February 2024 Style Obsessions

Hi Darlings,

I'm back - did you miss me? Sorry that it's been so long since my last post. I started a new semester of uni in January and my nose has been in the books. I've managed to post on TikTok but I haven't had much time to sit down and write. Before I get into the post I wanted to say thank you to all of those who have reached out asking where I went - your words are so kind and inspiring, more than you know!

So yes, I'm back, and ready to share with you another addition of my current style obsessions.

At the forefront of my mind recently has been a specific bag. Not just any old bag. A 1960s Hermès Kelly 30 in green suede. This sparked a recent obsession for me over two things: this specific shade of green and literally anything suede.

That Green

There is something about a colour that is borderline ugly, and most definitely ugly to your average straight man with no taste, that is so very chic to me. That is how I feel about this particular shade of green. I don't know quite how to place it. Is it olive? Forest green? Moss perhaps? Or maybe even juniper. Whatever it is, I am obsessed. As expected at this point TikTok 'did its thing' (used my internet history against me) and a few days after I made this discovery I was presented with a video of a girl on my for you page holding another perfect suede green bag. This time it was affordable, but out of stock. You can find it on ASOS and add yourself to the waitlist but I beg of you, let me get one first.

Beyond bags another way I love seeing this colour, and a much more wearable way for those who are less adventurous in terms of colour to take part, is glasses. Everyday frames, blue light glasses, sunnies, whatever you fancy, there are many styles I would die for in a similar green colour. This particular pair of olive-lensed sunnies has been all over my Pinterest forever now. They're that perfect vintage 90s shape that, a shocker to regular readers, I love. If you just got a new prescription and looking for inspiration for a new set of frames, well lucky you. Here are some of the pairs I'm currently vibing with.

The final way I would love to wear this colour is in shoes. Kitten heels, office siren pumps, half-length boots - I want it all and I want it now. Something about this colour in shoes is particularly jarring and unexpected which I think is why I love it. I'm usually pretty conservative with my shoe colour choices, sticking mainly to black, white, and the occasional dark red. I think I've just been embracing the unexpected and fun side of fashion recently and the idea of walking on campus in shoes this colour is very intriguing. I know my outfit is successful when either the right people like it or the wrong people hate it. If you're reading this, you're the right people love.

Suede

As I said I have also been loving suede recently, a fabric I think I have much neglected in the past. I'm not sure why. I've rocked with velvet, sequins, chenille, leather - many an obscure fabric. Now is the dawn of suede and I am so here for it. In its most obvious form perhaps, a suede bag would be lovely. I keep seeing Ralph Lauren Polo ID shoulder bags and drooling. I also think in the right context I would love a pair of bootcut brown suede pants. I've also been loving denim shirts though recently so maybe I'm just in a cowgirl mood for some reason. And that reason is probably Bella Hadid.

Vertical Stripes

Let's talk patterns ladies, gays, and theys. I'm not much of a pattern girl myself. I think too many peace-sign infinite scarves and American Eagle flannels in my younger years gave me taste aversion. Yet 2024 seems to be the year of patterns for me. First, the polka dots and cheetah print as I discussed in my 2024 predictions, and now gingham and vertical stripes. Now please know when I say vertical stripes I don't mean any old vertical stripes. I mean those stripes on umbrellas and towels at Italian beach resorts. Stripes you would see on a cup of gelato. Even, thin but not too thin, and in muted colours. Here are some examples of what I mean:

I first started seeing this in home decor which I love, but realized the potential to integrate it into my wardrobe when I saw the green button-down pictured above. I love that it's a classic staple piece but still has personality to it. I've been trying to find this balance in my own wardrobe as of late. I will be on the hunt for the perfect one and will share if I find it.

Gingham

Already? This was the question I asked myself when I found my 'fit inspo' board filled with red and white gingham. It feels like only yesterday when I was scavenging Brandy Melville for the perfect gingham check set back in high school. The vibe at the time was mainly blue and yes, I did buy a matching set and style it with a low bun and hoop earrings. And what about it?

I still love my blue gingham but now all I see is red. Red gingham capris, red gingham head scarfs, red gingham short shorts, red gingham bikinis. I want to look like a walking picnic blanket and I will not apologize.

Overalls and Blouses

A right of passage for all Pinterest fashion girlies, I am currently channeling my inner Jane Birkin. I started a moodboard with some of my favourite styles of hers, most notably, her dainty white frilly blouses. My favourite way to style these blouses is with a good, real denim pair of indigo overalls. The real denim part is extremely important. I'f they don't sit like a heavy, good quality denim, they don't look as nice to me. Vintage are an excellent option if you can find them but be ready to pay the vintage resale price. I think Levis itself sells overalls made out of recycled denim so that is another sustainable option that will be available in a variety of sizes. To finish off the look add a pop of red in either a kitten heel or a handkerchief in the hair. And if you're really feeling your Jane moment, carry a wicker basket bag.

Simple Boxy Tees

Now I know I have been a bit adventurous with this list this far but it wouldn't be Vanilla Darling if I didn't discuss some good basics. This time I'm talking tees. As we all know by now as the times change and the trends shift there is always a prevailing silhouette we choose to sport when it comes to the plain white tee. As of late we have seen many a baby tee but my prediction is that in the next couple of years we will see the rise of the boxy tee. Not too oversized, not your boyfriend's t-shirt, but the perfect women's boxy fit. Material wise I'm thinking a classic Gildan cotton - for the look to work the material needs to be a little stiff. I want the hem to hit just below my belly button and the sleeves just past the midpoint between my shoulder and my elbow. You thought rationalizing silly purchases was girl math? No honey this is it. I just recently purchased this stunning Sade t-shirt from Soleilfm on Etsy that I think will check a few of these boxes. I will report back when it comes in.

Bangles

Bangles are so back babe. I have been waiting for this moment. About a year or so ago I bought a stack of bangles from the thrift: one cheetah print, one wooden, one wicker, and one gold. I'm not sure what possessed me to do so, but I quickly became obsessed with the cheetah one and wore it with virtually everything possible. I would hike it up onto my arm, with it inevitably falling down fifteen minutes later. Now you're telling me that there are gold, fun, wavy bangles that are meant to stay on higher points of your arm? Take my money. I love how these types of bangles are still chunky and fun but a tad more subdued and sophisticated compared to those of the 2000s. But lets be honest here, most things are subdued and sophisticated in comparison to 2000s fashion. That's why it was so damn fun.

With that, another chapter closed on my current style obsessions. I think I am going to keep going with this series as a way to document my opinions throughout the years. Thanks for joining me on the ride.

Talk soon,

-Vanilla Darling Xx