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Summer Wishlist- Woven Frippery and Feeling Bolder

Summer always feels hopeful to me. It could be a holdover from the freedom I felt when school let out all those years ago but whatever the reason, I feel optimistic at this time of year. Today, I’m sharing a few summer wishlist woven favorites that are on my radar and the ramblings that went along with them.

I have yet to find the quintessential perfect summer tote that I’ve been hunting for and realize I may have burdened its description with too many “must include”.

blonde woman wearing pink cardigan, pibnk tanks and carrying a crossbody

Last year’s crossbody purchases in both ivory and this graphite, were rousing successes that I’ve carried virtually every day. I don’t love them less now, but all of a sudden I want a change.

Many of my summer handbags are decades old and I treasure them, but I want fresh so I may let them take this summer off and bring something new into my wardrobe so I have be pursuing some fun looks.

Woven Bags

favorite woven tote
PETITE ISLA TOTE

I’ve had my eye on this Pamela Munson bag for several years. It comes in multiple sizes but is not strong enough to schlep a ton of stuff so there’s no point in buying the huge size. This petite version seems great for my height. All that’s missing from my list of requirements is a top zipper closure, which I’m reconsidering.

woven wicker handbag
WICKER BAG

This wicker bag grabbed my attention immediately because I have a vintage Kate Spade in a similar shape. Of course, mine doesn’t have the very handy, resin shoulder chain, but still…Her bags are so unique, I love them all.

More Pamela Munsen bags

 

WOVEN HATS

Hats are always a big part of my summer wardrobe for both their sun protection…and the attitude they give an outfit.

I’ve had my eye on Sara Bray Bermuda Hats for close to a year and finally ordered this one yesterday. It comes with 3 different colors of this wide grosgrain ribbon to change up the look. It has such a garden party vibe, I expect I’ll make a splash at the little league games wearing it 🙂

For many, this hat may be too much frippery for suburban activities, but I’m tired of living small with my wardrobe…aren’t you? We survived a pandemic, so all bets are off!

Sarah Bray’s sun hats are woven from vintage, recycled, and biodegradable materials. She also carries one-of-a-kind vintage ribbons so you can customize your hat. This Hydrangea style above is part of an exclusive collection sold only through Aerin Boutiques. I love the wide but shorter ribbon you tie in the back to secure it to your head. It’s sold out so I’ve joined the waiting list for it in with this french blue ribbon.

These looks all have a bit of a southern belle vibe, which is something I have never aspired to, but why not? Fashion clothes our bodies but it should also spark delight and if the last 2 years have taught me anything, it’s that our future is unpredictable so if not now? When?

Back in 2018, I had some fun creating a Little Lord Fauntleroy bow with a favorite scarf over a white tunic. I loved how fun it felt that day, but I never duplicated the look and wondered why so I went back the original post. Here’s what I wrote in 2018-

“Yes, this is campy and fun. It brings back fond memories of when I worked in fashion and wore my clothes as the costume for my life. I wonder why I stopped doing that? Life is too short not to have fun with your clothes.” 

How funny is that? I’m saying the same thing 4 years later, post-pandemic, and life is passing at a rapid pace. I write this blog to show you modern fashion and give tips to help you style them in a flattering way so you can dress with confidence. I hope to also encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and create delight with your outfits. I am being inspired by looks that are totally new for me these days so I may add more whimsey to my classic looks and toss in a touch of drama if the urge strikes me.

Woven Shoes

Last spring I bought a pair of embroidered, woven mules I didn’t expect to get much wear out of. It turns out, they’re perfect with so many things that I’ve slowed down wearing them because I’m wearing them out.

woman wearing denim jacket, pink tank, blue pants and birdies slides

I now have several pairs of Birdies and love their comfort. This is my only slide from them and I’ve been hoping they’ll rerelease these in new colors…but no luck so far. This Songbird style comes high enough on my foot that I don’t have to grip my toes to keep them on.

Birdies are not the only brand making embroidered slides so I had a look around and found these


Dean Davidson has just launched the new birthstone pendant necklaces collection as part of their Mother’s Day Gift Guide. From now through May 8, Dean will include this Signature Merlot Jewelry Case ($98 value) with every purchase over $250. It’s a beautiful quality little case I find invaluable when we travel.

Dressing with drama and whimsey certainly draws people’s attention. Are you comfortable with that?

 

33 Comments

  1. I recently bought a sage green jacket, not one of my “go to” colors. I am trying to introduce more color in my wardrobe. It’s fun! Great post!

  2. Maribeth Conklin says:

    I love Vera Bradley bags for summer fun. Many styles and colors. I prefer cross body bags.

  3. What a fun post today! It just makes me happy! Love you in the tunic and scarf from 2018–you look like you just stepped out of a Paris artist’s garrett and are ready for a night on the town!😊

  4. Glad you enjoy having fun with your clothes. I do, also, although I am not a “wild child” more on the classic with a dab at wild.
    Enjoyed your write up from 2018.
    Wishing you and all your followers “Happy Mother’s Day.”

    1. Thank you so much, Mary. Happy Mother’s Day!

  5. With all that is happening in the world today it’s nice to dress with some whimsy and have some fun with it. Loved your blog today. Happy Mothers Day!

    1. Thank you, Meg! Happy Mother’s Day

  6. This is pretty much how I dress all the time. I always try to include some whimsy in every outfit. I don’t go over the top with it, but a little makes me happy. I have done the job with purses for years. Kate Spade is my go-to.

    1. My favorite whimsical bags are from Kate Spade, many years ago.

  7. Like yourself and Yvonne (below), I do miss boutiques for that special piece of uniqueness as well as whimsy and delight. With that said; as we are only around once, we should choose and wear what pleases ‘US’. Wishing you 🌼A HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY🌼, Jennifer. -Brenda-

    1. Thank you, Brenda, Wishing you a wonderful Mother’s Day too!

  8. What a fun column, Jennifer. I am having the urge to buy a rattan or straw handbag, which is kind of ridiculous because I don’t need one. But then, maybe I can get out more this summer? Anyway, I’m going to look for something but at a much lower price point.
    May I ask whether you’ve done something new to your hair? It looks thicker and fuller — something I’m hoping for too. I just started Biotin but don’t yet know whether it’s helping or not. One thing I have learned: do not wear tight “cloche”) hats for any length of time in very high heat. I did this years ago in Provence, and my hair fell out for months!

  9. Mihaela Eftimescu says:

    Hi Jennifer !
    I love this bold outfit !
    As we age we tend to embrace clothes with a restrained attitude but… boldly enough to express a mood, opinion, personality…
    I have always loved fashion for the sake of fashion, beauty,youth, for the sake of being feminine.
    It s in my gene and it shapes my body and mind, as it s an important ally in my challenges with the pressure of time. So, yes, whimsy, a touch of drama, a bold element will always complete a classy outfit and a free spirit andcthe fragrance of any season.

    1. I love your comment Mihaela. So beautifully expressed. Spring fragrances are on my mind too.

  10. I agree with all you’ve said in this post. I’m ready to step out of my comfort zone!

    1. Awesome Rose! Happy Friday

  11. At 67, I’m doing my best to avoid frumpy and to embrace fun. I love all of the “frippery” selections today. Cute straw purses shout SUMMER, and that wide brimmed hat with change-out ribbons is something I could definitely wear. But my favorite, Jennifer, is that poets blouse and scarf. Women our age are too often overlooked, not seen. But these outfits make our presence known in bold (yet not garish) ways. As always, thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. Much appreciated!

    1. Thank you!! I’m digging that scarf out today. Happy Friday

  12. Sue Henry says:

    Loved todays post and comments. I agree with it all.
    Thanks J for changing it up ❤️
    Sue

  13. I agree with everything you and the repliers have said. Bring on some drama and whimsy! I may not style it just like you did but it gets me out of my pandemic box of leggings and oversized tops to think outside that small box. I do have a boho top that I enjoy wearing on occasion and colors that pop because I have platinum white hair so color (especially bright pink – I’m a winter) really helps me feel strong and people comment positively when I wear it. (Which, I love :)) Stepping outside the comfort zone is kind of what this time of our lives is about, right? Feeling confident enough to wear great colors/styles/statements with class sounds super exciting! Can’t wait to see what you come up with.

    1. Yes, yes, yes!! It’s time to inject more delight into our outfits. Happy Friday!

  14. Arlene Lovelace says:

    I love dressing with whimsy!
    I often ask my kids if I am not dressing appropriately for my age, and they always encourage me to wear what I love!

    1. Bravo to your kids!! Let’s have more fun.

  15. I have been thinking about this idea for awhile. I prefer a classic style, but have noticed that I LOVE a piece in my outfit that is a little bit eye-catching–maybe even a little dramatic. I wasn’t sure how to describe this–I don’t embrace a boho style, but I do occasionally like a blouse or a pair of shoes or even a pair of jeans that might be described as boho…. I concluded (at least for now–haha!) that I like that one stand-out item in my outfit, I think, because I want to be SEEN. I’ve always wanted to be seen and heard–not to grab attention, necessarily, but not to be ignored or overlooked either–and as I get older (I’m 55) I have felt more invisible than ever before. My mom (she’s a beautiful 79) and I have talked about older women becoming “invisible” and I am definitely feeling some of that. So perhaps this is why I like a few stand-out pieces? I’m not sure, really, but I do know that I love something a little special, a little unusual in my outfit for the day, something that says “I’m here. See me.” This post resonated with me.

    1. ❤️ We need to claim our space on the planet

      1. Bingo!! We do

    2. I love your comment, Audrey. Thank you for sharing. It’s given me lots to think about. Happy Friday.

  16. I love the shoes with the graphics and floral designs. I also have an interest in a new hat. My old one is a black sun bonnet that served me well, but needs to be replaced. Thanks for your positivity and spring ideas🥰

    1. A new hat always puts a bounce in my step 🙂

  17. A splash of “frippery” for me too, please!
    One summer when I may have been 10 or 12, my girl friend and I wore sailor hats! It was fun! Flash forward many decades and I still want to have fun. My fun today is more subtle but seems very important to me.
    Love the new Sarah Bray hat you ordered!
    What a fun, spirited way to begin my day! Thank you! 😊

    1. Memories like that are jewels. Happy Friday Jan.

  18. Oh my gosh, I can relate with everything you said. Back in the 80’s when I was in the fashion biz, I too used to dress with a more “costume like” approach. I had a favourite Canadian designer whose clothes were quite avante garde and that suited me perfectly.
    With my new short white hair, I feel I suit a more dramatic style rather than the classic/elegant look I’ve had the last number of years (my hair used to be dark brown in a classic bob style) . Interestingly, some of my jewelry and accessories suit me better now. I’ve even had compliments from strangers on my style recently.
    Sadly, my favourite boutiques for purchasing unique items have closed, so I need to search out some new sources. Yes to having fun with fashion.

    1. How wonderful Yvonne!! My favorites were all from boutiques as well. The pandemic seems to have put them all out of business. I’m going to see what I can find to source unique pieces. Yes to some more drama. Why not?? Happy Friday

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