Let's just pretend it hasn't been like five months since my last post and get down to the business at hand- my burning desire for a tropical vaycay. I would sell an egg for a trip to Kauai right now (and believe me I'm putting some serious thought into it). White sand, waterfalls, clear aqua water, lush rainforests- all I need is a convertible and some place clean to crash after a long day of lounging. Unfortunately I am broke as a joke right now, kickin' it old school at my parents house, so a ticket across the Pacific is pretty much out of the question. In order to fill the void in my soul created by my cash deficit, I've been indulging in the tropics-themed trends all over the place for spring. It makes me like really happy. I'm dying to try this trend out and embarrass the shit out of my poor mother with some totally bitchin' Hawaii-in-the-1960s inspired duds. I think that this particular look requires some serious cajones, man. The vibrant colors and loud prints mean that you can't be afraid of a little extra attention.
Blumarine S/S 2012
Dries Van Noten S/S 2012
Imma let you finish every other designer that showed for Spring 2012, but Blumarine had one of the most entertaining runway shows of all time. Fringe, plastic flowers, florals galore and classic shapes updated with neon colors all made for a truly delightful show to behold. So freaking cute I couldn't pick just one. Now, as I mentioned in my 1920s post (go read it, I'll wait here) Alberta Ferretti didn't have the most cohesive collection this season, but lo and behold, I was able to squeeze her in to this trend too. My favorite look from her collection was probably the most wearable look, and reminded me of something I would wear getting sunset drinks at some beach tiki bar. Full disclosure-I'm wasn't a fan of Dries Van Noten's collection for spring. However, I must commend the use of photographic prints on the garments. The most wearable, yet tropical look I found incorporated the idyllic waters I long for on an oversized blazer of all things. It's all very Alfred Shaheen and I'm terribly obsessed.
Blumarine S/S 2012
Alberta Ferretti S/S 2012
Because I've been such a fail as of late, I actually noticed this trend thanks to my email updates from the fantabulous Who What Wear. When I was finally bored enough to write this post I actually had to do some searching to find scholarly sources to support for my claims. My new fave site Stylelist and a variety of shopping sites all spotlight this potentially tacktastic trend. Let me just say that I do not fear the tacky. Ask anyone who knows me well enough and they will fully attest to my penchant for stripper heels, yoga pants and tattered band shirts. (Only occasionally are all three worn together...) Moving on from my own personal style issues, Lucky Magazine had a whole segment on shopping the trend that I found spectacularly helpful. But I've decided to go thrifting to find my perf tropical paradise get up, since I'm poor. So, sorry, no online shopping roundup this time; I've provided you with some pretty awesome slideshows filled with excellent shopportunities. If you can take the time to sift through the crap, I would recommend hitting up some flea markets or yard sales for vintage tropical goodies. Otherwise, check out the gems over at Hilo Hattie. And Zara has super cute shiz too, so get off my back yo!
The King werkin dem shorts
The Waikiki Circle Hotel circa 1960
Lumahai Beach in Kauai, I wanna get all up in you.
Here. Buy something cute, listen to this and have four or so mai tais. Full disclosure: I did not make this craptastic video, but kinda wish I had. Also, I will not be held responsible for the drunken karaoke this post will most likely inspire. I've considered making drinking excessively, tanning and karaoke a daily ritual, but alcoholism wasn't really a goal I had for the summer. Mahalo and see you on the flip side bitches!
Ummm hi. Long time no see, right? Well I spent last fall in a bit of an existential funk, and unfortunately this blog was one of the first things I stopped caring about- in addition to my health, making friends, etc. But there's no need to fret my pretties, because with the new year I decided to get my shit together and start writing again. Sticking with that awfully cliched "new year, new you" mantra, I've revamped the page and my life to serve as a more accurate depiction of who I am and what I want for myself. Blah blah blah, enough about me, let's get down to fashion! The amazing weather here in Los Angeles has me eagerly awaiting the Spring 2012 trends and collections, and the first that caught my eye was the Roaring Twenties revival all over the runways.
Ralph Lauren Spring 2012
Alberta Ferretti Spring 2012
Marchesa Spring 2012
I am having a pretty serious moment with the art deco glamour oozing from these looks. Gucci's interpretation of the trend had my jaw on the floor and my credit card whimpering in fear. The architectural feel of the garments and the graphic color choices make this the wardrobe of a modern day flapper. Cute coincidence- Gucci was actually founded in 1921, making this collection seem even more timely (to me at least). And while Alberta Ferretti didn't have the most cohesive collection in my opinion, the use of color is just breathtaking. In this dress the sheer panels add the perfect amount of sex appeal and gave it more visual interest. Marchesa, sweet Marchesa, oh how I adore the combination of ethereal and slinky gowns you sent down the runway. Seriously though, you should check out the whole show because I had trouble choosing just one look. Ralph Lauren is an obvious choice for the best of this trend being that he deigned the costumes for The Great Gatsby in the 70s. Lauren's 2012 spin on Jazz Era finery is romantic and luxurious, all pastels and rich fabrics, but it's not really the most wearable collection in my opinion. Christian Dior, Emporio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent and The Row all earn serious props for their contributions to the trend and I highly recommend you go check them out in Deco Echoes on style.com.
Lea Michelle in Marchesa
Vanessa Hudgens in Jenny Packham
Emma Stone in Gucci
This trend is not limited to the runway either; if the People's Choice Awards are any indication of red carpets to come I'm predicting that we will be seeing plenty of Daisy Buchanan look-alikes. Which brings me to what I believe served as inspiration for designers- the new Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan. The original film adaptation with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow is one of my fave fashion inspiration films, and I just die over the costumes and set design every time I watch it. I'm a bit wary of remakes, but I'm clearly obliged to see this one if for no other reason than to compare the costume design to the original. Apparently Tiffany & Co is designing the jewelry, so at least that is guaranteed to be awesome.
Carey Mulligan as Daisy
1974's Gatsby sets the bar pretty high...
And some fabulous 1920s fashion
You thought I forgot about the shopping section didn't you? I did initially, but yeah, we both know I've got nothing better to do. Stylelist has a whole slideshow on the Twenties-ish t-strap shoe, but these are definitely my personal fave. Cloche hats are a cute way to inject this trend into your existing wardrobe, and since hats look totally heinous on me, I'm loving this turban as a more daring alternative. Drop-waist dresses are definitely an easy way to recreate the trend, as is anything with fringe or beading. Personally, I'm obsessed with this dress by Sue Wong (it's even on sale!). As for jewelry, any pearls you've got should do, but for a more art deco vibe I suggest this cuff, or something like it. This is yet another trend that you have to be careful with or you'll wind up looking like you're headed to a costume party.
I think it's amazing how much dancing has changed in 90 years. For more fantabulous 1920s dancing/fashion/awesomeness, go rent Chicago or Some Like It Hot. Have fun and thanks for reading!
