Where to start??  The Asian inspired crane print, the not-too-wide leg pant or the flirty sleeve of this top?  It’s safe to say that Traffic People nailed this trouser and top combo.  And, I don’t need to revisit the versatility of the two-piece, the merits of which I already proclaimed in this week’s previous post.

I love a great print for spring.  Bring on the florals, stripes, and yes, fowl.  After a winter of knitwear in dark neutrals like black, grey and navy, I’m ready to inject some excitement into my wardrobe.  Especially since we wear fewer layers this time of year (hallelujah!), pattern is a great way of adding some interest to an outfit and conveying your personality.

This set initially caught my eye because of the crane print; the bird symbolizes good fortune and longevity in many Asian cultures.  My parents are collectors of Japanese art and antiques and decorate their home in screens, textiles, and even ceramics adorned with cranes.  Therefore, when styling this set, I thought it an appropriate nod to Japanese culture to add this obi-like wrap belt (an obi is a traditional Japanese sash worn to belt kimonos).

I’ve been absent on my blog, with sporadic posts throughout the past year.  I must admit that I’ve lacked inspiration.  Not style inspiration, mind you.  Just inspiration about what and how to share.  I wrote some of these sentiments last summer when I choose not to post my Nordstrom Anniversary sale finds (which had been a mainstay on this blog since it’s inception).  Having given it some more thought, I’m struggling with the “influencer culture” that has grown as a result of social media.  I actually cringe when people call me an influencer; it just seems so sale-sy and a bit remote.  In an age when blogs and social media seem to be a marketing tool, I want to continue to remain true to both my aesthetic and, more importantly, myself…and my readers.  However, the struggle is real indeed, as this outlet is also my small business.  With full transparency, I earn a small commission from sales purchased via my blog and I partner with brands who provide me with product and/or a fee in exchange for my honest review.

In short, I hope that I come across on these pages as a real person; with real aspirations and a dose of sound styling advice.  Know that you can trust that I truly love, wear, and aspire to the lifestyle suggestions I write about here.  Whether it be this awesome Traffic People play set, my new wellness rituals, a fitness studio I’m trying, or my latest travel discoveries – this is all truly me.  I also have real friends, like Kirsty, who offers me great perspective, genuine feedback, and creative inspiration almost daily (in real life we do live down the street from each other).

So here’s to getting back to the blog, finding inspiration in styles I love and sharing it with friends!  Be sure to see how Kirsty is styling her set.  I’ve clearly diverted from fashion talk during this “4-Way series” but we both can imagine wearing these two pieces a million different ways…as you should with the clothes in your wardrobe that you truly love.

{outfit details} top & trousers: Traffic People | jacket: Lush | sandals: & Other Stories | earrings: Dutch+Bow (found at Anders) | wrap belt: Anthropologie (I’ve had mine forever!)

Thank you for sticking with me and reading these ramblings from my heart.  Thank you for your feedback and inspiration.  I am so truly grateful for my community. ~Jenn

Full disclosure: Traffic People gifted me this set because I reached out to them after buying several of their designs at one of my favorite local haunts, Queen Anne Dispatch.  I generally work with brands only after buying, trying, and loving their products and pieces.

photos by the talented Sarah