pink

The Japanese concept of kawaii- an over-the-top, saccharine cuteness that is very unique to Japanese culture- originated with ukiyio-e, or the art of woodblock printing popular in Japan during the 18th and 19th centuries. This cartoon-ish style was used to depict snapshots of Japanese life (think that one famous paining of the big wave, or geishas with pretty, painted faces) and gave rise to the manga and anime we know and love today. This art also helped to usher in the age of modern art in the west that became popular in the 1900s. I know what you’re thinking- “great, thanks for the art history lesson, but what does this have to do with Preen?” I’m getting to that!

“Beauty and Cat” by Utamaro, a Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock artist that was active in the late 1700s. (Image: Utamaro via Ronin Gallery).

This concept of this classic, Japanese art style influencing western pop culture is the inspiration for the Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Resort 2020 collection, which brought us on a journey through a plethora of pleasurable styles that are sure to shake up any winter wardrobe. The kawaii influence of Japan is obvious in what I think are the collection’s most memorable clothes- the fluttering, fluffy, pink pieces that shimmer in sequins, or luxuriate in lace. While the sequins and lace themselves are enough to make these dresses the most eye-catching of the collection, the addition of feathers that snake from shoulder to hem only adds to the appeal of the overall extra-ness of these looks.

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway long pink dress with ruffles — One of my favorite pieces from the collection. The bright pink complements the whimsical nature of the asymmetrical hemline and the ruffle details. (Photo: Preen by Thornton Bregazzi via Vogue.com).

And the pink doesn’t stop there- it can also be found in a long, floral piece that pays tribute to the flowers of classic art, styled with a karate-like belt. It is also seen in contrast on a pretty, floral print sweater thrown over a sheer, turquoise dress (an outfit I plan on emulating sometime soon!). These little, sweet touches of pink bring an overall softness to the collection that gives it a more whimsical, carefree vibe that I really relate to.

And while pretty, pink, flowery sweetness seemed to be a big theme for Preen this season, there were a lot of other looks to love, including a black, A-line dress with puff sleeves and a ruffled waist (witchy vibes anyone?) and a preppy, check print, long sleeve dress that I would love to incorporate into my fall wardrobe. I also enjoyed the ’70s-esque outfit with the printed skirt paired with the herringbone sweater, showing us in inoffensive way to mix prints.

Overall, the collection was incredibly wearable, with many ways to pair each piece for layered, winter looks that looked fresh and stylish, but also fun, which, in my opinion, is the most important aspect of our clothes. Even if our lives are serious and full of adult responsibilities, it doesn’t mean we have to give up the whimsy and fun that made us fall in love with life in the first place.

Check out some of my favorite looks from the collection below:

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway 70s print sweater with brown skirt

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway floral sweater over a green dress

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway black shirt with pink belt and black skirt

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway short checkered dress with long sleeves

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway black dress with puff sleeves

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway pink sequin dress with feathers

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway sheer pink dress with feathers

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway pink floral dress with feathers

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway short pink snakeskin print dress

All outfit photos are from Preen by Thornton Bregazzi via Vogue.com.

Love is in the air, everyone. Because Valentine’s Day is this week, which means we get to enjoy wine, chocolate, sappy romance movies, and maybe a good meal with a person you happen to like, whether that be a friend or a lover- you decide! And while most people use this day as an excuse to love on their sweetie, for us fashion and makeup people, it’s an excuse to come up with ridiculously saccharine outfits and beauty looks that would be deemed too “over the top” for regular day-to-day life (if you care about other people’s opinions.).

And while you all anxiously await my upcoming Valentine’s Day themed editorial (stay tuned!) I decided to grace your feeds with a bit of Valentine’s Day inspiration to get you all nice and primed for my upcoming looks.

We all know how hard it is to decide what to wear sometimes, especially on a date. I’ll change my outfit a few times before settling on something, and when I do, I still can’t help but have that nagging feeling that something is missing- that, if only I had just one more cute or unique detail, it would be perfect. Cue the lightbulb to write this article: cute and quirky accessories that will give your outfit that little spark it needed to go from good to great.

I’ve scoured the accessories sections of a few of my favorite websites and chose some pieces I thought would be absolutely adorable accents for any Valentine’s Day getup- no date required! Check out my picks below:

Adorable Lapel Pins

Pins are such an underrated way to spruce up an outfit because they allow you to inject so much personality into one little detail. Once relegated to only denim jackets, backpacks, or hats, pins can now be added pretty much anywhere for a little spot of fun. Try adding one of these adorable doggie pins to the collar of your shirt, or to your purse strap for an extra dose of adorable to make Valentine’s Day extra special!

Left- Lazy Oaf Dog Pin Badge, $8.63. Center- Lazy Oaf Dog In Car Pin Badge, $8.63. Right- Lazy Oaf Flower Pup Pin Badge, $8.63.

Sweet As Honey Socks

Socks are the next big accessory that has taken the fashion world by storm, and I think they can be a great way to add a bit of extra flavor to an outfit, or even be the main feature of an outfit if all of the other pieces are pretty simple and understated. I love the bold, yellow color of these socks- they would look great with a black or white outfit. And the addition of the word “honey” just adds to the charm of these sweet socks, making them perfect for a Valentine’s Day outing!

urban outfitters yellow honey socks quirky cute accessories valentine's day

Out From Under Honey Crew Sock, $7 via Urban Outfitters.

Don’t-Be-Crabby Cowboy Hat

Honestly, when I first encountered this hat I found it equal parts vexing and irresistible. I mean, who ever thought that a coral, cowboy-esque hat with a gold, embroidered crab could be cute?? Add this to basically any outfit for an instant statement piece that will double as a conversation starter and make for some unique photos! I would totally wear this with a frilly, white shirt and some jeans.

Van Palma Crab Rancher, $258 via Anthropologie.

Bubblegum Mules

Sometimes your Valentine’s Day outfit just needs that little pop of pink to really drive home the point that it’s freaking Valentine’s Day, baby! I’ve really been digging these types of mules that don’t come as far up the foot as usual because it creates a more dainty, striking look. And in this bright pink, they’ll certainly be hard to miss! I would pair it with other pink things for an extra cute look!

Daisy Heel (Pink Satin), $99.99 via Ban.do.

Dainty, Pearl Bow

Do you ever look in the mirror as you’re finishing an outfit and think “man, I wish I had something cute to add to my boring hair”? Well, if you’re like me and think that very thought on a regular basis, then this dainty, girly, pearl bow hair comb might just be the perfect piece to add to your Valentine’s Day look (or any look, for that matter!). This classic-looking bow accessory works especially well for anyone who likes to rock a vintage-inspired wardrobe or look, rife with big collars, lace and plenty of frill!

Imitation Pearl Bow Hair Comb by Simone Rocha, $180 via Nordstrom.

Gaudy Statement Earrings

While I’m not much of an earring gal myself, I firmly believe in the power of earrings to totally transform a look from kinda dull to super cool- which is why I was so drawn to these super fun and charmingly-gaudy earrings. Not only will these earrings add some juicy color and detail to your Valentine’s Day ‘fit, but they’ll also ensure that all of the attention remains on your gorgeous face!

Left- Cherry Drop Earrings by Baublebar, $34. Center- Strawberry Earrings by Bablebar, $36. Right- Chirona Drop Earrings by Baublebar, $36.

Lovely Little Purse

For some reason, round bags always manage to cast a spell on me. I mean, just look how cute and curvaceous it is! If Aphrodite was alive today, she would carry this purse, and nobody can tell me otherwise! I love the smooth contrast between the pink and black, and the lovely, little heart conjures up the image of the Valentines I used to make and pass out to my friends in elementary school. So simple, innocent and sweet- Perfect for accompanying a similar Valentine’s Day outfit!

G.E.M. Heart Throb Bag, $64.68 via Lazy Oaf.

Chain of Love Necklace

I know, I know- I’m getting a bit literal with this one, since it’s literally just a gold necklace spelling out “LOVE.” But there is something so appealing about the spacing of the letters and the daintiness of it all that makes me want to layer it up with other dainty, gold necklaces to make the perfect, eclectic stack of shimmering goodness to round out my Valentine’s Day date night look! If you want to manifest love in your life, you should surround yourself with it, right? Even in the most obvious of ways.

Love Frontal Necklace by Argento Vivo, $68 via Nordstrom.

The Perfect Hair Bow

There is something so girlishly-charming about adorning a sleek ponytail with a hair bow that makes the idea so appealing in my mind, even though I am not the type to ever put my hair up. I just imagine wearing a wispy hair bow like this blue, floral beauty is something an ingenue in a modern retelling of a classic Shakespeare play might do, which makes it incredibly romantic, and thus, the perfect accessory to jazz up your Valentine’s Day outfit!

anthropologie hair bow cute floral accessories fashion style valentine's day love quirky sweet

Painterly Petals Scarf Ponytail Holder, $18 via Anthropologie.

I hope these few, little accessories have given you some big ideas on how to spice up your own Valentine’s Day outfits. Let me know which is your favorite, and if you would like me to do even more articles like these! Have a great Valentine’s Day, with or without a date!