It probably makes sense that the woman whose dresses make us feel our most naturally confident finds inspiration in nature itself. California-based designer Rachel Pally has been whipping up her comfy-chic creations since 2002, when an equal love of dance and fashion motivated her to launch a line of clothes for women who need to move 'n' groove.
And Pally has certainly been "on the move" this summer: her recent wedding brought her to a magical wooded grove in Ojai before sneaking off to Greece for a beachy honeymoon. Subsequently, her mood board is a sunny affair indeed, with snaps from her California cabin and glorious farmer's market veggies.
Bounty: "I'm inspired by summer in California! The gorgeous fruits and veggies from the farmer's market, making meals with friends and hanging at home. What could be better?"
Grove: "I just got married in June at the most spectacular ranch in Ojai. The ceremony was in a grove and the trees created a canopy like a natural cathedral. You could hear the birds and the wind and the squirrels - so quiet and magical. Ojai is such a special place - you can't help but be inspired there.
Homegrown: "My family and friends came together to do our flowers for the wedding. We decided to use locally grown kumquats and lavender that came from a friend's farm. It was so inspiring to have people working together to make our day so beautiful. I love the rustic jars (borrowed from my mother and aunt and grandmother) and the free form nature of the arrangements. A little old, a little new, and put together without too much flourish. That's my style."
Sandstone: "My recent honeymoon to Greece was so inspiring. The white buildings, the white sand, the blue paint, the blue water, the blue sky ... It was truly breathtaking. This photo is of me walking on a sandstone formation on Milos -- so stark and so serene. I love the contrast of the white and the
blue."
Sunset: "Sunset on Folegandros, Greece. The colors speak for themselves. So beautiful. I want to look at this picture all day! Looks like color inspiration for Spring and Summer 2012 to me!"
Sierra: "This is a shot from my cabin porch in Northern California. For me, it's the most gorgeous, serene, head-clearing place in the world. All you can do is drink it all in and bring that feeling home. Being there makes you slow down and really notice the small things. It's the perfect place to re-charge and get inspired!"
Vogue: "Thank you Italian Vogue for this incredible cover! These three models look so unbelievably sexy -- makes you question how skinny became supreme. As a designer who designs for all body types, this was refreshing and exciting."
