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| Hermes scarf (sourced on etsy), J.Crew Tillary Tote, Chie Mihara pumps. |
I am a big fan of
MaiTai's Picture Book, well who isn't? She's beautiful and stylish and an absolute sweetheart, always sharing those photos of Paris with us!
She is currently doing a
Closet Playtime series which is really inspiring, her outfit ideas and colour palettes are just gorgeous, truly a treat for sore eyes.
I've been feeling lately like something's missing... well my packing-up Colour Story for our February trip to Florida of course! Except this year we are staying put, saving our money and all that good (if boring) stuff.
Who says we can't put together a Colour Story anyway, and taking my inspiration from MaiTai's Picture Book I've decided to imagine a Hermes scarf-based story, in Florida.
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| White linen blouse, Goldsign "Jenny" jeans. |
The scarf has shades of blue, white, pale yellow and gold, all set off by a navy border.
I really like the pale blues in this scarf, I think they are set off nicely by a pair of Goldsign jeans in a light wash. The white linen brings out the bits of white detail which to me reads very "warm-weather holiday".
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| St. James tee in blush and navy. |
The scarf suits a nautical stripe and the blush/pink colour-way adds something a little unexpected. I also like the combination of blush with yellow and gold.
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Very plain navy cotton J.Crew dress, 2007.
J.Crew white braided leather belt 2011. |
A navy dress, very plain and lined in cotton, can be worn as is or with the blazer in white linen.
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| White linen blazer, J.Crew 2012. |
The white linen blazer is a favourite of mine. I bought it last May on our trip to NYC and it is so comfortable and sharp-looking, lined in cotton (which makes it cozy) and a reliable topper for both the denim outfits and the navy dress.
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One more dress: a navy striped cotton knit, sleeveless, J.Crew 2012.
Topped with a cotton knit blazer in navy, also J.Crew 2012. |
This knit dress and blazer get-up is one of the best things I bought last fall during the J.Crew sale. Together they make a perfect outfit, the knit blazer provides coverage for the arms and the buttons on both pieces are matching, a pleasing detail.
If I was actually going to Florida I would augment this Colour Story with some basic white pieces: a couple of tee shirts, maybe a smooth knit sleeveless white shirt and a pair of white canvas sneakers to wear with the denim. That would be an easy and affordable packing up.
I hope you are well today Darlings,
xoDani
SETTING SAIL Dani, I wish you knew the Brit song "we're all going on a summer holiday" so you could hear me singing (well better the performers) along with the scroll. Crushing on the matching buttons. And that is a beaut traditional H scraf. So far I have not seen anything 90 cm on their site this season to invest my saved cheddar in. I did pass on that Club Monaco Ivy silk twill as the IRL colour was more of a orangey-peachy-pink with the navy and sepia, versus more of a nude/tan. In fact, would look very pretty with your picks here but not what I thought. Thanks for the crisp, springy breeze...
ReplyDeleteOh and I think you are very brave re. white jacket. I love the look, but avoid as can't be easily bleached like white jeans and I would have some sort of misguided coffee encounter.
DeleteGet Fresh - you know I won't be able to stop singing that all day now!
DeleteGF and Tabs I don't know that song at all. I'll have to google it.
DeleteHow often does Hermes put out a scarf collection? When I was there in December there were a few I would have loved to have brought home with me.
GF I knew you'd like those matching buttons.
Oh, I love the colors of this scarf, absolutely perfect!!! You created some beautiful combos here, its a treat.
ReplyDeleteThanks ajc, I was hoping you'd like it!
DeleteMIND'S EYE A current piece that would look lovely in a similar colour & style story - when it goes on sale, this wide-striped tee in ivory/blush/ navy:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jcrew.com/browse/single_product_detail.jsp?GENERIC%3C%3Eedit_product_flag=true&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302038595&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441830381&remove_cart_index=2&nav_type=PRMNAV&bmForm=persistent_shopping_cart&bmFormID=jOnI0Am&bmSubmit=edit_cart_item&bmUID=jOnI0An&bmLocale=en_CA
GF I had a look at that and it is quite nice! It seems like it has a nice weight, it would be a great piece to have up north in the summer.
DeleteYes to sale.
Yay, a colour story! You truly excel at these, Dani. And you're so good at the wardrobe re-mixing that I brought up on WMM's blog just earlier today.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen a Hermes scarf in person, I should make a point to do that. I have a beautiful silk scarf that my husband brought me home from India, and it is great for building or completing outfits. But one may be enough :)
I've got that Saint James website open in another tab!
Thanks so much Abby. Well that was nice of your husband, India, I'm guessing it's colourful. Hermes scarves must be seen, they really are special.
DeleteLove those Saint James shirts, it took me some time to find one that fit me properly but they are such well-made classics.
Love all of the tones here, I am now realising how much effort people who look good put into dressing.
ReplyDeleteTabs - You are so right!!!! Today I was dressing and was all donw (and very plain looking) and said "how would Dani pop this up?" and went and got a scarf...
DeleteI've been in wellies and a filthy jumper all day - farmer Giles!
DeleteThis is so true!
DeleteI sometimes wish I were an architect or a designer, and then I could wear all black with interesting eyeglass frames and one piece of structural jewellery, every day.
Tabs Farmer Giles!
DeleteHi Dani, since you are staying home for the most part this year, how about a little Parisian treat? Here's the first of a series of Youtube videos by Garance Doré about going to the Paris shows. In other videos she also has interviews with Jenna Lyons and Stella McCartney.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqh6X7rSweM
Patricia thank you, you are always leading me to the best stuff!
DeleteI am strangely attracted to that white blazer, Dani! Me, who's always in black! I'm going to take my temperature now.
ReplyDeleteSulky I hope you recovered. It is an excellent blazer, there's no explaining it!
DeleteHi Dani-Well you know me, I love blue, but the colors in this scarf are divine! I really like this color story. I am sorry you are not going on your usual pilgrimage to FLA, I know you will miss visiting the elder BP's. I am just crazy for the weather to warm up. I think I'm going to order some geranium and columbine seeds today and maybe a KS suit. I was holding out to see what would be on "secret sale" but was sorely disappointed in the offerings.
ReplyDeleteDavid I have to say the secret sale offerings were certainly less than thrilling! We will miss seeing the elder BP's and they won't be back until the end of April, it's a long stretch. Which KS suit I must know! I have another colour story planned for tomorrow with a KS cobalt blue ensemble. My power might go in which case I'll be posting it on Saturday.
DeleteI'm happy you are dreaming of geraniums.
so gorgeous. the scarf is so versatile that all of your pairings are perfect!
ReplyDeletei love mai tai's blog/site. she is so chic and glamorous.
xox P
Phiphi she is chic, isn't it great when she goes to Paris and takes pictures of the Hermes windows for us.
DeleteThank you.
Ahoy Dani! I adore the colours in your scarf. Beautiful and the combos you worked with it are terrific. I love knit blazers.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, thank you. First knit blazer I ever bought and it is nice. So comfy.
DeleteDani - love this! I have been enjoying Mai Tai's series this week, too (anyone else dying for those shoes she just bought?) Like you, she reminds me that if the pieces are exquisite, you don't need a ton of stuff..
ReplyDeleteI love this scarf. I am like Abby - have never seen in a Hermes in real life (I don't think)and the next time I go to Paris that will be THE treat (oh and maybe another copper pan..) as we will not be feeding 4 people!
I like these various looks and you are inspiring me to play with some of my clothes for some nice looks!
I wish we were going to FLorida, too! NYC is exciting for sure, but FLorida - Florida is warm.....
Ah you see, I don't like those shoes at all, I like much plainer things that most people - probably a monk in a former life.
DeleteEvery time I se shoes with big buckles on top I think...Puritan, Pilgrim, Wicked Witch of the West.
DeleteDespise the shoes.
Deletetoo funny!
DeleteThe shoes are a Kierkegaardian situation I'm noticing, either/or! I like them, the colours are delicious like Toffeefay candies, remember those? Oh I'm not spelling that properly I'm sure.
DeleteWMM we could bring you to the Hermes in Toronto, there's a lovely shop there, it inspires all kinds of tomfoolery. The last time I was there with Berna we nearly bought an ashtray to SHARE, what a crazy idea, we don't smoke but it was very fetching and a wee bit pricey.
Nothing compares to a Hermes silk, it's exquisite.
Have you read Tim gunn's new book - he is not a fan of Hermes anymore, but I don't care - will get one someday for sure! I am sure they have no sales - why would they need to?
DeleteI love Saint James clothing!
ReplyDeleteThat scarf has a lot going for it. Very versatile with all your choices.
Florida sounds warm right about now very appealing.
We are enjoying mild days here and the daffodil bulbs are up and I am counting the days until they bloom!
Hi Hostess, Saint James clothing is very well constructed, I found a shop in Quebec that sells online if you are interested in a Canadian source, I always like to know I won't have to pay duty and import taxes.
DeleteDaffodil bulbs! I can't imagine! We're getting 30cm of snow tonight.
I have not seen Mai Tai before...thank you for the introduction.
ReplyDeleteI have a Hermes scarf that rarely sees the light of day, but you have inspired me to bring it out for a day or two.
Florida sounds lovely. It is cold and rainy today and I have a serious case of Spring Fever....
Julie you'll like the way MaiTai styles her scarves with very simple wardrobe pieces, though there's always a Hermes bag with the outfit as well which elevates things! We have a big winter storm here, I miss our Florida trip but not too badly, I'm happy to be home, we had plenty of great traveling last year, it was Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous!
DeleteI love this color story Dani, lovely... I am not often enough on Etsy... I need also to look back and find that website that will make search for you on Ebay for items with typos, so the ones you might end up the only one bidding on it... I also see that many people are on the same boat: the tight budget one... I am not strict enough yet with my accounting and any tips to have this done regularly, without mistake or omission would be welcome...
ReplyDeleteSteph I didn't know about the typo thing, that's pretty funny! Oh the budget, I am getting good practice with it but I don't always have stick-to, turns out that's the hard part!
DeleteI love Mai Tai's blog and of course I love Hermes. The scarf's pale blue background is very pretty and offsets the navy and gold in a wonderfully soft way. I really like the outfit with the pale pink. It is indeed unexpected and fresh. Love the blazers with your outfits too, they add a sense of polish to an otherwise casual ensemble.
ReplyDeletexoxo that blazer makes me feel smart somehow, I really love it. I hope I don't ruin it with something now that I've talked about it so much!
DeleteNot sure if it's a cultural thing but I always thought silk scarves were for old ladies and Europeans. My parents brought me a scarf from Italy over eight years ago. I thought at the time, what the hell am I suppose to do with this thing. Well, thanks to your post ( and from it the discovery of Mai Tai) I dug that scarf out. It is quite beautiful. Now I have to find me scarf rings...who knew. I definitely will go for the stylish European and not the little old lady look.
ReplyDeleteBlueBooby I like scarves even if I feel awkward wearing them at times, you can always twirl it around the handle of your handbag. Your parents sound like keepers!
DeleteI wish you could action this color story with an FLA trip. Your choices are, as always, lovely and appropriate. I do like the places in Fl where blazers are not "overdressed". Mr L keeps a navy BB one there for many evenings.
ReplyDeleteLane we run with the over-80 set in FL, a blazer always fits in, though sometimes I just might be mistaken for a waiter. ;)
DeleteIf anyone has read my comments on other blogs, you can see I'm very blabby today. OK - I always like the idea of a white blazer, but feel like I'm in a lab coat when I wear one. Not fond of Florida either, as I go to Palm Beach at least 3 times a year to visit my MIL, I wear a lot of black cotton in protest. And where does Mai Tai get all the stuff she buys? She has like a million dollars worth of Hermes bags? And how many scarves does one person need? Dani - you have 100 times her style, she's a walking billboard, although she's a beautiful woman, and I'm sure very sweet. I'll shut up now.
ReplyDeleteKathy you crack me up! I love the blabby! I don't know what it is but I love that white blazer. I can't believe I haven't ruined it. Also I can't believe MrBP hasn't ruined it, he famously dumped a giant glass of red wine all over me pretty much the second we arrived in Montreal a few years back, that outfit did not survive.
DeleteThanks Darling you are kind to me, and you know I just finally read David's comments on our Sulky Kitten's blog and they were so excellent, really that has been a most entertaining episode.
Thanks Dani - I just came back to delete my comment because I felt embarrassed, but now I won't - I stand proudly by my words. I would love to find a white blazer that I loved. But seriously, where does Mai Tai get all those Hermes bags? Does anyone know?
DeleteKathy I don't know but I wondered same. Then I was thinking that maybe it's only a few but that they all look different to me somehow? Me being dazzled by all of the Hermes? She is gorgeous, my how I envy her ability to tie and style those gorgeous scarves. I can't even tie a bow on a present.
DeleteThat white blazer was such a weird thing for me to buy, I blame it on the drunken lunch that preceded the shopping stop. Are you leaving soon on your trip, my gosh how will you pack for Europe in late winter?!
I've counted at least 15-20 different bags on her page, and I rarely look. I'm not a fan of such "done" tying jobs with scarves, I like it more throwaway, and effortless. But she looks great in everything and would look just as good in jeans and a white tee shirt with no scarves, bangles, etc. But I'm kind of a minimalist. Easy packing for Europe in winter for me. Color story - black, navy, gray, oatmeal, ivory. Black jeans, blue jeans, cashmere sweaters (Brora), black and navy blazers and black La Canadienne boots, one black dress and one pair of black pumps. 3 long sleeved silk tee shirts for warmth under sweaters. Two coats. And two large cashmere scarves, black gloves and dark brown handbag - that's it. No color pops for me - I'm very minimalistic. I'm thinking that for a white blazer, a men's version of a white dinner jacket would be great. I'm thinking of looking in the boy's department of a place like Ralph Lauren.
DeleteKathy, I agree with you regarding being a walking billboard, and I think we kind of already discussed that on Tabitha's blog too :) I am always chatty.
DeleteI am quite minimalist too, and also prefer the flung scarf look. As Blue Booby said (that makes me laugh), it's easy to veer into old lady territory with scarf knots.
I was wondering, do you have a good source for silk tee shirts? Short or long sleeved.
Kathy your packing-up is making my mind reel with happiness! So organized and chic! I love it! I am going to write that down so I can copy it one day. I've never been to Paris in the winter and I would so love to go!
DeleteAbby I would like to know Kathy's source for the long-sleeved silk tee's as well, do tell Kathy! I have some short-sleeve silk tee's from Eileen Fisher that are excellent. The silk jersey is warm and fine yet strong, they can be hand-washed in the hotel sink and are dry by morning.
Deletehttp://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/jump/productDetail/Clothing/Women&aposs/Long_Underwear/Women&aposs_Silk_Scoop_Neck_Top/50914
DeleteAbby - here's the link. They're really just silk "underwear, but I ordered them in black and so if they peek out from a sweater, it's fine. Very warm and comfortable.
Thank you!
DeleteYour post inspired me to pull out my scarves this morning and I mentioned you as my inspiration to give them a whirl. I hope you don't mind. I always enjoy your posts.
ReplyDeleteJude Musings thank you I don't mind at all it is an honour. I am so happy you like my posts, thank you.
DeleteDani, Like everyone else , I love your color stories. They are delightful. Any idea of the name of the Hermes scarf you are using?
ReplyDeleteHere's something fun. My husband is giving me an Hermes scarf as a Valentine's gift. How do I know? He asked me to choose one. What did I choose? I chose a somewhat vintage (1990s) scarf by a Texas artist, Kermit Oliver. I look forward to wearing it. Like others, I enjoy Mai Tai's Picture Book. I did some research. Her husband is part of an aristocratic English family and is a musician. She DOES have a LOT of scarves. Check out the link about how to store scarves and you will see how many she has.
Susan I wish I did know the name of the scarf. I should try to figure that out.
DeleteYour husband is so sweet! That is a perfect Valentine's gift. How excellent that it is designed by a Texas artist.
You are so good at this! I'm sorry you're not going to Florida.
ReplyDeleteI also love Mai Tai, been meaning to order a scarf ring actually. I've been buying more scarves and love including them in my outfits.
Hi DF, I have a scarf ring I ordered from MaiTai, it is perfect. I appreciate scarves more and more, I'm planning on a new Hermes for Christmas this year.
DeleteEvery December we go to the Hermes store to buy a new tie for my husband, last year I didn't pick up a scarf (though I saw several I loved!) I think this December I'll have another look.
What has happened to J.Crew's plain cotton frocks? I bought the Drift dress a few years ago and am close to wearing it out, but I haven't seen anything similar all last summer or this fall. I want a solid color, machine-washable fabric, and a stretchy waist--I'm not even particularly concerned about the neckline or the sleeves. Garnet Hill had a few options last season but I've never ordered from them before and I'm on the low end of their size range so I might be sized out.
ReplyDelete