A Claire McCardell Summer

You've probably noticed that I post about summer clothes a LOT. That's because I'm a sun baby who lives for the heat on my skin. I like spring and autumn too but the only saving grace about winter is that there is another summer just a few months around the corner. Oh, and I celebrate my birthday.

So as I wish this winter away and dream of my next summer, here are a few classic Claire McCardell pieces to help set the mood. The great American sportswear designer was renowned for her bathing suits and her revealing sundresses that wouldn't look out of place on summer holiday today. You know what is missing from these pictures though? Sunglasses. 

Colour and Prints for Spring

I know the pre-Fall collections are already making the rounds (how many collections can one designer have per year? That's some crazy creative output) but the magazines are still focusing on S/S 2011 and I found my eye drawn to all the beautiful colours and striking prints (hello Prada) from that season. I'm particularly enamoured of UK designer Jonathan Saunders who showed feminine pieces drenched or dipped in various brilliantly coordinated colours. Saunders has said his S/S 2011 line was inspired by Erwin Blumenthal's fashion photographs from the 40s and 50s and great American designer Claire McCardell. I can certainly see where he is coming from; these clothes are ladylike but modern, with a sporty influenced wearability that is reminiscent of McCardell.

Enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Style.Com.