Inspiring Films: The Secret of Roan Inish

The Secret of Roan Inish is one of those movies that most people haven’t seen, or, if they have, they only remember it as “that one with the seals.” It’s a 1994 independent film, so it’s no wonder most people haven’t heard of it. I liked this movie as a kid, but never really thought of it as anything particularly special until I purchased a copy as a college student. I think I watch it more now than I ever did as a child.

A summary: Fiona, a young Irish girl, is sent away from her father’s work and life in the city to live with her grandparents in a fishing village. She hears stories about the family’s evacuation from their home on Roan Inish, her great-great grandfather, selkies, and her presumed-dead baby brother who was lost in the evacuation. And, as these stories take hold of her, she works to bring her family back to the island. It’s a simple little movie with a simple little story and I love it.

And it’s a great source of inspiration for mori (or hama) kei inspiration.

Things I Love For Summer

In this edition of "Things I Love...", we're talking about the things I love for summer outfits!

Gingham

I love gingham. It’s so darn charming! Gingham is pretty much the summer print, and it comes in so many cute colors! It usually comes across as very sweet, but the right cut can look just as nice in a classic coordinate.

However, I do tend to stay away from red and black gingham in my own wardrobe. It’s not that they’re not adorable – they certainly are – but they’re a little too picnic-blanket-y for my taste. My favorite gingham colors tend to be green and blue.

Eyelet Lace

I’m going to start this by saying that eyelet lace is not usually my favorite thing. My taste in lace tends toward the thick and fancy. However, eyelet lace and eyelet fabric are lovely for summer and I will make no attempt to deny that. Eyelet fabric makes a cute and summery-casual addition to an outfit as trim, and full eyelet fabric is lovely when made into a dress.

Sailor Themes

Sailor Lolita is a forever favorite of mine, and it’s especially charming during the summer. It conjures images of seaside adventures and boating. Sailor collars, anchor details, navy blue, and cute nautical details are just a fun way to add a seaside touch to summer outfits.

Straw Hats

I love straw hats, but I never wear them. Why? Because my head is large and I have a hard time finding hats that fit properly. *sigh*

Even if they don’t work on my head, straw hats are a great summer piece. They not only keep the sun off your face, but they look darn cute while doing it. Wide-brimmed straw hats are a unique choice that, with the right additions to the band, can look downright adorable. A more historical coord can use a straw bonnet. And, of course, straw boaters are a popular option.

The adorable straw hat picture from the palette above is from Freshly Squeezed Fashionista. She's a cutie and deserves your love.

Baskets

Summer is the perfect time for picnics, and baskets as accessories are a great nod to that. You can pick up a picnic basket or a basket purse to add an instant summery touch to your outfits.

Country Lolita

And, of course, along with the straw hats and baskets I have to mention country Lolita. Country Lolita is my perfect summer style because it is the coming-together of many of my favorite summer things in one adorable package.

Do you have any summer essentials that I haven’t mentioned? I’d love to hear about them.