Inspiration - Kimono Styling

About a month ago I snagged two great kimonos from Forever 21.  They were inexpensive and a great way to fuel my obsession without spending tons of money. The different styles of the two kimonos give me lots of options. The black embroidered kimono is my favorite. The embroidery makes it look like a much more expensive piece.

Forever 21: Down to Earth Woven Kimono / Tropical Floral Chiffon Kimono (no longer available)

I have worn them a few times already but I'm stuck in a styling rut. I paired them with a thin, solid color t-shirt and jeans (white and blue). There are tons of other ways to wear them and I went in search of inspiration. I found some great new ideas that I will be trying soon.

photo credits: Life with Emily / Macarena Gea / Jag Lever / Free People Blog / The Sartorialist / International Street Style / Song of Style / Hello Fashion

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Cape Jackets, Kimonos, and Full Printed Skirts

Since I've been a bit slow in posting lately, I thought I'd give you a triple whammy today! Three of my latest obsessions. One of my biggest spring obsessions is the cape jacket. My favorites are more blazer material than outerwear material but that makes them perfect for spring and summer. They are a fun twist on a traditional jacket. Another spring topper that I can't get enough of is the kimono (a modified version of the traditional). I'm more rocker than boho but I love that you can take these pretty jackets, add them to jeans and throw on a tee and great shoes and you're instantly chic. I can't get enough of full printed skirts. I love the ones with big full gathers or pleats in fun prints (not your traditional florals).

Victoria Beckham Blazer Style Cape

When I first spied this tuxedo style cape jacket from Victoria Beckham, I was in love. It's different and so chic. As usual, size and price restrictions ensured that it would never be mine.  Over $3,000, nope! I went in search of a less expensive version. I found some great options but nothing in my size. My poor mom has now been begged and tasked with helping me to make one.



Click on the pictures for buying information.

 

My next obsession is the kimono. This modern version is a bit of a departure from the traditional kimono. It comes in fun prints, florals, embroidery or with fringe. I picture mine with cut offs or white jeans for summer. I'd add a simple tee or a tank and some cute sandals. The two kimonos in the top left and bottom right corners are definitely on my list.



Click on the pictures for buying information.

 

Last but certainly not least is the full, printed skirt. I fell hard for this skirt from tibi. The graphic print and the full, midi style, had me smitten. Once again size (only up to a 12) and price (over $600) prevented me from ever purchasing this beauty.

tibi Splash Skirt

While searching for full printed skirts I found the amazing (black, white, and gray) skirt on the right, from ModCloth!  It's very similar to the tibi skirt, it's affordable at only $69 and it comes in my size! In fact it comes in sizes small to 3x!



Click on the pictures for buying information.

 

I know the gray skirt in the center doesn't look like it's printed.  The print is pressed into the fabric, you just have to click on the link and look at the skirt up close. It's fantastic!

Well there you have it, some of my spring obsessions. A cape jacket is on the DIY list, the kimonos and skirt will be on order soon.

What are your spring obsessions?