Tale of the Pretty in Pink Print

I come from deepest Japanese ceramics, having flirted with chinoiserie, and later dubbed a STATEMENT PRINT. My smooth leaves belied the story of the battle and scramble for light in the forest. At times, the foliage on the print was depicted as an artfully tangled mess and at other times an intense graffitti spray. Regardless of how I was described, I longed for attention. I was initially jealous of the black judo belt; its blackness a symbol of power and authority, but then decided it couldn't compete with the off the shoulder cut and wide, wide sleeves. Some people call them batwing sleeves, but I prefer them to be called ninja angel sleeves. They hide all manner of things (arms notably) and bring movement.

The colours were intense and demanding enough on their own. My owner chose the obvious contrast of dark versus light, the innocent sweetness provided by the white sandals. A heel, especially a hot pink or black heel, would want to compete with the dress, and it would lose. It also might destroy the soft femininity of the fabric which is trying hard to drape like silk, in all its fluid glory. Added jewellery would have a similar sense of tacky excess. Thus, altogether we have a pretty in pink print, suitable for a wedding, date, girls night or walk in the park. Either the birds and bees will be attracted to you, mistaking you for a bright flower, or they'll fly away, fast, as if the Increduble Hulk were being unleashed on their quiet parish.

Outfit: Pink print dress, Zara (not real silk unfortunately but reasonably priced). The most Un-Gladiator gladiator sandals, Clarks.  

Polished Jewels

 

Summer suits crisp whites and pretty pastels. I think of ice cream colours of bubblegum pink, lemon sherbet and pistachio as particularly sun-bleached. Blondes (platinum and golden) benefit from summer, their locks resplendent echoes of their sunshined skin. Latin women also flourish under summer with their natural bronze ready to wear gold, safari browns and campfire orange. Black women look incredible wearing acid summer brights—think Rihanna and Nicki Minaj.

I like to think darker haired, paler skinned, Celtic looking types flourish in the fall. Autumn demands warmer colours and bolder, jewel tones. Barack Obama told Americans after he won the election that: “This is our moment.” Hilary Alexander, Fashion Director of The Daily Telegraph declared that Kate Middleton’s choice to wear Alexander McQueen (by Sarah Burton) was “a fashion moment.” If you’re dark-haired or like jewel tones, friends, this is your moment.  Think garnet, sapphire, emerald, black onyx, any really.



The elegant simplicity of the simple, covered-up sheath reminds me of Jackie Kennedy, or a dress Kate Middleton might have looked at, but ultimatley rejected. I wanted to exaggerate its lady-like quality with an excess of pearls.



Leaves wouldn't fall without wind, thus it's impossible to avoid the odd windswept shot.



My favourite narrow boat and backdrop of the day. It's rusted and unloved but the colours somehow give it life.



I like the seasonal synchronicity of how berry shades also look appropriate to wear at exactly the moment you can harvest them.





Mellow Yellow

Do you feel the need to wear every summer dress you own while you still can? I do. This is one my favourites from my favourite shop. It's called Mine and My Sister’s Closet At My Parents' House, and everything fits and has style (most of it rather 1990s though). This is 1960s vintage and I feel a bit like a young Mrs Arnold while wearing it- back when she was Norma. I think this is something to smile about- both Mrs Arnold and a yellow shift dress.




Note the unfortunate leaves on the ground. I thought about calling this post "Last of the Summer Sunshine," but that seemed like accepting that summer is nigh.

When I see the interesting ribbing on the tree trunk and the neat ivy, I wonder why I haven't seen a designer dress with a tree trunk and ivy print. Stella McCartney likes a bit of a natural look, if you see her, suggest it, and tell her that I'd like to meet her Dad as payment.  





Bright orange bag from my favourite Oxfam charity shop (it's in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire). Clarks' sandals.

  







I thought the goldenrod in the background might "out golden" me, but the light seems to have cooperated in making my yellow dress more prominent. Ah, the wonders of perspective.