I wouldn't say I'm particularly drawn to pastel/Easter hues, but it got me thinking -- why not wear such light, subtle hues in the dark days of winter?  What makes a look so stylish is an understanding of opposites -- wearing a layered summer dress for winter, a tough moto jacket and boots with a feminine skirt or dress. I daresay pastel colors can almost be called rebellious when worn in winter -- oh the scandal!

Jack Frost isn't just nipping at our noses -- he's taking a vicious chomp right out of our faces, it's so cold.  They say you shouldn't grocery shop while you're hungry, and I think something similar could be said when you're looking for blog inspiration -- don't write a post while you're freezing to death. That is, unless you're in the Mood for some warm, cozy winter wearables. Despite a rare day of sunny weather, it is positively Ice Age-cold out there, so I can't help but let my mind wander towards fur collars, coats with layers of quilted downy feathers or hearty wool and leather. I want to be swaddled in loops of infinity scarves made of soft cashmere. I picture my head fully nestled in a hat with ear flaps. Let me wear nothing but lazy, slouchy cowl-neck sweaters with my most comfortable jeans or yoga pants. Clearly, this Bird is in a chilly winter state of mind, so let's bundle up together, shall we? 

Here's what's on my mind to keep warm and cozy during these icy-cold days: {1} Tempest by Kelsi Dagger in taupe natural, {2} Cozy cowl poncho in ponderosa pine by Hive and Honey, {3} Dyed fox fur shawl collar in olive by Diane von Furstenberg, {4} Fur trim hooded duffle coat by Burberry, {5} Ingrid-B leather jacket with arctic raccoon fur collar by Mackage, {6} Hingham in brown/quilted houndstooth by Sperry Top-Sider, {7} Original Brit cuff Welly sock by Hunter, {8} Vicki colorblock trapper hat from Anthropologie, {9} HI 5 mittens by Kate Spade New York, {10} Frayed infinity scarf in cream by Paula Bianco, {11} Chunky turtleneck sweater by Nili Lotan


Jaunty Fine Print: Images from shops listed above

The Birdy's final month-long ode to the cancelled-but-not-forgotten series Firefly is something that brings nerd-ness and style together in a single post. The look of Firefly was about as close to Steampunk as network television was going to get. It was somewhat ahead of its time, since the series came out ten years ago, prior to the level of recognition this Jules Verne-inspired costume obsession has today. Now, Steampunk has the cultural familiarity that brings to mind a quote from Triumph the Insult Dog, upon observing a fan's homemade costume: "Which of these buttons do I press to call your mom to pick you up?"

Jokes aside, it is a striking look that combines a bit of 1800s Jauntiness with a Western edge to rough it up a bit. While none of us are living in a sci-fi/western universe, having adventures on a spaceship, I found some lovely wearables that have the high drama with the fashion pedigree to match. 

As in all style common sense rules -- don't wear all this at once or you really will look like a cos-play refugee begging to have your lunch money stolen. But the pieces on their own are beautiful with a tough edge, surely putting you in a stylishly fantastical Mood: {1} Trouve faux leather panel leggings, {2} Black and bronze buckled half boots by Laurence Dacade, {3} MCQ razor blade brass and leather cuff by Alexander McQueen, {4} Rockstud driving gloves by Valentino, {5} Old and New pocket watch necklace from ModCloth, {6} Ravel Hope leather boot with double buckle detail, {7} Washed leather fingerless gloves by Vince Camuto, {8} Wool felt coat with leather lapels by Salvatore Ferragamo, {9} Tailored cotton riding jacket in camel by Burberry, {10} Multistrap leather cuff bracelet by Leatherock  

Jaunty Fine Print: items from shops listed above

The best part of fall is being able to enjoy it. Between the rainy days, you'll get lucky and find yourself outside on a day cool enough for a favorite jacket, and warm enough to not have to get bundled up for winter's chill. This was a fun and easy outfit styled from The Jaunty Wardrobe, for those perfect Inbetween Days, which is to say, a day that feels not quite summer, not quite fall, just a comfortable spot in between.

The pieces shown for Inspired fall walk include: Magenta jacket from J. Crew, denim bermuda shorts from Old Navy, striped tank from J. Crew, oxfords from Steve Madden, earrings, pin and crossbody bag are vintage.


Jaunty Fine Print:  photos by Denise Sakaki

 

This nutty Bird actually had a dream about fall recently. Walking along a path, my eye was caught by this small, young tree whose green leaves were beginning to show the signs of a bright orange and yellow burst of fall color. I was giddy with anticipation and almost a little disappointed to wake up and see the lovely green trees in our backyard, still lush with verdant summer. In the immortal words of Homer (Simpson, that is): Doh!

Last month's Nordstrom Anniversary Sale probably didn't help matters much, when they were showing off all these lovely cold weather goodies that we probably can't wear for at least another month or so. The thing that caught my Jaunty eye were the continuance of lovely details on fitted jackets, making them ever so lovely and ladylike. A mix of textures, from nubby woven materials to soft leather, and the detail work of ruffles, unfinished edges or metal accents like delicate chains -- it all makes this Bird as happy as seeing the leaves change colors on trees. I'm not saying summer needs to make a hasty retreat, but when the autumn comes, you can bet this Birdie will be first in line to welcome its return. Pictured from Nordstrom are: {1} Hinge Victoriana ruffle collar jacket, {2} Rubbish military knit jacket, {3} Halogen crop collarless jacket.


Jaunty Fine Print: photos from Nordstrom catalog

 

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.