Can you believe we’re already in the last month of summer? Fall is upon us, and although I’m not ready for summer to be over yet – I’m already thinking of transitional pieces. I’m obsessed with the color scheme and design of this Nika Tang top – works well for a summer event, but also transitions well into fall if paired with dark, flared jeans. The hand-drawn (yes!) safari-inspired pattern stands out from the traditional floral (although those are also fab) and leaf prints that I’ve been seeing everywhere lately.

The pattern is just minimalistic enough that it doesn’t overwhelm the piece’s other details: a puffy cuffed one-shoulder sleeve, a slanted neckline, a ribbon strap, and a massive flounce that enlarges the sleeve and gives the top a massive drama dose. It’s a lot to put in one top, but I fell in love with it the minute I saw it – and we all know how much I love pieces like Tang’s that combine modern trends with artistic touches!

The outfit is complete with this vintage Dior saddle bag. I’ve been ruminating on what makes an ‘It’ bag, as this coveted piece has been adopted by the street style set and re-launched for Dior’s fall line. People can usually look out for It bags right before a new season-there are usually 1-3 each season, typically based on the trends at the time. Some brands (like Cult Gaia, Céline and Chloé) have become staples and will re-appear, others (like Danse Lente, Louis Vuitton, and Jeff Wan). Some larger fashion brands will create iconic bags (Chanel’s ‘Boy’ bag, YSL’s chain cross-body, the Dior ‘Lady’) that can withstand trends themselves-and once-in-a-lifetime creations that won’t be reproduced (like Oscar de la Renta’s newest ‘Alibi’ bag or Chanel’s clutch-within-a-tote). As the eighties have re-appeared in fashion’s radar, so have the aughts-the eighties served as most 2000-2006 fashionista’s inspirations, so it’s no surprise that their resurgence has brought their descendant era out of hiding. ‘It’ bags can define an era or trend period in fashion that reflects the times. Smaller bags in the aughts gave way for totes and satchels in the early 2010’s-so it seems only fitting that, as fashion looks for fun, exciting and unique horizons during these dark times, those same micro-and-mini-models have come back. The Dior saddle is sure to be on everyone’s social feeds come fall, and it was only a matter of time after Maria Grazia Chiuri revived the Dior ‘house’ lettering print that another brand legend would resurface. This was one of my favorite bag designs back in the day, so I’m naturally thrilled about its’ new makeover. This vintage creme leather model was the neutral accessory I needed to bring my look full circle – and for other fashionista’s, I’m sure the bag will do the same.

Have a great weekend, loves!

Photo: Nate C. Sweet

OUTFIT DETAILS

Nika Tang “Remi” Top
Metacevski Skirt
Vintage Christian Dior Saddle Bag
Christian Louboutin Slingbacks