Hello how was your week? I had time this week to sit on the couch and soak in my More Beautiful book by Mark D. Sikes and it inspired what I already wanted to write about this week.. the resurgence of all things pretty in fashion and in home furnishings. Have you noticed it too?
It’s being called Grand Millennial style in home sector -the resurgence of florals, gingham, ruffles, scallops, quilted bits and painted furniture.. It’s been coming on big in the interiors front, but now it has fully trickled down to most clothing retailers for spring and summer with pretty, feminine patterns and florals, soft shapes, pale colors and romantic looks.
In clothing, and in home textiles, block print textiles- whose origins are centuries old from Rjasthan, India, have become very popular. The technique involves fabric printing with intricately carved wooden blocks and the NYTimes did a great piece on it here. The naive look of the repeated patterns is quite sweet..
Puff sleeves, squared collars, midi-lengths, gingham, woven, braided and quilted looks are all in this trend of innocent looks making a comeback. Things your mom or grandmother wore or had at home are looking fresh again.
Perhaps this is a kind of backlash to the last few years and the strife in politics and the world, but fashion trends usually happen after such things. Bottom line- people are looking for comfort, pretty and soft right now..I have to say, I do love it and Mark D. Sikes was ahead of everyone on all this.. I’m hugely inspired by his lovely rooms and want to wallpaper everything now!
Remember this bag Princess Diana carried? I believe it was a Pierre Deux, and even though I was a 14 year old, I wanted one really badly. I finally got one in blue with pink roses and wore it out! I know there have always been quilted bag sellers over the years- April Cornell and Vera Bradley, to name two, but now the ‘cool’ brands are selling them too.
The fabric (sometimes quilted), bag is officially back and it’s the anti-logo bag. It’s something anyone can have or even sew and for summer it’s soft, weighs nothing and is easy to travel with. Straw bags are darling, but they can often be tough to lug on a holiday..
This cloth tote is from SZ Blockprints at Anthropologie
This tote is by Loeffler Randall and is their Avery Floral Weekender. . Love the outer pocket.
This sweet shoulder bag is by Faithfull.
This little quilted tote by Antik Batik come-on a pretty blue version too.
This clutch is by Cleobella and comes in pink too.
Etsy has some shops with many variations on the quilted bag with block prints..This cute bag is one from this shop.
This Jaipur shop has more..and also darling bedcovers and baby quilts!!
I just was delivered this cute bag from Sezane, my favorite French retailer. It’s a weekender sized large travel tote. I honestly thought it was a handbag size..It’s VERY large. I love the print. Deciding on whether to keep or not..
Sezane has a lot of quilted bags like this, many currently sold out, but and makeup and toiletries bags if you’re looking for a sweet gift from France.
Some of the fun fashions coming from this trend…
Are you all familiar with DOEN? This is a fantastic California brand that works hard to support manufacturing processes that are fair in the U.S. and abroad and makes it a priority to work with women owned factories and businesses. More about them here. They have the loveliest things including children’s clothes. Love this Elba top.. part of their current Superbloom Sale.
This Anthro dress is so summer..This block print comes in other versions and colors.
I also love this Gingham Cover-up dress.
How about this Loeffler Randall Woven Tote with gingham scarf?
Comes in a chocolate and tan versions too..
This pink J. Crew dress is darling.
This beautiful dress is a cotton from India at Bloomies.
Emerson Fry has an India Collection with block printed fabrics. I love the blues in the Basalie Dress..
This Heirloom Dress is really cute.
I also love this pink dress that has a belt, but can double as a caftan.
I’m not usually a romper fan, but this version by Cleobella is fun.
Old Navy has some cotton versions of the block print look with this blue smocked tie shoulder top..
And this black Old Navy floral print tiered dress has that same feel..
J. Crew has some sweet shorts in Liberty prints.. I especially love this one. I’d pair it with a pretty white blouse.
Of course Tory Burch has a darling new sandal and her Summer ’21 line that mimics the popularity of all things woven and lattice.. It’s showing up in home decor and in clothes.
J. Crew also has their version of this lattice look in a cute tote in many colors..
Back to the cotton prints.. Mango has many block print type dresses and this easy dress in red and a dark blue that is a great summer throw on or beach dress for $59..
And they have this one..
And this cute gingham number..
Mango has braided Raffia Strapped Sandals -so chic.
J. Crew has many things in the new square neckline.. Their Cottage Dress comes in a few different prints..
More square neckline tops too..
Emerson Fry has the Laurent blouse also made in India.
I hope you found something you love. If not, you’ll at least notice these trends and especially appreciate the block prints that are from India. The authentic ones are quite beautiful!
While we are appreciating these beautiful textiles from India, (so much of the world’s beautiful products come from there), I can’t not mention the charities that are all still needing funds to help there with the terrible Covid crisis. Many families are suffering and have lost so much. Please consider helping if you are able.. Oxygen for India is one group delivering oxygen for free, International Medical Corps in on the ground helping in so may ways, and UNICEF is also helping with supplies.
Thanks so much,
Kim
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