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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!
No, it's not Valentine's Day (yet) but here's to ringing in the new year with luck and prosperity - paint the town RED. A powerful, bold color, red is also associated with good fortune in Chinese tradition. It wards off bad spirits and it's associated with celebrations of great joy. So for the first post of the new year, the Magpie says, ring it in with red.
I have a love/hate relationship with Pumpkin Spice -- it doesn't help that it's become an unstoppable craze, starting to inundate the senses as early as August. I allow myself one pumpkin spice latte for the fall season (OK, maybe two), and it must be within the months of October through November, AND THAT'S IT. So for the rest of the non-pumpkin spice latte days, I would like to suggest ways to celebrate pumpkin spice in an everyday, visually flattering way, that doesn't make you smell like an air freshener.
Fear not, Summerlings, it's not Labor Day yet! This Bird has never got with the program over that old fashion of rule of "no wearing white after Labor Day." And no one else follows this either, it's just a common turn-of-phrase nowadays. But it got me thinking about why white is so lovely for summer, and how touches of gold can make a look ladylike, crisp, and dancing along the edge of preppy-sweet.
Ever wish you could jump into a time machine... that isn't a hot tub or a DeLorian? I remember going back to school shopping and picking out new clothes, which was always fun, but the stuff I loved getting best was the supplies -- new backpack, a snazzy new pencil box, cool folders printed with favorite characters or animals, and of course the all-important Trapper Keeper. Clothes were changed out every day, but these were the things you brought every day to school. They were the grade school equivalent of a coat of arms that you rocked, day in and day out. Times have changed, but if I were going back to school and wanted to accessorize like a boss, these are my too-cool-for-school ultimate finds.
We read magazines and websites about trends and what the Next Big Thing is, but at the end of the day, the best recommendations always come from people you know. I was introduced to the beautiful handmade pieces of Omerica Organic by way of blogger friend, Rachael White, who just kicked off her tasty new blog, Set the Table. Check it out, if you haven't already given it a peek! I was immediately drawn in by Omerica Organic's beautiful use of wood in their jewelry and accessories. They really celebrate it as a material, it's not used incidentally or as a texture backdrop to other materials, the beautiful wood grain is accentuated in each piece. It makes every item one of a kind. Even when the wood is colored, you don't forget what the piece was made from, and wood has a natural warmth and tactile quality as a material. As their website says: Wood is Good.
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
Burgundy is the It-Color for this fall/winter season, it seems. And why not? It's rich, classic and can be as bold as it is understated. This Birdy just has a hard time not shouting, "Sex Panther!!" every time I see an article mention this on-trend hue. If you haven't seen Anchorman, with Will Ferrell as Ron Burgundy, first off: what is wrong with you? And secondly: go rent/borrow/steal a copy of it this very second so you too will shout Sex Panther! every time you hear the word "burgundy."
Now that the matter is cleared up, I want to say I really do love this color, jokes aside. But I like it the way I enjoy a burgundy wine -- one small dose at a time. It's no neon orange, but it's still a statement color, and that's exactly why, in my Jaunty opinion, it's far more interesting to rock it with accessories. If the clothing isn't cut well or the silhouette is off, an all-over burgundy look can be a little matronly or like you just stepped out of 70s Leisure Suit-ville Anchorman. But an interesting pair of gloves, a modern shaped purse, even a small touch of color to eyewear -- it's a more sophisticated nod to your appreciation for a stylish color, but not a headlong nose-dive into a trend.
These are some Jaunty finds I liked, which make burgundy the perfect touch of luxe to your outfit, day or night: {1} Courchevel tie-dye cashmere scarf by Dianora Salviati, {2} Anita trilby hat by Steven Alan, {3} Enameled Octopus Ring by Marmen, {4} G-Skull velvet loafer in burgundy by Jon Josef, {5} No. 21 Deep Burgundy lip color by Burberry, {6} Disc and Ribbon necklace by Herve Van Der Straeten, {7} Rubber Turnlock Bracelet in burgundy by Marc by Marc Jacobs, {8} Lambskin Fingerless Long Cuffed Gloves in burgundy by Imoni, {9} Dugueclina by Christian Louboutin, {10} Oversize Burgundy Suede de Manta Clutch by Alexander McQueen, {11} 518 Sunglasses in burgundy by Juicy Couture
Jaunty Fine Print: images from shops listed above
It isn't so much a post about 80s style making a comeback, but the Bird coming to terms with love/hate trends. The thing is, I LOVED all the 80s wonderfulness with bright pink and yellow neon, I thought gold jewelry was super-classy like on Dynasty episodes, cassette tapes were wizard science, the Robert Palmer Addicted to Love models were the epitome of beauty, and all was right with the world if one was covered head to toe in denim. And then I shook the crazy from my Bird-brain and vowed to never go back into the plastic dream that was the 80s.
But what trend studies say is true: what's old is new again, and somehow we find it in our style-hearts to forgive past trends we loved, then hated, and now find it in our hearts to love again. These are modernized versions of things I thought were the cat's pajamas back in the 1980s; some aren't even so modernized (well, the iPhone case is very new), it's just a different way of wearing pieces that find them a new place in our wardrobes of today. Behold, my, like, totally radical and Jaunty finds: {1} Riley by Melie Bianco faux leather envelope clutch in neon yellow at Nordstrom, {2} Florence Broadhurst by Kate Spade retro sunglasses at Nordstrom, {3} Workwear shirtdress from J. Crew, {4} Gold bangles, including Mini Ram Bangle from J. Crew, {5} Intrude pink patent pump by Steve Madden from Piperlime, {6} Sparkle and Fade Harness Bodycon dress in white from Urban Outfitters, {7} Silicone Cassette Tape Case cover for iPhone from Amazon
Jaunty Fine Print: product images from shops listed above
The Birdy wants to give everyone a hearty shot of Vitamin C, as in COLOR, lest we fall victim to the Seasonal Affective Disorder that is Winter. Seriously, the gray rainy days are a serious downer, harshing my mellow and the like, so the Bird is offering up a Mood of color and brights to warm your winter nights. But color can be a tricky customer, not everyone loves wearing it head-to-toe and even if you do wear a bright red dress, it's likely covered beneath a gray, heavy winter coat, so no one gets to enjoy it unless you're in the comfort of a well-heated room. Oh, the conundrum! What's the solution, Magpie??
Easy-peasy -- here are colorful solutions that are universal to everyone, the magic answer being accessories! It works for those who want to show a bright hue, even if they're covered in woolly winter warmth, or if you're just feeling timid about showing off that bright personality of yours. All these items are meant to go with whatever you have, worn over or designed to peek out from whatever outerwear you may be wearing. Because color, like a good, cheery mood, deserves to be shared! Let others enjoy a bright spot of orange or a bold dash of magenta. There are little details on all these items that keep them from being color-for-the-sake-of-color; smart little flourishes like interesting seam work, a little bow, or the fact that hey, you're wearing a freakin' cape! How cool is that?!
The Jauntily Technicolor collection includes: {1} Mikumi Scarf from Anthropologie, {2} Transatlantic Bag from Anthropologie, {3} Portolano teal nappa leather bow detail gloves from Bluefly, {4} Rena Lange button cape in fuschia from Neiman Marcus, {5} Ribbed Tights in Decadent Red from J. Crew, {6} Karlie Colorblock small shoulder bag in Bright Fuschia from Banana Republic, {7} Martina suede wedges in Bright Persimmon from J. Crew, {8} Juicy Couture felt riding cap in Pom Pom Red from Piperlime
Jaunty Fine Print: images from retail shops listed above
Happy New Years Eve, chirps the Birdie! I hope you have something festive planned for ringing in the new year, and most importantly, planning a festive look. Feathers have of course been everywhere, likely the new "it's so over" trend to be cast aside into the new year. But this Birdie doesn't care -- I'll keep wearing her plumed accessories whenever the mood strikes. But of course, you don't want to overdo it -- one feather at a time, ladies, or you'll look like a showgirl. Here are some feathered items to inspire a J'adore-worthy outfit!
Over the holidays, I spread the Word of the Bird through some crafty gifts. I made some wild cuff bracelets decorated with costume jewelry bits collected from the junk table at farmers markets, plus little feathery decor that was originally made to accetuate wreaths. Work with what you have, right? And I also made some feathery, jeweled/flowered headbands for friends, probably one of the easiest crafts to do. I wanted to share the photos, as short of the white feathered cuff which I decided to keep for myself (Merry Christmas to me), everything else was given as gifts and I hope brings the wearer festive good times.
I have to say for this particular trend of feathers and a mish-mash of different materials mixed together, the crafter's best friend is glue. I've found that old fashioned Superglue works wonders, as does the glues you get at hardware stores that can bind glass and metal. These are heavy-duty glues, so work in a well-ventilated area, use gloves if you don't want a layer of glue stuck to your fingers for, like, ever. And when getting materials to make your crafty creations, look around at rummage sales, farmers markets or antique stores for costume jewelry you can take apart and reuse. Craft stores are dandy, but they're often full of mass-market goods that start to look the same, plus it's more expensive. If you have old costume jewelry that you don't wear or is just broken, reworking them into a crafty creation is another way of giving them a new life.
Jaunty Fine Print: photos by Denise Sakaki
The melody-sweet voice of Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly rings in this Bird's head, when she says quite matter-of-factly, Nothing bad can happen at Tiffanys. Do not doubt the wisdom of The Golightly. Because no one made big sunglasses, a tiara with strings of pearls and a glazed doughnut look so stylish.
The Jaunty One was blessed with an invitation to attend the Forever in Fashion party at Tiffany and Co. in Bellevue, part of the whirlwind week of Bellevue Collection's Fashion Week 2010. The guests wore their favorite personal baubles from Tiffany as well as oufits reflecting the iconic robin's egg blue tone that is exclusively Tiffany. This Bird's background in graphic design makes me absolutely marvel at the way they've maintained and cultivated their brand for decades. The simple fact that this exact blue is able to be perfectly matched across jewelry pieces, their signature bags and boxes, fabric, and now leather goods truly dazzles this Bird's design production mind. Believe me, it's not an easy feat, so it's a subtle reflection of the attention to detail and the level of quality behind all of Tiffany's items.
I absolutely marveled at their jewelry because, as always, it's exquisite and literally feels like its made for the wearer. However it was the nontraditional Tiffany items in that marvelous robin's egg blue that put this Bird in a dreamy Mood -- their new Leather Collection particularly caught my eye. They had a few of the new Tiffany Reversable Totes, with butter-soft suede on one side, and a bright metallic silver on the other, which you can of course, reverse, so there really is no official inside or outside. They had a couple of elegant satin clutches as well as smaller accessories like wallets and coin purses. I particularly loved the clasp detail, as it's a beautiful silver cylinder with a hit of their blue on the end. Subtle, smart and it's a beautiful way to carry a bit of glamour around every day.
This Bird snapped more photos around the shop, like their beautiful displays, showing off travel themes and their adorable charms that are perfect replicas of the gift boxes and bags. The scarves were especially lovely and inspired a friend to want a necktie version for her husband. I've been loving the white silk scarf with the Tiffany Keys design on it -- crisply elegant, perfect for year-round wearing, and the narrow style makes it a great hair wrap or even as a boho-chic bracelet.
I have to give a Jaunty cheer to the way Tiffany and Co. has managed to keep their designs moving forward throughout the years, involving different designers like Frank Gehry and Paloma Picasso to take the brand into different directions for signature collections, applying their keen eye to accessories and non-jewelry items, and just finding new ways to bring that graceful touch of style into people's lives. Now if only I can find a silver phone dialer...
Jaunty Fine Print: photos by Denise Sakaki, thanks to Tiffany and Co. of Bellevue
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