summer wrap up

This article from the June 13, 1955 issue of Life magazine (you can see the article online here) is about wraps, shawls and bolero jackets that ward off the chill of summer air conditioning.  When I worked in an air conditioned office, I always had a cardigan with me; otherwise I would freeze to death at my desk.  I suppose the modern day equivalent of these might be the pashmina, but I really prefer the cover-ups shown here.  And they work just as great at helping transition your summer dresses into autumn wear!  The two modeled on the left side are made to fold up small enough to fit in your purse when not being worn.  And the best of all of them, I think, is the striped shawl on the right, which was made by Claire McCardell "to inspire do-it-yourselfers."

Here are a few lovely cropped jackets, sweaters, and boleros I discovered for sale on Etsy.

1940s reversible lace-trimmed bolero (the other side is solid black, but wouldn't you have a hard time not always wearing it on the cute folklore print side?) / DeseoVintage

PDF pattern for a 1950s knitted shrug / KinsieWoolShop

1960s Jonathan Logan shrug with rhinestone embellished flower appliques / LittleHavanaVintage

1950s cropped jacket with a big collar / Planetclairevintage

I really love this.  1960s Vera Neumann lemon print linen jacket / CustardHeartVintage

1930s white eyelet bolero / wildfellhallvintage

And a pair from my own shop:

1960s cropped, fitted tapestry jacket or blouse

1950s cropped gingham jacket

xo

k

house of stark a/w 2011

Ha ha ha!  That title is a Game of Thrones inside joke.  Did you House Stark fans freak out when you read it?  Well, now is the time of year when I start to think about about fall and winter fashion.  And of course, the HBO's production of Game of Thrones has been one of my big inspirations. That's Arya Stark, my favorite character, above.

The women of House Stark are an obvious choice, since, as residents of Winterfell in the North they wear lots of layers, fur, and amazing cloaks.

Pet wolves make nice accessories.  Sansa is kind of an annoying brat, but I love the neckline on this dress.

Here are some looks from this year's autumn and winter collections that I'm liking.

Above three images all Christian Dior A/W 2011-2012, via Harper's Bazaar.

Above two images are Rodarte for Opening Ceremony A/W 2011, via Opening Ceremony.

Dior A/W 2011, photo via The Glam Girl Diaries.

Marni A/W 2011, via Harper's Bazaar.

Marni A/W 2011, via Marni.com.

xo

K