NEW IN-STORE: Spring accessories!

 Forget fuzzy mittens and blanket-sized scarves -- with the warmth of Spring finally upon us, Cactus Flower is full of excuses to indulge in some light and bright accessories.

First, THE HAIR. As always we have lots of flowery hair pins and sparkly bobby pin baubles for those days you want to feel the warm sun on your neck. Slick your hair into a bun-whatever and PUT A FLOWER ON IT. Works every time.

And for the first time ever, we have brand new umbrellas in stock downstairs!!! Are you as excited for April showers as we are? These sturdy, lifetime-guarantee cane umbrellas come in vintage inspired patterns as well as clear plastic, and we have some more compact varieties that can live in your bag when you don't feel like making quite such a statement. Also consider this picture our way of officially endorsing use of the umbrella as a PARASOL! #staypaleyo #nosunburn2012

Sandals. Beautiful ones. Under thirty dollars. These will NOT be around for long.

In case you didn't know, wide-brim hats aren't just for grannies at the beach anymore! We love, love, love them with just about anything. Wide-brim hat + maxi dress = brunch and a long walk in the breeze. Widebrim hat + tailored silhouette + shades: Ultra feminine but with an undeniable mystery.... We have this versatile staple in tons of colors, stripes n solids, come try them all on and find which one's perfect for you.

Till next time, enjoy the sunshine!

Photos by Jill Schaffer & Molly Burkett.

every-season inspiration

The best thing about fashion blogs is that they are always in season. No matter the weather or your state of mind, you can pull up someone's visual diary and feel instantly inspired! Here are a few images that let us escape to other worlds and wardrobes today...

Niotillfem by Sandra Beijer is full of candid yet cinematic images of beautiful people eating beautiful food in beautiful places. If you plan on blowing bubbles in a backyard fete of your own, you'll need the proper accessories to make it look just right. We love the sparkly starfish barrette on Sandra's friend Meg -- Check the jewelry cases on both levels of CF to find your own 40s-inspired hair accessories, from flowers and fascinators to embellished bobby pins and Really Big Bows. They look most lovely pinned on the side, pulling diagonally upward from your eyeline. For the perfect wave in your hair, we just happen to have a vintage beauty expert on staff -- Aya has a YouTube tutorial for practically everything classy dames could dream of... Except a boyfriend as cute as Sandra's, you're on your own for that one.

 Karla of Karla's Closet rocked this frock on New Years Day. Where is she on January 1st that she could run around on scattered orange leaves in open-toed stilettos and a spaghetti-strap dress??! We don't know either, but we like it. For more modest but still fancy footwear, try our Jimeny Heels or "You'll Be Sari (If You Don't Buy These)" Wedges.

Ugh. Yesterday's post on The Glamourai makes my heart skip a beat. Swingset on the beach? Tumbling waves behind a flowing maxi dress? Bliss.

Happy weekend!

Happy New Coats!

Ooh it's a winter wonderland outside in Bloomington right now but we are pretty toasty here inside Cactus Flower... It must be due to the appallingly cute coats that are insulating our sale room! Get in here right now and get one, we know you're freezing!

tweed zip-down coat by Ariella  $67 now $42!

 We are also still stocked with newly marked down layering pieces, sweaters and general fuzzy-cozy goodness at 15-30% off original retail.

orange cropped sweater by Cotton Candy $38 now $33!

lovely layering sweater by Gentle Fawn   $70 now $56!

Here's hoping you gave 2011 a proper send-off and you're having a happy new year so far. Cheers from all of us here at Cactus Flower HQ!