Giles Fall 2009: The Muppets Do London

Look carefully at the above logo, emblazoned on the chest of this unhappy model. No, it's not Chanel; nor is it an ersatz Chinatown copy. My mouth literally dropped open when I saw this on the Giles runway show--apparently, it's a tongue-in-cheek version of the ubiquitous logo with interlocking "Gs" instead of "Cs." Tacky and tasteless, this look was followed by a series of laughable ones:

1.Probably the most painful dress ever. Guys, don't go near this one:

2. Look, ma! It's Finding Nemo!

3. If Oscar the Grouch were a dress...

4. Even the banana guy looks brighter than this mummified version:

5. This may actually be eligible for the top ugliest gowns of all time. It looks like something Mrs. Snuffleupagus could wear to the opera:

What I Wore: From the Boys

Striped Blouse: Banana Republic Monogram
Vest: H&M
Jeans: Levi's
Pumps: Chanel

This isn't my favorite look, but it is a departure for me in two small ways: 1) I rarely wear stripes, but I liked the billowy sleeves on this one; 2) I rarely wear vests, but the other post makes it appear otherwise (I have only three vests, one of which I never wear). This H&M one is a recent acquisition--at under $25, I couldn't resist.

A close up of my favorite Chanel pumps:

Hands Off!

THE ORIGINAL: Comme des Garcons Fall 2007


THE COPYCATS:

1. CATHERINE MALANDRINO: Note the double hands around the waist:


...And one creepy arm on the top:

2. RICHARD NICOLL: It's hard to tell from this small photo, but hands make up the design on this shirt:

...And feature as trompe d'oeil details on this jacket:

Anybody else think this is blatant copying?

What I Wore: Uptown, Deconstructed

Military Jacket: Zara
Dress: Yigal Azrouel
Nude Leggings: Unknown
Knee Boots: Tod's

If you look closely at the dress, you'll notice that there are hundreds of little gold threads hanging from it. (You can't imagine how many times I heard someone say, "You have a thread hanging..." and then stop herself.) I like the contrast of the deconstructed element on a ladylike shape.

Here's a shot of the dress without the jacket:

And my trusty boots, which I've had for over six years. You can't see it from the picture, but there are zippers on both sides of the boot:

Tory Burch Fall 2009: Ladylike Goth

To me, Tory Burch has become synonymous with a classic, preppy sensibility that is heavily reminiscent of my high school days (think J.Crew, kilts, logos, and WASPs to get an idea of what it was like). This season, however, Burch reinvented herself somewhat--I say "somewhat" because while she introduced some gothic-girl elements (leather leggings, masculine motorcycle boots, and a darker palette), she stayed true to her winning formula of girly-girl ensembles fit for a Madison Avenue queen like Blair Waldorf.

1. The jacket is borderline goth, but the boxy shape and matching clutch inject a touch of civilized style:



2. A casual prepster look is amped up by a chunky necklace, a nubby vest, and rocker boots:

3. I love the wintry princess quality of this look. The metallic finishes and fur transform this into a fantasy outfit perfect for a Narnia without Aslan:

4. I love the severity of the fur vest. If you're going to buy anything this winter, buy a long fur vest! It will transform every outfit (pair with leather leggings for an edgier version):

5. This is perhaps the most typical Tory Burch look (cardigan, blouse, skirt), but the texture and print here are what make them different:

What I Wore: Problem Solved

Turtleneck: Sisley
Skirt: Proenza Schouler (I wrote about this troublesome skirt earlier, and my tailor brilliantly inserted a hidden zipper but left the buttons as decoration. I can't tell you how easy this skirt suddenly became to wear!)
Unseen Leggings: Old Navy
Eel Knee Boots: Devi Kroell (these are fast becoming my favorite winter boots; the 2" heel makes these very comfortable)

Here's a close up of the boots and the sequin detailing on the skirt:


Thanks to all who are commenting. I really appreciate all of your kind words!

What I Wore: Purple Crush

Jacket: Vivienne Westwood knit
Dress: Burberry Prorsum ruched silk from spring 08

Belt and Platforms: YSL (I'm giving new meaning to the tabloid tagline "I really love my...")

Tights: Spanx

The following picture captures the purple hue better, but I admit that the headless photo is kinda creepy--very Sleepy Hollow:

Here's a view of the dress on the runway, without the jacket on top:

What I Wore Today

I thought I'd post some pictures of myself (no face, of course! I'm still too shy for complete public exposure). I welcome comments! (This is an experiment. I want to see if I can lure some of you lurkers out there to comment.)

Vest: YSL peplum from winter
White Blouse: Banana Republic
Jeans: Silence + Noise
Belt: YSL Cage
Platforms: YSL Tribute

(I know--I went a little crazy with YSL today. I love everything Stefano Pilati does.)

A close up of the cage belt--isn't it adorable?!

These Tribute platforms are amazingly comfortable. The total heel height is 4", but with the platforms, the shoes are only 2 1/2" high. I wore them all day long!

The Devil Is In The Details

Marc by Marc Jacobs Lace-up Boots, $550 at Saks

Although I am naturally critical of anything Marc Jacobs, I actually liked these gladiator wedges: the caramel tone, the low wedge heel, the gladiator/bootie mix all appealed to me. And then those atrocious, cheap, sneaker-like laces ruined it for me. (I contemplated replacing them with my own laces, but my laziness combined with my less-than-urgent need to have them out-reasoned that idea.) The same thing happened when, at Club Monaco, I spotted a geometric, arty, chunky circle necklace, which had unfortunately been held up by a rather thick, dirty piece of white sailor rope. (The thought of repeatedly wearing that necklace in the height of summer made me shudder.) When it comes to accessories, details matter. Leather laces and a thick gold chain would have decidedly elevated these pieces--it's too bad somebody wasn't paying attention.

New Designer Alert: Bibhu Mohapatra

Any former design director of J. Mendel is sure to produce an elegant, tasteful, and succulent collection, and Bibhu Mohapatra delivered. (The above Persian lamb coatdress is lust-worthy, as are those killer boots!) More of my favorite looks:

1. A la Burberry, this belted look combines a slightly sporty sensibility with complex texture and color:

2. I love the idea of a long furry vest over something equally decadent: a saffron and navy silk dress:

3. Somehow, Mohapatra transforms a typically-dull shade into something conspicuously elegant:

The New Clothing Accessory: Leather Leggings

Above: Alexander Wang: worn with a simple black, menswear-inspired shift/vest-skirt

Perhaps it's a natural result of the depressing economy lately, but this new grittiness that's reflective of the fashion zeitgeist is hard to ignore. New York designers have turned out a plethora of gothic, edgy, and messy looks that feature a whole lot of leather, zippers, and black. The black legging has been replaced by the leather legging--a fiercer, sleeker version that can be worn with nearly everything. Take a gander at some of its incarnations:

1. Elise Overland: A metallic version complements the adorned liquid top:

2. Jeremy Laing: Simple leather leggings play up the oversized/fitted dichotomy well:

3. Ohne Titel: The knee slits are simultaneously demure and racy, and they offer some interest to a sleek blazer:

4. Preen: Paired with a chic winter coat, these leggings look perfectly polished:

Bondage

Thakoon Crepe Shibari Shift Dress, $1,495 at Net-a-porter

Fendi Suede Basket Front Shoe Boots, $760 at Net-a-porter

Spring's dominant new shoe style is the bondage/caged sandal-bootie, and Fendi's 5 inch-with-a-2-inch-platform option is one I'm seriously considering (I'll have to try it on and see if it's wearable for everyday). Thakoon's dress version came alive on Anne Hathaway in the January issue of Vogue, but I'm not sure it's that wearable--it strikes me as a little too S&M. What do you think?

Prehistoric

Christopher Kane Scalloped Silk Dress, $5,165 (sold out on Net-a-porter)

Be still my beating heart. When I initially saw this stunner on the runway, I swore that it would be mine; then I saw the astronomical price on Net-a-porter and I swore. (Apparently, though, this is not a recession for everybody. I'm so jealous.) Kane's collection explored the prehistoric (yes, as in dinosaurs) through scalloped shapes, three-dimensional silhouettes, and Bam-Bam-styled animal prints in his avant garde show. The soft, muted peachy pink and cream tones turn fierce in this complex shape, and it's something I'd want to wear day and night--it's that fabulous. It's just tragic that I have to choose dinner over dinosaurs.

Bustling With Excitement: The New Skirt Shape

Oscar de la Renta Silk Shibori Skirt, $1290 at Net-a-porter

Elizabeth and James Draped Skirt, $265 at Saks

Perhaps it's the romantic spirit in the air, but I love the idea of experimenting with new skirt shapes. (So much ink has been spilt over the new pant shape that I thought it was high time to address its sister shape, the skirt.) Oscar de la Renta's ornate version playfully adds a side bustle for a dramatic everyday statement, and Elizabeth and James' draped skirt adds some modern romance to one's look. Just be sure to pair the flirty bottom with a quieter top for balance.

A Fashionable Amalgamation

I've been dreaming about this Miu Miu dress ever since I first saw it on the runway. The beige pleats are ladylike, but the distressed fabric is edgy: the perfect marriage of uptown and downtown chic.

Jason Wu, I Do

Even though Jason Wu's name catapulted to record fame after Michelle Obama wore his delectable cream confection on Inauguration Day, I had already been following this fellow Asian's career for some time now. A good friend of mine, who is an avid doll collector, showed me his beautiful miniature creations (yes, most people are unaware that he began with dolls), and I adored everything he put out on the runway. His spring collection is sure to sell out on Net-a-porter (a tangential grumble: they keep selling out within hours of featuring something, and I find it annoying). These are my favorites:

1. This sophisticated and sweet blush and white dress is something I'd wear all spring and summer long:



2. Even though this coat/frock reminds me of Hitchcock's The Birds, I still find it appealing:



3. I'm in love with anything yellow for spring, and this frothy gown would be perfect at a wedding on a grassy lawn:

Skeletons In Your Closet?

This particular Proenza Schouler skirt from their fall 2008 line has been sitting in my closet for some time now. It has never been worn. Perhaps you too have been afflicted by this unfortunate situation and stare, baffled, at certain items that seemed perfect when you bought them and then became sartorial mysteries when you tried to wear them.

Why is this particular skirt plaguing me? you may wonder. Well, its sole fastening consists of large buttons that must be undone for nature's call and one irksome (and, oddly enough, penultimate) magnetic clasp that refuses to stay clasped. The skirt is made of an extremely thick, mysterious fabric (since I bought it at a sample sale, it has no tags, but the saleslady believed it to be indeed fabric and not leather) that bunches when I sit. My fear of lost buttons (they are dangerously loose) and exposed skin prevents me from ever wearing it.

A thought occurred to me today on the bus: I should take it to my tailor and ask for a zipper to be added on the inside. Then it reminded me of the two skirts I have whose dowdy length requires a merciless chopping, a pair of jeans that needs a new zipper, and a dress that needs taking in. Instead of buying something new, I should repair items that I already have. And voila! I've got "new" items.

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In this economy, consider what items you can salvage, and once and for all, do something about that neglected piece in your closet. Add new buttons to a vintage dress, hem something long, take something in (or out). You'll be amazed at how large your closet will be when you can actually wear everything in it.

Green With...Love?

Alexander McQueen Crocodile Heart-Shaped Peep-toe Pumps, $1,254.66 at Browns Fashion

Ahh, Valentine's Day. Chances are that you've already been bombarded with emails and mailings about the "perfect gift" to get your beloved. (Eluxury is even providing a sale on select Valentine's gifts. Talk about being desperate.) While I normally disregard most heart-shaped trifles, I can't help but love these McQueen pumps, whose cutesy heart-shaped cut-outs are tempered by the sexy green crocodile skin and amped up by the vertiginous heel height. It's enough to make a girl fall head over heels.

Alexander McQueen Hologram Belt

Alexander McQueen Hologram Waist Belt, $420 at Net-a-porter

Perhaps it's the influence of my sci-fi-lovin' brothers, but this belt strangely appeals to me despite its plastic-y sheen. Then again, I wore a dress last week that prompted a friend to call me "Uhura" and another to ask which superpower I had. (It was a strong, fitted silver and black shift with boxy, faux-fur-lined shoulders and collar.) This belt looks like a piece of hanging plastic in Scotty's control room after the Enterprise has been nearly destroyed by Klingons--and there is something irresistible about Scotty's control room. This particular belt most likely won't make it into the vault, but a girl can look on with bemusement, can't she?

P.S. I forgot to mention that I absolutely loved the "Hologram Room" in the newer series. The idea of creating an entirely illusionary world appeals to the literature lover in me.

Current/Elliott or DIY; Boyfriend Blazers

Current.Elliott Skinny Slouchy Jean, $23o; Stella McCartney Boy-Fit Blazer, $1,735; both at Net-a-porter

These particular jeans have caught my attention, not so much because distressed is back in (a result of the woeful economic times, perhaps?), but because my attraction to them signals a huge shift in my fashion aesthetic. I attribute it to my newly-cropped haircut (which seems to clash with my normal girly look) and the influence of some edgy fellow bloggers. What's great about this look is that if you're not keen on dishing out a couple hundred bucks on a pair of jeans, then it's quite easy to mimic the look with some creative daring and a pair of scissors. Perhaps it's time to resurrect that broken pair of Rock & Republic jeans I have lying around...

The Stella McCartney blazer that Net-a-porter paired the jeans with is also genius. A long, masculine blazer with a pair of skinny jeans is enormously slimming and chic; add a decorative belt or a statement necklace to individualize the look. If that particular blazer is out of your price range, check out Club Monaco's version for a fraction of the price.