Inspiration: Kate Spade & L'Arnacoeur

This ration business is already putting a hamper on my desire to quickly procure pretty things. It's effectively blocked me from two purchases (a pleated striped skirt for $10 and a red cardigan for $6) and placed me into a state of guilt after purchasing coupon-free sweaters. They were only $2 (well below my thrifting threshold, so not bad) but I bought six (oops).

The sewing and buying I haven't been doing has been replaced by dreaming of what I could have and make this year, and I think this represents a shift in this blog. Work's been demanding so sewing's at a minimum. This means a lot less wardrobe-ing and a lot more imagining.

What I'd like to do is share with you what's been inspiring me and do it regularly. Last year, I whipped up a Work and Casual wardrobe capsule and I keep mentally returning to them, as they represent my personal balance between loveliness and reality. I'm well on my way into sewing myself into these visual representations.

So why not more inspiration boards that I can capture and mull over and witness manifest in my closet? If my clothes and fabric buying is limited this year, why not really get a handle on what I love?

Kate Spade

This is all Glee's fault. Emma wore this Kate Spade coat last season and I was a goner.

So I've been trolling the website and I put together some of my faves in this collage. What I love about these pieces: They really strike that balance, to me, between being stylish but completely wearable. They are feminine and classic enough to withstand shifting trends yet contemporary enough to not feel costume-y. All of these pieces could be worn multiple ways in various seasons. And the pieces have a bit of retro flair and lovely details: The black cardigan has scalloped buttons and an asymmetrical bow on the collar.

The coat's got me thinking of a spring swing coat in French terry and I'm refashioning a pair of black slacks with these Kate Spade ones in mind. I'm even tempted to revisit my problematic A-line skirt pattern.

L'Arnacoeur

On one of these brain-dead nights post-work, I fired up Netflix and watched L'Arnacoeur, starring Vanessa Paradis. I fell in love with her wardrobe.

Here she is in a full skirt in a drapey-fabric with godets in a jewel-toned color. Her cardigan—a neutral cream—has a v-neck, 3/4 length sleeves and a band that provides waist definition. I can't imagine anything more feminine. Note to self: Nude maryjanes for spring?


A tank with loveliness! I can't tell exactly what kind of embellishment she's got here, but in the movie she wore this with jeans (while dancing to the final scene in Dirty Dancing). I shy away from white/cream tops because they strike me as either 1) hella boring or 2) super formal. I think I'd like something drape-y and feminine like this. And it'd go with everything: With every skirt and under every sweater.

I love this color. I'm not sure it loves me, but I love love it. You can't see it, but this is a full skirted dress. Talk about a head turner.

To me, this is the perfect daily uniform. All neutrals, all classic, put together in a way that's not boring. Black capris, flats, an elegant top in a contrast color, and a gray single-button jacket.

What I like about these clothes from L'Arnacoeur is they feel like they have movement. She's certainly not a curvy gal—which I tend to equate with looking feminine—but these cuts flatter her body. As a rectangular gal, I should take note.

And guess which fashion house designed her clothes? Chanel, of course. The Queen of Chic.

Take Away: Simple clothes can be really elegant. It's cut and fit that makes all the difference.