I don't know if it is the cold rainy weather that has me pining for some sun or if it was getting the new Eddie Bauer catalogue in the mail, but I've been a bit obsessed with safari clothing recently. The Eddie Bauer catalogue has gorgeous beige, stone, and khaki-coloured safari jackets, dresses, pants, and shorts all paired with bolder orange, brick-red or navy shirts. Often the look is accented with chunky ethnic-inspired patterned scarves or necklaces. I love the whole collection and really could have gone wild when I was at the store on the weekend ... but I restrained myself and only bought a couple of summer shirts and sweaters.
When I think of safaris I think of moody lighting, dusty, dry landscapes, and wild animals.
I think of bush tents and portable wood furniture.
I think of rumpled cotton earth-toned clothing with many pockets and brown leather belts and boots.
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Burberry Safari dress ( source)
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I think of adventure and excitement and ... well a whole lot of fun. Going on an African safari is definitely on my wish list. Even though I've not been on a safari and am not going on one any time soon, I can still dress the part.
I've always loved safari-style clothing. I think watching the phenomenally successful and influential 1985 movie Out of Africa started my affection for this style. I remember seeing the movie when it first came out and wanting to move to Africa and dress like Meryl Streep does in the movie. The costumes were created by the talented Milena Canonero (who also did the costumes for Marie Antoinette). She worked closely with the production designer of the movie who provided her with paintings of the sets so she could harmonize the costumes with the mood and tone of each of the scenes in the movie. The costumes are a wonderful mix of soft natural colours taken from the landscape contrasted with navy and white. I love how the clothes are the perfect blending of flowing feminine styles and tailored masculine elements. After the release of this film, the safari-look dominated the fashion industry. You can read more about the Out of Africa costumes and see more photos here and here.
Although the safari look is one that many designers turn to when the weather gets warmer, some are closely associated with the look. Ralph Lauren is a name that springs to mind when you think of designer safari wear - the master of the clean-cut tailored safari look.
The Louis Vuitton ads from last summer featured the model Dree Hemingway (great-granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway) in a dreamy African safari setting surrounded by tres chic and tres expensive luggage. Once again you can see the soft earth-toned colours in a feminine flowered dress; in straight legged pants paired with a flowing white blouse; and in a muted khaki dress.
Of course, when you go on safari it would be great to take along the handsome specimen in the photo below - the gorgeous folding table and chairs that is.
Even if you are just tackling the urban jungle this summer the safari style is a great look, don't you think? 
Linked to Inspiration Journey Linky Party at Modern Country Style
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