I’m going to try and shake off the past week and start fresh today. Thank you for all of your support and I am going to consider Monday a new day. This weekend has been a miserable one and I am hoping that this week is the beginning of a whole new me.
The “Wish List” is about having fun and playing around on the web with fashion. I’ve decided to do something completely wacky. I wouldn’t necessarily consider this outfit a “Wish List” tick sheet BUT I had a hell of a lot of fun playing with a Fall color and really fun cuts and lines that are so prevalent in fashion today. And who better to do that with than Jil Sander? Always known for avant garde tailoring and modernistic styles, this is one designer that has made clothing always look decades ahead of its time. I decided to play with the idea of one color. I do NOT believe in wearing mono-colors (I think that was very “our parents generation”–matchy-matchy, you know?)—however, this was just too much fun too resist. I love how it all falls together for the, well, Fall, and out of all of the selections, the structures and lines on these choices were just so extraordinarily laid out. They were cut with such precision, I just had to pay homage to the genius of the designer through her architectural thought process and color coordination that just made everything pop.
So enjoy this color bonanza and make this week’s “Wish List” your new “Orange Crush.” It’s very short this time around, but extremely sweet.
Dedicatedly yours,
—One of 365
The front of this dress is an absolute architectural masterpiece. The way it sits on the body, the way each piece of fabric is stiff to add curves where there aren't--pure genius. The folds and the flaps and the 3-dimensional wraps. This is the kind of dress that wouldn't look good but in this vibrant pucker of orange. Sculptured Wool Crepe Dress, $2,245, jilsander.com
Normally I don't do back-shots, but again, the masterful draping---it would be criminal only to show this dress from the front. Not only do you make a helluva an entrance, but damn, do you make a smokin' exit too!
How did someone even come up with the construction of these? They look like they should be on display at the Tate!! Look, I'm not saying they'd be easy to walk in, or your feet would feel good in them, but seriously, just close your eyes and picture that dress with these shoes. Yeah, your legs would be sky-high, the symmetry would be knock-out and people would think you were some kind of real-life art instillation. Oh, if only Edie Sedgwick were alive today! Wrap Tangerine Sandals, $895, jilsander.com
Yep, I told you it was a whole lot of orange---but fresh squeezed it is! You are not looking stale in this outfit and this patent clutch makes you look sleek as ever. Again, it's all about lines and this bag, with its stitching, off-placement of its opening and jelly-bean shape is perfect for this ensemble. Polished Leather Clutch, $590, jilsander.com
And for our finale, how much groovier can you get than a citrine earring that is like a stick-pin through your ear? Never traditional, Sander makes the lines exceptional again by placing the earring in a horizontal manner through the lobe rather than the normal dangle or stud. It goes brilliantly with the lines and I love how it hits the cheekbone. A perfect finale for our "sweet" outfit. Runway Earring, Price Unknown, Image Snagged Off Of Runway
This end of week fashion bonanza is a simple one really. It will be perfect for you shoe aficionados. It’s easy. All you have to do is look at the outfit and decide which pair of shoes you think goes better and then leave me a comment with your thought.
I’ve picked a delicious butterscotch colored silk romper from Marc Jacobs that I really got a kick out of wearing this summer. Sadly, I’m sure it will be barred off of all fashion Ed’s lists for next year so I tried to get the most use out of it as I could. I really enjoyed the romper style. I know it got a lot of flack. I think jumpsuits got it worse! To me, the romper was so easy. It was a shirt and shorts built in. You didn’t have to pick separates–you had an all-in-one waiting for you. It was so great because I could just throw it on and look fashionable without trying too hard. And because it was silk and a bit dressy, I could wear it out in the evenings. Also, because of the material, it breathed in the heat, so it was lightweight and got me through some broiling weather. I liked it for the same reason I love dresses—it’s a complete package. No matching a top to a bottom. You just jump into and you are set.
A lot of people who had lived through the 70’s laughed and said they had given things like this away years ago. And I don’t think it was for their age group. But for the younger set, it was a bit of fun and something new and experimental. As mentioned, the jumpsuit got too much shit, so I never went THAT far (though I DID try one on and I rather fancied it. But English gent, who rarely puts his green moccasined foot down, said NO!).
So, leave me a comment (to your pleasure, I’ve left a poll out of this) and let me know—the matchy-matchy Ferragamo’s that are more casual and easy to run around in? Or the satin green shoes with a higher-heel that are dressier and more for evening, but make more of a statement because of the citrus contrast? I’m of two minds. I love the idea that one actually has yellow shoes to match. C’mon, that’s kinda badass. But, I also love the green with the yellow. Toughie—YOU DECIDE!
Dedicatedly yours,
—One of 365
Let the decision making begin:
Right-O. So, here we have our romper (LOVE IT!) with our greenie-meanies. So, is it the green for you? Hmmmm? Comments please!
The magic slippers. Here they are closer up so you can have a better inspection. Leave a comment so I know how to style my outfit!
Romper-licious part-deux! Here we go, but with the yellow Ferragamo's. Go on, it's your call....
These canary yellow beauties for your closer inspection to help you in your decision making. Leave me a comment. Scroll up and down to decide.
And here is the lovely romper in it's (slightly wrinkled--sorry) glory! I love this onesie. I got it for a song ($75) and it is such a great piece that was on trend for summer that I really enjoyed wearing. I wore it evenings out, or to do my shopping. I love the stripe and the slightly vintage color. However, I NEVER knew what shoe looked best. Now I will know! So....leave me a comment!
I always feel a tremendous triumph when I write this post, for yet another week (well, work-week) has past. Though I freelance and often work weekends, I’m glad that my vacuous little post gives a little whimsy to the nice days off ahead. If you view my blog at work, you don’t have to think too hard. You just scroll down the page, look at some bonkers outfit out of my closet, go “meh” and then move on with your day. I love doing it because I have this crazy wardrobe full of clothes and it’s going to be fun and look back at all of my Friday posts and see the different get-ups I got-up to throughout the year.
It has been broiling in Los Angeles. Even in this desert climate where I’m used to it cooling down in the evenings, there is no justice at night. My fan is my only salvation and I try and wear as light a fabric as possible to sleep in so I don’t sweat to death (I told you, I refuse to sleep in the nude because it’s earthquake territory here and that’s all I need–a 7.5 on the Richter Scale–Armageddon and me naked scurrying for my life). I bought the dress this week for 15 smackaroos at a blowout sale. It is made of really lightweight, stretchy fabric and sits on the body well. It can be worn as a halter, but I like wearing it with the beads around the neck, so strapless it is! I think the amber neckless makes it more exotic and tribal. AND I get to wear one of my nifty strapless bras I got from the Gap that I raved about (READ: BRA STORY–it’s a hoot with a nutty picture to boot!). I finally took a photo of the thing that holds my girls….love it! And my loveliest citrus Ferragamo’s that I had shipped over from Italy this August. The LAST pair in all of Europe in my size. I had a hook up from my mag days at old Salvatore and she got me a deal on these beauties–still expensive—but I own these in black leather and they are just perfection. They’ll never go out of style and they are so comfortable. They discontinued the kitten heel in England and the United States—which is what I LOVED about them. You can only buy the kitten in Italy and some parts of Europe. I cherish them.
Right, so I wore this to an event that was for a very colorful jewelery launch last night. It was Africa hot inside and out. I thought, hey, Africa hot, why not conjure Africa? I thought this looked a bit African–sorta (look, go with me on this, okay?). I wanted to be colorful and bright and lightweight. And I wore my hair down which you just might be able to glance in the picture. I rarely do that and I so wanted to take a clip and put it up, but the dress looked good with it down, so down it stayed. So, no big story here. A cheap dress, damned expensive heels, a bargain bra and a hand-me-down necklace. Pretty simple and I think pretty chic. Have a wonderful rest of your work-day and I’ll chat with you on Saturday. Oh. I’m covering an event that the devil itself created tomorrow night that might keep me up until 5-6am so I might post late. Forgive me. Actually, I should say, LORD forgive ME for this assignment. Hey, at least I’m earnin’ the bucks. I’ll try and tell you as much as I can…..Tweeting usually gives me a bit more freedom.
Dedicatedly yours,
—One of 365
I don't love how this picture looks. It doesn't really look so polished. But, this was taken at 3am by English gent who had been up 24 hours working on a report and had a wonky eye. Yes, I should have smoothed out the dress and pulled up the bust a bit, but hey, guys, sometimes, I'm exhausted, okay! Also, my arms look terrible and they aren't, so no judgement! With my excuses made (and they seem to be made a lot lately...boy, I'm going downhill) I just like the pattern, the colors, the tribal feel. I like how easy this is just to throw on. Just slip on the shoes, put the necklace over your head and fling the dress on. EASY!
C'mon, for $15 you can't really complain. It elongates and it has a built in elastic belt that makes your hips look small and allows the top of the dress to blossom. Worn either as a halter or strapless, take this on holiday as it won't wrinkle. Wear it over a bathing suit, because the material will dry ASAP. It's just a great Summer dress. Wear with hair down and a necklace or hair up with big hoop earrings. Tribal dress, $15, Veronica M, Los Angeles
If I was going halter-style maybe I could have gone bra-less. But no, strapless=bra! No sagging boobs for me thank you very much! And see it in its glory. The bra I spoke of. The Gap 32C. It's lovely lilac and lace. Comfy yet supportive. A bargain. I can't remember what I said I paid for it. Was it, like, $15? Strapless Bra, The Gap, Around $15
English gent's mom was always bringing me back lovely things from the Middle East. This was just another fab gift. Simple. A strand of luminous amber beads that sits perfectly around the neck. You know how some amber is foggy or matte. No, this is clear and speckled. It is stunning. I love that with the dress this almost replaces the look of the halter neck. I think it really makes the neckline. Amber necklace, English gents Mom, Priceless!
I could write a whole dissertation on these. The comfort. The style. The classic beauty. These are PERFECTION. I own these in a matte black leather. I wear them everywhere. Well, I was in contact with a gal PR of mine from Maestro Ferragamo and she told me when the sale was going to hit. She sent me a color book and told me to act fast. My shoe size (7 US, 5 UK) is VERY popular and on sale, these would go quick. I wanted the yellow so badly. And sitting, the very last pair in my size in Europe, in their smallest shop in Genoa, were these. And even on sale, they were a bloody fortune. I love that I might be one of the only people in the States who owns these. They were limited edition in Italy and for that season only. You'd think the color wouldn't go with anything, but it goes with EVERYTHING. And the kitten heel gives you just that extra oomph of height. I ADORE these. Karla Pumps, 330 Euros, Ferragamo, Genoa
I am a soldier when I shop. I do it for the country that is One of 365. I have to make sure this "governing-body" looks damned good and I can't have ANYONE get in my way.
Dear Ether,
When I shop, I become a fierce, focused creature who does not like to be disturbed by ANYONE. When a friend asks me if I’d like to go shopping, I always try to weasel out of it. I don’t want to be interrupted with questions about HER dress or what I think about how HER shoes look on HER feet. I need to focus on the sale racks, sizes—my eyes rapidly scanning for deals without any deterrent.
I love shopping. There are many women who detest it and only go when they have to find an outfit for an occasion. I adore just heading out and perusing the boutiques seeing what I can drool over and store in my mind for when the sales come. I love the air-conditioned rooms, the music the they play, the pang in my heart when I see a tag with a red slash through it. I am a hunter and clothes are my prey.
I wouldn't make a badge or a bumper-sticker out of this, but it sure is my mantra
I have an excessive amount of clothing. It’s beyond ridiculous. I’m actually pretty proud that through the mounds of cloth I don’t have anything I truly regret. I mean, of course there are the pieces of crap you buy from Primark that you wish you maybe should have saved the 5 quid on for a coffee, or you realize you just bought ANOTHER black top. But for the most part, I’ve done decently well. Nothing too horrible. I’ve had regrets. I bought a Mulberry bag on sale in London that was 250 quid reduced from 500 and it sits smushed in a corner never used. It’s a little small and just a bit traditional for me. Would I like the money back, of course! But, no one would look at it and say, “What the hell were you thinking?” I’m always good about making sure to buy clothes that are made of lovely fabrics (I could ADORE a piece, but if it’s made of polyester or some shit I can’t pronounce—I’m done). I hate when from a distance you see a garment that’s lovely, and then you get close for further inspection and see it’s possibly flammable—oh, the horror!
English gent is an excellent shopping partner. He is the ONE person who I can tolerate to take with me. In fact, he is quite an asset being a fashionista himself (though when we see a mirror we tend to fight over it in a shop). He gives honest advice on how things look on me. He also knows the trends and gives ace investment premonitions. He never tires, he’ll wait patiently while I scour the racks and he appreciates clothing as much as I do (he is so in love with fashion that he has been known to buy something, change out of what he is wearing, and walk out of the store donning his new outfit!).
My style icons are a mix of Ms. Paltrow, the perfect Ms. Sienna and legendary Kate Moss, of course. When I go out, I try to conjure these women. I’m lucky with my figure that I can pull some of the looks off these ladies can (I’m not as tall as Gwyneth nor as flat-chested, I’m not as leggy or skinny as Sienna or Kate) but I can make their looks happen if I try and do get compliments which make my day (because if ONLY they new how much I paid for them—STEALS!).
(This is for you gentleman who read my blog…I thought I’d throw you some eye-candy)
Yep, this is how we ladies feel when we are donning something sexy. Or at least, I do. What an entrance!
My dream is to walk into Burberry and buy some of their Prorsum goodies, hit Chanel and buy a pochette bag, saunter into Temperley and buy a whimsical dress made of silk and air, and have no credit card limit. Oh, yes, there are millions of other designers who I’d kill to wear. But honey, put me on a stranded island with these 3, and I’d make the natives catwalk cuties in no time.
I have kept every item of clothing I have ever bought. They are stored in boxes throughout my folks house. I refuse to give anything away. I believe one day something might come back or if I have a daughter she’d kill me for giving it away (yes, I think there is hope for the overall and the multi-colored high-top). Clothes, to me, have always been my hobby. Some people love thimbles, spoons, Rembrandts. I love Miu Miu or a great pair of jeans. And when I go out looking spiffy, there’s no better feeling in the world.
But………just don’t fuck with me while I’m getting my outfit together.
My sincerest apologies for last week’s debacle. I made a fashion faux pas. I let you down with my end of week clothing choice pairing a fabulous jacket, amazing shoes, a beautiful top, a lovely necklace and (though there is some debate about this one) a beautiful skirt together to make my self look like a 40 year old bridge player (See Last Week: Fashion Friday). I know many of you felt that the skirt was too old for me. I am very 50/50 on this. It is a Nicole Farhi skirt and in person it literally looks like a watercolor painting on pleated fabric. I used to be heavier than I am now. Many of my clothes are too big for me and therefore don’t flatter. I mentioned this in the post—–it hit me poorly in the leg and I had to wear something over the skirt to cover up the sagging waistline. In hindsight, I never should have even shown the skirt at all. I HAVE brought back a relic from last week to show you how frickin’ fab a piece of that outfit is when put together correctly. You’ll remember it when you see it. So again, do not lose faith from my blunder. Out of 52, I hope to only fail once or twice making the rest of the weeks a success. Hey, I haven’t done too badly so far, right?
So, to make up for the horrors of last week, I went all out for you Ethers. I went for the uber grand. Lush velvet trousers from Chloe, stunning beaded jacket from Reiss………it really is damned lovely. I will say, the Chloe’s are slightly too big (I told you, I have lost weight since their purchase) but this time they work in a cool, slouch kind of way. Excited?
So…you know how I wrote about the Russian Revolution taking over makeup (See Beauty Post: Beauty Trend: Say “Da” For Russia!)? Well, this week our girl has taken on that trend in fashion and is our Russian devushka. She’s wearing lush fabrics, sensuous colors and the neckline on the shirt reminds me of the Chanel ads of the models wearing high-neck, severe collars. She’s come West for a day of shopping. (Yeah, well, most of us would wear this to a cocktail event). Her chaffeur is taking her to all of the high-end shops to enhance her already luxe wardrobe and then she’s off to a very dimly lit restaurant to dine with ex-pats for a meal in a heavily decorated private room. She’s not too trendy. Her look is classy, but her pieces are individual. The materials are unique and you can tell are fine quality. Though she isn’t wearing something straight off the catwalk and looking ridiculously over the top, you can tell she knows her fashion, but she also knows the limits of class. Her English is perfect as is her French and she has a penchant for Jane Austen AND Catherine the Great (and maybe a soft spot for the silly Marie Antoinette). Let’s take a look at our revised Fashion Friday and say “pri-Vet” (Hello) to Madame X.
Ya Loo-Bloo Tibia Tor-Ja (I love you as well) Ethers! Enjoy! (Aren’t you proud of my Russian!?)
Kra-si-va-ya! (Beautiful!) The colors match perfectly. From the burgundy in the trousers and the top to the whites in the pattern in the shirt and the coat. Notice our old friends from last week poking out from the hemline of the trouser bottom? Yeah, they don't look too "babushka" like now, do they? And the bracelet with the purple hues and a vintage feel with the cameo. The details are so much prettier in person. If you could see it live, the colors and the effect---so much more dazzling. Trust me, this is MUTED compared to how luscious this outfit really is.
You know when you go into a store at the beginning of a season and see something and pray that if any are left when the sales start that there will be one in your size. And if there is one in your size, the mark-down price will still be cheap enough to afford? I visited Reiss every 3 days during the winter sales and watched this jacket. It vanished from store to store. I was devastated. And then on a fluke, I had come from a PR meeting and gloomily walked into a Reiss in Covent Garden. I went in and, SHOCK, I saw my glittering jacket. I knew it was about 100 quid too much and they wouldn't have my size. I first looked at the price tag. My hands started to shake. The fucking thing had been marked down to 49 pounds (from almost 300 pounds). Trembling, the first one was an x-small. I thought if I had to, I would cut out all bread, meat and only eat greens. But then, I fingered the tag of the one next to it and it was A SMALL!! I looked to see if it was missing sequins or a button. It was perfect. "That was just returned today," the sales girl said. "Bargain." I have worn this jacket on very few occasions. It is extremely delicate, slightly heavy, and beyond spectacular. It is one of my favorite finds. Our Russian girl probably would have paid full price and snagged it without the anxiety, but Ethers, let's come back to reality and step away from our Fashion Friday's story for a moment. This set of digits didn't have the cash flow our Faberge fashionista did....but man....when I wear it I feel like catwalk queen Natalia Vodianova. White Embellished Jacket, Originally About 300 sterling, Paid 49 sterling, Reiss, London
This is a really lovely cotton top that is elegant and has a pleasant paisley pattern that meshes perfectly with the flow of the outfit. It really is there to work as a color layer for the look but mainly I chose it for it's Edwardian-esque collar. I LOVE how high and ruffled the neck is (hard to see in the photo). I think if you have a long, lean, neckline this is such an elegant piece because it pokes out from the jacket and makes a statement that you don't need to make any longer with jewelery. Collars and ruffled fronts are very in right now so this is a great little addition to the wardrobe. Burgundy Blouse, $50, Banana Republic, Los Angeles
Many years ago, when this young Yankee landed in England, she visited a store called Selfridges and fell in love....but not with the prices. However, her first Christmas sales came. She was savvy. She waited until the last day. The place was desolate. What was left was pretty dire, and had 3-4 red lines through the markdown tickets. But out of the corner of her eye in the Chloe section, a section no girl in University had any business being in, she saw the most luscious pair of burgundy, velvet trousers. They were not in her size, but for the price, tailoring would do. I'll reveal the deal at the end... Our Russian look is all about the fabrics being rich and luxurious. I've always thought of velvet as epitomizing this. Even a touch of velvet in a hair ribbon, or on a bow of a shoe...it can add such elegance. I love how our girl has so many different fabrics. I love the casual cut of the trouser, but the statement the color and fabric make. This is a dress pant, but done young and hip. As for the price....Chloe Trousers, Originally 750 sterling, Paid 44 sterling (HA!), Selfridges, London
And YOU thought THESE were GRANNY shoes! Our Czarina doesn't think so! HMPH! They are perfect with the colors because the pink brings out the burgundy so well and just the tip of the shoe shows so you get just a splash of color. I like that they are classic and modern meshed into one. I adore these shoes--no matter what anyone says! And I think they are the perfect touch to this classy cool that she's working. Pink Flapper Style Shoes, Office Sale Shop, Originally 80 sterling Paid 40 sterling, London
This is just a brooch with a pendant attachment that I stuck onto a couple of skinny bangles. I liked the whole idea of a cameo--but this one is funked out in the right color tones. The cameo is something opulent and rich and something I could see a Russian mother passing down to her daughter. I just thought it would add to the classiness of the look and also the uniqueness. I like how it hangs down on the hand. It's obviously faux-jewelery, but let's pretend for our girl it's a vintage piece that's made of amethyst, gold, moonstone and amber. Can you fly with this one with me? Styled Bracelet, Unknown Price, London Market, London
Step out of the Ether and send me an E-mail. I would be glad to have your thoughts, feelings and ideas.
