Couture Crush

Juicy Couture & a page from Country Living

The first thing I noticed when I woke up early this morning was the sun blaring through the windows, shining more brightly than any dawn I can recall in quite a while. The air is unseasonably crisp -- a gift -- and the birds are singing from their lofty perches all around my home. It's picnic weather to be sure.

Fall 2009 couture by Elie Saab & Christian Siriano

The only thing I can think of that would make the day better would be a post picnic jaunt to antique markets. All of these frocks and images are plunging me into spring fever, and I'm wishing the humid summer had waited longer to rush in.

Image fromCountry Living; Louis Vuitton frock

If I fell into the rabbit hole and were invited to a springtime tea party in a lush garden -- and if in this magical rabbit hole I had an outrageous wardrobe budget -- I'd wear this Louis Vuitton party dress. I'm in love with his entire fall 2009 collection. Go there. You'll see what I mean.

Vintage Clothing and DIY Fashion

70s Ethnic Print Caftan Mini Dress from Ramona West

I've always been drawn to vintage for those standout pieces, those one-of few items that add personality to my wardrobe, like a party in my closet. The Ramona West Etsy shop is full of those unique items with funky prints and a sprinkling of classic cuts and solids.

Red Ethnic Floral Mini Skirt from Ramona West

While you're on the hunt for vintage clothes, check out Great Night Another Bad Morning for some rather affordable accessories and apparel. Don't you just love the name of that shop?

80s Yellow/Pink Abstract Print Scarf from Great Night Another Bad Morning

In case you're making do with the duds you currently have in your closet, might I offer some suggestions for refashioning or repairing some of them?

-- I've taken to shredding some of my expendable jeans in favor of that oh so trendy ripped and torn look.
-- Here's some shredded denim inspiration.
-- Learn to repair worn clothes and get the best deals when shopping.
-- Make a fab ruffled shoulder wrap.
-- Stencil a boring old shirt into a graphic Tee.

Vintage Spotlight: Maiden Rapture Vintage

70s Chevron Wrap Dress

I'm blissed out from finding Maiden Rapture Vintage, an Etsy shop that stocks funk-a-delic gals and guys clothing and accessories.

80s Black and White Checked Midriff Top

The outfits are deftly put together, and the models are edgy and gorgeous. So I'm sold. And if you're like me and are strapped for cash right now, you'll be happy to know that the shop currently has 40 sale items.

80s Emerald Green A-Line Skirt

Maiden Vintage Rapture also has a blog -- which you can access from going to the shop -- and from what I've seen there, there will soon be an assortment of funky sunglasses in stock.