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!

Is it a rule that pink is only the realm of princesses? The Magpie would like to clear up this misconception, because you can totally rock a light, dusky rose and not feel like you're a headliner in the Easter Parade. A light rose hue isn't just for Sunday School dresses and minding your manners -- Rose can Rock.

This Birdie recently rewatched that 1980s classic, Pretty in Pink. Don't pretend like you don't love this movie to death. And why wouldn't you?? Stylish and booksmart Andi Walsh, having to make that totally OMG teen angst-riddled decision over who to romantically choose between -- her childhood BFF, Dale, aka Ducky, who has always loved her from afar, or the sensitive, handsome richie-rich kid, Blaine, who totally sweeps her off her feet.  I remember seeing this as a little teen chickie and feeling the pressure, wondering who she'd choose. My heart was sort of stuck on Ducky, who I felt knew her heart and soul best, but Andrew McCarthy as Blaine is pretty dreamy. In the end, I think Andie let her heart decide and the only thing I really felt disappointed over was her prom gown, which had the good intention of being made from two, like, totally rad dresses, but totally came out a boxy-looking hot mess. Girlfriend definitely stood out at the senior prom, but for all the wrong reasons, I don't care if it was the 80s.

But letting fashion bygones be bygones, the Bird got to thinking if Andi Walsh was rockin' the pretty in pink-ness today, what would she go for? She was never bubblegum sweet, nor coyly coquettish. She did a lot of unique layering of patterns, textures and styles, yet never revealing or mod. She had a granny-chic vintage style, and it put this Bird in the Mood for all things pretty and pink: {1} P.S. I Love You postcard necklace from Grigio Atelier, {2} Aphrodite's Pink Nightie shade from OPI, {3} jeweled Jardin jacket from J. Crew, {4} Laura handbag by Melie Bianco, {5} Lola solid perfume bracelet by Marc Jacobs, {6} Doyle's Desk tunic from Anthropologie, {7} feather tippet in heirloom pink from J. Crew, {8} open sweater vest from Twelve by Twelve, {9} Barbara dress and lace biker jacket by Christopher Kane, {10} Natalia paisley scarf from Banana Republic, {11}BDG corduroy ankle cigarette pant in pink from Urban Outfitters, {12} pink suede and gold leather slingback sandals by Moschino Cheap and Chic, {13} chocolate kimono pencil case from Paper Source, {14} leatherette lace-up ballet flats in butterscotch from J. Crew


Jaunty Fine Print:  images from shops and designers listed above

 

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but that doesn't mean a Bird has to dress up like a hot Malibu Barbie mess to show support for the cause. A black Benetton blazer topping a sequin-necked jersey dress that I can't for the life of me remember where I got, is a sparkling lbd-neutral backdrop to show off a pair of ba-zam bright pink tights. Just cross one's Jaunty stems and pretend you're a pink ribbon of support! Glittering accessories and the shiny foot jewelry of silver gladiator-style heels from Steve Madden, and one can go out for a night without looking like a bottle of Pepto Bismol.

Want to know the most vogue accessory of all? Taking your stylish credit card and donating to any number of breast cancer research and support charities. My personal favorite is Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Since 1982, they have been one of the leading breast cancer nonprofit groups, raising over a billion dollars towards finding a cure for a disease that has taken away too many beautiful souls and affected too many lives for far too long. Take the pledge of support, for the sake of loved ones and yourself. And if you haven't had your yearly exam, stop reading this blog and make an appointment with your doctor and keep up with self-exams. Awareness and early detection are the key!