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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:

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

Models took a jaunty, afternoon stroll through the Hippodrome d’Auteuil in Paris for the Miu Miu Resort 2020 show- one that conjured up a playful combination of ’40s and ’70s fashions that delighted me with its whimsical, retro styling and grandma-chic details. I’m talking collars of the oversized and dramatic variety, as well as the vintage-inspired lace variety paired with utterly charming puff sleeves in eye-catching colors that contrast with the relatively tame shades of the overall outfit. I can’t emphasize this enough- I’m obsessed.

Pretty pink dresses and pointed collars were embellished in an adorable cat print in the Miu Miu Spring 2010 show- one of the first fashion shows I fell in love with. (Image: Marcio Madeira via Vogue.com)

Miu Miu has always been one of my favorite brands to follow through the seasons because of Miuccia’s playful use of prints and the decidedly sweeter, purer silhouettes and details. In fact, I still remember the Miu Miu Spring 2010 show- a collection that also made clever use of statement collars- as being one of the first to open the door to the fashion world for me. It was pretty and pink and precious, with cats and birds and reclining, nude ladies splashed across the different outfits in a way that made everything feel a little bit magical. Looking back on this collection brought back so many fond memories of sinking hours into watching bootleg streams of the shows online, while scrolling through my Tumblr feed reblogging all of my favorite looks. And the models too- Hanne Gaby, Lindsey Wixson, and Lara Stone were among the famous faces to light up the runway. It’s hard to believe that it’s already been 10 years (I’m feeling old!).

Anyways, if my early taste in runway shows would be any indication of my lifelong sense of style, I would never cease to love the darling, vintage feel of a good collar- the lacier, the better. My obsession with a statement sleeve came later, and is something I’m finally accepting as a genuine part of my sense of style. Needless to say, I would wear most anything in the Miu Miu Resort 2020 collection, floppy hats and all.

The equestrian theme of the venue bled into the collection in the form of classic, jockey stripes and horse-related prints that play into Miuccia’s theme of fooling around with the notion of conservatism. And while the collars and puff sleeves were the standout details for me, it’s definitely hard to ignore the platform sneakers and wedge sandals paired with all manner of colorful socks, which will most likely prove to be a popular trend in coming seasons, paired with the ridiculous spectacle of multiple, stacked hats of clashing styles. The hats only serve to bolster the juxtaposition of old conservatism vs. youthful fun.

While dramatic, oversized collars might be a novelty for fashionistas in the coming seasons, I can’t help but feel that this collection validates my recent love of vintage, lacy blouses and shirts with ridiculous sleeves. And as someone who has, in the past, had trouble nailing down a signature aesthetic, it feels good to know that I might be getting close, and that my taste in vintage, eccentric styles won’t be shunned by the fashion world at large. It might even be celebrated.

Check out my favorite looks from the collection below:

Cover photo and all photos in gallery are by Giovanni Giannani for WWD.com.

Piles of phone cases with “quirky” prints. That’s what used to come to mind when I thought of Kate Spade, making me ignore it as one of those mid-tier brands that peddled logo-ed junk to the masses (think the Michael Kors section in the Dillards handbag department). However, during my recent trip to Vegas, I found myself perusing one of the many Kate Spade stores in the resort shopping centers and I was actually warmed by how darn cute and very much my style everything was (I’m still eyeing the round purse!).

Intrigued by the brand and their affinity for pleats and pastels, I perused their Resort 2020 collection and fell in love with the carefree, monochrome ensembles paired with playful handbags (a Kate Spade staple) and the most incredible glitter boots I have ever seen. I have a pair of glitter sock boots that I break out for special, rare occasions, but they only go to my ankle- which, in the light of this collection, is obviously not enough. These glitter thigh boots are the statement shoes I never knew I needed, and now I can only hope I can actually get my hands on a pair someday so I can lovingly wear them with my thrifted shorts to the grocery store.

A few other things I loved about this collection: the vintage-inspired details and silhouettes like the high, ruffled necklines; fur-collared coats; and puff sleeves. I just found myself enjoying every little whimsical detail and will definitely be planning on creating some powdery, pastel, monochrome looks that are like vacation to the eyes. I’m pleasantly surprised by Kate Spade and MAYBE, might consider buying a purse from them in the (near) future. I love a good redemption story! Here’s to hoping that I continue finding joy in the playful designs of Kate Spade.

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

All photos from Kate Spade via Vogue.com.

Photographed in Rome’s Orto Botanico, the colorful and couture-inspired pieces in the Valentino Resort 2020 collection shone like rare fruit among giant palms and picturesque bamboo forests. According to creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli, this collection was not about escape, as resort collections often are. He aimed to create a wardrobe with a wealth of options for everyday wear, and this elegant simplicity is key to the appeal of Piccioli’s exuberant designs.

In this way, the restraint of this collection mirrors that of the restraint of a lush garden stuck in the middle of a bustling city, with no possible option for expansion. It is a contained wilderness, which is something these gorgeous clothes can create within us. Feathers adorn jackets, hot pink details bubble up from the core, and sharp dresses are paired with carefree sandals- hints of unabashed joy shine through the pared down exterior of this collection, creating something insanely wearable, yet still exotic and enchanting.

While the clothes themselves are definitely nice to look at, the plants are what drew me in. Lately it seems like plants are having their own renaissance, as more people begin to cultivate them inside of their homes in vast quantities, covering nearly every surface with them. Even I have begun to fill my home with little, leafy friends, adopting the mentality that you can never have too many. My Instagram feed has become overgrown with scenes of lush greenery, so much so that my own posts would blend into the imagery of this collection (is Pierpaolo stealing my thunder?).

Adding a ton of plants to your living space has recently become a huge trend in interior design. Honestly, I think it looks amazing! (Photos: @wildrepose on Instagram.)

By surrounding ourselves with all manner of foliage, we try to cultivate our own bit of the wild, a slice of nature to remind us of our roots. I could never get tired of looking at plants. They exude liveliness and have a calming effect on the soul, as if to remind us that the world we inhabit is alive, whether we like it or not. All of this to say, if you want to get me a gift, go with a plant and it will never disappoint!

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

All images of Valentino Resort 2020 are from Vogue.com.