*Image via Maria del Orden, featuring their Fittonia Jacket.
I received a message from a Magpie after I shared a snap of myself in a boldly colored top (at the top of this post) the other day: “I would never think to buy a shirt with those colors but I absolutely love it and am inspired to try the same.” Do you fall into the same category? Preferring colors that are either easy to work into your wardrobe or that feel safe? What are those colors? Are you drawn to them because they flatter your skin tone or hair color, or feel easy to pair with anything (navy, white, black, taupe), or because, simply, they’re your favorite color?
If you are gravitating towards colors because they feel safe, can I nudge you to spread your wings and try on some color this season? I find that buying boldly or unexpectedly-colored bags, accessories, blouses, and dresses creates a good kind of creative tension in my wardrobe. Constraints are a good thing! They force you to review your wardrobe from a new lens, try on new styles and combinations. You can always pair or tone down with denim/white/black, too. Some of my absolute favorite fashion finds are in oddball colors of pistachio, neon pink, buttercup yellow. They always garner a lot of attention.
Below, some fabulous bold colors to contemplate this season…
01. JOHANNA ORTIZ DRESS // 02. BRINKER AND ELIZA NECKLACE // 03. FRENCH SOLE SANDALS // 04. H&M DRESS // 05. DOEN DRESS // 06. COS CLUTCH // 07. ELIOU YELLOW EARRINGS // 08. ELIOU ORANGE EARRINGS // 09. CAMI NYC DRESS // 10. STUDIO 189 BLOUSE // 11. LELE SADOUGHI EARRINGS // 12. J. CREW BUTTON FRONT SHIRT // 13. MARNI BAG // 14. MELISSA SANDALS // 15. ANNA CATE DRESS // 16. PARIS 64 BAG // 17. VIBI VENEZIA MARY JANES
And, worthy of its own call-out, this gorgeous striped number from Farm Rio…
P.S. Ampersand moments.
P.P.S. Are you into the dad sandal trend?
P.P.P.S. On remembering your roots.
Catching up on several posts today!
I appreciate this reminder, Jen! For a long time I almost always wore neutrals/solids, especially during my several years in the Midwest with long winters. It was just easier to layer when everything matched. Now that I’m in a warmer climate, by spring/summer I gravitate towards coral, yellow, and florals. I remember two of my early purchases when I got my first full-time job after immigrating here and finishing grad school in 2005 — the first was a light green botanical printed spring coat from Old Navy, which, more than 15 years later, still gives me so much joy. There’s probably the nostalgia of it as well, being my first purchase, especially when thinking about the dollar exchange rate compared to the currency in my country was still top of mind at the time. Interestingly the quality has surprised me as its silhouette looks very tailored. It’s even lined! (Was this the Old Navy of decades ago?) The second thing was a sunflower-yellow tote from DSW, it had braided handles and this navy and white fabric lining. I’m surprising myself as I recall those details! I don’t think it was even genuine leather but I carried it everywhere — to work, while traveling, etc until it broke. To this day I am still looking for a suitable replacement. I was tempted by the yellow Naghedi you wrote about, but I already have a blue-green Naghedi from a few years ago that is holding up well, so I’d been looking for something different. Mark and Graham’s Elisabetta tote in yellow is a top contender style- and color-wise, but it looks like the type of bag that would feel heavy even when empty (I wish all sites would list the weight of the bag in their item specs!) and I tend to avoid that nowadays. The search continues…
I love both of these bold fashion memories — sometimes I look back at photos of myself and I say, “Oh my gosh, I loved that bag so much…!” And it’s so interesting to see the strength of the memories I associate with them.
I’ll keep my eye out for another tote bag option for you. Have you considered the Paravel cabana tote? I love the monogramming options and great for heavy duty every day use…structured, with interior lining and pockets…
xx