The Skirt Edit
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Tag Archives: fashion
H&M and The Epic Season
All the style bloggers have been a-twitter (means more nowadays then ever before) about the new items on offer at H&M. This s/s has taken a textured/architectural turn that gives us a reprieve (and office friendly) style alternative to boho chic. From my favorite cornflower blue to an art-inspired dress these are my top 5 picks.
The Architect’s Top: $35
2. Gustav Klimt’s Dress: $70
3. The Beach Bum’s Boot: $70
4. Farmer’s Daughter’s Favorite Blouse: $25
5. Cruella Deville’s White Crocodile Textured Dress: $35
Bonus: That Celfie Top you wanted: $13 (super soft)
The $Hi-Lo$ Effect
The Hi-Lo trend (dollars not hem lines) that cropped up during the recession felt like a relief from the usual throng of season-specific items and IT items that were always set to break the bank. While the transition from four seasons (really 6 when you consider resort and ski wear) to 2 (sort-of) seems to be a new rule rather than an exception, the Hi-Lo has been steadily gaining on the high. Really Hi-Lo was a bit unrealistic to begin with – is having only a single hundred-dollar item in an outfit really thrifty…?
Those of us who are determined to get the look have to really work at it.
The tricky thing about getting the perfect hi-lo is getting your hands on some of that high. We’ve all read the magazine features where a darling fashion editor spends her budget of close to five grand on a single season, leaving a measly $500 for the intern to dish out, which we then convert into the $50 we’ve budgeted for ourselves. Is is still high-low if it’s mostly from the dollar store? Whatever happened to mid-range? Is this fashion’s new dirty word? Worse than, dare we whisper, cheap?!
The Closet Confidential tag recently had every fashionista peering guiltily into her closet and wondering
where she had gone wrong. What was your biggest waste of money? How about your first splurge? And that oldest item… why do I feel guilty for not owning anything older than five years?!
If your closet is the road map of your life, it certainty has its ups and downs, from that first shopping spree when you discover fashion, to the style purge/hoodie binge that is college, back up to a chic and sensible wardrobe of your fledgling career days. If this is my wardrobe’s pinnacle moment, where’s my Channel 2.55? Can I at lease get a little piece of the Pheobe Philo Celine action?
Well those highfalutin dreams may be a little off but we can still rock the label love on the lower tiers of the wastrel bracket. I’ve been managing a serious vintage addiction lately (that’s hipster for expensive thrift shopping) and there are some serious finds out there if you know how to look. Which brings us to here, 5 ways to get high… to get your closet high… to still pay rent and have a nice wardrobe (BTW happy 4/20)!
1. Decide your price point before you buy. Jumping from $5 t-shirts from H&M to $50 pre-owned Helmut Lang leaves a bruise on your wallet, even if said $50 shirt started at $225. The thing about vintage shopping is you really never know what you’re going to find. From last season’s Zac Posen pleated dress to Versace’s animal friends button down circa 1995 it is difficult to predict what you’ll see and it is imperative that you make a quick buying decision. The easiest scale for translation is to look at the price, if you can’t afford it then you can’t buy it. At the end of the day a t-shirt is just a t-shirt. It’s also important to judge the label and the quality of the item. My Zac Posen dress was $140 and is both a wonderfully made dress and from a designer I love. It was more than I was hoping to spend that day, however I had budgeted some money for a dress for an upcoming event. (Don’t forget to budget for dry cleaning and alterations.) The ultimate high item is the piece cut so well that someone doesn’t need to see the label to turn green with envy.
2. Jewelry counts. I recently read a 30 before 30 list that was blessedly free from the usual “go skydiving even if you hate roller coasters” BS; this post suggested buying a piece of jewelry that you would actually pass down to your children. This seems like a nice little way to look forward while still spending a bit on yourself today. Large stones can really change an outfit and the transition from costume to legit jewelry can have a massive impact on your outfit. A timeless piece will avoid all fads while still speaking to you on an emotional level. That kind of gravitas will add a high to any outfit.
3. Leave the cheapies for the basics. Those dollar store socks are one thing, but work button downs with holes or stains? Got.to.go. Look for high-end cuts in mid-range stores and outlets. Large outlets like Saks off the 5th can be a great place for work-wear highs, and work-wear is the part of your wardrobe where the majority of the funds should be going anyway. Ideally, you wear it more and it can actually help get you ahead. Express is a good resource for high-end cuts and their fabric is usually descent but if it feels weird in the dressing room stay away.
4. Don’t fall prey to high-price but low-end. Oh all those beautiful and drapey jersey knit tee, the whimsical muscle tanks with witty sayings, the amazing sequined loafers with leather tassels. Sigh. There are a lot of designers with really low quality standards and that Sunday splurge will be a slightly frayed regret by Wednesday. (Vintage shopping side-note: stores like Saks have their own set of rules regarding quality. Anything with a Saks tag will be well-made.)
5. Find the next big thing. Well-made pieces in fun and experimental designs tend to crop up around the senior shows of wannabe designers. Attend shows for locals designers and artisans and keep up with them. You may have just found the next big thing and if you haven’t your hand-made snake-skin bucket bag is still a one of a kind.
Style Steal: Wendy Beauchamp (East End)
Every week I tune into Witches of East End to see Freya (Tatum) choose between the goodly doc and his naughty bartender bro and also to see what Aunt Wendy (Amick) is wearing that episode. From her signature “antique” amulet to her endless supply of Topshop kimonos – every outfit she has is perfection and always finished with a simple silver bangle high on her arm. The perfect blend of fantasism (we’re making up words now) and the utterly mortal bohemian, I love everything so much I pretty much rotate my own wardrobe based on hers. Finding a good fashion template is great because it makes getting dressed that much easier. This weekend we’re going for leggings, a black tunic, and tons of enchanting bling a la episode s1e7 Unburied.
For the weekday-workday we’ll have to class it up a bit. Forget the skimpy camisoles Wendy uses to keep “warm” in those oh so temperate New York winters. Finding a few snuggly pieces that still have her eccentric flair should be easy this season with stores beginning to stock their own takes on the runway trends.
Finally, let’s not forget the nails. Her long black nails filed to a point are daring and sexy. While I may not be brave enough to make mine that pointed and then try to remove my own contact lens, the overall effect is easily replicated. Thank you OPI in Onyx.
Kimono Topshop
75 GBP
tank Urban Outfitters
59USD
Bangle House of Harlow
75USD
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Slinking into Summer (cause the pollen count is too high to sprint)
The weather is officially on the warm side! I’m popping my Allegra, opening all the windows, and heading to the shops for some flesh-bareing duds.
My budget this season is a whopping $150!
Trends I’m searching for and where I found them:
Tropicana Cool – crazy florals or even more up to the minute – leaf prints!
Little lacey dresses. The idea of a cut-out sounds nice on a summer day but I would never ever wear something displaying half my midsection, nor the flank of my back, or anywhere really, these little lacey eyelets are so small they are airy and fresh but I can still say I’m totally dressed.
Hard core sandals. Flip flops are great at the beach but running errands sometimes I feel like I’m in danger of flopping onto my face, as a die hard boot wearer 90% of the year I want something that’s comfortable and sturdy but not hideous.
Hard core Cool accessories. My studded leather jacket is about to be tucked away in the confines of my closet for at least three months, my combat boots have already been boxed up, my leather cuffs will become torturous once the summer heat rolls in but will my wardrobe have to lose all it’s bad-ass behavior? No way! My tropical prints can be edged up with a chunky belt and maybe an explorer’s vest, going more Jungle Jane than summer with grandma in Boca, my lace dress will have hard silver accessories such as mid-sized door knocker and a chunky chain. But in lew of my motorcycle jacket I’m looking to add another constant, a bag or shoe that still holds the edge I enjoy.
What Gatsby? The twenties trend has been pretty intense for the past few season, and since its usually scooped up in the form of a party dress its been alive and well throughout every season. I already own two completely fabulous limited edition Dorothy Perkins (UK) flapper dresses and I wouldn’t add anymore since my life isn’t that fabulous. (I still haven’t found a way to make these work appropriate…) Now that the film is finally out I think people will branch out their 20s
Inspired fashions to include the preptastic yacht-wear. I don’t usually play on the side of prep but it is kind of the easiest choice – it is always appropriate. This year I want a light weight loosely knit white sweater for those crisp night on the beach. Wearing neon underneath takes it away from Bayside cool and loading on the jewelry also hardens up those soft lines.
So what’d I buy?
H&M Eco-friendly maxi dress – $20! A maxi dress on the beach feels pretty luxe and at this price you won’t weep when you get suntan lotion on it.
Blue and White lace mini – TJ Maxx – $25. Ok I can’t honestly call this a suggestion because its from TJ’s and the odds of yours having the same is slim, but this is proof they exist and can be affordable. The original price on this was $45. Old Navy also has a line of eyelets for under $40 that are pretty adorable.
Brown leather sandals – Born $30. These were on sale and they didn’t list the original price, they are probably at DSW. Born’s are insanely comfortable so they’re worth good money but they go on sale a lot so I wouldn’t pay full price.
This bag isn’t a name brand and was $25. There are tons of studded bags this season and if you have the lust for it it is crazy easy to buy a cheap bag and some studs. You can glue them on with jewelry glue and it will take 5 minutes or if you want to keep it for more than a season you can go all out and pierce the fabric with proper studs.
Forever 21. I know I can’t believe I said Forever 21 either but bear with me… This is not your high school Forever 21. Ok you still need to dig, their sizes are wonky and their shoulders are incredibly narrow on the more structured pieces like jackets, also if you’re plus size the section is laughably small and all the pieces don’t seem to come in the smaller sizes (which sounds like a silly observation but if you’re in a small town with only a Forever 21 at the mall then everyone knows the clothes you’re wearing are specifically plus sized, not really a draw, but this could be only the store by me). However, their stuff is nice and super on trend and cheap. So if you want a pleather mini skirt you can get once for under $40 and then regret it and not have to fret over spending several paychecks on it. I got the white cable sweater here for $20. I get so many complements and no one can ever believe it’s from F21 (because it’s not a sparkly tube top – which they don’t even seem to sell anymore!!!!).
Grand total – $120!
I’m sure I’ll find something for that $30 I have left over… Perhaps a Derek Lam for Kohl’s bathing suit top… I got everything I wanted pretty cheap and it covers a large array of wants. From beach to boardwalk I’m covered.
In other news I have recently learned Uniqlo sells shorts that are not up your business… This may be old news but if you don’t love short shorts here ya go! They’re in cute colors too!
Style Favorite of the Summer : The Mini Tank
I love the new micro tank/ bandeau top trend this summer, but not for it’s intended purpose. I’m never going to walk around with my entire midriff exposed but I also hate wearing cami’s in the summer. Something about getting a soft flowing cotton tunic and then putting a restrictive and clingy tank underneath annoys me – not to mention its too hot for that stuff. The new tanks are short so my stomach gets to breath but they also offer a little extra coverage if my shirt falls short of opaque or plunges a little too far. In my cart this summer –
Forever21 Army crop top to toughen up a sheer tunic
Baja print bustier
Go a little 90s retro with Asos
Black lace top with sleeves for night
Go Jane
Lace cami crop
Vacation Packing: A Suitcase-Sized Covet or What I Should be Wearing
It is time for summer holidays and graduation parties, which of course means new clothes! Although I’m saving my pennies for the wings needed to get to my graduation I figured a little fantasy shopping at Piperlime couldn’t hurt. Just please don’t let me click BUY.
A long night spent high in the sky is nothing with my iPod tuned into The Black Keys and my body wrapped up tight in a flea market blanket scarf. As the lights start demanded seat belts and tray tables upright I slip in my contact lenses and do a mental checklist, what ever shall I wear?
Nothing could be more glamourous than waltzing off a 747 wearing white jeans and a sparkling tunic, oversize tortoise shells hiding your sleepy eyes, and maybe a cute pilot slipping you his number. This Mara Hoffman shell top at Piperlime is divine and won’t constrict during the flight. It is also easy to stow in your carry-on, then slip on before deboarding, if you fear wrinkles.
After freshening up I’ll be off to meet with the girls for some brunch and champagne, kiss kiss, I’m dripping in emerald. This Sabine maxi dress is grand but entirely wearable with my burlap Tom’s. A low heel will be essential in whatever touristy-but-posh eatery we end up in. Maybe a nosh at Harrod’s or Selfridges?
Oh dear is that rain? Time to throw on my sublime Theory leather jacket. Who cares if it gets wet? I mean, it only cost the same as my plane ticket.
After all that hard work, and tireless shopping, it is time for me to grab that diploma. What to wear?! This is a real tough one, I want to honor my UK alma matter with this preppy punk dress from Rebecca Minkoff, it is plaid and corseted!, but I also love the English garden party meets all-American Georgia peach in this Black Halo frock!
It’s settled I’ll stick to my hard rock Marianne Ravenwood roots and go with this Robert Rodriguez minidress in black baroque! Perfect for the girl who did her dissertation on Tudor portraiture no?
Trend Alert: Steal your Wardrobe from TV!
There is a delightful aura around the carefully selected and delicately worn fashions of television darlings – the effortless chic of Carrie Bradshaw or the improbable boldness of the high school dress on Pretty Little Liars. Television is a realm where sick days are couture and stilettos never hurt but most of all it is a land where all of the fashionistas magically have time to learn and shop for the latest trends. It is a place most of us would like to live, but alas, in our world the day lasts only 24 hours. This is why the brilliant minds at ShopYourTV.com have arranged a helpful little e-commerce store dedicated to curating the cutest items from your favorite TV shows. We can now log on and rip our outfits straight off the starlet’s backs. We’ve seen the formula before in blogs such as Possessionista but ShopYourTV gives us an extra compulsive push with a naughty little buy it HERE button. And while the website is a bit reminiscent of SeenOn.com it doesn’t require you to sign up (free on SeenOn) or wait for blow-out sales. Surprisingly, a lot of the items are rather affordable (although they tend to sell out very quickly). The Carrie Diaries stocks dresses under $50 – such as Mouse’s Sparkle and Fade floral dress from Urban Outfitters, $39 or Carrie’s backpack, also Urban Outfitters, $34. The idea of shopping off your television may have sparked a new trend of apps and blogs but it has also forced show’s creative staff to think twice before putting their cast entirely in Dior. Of course, they shouldn’t worry about it too much, what’s a fashion website without a few splurge pieces? Every clothes-horse has to start somewhere and most of us began coveting our neighbor’s Birkin. The web-shop also provides you with your fill of Elizabeth and James and A.L.C., such as Happy Ending’s Alex representing a $162.50 blouse by A.L.C. Gillian. While ShopYourTV may not have a mobile app just yet, their website works perfectly from the iPad.
Covet: Shop your TV
This is a bad idea, it’s so bad and someone is going to get seriously hurt. This is all I keep thinking as my computer logs in to shop your tv.com, the website that allows me to – with the click of a button- but everything I just saw on Pretty Little Liars, New Girl, Mindy Project, and Ben and Kate. Unfortunately they haven’t added Switched at Birth yet so those knee-high fringe boots of Bay’s that I’ve been coveting remain elusive. But the over the top leopard ensemble Aria wore in the PPL season premiere is up along with the amazing striped blazer she so casually threw over it.
Cheers to My Pants – English Wit and an American Accent
Since moving from New York to London I have heard nothing but the constant and sardonic question, “do you have an accent yet?” The simple answer is no, but then again my answer would be I never did, which my friends here would disagree with since I came here begging for ‘cawfee’. While I have yet to learn to speak the Queen’s English, as far as I can tell it takes three years and then your in accent limbo where you don’t sound American nor do you sound English, I have lost a bit of my New York guttural drops and I have slowly adopted Lotte. Lotte is the voice in my head and she sounds like a daintier version of a GPS guide. Why my inner monologue is now broadcast with a British accent I’m not sure. Perhaps it’s something to do with being around Brits all day and my voice-box being unable to keep up. Either way I’m quite fond of Lotte and will be sad to see her go. For one, I think she’s had a rather beneficial effect on my writing. Not only in articles and papers but I find my e-mails have improved. While before I never knew how to end a semi-professional letter that was already rife with thank yous, Lotte had the answer. Cheers. It’s quirky, cute, and forces the person to ask about my time abroad, allowing me to try and express in mono-syllabic locutions just how fascinating I am and that they simply must hire me. Best works just as well when super-professional is required.
I’ve also discovered new words. I knew they existed before but much like tasting truffle oil for the first time knowing something exists and feeling it on your tongue are two entirely different sensory experiences. I’m not wearing pants I’m wearing jeans. This, and the fact that my dissertation advisor literally wrote the book on the consumption of denim, has made me see the blues in an entirely new light. Because while slacks and jeans are both pants in America, in Britain pants are undies; forcing trousers and jeans into their own separate corners and liberating slacks from that boring work appropriate, funeral mandatory section of your wardrobe – you know, the one you never touch. Now, I want to buy trousers for the sake of owning trousers. (Say the word… isn’t it fun?) Crisp linens and starched cotton, I no longer envision them in khaki or black but in a frenzy of colour Rainbow Brite would enjoy.
M&R 