the clothes 2011

Nina of Family Affairs just added her new spring/summer collection to the shop. As always, her descriptions are as romantic and lovely as the clothes themselves, "Ocean Lemonade, the Family Affairs heroine is exploring the South of France with her old battered suitcase. She is feisty rather than sweet and a little defiant. She often doesn't brush her hair. She goes wherever she finds the carefree pleasures of summer on dusty back roads scented with lavender: picking up tomatoes, olive oil, honey soaps." I would be happy if that description suited me this summer...

I just received the Marais USA S/S '11 lookbook and I must say they are adding to my already-building excitement for spring. My favorite ballet flats are by Marais USA; they're really comfortable and high in quality, so I definitely think I will be getting myself another pair. With their new collection featuring heeled penny loafers and more delightful flats the biggest issue will be deciding what style and color to purchase...Seriously, those penny loafers were meant to be mine.

This lookbook for Ora Bags is one of the dreamiest things I've seen in awhile. The backpacks are truly fantastic and everything is made from recycled leather. The vintage garments destined to become Ora bags "speak" to the designer telling "stories of it’s past life through the character of its look, the natural way it hangs after years of use and the way it alludes to the stories of its previous owners’ lives." The lookbook certainly embodies that natural and slightly mysterious style.

I'm a little late in finding inspiration from Fall lookbooks, but I blame my belated summer here in Virginia. This collection by Whit displays perfectly composed outfits in all the layers, shades, and patterns I've been coveting lately. There's something very modern and yet classic about the styling. The headgear is obviously optional, but certainly would make excellent conversation starters at holiday parties...

The styling and photography of this retro wonderful lookbook for A|Wear caught my attention immediately. Stylish coats, teased hair, and long bare legs? Yes, please! Hairspray and nude flats are officially on my wishlist. Unfortunately, investigation reveals that this store does not ship to the States. However, it shouldn't be too hard to appropriate these looks...

I received the Lauren Moffat lookbook (in the sweetest shade of robin's egg blue) in the mail the other day. It's entitled "The Honeymooner And What She Packed" and is inspired by a dress the designer's mother wore on her honeymoon but hung in her closet for decades. I'm in love with a number of the looks, especially the semi-patriotic striped numbers. I don't usually like pastels, but I would very much love to own several of these pieces. The styling is also spot-on for a quirky, sacchrine spring.

lookbook images courtesy of Lauren Moffat

Lauren Moffat's fall collection is a vintage and art deco-inspired dream. Whimsical peter pan collar dresses get casual with knit caps, over-sized blazers, and slouchy socks. Could I dress like this every day please? And where are those dark green gloves from?



all Lauren Moffat

No plans to spend your dreary winter days at a cabin in the woods? No worries, you can travel there vicariously through Family Affairs' new Fall/Winter 2010 lookbook. The collection feels a bit like a gothic romance and as always, the descriptions Family Affairs gives their items are better than my own imaginings. "The heroine is holed up in a mountain house made of wood--Sitting at the kitchen table with a fire going, tea and cake and a fat cat by her side, reflecting on the ocean voyages she’s taken and enjoying the peace and beauty of being in nature." Her adventures name the pieces of the collection and make you want to be the sort of girl who belongs in them.

P.S. Their upcoming new collection, also means many of their current pieces are now on sale!

all images courtesy of Family Affairs

The designers behind Vena Cava have just whipped up a collection of organic jersey titled Viva Vena. The entire line retails for under $200 and should be available at a number of retailers. The pieces read like basics with a splash of edge: fitted skirts glint with metallic dots and tees feature neckline details that make jewelry unnecessary. Even if the seperates weren't enough to make you covet them, the styling is perfection. I'm suddenly craving knee-high equestrian boots and sweatshirts with contrating trim to wear with sandals...