Unfit for the Attic

Is there something that will remain compatible with the rest of your wardrobe season after season?

By combining practicality with elegant design, vintage inspired clothing will surely become the constant of your closet. Perfect for upscaling a casual pair of jeans or looking impeccable at the office, classically made garments, may turn out to be your best allies. Always interesting, you will find these pieces to be colorful, textured, detailed and both body and outfit enhancing.

Classic and easily made current again, vintage clothing invokes nostalgia like a breath of fresh air from the bit less complex world of the past.

A.-Ruffle Blouse by Gold Hawk; B.-Faded Floral Dress by Stella McCartney; C.-Embroidered Floral Angelina Bag by Isabella Fiore; D.-Tulip Hem Jacket by Topshop; E.-Camille Paillette Jacket by Rachel Roy; F.-Amorie Dress by Theory; G.-Adore Low Wedge by Report; H.-Pleated Wrap Skirt by Celine; I.-Cap Sleeve Blouse by Philosophy di Alberta Ferreti; J.-Rose Blouse with Cap Sleeves by Forever 21; K.-Silk and Cotton Wrap Top by Sweetface; L.-Ida Blouse by Biba; M.-Wool Blazer by Bebe; N.-Roses and Pearls Necklace by Anthropologie; O.-Shirt Insert Top by Miu Miu; P.-Ruffle Trim Dress by Development; Q.-Birds and Blossom Purse by Monsoon.

Fresh with an edge

Flower patterns during the spring season cannot be called a trend, they are a given. Luckily however, each season, florals are somehow reinvented.

This time around, the alternative to predictable spring-related garments are bold and versatile short dresses. Graphic and colorful, these pieces are fresh enough for the daily heat but chic and fit for the city (no need of carrying around a piña colada or coconut handbag with you!). The variety of fabrics have a sense of being one of a kind, handpainted or vintage which contributes to the overall originality and glamour of each garment.

Easily transformable from day to night, you will find that modern florals are able to substitute corniness for pure energy.

A.-Floral Print Dress by Phillip Lim 3.1; B.-Morgane Smock Dress by Diane von Furstenberg; C.-Riego Chiffon Dress by Diane von Furstenberg; D.-Profumo Empire Line Dress by Missoni; E.-Painted Dress by Miso; F.-Abstract Print A-Line Dress by Tibi; G.-Chinese Flower Print Dress by Etro; H.-Cream Mono Flower Dress by Miss Selfridge; I.-Printed Crinkle Silk Chiffon Dress by Max Studio; J.-Abstract Flower Print Dress by Marni; K.-Toso Chiffon Dress by Rue du Mail; L.-Alfa Cotton Dress by Antik Batik.

Underneath the fabrics

In a world full of information, celebrity trends and "dos and don'ts" we're supposed to digest and follow, where does true style remain?

Style is commonly related to depicting a certain way of living, acting or thinking. However, when accepting and following a particular mode of being or doing, we tend to lose the most important part of style: our take on it. American poet, Richard Eberhart said: "Style is the perfection of a point of view." In the case of fashion, this formulated style may be that of the designer, a social current or a trend, but does it ever become our point of view?

We are inevitably influenced by our surroundings, the experiences and relationships created in our environment, but how do we adapt and modify this style to fit our own reality? The development of a personal style requires us to first know what we believe in, identify ourselves with a certain social view and then reinterpret it in order for it to adapt to our own lives. A style should adapt to us, not us to it. This is where our point of view will be expressed through something readily available to society, in this case, clothing. Otherwise, we will only be using something that was meant for someone else.

For style to be true style, it should be consciously accepted, deconstructed and adapted to our reality and personal way of being. Moreover, it has to be developed over time and it will constantly be evolving just as we do in life.

"Style is what unites memory or recollection, ideology, sentiment, nostalgia, presentiment, to the way we express all that. It's not what we say but how we say it that matters." - Federico Fellini

Piece from Jil Sander's Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear Collection,
designer known for her minimalist perfection and lack of unnecessary details.
Photo by Marcio Madeira courtesy of Style.com.

Beyond Stitches

Volume, texture, detail and visual interest make a piece stand out from the others. The way to achieve this does not only rely on threads and the tension given to them. Folds, crumples and layers can define new silhouettes and forms, such as that which is created by the japanese art of origami.

Tipically seen on dresses and other formal garments, origami-inspired treatments are artistic yet wearable new ways of expression. These can be conveyed as decorative details such as Hoss Intropia's dress or be part of the structure and overall fit such as Rachel Roy's and Marc Jacob's examples. To capture the spotlight while avoiding being overwhelming, these pieces are usually monochromatic or use a few coordinating colors, which emphasizes the fact that more than stitches meet the eye.

A.-Wool Shawl Dress by Hanii Y; B.-Origami Bracelets by Lulu's; C.-Origami Cotton Top by Miu Miu; D.-Camille Strapless Dress by Rachel Roy; E.-Origami Peace Crane Necklace by The Hunger Site; F.-One-shoulder Velvet Mini Dress by Marc Jacobs; G.-Neptune Dress by RM; H.-Chiffon Top by Rebecca Taylor; I.-Origami Sweat Skirt by Topshop; J.-Origami Shoulder Tote by David & Scotti; K.-Origami Pleated Clutch by Prada; L.-Origami Bijou Wishing Star Necklace by Shop Intuition; M.-Wool Silk Dress by Y & Kei; N.-Drop Waist Dress by Marc Jacobs; O.-Origami Dress Shoes by Sergio Rossi; P.-Origami Detail Dress by Hoss Intropia.