Thursday, November 18, 2010

{ inspiration board } Mad for Plaid

Perhaps it's the centuries-long tradition of tartan, or just the well-styled J.Crew fall collection, but there's no denying the classic appeal of plaid.

{ fast facts }
  • "The English word tartan is derived from the French tiretain. This French word is probably derived from the verb tirer in reference to woven cloth." {source}

  • "The word plaid, derived from the Scottish Gaelic plaide, meaning "blanket," was first used of any rectangular garment, sometimes made up of tartan, particularly that which preceded the modern kilt. In time, plaid was used to describe blankets themselves." {source}

  • "Tartan may be mostly associated with Scotland, however the earliest evidence of tartan is found far afield from the British Isles ... some of them were recently discovered remarkably preserved in Salzburg, Austria." {source}

  • "It has been estimated that there are about 3,500 to 7,000 different tartans, with around 150 new designs being created every year. With four ways of presenting the hues in the tartan – modern, ancient, weathered and muted colours – there are thus between about 14,000 recognized tartan variations to choose from." {source}

{ shopping list }

Leave the flannel shirts to the men. Add a dose of plaid to your closet through undeniably feminine silhouettes like this dress - perfect for work and holiday soirees. A glam clutch or classic pumps can subtly enhance your ensemble. You can even add a touch of tartan to your make-up bag with eyeshadow stamped with the iconic print.

{inspiration images via Desktop Nexus, The Independent, Market Publique, Harper's Bazaar, The Fashion-y Blog}

27 comments:

  1. I loved reading those fan facts. How interesting that the word plaid, comes from Scottish Gaelic plaide...I am in love with that texture and that skirt is beautiful
    Hugs and kisses

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  2. I LOVE plaids, and that green eyeshadow is lovely :)

    XOXO
    J

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  3. i adore plaid. alas, i have one lonely shirt hanging in the closet. i need more! perhaps those pumps.....

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  4. i love the plaid pieces you selected!

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  5. That clutch is so glam, what a classy way to do plaid!

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  6. I admit, I love my plaid flannel shirt for running errands, but I agree that these items (especially that dress) would highlight my femininity much more!

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  7. Loving that shiny clutch!!

    http://www.glamlatte.com

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  8. I had no idea about the tartan facts, so fun! Thank you! I love your picks, especially that clutch :)

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  9. I love those plaid shoes! Great ways to add a touch of plaid without going overboard!

    xoxo, jaz
    fashionstatement101.blogspot.com

    ps. stop by and join my giveaway!

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  10. Interesting facts! And those plaid shoes are too fun!

    http://ashleyanderic.blogspot.com

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  11. Great post- loving your inspiration board and picks, esp the dress! PS: why is JCrew for sale on Net a Porter? lol

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  12. That eyeshadow is especially fun- who doesn't love plaid!?

    I hope you're feeling better, lovely.

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  13. LOVE plaid! Those pieces you picked out are great! And great lesson on the word meaning, too :D
    http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

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  14. I love plaid!

    xoxo ~ Courtney
    http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

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  15. I love those shoes!

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  16. Great post! I adore plaid, I find myself wearing a lot of plaid pieces this season. Of course M.A.C.'s holiday collection didn't help matters...

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  17. Ah, how I do also indeed love that tartan look!!
    I own a black/grey tartan skirt, but still afte ra red one, like the traditional scot kilt look! Love those shoes, too

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  18. Really loved your post all about tartan and those pics! : ) Happy Friday xx

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  19. That clutch is so cool. I love Tartan in a wool skirt. Have a great weekend. xo

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  20. ooo, I LOVE those cozy sexy pumps! Plaid is just so classically preppy. Thanks for the inspiration!!

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  21. these are very interesting plaid facts! i love that photo of the long plaid dress in the 1st set of pics. ~joelle

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  22. oh how I am absolutely loving the plaid. Now I am lusting over a fabulous plaid skirt. Thanks for the gorgeous finds.

    xo

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  23. I loved your facts!! It's always fun to read on the history of fashion...except you did all the work for us :)

    www.clothedmuch.com

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  24. great post! i love that last outfit with the green shirt :) hope you are having a great w/e :)

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  25. That dress is so pretty, I love the loose fabric for the top mixed with the plaid. Great blog too!

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  26. Great fast facts. I loved how in depth they were.

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Thanks for commenting - each one means a lot!

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