Can I talk about short hair for a minute? Yes, it’s everywhere at the moment (Agyness Deyn, anyone?). The short hair trend seems to hit about every five years or so, at least here in the U.S. where long hair is as American as the proverbial apple pie. In Europe, it would seem that short hair is simply another style option.

I discovered in 1997 that short hair worked best for me, and I’ve been rocking varying versions of the cut ever since. It started out longish, then got super short and dyed, then went longish a la Stella Tennant in the MaxMara F/W 03 ad campaign, then fauxhawkish, and finally ended up with where it is now – asymmetrical.

Every few years I get the itch to mix it up, and sometimes I see photos that spur that itch, and sometimes I just get an idea in my head of what I want-cue yesterdays little chat about visceral inspiration!

Although I’m not quite over my current edition of short hair, I did stumble across these two photos while perusing the wonderful Garance Dore blog and felt inspired. The first one reminded me that I need to dye my hair again, and the second made me sad that my stick straight hair will never allow me such an adorable cut. I suppose the fauxhawk phase was somewhat similar to these in that the longer middle portion very rarely did anything but sit on the top of my head brushed forward. Maybe I’m just longing for a redux…

I think the key to keeping short hair looking fresh is to mix it up from time to time, and to avoid dated styles. For example: anything that requires curlers, a trip to the salon for highlights, copious amounts of hairspray, looks spiked, or can resist bullets should definitely be avoided. Product shouldn’t be avoided, but I think soft is best and keeps it classic.

I monitor comments to reduce spam and the like, but I’d love for you guys to post photos of the short cuts you love in the comments. Except, NO Agyness Deyn, please!

Who knows how long this will last with my day job and horse keeping me busy, but I’d like to add a few entries discussing my personal inspirations and/or reflections of style and the daily practice of getting dressed, when I can.

Of course, most of what I post here is inspiring in some way or another to me, but I oftentimes draw inspiration from things completely separate from clothing, and ‘fashion’ itself.

I’m currently in the midst of completing 10 pieces for a little local fashion show. This has been very good for me in a multitude of ways, but the presence of a deadline and audience has had the largest impact, namely on my motivation to complete what I start! Pattern drafting has also been quite the challenge, but again it’s been an excellent experience.

Anyways, as far as my personal creative process goes, I find that the things that I am attracted to at a specific time, or that feel particularly relevant are purely the product of a visceral reaction. Suddenly something feels ‘right’. I cannot think of a rational reason for why something suddenly becomes appealing, and I think for many creative people this is the case.

Moving right along! For the past few years I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pair of moccasins. Comfy, not too granny, not too granola, and not designer. Driving mocs have been around for a long time, but I didn’t want something so WASPY traditional. I was amused to see A.P.C.’s $250 moccasins, which frankly I find pretty silly considering the large selection of comparable versions for far less. We are just talking about suede and a gum sole here!

Moccasins seem to have been popping up quite a bit in recent years, especially with the whole earthy vibe that has been dominating a lot of collections lately. I mean who hasn’t seen the marc by marc jacobs S/S 07 versions?

Really, regardless of whether or not they’re present on the runway or on the fashion radar, moccasins are plainly, classic.

Personally, I decided to go with minnetonkas. They’re inexpensive, comfortable, and easily replaceable. Well, and let’s not forget that they’re damn cute, too.