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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.
Indulge me yet again in another dreamy seasonal post, if you will. I took these photos in a friend's yard a little while back, admiring the change of light and color as the sun was setting. I love that when autumn arrives, you feel it in the air.
It's been an amazing summer, Pacific Northwest, I have to hand it to you -- and I don't mind that you haven't been in a hurry to depart. It's nice to enjoy the in-between of Summer and Fall -- which I'd just like to name Summerfall. You're not quite ready to pull out the winter coats, you can still wear summery flats, and you're walking around in a flutter of rapidly-changing leaves.
The Bird is flying off for an adventure! But don't fret, I'll be back soon enough and with a ton of amazing photos. I won't spoil the surprise over where I'm going, but it should be quite the journey and a much-needed break. I look forward to sharing it when I return, but until then, get cozy, have a pumpkin spice latte for me -- I'll see you soon! xoxo
Jaunty Fine Print: Photography by Denise Sakaki
Yes, the Birdy is still on a runway photo-posting-whirlwind. Bellevue Fashion Week may be over, but that's no excuse to throw on a fleece hoody, some ratty Uggs and forget about looking presentable. This is my last-hurrah post from this year's runway shows, where I was snap-snap-snapping away on the camera. Here's photos and themes from the big Front Row Fashion Show by Vogue Magazine.
Ever look into your closet and just wonder, "What the heck is going on in here?" The Magpie had one of those moments, staring into the abyss of a somewhat cluttered, borderline neglected closet and realized it was long overdue for a review. It was made all the more apparent when I was very honored to be included in 425 Magazine's Voices of Fashion article, featuring several a-mazing local fashion and style experts. I just felt very lucky and extremely fortunate to be included, and I keep waiting for a voice to bellow down from the heavens: What the heck are you doing on this list, you Old Bird?! But talking about trends, both fleeting and forever golden, got me looking into what's sitting on my hangers at home. I realized, good gravy, this closet needs a serious look-over!
I'm starting to feel that slight chill in the air, and yet still able to wear shorts and flip-flops on warm afternoons - tis the season of InBetween. Not quite fall yet, and summer continues to linger, we're at the point where we don't want to mothball our warm weather clothes, but you don't want to haul out the wool coat, either. What to do? Light layers and celebrate those favorite summery pieces for their last, precious wearings for the year.
Fall is most certainly in the air. I've been enjoying the dramatic sunsets and most recently, an autumn-blessed drive through Washington, revealing the fall hues decorating the mountains. The poet Robert Frost has been on my mind, mostly due to his being mentioned several times over a weekend of Trivia Pursuit cards being read over some Oktoberfest beers. Who says alcohol and intellectualism can't mix? I took it to be a sign, that his wise words need to be rekindled and mulled over, as they rightfully should.
I choose to highlight one his more well-known poems, The Road Not Taken, which isn't so much about seasons, but a sense of reflection over choices made and chances missed. Autumn can be a reflective time, we're realizing the year is at an end, and it's a season that's all about change. And change is most certainly in the air. So sit back with dramatic sunset, think about his words, and consider what lesser-traveled roads you have dared to venture upon in life, and perhaps consider more lesser-traveled roads ahead.
The Road Not Taken - by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Jaunty Fine Print: photography by Denise Sakaki, poem by Robert Frost
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
One of the best things about having a camera phone is that you can capture little unplanned moments throughout your day, whether it's the color of changing leaves, the way sun shines through the trees, or the design carefully drawn on the foam of a freshly-made latte. This Birdy's favorite season is autumn, without question. And we're in the thick of it, so I'm enjoying every fleeting moment of it when I can. And maybe that's one of the reasons I love fall so much -- it feels like a fast moving transition into winter, where we won't see bright colors for a while, so you take the time to appreciate the sights, sounds and smells of the year as it wanes into its final days.
Some of my favorite fall things include:
Pumpkin spice-everything (lattes, pies, bread, the works!)
No matter how gray the skies are, the color of fall leaves make the day bright
The farmers markets are full of harvest favorites like squash, corn and apples
Tis the season for scaves, coats and jackets
The air feels crisp, cool and clean -- the right way to start the morning
So, what about you? What's your favorite thing about this time of year?
Jaunty Fine Print: photos taken by Denise Sakaki via iPhone and run through Instagram
Tis the season for The Bellevue Collection Fashion Week! One of the big shows to kick off the multi-day celebration of fall and winter fashion is the Nordstrom Fall Runway Show. The Birdy was sad not to see them grace the runway last year, but was really excited when they announced they would do a show for 2011. This show features clothing lines handpicked from Nordstrom's wide range of designer collections and typically features regional favorites and often times has more of an edgier look. It's also one of the better pre-show parties to people-watch, as the best trends to see aren't always on the runway, but what people are wearing for a special night out. Just like in previous years, Nordstrom and the Detlef Schrempf Foundation worked together to make the event a benefit to target a specific charity, and this year's beneficiary was the Bellevue Youth Theatre, which I can say from personal experience, is a great organization to support. I have friends whose children have been involved in plays, it's a theatre group that encourages childrens' involvement in the arts, all the kids get parts and play a role in the performance, building that sense of teamwork and community.
But on to the nitty-gritty -- there were several looks and trends being showcased, and despite snapping away at everything, I wanted to show some of the trend highlights, as well as personal Jaunty Magpie favorites. Overall, I thought the show was curated for looks that would fit what Eastside shoppers would buy and wear; they didn't go as over the top as I'd hoped, not that I was expecting a Lady Gaga meat dress, but I appreciate a show that takes a few daring chances to inspire style versus following fashion trends. I think these are all very wearable looks, and I purposely didn't show a lot of the all-black looks that weighed down the more fun and vibrant pieces. For this runway show review, I wanted to take out the wardrobe safety nets and show only the things that make people excited about making a look stand out.
Bright Color: (from left to right) Diane Von Furstenberg, Haute Hippie, Rag and Bone, Marc by Marc Jacobs
Stripes and Pattern: (from left to right) Elizabeth and James, Rag and Bone, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Robert Rodriguez
Sequins and Metallics: (from left to right) Diane Von Furstenberg, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Haute Hippie, Haute Hippie
Long Hemlines and Dresses: (from left to right) Haute Hippie, Haute Hippie, Marc by Marc Jacobs
Fur: (from left to right) Marc by Marc Jacobs, Haute Hippie, Millly, Elizabeth and James
Dressing in Leather: (from left to right) Vince for all three looks
Sartorial Menswear: (from left to right) Marc by Marc Jacobs, Hugo Boss, Rag and Bone
On to my personal favorites! I love a bold mix of color, pattern and fabric textures, and these were the three looks that got me the most excited: (from left to right) Milly, Marc by Marc Jacobs for last two
Of course I love sparkle, so these were some of the best ways of making an outfit shine, for both day and night, using different amounts of metallics and sequins: (from left to right) Mily, Vince, Milly
I go between feeling girly and wanting to be ladylike, and these different looks are like a time travel wonderland! Disco chic, classic-meets-futuristic, and bohemian rocker princess: (from left to right) Halston Heritage, Robert Rodriguez, Haute Hippie
Jaunty Fine Print: photos 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
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
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
Boots were made for walking, or in this Bird's case, a leisurely saunter through the fading glow of a late sunset. Not quite ready to fold away the ruffled hues of summer, but already pulling out some autumn favorites (like my beloved patent leather fold-over blue suede booties), this outfit was Inspired by a seasonal wardrobe feature on Anthropologie's website. Its unique choices of heavier fabrics layered over warm weather delicates speaks of the in-between magic hour, when an Indian Summer ebbs into the deepening ambers of fall. Floral notes, sturdier fabrics, but still a showing of a bare elbow and knee to take in whatever is left of the setting sun.
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