“In Full Bloom"

Hello everyone. Long time no see, huh? I’m well aware that my blog as been very much non-existed for quite some time now. To catch you all up, my life for the almost past year consisted of summer internships, finishing my last semester at college – as an undergrad at least – continuing on to graduation in December, then packing up and moving to Mobile for my first full-time or “big girl” job as I like to call it.

Flashing forward, I’m all settled in and have successfully just completed my third month at the new job and all else is well in life.

Bringing me to my present point, I feel it’s high time to start writing again. While I may be out of practice, I’ve missed it dearly.

So, just what will be the inspiration for my future posts? It’s something I’ve always been passionate about. Fashion!

Over the years, fashion magazines have been a place of escape for me, an opportunity to run away from reality for a little bit, into a world of fresh thoughts and ideas, inspiring the creation of new hopes and dreams. I’ve still held onto to these hopes and dreams, having collected over 300 fashion magazines --and still counting!-- that are safely tucked away in my closet, neatly organized awaiting their new home one day on a glorious bookshelf I wish to have in the future in a place that I can call my own.     

To me, fashion is a form of art, and many others involved in the industry will agree with me. Fashion opens up a world of dress-up and make-believe for some. Similar to acting in some ways, fashion gives some people the opportunity to play a new character every day, or for many others, a new identity. Almost like a form of metamorphosis if you will. Simply put, fashion is a platform for self-expression and new beginnings. What better time to write about such things as now as we’ve been celebrating spring and the coming of longer days and warmer weather. As well, having closed the last chapter of my days as a college student and starting the next one with a new job, location and life that’s bound to be full of countless opportunities, I begin this journey of mine into fashion blogging.   

As so, I feel it is my duty to do what I love best, which is scouring several favorite go-to fashion magazines, taking notes on the trends and the inspiration behind them and showing you some of my own takes on them. And yes, I research and take notes like a college student would for class. In doing so, I’ll comprise the things I see and feel that are worth taking note for those that love the industry just as much as I do, but are short on time, a much simpler and quicker process in keeping up with the ever-changing fashion world and the trends that follow in its trail.     

My inspiration for this post is florals, which if everyone hasn’t already noticed, are in full bloom this season. Does anyone else have a flashback to the scene in “The Devil Wears Prada” where Miranda replies, ever so sarcastically, “Florals. For Spring? Groundbreaking.”, or is that just me? Nevertheless, florals have proven perfect for this season. With New York-based designer Prabal Gurung’s Target collection launch back in February, I got a head start on the trend. I do have to say, I’ve been quite content with the floral sleeveless top I purchased from the collection shortly after its arrival in stores. While many others like myself were still awaiting the first signs of spring, turning to fashion was a way to self-express our joys of the beauty that was soon to reappear in our lives.

For those that are a little behind on what to wear for this season, I recommend some petal plucking for a look that’s right for you. Here’s what you need to know before venturing into the fields of floral this spring and summer season:

·         Choose prints that are in your classic base colors such as navy or red. These will give you more versatile looks to wear throughout the season like solids would normally do for you.

 

·         Apply the same rule above when picking shoes. Go for a pair of pointed-toe pumps in a silk or satin floral print or better yet, find a pair of ankle-strap heels that let you put your best foot forward in showing off your favorite spring nail colors. FYI, fuchsia is the new pink this season!

 

·         Go for the seasonal favorite, an A-line or pencil floral skirt. Pair with a solid sweater or long-sleeve shirt in a bold color and flats for a balance between pretty, yet still casual.

 

·         Grab your favorite denim jacket or button-up shirt, leaving it open to wear over a charming floral dress or top, playing it down for another great casual approach.

 

·         For a more sophisticated look, style a navy blazer over an eye-catching floral printed dress, giving a refreshing take on office wear, but one that’s still refined and pulled-together for your business meetings.

·         Venturing out with friends for a night in the city? For a look that’s still feminine, but a bit more daring, dress-up floral shorts with a sleek black shell top, pairing the outfit with gladiator sandals or heels for that bolder appeal.      

·         As for accessory-wise, stick with neutral colors which will better showcase your floral statement piece without over doing the trend. Luckily, I was able to get my hands on one of the Jason Wu’s straw clutches from his Target collection last year before they were sold. It is a go-to favorite of mine to use when heading out and goes perfectly with my Prabal Gurung floral top, completing it with that laid-back tropical feel of the warmer months. 

In closing, while I know this month represents spring’s final days, June has always been widely associated as the time for wedding season. Thus, even though we’re soon to transition into summer’s official starting, don’t feel as if you must retire your favorite floral prints just yet. It’s how you wear them that will stand the test of time.

 

Signing off, I leave you with a picture I took this past spring of daffodils blooming in my parents’ yard. After becoming captivated by their sunny nature once upon a time in Wales on a school trip to Europe when I was 14 years old, they’ve remained since then, a favorite of mine to see each season. Even though, long past opening their blooms for this season anymore, daffodils are said to represent annunciation and optimism, characteristics so commonly found in new beginnings. As such, I felt their symbolism was quite fitting for this post. What do you think?