Inspiration: Southwestern Trends

It is possible, that for the majority of us (ladies of a certain age that is), following trends is just not as much fun as it was when we were younger. I, also, realize that for some of you following a trend makes you too much like everyone else and could be viewed as robbing your individuality.

But, for the purposes of editorial….please allow me to discuss my inspiration for today’s outfit. I was looking over the Fall 2011 Trends and this layout from VOGUE was one in particular which caught my attention. I thought…”Santa Fe/Southwestern Style would be a piece of cake for a Texan!!” In fact, there were several different ways I could’ve gone with this inspiration look, but then I found a Chaps Cardigan at KOHL’S and I knew it was the statement piece! I also knew I could use it for many different purposes and looks. It’s lightweight so the warmer weather is not a problem. Southwestern style to me just screams SILVER when deciding on accessories…though I do have some bronze and turquoise pieces that I love.

Chaps Cardigan: Kohl’s
LRL, Lauren Jeans Co. Skirt: Macys
Chico’s Southwestern, Vintage Tank
Jewelry: Stein Mart

Shoes: Ross
Toes by Opi: Suzi Takes the Wheel (Gray!)

What about you….is there a particular trend that you just had to follow this autumn?

BITS & PIECES:

First, this article caught my eye in the San Antonio Express News yesterday. It was written by Molly Glentzer and titled: MESMERIZED BY AN EXOTIC PAIR OF DROP EARRINGS. She fell in love with this pair of Ralph Lauren earrings during the runway show for the fall collection. “But I am still dreaming of the Orientalist drop earrings that danced around the impossible long necks of Ralph Lauren’s models in February, when I saw the fall collection on the runway. There are many variations on the theme, but the pair I covet features a crystal rhodium rondelle in red above an elongated teardrop of black onyx. (The design was also made in jade). His fall 2011 collection – widely considered his best in years – is pure Shanghai Express. Look at stills from the 1932 film, and you’ll even see Anna May Wong in the earrings. The tassel necklaces, hats, and scrumptious coats – pure Marlene Dietrich as Shanghai Lily.”

I would link her entire article if it was available and if it becomes available online….I will go back and do that. But for now, I share her love of Oriental jewelry and her desire to own these earrings which are a bargain (sarcasm!) over $700. Molly and I can only dream.

Finally, I also loved Gigi’s shoes yesterday! She wore them with some fabulous tweed pants from Kohl’s and they made the look.

Have a Wonderful Autumn Weekend Everyone! I can’t believe it is already October!

22 Comments

  1. Gigi's shoes are beautiful, but your cardigan (the colors) is wonderful and perfect with the bracelet. Great interpretation of a look from Vogue!

  2. Just love your Kohl's sweater!! I had a jacket from Chico's a few years back with similar colors and a very distinctive Southwestern pattern, am still sorry I didn't hang on to it. You've really nailed the look and everything coordinates beautifully.

    I'm also nuts for anything with Asian design influences and LOVE those earrings. I'll bet we could find some inexpensive "inspired by" versions at a local Chinatown or even someplace like Forever 21.

  3. When I see I trend that fits my style, I think: "Great! I'll grab something in that style now, while it's easy to find it in stores." I've always had a weakness for double-breasted jackets, so I'm excited that P-coats are a trend this fall. That's what I'm looking for. At other times, a trend inspires me to wear something I haven't thought of before. And that's great, too–I love trying new things. Vogue magazine put the southwest trend in your mind and look, now you have a lovely new sweater that looks fabulous on you!

  4. I am dying for some ORANGE and some animal print in my closet. Also….corduroys…can you say *EEK* with me? I love that there are so many colors of corduroys. And I want them all.

    Also…being from Texas, myself, though no longer living there, I have to say that the Santa Fe look is VERY easy to come across and not too difficult to replicate!!!

    http://www.prettyinandout.blogspot.com

  5. Wow I am so glad that those gorgeous legs of yours have come out to play in that fantastic skirt and top ensemble.
    I adore your bracelet, too.
    It is still quite hot here so it doesn´t feel like Autumn at all.
    Besosssssssssssssss.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  6. Loe the cardi and YUMM,that cuff!
    I have been really getting into Military styles(i'm working on the jackets and shirts now), long 'statement' earrings or bauble necklaces, and more long tunic-legging combo's finished with sharp jackets. Oh yeah and fitted jackets 😉
    I am enamoured with rose pink shoe or any type of suede heels that are a soft hue. And, I am back in black this season, mixing it with pale hues………..
    I could go on and on and on………LOL!
    xXX
    Reva

  7. I love your interpretation of this trend. It's the perfect balance of your style with the inclusion of the southwestern vibe. That cardigan is gorgeous. And I really love the shoes. That blue stone is gorgeous.

    xo,
    Tracy

  8. The cardigan is great but those shoes with the blue stone caught my eye immediately!! Then, the shoes at the end of the post, double wow!!

  9. That cardigan is so you! I do love anything with a southwestern print. You should see my house! I so admire your look and how easily you carry it off.
    Our weather is crazy here lately. Cool one day and hot the next. It makes it really hard to dress!

  10. New follower from the over 40 hop. So nice to meet you. I love the southwestern look. I think having a horse helps with that lean toward that look for me. I also have so much turquoise from my father. I think he bought me something from every place he visited across the west. He knew I loved it so I have some amazing pieces. Sadly I rarely dress up. I love fashion but rarely indulge in anything beyond tees and jeans these days. Maybe I'll get inspired visiting you.

  11. GOOD MORNING DEAREST!!!!!

    Yes, Blogger has definitely built some tolerance, courage and kindness in us, hasn't it?

    LOVE THIS LOOK! AND I am loving wearing my boots with a tutu! YES! It works..

    Have a fabulous day, Anita

  12. I love the cardigan and the bracelet. Very nice interpretation of Sante Fe without literally going over the top (read cowboy hat and cowboy boots). You have great taste!!

    Yeah following the trends can be hard so it is up to us real people to interpret them into real life. You did a wonderful job at that!!

    And also, thanks for your support and comments!!!

    LiteralGemini.blogspot.com

  13. I love that drapey cardigan on you, especially with the Southwest-inspired jewelry. Good combination. I don't know if I'm following any specific trends this year, I'm putting a little leopard into my look, plus some sequins, and I know those are 'trends,' but for me, they never go away. Have a great weekend Pam! XO, Jill

  14. I love the Southwestern look! That sweater is great, but it was the bracelet and earring combo that took my breath away. Nicely done! I've been disappointed at Kohl's recently, but now I think it's time to go in there and give them a second look. (Alas: No Stein Mart here!)

  15. I'm having a lot of fun following the trends right now — I never bothered with them before. When I was in high school, I got my cousin's and sister's cast offs or I had to sew it myself, in college I had no money, same with after college, then I had kids, and dressed in sweats and t shirts all the time. So the trends are a reach for me. I like them (and I do most of them pretty cheaply from the goodwill — I just interpret them my way. And the southwest one seems to be one of those that I would be comfortable in.

  16. Hi Pam!Your blog is so cute.Im loving the cuff bracelet so sweet.Im a new follower and your blog title caught me.Its my sentiments exactly LOL…..cant wait to visit agin!

    Happy sunday to you!

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