Ears To The Streets: This Is Your Fathers Chambray. 1. Chloé SS10 2. Levi's "The Work Western Shirt" 3. L.L. Bean "Union Wharf Indigo Shirt" 4. Polo "Chambray Work Shirt" 5. J.Crew "Faded Chambray Shirt" 6. Lands End "The Heritage Chambray Work Shirt" 7. Gap "Indigo Military Chambray Shirt" & "Sun-Faded Chambray Shirt"
Ever since Chloé’s SS10 collection dropped last Fall I can’t get the image of MacGibbon’s denim clad model out of my mind. The head-to-toe-look from the tucked in Chambray to the slim fit jeans, not to mention the contrasting patches/shades of denim has stained my brain! So this post is dedicated to the Chambray shirt. And yes, it’s the same shirt your Dad might wear to work on “Casual Friday” but how you work it is all up to you. Go over-sized or kid sized for a shrunken look. But stay with a classic style, this way when the trend hits again you’ll be ready. There is no need to run out and drop ton$$ on a Chambray shirt. Here are some classic selections that don’t break the bank. You could even get a little crafty with it and get a seam ripper from the fabric/sewing supply store and remove the pockets alá Chloé! AND AND AND!! If you want to save even more hit up your local secondhand shop and hunt down a used version…no shame in that game! Spring is coming and she wants you to be ready!
Eyes To The Sky: Before BOHO There Was KOOS. From the Fall '10 Collections: 1. KENZO, 2. John Galliano, 3. Betsey Johnson. All other images are Koos Van Den Akker.
Flipping through the images of the Fall ‘10 shows, I not only noticed an obvious theme, BOHO, but that this time around it was so totally reminiscent of one Dutch designer, Koos Van Den Akker. The first image of the KENZO show screamed KOOS!
Before there was “BOHO” there was Koos. A Dutch designer who studied in Paris under Christian Dior in the 60’s, came to New York in 1968 and never looked back. He describes his style as “painting with fabric”, mix matched woolens and jerseys and colors and prints. This technique was new to the American scene but he explains was everywhere in Holland, therefore the US industry freaked out. Much of his introduction to the masses came about in the 80’s. He was responsible for Bill Cosby’s sweaters on The Cosby Show, which created quit a stir. Koos says that his work is “a thin line between awful and genius”. I would err on the side of genius and from the looks of the Fall ‘10 collections, I would say that many of the designers would agree.
Eyes To The Sky: Before BOHO There Was KOOS From the Fall '10 Collections: 1. Anna Sui, 2. & 3. Alexandre Herchovitch 4. Roberto Cavali. All other images are Koos Van Den Akker.
Get the look by piling on the layers, mixing and match prints, patterns and textures or search out a piece of your very own KOOS and be the look. Learn more about the man himself on the VBS.tv interview.
Ears To The Street: Tea Parties & Rabbit Holes.Taking Cues From Alice. Top left to right, clockwise: Both Heels from Moschino, Alice and Wonderland polish collection from OPI, Tux tights from Baroque, Suit by Rachel Roy, Shirt from Uniqlo x Disney collection, Rabbit purse from Judith Leiber, Dress by Alexander McQueen (R.I.P.)
Playing with the Queen of hearts…wardrobe, that is, certainly shouldn’t hurt! With today’s much anticipated release of Tim Burton’s “Alice In Wonderland”, we look towards Mad Hatters, (The) Mock Turtles and Queens of Hearts for style inspiration. The fantastical world of Wonderland offers up vibrant colors and whimsical shapes and patterns. From affordable finds from the Uniqlo x Disney Collection to pieces that might be a dip in the “rabbit hole”, like a Judith Leiber novelty purse, you can incorporate Rose Garden looks without looking like an extra from the set.
Ears To The Street: Tea Parties & Rabbit Holes.Taking Cues From Alice. From Left to Right, clockwise: Zac Posen Fall 2010, Card Suit bracelet from Tatty Devine, Quilted Purse from the Uniqlo x Alice in Wonderland Collection, Heart Purse and Heart Print Dress from Moschino, Rose purse by Judith Leiber, bracelet and necklace by Stella McCartney.
Here are looks and accessories that pay homage to Alice and The Queen of Hearts. The seasons bold blue finds it way into apparel and footwear and hearts are never out of fashion. Ruffled hosiery from Baroque and play your cards right with an adorable bracelet from Tatty Devine. You’ll be looking sharp from any tea party. Sorry, no mock turtle(necks) here.
JumperFalEyes To The Sky: Jump Around! Jump, Jump, Jump! The Jumpsuit Is A Keeper. From the Fall 10 RTW Collections: Acne, Erin Wasson x RVCA, Cynthia Steffe, Ports 1961, and Acne.
Is it the ease of putting together an outfit that we love about jumpsuits? Or just the ease of simply getting dressed? Because it can’t be the fact that you have to completely disrobe to use the restroom…and make sure your ensemble doesn’t hit the ground. Whatever it is, the jumpsuit has secured it’s position in the fashion closet, like your favorite pair of blue jeans, the jumpsuit has become a staple.
There is something comforting about being completely encased in an all-in-one. If you’ve ever tried to find a vintage jumpsuit you’ve more than likely come into the unsightly fit issue…camels toes are better left on the animal itself if you get my drift. There’s something about older styles and the length of the torso that make it hard to fit sometime. But now that we can thank the fashion Gods for the modern updates to the jumpsuit you can hopefully find the fit that suits you and your body. And no matter the decade, keep in mind what I said about camels. Love the look but be honest with yourself when trying on…you’ll thank me for that later. So hang on to your jumpsuits if you’ve got them and if not, get one! It’s like instant fun!
Eyes To The Sky: Jump Around! Jump, Jump, Jump! The Jumpsuit Is A Keeper. From the Fall 2010 RTW Collections: Cynthia Rowley, Preen, Shipley & Halmos, Vena Cava and L.A.M.B.
“Haring’s bold lines and active figures carry poignant messages of vitality and unity. His legacy made an impact on late 20th century art and grants us all a vision for the future.”
Keith Haring x Tommy Hilfiger
With February 16th marking the 20th anniversary of artist and social activist Keith Haring’s death, it would only be in proper fashion for there to be commemorative pieces released. One of my personal favorites would have to be the collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger for some pretty impressive sneakers and rainboots. We got a sneak peek photos from Capsule Trade Show and may I say that these are on ladywood status. All shoes stay true to the vibrant works of the late Haring.
Eyes To The Sky: Cape Fear? You Better Get Over It. Fall 2010 1. Sonia Rykiel 2. Chloé 3. Yves Saint Laurent 4. Celine 5. Matthew Williamson
Not just for the likes of Sherlock Holmes, the cape has turned up more than once on some of the industry’s top designer’s sketch pads for Fall 2010. Don’t fear this silhouette! The designers took different takes on this this retro shape. From traditional styles with welted arm slits to the to-die-for over sized poncho-esque (I said “esque”, poncho’s get a bad wrap, um pun intended) Barbour/Belstaff inspired creation from Viktor & Rolf, you can go goth with Valentino or lady like chic with Sonia Rykiel. See, something for everyone! You could even get away with an a-line shaped coat or jacket set on your shoulders…instant cape! So you have your motorcycle jacket, you’re getting your trench coat and now planning to top off your outerwear collection with a cape. You have about 5-6 more months to get used to this idea. Don’t be scared.
Eyes To The Sky: Cape Fear? You Better Get Over It. Fall 2010 1. Viktor & Rolf 2. Thakoon 3. Givenchy 4. Stella McCartney 5. Valentino
Ears To The Street: Deep In The Trench...Coat. From the SS10 Collections: 1. Marc by Marc Jacobs 2. Alexander Wang 3. & 4. Burberry Prorsum 5. Hermés 6. Aquasutum 7. Comme des Garçons
I won’t say to store your motorcycle jacket but do make room for the seasons must have…the trench coat!! Dating back to WWI, the trench coat stems from military influence and was created as an alternative to the heavier coats worn by the British and French Army in WWI. Two famous design houses, Burberry and Aquascutum, are both acknowledged as creators of the trench coat and both still hold true to these roots today. Spawning a trend from function to fashion, the trench coat has been a staple in the wardrobe of military officials, business tycoons and fashion mavens alike. It’s certainly come along away from it’s ten-buttoned, double-breasted full length days and this Spring the trench coat makes it to our list of can-not-live-withouts!! If khaki isn’t your color never fear, Dior does it dark, sexy and to die for.
Ears To The Street: Deep In The Trench...Coat. From Christian Dior's SS10 Collection...Galliano's Girls.
I love books. It doesn’t matter what kind, but if the topic is something I adore equally, like fashion, then that combination can’t be beat. Most of the fashion books that I have are on a particular designer (namely Chanel – I’ve got a nice little collection growing) or on particular time periods. I rarely gravitate to the “how to” books because since I’m in the industry, I feel like I may not need that sort of help. When I received I Love Your Style, How to Define & Refine Your Personal Style, by Amanda Brooks, from Harper Collins, I was a bit weary. After reading it, I feel refreshed and excited.
I’m six months pregnant so I’m not dressing up the way I used to. My body is changing everyday and I find myself looking at clothes differently – in a longing, I wish I could still wear that sort of way. I was a streetwear kid for some time – I couldn’t escape it – I had my own women’s line! My uniform would consist of tees, jeans and kicks. Before the pregnancy I started going more preppy and trying to dress a bit more “my age.” Now, I’ve started looking at my pregnancy as a metamorphosis. I’m in the cocoon stage right now, and after the baby arrives and the pounds go, I’ll be ready to re-define my new style. Reading I Love Your Style is making that all possible.
Amanda Brooks is no stranger to fashion – she’s worked with the likes of famed fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier, was the creative director of Hogan, muse and creative director to the designers of Tuleh and is currently a fashion writer and consultant. If her name sounds familiar, it’s probably read her name on the pages of Vogue.
In I Love Your Style, Brooks breaks down different types of looks and explains why they are enduring and what key pieces make up that look. She breaks up styles into 2 groups “definable” (classic, bohemian and minimal) and “indefinable” (high fashion, street, eclectic). She tops it all off with tips on how to shop – from vintage shops to designer boutiques, from cheap & chic trendy pieces to basics.
After reading I Love Your Style, I feel invigorated and excited about the prospect of getting a new wardrobe – a benefit I’m rewarding myself with for sacrificing my waist line for the family. I don’t think my main style will change – I know what I like and that hasn’t changed. But by having a guide and a more clinical way of looking at things, I feel better prepared to embark on this exciting endeavor. Not your typical “how to” book, I consider Brooks’ I Love Your Style an essential manual for all fashion lovers – from novices to mavens. You can purchase I Love Your Style on Amazon.com.
*M.I.S.S. received a promo copy of I Love Your Style to review from the publisher.
Eyes To The Sky, Ears To The Streets: The Hotness & The Hot Mess 2009
2009 proved to be a wild ride for most. With the economy in a state of craze, the “Recessionista” was born and fashion savvy ladies were challenged to get creative and spend wise, perhaps looking towards one of the million high-low collaborations that launched this year or going green with vintage. We welcomed new style icons from lady-like First Lady Obama to the polar opposite goo-goo get-ups of Lady GaGa. Ed Hardy continued to bring shame to the House of Swarovski (crystals) while our favorite no-pants-wearing New Yorker Kerin Rose dazzled us with bling-blam-BONG! eye wear and her line, A-morir, bedazzling done proper. Green became the new grey in the world of nails diding and Minx made the Midas touch a reality. Gals all over the globe went TKO for OTK boots and the motorcycle jacket secured it’s place as a fashion staple. Why Linsay Lohan was appointed Artistic Advisor of anything, namely Ungaro, is beyond me. And let’s PLEASE leave “Jeggings” in 2009.
What will you take forth in 2010 and what will you leave behind?
