While I never followed the Grateful Dead in an herb infused Vanagon I do respect the lore and style of this iconic group. Kids from nice families hippy-ed out for a summer and followed the band. To summarize one of their catchier tunes Scarlet Begonias: “She had rings on her fingers and bells on her shoes. And I knew without asking she was into the blues. She wore scarlet begonias, tucked into her curls. I knew right away she was not like other girls, other girls.” Who wouldn’t want to be that girl?

1. Floral Midi dress 2. Bag 3. Tie Dye dress 4. Bracelet 5. Shorts 6. Dog collar 7. Grateful Dead shirt 8. Curtains 9. Blanket 10. Muslin cloth 11. Earrings

Rainbows were the label of choice when I attended elementary school. Mobiles, suspenders, shoelaces to tie up your roller skates–anything  colorfully striped meant you were hot on the trends.

While vivid colors may be gutsy, weaving in the palette with a subtle approach is an easy way to add some pop to a basic look.

1. Accent chair 2. Utility basket 3. Chandelier 4. Duvet covers 5. Darcy dress 6. Area rug 7. Tumblers 8. Mirror

With travel season upon us I’ve gathered inspiration from Kate Middleton’s trips abroad. (With one rolling suitcase rather than a fleet of steamer trunks).

The Duchess of Cambridge’s look is conservative, nautical preppy, a style apt for a collegiate home for the summer instructing sailing.

 

1. Bikini 2 Wedges 3. Rash guard 4. Tote 5. Docksides 6. Jeggings

When Kate travels to exotic terrain she amps her global coolness with pieces reflective of her place.

1. Naeem Khan dress 2. Crop top 3. Paul and Joe dress 4. Maxi dress 5. Coverup 6. Midi dress

Aside from that British custom to wear hats that could do double duty as a dining centerpiece, Kate calls upon simple pieces with the right flare.

1. Wedges. 2. Lipstick 3. Clutch 4. Off the shoulder top

When the weather is clearly not getting that it’s May, with doses of cold rain that makes you want to holler “Heathcliff!,” from in between seasonal pieces to mid length jackets layering is key.

1. Jacket 2. Sweater 3. Cup cozy 4. Tassle dress 5. Hoodie 6. Throw 7. Boot 8. Raincoat

There are some things you can never tire of–heated towels, the day after Christmas and red chambray. Every so often I will come across such a bleached red piece and it’s like a decades old favorite song getting radio play. More urban than western, chambray in red is a classic staple that can go from the kitchen to closet.

1. Shirt 2. Napkins 3. Kid’s culottes 4. Small backpack 5. Midi apron 6. Forage necktie 7. Duvet cover  8. Sylvie day dress 9. Ironing board cover 10. Mini travel bag

Sometimes a checkered past is a good thing, if it’s filled with classic gingham naturally. Dorothy stepping into technicolor in her blue and white pinafore acquainted me with the look. Though to keep it from looking too grandma’s house throw in some unexpected colors and mix it up.

Here is a round up of great options for a thematic spring gathering. From left to right: fabric by Bemz, dress from Lindy Bop, pillow by Chloe and Olive, flatware from Didriks, plastic tablecloth from If Its Paper, paper chain kit from Dot Com Gift Shop, umbrella from Sumally and blanket from Heather Taylor Home.

I wish I had a milkman and not in that way–my family reads this. Every so often when I market at a specialty store I come across yogurt sold in glass jars. Forget the nutritional panel, cost or taste, though they are tasty, I yearn for the glass jar. Who thought you could lust in the milk aisle? My generation missed the milkman though we’ve heard all the lore. There are some trends you wish remained.

J. Peterman is many things. A character on a few Seinfeld episodes. The catalogue that competed with J. Crew and L.L. Bean for space in late 80s campus mailboxes. Something that will always be around and occasionally resurface like mother’s Christmas china.

The slim catalogue is written the way I imagine a flyer reads from a turn of the century mercantile. There is talk of dueling lovers, dead writers, horse racing and WWII. A combination of journal-styled illustrations and entries entertain like an excerpt from the New Yorker. For those in search of a horse collar mirror, dress for Derby day or gardening watering lance, it’s time to renew your subscription.