Channeling Yayoi

(photo credit: Sheila Drakely Photography)

Today's outfit reminds me of one of my favorite artists, Yayoi Kusama. Her work spans many mediums and infuses the avante grade with influences of pop art, sensuality, and her own inner workings. A majority (if not all) of her work involves the repetition of polka dots, adding a surreal element to naked subjects, structures, a horse, and even herself at points. Yayoi once said "a polka dot has the form of the sun, which is a symbol of the energy of the whole world and our living life, and also the form of the moon which is calm. Round, soft, colorful, senseless and unknowing. Polka dots become movement… Polka dots are a way to infinity." Although I've only recently started researching her philosophy, I can't help but find her work and polka dots themselves a meaningful harbinger of creativity and resilience.

In recent years, Yayoi has collaborated with beauty giant Lâncome and fashion house Louis Vuitton. 

Although I'm not wearing any of Yayoi's pieces, I paired a few of my favorite dotted pieces together honoring Yayoi's (and my) favorite pattern. 

tweed overcoat from J. Crew Factory (similar here)

vintage dotted tulle dress

black and blue dotted tights from J. Crew (unavailable)

heels from Steve Madden (unavailable)

Enamel black dot cuff from Kate Spade (unavailable, but the ring is very cute) 

xo,

The Cosseted Pauper

For the love of dots!

Channeling Chanel's S/S '13 prim and proper tailoring and polka dots, I layered a lady like skirt with dots, more dots, and some spunky tights. 

(credit: style.com)

dotted silk scarf from J.crew (unavailable)

dotted blouse from J.crew (similar here)

waist belt from Club Monaco (unavailable)

ladylike skirt from Cynthia by Cynthia Steffe (unavailable)

leather doctor's bag from Dooney and Burke (similar here)

cha-cha tights from Kate Spade

Heeled riding boots from J.crew (similar here)

xo, 

The Cosseted Pauper

The Case of the Indelible Denim Button Down

I have  pondered whether or not to invest in a denim shirt for a while. Phillip Lim's eccentric blouses, trousers, and jackets salvaged from patches of different denims finally convinced me to act on my intuition.  

(credit: Brands Exclusive)

His sentiment isn't in the pieces themselves, but denim's trademark versatility. I've discovered that my slightly faded denim button down is of the 'sisterhood of the traveling pants' variety for my wardrobe. No matter what skirt, pair of pants, or accessories I pair it with I always walk out of my door feeling effortless and cool. This would also be an excellent piece for backpacking or traveling when you don't have the luxury of lugging a 50-pound suitcase full of possible options. Since I have bought mine, I have rolled it up in a backpack, slept in it, and worn it approximately 10 times (not all in one sitting). It has shown no sign of wrinkles or wear -money well spent in my book. 

pom pom hat from Portlano (similar here)

chambray button down from J.Crew

double belt from  Club Monaco

gold skirt from J.crew (unavailable)

turquoise bracelet from Anthropologie

tan flats from J.Crew

xo,

The Cosseted Pauper