As soon as it got warm, I decided on the vibe I was looking to exude through outward appearance for the summer time – after all, it is my favorite time of the year. Everything just feels so right when you’ve got the sun shining down on your shoulders.
As the meticulous Virgo I am, I’ve had references in mind when thinking about the summer look I wanted to give since we were thawing off from winter’s frigid bite. The places I pull from aren’t limited to style images, but films and music and people and places and feelings. I’m finally easing myself into my summer moods and vibes, as I dug out my best vintage and got my summer hats out of storage just this past weekend. I thought it’d be fun to share some of references with ya.
Dress: The Source Family
I saw the Source Family documentary back in the winter and after getting sucked into the magical psychosis of this California-grown cult, led by Father Yod in the 70s, I knew that the long, draping tunics with belted waists, loin cloths and long overgrown hair was something I was looking forward to incorporating into my summer wardrobe. An homage to 1970s alternative lifestyle goes perfectly with fresh lemonade and hot weather.
Sound: Tame Impala & Warpaint
My summer soundtrack has without a doubt been from Tame Impala and Warpaint. I got to see Warpaint live in Prospect Park just a few weeks ago and it was the dreamiest, balmy summer night I’ve had in the longest. Both bands give off this care-free, laid-back and often psychedelic vibe that keeps me cool and gives me so much joy. I want to capture all that feeling in all of my summer playtime.
Hangout: Garden
All throughout spring and well into this summer, I’ve nurtured this growing fascination with beautiful flowers and plants. I’ve started caring for plants of my own at home when I moved into my new apartment. So when I can, I love to sit and hang out in beautiful, tucked-away gardens that instantly sweep me away from the metropolitan chaos that comes with living in New York. And really, all I wanna do is dress as if I’ve been in a garden all day.
Beauty: Jennifer Lopez
I’ve been feeling nostaglic about Jennifer Lopez’s bronzed goddess days and every now and again – I love to recreate those beauty looks that she nailed in ’99 and the 2000s. But, I’m also loving the no makeup Jennifer, who is glowing from within, with no necessity for application of shimmery powders for the illusion of chiseled cheekbones. Most days this summer, I go makeup free and it feels just right.
Spirit: Wild Woman Archetype
I’ve been reading one of the most fascinating books I’ve ever had the chance to hold in my hands, called “Women That Run with the Wolves”. The author Clarissa Pinkola Estes explores the archetype of “The Wild Woman”, a spirit that lives within all women. A spirit that comes in all shapes and forms – who is made of the earth and is deeply intuitive. From now on, I’ll be wearing my inner Wild Woman everywhere I go.
“I hope you will go out and let stories, that is life, happen to you, and that you will work with these stories from your life–not someone else’s life–water them with your blood and tears and your laughter till they bloom, till you yourself burst into bloom. That is the work. The only work.” – Dr. Pinkola Estes