Argyle Afternoon
Introducing Argyle Afternoon and the series it inspired…
Spoonflower’s latest challenge is called “Pretty Preppy”. The description was somewhat vague - mentioning country clubs in the Hamptons but also “Grandmillenial” and “Coquette” aesthetics…with bows and florals. So I struggled with this one because my understanding of preppy is a little different. In the end I decided to go with a simple golf-inspired argyle pattern which I ended up really loving. See it and the other entries here.
Up first in the “Pretty Preppy Series” is Beth’s Closet. Inspired by the aesthetic of the 1980s – my favorite decade! I’m hoping to continue this theme in future collections.
Narrative: It's summer in a quaint town in Connecticut: Beth, her hair in a ponytail, plays tennis in an argyle sweater vest and a white skirt. Grassy rolling hills stretch for miles, and her parents spend weekends playing golf. The love of her life is her horse Deklan, and she practices dressage whenever she can. She adores stripes and polka dots and treasures a darling pink tartan wool coat her grandfather sent from London. Beth's biggest concern is what she will wear for the first day of 10th grade. Should it be her summer plaid dress or her blue and white dotted blouse with cropped khaki chinos. Decisions, Decisions! Available now for licensing!
One of my favorite things to do as a kid was draw paper dolls. I would love to create a digital download paper doll based on this character of Beth and her closet filled with classic geometric patterns like plaids, dots, diamonds, checks and pinstripes…with maybe a monogram or two.
In the meantime, I am creating (with the help of my new incredibly talented and lovely assistant!) clothing mockups. They are so much fun!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
"It's better to have fewer things of quality than too much expendable junk."
—Rachel Zoe
LISTEN:
I’ve been on an eighties kick this week obviously. So I couldn’t resist some of my old favorites. This is a blast from the past and the girl in the video is a bit like Beth…
Here’s a list of some of my favorite movies - I drew upon for inspiration:
Better Off Dead - the character of Beth is not exactly a likeable one but she embodies the style perfectly!
Lucas - Maggie is a great example of the look and attitude I was inspired by
Clueless - though technically not an 80’s movie - everything about Cher and Dionne’s fashion choices - stunning in preppy apparel!!!
The Karate Kid - Ali and her sporty but girly look is so cute.
Can’t Buy Me Love - Cindy is perfection!
Mood board - what I was going for:
