Common Thread: Embroidery Details, Guitar Straps & the 80s

Photography by Kirsten Beeksma Morse

Embroidery work and details are everywhere this summer and the pieces that carry this distinction are proof that it is indeed all in the details. Last month when I was styling clothes at Intermix Bellevue for a segment I did on KING 5 television I became slightly obsessed with a beautiful jacket that my friend Linda wore in the segment. This Rakeem Embroidered Linen Jacket has the coolest details: from the smocked sleeves to the vented front to the raspberry embroidery work all over the back and front of the jacket, it is a standout summer piece. Apparently it has been one of the most crazy popular pieces for Intermix this season and with good reason. It is really beautiful. I also really love this Tarek Embroidered Jacket: both of these pieces are exclusive for Intermix.

I paired this jacket with an army green Marni skirt with pockets, my favorite Chloe black wedge sandal and a great little white tiered blouse found at Queen Anne Dispatch: all versatile pieces that I can use as a base for different summer looks. Embroidery work shows up again on the Rebecca Minkoff Embroidered Guitar Strap that I added to my leopard Kate Spade bag. Guitar straps on handbags are quite a thing at the moment and expect them to continue on until fall. I think they have a decidedly 80s rock and roll vibe to them. A guitar strap really does transform a great bag into a next level cool piece with originality. I have snapping mine onto various handbags that have rings on them, and it gave great personality to a plain black Sole Society Tote I got for Mother's Day which I am taking on a trip to Europe this summer. 

Long sleeveless vests are a fresh way to update a summer look because they look amazing with denim, skirts or over a dress. The one I am wearing has rough edges detail around the armholes looks like someone ripped the sleeves off a jacket. Very 80s as well.  :) I also really like this Glamorous Stripe Longline Vest because the stripes would look great with denim or white and the length has a groovy girl vibe to it. Pair it with distressed denim and leopard heels and be the coolest girl in the room. 

Summer clutches are another great way to show some style with embroidery work. This oversized Star Mela clutch is adorned with beautiful embroidery peacocks that offset the simplicity of the woven fabric body of the bag. I bought this one in France but I was so excited to see that Intermix (again! yes, I love this company) is carrying this British brand. 

I am a little of a 'go big or go home" type of girl when it comes to a lot of jewelry pieces. I like my rings simple and elegant but wear earrings that have some standout style. I wore two different earrings for this shoot. I love the oversized personality of many J.Crew earrings and often wear them for making an impact with my look. I also have been revisiting my feather earrings again for summer so when I found these leather feather earrings on Etsy from LoveAtFirstBlush, I was super excited. Their leather edges are dipped in gold and they have two tiny gold chains hanging down in the earring front giving lots of great detail. I chose the black to stand out against my blonde hair but there are other colors available as well. Gorgeous fun. 

I am off to Italy and France with my family for the next three weeks and will be posting our adventures from Instagram. See you back here on west fulton street in July. Happy summer!