Birds of a Feather…

It’s fitting, in a way, that I’ve had feathers on the brain lately, since it’s nearly fall, when all birds fly south for the winter.

I’ve noticed feather detailing and prints all over the place this season, and love the vintage — occasionally kitschy– aesthetic both evoke.  Check out, for example, this feather-print silk cardigan by Winter Kate (Nicole Richie’s hippie-chic line — $216, Shopbop):

I love the idea of slipping it on over some skinny jeans (Hudson, $165, ChickDownTown) paired with spiffy black flats (adore the gold tassel detailing on these Jeffrey Campbells — $125, FootNotesOnline) and an oversized black tote ($198, Ann Taylor):

Add a pair of don’t-talk-t0-me shades (sorry, but there are times when a gal just needs to get.things.done — and I kind of dig these Balenciagas — $350, Balenciaga…Kourtney Kardashian rocks them; hence, I need them) and some enorma-studs (I know I’ve featured this pair a bunch of times, but they’re perfect: affordable, versatile, and oversized — $25, TopShop), and you’re ready for some aggressive errand-running:

I’m also pretty much dying over this breezy Kyumi feather-print blouse ($177, Thistle & Clover) — it’s got the camel color down, so I can just imagine contrasting its airiness with some of the richer camel wools and suedes I’ve been seeing this season:

Love its slightly retro boxiness.  I’d pair it with skinny jeans and these suede, feather-accented flats ($110, Banana Republic):

For added warmth in the chillier fall weather, slip a yummy cardigan on over it all ($80, TopShop) and top it all off with a bold necklace (House of Harlow, on sale for $133, Revolve Clothing) and some aviators ($139, Ray-Ban):

The unexpected color combination of this Amanda Uprichard blouse arrested my attention ($167, Piper Lime), though I have to admit I’m a bit put off by the line’s blatant appropriation of the Tucker brand bit (i.e. blousey tops in unconventional, slightly weird prints):

Still, I like the idea of wearing it with skinny jeans and some greige riding boots this fall ($129, SouthMoonUnder):

To avoid looking too matchy-matchy or too clashy-clashy, work in shades of gray/greige, as in the smokey brown-gray above and the lighter “putty” color of this gorgeous messenger ($79, BagHaus):

Round out with a fist full of bangles of differing widths/styles — I’m bananas over this “Give It a Whirl” idiom bracelet by Kate Spade ($48, Kate Spade), and I’d pair it with a stack of these wispy little Argento Vivos ($98 for 3, Nordstrom) — as well as these organic-looking Bing Bang by Anna Sheffield studs in polished gold ($88, Oak NYC):

Alternately, I like the idea of sprucing up an everyday LBD (for work or play — I like this long-sleeved, simple, fitted dress by 3 Dots, $74, Shopbop) with this ribbon-tie feather necklace ($14.50, Forever 21):

Spice it up with some patterned/textured pumps — I’d either go with a suede in an unexpected color (gray?) or these to.die.for snakeskin Louboutins ($995, FootCandyShoes):

And, for arm candy, this slouchy off-white carry-all ($92, Vieta) — I like the way the different textures (feather, cotton, snakeskin, and leather) play off of one another in this look:

Alternately, spruce up any old everyday work-wardrobe with some feather accents — I wear a button down and pencil skirt frequently, swapping in and out different statement necklaces and earrings and various fun-loving shoes.  I’m tempted to add this necklace to the repertoire ($116, Farfetch):

How cool against a solid white sweater or — better yet — striped navy and white tee ($60, Chance Co) tucked into a black pencil skirt (Adam, $78, TheOutnet) with black pointy-toed flats (Pour La Victoire, $109, Endless)?

Alternately, think Blair Waldorf (PS: the countdown is on: Gossip Girl resumes this upcoming Monday…), and add a fun little feather headband to the mix ($83, Luisa Via Roma):

Pair with otherwise straight forward separates, like this roomy “borrowed from the boys” pullover ($158, Steven Alan) atop a pair of black leggings with some patent ballerina flats (Lanvin, $535, Barney’s)

I’d add a tough-looking bag (loveee the Balenciaga “Giant Part Time” — $1,895, Balenciaga) and some Ray Ban Wayfarers ($139, Ray-Ban):

And maybe a little feather-print scarf by We Are Owls ($218, Shopbop) as the finishing touch?

Feathers are just as pertinent for more formal-wear, and can add a sense of vintage finery to a look.  How to.die.for are these affordable feather clutches ($42 each, Asos)– I love both shades a little too much…can’t I get them both?

Or how about — taking things a step further — the J. Crew Martinete jacket (apparently it’s sold out, but they insist you contact them to see if they can “work their magic” to get you one — $1,200, J. Crew):

Or go super formal with this glitzy feather patterned mini by the ever talented Matthew Williamson (on sale for $1,038, Matthew Williamson)?

And if you just want a little taste of the trend, consider snapping up one of these lovely pieces: a Tucker tunic ($308, Les Nouvelles — perfect with worn in boots like these Madewells — $298, Madewell — and skinny jeans!)

Or maybe a fun feather-accented necklace, like this version from Juicy Couture (on sale for $98, Nordstrom) or this version from Noir ($165, Shopbop)?

The perfect adornment for a little magpie 🙂