Style is Style: Captivating Tomboy Floral Spring Inspiration

Hello fellow Autostraddlers! Climbing out of the grips of the polar vortex, it can be hard to find inspiration for warmer weather. I’ve been combing various media outlets and settled on a few pick to share with y’all!

I recently saw Finding Vivian Maier, and the film renewed the desire to cultivate my creative pursuits. A nanny born in 1926, Vivian lived a largely mysterious existence. Unmarried and bearing no children, she worked as a caregiver to various families for most of her life. But, she left behind something unexpected when she passed away: over 100,000 photos in the form of negatives and undeveloped rolls of film. These photos were discovered in boxes accidentally at an auction in 2007, and it was unveiled that she was beyond masterful with the lens. With an eye for capturing street images of mid-century Americana, her artistic legacy has now come to fruition. Humorous, heartbreaking, stunning and always truthful, her images are captivating to say the least. Surprisingly, Vivian hid her hobby while she was alive, obsessively shooting seemingly for the satisfaction of producing the work for herself. Only in death are her talents being praised and applauded. Her story shows there is something to be said for an uncrushable spirit to create, regardless of an audience. Vivian also took many, many self portraits…which leaves something to be said about the modern “selfie culture” debate. The film is entertaining, poignant and makes you go hmmm…a recommended watch!

Undated, New York, NY

Undated, New York, NY

1959, Grenoble, France

April 7, 1960. Florida

vivian maier 5

Yes, it’s predictable and perhaps a little corny… But one look at the Rifle Paper Co lookbook had me wishing to forgo modern life to live in a garden on the English countryside. The warm, saturated hues of paper goods paired with real floral arrangements, all tempered with golden hand lettering appeals to my vintage loving aesthetics. Spring has a storied tradition of representing birth and renewal, so it’s fitting that each spring my love for blooms (and floral printed items) grows.

rifle paper co 1

rifle paper co 2

Last but not least; can we all agree that this is the best? Adidas x farm delivers vibrant prints + ’90s nostalgia + sweet tomboy fashion + athletic clothing that has fashun appeal!?! An intersection of femme-of-center and masculine-of-center, this is the first athletic collaboration I have had interest in quite some time (quite possibly ever). The styling possibilities are endless, It’s giving me life right now! My only complaint about this collaboration is that I want to purchase the entire collection… Which is fiscally unlikely. Those tropical Gazelle sneakers send a shot straight through my heart. For real.
adidas x farm 1

adidas x farm 2

adidas x farm 3

adidas x farm 4

adidas x farm 5

As much as I’m smitten with the above, I’d love to know what has your motor running this spring! What’s your remedy to the thaw of the Polar Vortex?

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Lydia O

Lydia Okello is a feminist, body positive, queer personal style blogger. On her website Style is Style, she showcases her panache for bright colors and power clashing. When she isn't pawing over Samantha Pleet collections on Tumblr, she's dreaming about havin' a kitten of her own one day. You can find her on Twitter, Tumblr and on her personal blog.

Lydia has written 64 articles for us.

11 Comments

    • Right? It’s rare that I see something that appeals to both my retro-femme side and my Kick instructor side. Too bad about the giant freaking logo, though. That ruins it for me.

  1. Not sure what a polar vortex is as I’m in California. But, I trying to look more andro for spring, but I’ve had some fellow Trans tell me some essentialist things about what to wear so that’s been in the back of my mind. :-/

  2. “There is something to be said for an uncrushable spirit to create, regardless of an audience.”

    Thought-provoking line. I love it that even the fashion articles wax philosophical here :)

  3. Floral prints in any form age me badly…i just can’t. It’s so sad because those are beautiful. I’m all over any other image print, and layering simple or muted pattern vests with short sleeve print shirts and then warmer shirts/hoody because this is England and who am I kidding it will be cold all summer.

  4. Oh my god, I might start actually exercising if it meant wearing those cute Adidas florals!

  5. I love this article, and I love how you tied together separate but amazing things.

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