This was my first day look of the trip. The tropics are all about vibrancy and color so I added the headscarf and the bright green earrings for a little boost of both.

What I’m wearing:

• Cotton beach dress by “Marciano” (last seen in Apr. 21’10)
• Sunglasses by “MARNI” (last seen in June 28’10)
• Shell earrings
• Chunky chain ring by “Luc Kieffer” (last seen in July 28’10)
• Santorini large straw tote by “Michael Kors” (last seen in July 19’10)
• Straw pumps by “Betsey Johnson” (last seen in July 26’10)
• Silk scarf by “Cocoon House”
• Bikini (from Dominican Republic)

What I’m wearing:

• Linen pants by “Theory”
• Top by “Theory”
• Large bag by “Calvin Klein” (last seen in June 28’10)
• Tri-skull cocktail ring by “Alexander McQueen” (last seen in June 7’10)
• Straw pumps by “Betsey Johnson” (last seen in June 21’10)
• Plastic earrings and necklace by “Ben-Amun”

What I’m wearing:

• Leather bow clutch by “Steven” (last seen in Mar. 14’10)
• Checked tunic by “Funktional”
• Patent leather heels by “Betsey Johnson” (last seen in Apr. 23’10)
• 6 bangles by “b-side by ken & dana” (last seen in June 22’10)
• Pig ring (made out of fish bone, bought in Cuba) (last seen in Mar. 16’10)
• Leather belt by “Garuglieri”
• Short shorts by “Marciano”

What I’m wearing:

• T-shirt by “Junk Food”
• Wrinkled linen skirt by “Marni” (last seen in Apr. 6’10)
• Long necklace by “BLMA Venezia Italy” (last seen in Apr. 29’10)
• Short necklace by “BLMA Venezia Italy” (last seen in Mar. 30’10)
• Straw pumps by “Betsey Johnson” (last seen in June 18’10)

Interestingly enough, this chance ensemble exemplifies my approach to vintage-inspired looks in a sense that I aim for fusion rather than complete recreation. For example if I’m wearing a 60s style dress I would be careful not to indulge in vintage accessories because that tends to look too dated and costume like. The balance is in ‘reminiscing’ rather than looking like you’re stuck in that era.

* btw, I don’t actually smoke, the cigarette I’m holding is kind of my prop. For those cigarette pics I was imagining a fed-up 60s housewife who needed to get out of the house.

What I’m wearing:

• Tanya denim short shorts by “People’s Liberation” (last seen in May 22’10)
• Cotton / Cashmere top by “Opening Ceremony”
• Straw pumps by “Betsey Johnson” (last seen in May 26’10)
• Tank top by “Joie”
• Cashmere cardigan by “Julie & Jack” (last seen in June 6’10)

What I’m wearing:

• Silk dress by “Zoa” (last seen in Apr. 23’10)
• Necklace by ‘Ben-Amun” (last seen in Apr. 22’10)
• Shoes by “Betsey Johnson” (last seen in Dec. 8’09)
• 3 handcuff bangles by “b-side by ken & dana” (last seen in May. 25″10)
• tri-skull ring by “Alexander McQueen” (last seen in May. 24’10)

I called today’s look “the shell game” because of its unconventional statement piece. My crafty mama made this immoderately long shell necklace from about 5 regular sized necklaces bought on our last family trip to Cuba. Originally they all came in single tones and we had the idea of mixing together the colours and the necklaces themselves into one long, colourful piece. We couldn’t find much use for them in their original state because, quite frankly, they looked a little too boring and safe. When I saw the end-result I couldn’t wait to put it to use and today’s weather and summer vibe presented the perfect opportunity.

My dear Cuba,

If I can’t come to you, I’ll have you come to me.

Love,
Lida

What I’m wearing:

• Cotton dress by “Graham & Spencer”
• Straw pumps by “Betsey Johnson” (last seen in May 10’10)
• Tri-skull ring by “Alexander McQueen”
• Long shell necklace (my mom made from multiple Cuban shell necklaces)

What I’m wearing:

• Silk dress by “Chloe”
• Pumps by “Betsey Johnson” (last seen in Dec. 8’09)
• 2 tri-skull rings by “Alexander McQueen”
• 3 zip bangle by “Luc Kieffer”

What I did in this look was balance all the complex elements of the jacket by pairing it with simple shorts, necklace, and pumps. The asymmetrical collar, twisted fabric, and untraditional button closure of the dominant piece were met by clean lines and neutrality of everything else. This might be a safe approach, but it’s also a good starting point for further exploration. Once you have the main balancing elements down you can start to push the limits one accessory at a time.

What I’m wearing:

• Gingham checks jacket by “Junya Watanabe” (the one I talked about in yesterday’s inspiration post)
• High-waisted shorts by “Marciano”
• Summer straw pumps by “Betsey Johnson” (last seen in May 2’10)
• 2 vintage rings (bought on www.dealitlive.com) (last seen in May 2’10)
• multistrand pearl necklace

This is what I came up with:

Since we’re expecting a little baby girl, I wanted to keep everything playfully girly. I packed a sparkly make-up case by Steph&co (created by the team of Stephanie Johnson) with Becca eye-shadow, dark chocolates, and hand cream. In order to suit all tastes I chose relatively neutral colours for the eye-shadows and scentless cream. Gift giving always makes me so excited.

And speaking of…there are only 3 days left to enter the leggings giveaway draw. Good luck guys!

What I’m wearing:

• Silk dress by “Chloe”
• Straw pumps by “Betsey Johnson” (last seen in Apr. 3’10)
• 2 vintage rings (bought on DealitLive.com)
• Headband from “Urban Outfitters”
• Gold necklace

* the nail polish colour is called “mod squad” and the brand is “Essie”