1970's Beach Culture Couture

With summer creeping up and visions of island vacations dancing in my head I have been scanning through images of resort wear. Im loving flowy white numbers paired with 70's inspired cuts and accessories. There is nothing concrete about these ensembles, its more about the luxurious cruise-wear vibe crossed with the groovy summer chill out feel that comes with the Coachella time of year. Its as if you were sipping caipirinha's in Rio after spending a week island hopping in Dubai, sailing off the south of France, or playing the crap tables in Monaco and then changed in your Aston Martin for a long board. I'm crushing on over-sized sunglasses with faded lenses, high waisted wide leg pants, hats and hair wraps- both scarves and thin bands that are paired with gladiators or moccasins. Eva Mendes looks impossibly glam with her white on white while the Lords of Dogtown perfectly capture sandy haired- peasant blouse innocence.

Ankles: so hott right now

Apparently the Victorian era is back. While people have been getting bolder and bolder the last few decades with how much skin they are willing to bear to catch others attention it turns out they have been missing the mark. Turns out all you need to bare is a little bit of leg, well ankle anyway. Take a lesson from the ladies of yesteryear who dared to show a bit of their leg from under layers of taffeta and hoopskirt, but modernize the silhouette. I like this look best when its simple and to the pin-tuck-point: squeeze into your ultra skinnies and do two tiny rolls (only about 3/4 of an inch wide) and then throw on some light tennies with no socks. However to spice up your (night) life and draw some attention to this seasons sexiest body part put on some snazzy socks- they can pull from another color in your outfit or add a new texture or pattern. I love pairing a neutral ribbed sock or a bright polka dot. Two of the most coveted avant garde indie ladies have been strutting around town like this for months- keep your eyes on the ankles of Ms. Deyn and Ms. Sevigny. At night slip your cozy socks on and slide them into gladiator heels, or for a dressier day look follow in Jenny Humphry's footsteps and wear socks over your tights and top it off with a patent leather flat.

Rock the Brights Right

This guy gets it. I've been wondering how to wear my bold and brights without looking like a candy wrapper and after stumbling onto this image from TheSartorialist I've been inspired by this man's funky fun take on spring color. He works it by pairing two contrasting yet complimentary brights in modern shapes and muting them with an older, ethnic seeming woven scarf. The scarf picks up on some of the bright shades with the electric blue that weaves throughout but the darker maroon adds necessary depth and sophistication. And just when you think he's only about vivid pops of candy color the abstract animal pattern of his vintage frames creates character and pushes the outfit from preppy to fresh.

Headgear: Not Just for the Ortho-Challenged

Unfortunately I let my love of Aggy take over one afternoon when I was feeling rather bored and restless and thus no longer have long messy locks that can be tamed by the addition of a girly headpiece. Every time I happen upon someone rocking a head band that perfectly combines funky elements of 70's surfer chic with an elegant prohibition era vibe I immediately resolve to grow my hair out and tie on ribbons, feathers and rhinestone encrusted bands. I have months to wait, but while I bide my time and let my hair grow I will be searching for the perfect hair wrap. The key is not to let your inner flower child take over...try to look less like your mom at Woodstock and more like you fancied upon vintage feathers hidden away in a Parisian attic. (Sad how simply the word Parisian can make even an attic seem romantic and edgy). Do this by avoiding a strong center part and placing your head gear of choice on top of bangs, (any will do- side swept or centered/ thick or whispy) and by choosing a funky sparkley material like metallics, chain link or satin. Make the rest of your look modern or mix in an 80's throwback, and save your hippy-granola high-waisted light washed jeans for another day. One exception to this rule is the daisy chain. At first glance it may seem like boho overkill but is so cute and DIY that the decade drama is overshadowed by visions of warm summer days and green grassy fields.