J. Crew and I was looking to be Inspired over how to wear it and not look like a stewardess -- inspiration found! I love what a total mix-tape of looks this is, total preppy-rocker-cowgirl in all the best ways. Especially with the boots and jeans; usually I wear these short foldover boots with shorts or a skirt, but a tall cuff on a slim pant totally works. I'm also using this as an open letter to the Pacific Northwest's summer weather to make. up. its. damn. mind. For reals!! I'm picking out fall-appropriate outfits in June!

Anyways, weather gripes aside, at least I have something fun to wear. From the Jaunty Wardrobe: schoolboy blazer from J. Crew, printed top from Macys, jeans from Old Navy, foldover short boots from JC Penney, black satin handbag was a gift.

Jaunty Fine Print: photo from Glamor Guru, Jaunty Wardrobe photos by Denise Sakaki

The Bird is all about dressing-up the dressing-down, and vice-versa. Take a really basic, casual set of everyday clothing and throw in a wild card, like some metallic gold heels. Cargo pants and heels are one of my favorite pairings and the theme of today's Inspired post. It instantly elevates something rumpled and slouchy and the heels make the outfit look intentional. It's not a barrier-breaking fashion pairing, but something I consider one of the new Modern Classics. You won't be embarassed or look behind the times for wearing this look from season to season, and for more casual-friendly offices, it's a way to mix things up.  

These days I'm more interested in relaxed, everyday wear. I think it's sometimes the most difficult thing to dress for, avoiding the "weekday uniform" look, where you're wearing the same t-shirt and jeans every day. This is something I'd wear out for a relaxed lunch with friends -- no muss, no fuss, but still put-together. Pulled from the Jaunty Wardrobe: jeweled cardigan from Ann Taylor, purple cotton shirt from JCPenney, cargo pants from Express, gold metallic peep-toe heels from Steve Madden, slouchy brown shoulder bag from La Redoute, silver heart pendant from Tiffany and Co.

Jaunty Fine Print: Inspired image from J.Crew, Jaunty Wardrobe photo by Denise Sakaki

Not everything has to be cutting-edge or with a wild and crazy look. Fashion can still be functional and there's nothing wrong with celebrating casual looks. I think about this when I look through my favorite magazines -- it's all glamorous times on red carpets or swanky parties, but let's face it, neither the celebrities nor us mere mortals live like that 100% of the time. How does one navigate through the day looking casual, fashionable and (gasp) comfortable?

The Magpie doesn't care that this Inspired photo is from Ye Olde Year of 2009. I ripped this photo from the pages of InStyle and kept it in my Crazy Hoarder Scrapbook, I loved it so much! I look back on it now and I still fawn over the feminine-sweet pairing of basics that actress Keri Russell is wearing. Of course Felicity would wear this!! (Team  Ben, by the way.) I liked the combination of thin, layered separates and oh-those-shiny-Oxfords! It was one of the early photos that convinced me I needed to have a pair for myself.

And so, even a couple of years later, the Bird remains Inspired by an everyday, casual outfit, which honestly is so comfortable, you could just live in it. It's nowhere near as grubby as being in a slouchy tracksuit all day, wouldn't you agree? We don't have to be dressed like we're going to meet the Queen, just be presentable, with a little bit of fun. From the Jaunty Wardrobe: jeans from Old Navy, striped button shirt from Express, pink argyle cardigan from Forever 21, pink sleeveless undershirt worn beneath all that (not shown), brown Oxfords from Steve Madden, Champagne cork necklace made by the Magpie.

Jaunty Fine Print: Items from the Jaunty Wardrobe photographed by Denise Sakaki, Keri Russell image from InStyle

One of the things this Bird always remembers about the holidays was in the days between Christmas and New Year's, her Jaunty Mother always pressed upon her the need to write out thank-you notes to all the kind and generous souls who gave gifts. What felt like a chore as a wee chicklet, now feels like a vital rite of etiquette, especially with all the rapid-fire communication avenues available to woefully send a fast, but lackluster, "THANK U. Catch U L8R!" Call this Bird ye olde-fashioned, but there's something pleasantly civilized about sending a note in the mail, showing thanks and appreciation for a genuine sentiment of generosity. Plus, one can't deny the joy of getting a letter. It's something an email or text message can never replace, the tactile sensation of opening an envelope, unfolding a note, and seeing something written by hand and sent with affection.

Continuing this sentiment of thanks, and to honor my Jaunty Mother's sage wisdom, I wish to write out an open letter of gratitude to everyone who has visited The Jaunty Magpie in its first year as a fashion, art, and personal style blog:

Dearest Readers and Visitors,

I wish to extend my most sincere thanks to you all for taking the time to visit this Bird online to peer through the posts, to leave such thoughtful comments, and chatting over Twitter. It has been an extra special treat to be able to meet fellow bloggers in the area, and make new friends -- truly the greatest gift of all! This Birdie feels truly blessed and humbled by the kindness shown.

It has been barely a year since the Jaunty Magpie perched itself online to share her thoughts, musings and periodic peeks into her rumpled wardrobe. Your kindness is most appreciated and something that has thoroughly imbued this blog with the inspiration to continue searching for lovely and thoughtful discoveries. Really and truly, this blog would not be anything without the support of you -- readers and friends -- who have been so generous with encouragement and praise.  

In the new year, this Bird resolves to continue exploring the world of fanciful things. I will carry on the browsing of whimsical finds for Fancy posts, keep creating collages of inspired Moods, as well as singular treasures and thoughts full of J'adore. The Jaunty Magpie has always been about being a resourceful Bird, and the Inspired posts showing items photographed from her own wardrobe will march onward, remaining a Polyvore-free site (not that I don't like it; I'm just weird and stubborn).

So please accept my utmost Jaunty Thanks for your supportive kindness, and I wish you all the very best in the new year!

With love and affection,
denise the magpie

 

This Birdie was spellbound by these Jackie Kennedy-inspired photos by Swedish photographer Kalle Gustafsson. I originally found them on Design Sigh's post, which shows several more stunning photos -- I especially like the brocade strapless dress photo, if you take a peek at the original post. I love the warm tones that wash over some of the color photos, much like the way prints of that time have aged. They remind me of my own parents' wedding photos that had a bit of that pinkish hue. There's a sense of internalized emotion and loneliness in the images, very much evocative of Mrs. Kennedy's quiet composure in her actual photos.

While this Bird would never compare her humble wardrobe to that of the immortal Jackie, an Inspired outfit came out of gazing at these photos. From the Jaunty Wardrobe comes forth a red coral print tie jacket that this Birdie made herself (out of upholstery fabric!), a blue turtleneck shirt underneath (Macys), grey pencil skirt (Banana Republic), nude heels (BCBG), white scarf (a gift), purple satin clutch (Nine West), brown aviators (Banana Republic) and silver glovelets (Nordstrom).

Jaunty Fine Print: Photos by Kalle Gustafsson, c/o Design Sigh; wardrobe photos by Denise Sakaki

 

A starlet whose style has caught the Bird's eye over the years is Keira Knightley's. She could be wearing some overly-glammed up dress, bedecked with jewels and wearing big hair that takes way too long to style, but she doesn't. Her choices are always smart and sartorial, appearing like that one girl you went to school with who would go to silent film festivals, could speak French beautifully, and would always offer half her cucumber and herbed goat cheese sandwich to you. Unlike Sienna Miller, whose style I also admire, but I'm fairly sure she'd be like the girl who'd have her minions shove you in a locker if you even looked at her for longer than ten seconds. I may be wrong about this, but that's just my initial impression.

Anyhoo, this Inspired look raises a Jaunty glass to Ms Knightley and her wily style choices. The menswear and multi-accessoried look pulled from the Jaunty Wardrobe include: black blazer from Benetton, printed knit dress from GoJane, hat from a shop in Ballard that I can't remember the name of, brown Oxfords from Steve Madden, and accessories and handbag are all gifts or vintage.


Jaunty Fine Print:  wardrobe photos by Denise Sakaki, photo of Keira Knightley from InStyle.com


 

On Sex and the City, Carrie referred to it as "Secret Single Behavior," the oddball things we do by ourselves, something we don't share with significant others, and it's just the weird habits we have that make us happy. For some it might be tweezing brows, others may sit with snacks and watch Cheaters marathons in the wee hours of the night -- not that I'm naming names or copping to any of these things, but let's face it, we've all got our little rituals that aren't shared in mixed company.

But the Magpie is breaking down the wall and daring to share her own SSB (Secret Single Behavior), which is really not that strange or illicit. I'd argue most of us do the exact same thing, which is have a little private fashion show, piecing different looks together from your wardrobe and basically playing dress-up for a night. Given the upcoming Fashion Week events, this Birdy wanted to do her homework, flip through the latest magazines, put some effort into an look or two, and test-drive some things from the Jaunty Wardrobe. I also wanted to try some makeup and hair styles out. Because normally, my getting-ready ritual is a mad flurry of too much to do, too little time, and running out the door already ten minutes late. Oh, Magpie...

For a night of rummaging through the closet, the camera phone is a must-have. I took some shots with the Big Girl Canon, but the little iPhone does wonders when you just need to see things at a different angle, with the help of Instagram to help smooth out all sins. I gave up a Friday night out to do my Jaunty Homework, take stock of the festive wear that's hanging in the closet, and see if I could work with what I had, versus buying something new. It had been a while since I'd forced myself to get creative with evening looks that would fit with trends but still be true to the Magpie -- the looks will be debuted during the Bellevue Collection Fashion Week events, so looking forward to seeing you there!

Jaunty Fine Print:  photographs by Denise Sakaki