i had big plans to show you the photo highlights from a fun bike ride around the carquinez strait yesterday, but my monday has gotten a bit of a slow start and i can’t even think of sorting through all of the pictures we shot. so instead, i will share a pretty new discovery with you: i happened upon this spring collection from lauren moffat while browsing the camp comfort blog and instantly fell in love with the fun and laid back styling of these looks inspired by the world traveler. it’s great because this collection really does have a piece for everyone: there are easy separates to mix and match, cute rompers, and pretty dresses styled up with sunglasses, giant bows, and all sorts of fun and quirky straw hats. she really knows how to make tourist = cool.

gary pepper vintage: runaways
not only are the shots in this post absolutely breathtaking, but i love her pretty sweater and matching little crochet socks. it’s a simple outfit, but she keeps it interesting with the subtle details and cool styling.

little sassy fashionista: sunny days
her outfit is basically perfect. she’s wearing chambray with the perfect peach sweater, which are two of my favorite things right now. add the relaxed trousers with oxford flats and i’m in love! seeing this look reminds me that i still need to stock up on comfortable summer trousers in place of skinny jeans.

pani mruk: sun-dial
this girl has some serious style. i could honestly post any one of her outfits in here and call it a favorite because everything she puts together is so perfectly balanced and chic. i like the subtle pattern play going on here with the wavy stripes on her blouse and the bejeweled skirt. and doesn’t that look like the coziest coat ever?

summerlisten: sharing the passion
i love the easy styling of this outfit! she looks so laid back and perfectly cool in a silky belted dress with those cute little shoes and a big messy bun. i am always inspired how effortlessly chic some girls can look!

the clothes horse: samsies!
um yeah, this one is pretty obvious. it’s one of my blog besties wearing the calivintage dress! i mean, i know it’s not actually my dress, it was just named after me on modcloth and it’s a totally awesome piece by one of my favorite designers, dear creatures. and rebecca wore it so well. i kinda get a bit of a heathers vibe from her styling complete with the side ponytail. loves it!

february forehead: backyard nostalgia and the ball tights
you’ll have to excuse the rough translation on the title of her post. i do not speak finnish and must use my google translator to read these posts, so i only get an idea of what is being expressed. but that’s quite alright since this lovely lady can inspire me with her outfits alone. i want that scalloped edge purse and perfect black trench coat!

and pretty eco-friendly, too! being that it’s earth day, i was going to write a post about a “green business,” but i thought it might be more fun to point out that l.l. bean is actually pretty kind to the environment, too! i was recently doing some internet research on the environmental and human-rights records of some of my favorite businesses to see just how bad some of them are. i do this occasionally to remind myself that even though the prices are low in some shops, i can’t be tempted by price alone! it’s also important to remember to keep a balance and buy thrift, vintage, and eco-friendly sometimes.

so you can imagine that i was quite surprised to discover that not only is l.l. bean taking steps towards being a more responsible business, but they also put out a really awesome spring collection called l.l. bean signature. and while some of the styling is a bit mature, i’m really appreciating a lot of the classic pieces in this collection. it makes me want to throw on some topsiders and go sailing!

ever since i saw the mini for many collection with bright fuschia and black & white striped espadrilles, i’ve been on the hunt for a pair. i think i may have faint memories of wearing a flat version of this classic sandal as a child, but since then, they never really peaked my interest. but as the motto goes, “never say never.” my new obsession with finding the perfect espadrilles is similar to my new found love of wooden clogs. if you’d asked me about them two years ago, i probably would have called you nuts, but now i need like a million pairs.

the only problem is that i’m quite picky, especially when it comes to shoes. i will think up a perfect item in my head and i won’t be happy until i find that pair. when it comes to espadrilles, i’m looking for a platform wedge in a solid color with a closed toe and ties at the ankles. such a simple and classic piece should certainly be easy to find, but so far i haven’t quite found them. perhaps my friends in spain will have to help me out!

having said that, here are my top four contenders in no particular order: enzo angiolini, juicy couture, spiegal, andre assous.

oh and of course, in my searching, i discovered that alexa chung had the perfect pair last year. if only those were still available!

images of alexa via mtv.

spirit ditch: standby
as i mentioned earlier in the week, i’ve been thinking a lot about the perfect outfits to wear on hot summer days as the weather warms up. this 90’s bathing suit combo complete with a chambray cover up, comfy flats, and a cute hat is pretty much the best thing to wear to a summer festival or bbq by the lake. love it!

we counted all the tiles: all is love
a little bit more button down, we have to remember that we can’t run around in our swimsuits every day! and what a perfect mellow combination of a big silky blouse with the perfect pair of high rise trousers. the colors are perfection and i love the simple black pumps!

elinkan: shuffling about
a long time favorite, i am always struck by the beautiful shots over at elinkan. she has the most stunning, high contrast outfits and the incredible hair and makeup! her blog is inspiration for days.

the velvet bird: fields, friends, and bugs
after i put together my collage for this week, i realized that i had already written about the velvet bird in a previous blog favorites post, so i guess vanessa gets an encore presentation! which is perfectly fine by me because she looks absolutely beautiful in that pink vintage dress.

another day to dress up: jumper
i’ve been following this blog for a while now after discovering her cute pictures on chictopia. she definitely has a very unique style with quite a collection of “blossom hats” as my bf calls them. it’s very refreshing to see someone sporting such quirky looks! this week, i particularly loved this simple look she put together with a pretty little jumper.

elenita: 070410
another one of my new foreign blogger favorites, i am completely inspired by this mix of black and white prints topped off with a classic trench and all black accessories. she’s reminded me of the fun you can have mixing prints without being obnoxious at all!

here we are, spring is in full force, and i thought i had already gone through all of my favorite collection for spring/summer 2010. but lo and behold, mini for many slipped through the cracks and i never posted about it! this is definitely one of my favorite collections this year and it’s one of the reasons that i’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pair of platform wedge espadrilles. in fact, they’re actually quite affordable, so if i can find a retailer, i think i might have to get a pair! oh, i am also reminded that i never found myself a lovely equestrian hat, either!

but beyond the must-have accessories, i’m really appreciating the fresh and sporty look of this collection. all of the pieces look super functional, but they’re in fresh colors, stripes, and polka dots. which means you can look perfectly fashionable while out and about on springtime adventures that call for more casual attire. want!

olfa: neklo
thanks to a bit of encouragement from rebecca, i have expanded my blog reading list to include tons of foreign blogs. i kinda have a feeling that i might love sweden, because these ladies certainly have the most impeccable style.

anywho: look of the day
speaking of foreign blogs, here is yet another that i have been following for a few months now. what i appreciate about this outfit is that there is so much going on, yet it still has that perfect minimalistic feel. like a work of art!

the sf style: what i wore
the kids over at this san francisco street style are a pretty awesome duo. not only do they scour the streets of sf looking for great style, but they also take a moment to show us some of their own stylish ensembles. gotta love dyanna’s oversized glasses and oversized watch!

silvici: villa spada
she may not have a blog, but i wanted to share silvia’s flickr photostream with you. she posts her outfits on wardrobe remix and i can’t get over her unique style. and i just fell in love with this latest set of photos taken in the park. so pretty and dreamy.

do impossible things: having fun in central park
i just love her cute and quirky tights, socks, and oxfords combo. the colors are fun and refreshing and she looks perfectly comfy and cozy in this outfit.

hello mr. fox: keep hold of your hat
and here is another fun little shoot from hannah. i love the deep blue of her dress matched perfectly to the velvet ribbon on her straw hat. and such a perfect setting!