15 Simple Fashion Rules: J. Crew Looks We Love

Hey Readers!

I love rules! I love learning rules, following rules, and sometimes even making my own (reasonable) rules. I especially love rules that make sense to me. Rules coherent with the way the world is or could be. Like every other person in a crowded parking lot letting a car into the flow of traffic. Like not wearing short shorts after a certain age.

While browsing J. Crew's website this afternoon, I came across a collection of outfits called "Looks We Love" (a regular feature on the website). This particular feature included 15 inspirational rules created by the brand's "superstylist" Gayle. I don't follow all of these rules, but I'd like to try! At the very least, I'd like to keep them in mind this spring as I orchestrate outfits.

Here are the looks Gayle created. Can we upgrade her title to "super-de-duper-stylist" or maybe "superstylist extraordinaire?" My favorite rules are 4, 5, and 9 and I'd really like to try are 2, 10, 11, and 13. . .

So... which rules inspire you? Do you like fashion rules, or do you find them constraining?

How Inspiring: The Ocean

(Pipeline, North Shore O'ahu- you may, or may not recognize this beach from Blue Crush)

Readers,

Those of you who know me well know that I love being near the ocean. In the water, on a boat, or standing on shore; there's a certain ease and peace I experience when I'm near a large body of salt water. The ocean, in all of its beauty, is a constant source of inspiration in the way I choose to narrate my life through clothing. How?

1) Color Palette

(Ocean Park in San Francisco, CA)

All at once subtle and stunning

(somewhere in Ireland- I've forgotten where exactly)

2) Movement

(Northern Ireland, somewhere on the way to Bushmills)

The ocean is ever-moving and always fresh, qualities reflected in the large stocks of flowing and ruffled skirts and blouses in my closet.

(Ocean Park, San Francisco, CA)

3)Its capacity for fun (when you know the rules)

(Ocean Park)

The ocean, like fashion, is an incredible resource of endless possibilities for fun and leisure. But, in order to participate in this fun safely, we must enter the water with a sense of adventure and the common sense to stay away from the dangers that lurk in the water (ie; MC Hammer pants, leggings with UGGs, or generally wearing leggings as pants).

(Ibiza, Spain)