Here’s a collection of items from previous posts that tickled my fancy for this cold weather season and beyond! I’m chipping away at this list. Almost halfway there!
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wardrobe
It’s barely Fall and all the Spring 2010 shows were a month ago. The over-saturated coverage has come and gone and now the Christmas advertising has started. I avoided the Spring shows like the plague and made a few short mentions of random things that managed to catch my eye. Now, I have finally looked at it all and I am left with a sense that not much is new.
Here are my top 30 realistic picks for Spring 2010 from the RTW collections. All look completely comfortable and wearable. I will tell you that I looked at every single collection on Style.com and I found that most of the Spring offerings fell into a few categories.
- Short, tiny cocktail dresses. So many little dresses for teeny tiny women!
- Dresses really were the prominent item and the knee length shifts started to get a bit boring.
- Ridiculous brights and outrageous prints all mixed up, that take a special woman to pull off. I’m not one of them. Polka dots, stripes, a bit of plaid, florals of course, and abstract prints also stood out.
- The same minimalist architectural pieces and beautiful draping we’ve been seeing for a while now, which I’m totally fine with. So many designers are going the way of Lanvin these days.
- Boxy looks that made the models look broad and stumpy- cropped jackets with cropped pants and ankle boots? No. Big shapeless dresses sans belts were everywhere as well. Strong shoulders are still in. Wide wide wide.
- The usual classic looks such as ultra ladylike, mild safari, the same punky/goth stuff we’ve been seeing from the usual suspects, and denim but not much. (Ralph Lauren used enough denim for everyone.)
- A whole lot of low cut, a lot of leg, and a TON of sheer and lace. Way more nipple than I needed to see.
- White, black and white and black… a lot of red, blues and orange.
- One shoulder looks, drapey jumpsuits, cropped pants of all widths, shine everywhere, drop crotch pants (no thanks), tailored shorts, leggings (still), flowing pants, and light silky charmeuse layers (loving this).
- Short skirts with long panels were all over the place. Not feeling it.
- Big necklaces, big bags, big purses, big shoes, strappy heels, and damned ugly hats.
Spring is all about freshness and while not much that I saw was really innovative, I’m feeling a slight shift of focus in the trends towards more soft elegant pieces and away from the dark harshness that’s been flooding the fashion blogs lately. I’m thankful. So, even though Spring is so far away, by actually taking the time to look at all the collections quietly and slowly over a few days, it has kind of refreshed my heart. Fashion has grown to be a bit boring for me lately and I know I’m not the only one who’s been crying out for more pretty. I’ll be thinking about these beautiful pieces from now on when putting together outfits and making future purchases. I’m ready to make some subtle changes to my wardrobe and work new things in slowly. So, this is my well-edited list of things I could see myself throwing on and feeling instantly at ease right off the bat. No tugging, no hyper awareness of my body… just good old relaxed style… and I found A LOT of stuff…
all pics via style.com
No doubt, the Ports 1961 collection was lovely and wearable but not much really stood out to me. The fabrics were gorgeous and everything was nice. Yes. Nice. It was all very nice. I really didn’t want to show anything from this collection because it was all so innocuous but it can’t be left out because of the simple elegance and versatility of all the pieces. (I supose Rachel Roy would go into the same category of nice.)
This simple outfit from Celine is so clean and fresh. Loose fitting white top. Short black skirt, leather or not. Easy.
Keeping with the crisp black and white theme is this Derek Lam dress and a Nicole Farhi graphic top and wide pants.
Kenzo makes my signature perfume Amour and I think the line’s genius is highly underrated. I adore this breezy white offering. This is an ensemble. I don’t know if I would always pair the separates together (unless it’s a jumpsuit, which would be rad). Not sure what kind of butt coverage you’re really getting here but some shorts could fix that. I think a lot of us are nervous about wearing something so obvious but really, what’s the big deal? It’s perfectly elegant. Seriously love this and the shoes compliment it perfectly.
Jason Wu has been stealing my heart lately. This could not be better for a date night. I had a difficult time picking just one dress from his collection because they are all so very wearable. Check the rest here.
Plaids aren’t usually my thing but I love the shape of this Pollini dress, the gentle mixing of plaids, asymmetrical hem, and draping give it a modern appeal. Seeing it with those killer shoes has given me a fresh perspective on this pattern.
Can I get an amen for this palest mint Douglas Hannant maxi dress?! I’m so short, every long dress I’ve bought needed to be hemmed, which had begun to deter me from buying them. Then I see one so elegant and it makes me forget about what a pain it is to sew sometimes.
L.A.M.B. was a bit too rocker glam for me this time around but, what do you expect? This outfit though… I could wear this every single day and be outrageously comfortable and confident, after switching out the belt with my own wider studded one.
There were a lot of full hipped pants and unless you’re rail thin, I can’t think of any woman who wants to add width to her hips. What about just one hip so everyone knows what’s really going on? These asymmetric pants by Nicole Miller swayed me. Paired with the corset-esque top keeps it slim. I really want to hunt down these pants and try them on.
This abstract print by Giorgio Armani is right up my alley. Blue and red together usually seems childish to me but not this time. This whole look would be so easy to affordably replicate. Perfect for a hot day, comfortable, effortless, and just the right splash of red.
If I were to pick one wild print from any of the collections, it would be this simple dress from Josh Goot. It is a piece of art. Minimal accessories needed. It would be a blast to wear.
The only super formal dress that knocked my socks off was this ultra flattering Martin Grant evening gown. Showing leg is so much more alluring than blatant cleavage.
This has become my new favorite color. A more muted acid puke green that goes so well with earth tones, white, black and all shades of grey. Love the delicate detailing by J. Mendel.
Like the intricate detailing above, you can’t help but admire the ingenious construction of this Bibhu Mohapatra dress.
I can’t do a post without including my all-time fave Lanvin. Don’t even need to say how difficult it was to pick just one. Good grief it’s lovely!
Fashion Fringe is new to me. I was floored by their dresses and had to include three. Just imagine the feel of that fabric against your skin!
These two dark outfits are more in line with what’s been in style lately. The light bleach wash effect on skinny jeans has been everywhere but Elise Øverland’s take with the delicate top and gold platforms takes it to a new level of feminity. Jeremy Laing’s modern outfit is also a lot less harsh. Love those delicate pieced leggings!
There weren’t many earthtones at the shows. I used to wear a lot of browns and I’m looking forward to revisiting the color soon. The blazer and shorts look is prominent for Spring. Pringle of Scotland put together a lovely outfit. The very ladylike Gary Graham draped skirt ensemble is so office appropriate.
Tibi was really pretty and a lot of fun. The pattern on this dress reminds me of a painting done by the stippling technique at a Richmond restaurant called Avalon.
A lot of designers were sectioning off the body into three distinct regions, something I’ve been a fan of for a long time. When patterns and color blocking were used, the oufits shortened the models. The monotone Issey Miyake is lengthening and slimming and looks really cozy. The Naeem Khan embellished tunic with wider bouclé (or are they beaded?) pants also looks soft and comfortable. I would love to pull off something like these for winter.
More monochromatic offerings in my favorite color! While I wouldn’t wear the bra top, I love the softness and ease of thin layers making up this Akris outfit. The silver Michael Kors skirt is subdued enough for day wear and the extra details on the shoulder turn a basic v-neck into something really special. The Donna Karan day dress could not be more perfect.
Last but not least are the ankle ties and bright blue slim trousers by Prabal Gurung. I think this is adorable but still clean and simple… very very wearable but whimsical. That blue is one of my favorite colors.
I hope this leaves you inspired. Phew! I’m DONE!
Previous Spring 2010 RTW posts - Doo.Ri, Givenchy’s shoes, and Dennis Basso.
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I went shopping yesterday, and at Urban Outfitters especially, I kept seeing things that I had over 5, 10, 15 years ago and I was having major remorse over letting some things from my past go.
I part with things really easily but, I’m kinda sick of my current wardrobe right now and would love to have a few things back to reinterpret.
- tulip shaped black skirt
- black velvet leggings
- black vinyl pants
- leopard skinnies
- vintage embroidered cardigan
- mom’s vintage jungle animal tee
- so many pairs of stripper platforms (goth days)
- vintage combat boots bought unworn from an army surplus store
- so many belts
- high waisted pencil skirts
- vintage “infinite dress”
- over the knee boots
- fox stole (with the head and feet and tail, from my grandma)
- tiger coat
- those vintage red mary janes from my Courtney Love phase
- ankle boots galore
- open knit black tunic sweater
- so many long skirts that could be hemmed
- a few pairs of Victorian style heels
- about 30 perfectly worn in flannel shirts
- corsets
- motorcycle jacket (hand painted Skinny Puppy logo and all)
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You know registries – when a friend is about to get married or have a baby and have chosen all the things they want from a generous group of family and friends. Most people will let you know that they are registered at one or two places, and Target is usually an old standby. So, everything they want/need is supposed to come from 2 stores? This is incredibly restrictive and boring but easier than sending everyone on a wild goose chase for random items at random places with no way of knowing if it was already purchased or not.
Well, Wishpot is a place where you can create a wish list or gift registry for any occasion (or just for fun), from every store on the internet, all consolidated onto one site! It’s really easy and fun to use. You add a simple button to your bookmark bar and as you peruse the internet, you easily click the button and it automatically adds the item to any of your wish lists, without having to divert back to the site, much like Polyvore works for creating outfits.
I was recently asked to be a fashion “expert” for Wishpot. Me? Yeah! So, I created a profile (anyone can) and have already compiled two lists of must-have items. Many of these things have already been mentioned here but, it’s nice to have it all grouped together for easier shopping. You also receive price alerts when your coveted items go on sale!
Keep an eye out for a guest blog post I wrote for them, introducing myself and such. It should be up soon!
So, check it out!
PS – You can also follow them on twitter for giveaways and other offers.
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This past Saturday night warranted heels! My bff all the way back from middle school was in town for our mutual friend’s 30th b-day. Everyone was a bit too excited to be dressed for drinks. (2 moms, a 30th b-day, and times have been tight.) It was raining and I was half broke so I didn’t plan on staying out for more than 2 drinks (plus a drink before I left and a drink at the house we met up at). Drinky drinky drinky! Saturday night means packed bars in Richmond, crap parking and a bit of walking. We got pretty lucky but I still wanted to be comfortable.
Anyhow, I pretty much wore this. There you go. An outfit post of sorts. Basically what I wear every day but I threw on a blazer and heels.
J Brand dark skinnies. I live in my two pairs. The newer darker pair made an appearance.
2 tanks layered – grey and black – bought from the Target clearance rack for $2 each. Yeah! Seriously, these are the best tanks I’ve ever owned. Some were racerback and some regular. All are pretty low cut and longer in length and fit perfectly. Not too tight but not maternity style either. I went to 3 different Targets and scooped them all up. I think I bought 6 or 7 in grey black and white. They have a new style out now which is the same thing only they did that little Alexander Wang style tiny pocket on the front.
black blazer with sleeves rolled up – Last Fall I had a terrible time finding blazers. I just wanted simple black, 1 or 2 buttons, lined and well-made but not outrageously expensive. I hit a few department stores and was disappointed with everything I saw. They all had some stupid embellishment. I wanted sharp and fitted. As usual, the place that always has come through for me with simple basics at a good price was NY and Co. If you need some decent black pants, a pencil skirt or a blazer, they’ve got it. I got two $70 blazers from the clearance racks at $10 a piece! Hell yes!
My new trusty grey bag (not the one pictured)
I didn’t know the heels I bought were Sergio Rossi rip-offs. They’re grey snake (not pictured) and I like the cone heel way better. I saw this pair in TJ Maxx on 4 different trips and tried them on each time. No one was biting so I saw it as a sign and finally caved and bought them.
The usual jewelry I wear every day – silver hoops ($3 a pair that I throw away when they get funky), hammered silver band, Nixon watch (yay bf!)
A good time was had by all. It was nice to see my girls and get out of the house and feel like a grown-up.
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Hi all! This is the 1 year anniversary of my humble little blog and I couldn’t be more happy with all the wonderful things I have discovered and all the exceptional people I have met through this medium. I have communicated with the nicest artists and designers, fashionable and friendly ladies and gents, hilarious and creative individuals, and I’m meeting more and more people in my own home town of Richmond, VA. I can’t wait to see what the next year has to offer!
What do I have to offer you, the reader? Well other than simply sharing with you the things I love, I have been slightly agonizing over the fact that I am not more personal with you. There’s a fine line and I have been firmly planted far away from that line for many reasons. First off, I would love love love to do “what I wore” posts but I will be honest with you. As much as I love fashion and think I have rather specific (and pretty damn rad) taste, I only wear a tiny fraction of my wardrobe on a regular basis. My lifestyle/work doesn’t allow me to get all gussied up very often, which also means I haven’t done much shopping lately either. I’m pretty much a t-shirt and jeans kind of gal most of the time, so I don’t think you’d be interested in seeing boring pictures of me in dark skinnies and deep-V boyfriend tees every day. Secondly, I enjoy being a curator and sharing with you things that fit into my ideal esthetic, which for me, is a deeply personal thing. Lastly, some things are just none of your darn business. My love life, my friendships, my downtime, my family… I sometimes allow myself to let some tiny details slip out. I certainly do enjoy being a voyeur and reading the blogs of other people who really let it all out but; I don’t think I will ever be one of those bloggers. I’m too private of a person. Although, if you have a question, I most likely will answer it.
I will do this though… in the spirit of not being some anonymous entity on the interwebs. I will interview myself. :)
Lara: First off, how old are you? You don’t look a day over 21! I’m sure you get carded ALL the time!
Lara: Oh, you! Thanks so much! I turned 30 this year.
L: What do you like to do for fun?
L: Lately, I’ve been trying not to let life get the best of me so, relaxing has been foremost on the list. I used to go out to bars and see bands a lot but lately, I would rather have a nice one-on-one conversation than be surrounded by a sea of people and not be able to hear myself think. Throwing away $50 on a bar tab on a regular basis seems a bit foolish now but I do love to cook and go out to eat.
L: Let’s talk about food!
L: Yes. Let’s. I consider myself a foodie but there are enough food blogs out there so I will keep it out of mine. Years ago, for a few months, I was lucky enough to work in the kitchen of a traditional upscale chophouse as a fill-in for just about everything that needed to be done. I had zero kitchen experience but quickly had to learn just about everything on the menu. It was an amazing experience and I would love to work in a kitchen again. The fast-paced high pressure setting suited me perfectly and instilled in me an appreciation for the process of creating good food. So, much like the way I appreciate the process an artist went through to create a piece, I am fascinated by cooking techniques. I could eat rare steak fromage with walnuts every single day.
L: You post a lot of beautiful and expensive things. Can you even afford any of it?
L: Are you kidding me? Of course not! This blog is more like an inspiration board when it comes to showcasing items. Many of the things I post in “Decor” can be recreated with a bit of creativity and effort. Making your home (or room) a reflection of your heart takes time when you’re on a budget. I have a mile-long list running in my head of things I need to attempt to build, make, find, refinish, paint, re-imagine, etc. Likewise, the pricey fashion trends I gravitate towards can also be recreated but, the older I get, the more importance I place on quality classic pieces with some personality that are worth saving up for, with a few cheap things thrown in for fun. It’s all about being realistic, having priorities, and making the most of what you have. I will always appreciate pretty things though.
L: What did you dress like when you were a teen?
L: When I was a pre-teen I tried to replicate things I saw in magazines. I wore black pretty much every day. Kristen McMenamy was my idol. I was a teen in the 90s so, I fell into the grunge movement (slept in my Docs the first night I got them), then moved on to industrial goth for a while (it really was too much trouble). Most of my friends were into punk. That has always been a major influence on my style and I still lean towards it. Around the age of 22, I began to appreciate the value of a good pair of jeans and some killer heels. When I was younger, I wasted a lot of money buying cheap trendy pieces that fell apart after a few wears but, it was what I could afford. That bad habit is over.
L: Before you moved into your new place, you purged your wardrobe and gave away over 50 pairs of shoes. How are you feeling about that now?
L: It was like a weight had lifted. I barely wear the shoes I kept (over 50 pairs still) but they are all comfortable and well made. It’s a carefully edited collection and I’m prepared for anything. I’m also more careful about all new purchases. It has to stand the test of time.
L: What are your favorite pairs of shoes that you own?
L: Here are some pics of my favorites-
I bought these last year on clearance and only got to wear them twice. So comfy.
I got these two years ago when the peep toe ankle boot craze started and have worn these more than any pair of heels I own. My absolute favorites.
These earned my girlfriends and I a free round of drinks from some anonymous gent who wanted to thank me for wearing red heels.
My favorite summer wedges.
These have a tortoise shell finish. I have a black pair as well. They go with everything.
Have these in black as well. Believe it or not, they are more comfortable than regular heels.
I have been waiting to pair these with a fuschia dress I’ve had laying around.
L: Favorite pieces of clothing?
A few years ago, I bought this skirt on clearance from Urban Outfitters. It is a knee length super fine corduroy wrap skirt that has printed on it a German children’s storybook scene. I have only worn it twice and it really isn’t my ideal style but I can’t help but love it!
An asymmetrical, one shoulder, open side top from Need that has birds across the neckline – I guess you really have to see it on. 
Grey double breasted cropped jacked with belled cuffs that really tidies up the most mundane outfit, also from Need. I like interesting details.
I love blazers but I also love short sleeved jackets. The detail on this cap sleeve is pretty sweet.
This was an F21 purchase that was later ripped off by Banana Republic for 5 times as much.
my favorite strapless dress
L: So, what do you do all day that doesn’t allow for fun outfits?
L: Well, I suppose I could get dressed in something more than a tee and jeans but when you’re the primary caregiver for someone with Multiple Sclerosis (my mom), and you’re helping run a construction company (my father’s)… it seems a bit pointless. I do all this plus run errands and take care of my parents’ home which is stuffed to the gills with antiques and something always needs to be done. I can’t really get things organized and clean in something I’m afraid I’ll ruin. I also have my own home to take care of when I get out of work. I finally finished college this summer but when I was in school I didn’t understand the girls on campus wearing 4″ heels. Walking like you’re in agony at the end of the day is not sexy so, I guess comfort and practicality ends up winning out. If I had an office job, it would be a completely different story.
L: What does your RSS reader look like?
L: I subscribe to almost 200 blogs. Ridiculous right? They include blogs focussing on art, fashion, shoes, food, decor, design, packaging, architecture, tech, DIY, photography, cute fuzzy animals, comics, funny people, satire, personal style, personal journals, science, psychology, politics, various industries, friends, local characters, the local food and art scene… it’s difficult to keep up with it all sometimes and I’m constantly unsubscribing and adding to the list.
L: If you could travel anywhere right now, where to?
L: I’ve been dying to go to Puerto Rico, would love to take a train up to Morimoto in Philly just for a swanky evening and I really want to experience S. Korea and Germany with my boyfriend, since he’s lived in both countries. I would love to experience the dry heat and vast emptiness of the desert al la Tarsem Singh.
L: Hobbies/talents?
L: I love to sew and I do architectural drawings fairly well (here and here) but I haven’t in a while. I used to make and sell dresses at Need over 10 years ago when they were Blues. I did a lot of needlepoint when I was a kid. I have made jewelry and sold it on etsy. I tried my hand at silkscreening last year and I can knit a scarf and refinish furniture. When something needs to get done, I will find a way and I like to teach myself new things but get bored pretty easily once I have it mastered. I still have a room at my parents’ house with my sewing machines and crafty supplies. It would be nice to have it all at my home but we just don’t have the space. I would love to learn metalsmithing and auto mechanics. I’m currently working on some major projects to get something on my bare walls. Pics will be coming soon.
L: Pet peeves?
L: Rachael Ray, bad drivers, the unending generosity my cats bestow upon me in sharing their fur, liars and assumption makers, insomnia, selfishness, clutter, local gossip, dust, people with no class, slow growing hair, the revival of bad 80s fashion, low standards, Starbucks, chipped nails, arguments over politics and religion, knowing I’ve loaned something to someone but forgetting what and to whom.
L: Things that make you smile?
L: Pistachio gelato, lipgloss, Japanese maples, rodents, San-X notepads, no flash photographs, Schleich animal figurines, snail mail, gummy bears, good old fashioned coffee brewed at home, inside jokes, a fresh dye job and pedicure, houseplants, brunch, Kenzo Amour for me and Bulgari Aqua for him, homegrown vegetables, receiving flowers, the amount of German translations I get of my posts, that one time we got the basil lemonade right, Carr’s ginger lemon creme cookies, wrapping paper and ribbons, projects, 2am cereal attacks, clothes on my cats, shots of Van Gogh double espresso vodka when I’m out and feeling froggy, long phone calls with old friends, Korean BBQ, the Large Hadron Collider, Halloween, and I don’t even need to mention hugs and kisses.
L: Education/ Ideal job?
L: When I was a kid my family was pushing for MIT for a while. Math makes more sense to me than anything but I would be sooo bored! Then there was talk about art school and Corcoran was considered. I had a hard time settling on which side of the brain I should make the most of. Then, out of state college ended up not being a possibility. I have a degree in psych and got accepted into nursing school but quit. Long story. Now, I would be happy working at a battered women’s shelter, in a genetic research lab (microscopes, test tubes and all), doing statistical analysis, or getting paid to blog! :) I’ve had the unfortunate luxury of being able to take my time to figure things out, but also being held back by taking care of my family.
L: From your last answer and your daily routine, an interest in fashion sure seems odd, right?
L: My mother was a snazzy dresser as well as an amazing sewer and diy goddess. My aunt is a seamstress and has worked at some seriously swank boutiques in Richmond as well as being a private seamstress for many ladies who lunch in this city. She would take me along with her to see her clients on the weekends when I was a wee one. I saw a lot of amazing closets. I was surrounded by fashion magazines growing up and would study them, every detail, every seam, styling choices, photographic angles, etc. I was mildly obsessed with socialites and demanded a subscriptions to luxury magazine when I should’ve been playing with She-Ra dolls. (Well, I still made time for She-Ra.) Lynn Wyatt still is my favorite southern socialite. I also began to sew and I loved to draw and would do photorealistic copies of gorgeous draped gowns I saw in magazines. (All of those drawing were lost to an unfortunate incident.) I love to shop. I love shoes. I love the process of presenting yourself to the world accurately. I love patterns and the work involved in constructing a piece of clothing. It’s all art. Who doesn’t enjoy art?
L: How do your friends and family feel about your blog?
L: I don’t think many of my friends even read it. I have mentioned it a few times in passing but it’s not really their thing. My boyfriend is supportive and wants it to be successful but I try not to spend too much time working on it when we’re together. My mom is utterly fascinated with all this newfangled technology and tries to give me ideas when she sees something cool on TV.
L: Well… this has been fun. Anything else you would like to say about yourself?
L: Be true to yourself and those you love. This is going to be a great 2nd year! Thanks for reading this far! Leave comments! I want to know what you think! :)
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I will be moving in about 2 months and will be sharing closets that I am sure will be much smaller than what I’m used to. I have been blessed (and cursed) with an absurd amount of closet space for most of my life. A few times a year, usually coinciding with a seasonal closet switch, I cleanse and purge my wardrobe. I truly subscribe to the belief that if you haven’t worn something in four seasons, it needs to go – unless it’s timeless formal attire or a pair of pants that the loss of 5 vanity pounds would render wearable once again. So, in this slow process of rediscovering my warm weather wear, I will also be reassessing the necessity of everything I own.
I think a lot of my past clothing/shoe purchases have been compulsive and unrealistic: a top that will only go with one skirt, a skirt that I will rarely ever wear, and the shoes that will only go with this one outfit, and the bag that only goes with those shoes… and it all sits in a closet, waiting for that perfect moment where this perfect outfit will be appropriate. Then when that moment comes, I forget about said outfit and always gravitate towards what I’m most comfortable in anyhow. Then, the outfit is no longer current after a while and I have these outdated pieces taking up closet space. A lot of these purchases were made to try out a new style, to fit in with a trend that I never felt truly comfortable in, to live in a fantasy world where I pretend I am the type of woman who likes frilly things. This has to stop.
Last week, I got rid of over 30 pairs of impractical shoes and donated them to Goodwill. I filled my trunk with shoes alone. This is ridiculous. All that money down the drain. Unfortunately eBay would’ve been an enormous waste of time. Prices for shoes have dropped significantly and shipping costs have risen so, If I sold one pair of used shoes at $5 + $6 shipping + the time involved in taking and uploading pictures and filling out the description + packing the shoes up + taking them to post office and waiting in line (if they even sold) + subtracting the eBay and PayPal fees - it all seemed utterly pointless to me. I still feel good in knowing that they are going to a good cause but I am more frustrated with my own bad habits of compulsive purchases of things that don’t stand the test of time or go with the majority of my current wardrobe or were simply on sale. If I could only have all that money back right now…
So, I now vow to make more careful purchases – classic items that reflect my personality but also don’t ride on the edge of short-lived trends – quality over quantity – rooted in the reality of my real life – and resisting the seduction of a sale when I don’t really need something.
I haven’t even begun to tackle my clothing. My god.
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Buying lingerie is torture for me. I’m not talking about basic bras and panties. That’s no big deal. I know which basics fit at Victoria’s Secret and don’t even need to try anything on. Beautiful statement lingerie is hell. First off, I’m small but busty. I’m not going to get so personal as to reveal my bra size but lets just say I’m lucky I can even get a few bras at VS. It’s really pretty ridiculous. I’m a small down below and a large up top. This does not average out to a medium.
After Oprah did that big deal show where it was revealed that the majority of women wear the wrong sized bra, I took myself to get properly measured. There are a few different ways of measuring for a proper fit and well, I guess I had been shuffling the wrong set of numbers. I had been squeezing myself into 36Cs for years, underwire digging into my sides, and every time I leaned over, something popped out. Well, when the woman whipped her tape measure only under my armpits and told me the cold hard truth, I burst out laughing so loudly – from both disbelief and utter embarrassment. What? Are you kidding me? She handed me some to try on, betting her life she was right. I couldn’t believe it! I was forever doomed and could no longer live in denial in my ill-fitting but beautiful undies.
When you know the truth and finally feel true comfort for the first time since you hit puberty, you never look back at those too small torture devices. I spent a fortune on a whole new wardrobe of comfy well-fitted bras but was saddened to give away my huge collection of (gorgeous) but painful harnesses.
Well, when your size is on the edge of obnoxious, you walk a fine line when it comes to affordable but attractive bras. Things begin to get foggy in the bra design world and you have to dig through wide straps, 4-hook granny bras, and strange paneled contraptions that look like quilts on your tatas. Department store bras are out of the question and you’re stuck with VS and and over-priced specialty boutiques.
God help you if you ever want to wear a one-piece negligee. The top fits and the bottom is huge, or the bottom fits and you’re popping out the top in a very unattractive way. While these articles of clothing aren’t suposed to stay on for very long, you would like to at least make a roaring first impression. Rarely will I ever find a one-piece with the proper cup size that doesn’t have an enormous ass attached. Matching novelty sets are always a problem too as they rarely let you mix and match sizes. (Don’t get me started on swimsuits and adjustable ties, or even dresses for that matter.) Anything pretty, seasonal, cottony, lacey or fun is rarely ever in my size and when I finally do find the rare thing that works, I’m on it with a quickness… a fierceness!
How I would love to wear something reminiscent of La Perla or Kiki de Montparnasse… or even Puimond or Atsuko Kudo… oh… so… very… shiny! growl!
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A lot of people have a staple piece in their wardrobe that they wear regularly. Maybe it’s a sentimental gift or a luxurious treat you bought for yourself. Maybe it’s a pin you found on a sidewalk or a seashell with a hole you found on a beach. No matter where this piece came from, you feel naked without it on… you feel incomplete and unnatural, like something’s missing.
There have been many different things in my life like this where I’ve developed almost unhealthy attachments, and usually the reason for the attachment ending was an unfortunate loss or damage that was pretty hard to get over.
It all started with a gold child’s ring my father bought me at a jewelry store one random night. It had a pink sapphire in it and I wore it so much the stone became a matte flat pebble. This ring was so tiny and how I managed to keep it my entire childhood but lost it in my adulthood, I don’t understand. My mother gave me many rings that she used to wear and I also wore them all into the dirt.
Throughout middle school, I wore a clear “Jelly Fish” Swatch watch on my right wrist, face down. I’m right-handed but it made more sense to be able to flip over my wrist when I was writing and I liked the buckle exposed to the world instead of the face.
I had to get the band replaced so many times and they eventually quit offering it so I moved to the black ”Nuni Nuni” that suddenly disappeared after years of wear. I was beginning to share a symbiotic relationship with this watch and things were getting a little gross. It was probably a good thing to move on.
I then got a completely impractical yellow patent leather Swatch, the “Canard Laquer”. I new it was a bad idea when I was buying it but it was as if some supernatural force had taken over. In 1995, I had a big thing for bright yellow – strange cropped yellow wool jacket and mini paired with spiked combat boots, etc. I wore this watch constantly and it pretty much grew disgusting. The band couldn’t be replaced without a special order I was done with watches after that. I think I got a pager shortly after this (hahahahahahah), and that became my timepiece, much like cell phones today.
(Pics from this Swatch watch archive.)
In high school I also wore the teeniest silver band on my left pinkie. I got it at Exile and I think it was a size 2 or 3. On one terrible day, I lost it. Since I never took it off, it’s beyond me as to what happened but, I can’t remember how it disappeared and the indentation remained in my finger for a week. I have been unable to find the perfect replacement since and still sometimes look at my left hand and am momentarily shocked to see it missing.
I also wore a narrow black leather wrist band that snapped on, with round studs, also purchased at Exile. It was extra small, feminine, and did that great thing leather does, conforming and tightening to my wrist perfectly. One sad day, the snap had loosened up a bit much and again, sayonara.
Exile provided quite a few staples in my life. They sell quality leather studded items as opposed to the cheap synthetic belts and cuffs from Hot Topic that fall apart and tarnish in a month. I have had my studded belt for over half my life now, and it still looks amazing. I wear it at least every other day and it’s a gauge on my weight instead of owning a scale.
Now, other than the belt, I wear a super-cheap pair of silver hoops daily. They’re 3″ in diameter – pretty big, and considering how many pairs of awesome earrings I own, It’s pretty sad how I always go for these. I have been given a few pair of sterling hoops. They were lovely but it hurt all the more when I inevitably lost one. With these cheapos, they can get tarnished, lost, bent and broken and I can toss them and grab the new $3 pair I have waiting in my jewelry box. I also wear a wide hammered silver band on my right index finger. This is the piece I feel most naked without. I have been wearing this ring for over 5 years now. It was on super duper clearance sale and was advertised as being 100% sterling. Not so much. It’s sterling over copper and the copper has subtly begun to show through in spots, which I actually really like.
This Christmas, I came full circle with watches again and was lucky enough to receive a watch that is now becoming a daily staple. Instead of being a routine item, it’s special, sentimental and gives me warm fuzzies. Thankfully, being stainless, I shouldn’t have the same disastrous results of regular wear. It usually is a good idea to stick with tragically cheap or extremely tough items that aren’t precious and delicate. Those types of things just make me nervous. I like to play rough.
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I’m in a serious rut.
There are two worlds in my wardrobe – black and brown. Colors are usually accents and in my mind, there are some strict rules as to what I think should be paired with what. It’s a really bad obsession but I think a girl named Elizabeth in 4th grade completely traumatized me when she criticized my black shoes/brown belt faux pas. I was forever changed. Things have to look put together even if I’m just running out for groceries in jeans and t-shirt. I’ve been focused on black for quite some time now and something’s got to give.
This is an example of my day to day black uniform. There may be a hoodie and a random t-shirt mixed in, dark rinse or grey jeans, my Vans, or a grey peacoat, but all-in-all, this is what I wear daily. I do not run errands in heels.
I just got the striped BCBG sweater (on serious sale) for x-mas but I have been wearing some form of grey stripes for months now and have been heavily restrained by black and grey skinny jeans lately. All this darkness is wearing me out. I love my trusty old studded black bag that just won’t die (the bag shown is just the basic shape) but I think I need to add some other colorful friends into the rotation. I still don’t have a brown bag that is totally satisfying. I bought a bronze bag with gold studs at NEED (much like Urban Outfitters here in Richmond) a while ago but it’s a bit much sometimes. Maybe a new brown themed bag will be the next shopping project because seriously, I have to coordinate.
The Nixon watch is new and won’t be taking a break from the wardrobe unless totally necessary. Neither will the big silver hoops or wide hammered band. (I will manage to squeeze some gold and wood jewelry in on occasion.) I may need to bring out the brown Chucks/Sauconys when I’m in a sneaker mood. I have plenty of coordinating heels and boots. Oh dear… time to start digging into the depths of my closet again… or should I wear more skirts and dresses? I really cannot wait for warm weather!!!!!!!!!
my uniform by mymilkglassheart
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