I sooo do not want to do this. No, not blog. I do not want to write to tell you I am letting go of not one, but two of my favourite shirts. Releasing this information to you is what's going to get me out the door and off to Goodwill. But it's ok. I've adopted a few upgrades through the years, including two DVF vintage pieces(seen at both ends) and an awesome reversible Volcom I picked up in Malibu this last vacation, any of which are excellent go-to's.
The Volcom (third from left) has to be one of my favourite pieces ever; 1. it's reversible--two completely different looks and effects in one.
2. The fact that it is reversible means any which way you expose the other side, allows the shirt that many more dimensions. Rolling the sleeves (as shown), buttoned vs. unbuttoned, tucked vs. untucked; I realize I am stating many obvious ways one can sport their wear, but there are not a lot of pieces that still accomplish a put together look--just by putting it on!
I should add I have practically lived in these tops this entire spring season. Shorts. Tights. Running shorts. Yep, that's about it. And many heads have turned. The trick, thus far, is in the accessories, which I have paired the aforementioned with any number of the items seen below.
Excuse me while I kiss the screen. Ijustlove'emsomuch! Clockwise: Vintage Lucite clutch, Madeline Stuart Low heel, Vintage gold speckle irregular bracelet, black leather belt w/ tortoise spacers.
My favourite line in Sex & the City, The Movie, is when Carrie unveils the dress she "will marry Big in." When her audience is less than thrilled, her response, "Oh, I'm gonna merch-andise it up--styyle it up with some shoes."
The simplest, and often times most flattering, best double-duty option is in the shoes. Why? You have to wear shoes (or not you, Sus); you at least have to wear shoes to receive service and appropriate attention. Why not wear contemporary, comfortable, fashionable shoes which exercise and elongate the leg? Any range of the wedge is money this season: one inch and up, a stacked platform, closed or open-toe, designers have created many beautiful options this season to easily kick up your step.
Pick up on unique attributes such as hardware, luxe textiles, or shiny patent leather...should one even imagine if all of this can be rolled into one?!
As for the rest of your hardware, consider your accessories fair game: there need not be a special occasion to display something you have set aside. Short jaunts to the grocery store, errands about town, picking up the kids from school; each are opportunities to get comfortable with your accoutrements and exercise normal wear and tear. Besides, favourites rarely remain so left on a hanger or dresser top. Now, get out there and free the love!
As per my last entry, I informed ye few readers of my move. I did it! I'm here! In the sweet and stylin' capital city of my state, Austin, Texas.
When I made the decision/announcement, several folks asked "Why the move?" I had/have several answers/responses: "I am ready for a change." "I love Austin!" "My home is not my home anymore..." But my favourite, "Because I can."
This last one was kind of a hit or miss depending whom I spoke with. Some people got it--almost said it before I even had the chance to, and others, it didn't seem to settle well, so I opted for any of the other "I-know-you-will-accept-this" answers. Maybe it was the resolute in my tone or that fact that it is a fact and there was nothing to argue with.
Granted, it might have come across as a challenge: I am telling you I am doing this, you are telling me...really, there is nothing to say except "Good luck" or riddance.
I should say this all started January 31. I was watching The Biggest Loser when I remembered I forgot the Cowtown Marathon was coming up. Shoot! I wanted to do that! (the half marathon, that is,) went to look it up and whaduyaknow, the thing was exactly one month from the following day. I consulted my trainer, "Do you think I can do it?", got permission, and awoke the next morning at 5 a.m. for my first day of training.
A few things: I'd not run more than 5 miles since high school, not seen (nor thought about) 5 a.m. since---.... and "my trainer" is my friend so she is supposed to tell me I can do anything.
But I said in my mind I wanted to do it, I'd now said aloud I wanted to do it, apparently, 400 pound people would love to do it, by golly, I am going to do it.
And I did.
My first goal was to just finish, which I later learned is the only goal one should have when attempting such a feat. My second goal was to not get injured. You may think "You're just running, right?" Right, but you can twist your ankle by simply stepping wrong, get shin splints, which are gifts from the devil!, and get crippling cramps which can cause any of the aforementioned troubles, not to mention the need for proper nutrition leading up to the race. (Mind you, all of these things can happen when training, which, talk about commitment.)
My third goal was loose: finish under three hours (I know!) and my fourth was completely bonus: do not stop.
Now, I've talked a lot of shit in my life. You name it, I've said I can or would do it. (Ask my mother.) She would probably agree that four "goals" is the equivalent of landing on the moon for JMA. But, when it came to the week of my run, it was time to tell my father.
It's not so much that this was a great revelation but rather, once he knows, there is no turning back.
His first response, a hint of doubt: "Can you do that??" and an affirming second, "I'll be there."
There was a belated third response in which he voiced valid concerns and a request for me not to do the run. I had nothing to say. I mean, I can't promise anything (clearly). I'd not done this or anything like it before, so what could I say? But at this point, all that was in my mind was "I am going to do it." And that's what I did.
I'll spare you race details and leave you with the fact that I loved every minute of it. Anyone can do it. Everyone should do it.
And I made, or broke, every goal.
I suppose I am telling you this because while I write to say your sense of style speaks of who you are, sometimes it can be just enough to get you out the door and onto your next feat of who or what you want to be.
That and "I am going to do it" and/or "Don't tell me what to do..."
From Austin, Texas, I leave you with the parting words of my dear brother, Vincent:
"Take a chance! After all, if you don't take a chance, all you've lost...is the chance."
-Pretty Cheap Dress (just received her first stylin' compliment:)
"I read with every broken heart, we should become more adventurous..."
-Rilo Kiley, "More Adventurous" --- I'm not in love. Haven't been for a long time. I remember, one time, being in love. Or thinking I was. And talking it over with my Heidi, or not, as we sat in silence debating the trivialization of it all. She finally broke the silence and made the most sense one could make of unrequited love: "Loving someone is a compliment." There may or may not have been more to it, but that single statement has stuck with me ever since. Sure, we can do the whole "Everything happens for a reason," or even "Love will find a way..." but when I think back to the situation, in all it's good and bad, I realize that that journey was an adventure. I don't regret 'complimenting' anyone, or any others, but I do regret not becoming more adventurous ever since. You should know I am making a great move, literally, in order to do so. No, I am not chasing it, or running from it, but rather looking to love it. More.
What is the name of my blog again? Yeah, I forgot too. And yes, I know, the Grammys were like, so long ago, but there are two things I have noticed after the fact. 1. February's edition of InStyle Magazine featured Anne Hathaway wearing the same Bottega Venetta dress Sandra Bullock wore to the Golden Globes. 2. Kim Kardashian first wore the same Brian Lichtenberg dress for her birthday soiree in October that Lindsey Lohan sported at a Globes after-party with one major edit: she sported said frock on her head. 3. What does this have to do with anything about the Grammys? Pretty much nothing except to reinforce that when I do post something on my blog, it is in effort to bring forth useful information. Confused? Good, because I was going for the 'If you can't convince them, confuse them' ploy. Winner of a whopping four grammys, Album of the Year recipient Taylor Swift in an off-shoulder blue sparkle by KaufmanFranco. The most interesting element of this dress was the back: the shoulder straps were held by a thin, horizontal-continuous strap across her back from the shoulders. (I've been unable to locate a picture, natch!) My girl B set record by receiving six grammys. She had nearly the same number dress changes, all by different designers, this here by Stephane Rolland. B typically opts for the mother/daughter design of their House of Derion but I'm glad she ventured to show her couture clout. I should add her ceremony dress was by Armani Prive--was a short sleeved/length number, and made one wonder if she was comfortable. There was not one spot left unlinked and I was curious how B's booty was handling. Super Trendsetter Rihanna looked a little like Santa Claus in her Elie Saab gown but I did like the basic dress: floating chiffon length, mache heavy shoulders, and the extra-room to breathe fabric in the hips. Miley Cyrus was age appropriate in a teal Herve Leger by Max Azria and gladiator sandals. Notice the closely knit bands that are separated by small lace connectors. At first look, the dress seems heavy but notice she balanced it well with exposed legs and solid gladiator sandals. Heidi Klum in an Emilio Pucci mini with long sleeves and Jimmy Choo shoes.
All winners in this shot: at Clive Davis's annual pre-Grammy bash, Katy Perry in Georges Chakra, Taylor Swift in Collette Dinnigan, Rihanna and Fergie in Zuhair Murad. Who can forget the year's walking art installation, the ever impressive Lady Gaga who wore Georgio Armani, maker of several of her looks of the eve. I thought grammys supported peace; Lady showed up and shined with a multi-spiked--and dangerous in her own hand, star. I think most commendable is that she can walk in (and some would argue on) anything. And yes, she is supposed to look like a drag queen. It was a shout out. So, what is the useful information in this year's, er, month's post? Respect the dress, have fun with your look, but don't let it all go to your head.
So, we went from bowtential to ruffling it? I am lost on the looks as seen at this years Golden Globes as seriously, there were few and far between that announced "I have arrived" or "Watch out world!" Instead, for some, the message was "Watch out world for I have arrived in ruffles." Let us get clear on just what the Golden Globes are about: a televised awards ceremony of international recognition across all forms of visual media voted by the Hollywood Foreign Press. Writers, watchers, casters, directors, producers and of course paparazzi galore: if ever there is an opportunity to make a first and lasting impression, I would argue it is here. It is also here which tends to predict future wins so why not practice a winning look? And so, it is here I will attempt to make argument of what to look forward to in the coming award shows. I just really hope it's not ruffles. Let us begin with What Not To Look Forward To:
Diane Kruger in Christian Lacroix
Jennifer Morrison for House
Heidi Klum in Roberto Cavalli
Julianne Moore in Balenciaga
Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci
Chloe Sevigny in Valentino
Kristina Hendricks from Mad Men in Christian Soriano
I really don't want to bash what could very well total more than what I earned last year, so I'm not going to. But I do hope you have noticed a constant fail in what I have listed above: the importance of a proper fit for a given body type and that not all trends are for everyone. (That would be the pastel palettes in addition to the ruffles.)
Let's now look to those that did it right.
Drew Barrymore in Atelier Versace
While this was originally one of my least favourite looks of the evening, I can't help but give the girl props for wearing it well. Barrymore has not fallen into a predictable niche and in addition, she lent a classic goddess glow to an avant garde, one of a kind piece.
Penelope Cruz in Georgio Armani Prive
There was not a more fitting gown at the Globes. The elastic bands ensured her womanly shape, while the lace applique added a romantic touch. I am not typically a fan of a fishtail train, but this dress top to bottom did it for me. The side swept hair and sun-kissed skin, ahh. BTW, word is she obtained much of that glow hanging on the beach with her main squeeze Javier Bardem.
Marion Cotillard Christian Dior Couture
Another dress I was not an instant fan of, but maybe the deep green shade is seeping sense into my brain as this gown manages to lend a clean drape and yet modern details. If there is one thing I do not like in what is supposed to be a classy gown, it is a hip-nearing slit. However, this gown keeps it clean with the lace inset. Plus, you gotta give it to her: the woman is French. She knows what's up.
Kate Hudson in Marchesa
The first picture is what most of the public saw when guests' first arrived to a rain-drenched red carpet; the second was what Marchesa intended for the gown. I really am loving this second silhouette but feel it would have been more fitting for another event.
Zoe Saldana in Louis Voutton
If I must concede to A ruffle, I suppose Zoe Saldana had the pick of the litter. I did enjoy the many shades and shadows this dress cast but do feel it needed to be a bit more fitted in the bust.
Julia Roberts in Vintage YSL
A simply comfortable black dress, this H town veteran hit all the right notes with this long sleeve winner. Notice her pumps are patent, which helps to contrast against the matte fabric. The brushed gold Van Cleef & Arpels necklace with Citrine and Diamond stones was the right pop of color. There was a mention of expecting the dress to continue as a full length gown; either way, it would have worked. I believe it was actually a save considering the rain.
As for what to look forward to in coming award shows, I expect we will see more bold jewel tones and/or coloured stones. If ruffles is where's it at, I do hope tailors will edit for the fit and hang.
A decade ago, I graduated high school. Shit. A lot was supposed to happen in that time, and I suppose a lot did...to me.
Sometime, thereafter the year of Y2K and Justin Timberlake, my friends and I realized a lot more had changed than our taste in boys. We had grown from wine coolers to beer, fast food to faster and cheaper food (enter advent of the 99 cent menu), and so, so did our waistlines.
This last bit of information was realized and exclaimed for all to know when Heidi and Autumn went shopping one day. While I wasn't there to witness Heidi's shock and disappointment in accomplishing "A TEN?! A mother f*cking TEN??!" I empathize accordingly in this next attempt: whittling down a decades' worth of music to a mere ten.
While not the most radical decade (the sixties) or most electrifying (the eighties), it was, however, as if "those two babies met..."--insert linked scene of Pineapple Express, in which James Franco explains said title. (Franco, ever the intellect, dug deep for this role and therefore scene, and quite honestly, I've not seen a funnier or simpler mergence of nouns.)
So, I give this decade a ten. Ten for the steady maturation of our musical predecessors and to those who influenced a few new kids along the way. A ten to the industry for embracing the many new modes of technology and a big up to the artists who realized you can't put a price on the sound of music. We are after all, by nature, a rogue generation.
So here goes an equal effort in sizing up the most excellent of the decade into ten.
A Mother F*cking Ten.
1) Everything In It's Right Place, Kid A (2000) Radiohead
Synthetic twists, back beat, and a falsified Thom Yorke telling us "Everything (is) in it's right place..." The fourth disc from the acclaimed Brit band, Kid A came to the American public after Yorke expressed open dismay believing his songs had become "background noise: all the sounds you made, that made you happy, have been sucked dry by everything they meant." He suffered writers block and the group differed on the direction of their next release, but eventually agreed on the revolutionary and experimental sound. Yorke introduces us to his new sound, cooing "Yesterday I woke up sucking a lemon..." But something tells you, this is the perfect lemon aid.
2) Don't Know Why, Come Away With Me (2002) Norah Jones
A request or command, the sultry-sweet Norah Jones stole our hearts with her debut album, Come Away With Me. A stand alone channeling jazz, soul and a hint of country with mainstream pop criteria, Jones managed to score five Grammy's in 2003, and two more for subsequent releases proving the decade would have been unmemorable without her. Just as gently as she knows how, "Don't Know Why" answers the most difficult questions of the heart. To have her sound is as if Patsy Cline and Etta James are in your living room, but allowing plenty of room for more.
3) Neon Bible, Neon Bible (2007) Arcade Fire One of the greatest contributions to the decade was the growing reception to musics' newest and possibly least understood genre: indie rock. Independent rock is just that: a grassroots, underground effort in which the artist seeks to maintain full control, minus the man. The funny thing about indie rock is often times a chicken and egg argument: who and what came first if it's all independent? While Arcade Fire wasn't the first of their genre, they have succeeded in attaining relative commercial success finding their way on numerous Album of the Year lists. In their sophomore release and 2007 title track, Arcade Fire set to challenge what we had always believed to be true, chanting "Not much chance for survival/if the neon bible is right."
4) Beautiful Day, All That You Can't Leave Behind (2000) U2
If Bono says it, it must be right, right? Penned detailing a man "who has lost everything but still finds joy in what he does have," All That You Can't Leave Behind blasted a seemingly cryptic message better felt after the 9/11 attacks. Released a full year prior, "Beautiful Day" was the first album single making it no secret the group sought to "reapply as the best band in the world." Maybe they were asking for our hand, but the American public needed theirs with the November 2001 release of "Walk On". A bitter reminder of our national heartache, "Beautiful Day" reminds it's one you must admit gets better with Bono.
5) Maps, Forever To Tell (2003) Yeah Yeah Yeahs
There is a scene from the movie Swimfan in which the stalker (female) antagonist loses 'control' thereby informing her lover unbeknownst "You love me! I know it!" While Maps isn't exactly psychotic, it's the same desperate intensity that Karen O begs you to understand. Craddled with an evenly controlled tempo and electric rift, Karen O's voice dances on the edge of crazy, but it's just crazy enough to lose control.
6) Say, Continuum, Special Ed. (2007) John Mayer
In 2007, Rolling Stone named Mayer one of the "New Guitar Gods" along with John Fusciante, and Derek Trucks. In Malcom Gladwell's 2008 book Outliers, the author suggests--along with a handful of other arguments, no less than 10, 000 hours are committed before one becomes the best his trade. At one point, Mayer declared "Gravity" as his most important work; at another, "Say" was his most prized piece. But Mayer would most likely agree, it is a constant state of dissatisfaction which credits him one of the best of the decade.
7) The Seed (2.0), Phrenology (2002) The Roots, featuring Cody ChestnuTT
An audio visual to the miracle of life (fairly P.C. even so), The Roots laid it on us in 2002 with "The Seed (2.0)". While the entitled album is in reference to the pseudoscience, "The Seed" details a literal effort in creating rock & roll. But we are forced to ask: can one borne rock & roll? Rhetorical or otherwise, The Roots are brilliant lyrical masters and bang it out with each beat of this song.
8) Single Ladies (Put A Rind On It),I Am...Sasha Fierce (2009) Beyonce Destiny's Child is to Beyonce as Beyonce is to Diva. Er, something like that. That is, the redefining of the best. I find it practically impossible to settle on one frickin' song this woman popularized and it is the simple fact that this particular album has been nominated for 10 (count 'em) ten Academy Awards that I have selected "Single Ladies" as the best of the decade. Beyonce is the epitome of commitment and hard work and to achieve that alone is something fierce.
9) Seven Nation Army, Elephant (2003) The White Stripes A rift you want to learn, a rift you practice air guitar the moment it comes on. Suddenly, you're Meg White--foot stomping, arms flailing about; then Jack, fist-ro-phone mic, singin' "a seven nation army couldn't hold me doowwn..." A tune in which multiple body parts uncontrollably function? Yeah, it's like that. This lo-fi duo out of Detroit packed a punch in 2003 serving up the Grammy winning album and best Rock Song of the year. While Jack White has since moved on to The Raconteurs and more recently The Dead Weather, the twosome left plenty of room for others proving it takes far less to uncontrollably function.
10) Spirit on the Water, Modern Times(2006) Bob Dylan
According to RS and esteemed voters, Dylan had two placements on the "50 Best Albums of the Decade" as did U2, Jay-Z, Kanye West, The White Stripes, Outkast, and Radiohead. Only difference is, Dylan was on the scene before any of these kids could even spell "U2". Dylan proved top of his game with the 2006 release of Modern Times, an astute throw-back of sorts enveloped in an irony clad, matter of fact title. There may be three chords to the song (I actually don't even know what a musical chord is...) but it's enough to put you cheek to cheek with your love, present or past. That's the charm of Bob Dylan or Robert Alan Zimmerman or any other pseudonym he chooses. It's still him. And he's still for you and me.
*Alternate (C'mon! It's my favourite song ever!)
11) Clocks, A Rush Of Blood to the Head (2002) Coldplay
The opening solo is enough to send me into fits. There is a strange buoyancy teasing in the rift like a euphoric bubble allowing you to drown and ingest all it's glory. Originally thought to be another Brit export or even Radiohead knockoff, Coldplay was coined "melodramatic", and even further so "depressing". But when the group returned with Rush of Blood to the Head, and front man Chris Martin answered critics with "Clocks", a lot more than identity was defined. "A lot of people think that I write depressing songs. If I were depressed, then I never would have written 'Clocks'." Whatever the outlook, "Clocks" went on to beat out Outkast's foot-stomping, finger-snapping "Hey Ya!" winning Record of the Year (Grammy's, 2003).
Now, who's ready for more?
Cheers! to the New Year!
...that you are reading a one year old? Er, rather that a Pretty Cheap Dress is one year old today? :)
Yes, indeedee folks, it was one year ago today Pretty Cheap Dress and your host awoke awfully early in the a.m. for absolutely no reason at all. Shortly thereafter did it occur to me this statement was and is in fact untrue as, since I was awake and accomplishing nothing, why not partake in my favourite past-time, writing? It was as if something else in me woke and sought to get out and as the saying goes "No sleep for the restless." (Wait, looks like I just made that up too.)
And really, that sums up PCD: something I came up with at a time I didn't know why or exactly what for. In light of said celebration, AbsolutelyRachel and I went to our favourite city secret for some Christmas shopping.
"Oh my gosh, Rach! Look at this sweater!," I said displaying a strange, seasonal find.
"Perfect for an Ugly Christmas Sweater Par~tee!" she chimed, followed by "Geez. Everyone's been to an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party this year but me..." (Personally, I would substitute "Fun" for "ugly", but that's just me.)
I informed her everyone but we as I have not been to an "Ugly" or "Fun" Christmas Sweater Party, ever.
I also have not been in or to half the "parties" I have outfitted; yet, this fact does not stop one from the belief and discovery of something good, even at times, before such ever exists. I am not sure where this sense of hope comes from or just how to instill it, but do know we all need a little encouragement along the way. To cite my brother, Vincent, a most fearless individual, wise beyond his years: "It's amazing to think how much would change if you would just do it." You, me, we. Here's to the Fun Christmas Sweater Parties yet to come and all the Pretty Cheap Dresses along the way.
Just saw this on a commercial. Yeah, it came with a lot more information about a new disc, "best selling artist", la-la-la, and for a second, it reminded me of the last bit of news I heard about Leona. Pretty sad, actually. Some crazed fan was at her autobiography book signing, let the crazy get to him. All we know is poor, pretty Mrs. Leona Lewis was signing Mr. Fans' book, when he reached up and decked her! Punched her in the eye! I'd never heard such a thing aside from when this episode went down with John Stossel, but he was asking for it. Note to Mr. Fan: "I keep bleeding love..." is not only a lyric but a metaphor, fool! As I was saying, I saw this on the commercial. What is this, you say? This is in reference to her top or the top of her top and how familiar it looks...to me and maybe a handful of other people.
This pic and product isn't the best rendition of what I had in mind, but it is what I had to make it work. I created this piece as one of my final garments for Project Make last year. I originally had tons of the white material--a heavy cross-hatch weave that ended up being more difficult to manage than originally considered. Given conditions, I decided to use the blue suede yoke for a softer touch and add contrast to the piece. But, imagine if you can, the white points to the left and right of the piece...Yep, they were originally where Leona's are. Maybe I should change my blog name to "Jessica's Latest "Doh!"'
I don't even know how to start this story. The picture above is of...a few things. 1. All the boots I instantly claimed "Mine" upon scoping stock at my local consignment shoppe. 2. The only other shoe I could find to fit me while I looked for my own.
That's right, people. I lost my shoe while shoe shopping.
So, as I say, "shoe shopping," which, in reality was my effort in which "One skillfully scores the most awesome boots available to man, at a fair price"...and tells about it on her blog. Instead, I write to warn of such a sojourn, minus a mode.
Scene: PCD enters store, feverishly grabs every black boot in sight.
Reality, none of the shoes were "The One(s)" so I was over it. Hording haze lifted, I assessed the situation at hand: either find my freaking shoe! or buy a new pair as naturally, this was my initial motivation. (While I didn't realize an actual hunt and peck for the shoe I came in with was in order, nor did I anticipate exiting in said misfit footing.)
At any rate, my first thought was "Karma...": this is payback for my hungry haste and began to return (a few) boots to the racks. When my flop did not (magically) appear, I took it one step further (really) and began organizing all the shoes for sale, as surely my work would work. (It should be said, that loan loafer on my right foot was indeed alone as it was the only shoe I could find to even fit me.)
...(those dots should indicate) 45 minutes later, a fellow I'll call Joe happened to pass by just as I was ready to give up. (Joe is the "Loss Prevention" guy at the front door and I felt silly not handling the loss on my own.) I must of screamed "HELP!" because Joe's first words to me were "Ok! Do you know where you are??" (Yes, Joe. I just spent half my life on aisle 7 and a half.) --- The long and short of it is, Joe recruited the manager (he said he'd "never heard such a thing") who in turn simply crouched lower than I had to find the flop in limbo.
That's Joe up there although the real hero of the hour (!) was the manager and I failed to get her picture. Who am I kidding?? I got my flippy floppy on and beat it out the door with nothing more--or less, than what I came in with, as I suppose Joe really did do his job. What do you think is the roll of "Loss Prevention"?
One million September issues, that is. As if my loss of creative, constructive writing (which is now called 'blogging') weren't enough, we lost: 1.) Dancing-singing-colour-changing-extraordinaire Michael Jackson and 2.) feather--weight and hair, Farrah Fawcett in the same day.
3.) Then, came the truly tragic loss of director John Hughes who gifted us a reservoir of cult-classic 80's hits such as Pretty in Pink by which to reference for this fall, y'all.
4.) Now, I recently learned DJ A.M. was found dead alongside (or on top of--wee're not sure) a crack pipe. Do crack pipes kill, you ask? Idk, but the message here is: Pop Culture. What a way to go. And "Crack kills." But that one's not mine.
Therefore, it must be said, I have briefly thumbed through said pages. I actually intend to say it is by choice I refrain in doing so as I consider myself a 'Trend Analyst'--c'mon, let me have something..., for the purpose of this blog. 'Trend Analyst' by definition means to me n.: one who studies the evolving interpretation of style. What works on the East Coast rarely works on the West Coast and let's face it, most of those issues don't address the subject of everyone in between.
So, before I lose my train of thought*, the following trends are the most optimal and available style perks at a retailer near you.
*Just because I can't leave a hanging star: my brother diagnosed me with A.D.D. whereas I've diagnosed print media with R.A.D.D.: Regional Attention (according to interpretation) Deficit Disorder.
1.) The New Scarf is Bejeweled. The New Bejeweled Scarf Goes Round and Round.
The new take on the scarf this season is really fun and feminine and even merits bonus points as a finishing layer. While there is little need to purchase this specific new take, stores have stock piled an impressive array of prints, fabrics, and colour due to demand. If you're like me and can't resist an eye catching dash of colour, keep in mind this seasons prints and colours, which will be further discussed within this post. The simplest way to update your favourite scarf is to drape and entwine a 35" or longer necklace atop a full, loosely wrapped scarf for instant bejewel. Warm colours call for gold or bronze while cool blues and purples will pop a clean silver; think winter white and the reflection you want to cast. While a full, lengthy scarf will serve many functions, the classic silk square makes a gorgeous come back for all ages this season. Corner by corner, tightly roll the fabric to create a double loop necklace and simple knot. While it is a closer fitted scarf, play with the material to expose pretty colours, print and comfortable fit. Equally, feel free to display a delicate chain necklace atop your custom creation. The contrast in textures gives edge yet maintains a truly chic look.
Granted, many of the current associations with the feline variety aren't the most ideal, but I myself have come to embrace my inner Puma, since I am not of Cougar age. (Apparently, there are rules for this, as well.) Thankfully, as the pride ages and matures, so do the styles as leopard print has made great stride toward tasteful variations. Look for a painters brush stroke or splotchy multi-sized print. The most versatile looks can be found in pieces using the same print but with multiple colours: blue and white, red and black, or all of the above. In which case, a little goes a long way; unless you are a master of tasteful prints, the safest bet is start with accessories: belts, heels and flats, then progress to finer knits such as sweaters and trench coats.
3. Q: "What if you only have $20 to spend on a fall update? What would you buy, then?" -David Letterman
A: "You can buy red lipstick!" -Anna Wintour
As declared by fashions' most notorious trend analyst, red is the biggest, punchy, poppy colour this season. Be it The girl in the red shoes, The girl in the red trench, or The girl with the reddest lips, the point is to be pointedly haute in the hue. According to PCD resident make-up maven, AbsolutelyRachel suggests Chanel's "Vamp", $28.50 available at Nordstrom or on sale now at Smashbox.com, multi-award winning Photo Finish in "Ravishing", $16.50.
4. Get Lifted
While some may opt for the illegal sort, the one I speak of is indeed killer: platforms. Here's the thing: if they look like you can't walk more than 50 feet in them, then you are right. Makers realize not all are comfortable at such great heights and have therefore adjusted their footing to fit. If the heel reaches four inches, the padding should balance at one inch allowing for a comfortable, stylish, three inch heel. For a more day to day, casual look, opt for a stacked heel and eventually build toward a sleek heel. Also for fall: opt for a matte finish or suede feel such as these from Nine West, $89.
5. White Shirt
Oh, White Shirt. It's been a while. A classic staple, indeed, the white shirt is the perfect palette for the seasons many looks.
Print silk scarf + white shirt + skinny blue jeans
White shirt dress + leopard print skinny belt + a red heel
His white shirt + your red lipstick + suede platforms---you get the picture. J. Crew Tuxedo shirt, $69.50
While there are many more incoming favourites this season-- the messenger bag, the return of Doc Martens, dress shorts for evening--I'm even forecasting applied fur!, an update or addition of these top five will undoubtedly expand your reserve and look book.
Keep in mind, this season pulls heavily from iconic 1940's fashion with luxe ladylike details such as heavy tweeds, patterned hosiery, and even red lips. Not your style? Go gradual by incorporating details, piece by piece; start tonal, move toward a pattern, and by fall's end, you will be in full force. Any combination of the suggested looks will work no matter your locale.
Remember being a woman of style means you're not tied to one look, i.e., your comfort zone. Actually, I got that from Usher, who arguably got it from his dealer. Er, stylist. In style: what a way to go!
The Volcom (third from left) has to be one of my favourite pieces ever; 1. it's reversible--two completely different looks and effects in one.
Excuse me while I kiss the screen. Ijustlove'emsomuch!
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