spring resolutions

Today is the first day of spring and I'm normally not one to enjoy this season. My allergies are beyond terrible and I live out in the country where there's nothing but the things that irritate my sinuses. But there's something about a warm breeze, an open window, fresh new airy clothing and sunshine that appeals to me right now. I've been telling myself to have a spring makeover since this winter was kind of a mess for me. I'm looking forward to getting some vitamin D on my skin and recovering from the past year. There's a mental list of things to try to get accomplished during this spring and things to carry one through the end of the year and beyond. It's like this March is the January I never had: making resolutions and starting over.

I started with taking inspiration from Metronomy's music video for The Bay. I love the colors: deep greens and filling aquas with white contrast whilst laying on a boardwalk. These things remind me of a trip to Maui about four years ago and I would love to go back for my Spring Break which is in three days. But that's not happening this year. I'll just have to play this video over and over again instead. Here is a list of things I want to achieve/accomplish this season:

1. Plant: After getting a puppy Chia pet for Christmas and watching the little green leaves grow on him, I've really been wanting to grow inside greenery.

2. Read more: Of course, it's almost always on everyone's resolutions list. I've got a massive reading list here and I'd like to work on it.

3. Exercise: It seems to have really made a different in me since really starting in August of last year. Maybe not in appearance, to me anyway, but I've felt somewhat happier.

4. Open the windows more: Just remember to take your allergy medicine.

5. Focus on spring dressing: Chinos, trench coat, pastel colors on top, no black, flowy hair and maybe with the warm weather we're having now, I'll be able to wear sandals right away.

6. Burn more candles: They lift the vibe in the room. I want springy scents, of course. I'm feeling Sun and Sand from Yankee and Pineapple Mango from Bath and Body Works.

7. Find some sort of online job: I don't drive and there's no such thing as a taxi or city bus or any kind of public transporation out where I live so it's impossible to find a job. I've resorted to looking for publications that I can write for from home. Paid or unpaid.

Spring 2012 playlist: The English Riviera

paris fashion week

Chloé

    A much better collection from Miss Clare Waight Keller. I felt like were back in the Phoebe Philo days at Chloé and that's a good thing since Miss Philo created such a vibe for the house during that time. This was Chloé: the care free, girly/tomboy and chic woman the house has become to be but it was also Clare: knits and jackets. The jackets brought in what Keller described a "British sportswear" look. Mixed with the pretty dresses and colors you have a winning collection. The only thing that bothers me is the odd proportions. The over sized sweaters paired with shorts that have had the living day lights stretched out of them aren't too flattering on most people.

Christian Dior

   Another better collection from a new comer. Bill Gayten's debut collection for Dior was a terrible Haute Couture collection but he has since then redeemed himself. However, I can't help but feel that he is designing things he doesn't like. I don't feel any love or care into these clothes. If I were to talk to him personally about the collection, I could just see his eyes glazing over and hear some repetitive adjectives.

Dries Van Noten

    Like I've said before probably many times, I'm not a print person. But there's always something about Dries Van Noten that gets me. I've realized that if you take each seperate piece from the collection, every one is an icon on it's own. In previous fashion weeks this season, Asia seems to be a recurring inspiration and there's some here but with a bit of Antwerp thrown in. Antwerp is the home country of Mr Dries Van Noten and he includes this with the working class look. The girls have some sort of loafers with smart jackets and everything seems to be comfortable and easy.

Haider Ackermann

    It is quite refreshing to see some literal fall inspiration. Haider Ackermann took the colors used here from a tree outside of his home. The pretty leaves would fall and change colors as they do in the autumn. Mr Ackermann is also showing that he knows how to dress real women for real situations. Shortening things up from previous seasons, things aren't so drapey or as dramatic. One could easily go out and do her daily business with these clothes.

Maison Martin Margiela

    There's always a dramatic moment towards the end of the show at Margiela but this time, everything was toned down. This collection was for a more mature Margiela women. Using typical colors for the collection, and a surprise pink from the awkward attempt at a mermaid skirt, the house created a smart look. The dramatic moment in this collection are the extreme roll necks. It'a about time someone created a fall/winter collection that is actually useful for the cold seasons.

           

Yves Saint Laurent

   Stefano Pilati's last collection for Yves Saint Laurent was more Pilati than Saint Laurent. However, this isn't a bad time given the occasion. This wasn't much of a farewell collection like Raf Simmons for Jil Sander, but it was something to remember. A real dark cloud hung over the runway with a strict theme. Dresses looked to be made out of chains and leather floated around on every look. Leafed necklaces are wrapping their way around the model's necks almost pointing straight to their hearts.