Whit S/S 2010

Whit's new collection for spring and summer is like a breath of fresh air. I loved the fall collection and this season Whitney Pozgay created some perfect spring essentials. In Whitney's words, "The inspiration for the season was Tribal Beach. I was missing my summers spent on the beach. We used to paint our faces with zinka to look sort of tribal and that lead me to research African body art as well as fabrics from around the world that fit into our international beach traveler vibe.
I think that the girl of the season is a bit of a sun junkie. I like to think of Brigitte Bardot going from the beach, to lunch, to the pool, and then maybe back to the beach. The clothing is very travel friendly and packable. The shapes are a bit surf inspired, but in really interesting prints and textures."
images c/o Whit NY

Loud Without The Wind Was Roaring

This spring I've really been into statement jackets. Perhaps it is the unpredictable weather and the strong shore winds? Whatever the reason, I've been enjoying longer jackets (trench coats, if you will) with a bit of personality. This bird print one makes even the most basic white button-down and jean combination more interesting. I'm also convinced I need more red shoes in my wardrobe...but perhaps I should get rid of some of the shoes I don't wear first.

Outfit details:

flock of the bay coat c/o Modcloth

Family Affairs blouse

jeans c/o Madewell

BC Footwear red clogs

Clinque red, red, red lipstick

Hope Is A Thing With Feathers

"Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune--without the words,
And never stops at all,
And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me."
-Emily Dickinson
all artwork by David M. Cook

When Day With Evening Blending

My newest sponsor is Fancy French Cologne (where my lovely black dress is from). What's really exciting about this store are the awesome ladies who run it. They started as an indie band (Finest Dearest) and now this store is their latest venture together. Everything is hand-picked and carefully curated in their shop. For spring they have everything I love: classic dresses, interesting trench coats, and really awesome jewelry.

After browsing their shop I instantly honed-in on this dress. The lace trim is so sweet and I love the pockets and the way the fabric falls. It's super lightweight so I'm certain it will be a favorite of mine this summer when the weather really heats up. For now it's looking pretty nice layered with tights and a trench coat.

Outfit details:

Urban 1972 trench coat

Modcloth necklace

Dee Dee dress c/o Fancy French Cologne

tights, gift from my sister

Jeffrey Campbell heels c/o Modcloth

Spotted Moth purse

Clinque red, red, red lipstick

P.S. Old tutorial I made for milkmaid braids.

Akris Fall 2011

For fall 2011 Akris took inspiration from a few of my favorite things and produced a minimalist collection that is simply gorgeous.

The Vienna Secession (also known as the Union of Austrian Artists) was a group of artists founded in 1897. Although the artists did not share one defining style, they were united by a rejection of historicism. Above the entrance of the Secession building, an icon of the movement, it is written "to every age its art and to art its freedom." The architect of that hall, Olbrich also lended inspiration to Akris with his Wedding Tower. Olbrich's pre-Art Nouveau style might not be obvious in the lines of the Akris collection, but a photograph of his Wedding Tower appeared in a bold print on a dress and cloak in the collection.

The entire palette for the collection was pulled from that photograph and couldn't be more appropriate for fall. Rich jewel tones are made even bolder in monochromatic outfits that make a statement without sacrificing wearability. The Akris woman makes a subtle statement with an emphasis on quality and only a cautious nod to the trends, but I'm also certain she leaves a lasting impression.

collage pictures via Style.com

Till You Burst Into Bloom

My sponsor Shop Ruche recently sent me this lovely little dress. The pockets are fantastic, but the dress is also so nice because it is a departure from my usual palette of blues. I think I need more reds and pinks in my wardrobe, but I still tend to buy pieces by instinct that appeal to me rather than to be strategic about building up certain lacking areas. The flowers on my dress definitely go with all the green growth out in front of our home right now. There are even a few trees beginning to flower around the base and I can't wait until more are in full bloom.

Also, I'm kind of in love with this little denim jacket. I think it's going to be my go-to this spring. Tip on shrunken denim jackets: look in the little boys section in thrift stores. My current one isn't a thrift store find, but I've found awesome ones there in the past (and since passed them on to friends/sold them).

Outfit details:

Club Couture denim jacket

full of petals dress c/o Shop Ruche

Jeffrey Campbell heels c/o Modcloth

leaf purse, gift from my mother

Bijules bird ring via Gilt

Laura Laura Picture Drawer

I recently stumbled across the lovely illustrations of Laura Callaghan. She creates the most marvelous little scenes that tell a story. Some of her inspirations are vintage wall paper patterns, the film Picnic At Hanging Rock, and recently she did a series called "illustrated playlist." In that series she took songs from her recent playlist and drew illustrations based on their lyrics. The first work in this post comes from a song by Joanna Newsom. The lyrics go, "Anyhow - I sat by your side, by the water
You taught me the names of the stars overhead that I wrote down in my ledger
Though all I knew of the rote universe were those pleiades loosed in december
I promised you I'd set them to verse so I'd always remember."

all artwork by Laura Callaghan

No Match For A Sunny Disposition

I was drawn to this little set for the stunning jacket with organza collar. I thought I would wear the jacket as a fresh spring layer and not wear the set together...but once I tried it the result was too sweet to not wear out and about. I usually resist such matchy-matchy outfits and literal interpretations of vintage, but occasionally I give into the impulse. Next time I wear the jacket or dress I'd like to mix it up with more orange or coral accessories; now I just need to find the perfect shoes and purse.

Apparently, my great-grandmother was known as quite a clothes horse in her day. My mother said this is the type of outfit she wore work only her skirts were shorter! Just another reason I wish I had had an opportunity to know my great-grandmother better.

Outfit details:

Cheap Monday sunglasses

vintage dress & coat

Tumblr tote via TumblrNYFW event

Seychelles booties

I'm now accepting sponsors for April; read more about it here and e-mail me (thenewclotheshorse(at)yahoo.com) if you're interested.

A Pretty Pairing

This spring I want to finish every outfit with an awesome ring and pretty nail polish...

Saturday Remix

This vintage dress is obviously one of my favorite pieces to wear. I featured it in a remix several months ago, but I've worn it an additional half dozen times since then, so it was due for another remix feature. It looks nice with things belted over top, or even tucked into other skirts and it's one piece I've yet to tire of. I just hope it never falls apart on me!