{guise: tulip town}

Guise #6:

I took a trip to Tulip Town with one of my best friends this past weekend.  It was absolutely gorgeous!  Apparently, a large portion of the flowers had already been harvested, but it was still quite the sight to behold.  Tulips seem so regal to me.  They are so poised and colorful with the perfect amount of structure.  My visual appetite was satisfied with rows and rows of purples, pinks, oranges, yellows, reds, and whites.  This dress was inspired by the beautiful blooms. 

I hope you are enjoying your spring!

Pencil + Paint,

Jenna

{guise: just a big ol' hat!}

Guise #5:

A few weeks ago, I watched Practical Magic with my sister.  The movie was pretty fantastic with the young Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman duo.  I can't believe it's taken me so long to see this 90's classic.  But what has caught  my eye and been most on my mind is the huge, ginormous hat that Aunt Fran wears throughout the film.  It's completely oversized and ridiculous, and I love it.  I want one in the worst way!  In my dream world, I would pair it with a piece from Topshop Unique Spring 2011 RTW (slide seventeen).  The hat has such a fun eccentricity too it...and just think of all that UV protection ;)

Unfortunatley, the only site I found that had something remotely similar was selling it for $975.  Yikes!  I'm not quite ready for that investment; so, I will continue to dream in pencil.

Pencil + Paint,

Jenna

{guise: little spring dress}

Guise #4:

A fun little spring dress. Maybe for afternoon brunch outside in the open air? Pleated jersey pinafore front bodice with a sheer, fine mesh back bodice. The perfect pencil skirt. Sun drenched morning, this dress, and a lavender mimosa. Yes, please!

Pencil + Paint,

Jenna

{guise : spring couture!}

Guise #3:

Since Sunday was the first day of spring, I popped over to Style.com to find something fantastic from the spring 2011 couture shows. As much as I love a great neutral (and this spring has gobs), I was hoping for flashy color. But somehow this subtle-hued number caught my eye. The marriage of classic style, the perfect nude, a whisper of color, and SpARklE! It is completely devastating with the ample loads of fabric put into that skirt. Love. Love. Love it.

Pencil + Paint,

Jenna

{guise : gloves!}

Guise #2

Gloves. There's something fun and feminine about the right pair of gloves. The perfect pair involves a little timeless intrigue too. Gloves add a complexity to the outfit narrative. I thought this gant12 pair was pretty fantastic.

..Although I'd like them better in blue ;)

Pencil + Paint,

Jenna

{New column: Guise!}

Hey all! I am so excited to be a part of This Life Inspired. I will be contributing with Guise.

The word guise literally means the act of dressing. It can also refer to one's appearance, and the Guise column will be about illustrated appearance.

My hope is that this bi-monthly column will be fun and inspiring. Many of the illustrations will be original designs and/or inspired by current silhouettes with which I am obsessed. I will also illustrate some of my favorite looks off of the runway. Links will occasionally be featured on where to buy the illustrated garments and accessories.


Guise #1:



Brrr! It's still pretty chilly here in Washington State. The look is definitely still winter, and what I want to be wearing! A nude wide leg, high waist pant + a warm, fuzzy cashmere sweater are the perfect pairing to get through these last days (I hope!) of winter. A chunky knit scarf keeps her neck and ears warm. In the spirit of believing that spring really will be around the corner, this ensemble is infused with a little fresh color.


Are you still bundling for cold weather? What wardrobe staples are getting you through this winter?


Pencil + Paint,

Jenna