Linen Looks . . . . . . .

Purchased this brick red linen jacket recently from ZARA online as we don't have a

 store close by.

If you know 'neutral' me you know I rarely wear such a brilliant color! I thought this

shade so great with cream - and I already have a cream linen trouser - and, being 

 a shade which will work in autumn when still warm here, I grabbed it as one

has to do with ZARA as they sell out fast.

This jacket is loose fitting, unlined but with finished seams, deep pockets

 and a longer length - always a plus. It's a heavier linen so hangs well - and is

 machine washable, probably best alone with the intense dye.

Today I'm thinking about lighter clothing in readiness for summer.

I don't do well in hot weather.

Yesterday was really quite chilly - an unusually cool Easter for the south - and 

although I did head out to a restaurant lunch wearing a linen blouse and jacket, 

I took along a warm sweater to change into for a visit to my daughter's home later.  

I am a linen lover!  

Upholstery and pillows, bed sheets, table covers, napkins, hand towels, 

and of course clothing.

Above, this is another piece I would enjoy - coat length and such an

 amazing mustard shade. 

- Both of these are also from ZARA -

Below, what might be the ultimate lighter linen piece for a cooler summer's

 day - just throw on over a linen or cotton tee and enjoy the breeze!

I'm not planning many purchases for summer - still trying to downsize.

How about you?  Will you shop for clothes and footwear for summer?

Do you still go shopping at the mall, or in the city?

What are your feelings on buying clothing and shoes online?

The art of design ~~~

If you're there too late to enter, window shopping at an Anthropologie store is akin

to visiting an art gallery. If you appreciate creativity, the window displays are always

awesome.

Leaving an adjacent restaurant Sunday evening after celebrating a family birthday, 

the shop had already closed - granddaughter Jasmin sighed in disappointment, me 

silently thankful I would not be shuffling through my bag for a credit card!  

Any serious shopping was impossible. 

BUT the windows, as always, were a treat. If you look closely, 

you will see that the butterfly wings are made of hundreds of individual butterflies cut

from paper, really sensational.

Jasmin fell for the dress and I know she would look great in it!

We both loved the wings…and more art in other windows.

This is our just opened neighborhood Anthropologie, I know we'll be spending

a lot of time here.

Many very creative people decorate this company's stores, and those who have moved on

to open their own business in the world of design and art are doing very well.

Australian designer, author, and Sydney shopkeeper Sibella Court, and American 

Leslie Oshmann of SWARM, now residing in Amsterdam come to mind.