If you follow anything fashion related, then you know last week was a flurry of shows and moments and looks and trends. And while there’s a lot to digest, I’ve condensed my top 3, end-all *EVERYTHING* shows, just for YOU!
Rag and Bone has always struck a chord with me, but this season inexplicably came to full fruition, as I felt these looks were designed for my soul (because I am a narcissist) with the perfect execution of menswear tailoring with JUST enough cool-girl femininity. Upon reading the Vogue.com review, I realized why:
“The “girl,” their “girl,” is, of course, important to them. It’s who they talk about, who they design for, who they want to bring into sharper focus from the corner of their eyes. Oftentimes, designers will talk about their “girl,” and you don’t think she ever existed beyond the fancy of a design studio. But the Rag & Bone girl is everywhere you look, living downtown (even if in reality that’s more of a state of mind for her than a reality), standing beside you on the subway, going on a juice detox, watching Girls, getting drunk after said cleanse. In short, a living, breathing, fun creature that they have learned to dress instinctively, and rightly.”
Rag and Bone - I want to be your girl, forevermore.
3.1 PHILLIP LIM
What Rag and Bone did for me in individual tailoring, 3.1 Phillip Lim did for me in styling. The theme of the show was ROAD TRIPPING HEROINE, lest I need to articulate my love any further. Biker jacket wearing gypsies translated in very, very wearable ways. YES.
REBECCA MINKOFF
Rebecca Minkoff is just simply cool. Cool in a wearable, effortless way. Her styling also resonates strongly with me, and confirms that yes - BEANIES ARE HERE TO STAY.
Here’s a few things I’ve been jonesing over lately, particularly, those floral Rag and Bone booties. I’m not sure how much longer I can withhold myself. Happy Tuesday!
And just for extra good measure, so I don’t feel like I’m **entirely** half assing this post, here are some of my fave street style shots from Fashion Weeks this past month. Peace out homezzz.
As it goes, you may be wondering, “what does Paul Newman have to do with ANYTHING?” The answer is….nothing.
The answer is also, “I’ve been spending copious amounts of time on menswear blogs.”
Fall is around the corner, which means that an imminent refresh is coming. IT’S COMING. Fall means a lot of things for me, mostly that I can refresh my wardrobe and start dressing relevantly to the rest of the world outside of San Francisco. I’ll use this moment to complain one last time - during Summer, San Francisco secedes from the rest of the world and decides to exist in a misty, moist (I said it) and gloomy underworld where we’re all stuck extending winter’s sweaters and boots.
Fall, however, allows us to press refresh and once again realign to everyone else posting weather pictures on instagram.
To reiterate further, fall is a big, big refresh for me. In three weeks I’ll be starting a VERY exciting new job. Dreams are coming true you guys. And really, what marks a new career adventure [IN FASHION] better than some refreshed looks. REFRESH is the key word here.
All that to say, we’re on the verge of Fall and it’s time to start perusing possible purchases, even though the Barney’s ONLINE (!!!!) Warehouse Sale hasn’t even started yet.
Moving on to newer things, let’s talk about leather pants. This is a territory I really want to explore. If done wrong, the results can be catastrophic. But if done right with lots of layers and bulk on top, a sleek leg with a boot is CHIC for Fall. Two options here: $64 at Topshop or $1,700 for The Row. Obviously I already bought The Row pair. I bought 2.
No but really, I’m ordering the Topshop ones as soon as this is posted.
There are 2 things to take away from these Madewell Fall looks:
1. There is a 97% chance I’m going to start wearing a lot of menswear. No, this isn’t weird, this is good. I want to wear bowties on days I don’t feel like wearing necklaces. And since neckwear IS MY JOB NOW…I want to practice what I preach.
2. Big Ass Coats. This is almost a continuation of the leather pant situation. I’m really into the concept of a well structured, oversized coat.
See: Proenza Schouler and Rag and Bone.
Lastly, but obviously not last, 3 outstanding looks from Banana Republic’s Fall presentation. Really, these are fab. And I’m not just saying that SINCE I’LL BE WORKING AT THEIR HEADQUARTERS SOON. Boom.
In other words: summer. Basically. That awkward season where you’re not buying fall or spring wardrobes, but retailers still want you to shop. And mayybbeee you’re thinking about making some fall-esque purchases.
Or maybe it’s just to tie us over until the Fall shows in February.
Regardless. I give you this. The best of Pre-Fall 2012 from this week.
Well, we could pretty much just stop at the below image, because I’m not sure what in life is better than this Dsquared look. Green Velvet blazer. LADY BOW TIE. Chic pants topped with pointy toe pumps. This is everything.
OR WAIT. This gothic-meets-Upper East side cape. The lines. Jason Wu. Be still my heart. There aren’t really words.
Rag and Bone. I love the colors shown in this collection. The varsity jacket reappears. I want to wear that multicolored skirt everyday in August. And you can bet I will start saving for those red boots…..now.
Thakoon. I really love the muted color palette and how it creates a sweet and romantic aesthetic. Great shapes and textures. Furry pockets are always a plus.
Proenza Schouler. Loving the 2 piece crop top look.Class PS silhouettes.
Givenchy. Major boots. Re-visitation of the Rottweiler.
Prabal Gurung. GENIUS.
Dsquared. It’s like they captured my soul. This dress is DIVINE. And I want to wear that outfit everyday I’m NOT wearing that dress.
More things like…Collars. The good news is that collars are here to stay, at least throughout the summer. This reaffirms my ceaseless need to wear a collar every day from now AT LEAST until my birthday in late August.
(Clockwise from top left: Jason Wu, Milly, Band of Outsiders, Erin Fetherston)
Cool Outerwear. (from L to R: Carven, Rochas, Rochas, dSquared) I love how each of these coats have an outdoorsy feel, but how they were all styled femininely with pointed toe pumped and skirts. New vibes.
Earlier this week, a certain well dressed gentleman I know requested a post for the male audience.
I’ve previously expressed my obsession with menswear. I would never trade in my skirts, but guys really do have it lucky. There’s such a simplistic element of men’s style and there’s really nothing better than a guy who isn’t afraid to dress himself well.
So, I’ve assembled a basic field guide for essentials all men should have in their wardrobe. We’re starting with the basics. Some of you may be far more advanced, so, this may bore you. But I know I speak for many females when I say we’re smitten when a man has good style.
1. Notre Dame Jacket. Varsity jackets are currently right on trend, and if worn well, I think they’re a great statement (NOT worn while playing beer pong or going to an alumni football game….)
2. Pocket Sweater. Small details like interesting pockets instantly escalate menswear from everyday to eye-catching.
8. Taylor Stitch shirt. Additionally, every guy should own one REALLY good gingham shirt.
9. iPhone case. Now - if you’re a guy reading this PLEASE explain to me WHY no guy ever uses an iPhone case. I KNOW you drop your phones. I’ve had so many male friends shatter iPhones. I know you all enjoy spending money on Apple products - but really, why not invest in a case? Anyone?
Additionally, I would like to take this time to emphasize to you all the importance of owning a good bow tie. They’re absolutely timeless and are the single accessory that instantly elevates boys to gentlemen. They also make me weak in the knees. So. Perhaps I’m biased. But this is the SICKEST bow tie I’ve seen yet.
Also, this isn’t just about “looking hot”. I’m not posting a picture of Ryan Gosling for a reason. It’s important that guys have their own personal style - even if it’s as simple as a t shirt and jeans. Wear what makes you feel good and confident, and I promise the ladies will take notice. I’m a lady, so…I know. I’ve noticed.
In conclusion, I would like to offer a few sartorially prominent men with timeless style, just in case you’re looking for a little inspiration.
