Topic “style”
New York Fashion Week Fall 2011 ends tomorrow, and I have enjoyed watching the designs that have walked down the runway. The big trends I noticed were layering, 1970s flavor, pops of color, and precise tailoring. The collections have been gorgeous, but sometimes it's more fun seeing what the spectators are wearing. One of my favorite fashion blogs Popbee posted an amazing collection of stylish fashion show-goers. Sometimes what people are wearing in the crowd is just as interesting and inspiring as what's on the catwalk.
Happy Valentine's Day! To celebrate this day of love, I need to share my current love: the Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti's Fall 2011 collection which showed this past Saturday during New York Fashion Week. It's 1960s Twiggy with splashes of Thoroughly Modern Millie's flapper style in bright sherbet colors. A canary yellow plaid coat for a brisk, fall day? Yes, please! It's such a happy, girly collection. Sigh...I'm in love.
I can't stop listening to Marianne Faithfull's As Tears Go By (1965.) She's so sweet and mod - an English rose. And then came Mick Jagger. By his side, she defined the late 60s Swinging London look. She also became a major sex symbol with the release of The Girl On A Motorcycle (1968.) Then Mick screwed her over for song writing rights and left her with a drug habit that tanked her career and changed her voice from high and innocent to deep and raspy (Broken English, 1979.) Oh Mick... But, Marianne made a comeback with critically acclaimed albums, books, and acting roles.
I love the color camel. When I see the shade, I immediately think of chic Burberry trench coats and the winter coats of Park Avenue ladies. Camel instantly creates an air of sophistication. It also grounds brightly colored outfits. Unfortunately, camel makes me look jaundice, so I suffer from camel envy. When I saw the Madame Figaro Greece editorial below, my jealousy skyrocketed. Every outfit is perfect, especially the full skirted coat. The shades of camel are incredibly chic and inspiring. Please, if you can wear the color, do it! I'll be resentful, but you'll look fabulous!
Milwaukee is on lockdown for a blizzard that is supposed to hit any minute. Looking at the menacing snowfall out the window, all I can do is shiver. But, looking at winter style always makes me feel better. Enjoy, be safe, and keep warm! And cross your fingers that my car makes it through the snow!
New York City, January 2011 - those are my boots on the right!
Brigitte Bardot, 1970s
Recently, as I scanned the one hundred or so blogs I follow each day, I was struck by a photo posted by The Sartorialist. The picture shows a Florentian young woman sitting in a full suit and tie accessorized with a derby hat and white and red oxfords. Wow. Then I saw a photograph of fashion icon Anna Dello Russo on Stockholm StreetStyle. She too was wearing a full suit and a bow tie paired with black, white, and pink fur boa. The conclusion: menswear for women is back. But, it's not a baggy Annie Hall look. This style is crisp, tailored, and has a modern Marlene Dietrich feel to it.
I love movies, but I hate award shows. They're way too long. However, I love the red carpet portion of the events and seeing all the dresses. Last night the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards aired and I was glued to my computer as pictures of the gowns were posted. I noticed two distinct trends. Either dresses were wildly opulent or totally minimalist. Angelina Jolie and Anne Hathaway represented the former in full length heavily beaded gowns. Claire Danes and Emma Stone showcased the latter with simple, sleek silhouettes. I also noticed a lot of bold colors, especially green. With every award show, I always play the game: if I were a celebrity, what dress would I wear? For me, the winner is Claire Danes' gown.
I have a weird relationship with maxi skirts. I wore them all the time in high school to hide my legs (ahhh...teenage insecurity.) I've since embraced my gams but I haven't worn maxis in a decade fearing they will make me look dowdy. However, I noticed a surge of full length skirts on runways and street style blogs. No one looks like an extra on Little House on the Prairie. Instead, the ladies all have a modern bohemian look - one of my favorite styles. I especially admire the women sporting maxi skirts in cold weather. They have to be careful of dirt, leaves, and slush, but they also get to layer up underneath. So smart! I have two maxis in my closet just looking at me. Maybe it's time to take them out for a spin!
I've been in purse limbo for awhile now. I'm sick of all the bags I own and nothing new (in my price range) has caught my eye. So, I've been carrying around a $5 canvas tote from J.Crew. I thought it was a way for me to take a fashion vacation, but the canvas bag is actually a popular trend now. Some feature maps, some have slogans, some have patterns, but all are basic cotton. I like the simplicity and utility of the carryall. It goes with practically everything and holds everything: wallets, makeup bags, sweaters, library books, water bottles, you name it. Plus, it doesn't hurt that they're cheap. Maybe I'll stop looking for a new purse and embrace the canvas as my mainstay. Yup, I think I may just do that.
When I think of New Year's Eve, I think of sequins. It makes sense. Party dresses this time of year always feature the sparkly disks, disco balls and twinkle lights are plentiful, and fireworks offer the ultimate glitter. But I have never dared to sport the look. I'm afraid I'll be mistaken for a party girl who loves clubbing and body shots. No, thank you. But, like most things, the look can work in moderation. Maybe a sequin skirt, sweater, black tights, and flats instead of a sequin mini dress, glitter tights, and bedazzled shoes. The former says "I am fun but I need to get to bed by two", while the latter screams "I am Las Vegas!" I don't have an outfit planned yet for New Year's, but a sequin or twelve may make a subtle appearance. Happy New Year - have fun and be safe!
