Tag Archives: summer fashion

The Prints and Colors of Africa


I believe that three times makes a trend; and so when I post on trends or new fashion ideas it is always after I have seen it in a number of places and ways. That is what happened with this trend:

First, when I was walking back to my office I saw a slim woman in her 40’s wearing a silk skirt with African print trim throughout. It really caught my eye as it seemed an unusual but very beautiful choice.

Then, the next day coming out of the same building (is there a secret trend factory on K Street?) a woman in her 20’s was working a sleek sheath in an African print. In my head, this second spotting is probably how gambler feels when the first two 7’s come up on a slot machine.

And then finally, at the end of the week from across the street a bold flash of fuchsia caught my eye as a woman sashayed in a gorgeous patterned shift dress.

7 – 7 – 7: three times makes a fashion win and a trend. In doing some fashion research (shopping) I was especially delighted to see that the options were as diverse as the women I saw wearing this trend.

The Colors of Africa
Top to Bottom, L – R: Patchwork Tunic, Spot Top, Missoni Mare, Fair Trade Ruched Skirt, Nicole Miller Indego Africa Shorts, Summer Dress, Tribal Tube Dress, Handpainted Dress, Braided Bracelet, Africa Clutch, Kisslock Clutch, Printed Ballet Shoes

Would you wear this trend?  It seems like a fun and easy way to add color and vibrancy to your late summer wardrobe.

A Wild Trip for Spring


The weather is changing, the sun is out, flowers are popping up on every corner, and my Passport is asking to be used.  It is saying, throw me in a bag with a flowing dress, some bejeweled sandals, radiant sunglasses, and lets find some far off land, where spices are sold in burlap sacks, the food is hot and the people are beautiful.

Ashika Pratt in Vogue India
I pulled together these pieces that are all different but tied together but the vibrancy of the colors, the boldness of the print and the ease of wear. 
A Tribal Spring
A Tribal Spring, from L to R: Shine on Dress at Anthropologie, Gibillterra scarf-embellished printed swimsuit by Missoni Mare at Outnet, Belted Print Skirt at Barneys New York, Lottie patent-leather and raffia clutch by Jimmy Choo at Net A Porter, Frayed Straw Fedora at Forever 21

Bottom, from L to R: FALIERO SARTI Ios Sand/Multicolor Pompom Scarf at StyleBop, Alligator skin-print jersey dress by Tibi at Outnet, Alba Mini Skirt at AllSaint Spitalfields, Dollhouse Alfa Slingback Sandal at Endless, Knot intrecciato snakeskin clutch by Bottega Veneta at Net A Porter, Melbourne Sunglasses by Lacoste, Rainbow Ring by Citrine by the Stones at Charm and Chain

The trick for going big with color, prints and patterns is to not be afraid.  Find a silhouette you typically gravitate towards, a slim pant, a waist cinching wrap dress, a pencil dress and go bold.  Step away from the gray and black and add yellow, oranges, limes, cerulean, ruby.
I love the idea of making a splash in a bold and beautiful way, that’s as wild as it is sophisticated.

Peaches and Cream: Summer’s New Neutral


If you’ve been following the blog you’re pretty familiar with my summer obsession with peaches, (as illustrated here and here and with a recipe that is soon to be shared from earlier this week!)  

So far, I had only been thinking of peaches for the kitchen and how they could be incorporated into recipes, until I saw a woman walking to work – on another humid day in DC – in two different shade of peach/coral.  
That’s when it clicked; peaches and corals aren’t only meant for bridesmaids dresses and Easter Egg Rolls!  With some sun on your cheeks (or bronzer 🙂 the color combination is flattering for all skin tones.  The bright color plays beautifully with white, cream, blues, teal and navy, and depending on how it’s styled it could apply to nearly any aesthetic.

Here is what I am craving on this hot, but sunny Summer Friday!

Top Row (L-R): Hoss Intropia Coral Embroidered Dress, Corey Lynn Calter coral stripe cotton ‘Michelle’ belted strapless dress, Peach Sunrise Tunic, Jeweled Damsel Necklace
Middle Row (L-R): Tory Burch – Emmy Thong Gold Mirror Leather, Pour La Victoire Women’s Agatha Ballet Flat, Butter Women’s Satin Platform Pump
BottomRow (L-R): Lily Pulitzer Whitley Skirt Mini Printed, Bahia Watercolor Print Slim Skirt, J Brand Mid Rise 16″ Straight Leg Jeans, Bead Balance Necklace