Tuesday 9 August 2011

tropical wonders

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You may have noticed there's a bit of a palm tree motif to my last few outfit shoots (and one more to come, I might add) This is very deliberate. I'd say there's been two main themes this summer to my tumblr inspiration board: bucolic lakeside images that bring to mind my childhood summers in Ontario, and pictures of tropical locales with palm trees. We'll get back to the lakes in a few weeks, but for now, since it's apparently already winter in Northern Europe, I'm going to reminisce on the tropics. This is definitely not a part of my childhood, the first time I was in the tropics was a family trip to Cuba at the age of twenty (hooray to being a scrounging adult child)!

I recently read this post wondering about the new found popularity of flamingos, and in a fit of two-in-the-morning academic fervour, commented that I felt flamingos to be popular because they merged pink 1950s kitsch with a stylized Art Nouveau silhouette (I know, I know). But I think it's undeniable that there's a tacky and a classy way to see both flamingos and palm trees... they're ridiculous, they belong on Hawaiian shirts, but they also bring to mind the back-in-vogue joy of Carmen Miranda wearing a fruit basket on her head.

Okay, I'll get back to my thesis now (ugh). But here are some of my favourite recent tropical or tropical-esque photos.

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P.S. My last tropical outfit post for a while should be coming either tonight or in the morning. : )

28 comments:

Ashley said...

I love wearing lively dresses with bold prints. I say bring the 50s back full force!!! (uhhh style wise, not mentality wise).

You crack me up, Em. Know that if I'm ever in Germany or Barcelona, I'm metting up with you! :D

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

I'm returning that threat!

X said...

Do you think you could shine an academic torchlight on owls and tell me why the sudden owl mania!? I know they have bambi-like eyes and pretty impressive head-swivelling abilities but surely there's more to it than that! Lovely pics...you have me daydreaming about all things tropical now!

www.theheadlessmannequin.blogspot.com

Gabrielle - I LIKE IT FAST said...

I love these tropical looks! Very inspiring indeed!
xx
I LIKE IT FAST

Emmett Katherine said...

Ehhhh summers in ontario. The past few days have been ridiculously humid and hot. I love the first picture and the vintagey feel it has.

Closet Fashionista said...

Loving all these shots! Especially Annabeth and the last Chanel dress :D Woohoo for tropical inspiration
http://www.closet-fashionista.com

Natasha said...

the last dress is so adorable.. it looks perfect for both summer and work!

gbgb said...

i want to be in that first photo, right now...*sigh* dreamy!

Anonymous said...

This tropical theme is adorable, but not really me. I always feel so awkward when I wear tropical themed things. With that in mind, I have to say that the last photo is my favorite as it is the least tropical one. Boring, but the truth.

dahhlayne said...

As much as I love the tropical theme, I can't really see myself wearing it. I think anything tropical-esque reminds me of a Hawaiian tourist button-up. haha What I would love to own though, is a dress with a flamingo print. How adorable that would be! :)

forte-espressivo.blogspot.com

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

@dahhlayne: True! I would love that too!

Amber said...

While I love the shots I dont think the tropical theme as taken hold of me yet. Although I do like me some pink flamingos

Annebeth said...

yeay feature, thanks!! :D and UGH that weather :(

Michelle said...

I love it! I have since seen flamingos more and more. Love the addition of palm trees and tropical punch.

Rebeccak said...

Oh summer - I will be with you soon (I hope!)

Rebeccak said...

Oh summer - I will be with you soon (I hope!)

SOJOURNED IN STYLE said...

this whole tropical look like you said is a fine line between being something grand or just plain cheap. tropical dressing definetly has its warm charms.

Shybiker said...

Pretty clothes. Your last comment on my blog startled me. I *have* a career, which I've labored at for three decades. I've achieved as much as I could in it and, yet, that success doesn't mean half as much to me as the non-work, female-related activities I'm pursuing now. Why is it we tend to want the things we don't have and not appreciate those we do? Hmm... Thanks for the thought-provoking.

Rosy (of Raindrops on Rosy) said...

looooove it. it all looks so very sunny and bright.

Unknown said...

ummm so many cute photos! my younger sister loves flamingos :) yeah i'm really iffy on turbans too... but i want to try em out. i kinda feel silly with em on though.
hammocksandtrampolines.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

also, what's your thesis on?

Monique said...

Emily I just got my urban outfitters catalog in the mail today and there was a sweater with a pink flamingo and i was thinking about how flamingos may be taking the place of foxes on sweaters this year. I love this tropical them of yours..certainly checking out your tumblr...thanks for including me!

LittleMissLee said...

loving the tropical theme, I haven't been able to go full on summery this year...yet, fingers crossed!

http://blogoftheprettythings.blogspot.com/

xxx

Sabrina Tassini said...

wow i love this mood..great post and great blog lady!
I'd be very happy if u pass and follow mine if u like it..i'll do the same back..i wait u!
kiss from Milan!

Patchwork à Porter

Closet Fashionista said...

Yep! I still do Dress for Less Requests! :D I'll try to get it done for next week :D
[and I prefer the first set of shopbop photos too :D I'm totally going to recreate the red pants look since I have maroon pants like that :D]

Midwest Muse said...

Thanks for the burst of inspiration!

Emily, Resplendent Tranquility said...

"I think it's undeniable that there's a tacky and a classy way to see both flamingos and palm trees..." Haha, this is so true. Whenever I think of flamingos, I am reminded of them being used as croquet mallets in Alice in Wonderland.

sweet harvest moon said...

Love this, i love summer patterns