A challenge… and a little inspiration.

So our cousin’s cousin has this blog where she holds fashion challenges that I wanted to feature today.  Seriously, it’s February and it’s freezing, and I think we could all use a little fun.  I am not into skiing or snowboarding and I live in the state purporting to have the “greatest snow on earth”.  Why?  Why can’t I live in a state that has the greatest beaches on earth?  Or the greatest forests on earth?  (Um, I like forests.)

Moving on.

Anyway, Emily holds these contests every other week where you try to make an outfit out of a chosen clothing item or an accessory.  If you win, you get to pick the item for the next round.  It’s all in the name of fun, and it’s pretty quick and easy if you’re into fashion already.  This week’s item is a flower necklace:

I’m kind of excited for this week’s round because the rule this time around is to create the outfit using at least one item you already have in your closet.

Anyway, here’s what’s been inspiring me lately.  Translation:  Here’s what’s been making me want to go shopping.  The pictures aren’t particularly new (with the exception of the one by Garance Doré) – I just looked around my inspiration files for things that struck me.

I love the androgyny. I want to dress like this and live in the country and ride horses. Plus that rug is kind of awesome.

The romance of wearing a great belted dress while riding a bike with baskets never fails to attract me. Practical? Probably not. Alluring? Definitely.

Sometimes I just want to wear a hat and a trench and let my clothes do the talking. To me, it says something between "I'm awesome." and "Don't talk to me." I don't always want people to talk to me. Yeah, I'm kinda weird.

Photo credits:  Inès de la Fressange at The Selby; The Sartorialist; Garance Doré.

Oh, one more thing!  Sorry this post is getting super long.  I just discovered this blog today!  I love her sense of fashion and how she uses color.  Check it out!