Red Valentino Spring 2014

Looking at the latest Spring 2015 collection from Red Valentino inspired me to look back at previous seasons and fall in love with Spring 2014 all over again. While certain looks read juvenile there's a quiet sophistication in cream-toned knit dress with beautiful detailing and oversize thistle printed shirtdress. It's a spring collection but I could see that knit with cozy tights and a contrasting coat in fall and winter...

Valentino S/S 2015

Valentino has been my favorite fashion label for the past few seasons--I don't really pick overall fashion favorite designers/labels because season-to-season the look can be so different. Anyway, from breezy cape dresses that look like they were woven out of handkerchiefs to ruffled broderie anglaise pinafores and finally floor-sweeping evening gowns that look inspired from mermaids, the Valentino collection was not short on inspiration or breadth. There were some definite misses in the collection (pleated satin dresses that looked like they had cheap elastic waistbands), but overall it was a lovely collection that was both aspirational and practical. See the full collection here.
Style notes to take away for spring: skinny string gladiator sandals, cape dresses, bandana-like prints, and sea foam inspired color palette.