Happy Mid-century Monday, a day when we look back at the glorious era of ultra-flattering, super-feminine style. Since it's still summer, I thought I'd feature a summery set, so this is Mid-century monday: Swimsuit Edition!

Nostalgia: noun 1. a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one's life, to one's home or homeland, or to one's family and friends; a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time: a nostalgia for his college days.
2. something that elicits or displays nostalgia.

Lisa Frank Inspired Look by DianaFlo* featuring Marc Jacobs bags

This is nostalgia for my generation. Lisa Frank. Even as a child, I knew this wasn't great design. I knew unicorns and fairies were twee even for a child, but I didn't care. It was bright and shiny and puffy and I loved Lisa Frank stuff. I had the folders, I had a Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper, I had those little puffy stickers that were impossible to remove once stuck which made them more irritating than pretty. The phase came and went pretty fast, but there was a time when I just couldn't get enough of it. This set perfectly captures that Lisa Frank mentality. It's not sophisticated or mature, it's just freakin' awesome. Those shoes! I am in love with those shoes! And the grown ups in the office won't let me wear them. The day-glo delight of the early 90's will forever be a reminder of better times, when Clinton was in office and I could still wear shiny leggings with neon stars all over it and look perfectly appropriate. those were the days.

folds in your hands by chloe por el mar featuring All Saints

Welcome to Street Style Thursdays at Imprisoned Whimsy Headquarters! The above entry from chloe por el mar used a real world fashionista as her inspiration for this set. For those new to this blog, Street Style Thursdays is all about celebrating fashion in a real world way; outfits that one could actually step out of the house wearing and looking fabulous. I chose this set because I like that the outfit is not a direct translation, it's merely tapping into the feel of the clothes and how you would feel wearing them. In some ways I prefer the re-imagining of this outfit because there is a bit more color and interest than the expected black and white. And I LOVE that green parka. But you sort of need the real world reference there to convince me that it could be pulled off, and that's precisely why I love inspiration pieces. They justify your crazy vision, don't they? Well done, chloe por el mar!

BEO - Christopher Holland opening by Angel4e featuring Alexander McQueen dresses

The first time I saw this, I thought "Majorly cool!" It was an impulsive response, I'm sure you've had them too and know what I'm talking about. For me, this set is all about the marriage of the items.There's not a lot here. A dress, shoes, earrings, a clutch, a glass of sangria and a Picasso. 6 pieces. But if you added a single thing, the whole look would feel a little heavier than it does right now. This is light and effortless, and yet so striking and stand-outish for the degree of difficulty in putting it together. A GREAT use of the inspiration piece. Also, Angel4e's sets come with a FREE short story! Definitely check her out!

Every now and then an item is uploaded to Polyvore that is used by JUST EVERYONE. I'm fascinated by the attraction one item can have. The item in question is this.