Inspiration

I take my fashion inspiration from a lot of different places and times. But mostly, I am influenced by shape, print, and color. So, design, really.

I tend to like more structured things like wide-leg trousers, tailored jackets, pencil or A-line skirts, button-up blouses, heels, wedges, structured tote bags, etc. I also like more casual things like empire-waist tops, floaty skirts, jeans, canvas flats, etc.

Right now I’m in to 1940s- and 1950s-inspired looks. Like cuffed dark denim capris, wedges, canvas flats, cute puff-sleeved cotton blouses, summer dresses, cotton skirts, cardigans, etc. I think the sexy rockabilly look is cool, too, but it’s hard to find things that fit my shape.

I also get inspiration from other historical periods. I really love some things about the Victorian (corsets, structured jackets, puff sleeves, full skirts, etc.) and Regency (empire waistlines, cap sleeves, short puffed sleeves, square-cut necklines, etc.) periods, as well as the sporty, garden-party looks of the Teens and Twenties.

Folk/Ethnic clothing can also be an inspiration. Case in point: Fair Isle and Norwegian sweaters, plaid skirts, peasant tops, Eastern European embroidery, jewelry, etc. I tend to like northern Europe (Ireland, the British Isles, Scandinavia, the Baltic, Eastern Europe, Russia, etc.), but Asian prints are gorgeous, as is the nouveau-kimono top, and the Italians and French have a corner on the classic sophistication market.

My inspiration is anything I like, really. Sometimes I follow the trends, sometimes I don’t. Obviously, I’m limited by what’s available, but sometimes finding those special pieces, be they vintage, imported, or otherwise, can make an ordinary outfit extraordinary. Classic base pieces don’t hurt, either. *smile*