Many of you hoped never to see the fashions of the 1980’s again. You look at old photographs of yourself, bangs/fringe so high it’s like they are praying to jesus and jeans that are so acid washed you don’t know how your skin wasn’t burned! But designers have been bringing back the era in a major way—especially with their diffusion lines. See By Chloe is certainly one that has embraced the time when crimping your hair and “The Lost Boys” were hot stuff!
There tends to be a rule of thumb. If you were alive in that era and sporting the clothes, you shouldn’t be pulling out old relics and donning them again. This is a toughie because I think the 80’s weren’t SO far back in time that you couldn’t make it look sassy again. You just really need to buy the new styles and maybe throw in a few of you old favs. The cuts really make or break you looking like you just stepped out for a fancy dress party or rummaging through your boxed up clothes from 87′, or looking like you’re rocking it 2009 style.
I decided to go with more of a rocker-chick meets “Hi, I’m a dancer” vibe in my outfit. I think the top could be modern or hail from that time. The jeans are TOTALLY 80’s and the bag is just so outrageous–it becomes fabulous because it is part of the nuttiness that the 80’s girls rocked. The over-the-knee-boot, as I’ve stressed, is SO on-trend right now, but it is paying homage to the 80’s when everyone was shimmying in these kicks. So, what we’re getting from designers are gorgeous re-invented versions that are much sleeker, richer and modern.
There were a lot of other looks that I could have chosen from See By Chloe (though I must say, much of the collection was inspired by the 80’s), but I really felt that I wanted to do something that you could go out and dance in, or just look suave whilst shopping. I wish the designer had more accessories. If she had–I would have bangled up the arms and done something whacko with the hair–oh, and definitely gone crazy with some fab sunglasses. But alas, I’ve dolled our 80’s beauty up, and I think she looks pretty wicked!
So pump up some Duran Duran and The Cure, or if it’s more to your liking Paula Abdul—and start getting dressed. You are gonna, like, look so frickin’ rad dude!
I really fell for this top because I think it's exactly the perfect mix of 80's meets 2009. The material and the tie reminds me of that stiff taffeta of those party dresses that girls wore to their proms. I like how the strapless top plays with the ruching---very 80's. This could be worn with a modern pair of trousers or a high-waisted skirt. But if it's the 80's you're after--go for how I've styled it. Strapless Twill Bustier Top, $385, seebychloe.com
The wash. The ankle length. The tightness. The cut. I mean, seriously, do we even question See By Chloe paying homage to this great era? These jeans are great because you can wear them with trendy ankle booties, fab flats or sandals in warmer weather. But we're gonna do it with MAJOR statement boots. These jeans SO remind me of something Baby would wear in "Dirty Dancing" to practice with (RIP) MR. Swayze. Total dancer jeans. Totally cool. Logo Skinny Jeans, $265, seebychloe.com
I really want over the knee boots. I think these are really cool because they are suede with little brass studs all over them giving a medieval 80's vibe. They are like the pirate boot meets modern rock-star! I think this is the perfect combination of old meets new. Lush fabric, a great cut and a homage to the old style. Sweet with the jeans and top--but also fab with a mini dress and tights. Above The Knee Flat Boots With Studs, $715, seebychloe.com
Ok. Probably none of us would spend a dime on this bonkers bag. But it SO went with the 80's vibe and the outfit: The rock-chick or a huge tote that a dancer would just throw her stuff in. It's just too nuts to imagine and yet it actually was designed (and it ain't cheap!). There's not a lot to say......it's ugly.....I don't want you to think I have bad taste. Just picture a a girl coming out of Pineapple Studios in Covent Garden in this outfit using this as her tote---it kinda works, right? Doggie Bag, $95, seebychloe.com
This IS NOT from See By Chloe. BUT they had no jewelery and though the "Wish List" is strictly only using an outfit that's 100% from one collection, I broke the rules with this one. Why? Because how 80's and perfect would this be to wear around the neck of the black strapless top? It's so tacky but fun, and really is what everyone wore almost 30 years ago! Also, it says Chloe (it's kinda close enough, right?). I also couldn't leave you without ANY baubles! Charm Necklace, Unknown Price, applesofgold.com
So, I found this really groovy store on La Cienega in West Hollywood en route to my gym which is on Sunset. It’s the most amazing little place. Stationed between a car wash and a crummy parking lot, it’s the sleekest little boutique with a white awning. Written in the coolest black lettering simply states the name Opening Ceremony. I’d driven by a few times and wondered what this place was all about. Was it a club, a restaurant? The LAST thing I expected for it to be was the most unique clothing store I’d been to in Los Angeles thus far. Opening Ceremony carries everything from their own label (which is very Euro-vintage) and Topshop to Acne Jeans and bonkers labels you’ve never heard of. I was thrilled when I walked into their groovy labyrinth where their very attractive and well-dressed staff point you in all directions so you can get lost in this candy shop of clothing, shoes, accessories and more. I was thrilled to see a whole rack of Topshop, though it was mainly the Kate Moss collection. It was ridiculously expensive (Londoners, if you thought you paid through the roof for the scraggle-toothed waifs creations, try buying a tank-top for $100 where they even have the chutzaph to leave the UK tag on that says 25 quid. Um. No.) So, even though I couldn’t afford a single thing in this hot-house for hipsters, I thought if they had a website it would be great to share their wonderful world with you. So I was thrilled when I Googled the shop and found out they did indeed sell online. Their collection is SO much more limited on their website then what they have to offer in store, but you still get the groove factor from the cool graphics, off-beat models and unique clothing selections. If you’re looking for a brand that nobody else is really going to be sporting, or a label that is uber cool that you’d see the likes of Sienna Miller wearing, than you’ve hit the right spot. Opening Ceremony likes to show that they don’t carry the regular stuff that your local mall does–but truthfully you’ll have to pay. The stuff ain’t cheap, even on sale.
The “Wish List” look this week is all about travel and getting upgraded to First Class when you’re flying. Why shell out the big bucks on a plane seat when you could spend it on an outfit you’ll wear for ages! Even if you spend 24 grueling hours flying, the amount of money you spent on a First Class ticket could buy you a runway look that will make you the envy of all your friends and may even get you snapped by “The Satorialist.” I could have chosen a wack-a-doodle outfit from Opening Ceremony (and trust me, if you visit their shop or site, you can see nutty stuff. Chloe Sevigny has her own label there, just to give you some idea!) but I wanted to pick something that was unique, still wearable, and that would be comfy to fly in. And when you nonchalantly ask the narrow-eyed flight attendant about being upgraded, she’ll take one look at you and say to herself, “yep, this girl is used to high-flyin’ style.” The only thing that it’ll cost you is the price of an economy class seat and some killer clothes from this choice selection. So, get out your passport, dust off your luggage and get your doctor to prescribe you some sleeping pills because honey, you are about to see some duds that will get you an oversized leather seat, champagne and rid you of that screaming kid who keeps peering over his chair making crazy eyes at you (don’t you hate that!).
I love this jacket because it sort of has that fencing coat feel, but also an old-fashioned bodice look to it too. I adore the darting. The lines will hug your body and show off your figure in all of the right places. The arms are cut long so they will give the appearance of elongating your limbs. The front zip is handy, making the jacket easy to take on and off. This is perfect for when you fly (the temperatures in those planes are so unpredictable!). The material is also great. A mix of cotton and rayon, this lovely jacket won't wrinkle too badly so you'll leave the plane as crisp as you entered it. G. V. G. V. Arch Braid Zip-Up Jacket In Beige, Originally $1,025 now $513, openingceremony.com
You're going to be in the clouds anyway so why not represent the mood of the flight? The attendants will appreciate YOUR appreciation for their jobs (okay, maybe I'm taking this a bit too far) but it is a cute thought, no? I just loved how light and airy this top was. It looked like a watercolor painting and I loved how the fluffiness of the blouse mimicked the fluffiness of the clouds. It's actually hand printed in Japan, and I reckon just a lovely summertime top. It think it will layer nicely under the cotton jacket because the fabric is so thin (the jacket really needs to not have anything too bulky underneath as it is so snug, it fits like a top in its own right). Made of silk and cotton, you'll be breathing fresher air in this ethereal piece of cloth in the front of the cabin then in the back, that's for sure. Wakana Koike Fluffy Cloud Blouse, $300, openingceremony.com
Don't these just look comfortable? The loose tied waist? The wide legs? The linen and cotton blend? The chilled out Japanese-inspired cut? You know they'll just sit well on you, be a great fit and won't make you sweat bullets in the summer heat but protect you from the sun. I think the cloud blouse would look lovely tucked into the trousers showing off the tied waist and I like the idea of the natural looking jacket and pants matching together to make a really "green" look. And if you spill champagne on these compliments of First Class, I bet you it won't even show! United Bamboo Baggy Pants, Originally $405 now $122, openingceremony.com
I really like these because they tie the whole outfit together in a glamorous way without being too "bling" but show you have style and know your fashion. They are architecturally very interesting with the layering of the suede. The heel is almost like a bamboo reed, and they just look comfortable. They work with the whole organic look of the outfit. It's like you aren't trying too hard, but you're letting people know you've got style. That's what the flight attendant's will pick up about you. That you aren't pushy, but you know what you want and you get it. They'll see you "own it" and they'll wanna give it to you. High-heels=high-flying. Hussein Chalayan Flap Boot, Originally $849 now $249, openingceremony.com
If you want to "bag the deal" you can't be schleping around a beaten up purse that says "there is a hole in the lining of this baby that has about $3 worth of parking meter change in it that I can pull out if I turn it upside down." You need to look like you're carrying important things in an important case. This will hold all of your key documents and even a small laptop. It goes beautifully with the colors of your outfit and is crisp and clean for summer. Want Les Essentials De La Vie Bag, $625, openingceremony.com
Any hot-mama traveller sports major shades. Even if it's nighttime. Crazy. I know. That's why these babies are good, because the tint isn't too dark so you won't look totally nuts if you have a evening flight. These vintage inspired sunnies are wonderful with the whole bohemian-sleek look of your outfit and just add that finishing touch to make you look polished. If you've had a rough night, they won't be able to see it in your face (these are HUGE) and if it comes to a stare down for that upgrade, you're hiding behind lenses and they're not. Who do YOU think is gonna win? Linda Farrow Vintage For Charles Anastase Sunglasses ca1-c6, $275, openingceremony.com
Step out of the Ether and send me an E-mail. I would be glad to have your thoughts, feelings and ideas.
