spring 2016 style edit: terracotta.

trends are fleeting. embrace only those seasonal styles that embrace you, that empower you, that grip you and give you a stronger sense of presence, of self affirmation, of inherent desirability. in this series i hope to show trends as they embody the women they are draped upon- in all of her captivating complexity.

as color has eternally been a vessel through which we communicate ourselves to the world and the world through ourselves, this season’s terracotta is bold, natural, transcendent. it’s a desert sunrise, it’s a hot heat. it’s an imperfectly molded vase dried in the sun. it’s footprints in georgia mud.

a woman draped in this anything-but-neutral shade is mysterious and raw. she’s earthy and ethereal. she’s familiar and obscure. she’s a burst of fire, an exotic spice. she sings into the sunrise and dances by the moonlight and whispers secrets into the dawn. and as the day ends and the dust settles you’ll see that she’s gone, leaving only a trace of herself, felt. a slow fade into the afterglow.

she is, you– in this beautiful springtime awakening when we gently shed our clothing along with our inhibitions and prepare our hearts to be warmed and our souls to be entranced with the captivating beauty that is to come.

feel grounded in this ethereal neutral as you feel your spirit to rise with the temperatures. start here, with my favorites for the season.

1 a crochet cropped tank is the answer to everything this spring. and in bold terracotta pairs perfectly over dark denim, with a mug of sangria in hand and the best of intentions actively dissipating in your mind. this one, from our hermanas at mango, $39.99. let me top you off.

2  to add a pop of color to any look, this david aubrey necklace creates a captivating layer onto any outfit. the terracotta stone and playful tassel take just enough edge off. david aubrey via shopbop, $143. let’s get a little stoned.

3  consider this your gateway drug. a sub-$20 full ensemble that allows you to embrace this addictive trend will not be your last hit. however, it will be just that. a damn big hit. terracotta chiffon tunic dress from H&M, $19.99. ain’t no one got chiff’ on you.

4  regal and italian, fancy and sexy, classic and intrepid in exactly equal parts. nothing is sexier than a high-waisted wide-leg trouser in a bold yet simple hue. these from the terracotta enthusiasts at zara, $69.90. go with the flow, everywhere.

6  we’ll let this one slide. the perfect sandal for all of your spring adventures, abroad or right here in brooklyn. slip it on, all the way. i know you’ll like it. from madewell, $73.50 (on sale! quick!) and ensure your style never goes flat.

7  just because you’re feeling bold and ethereal does not mean you don’t need a carryall for… well, everything. this ALC hobo via shopbop, $795, is your answer. because even hobos need a little spice.

<3L.