will the big labowski inspire you this fall?

Rarely do I purchase flowers at the farmer’s market, but last Saturday I was taken with this single rose in a 5 gallon bucket. Purchasing one rose may seem odd…but you had to see this particular creation to understand why it had to come home with me. Not only was it visually vibrant with ruffly petals that changed in hue layer by layer, but it was as fragrant as it was colorful (and I don’t even like that smell of roses in general!). I patiently waited for the gentleman to take care of the woman in front of me who was buying two bundles of peonies.
“Excuse me, but how much is this rose?”
“Three dollars, but I’ll give it to you for two.”
Sold!

It occurred to me as I admired it on the way home, why artists of all kinds are so inspired by their muses. When the senses come alive, the creative process begins. I wanted to capture the beauty of my single rose since I knew it would only be with me for a short time. I photographed it with my phone in a number of settings to explore what would best showcase it.

Sunday was Father’s Day and my husband and kids had planned to go to my parents’ for a cookout. I was in a rush and grabbed a dress that was easy to get out the door. When we arrived, we started sharing our week’s stories and enjoying each other’s company. I started to tell my dad about this rose I stumbled on at the farmer’s market and how beautiful it was. Then I remembered that I took a picture of it on my phone (LOVE our technology for moments like this!). Within seconds I was showing him and my mother the images I captured of “The Rose.” Everyone agreed what a beautiful flower it was and then I went back into the kitchen to finish making potato salad. It wasn’t until then that I realized my dress choice for the evening was a near mirror image of my rose – the El Shane t-shirt dress from 2008 DVF Spring Collection. Evidently, my rose inspired me in my own choices that night.

The power of inspiration should not be underestimated. We are influenced by what we see and how it makes us feel whether intentionally or subliminally. This fall, many collections are influenced by the dwindling American middle class. From Rag & Bone (buffalo plaid, mechanic’s uniforms and bowling shirts), to Moschino (ketchup and mustard colored uniforms reminiscent of McDonald’s), to Chanel (whose fall show was staged as a SuperMarket), you will be seeing pieces whose inspiration is derived from an entire culture who consider designer clothing an extravagant stretch. Ironic? Or an homage to a simpler time and a way of life that was fine?

So as you pay attention to the fall collections, keep in mind that we inspire designers as they continue to influence us in our choices of attire. We should remember not to be solely influenced by what is on trend season to season, but find our inspirations from beautiful things and ideas that speak to us. My 6 year old DVF t-shirt dress was a fine choice for Father’s Day and celebrated one stunning flower I stumbled upon Saturday morning at the market.

About the author
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Alicia McCaslin

Stylist | The Tulle Box

http://www.thetullebox.net/

aliciamccaslin@me.com

Alicia was born and raised in Alexandria, and married a local boy. She is happily married and the mother of two amazing children and one adorable and terribly smart border terrier named Dixie. Alicia has always known she was a creative. She collected editions of Vogue from junior high on and has always loved clothing and design. She studied interior design at VCU and parlayed that degree into commercial interior design, the web design, and ultimately found herself managing a local boutique and serving as a stylist to many Alexandrian women. She now has a successful full-time styling business, The Tulle Box, and makes it her business to make her clients feel great about themselves and the way they look.