TRANSITIONAL JEANS

I love the idea of pieces that can shift from one season to next and these jeans are my latest acquisition in this category.

Kut from the Kloth jeans are available at Nordstrom. Funny story – I tried them on and didn’t like the fading on the butt so they called another store for me and to check the fading on other pairs and I ended up getting exactly what I wanted shipped directly to me. Best service at this store!! ❤

Spring Cool

For the chill that is Spring in the 6ix I’m wearing a peach long sleeve tee from JCrew and a denim jacket from Parasuco. My Toms desert boots keep my feet warm and this outfit from looking too wintery.

Summer Heat

When things heat up in the summer this kimono top from Italy with its zig-zag weave add visual interest to these jeans and make this look unique. My new Vince Camuto sandals finish it.

Spring Inspo

While I was reviewing the Spring/Summer 2018 runway shows I came across this fabulous dress by the master – Giorgio Armani and was immediately inspired!

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I decided to create it in paper – once again returning to the origins of modacarta. I reversed Armani’s idea by using a print for the dress and a solid colour for the scarf. The result in a burst of bright sunrise.

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Fun Spring Accessory

Nor just for bandits or cowboys anymore – the neckerchief or bandana gets a makeover this spring.

From my blog, you will know that I love scarves so I’m always excited when I find a new way to wear one.

A traditional bandana is tied at the back of neck with the triangle part in front. A neckerchief is perfect for spring because it keeps the wind off your neck without adding bulk. It’s perfect protection against a spring cold.

Also…when you’re between haircuts simply use it as a headband. Very Brigette Bardot! To add visual interest to cropped pants and sandals – wrap it around your ankle. It also makes the perfect handbag accessory.

 PAPER ART

I haven’t worked with the dolls for awhile but I definitely have some exciting designs to share in upcoming posts. Here is a simple bandana I made out of a crinkly Japnaese paper.

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Colour & Texture

DENIM

Love, love, love what Fendi and Alexander McQueen did with denim this season. I am so on the lookout for a denim bomber jacket. This look from Fendi is very wearable and the pants can be worn with heels or flat sandals. I’m not a fan of distressed jeans but this outfit is making me a fan. The delicate laser cut flower top over the distressed jeans is another very wearable look for spring. I like the asymmetrical cut which shows a bit of skin.

IMG_2126PAPER ART

I designed this asymmetrical top taking inspiration from McQueen. This wave paper created the perfect textured hem. I kept the cut straight so the focus would be on the hem.

TIE-DYE

It’s so interesting how this look comes around every few seasons. Designers always manage to take it to a new level of creativity and this skirt from Altazurra proves it. This ocean green colour will definitely be dominate in my spring wardrobe. The Valentino designers took their inspiration from Africa. The colours and texture of their SS2016 collection transports us there.

IMG_2125SHOPPING

I’m always on the lookout for trends from the collections when I’m shopping. I found this tie-dye cotton sweater on the clearance rack of AEO. It’s perfect with denim and white jeans. It will come in handy on chilly summer nights.

The third element of this theme is STRIPES. I’ve covered this in a previous post so check it out here to complete the exploration of Spring Themes.

 

Spring Movement

The movement theme for SS2016 encompasses shimmery silver dresses, flamenco ruffles and off the shoulder tops.

SHINE

This trend is all about the movement of light. These 2 dresses from Lanvin and Tom Ford show how a simple form and sequins can turn heads. The Lanvin dress on the left sways and catches the light as the model moves. The colour blocking on the Tom Ford dress creates its’ own movement. Both are highly wearable styles.

FLAMENCO

Rhythmic, passionate and and exciting. Flamenco encompasses all of these. Many designers showed ruffles on long skirts or dresses. Here are two looks showing evening and daytime versions of this trend. On the right we have a Ferragamo design with multiple ruffles and colour blocking. Perfect for going shopping or out to brunch in the summer. This evening look from Oscar de la Renta reminds me of the Flamenco shows I saw in Seville. Bright red lace and flowing print skirt will definitely make the best dressed list of any summer soirée.

SHOULDER SHOW

It’s time to learn of to shimmy in these great Spring styles. Perfect for hot days and dancing the night away. It’s so great to see the Sonia Rykiel back. Julie de Libran has brought new life and such great dresses to the brand. This ruffled dress has many variations – long, short, over pants. It’s the perfect summer dress! Proenza Schloer showed this wonderful eyelet off the shoulder dress. A very modern and sexy way to do eyelet.

 PAPER ART?

No paper this time. I decided to crochet a dress for the doll in silver and black. Of course -I made an off-the-shoulder tube dress. IMG_2120

The 3 Themes of Spring

This week on modacarta I’ll be posting about the 3 themes of spring, what the designers presented and top wardrobe additions you should consider. Also, how to get the look from existing pieces in your wardrobe and of course I’ll explore these trends in paper.

ROMANCE

Florals, 50’s sweetness and lingerie designs make up the Romance theme for Spring.

MOVEMENT

Silver, flamenco frills and ruffles + off-the-shoulder looks make up the Movement theme for Spring. I included off-the-shoulder in this theme because it reminds me of shimmying and shaking your shoulders when you’re dancing.

COLOUR & TEXTURE

No catchy title here with Denim, Tie-Dye and Stripes making up this theme.

Stay tuned for the next post where I’ll explore the beautiful world of ROMANCE.

 

Clothes Lines

I recently discovered a new line Monse out of New York by Laura Kim & Fernando Garcia formerly from Oscar de la Renta. The write-up featured this b&w striped jumpsuit and it reminded me of several other striped pieces I recently came across like this stripe mash-up on a Kate Spade tote bag. It is a modern and graphic approach to stripes.

This Banana Republic midi-skirt in pin-stripes looks fresh for Spring and you can wear it now with tights and a sweater. I featured this J Crew top and coulotte outfit in the Colours of 2016 blog post. Pale blue will be a big colour for Spring and this outfit can be broken up and paired with other pieces in your wardrobe. The ultimate classic and quintissential striped top is the Breton made famous by Coco Chanel. It is the easiest and possibly cheapest way to get that French “je ne sais quoi” look.

 

I found this Fendi outfit flipping through a vintage issue of Elle Italia from 1993. Stripes are always a good investment and addition for your wardrobe.

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Japanese paper does not usually come in what I’ll call plain, linear stripes. I did have this striped paper bag from a paper store in Michigan. So I had some fun shooting the doll.

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