I LOVE(d) hearing Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” blasting from the radio every morning on the way to work last summer. But, since it’s like 4ever-years old and has melted so many popsicles by now, the summer anthem barely airs anymore.
So if searching for a laid-back, yet fresh and fierce summer, splash some California-inspired styles (stray away from cliches like Hollister, though) into your wardrobe. That doesn’t mean you should dye your hair blue, though, or go crazy shooting gummy bears with whipped cream.
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| newnownext.com Katie P busts a move and then some on her “California Gurls” music video. |
Scott Sternberg, designer for Band of Outsiders, just released his Spring 2012 menswear line in Florence as part of Pitti Uomo 80. According to Sternberg, the “Technicolor, fifties, Howdy Doody square guy” was one of his many inspirations, transforming the “specifically uncool” aspect of California into something tremendously suave. Meanwhile, designer Adam Kinnel’s Spring 2012 looks take on the more beachy yet dream-like qualities associated with the West Coast. With designers drawing inspirations from opposite sides of the California-culture spectrum, however, leaves us with plenty of room for creating our own Califashions.
Here are some ensembles I thought of when seeing pictures random things associated with California.
Shocking yet Suave:
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Look like this psychadelic palm tree (I mean, who doesn’t want to look like a psychadelic palm tree?) by pairing a unique shade of orange with an unexpected color, like the rose pink in this sweater presented in Michael Bastian’s Spring 2011 collection.
Fresh and Fun:
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| style.com (top) latimesblog.latimes.com (bottom) |
What’s California without Santa Monica and its pier full of colorful attractions? Excite your day with an assortment of bright, eye-catching clothing. Mix bold colors and you’ll definitely slow down traffic, expecially in the yellow stoplight pants above designed by Raf Simons for Jil Sander. Button up your shirt all the way without a tie for some extra flair.
Feisty:
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style.com sandiegozoo.org
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The San Diego Zoo is one of California’s most popular destinations, and serves as a sanctuary for various animals; however, it serves as an inspiration for countless things as well. So, if you possess the courage of a lion and the grace of a peacock (yes, a peacock), strike up your style with zebra-print. It’s not restricted for women anymore, and can turn heads and herds (if you live around zebras, naturally), thanks to Balenciaga’s Spring 2011 menswear collection. Or you can just pair black and white items and look like a waiter (my fave!).
Style Over Stress 