Ashley's Trendwatch: Anchors Aweigh!

A Nod to All Things Nautical

When you think of the word 'nautical', what comes to mind? Tacky gold? Shoulder-padded thigh-length navy blue blazers? Well, at the risk of striking fear into the hearts of all those who lived through the eighties: Nautical is back. Thankfully this time, the stripes don't have to be horizontal, the gold is sprinkled rather than saturated, and the blazers are decidedly more chic.

Photo courtesy of FashionMeFabulous.com

When designers start releasing their resort wear in the gloom of January it's difficult to see the point of purchasing something you have to keep in a closet for months before wearing. Nautical wear easily transitions from winter to spring/summer. This allows more bang for your buck, and often includes staples you can use year round. This cardigan, for instance:

Beaded Cardigan - Photo courtesy of Forever21.com

Or these shoes and belt:

Seychelles flats - Photo courtesy of Piperlime.com

Photo courtesy of Heritage1981.com

Here at Laura Bee Designs, there are several ways to pay a little tribute to the sea. Include a nautical button on a handbag or clutch, add a striped ribbon to a wallet, or pick up a lucky sparrow necklace or schooner money clip to accent your look.

Clockwise from top Right: Vintage buttons, Alaska Gadgetry Money Clip - $16,
Classic Hardware Sparrow Necklace - $37, vintage wooden button.

And not to leave anyone out, even Fido and Fluffy are able to get in on this look:

Photo courtesy of barronstreasures.com

The nautical trend isn't as scary as you remember, so don't be afraid to dive in - The water's fine.