| LATE SUMMER PICNIC |
| Written by Helen Willard - Thursday, 03 September 2009 | |
While warmer weather lingers, wouldn’t it be nice to take time for a quintessential summer activity – the picnic? If the idea of savoring a long afternoon in the great outdoors with great food, and even greater wine, sounds delightful, then take a semi-nostalgic trip back a few generations to when people still dressed up to eat on the ground. The late 1950’s represented a huge conflux of styles—surprisingly practical dresses, bold explorations in textile prints, statement accessories, and the emergence of hipster style, all of which can be found referenced in the work of today’s most current designers. It’s as much Jack Kerouac as Donna Reed, as bohemian as it is apple pie—which would be great at a picnic, right? And did we mention most of these finds are on sale? We also see the picnic as a perfect opportunity to wear out these late season steals. The grey Amana pinafore looks great as-is, but is a perfect wardrobe utility player. Slip a turtleneck and tights underneath and wear it through winter with boots. Throw on a cardigan or blazer for a work-approved ensemble, but fly it solo for al fresco dining accompanied by a straw fedora, delicate sandals, and a statement necklace from Dinosaur Designs. Dresses equal easy style, so if you get a last minute invitation for an afternoon in the sun pull a frock out from the closet. The Eairth shirt dress is perfect as-is in sun yellow, while the Stewart + Brown white shirt dress begs for pairings with boyfriend blazers, belts, piled-on jewelry, jeans, and whatever else you can throw at it. You can even little black dress it to your picnic with a curve-hugging casual dress from Prairie Underground– with kangaroo pockets and a well-tailored silhouette, it’s a win-win. The high-waisted skirt pays cheeky homage to the housewife with a very bold cherry graphic from Lalesso; pair it with a tank, a tee, or a menswear-inspired shirt. Wear the same style in black for a softer look, like Krisa’s cinched skirt in black. Stewart + Brown’s petal bodice dress and cascade tank dress revisit explorations to Mexican playas before they were overrun with resorts and spring breakers. At seven dollars a pop, stock up on bamboo bangles by Azuri, available in five styles. Even if your bike is a Vespa or Peugot, wear lean motorcycle-inspired separates with surprisingly feminine touches, like a black hooded merino vest by Kelly B with both large studs and fresh, demure ruffles. Skinny jeans are preferred, and keep it current in grey from Del Forte. Graphic tops in pencil thin stripes or polka dots bring a softer touch. Make it fun with low-tops in a pop of color from Autonomie .
For finishing touches, throw down a rainbow hued picnic blanket with hand-embroidered butterflies or go modular in tartan with a picnic bag and blanket in one , that carries all essentials in waterproof. If the sun is too much, make your own shade with the Brelli Sunbrella. It also will protect from any unexpected showers. If the evening runs to chilly instead of balmy, warm your shoulders in a reversible pashmina by Azuri in a near infinite array of colors and patterns. Don’t wait any longer, the changing seasons are a perfect mix of great weather and great deals on the clothes to wear while enjoying it. Pack a few glasses and toast one of the best times of year to relax, soak up some sun, watch the seasons change, and wear some truly inspired and thoughtful clothing.
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For
tastes that run more toward poetry, remember that before there were
hippies, there was the Beat Generation. Opt for less structured
separates, like Edun’s blue empire waist cami in a 
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