For those of you who don’t know me, I don’t exactly exude sophistication. I feel little shame for burping, stare at people too long and have zero desire to ever read Emily Post’s finest literature (sorry Mom…). Regardless, I adore the classy, ladylike looks shown for spring and summer. What I love the most about this season’s rehash of the classic style is that something is always a little off. The skirts are shorter, the accessories are edgier or the styling is slightly disheveled; all of which instantly draw me into this trend.
Loewe S/S 2011
Nina Ricci S/S 2011
On whowhatwear.com they call this trend ‘downtown lady’ and I think it is the perfect description. This trend combines typically downtown styling with uptown pieces, keeping the looks exciting and new. Over at shopbop.com the trend loses a bit of its edge, but maintains a modern feel. I have included some pictures of my favorite looks for this trend from the spring/summer 2011 runway collections.
I guess it’s strange to characterize my feelings for the 1970’s as nostalgic, given that I never experienced the decade first-hand, but no other word seems to capture my longing to experience that brief moment in time. Almost every aspect of the 70’s popular culture intrigues me; from the fashion to the movies, to the music, even the advertising.
Taxi Driver
Led Zep
Bianca Jagger's backstage pass and platforms
The 70’s yielded some all-time sartorial highs and lows. There were high-waisted bell bottoms, caftans, fringe, platform shoes and those slinky halter dresses. But then there was also polyester, and all its clingy, synthetic ‘glory’. And honestly the vast majority of the menswear produced during that decade pretty much horrifies me.
WTF
Yves Saint Laurent's orginal
Emilio Pucci's revamp
This spring and summer the hits of the 70’s are back, and I don’t mean on the radio. In 2011, designers such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Elie Saab, Halston, Emilio Pucci and Yves Saint Laurent all show their own take on the decade.style.comfeatures these designers in their round up of 70’s inspired looks and finds the muse for this trend in YSL’s innovative and legendary 1970’s collections.
The tricky thing about revisiting fashion trends from decades past is assembling an outfit that doesn’t look costume-y. Vogue.comhas a shopping guide that I feel can serve as (expensive) inspiration for future shopping wish lists. I adore shopbop.combecause they not only sell all the most drool-worthy duds, but they create their own lookbooks for the season’s hottest trends.
I think with this trend the most accessible pieces would include flattering high-waisted flared jeans in a dark wash, a pair of tall, yet slouchy, stacked-heel boots, an ethnic-print or white tunic top and some oversized round or aviator sunglasses. I wouldn’t suggest wearing all these things at once, but that’s not really my call.
For those of you who want to revel in all the glory that is 70’s fashion, may I suggest a tie-neck blouse in a geometric print or bold color, a pair of obscenely high platform heels, or a slinky, almost knee-length dress that makes you feel like the diva you are. Another note: you will most likely need a waist-cinching belt to accent your curves and effectively accessorize.
Hello everyone! (Assuming anyone is reading this...) This week I want to focus on the vibrant colors that are oh so popular this season. Spring fashion is widely known for the increased use of color, but this year designers are blinding us with punchy neons and saturated hues. I'm particularly loving the neon and neutral looks from Jil Sander and the sleek yet loud looks from Aquilano.Rimondi that I found on style.com. This trend is also popping up in makeup and accessories, from neon lips to richly dyed handbags, making the trend more accessible for those of us who can't rock full on Day-Glo. The makeup artists behind Marc by Marc Jacobs and Diane Von Furstenberg both sent their models down the runway with vivid lips and not much more, to avoid looking like a five-year-old playing with mommy's makeup. I am completely obsessed with the accessories in this trend. Burberry Prorsum did an excellent twist on the classic crossbody bag, and frankly I would kill for a pair of Diane Von Furstenberg's citrus Pandora espadrilles found on shopbop.com. These colors are reminding me of 80's new wave music and one of my personal heroes, Debbie Harry of Blondie. Thoroughly inspired, I think I will be workin' some neon pink lipstick today! Thanks for reading and enjoy the pics and whatnot...
