So, my summer inspiration this year is shifting. Last year I did more with retro and well... I didn't end up loving it overall as much as I had hoped, despite all my planning and shopping. A few items are staying with me, but others will be either put in a holding box, resold, or donated.
This year, I didn't plan in with a theme in mind at all. I simply pinned what felt good. Will this be a dud like last summer? I'm not sure yet.
My mood goal is: κέφι (kéfi), a Greek word that is hard to literally translate but sort of means: "a feeling of overwhelming joy, high spirits, passion, and enthusiasm. It goes beyond temporary happiness, often describing a contagious, lively, and resilient spirit that persists even during difficult times. It signifies a zest for life, often expressed through dancing, music, and socializing."
It's got some Mediterranean feel, a bit of sculptured drama and drape, and some refined boho. It's not as retro, on the nose, as last year.
Returning items:
- Navy boho dress
- Navy Tencil crinkled dress
- Cropped almond trench jacket
- Olive jersey maxi skirt
- Olive waist-tie shirt
- Leigh jeans (Eloquii)
- Floral ruffled cami
- Olive sweatshirt military jacket
- Black peplum moto jacket
- Multicolor slides (new)
- Miz Mooz heeled sandals (new)
- Cage wedge sandals
- Black bubble top
Swing tanks (photos 1-6) in a rayon jersey knit fabric in several colors. Something very new for me. The number of colors probably seems excessive but I like variety. My hope and plan is to make these into an easy summer uniform by pairing them with my Leigh straight leg jeans and sandals.
Smaller Leigh jeans (same as pair in Finds below). My current pairs are getting quite baggy and don't fit or look the same. I ordered a size smaller. Have to see how they fit. Not sure if they'll be good or skin--and-soul-sucking tight. (Never know what to expect.)
Swimsuits for All Cover-up (photos 7-11). I'm experimenting with styling this as a duster, with black leggings and tank top underneath it, a la inspo photos. I found it online and was intrigued. Tried it on and found that no, I couldn't tack the hip-high slits shut; it would look weird and risk tearing the fabric. BUT... I could possibly wear it as duster. Will let you know how it goes. The fabric is a delicious sheer Tencel charcoal-navy color.
Petrol blue v-neck sweater (photos 12-14). Knitting this in a cotton-rayon yarn, in a petrol blue (photo 14). Photo 12 is inspo, photo 13 is the pattern I'm using sans all of the textured body stitches. Planning to throw this on over the swing tanks and any column/tank dresses I wear.
Off-shoulder top (photos 15-16). Possibly-hopefully-maybe sewing this for myself. Have to see ha!
Oatmeal/Cream V-neck sweater top (photo 17). Thrifted this online earlier this winter. Absolutely love it! I wore it on our trip 2-3 weeks ago, with my Leigh jeans and sandals. It's a cotton-rayon-something blend. Very comfortable to wear, and I enjoy the shape a lot. I sized down one size, as XL was a blanket tent on me. I don't get as much exposed shoulder with L, but the shape feels more flattering.
Ruffle-shoulder dress (photo 18). Another maybe-possibly-hopefully sewing project. I have the pattern, but need to find fabric and try it.
Tank dress (photo 19). Just trying this style out. I have a sewing pattern to make one. I'm trying an inexpensive version from Target first--to see what I think of it. If I love it, I'll sew one.
Metallic gold sandal (photo 20). These are a maybe but I am seriously considering them to kind of knock around in. I like the tortie buckle paired with the metallic gold leather.
Accessories (photo 21-22) will likely pull heavy duty for the boho element. I have lots of beautiful boho gold earrings of all kinds, and a gorgeous coin collar necklace my MIL gifted me for Christmas. plus a couple of long chain fringe pendants, and my usual stack of bangle bracelets. Trialing a new pair of sunglasses (26) in a very lovely early 1980s style.
Items to maybe add:
Photos 22- 40 are part of my summer inspiration board. For inspiration and direction.
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