Mad Monday Native American Inspiration {Women’s History}
Written by Paige of Approaching Joy

1- Need Supply   2- Red Velvet   3- Fab   4- Etsy- Leah Duncan  5- Etsy- Zebber Custom Nails

I grew up in a house where the first VCR purchased was a John Wayne western so I’ve always had a mental image of cowboys and indians playing in my head. With my parents being the history buffs they are that we had to visit the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings and attend a real Powwow (as well as any Lewis and Clark point of interest) on our family vacation out west. Right before junior high, I even attended a month long summer camp at Old Washington State Park that was dedicated solely to learning about the role that Native Americans played in our state as well as what their daily life (food, family, beliefs) was all about.

Despite these all interactions with this history and culture, I never really saw Native American design as anything impressive. Sure, there was an amazing amount of craftsmanship in what they produced but I never saw it as “pretty”… until now. This Monday I am *mad about Native American inspired items.

*As with most MadMonday posts: These are just trends. Please do not take this as advice to go out and get a new wardrobe/ home/ or man based on this or any other trend…

1- This necklace pays homage to the “fringe necklace” while maintaining it’s own feel. I like the fact that it’s a little understated because it wouldn’t overpower any outfit, just add to it.

2- Do these not look like the most comfortable shoes in the entire world?!?!? I’ve mentioned Elsie’s blog and shop before and this is yet another example where her craftiness meets fashion.

3- This was actually the bag that first turned me on to the Native American inspired trend this season.
My first thought went something like, “I like sequins, I love those colors, and who doesn’t need on over-sized bag?’
My second thought was, “When did southwestern motif quit being cheesy and start being cool?”
Third thought, “I need to get one of those.”

4- If you decide to embrace this trend in your home I feel like staying with neutrals would be the way to go. This way you’re adding the fun vibe of the print without feeling like your house commutes to Santa Fe.

5- For the gal with low commitment to this or any other trend: nail art. This set is called Aztec Illuminati and is inspired by the geometric repetition found in most Native American patterns.

What do you guys think? Love it? Hate it? Anyone else out there who’s childhood outlook was largely influenced by John Wayne and his ability to always make friends with the natives?

Let me know!

Paige is a fabulous twenty something who is into photography, food, fashion, and (most especially) fun. A south Arkansas native she plans on moving to Northwest Arkansas in t-minus 6 weeks and she couldn’t be any happier about it.  She blogs because she believes everyones prettier when they share.

You can find her here:

http://paigemeredith.typepad.com/approachingjoy/

https://twitter.com/#!/approaching_joy

http://pinterest.com/paigemeredith/