Cotton Candy Haze

Cleaning out my closet is a resolution best saved for 2015… For the time being, a walk through my wardrobe would indicate two things: that I tend to try on no less than five different outfits before deciding on one (usually returning to the first option) and hurrying out the door; secondly, my affinity for dark colors is immediately apparent upon entry. There is however one crucial component of my closet that you would be missing unless you were to step fully inside: the rainbow of dusty pastels residing behind the door. Normally I reserve these pieces for after March, but recently I’ve been in need of some sartorial cheer. Not for looks or any sort of charm but for the extra bit of optimism it brings on a dreary day.  

            The basics of color psychology tell us that color has the ability to affect our moods much like seasons do. People who struggle with seasonal depression (a mood disorder that causes depression during same time period every year, most commonly manifesting itself in the winter months) may increase their vitamin D intake or invest in a sun lamp to improve their condition, but I find that wearing something colorful and light works equally well when it comes to lifting the mood.

            England, known for its consistently rainy climate, has been taking this concept to heart for years. While other cities highlight color stories every now and again, the UK has held near dominance of pastels in particular.

            It’s no coincidence then that New York seems to have caught on to this idea. Winter has been (and unfortunately continues to be) a rough one. As chilly gray days leave us wondering if the city will ever bloom again, the notion of spring and all it encompasses has been increasingly romanticized. Suddenly even the most diehard New Yorkers are finding themselves drawn to cotton candy hues and feeling proportionally better because of it. 

             A few of the trends I’m looking forward to for SS14 are metallics, pleats, superflat flats and pastels. I know… (in the voice of Miranda Priestly) Florals Pastels? For spring? Groundbreaking. But as blonde with an incurably pale complexion, pastels are something I keep coming back to. Even if I was trying to break the habit, the collections offered such a wide array of pretty options that I would fully relapsed without question.

            In direct correlation with the ‘90s throwback we’re in the midst of, downtown cool kids like Alexander Wang and Rag & Bone sent out sorbet slip dresses and crop tops. If I happen to come by either look I will be sure to pair it with one of Opening Ceremony’s fur snap bracelets on each of my wrists.

            Also on offer were more upscale versions of the style from the likes of Christian Dior (I am living for that hip bone cut out), NoNoo, and Calvin Klein Collection. Not that I am one to toot the horn of “everyday life” dressing, but if you’re only looking to wade into the trend for the time being, anyone of these designer’s pieces would be great layered with simple black and white. If you’re really daring you could it even try a navy or burgundy.

            And what about those British darlings I was talking about earlier? I told you, they love a good milky pastel! As usual there was no shortage on the runway, but perhaps the three best collections in this regard came from Emilia Wickstead, Christopher Kane, and of course, Burberry. If you’re still hesitant about dressing like a lollipop, just watch Cara Delevingne sashay down the runway to the beat of Candy by Robbie Williams and I promise you will be swayed.  

skirt & sweater: Topshop

shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

bracelet: beacon's closet


Photos by the lovely and talented Lisa Dengler