Pleats to Meet You

 Ben Sherman blazer, T by Alexander Wang shirt, Phi jodhpurs, Stuart Weitzman shoes

 

 Lots of cool details in these pieces.  Love the blazer collar and pockets.  Love the zippers!

More pleats please!

Funny fact about me:  I didn't own black pants while I was in college or law school (I think I unconsciously linked them to those girls who wear them with sparkly halters or boob tubes or something else equally mediocre to go out at night).  Needless to say, I didn't want any part of it.  They seemed a little harsh to me.  But recently, I've gone on a black pant splurge (thanks largely to the amazing but sad Phi closing-out sale).   But other than a simple pair of Alexander Wang ones, most of my others are festooned with pleats and zippers and the like, so I don't know if they totally count as those kind of black pants.  Maybe NYC is slowly but surely converting me to the dark side...Eek!

Comfort Zone

 Ralph Lauren Blue Label corduroy skirt, ruffled plaid shirt, sweater vest, Wolford striped tights, J. Crew shoes

It's no secret that I tend to skew towards the preppy when push comes to shove.  Although living in New York has given rise to a new permutation of the style, the whimsy, color, and classic shapes of the preppy are at my core.  It's not as though I ever really stood a chance though.  My mother always espoused (i.e. bought) classics for me and was a staunch resistor of anything too clunky, cluttered, or trendy (read: no legwarmers, no Reebok pumps, no grungy jeans, etc.).  I remember how victorious I felt when I finally finagled a "that looks ok" to a few grungy plaids and cardigans that I so heavily coveted so that I could fit in with my Seattle heroes (because that was only thing that made pre-teen Canadian suburban me so different).  In retrospect, however, my mother was probably right that overalls were (and continue to be) a bad decision, and, as a result, her style maxims echo through my current choices whether I want them to or not.

It also doesn't help that when I left home for college, I ended up at a school with a Ralph Lauren and J. Crew flanking the entry gates.  Long-storied tradition and practical considerations conspired to prep-ify my wardrobe like it had never been prep-ified before.  Grosgrain ribbon was taken to a whole 'nother level.  Could I have withstood it?  Yes.  Did I want to? No.  It was just too situational-ly perfect.  And it all culminated my last semester senior-year in a glorious blue-and-white gingham formal dress that I will never forget.

Law school in the South didn't do too much to temper the prep indulgences, especially considering that I was down to one J. Crew as my go-to store because of  geographical and financial limitations (yes this is before J. Crew started to grow too big for its britches and think it was on par with Barneys, style- and price-wise).

Before I get side-tracked on a diatribe about my recent freshet of disappointment with J. Crew (oh it's coming...soon) -- a warning: preppy can get you in a LOT of sartorial trouble.  You can end up frumpy and dumpy without much effort.  But if done right, it's a great way for the professional woman to look savvy and at-ease with herself without actually putting much effort in (especially in the winter months).  It's also an easy style through which to convey a sense of humor while still being work-appropriate.   I know the way I do prep often involves a heavy-dose of irony  (and not of the oh-this-is-ugly-so-I'm-going-to-wear-it hipster variety).   Just make sure the cuts stay modern and the prints don't get too toddler and you should be safe.  And when in doubt, always skew towards nerdy-preppy as opposed to clambake-preppy to stay fashionable.

And if someone ever mistakes you for being on your way to an equestrian or hunting event, take it as a sign of success. :-)

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Brooks Brothers non-iron dress shirt, J. Crew sweater vest, Balenciaga skirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs boots

Attempt at getting the draping detail of a black skirt.

If only it were so easy to banish the rain.  I am hoping that the amazing weather that is promised to follow will make up for the impending flood.  Do I talk about the weather too much??  Ever since I've moved to NYC I have become completely obsessed.  I guess being in a city where you are constantly subjected to all kinds of weather will do that to you...But enough of that.

The Brooks Brother Slim-Fit Non-Iron dress shirt is no secret to the professional woman's world. It's classic tailored look is a must have in any wardrobe closet.   BUT, the downfall of these essentials is that it is all TOO easy to pair them with an ill-fitting pair of trousers, some flats (possibly some pearls) and call it a day.  While I am a big fan of flats and pearls and well-fitting trousers, these should not a uniform make.  We do all need our fall-back pieces and outfits when it's rainy or cold or your hungover or busy or just darn out of it, but uniforms?  No.  This must not be.  I like to look at my beloved Brooks Brothers shirts as a way to get away with more adventurous pieces.  For example, this skirt can easily be dressed up to cocktail-attire level.  But with my Brooks and a menswear-inspired vest?  Business on top, party on the bottom!  But seriously, the classic dress shirt gives many outfits the gravitas it needs to be appropriate to the office, so why waste it on pieces that at best elicit a yawn?  Just try it.

Smirky Boat Shoe Thingies

 Dries Van Noten top, Alexander Wang long-sleeve shirt, Fendi skirt, Club Monaco tights, Marc Jacobs shoes

The seaming on this skirt is great!

:)

 As much as we may be approaching the saturation point, I thought I would bookend this Dries filled week with another outfit incorporating one of his pieces.  The pop of fluorescent green just gets me!  I also love this length of skirt for the office because I think it tiptoes right up to that fine line of how much leg you can show at work without looking like a... ummm...tramp.   But what I particularly love about this outfit are the shoes!  They were a wonderful Christmas present and they always make me smile even when they are sitting by their lonesome in some corner of the cluttered apartment.  Their profile in particular is so quirky and artistically intelligent. Whenever I put these on it makes me feel like I'm privy to some fabulously witty inside joke.  And the suede is so deliciously soft.   Smirky boat-shoe moccasin thingies, I think I love you.  See what I was saying about the MJ shoes...I can't stay away!

Cloudy Perspective

Phi pants, Marni top, J. Crew turtleneck and socks, Marc Jacobs shoes

Holy belt loops!  R.I.P. Phi.

Still rainy in New York and I am totally one of those people who gets SAD (seasonal affective disorder), so it is only fitting that the outfit reflect the weather.  Well, except for my socks. 

In other news,

Fashionista posted this today and it was really surprising in an unsurprising way to me: Americans spend less than 3% of their disposable income on clothes today (as opposed to around 11% in the 1950s).  Of course the proliferation of fast fashion and increased trade with China and the rest of Asia make this fact unsurprising, but I was definitely surprised that total spending by proportion has decreased while the quantity of clothing people buy has increased.  Now, I'm all for various price points on clothing to appeal to any consumer on any budget, but I would think at some point quality over quantity would matter.  Or am I just too naive about American consumerist culture?  Or am I in the minority of people who would rather have one quality shirt over 3 cheap and poorly made ones?  I had thought that the hyper-success of cheaply-made items was due to that fact that some people unfortunately had no choice (access/money/etc) or maybe had a principled stand against conspicuous consumption...or just didn't care.   But this statistic makes it seem as though it's just that people want 10 items instead of 4.  I understand and have experienced the impulse that more is better, but I would have hoped that at large, some other quantifier of "good" would have been included.  These numbers then seem less a result of American thriftiness and more a result of that notorious American greed we all hear so much about.  As the recession has proven, I think we need more of the former and less of the latter.

On to lighter, happier notes--I made it to Barneys today to check out the Dries Van Noten A/W 2010 collection, and boy was it better than I had ever hoped! The fabrics and knits these season are divine.  Really top-notch quality. And super comfy!  Here are some horrible blackberry pictures:

The Color and the Shape

Dries Van Noten top, Tahari skirt, J. Crew belt and shoes (please excuse the fuzzy shadows, camera/lighting issues are still being worked out...:)

It is a dreary Monday in New York, made especially difficult by the glorious weekend that preceded it.  During that glorious weekend I realized that no matter how long I live here, I will never look like a true New Yorker.  I still get shocked that, even when the sun is shining and the pigeons are chirping, New Yorkers prefer to stick to a gritty and somber palette.  By this I cannot abide.  I love pattern and color too too much.  Alas, I have resigned myself to the fact that I will never have that edgy chic-er-than-though look of Kate Lanphear & co.  It does mean, however, that I will always have room for the relaxed, elegant, and worldly ways of Dries Van Noten.  Dries is absolutely one of my FAVORITE designers not only because of the sophisticated wearability of his clothing (and I don't mean "wearable" in the derogatory sense), but also because I think his philosophy for fashion and style in general is absolutely on-point:

"When I design a jacket, I'm not automatically doing a skirt or a shirt next to it.  I have a certain image of a woman or a man in my mind but I create single pieces and want every garment to have its own value and possibilities of combination.  I want people to be able to use the clothes I make to communicate.  I give them words that they can use to build their own sentences in order to tell something about themselves, by putting them together in a very personal way, combining my designs with other clothes, like vintage clothing, something very old or self-made, H&M, whatever.  To let them be creative with my clothes, that's very important for me.'"

"Tradition is something for that for me is very important.  I have a lot of respect for the past, the knowledge and skills involved in making clothes, the 'savoir faire' for embroidery, for patterns and prints.  I don't want for these things to get lost, but at the same time aim to avoid being nostalgic.  I love to live in the now and to make clothing for today and tomorrow."

"[Clothes] have to be personalised and I think a garment only becomes nice when it carries the imprint of the person who wears it.  As soon as you see the history, you feel that the garment and the person wearing it are one."  (Interview by Claudia Reidel in Mono Kultur #20)

I couldn't sum up the reasons for my love of Dries any more succinctly than that.  Dries has the ability to transport you to another more fabulous world, where you look exactly how you picture yourself to look at your best while still being pitch perfect for the office, a cocktail party or even weekend errands.  And the whole time you'll look like you weren't even trying.  As the French say, très cool.

If you're in New York and have the time to take a little break or extended lunch, Barneys is having a Dries A/W 2010 trunk show today (3/22) and tomorrow (3/23).  I'm definitely going to try to stop by if I get a chance! 

Some Dries from the last few seasons:

A/W 2010 

A/W 2010                                                 S/S 2010

  

                                               A/W 2009                                                A/W 2009        

                    

                                                 S/S 2009                                                  S/S 2009

 A/W 2008

(Images via Style.com)

To open-toe shoe or not to open-toe shoe?

Balenciaga dress, random turtleneck from high school, Proenza Schouler sandals, silver cuff from India

The perennial office-appropriate question.  Honestly, I'm not even 100% either way.  Peep-toe shoes I think are a complete go.  But sandals?  What kind?  And when?  I would definitely say no to dainty strappy sandals.  I don't think much good can come from those at work.  But more substantial sandals do intrigue me.  Perhaps with tights?  Or some cute socks?  I've done the former, but not the latter.  Socks and sandals will definitely be on my list of combinations to try this spring (if only my late '90s self could hear me now--socks and sandals??!!).   As a general rule, though, I think the safest bet is to wait for a lazy Friday to try to push the envelope with this one.  And definitely not when you are about to have a career-defining moment.  But with cropped pants or a modest skirt or dress, I think the open-toe shoe can be done.  Above is one iteration with tights--stay tuned for socks...

Side Note: As you may have noticed, I LOVE layering with turtlenecks, especially for work.  For some reason the higher neck seems more formal and sophisticated to me than a regular crew neck.  The added plus is that it's also highly functional against cool drafts and unpredictable office HVACs (why is there heat on when it's 75 degrees outside and air conditioning when it's 20??! WHY?????) .  It's also been verified as a trend here, so don't be afraid to embrace the middle school-er in you once again.

Prada, Prada, Prada

 

Prada skirt, J. Crew blouse and cardigan, Ferragamo shoes

I told you one of my favorite trends for summer are flowers, so here are a whole bunch, retro-style!  Although one should stay away from interpreting decades TOO literally, being inspired by a particular era always adds a little bit of fun to the office-wear routine.  If you get confused about whether you're going to a Halloween party or work, you're probably doing something wrong, but anything short of that and you're good to go.

The HOT decades right now: '90s (still), '70s and '40s (read: long skirts).  It seems as though the '80s moment is finally lapsing (a bit) and the '70s are really the new go-to decade for something "fresh" (and I do mean the "").  But in reality, whatever floats your boat and makes you feel good is what's "in."  Today's spring-y day said '50s-ish circle skirt to me!

Pink Lady

 Dries Van Noten blazer, T by Alexander Wang shirt, Ralph Lauren Blue Label pants, Bally shoes

Back from Spring Break!  And lucky me, it seems to finally be spring in New York as well (until, at least, that annoying freak snowstorm in April that ruins everything arrives).  When it's 70 degrees one day and 50 the next, dressing can be a little tricky.  I know I get super excited to break out the spring clothes and change out the closet, only to be reminded by the nagging reality that wind chill and cold nights still exist in March...and April...and even May in the Northeast.  Weather-versatile clothing is a must.  So next time you're in the midst of a stress-induced splurging frenzy, step back, take a deep breath and BUY!  Just kidding.  Kind of.  But seriously, if you're in the mood to go crazy, try to splurge on transitional pieces that can take you from fall to summer and then back again (less guilt!).  One of my favorite transitional pieces is this Dries Van Noten blazer.  It's a fairly warm lightweight wool, so it works well in the winter, but its slouchy silhouette and punchy color make it just as appropriate come spring.  Make the shopping addiction work for you!

X Marks the Spot

 Alexander Mcqueen sweater dress, Marc Jacobs boots

I guess this outfit is a bit of an epilogue to the last post in that it displays what a few strategically-placed lines can do for an ensemble.  What would otherwise be completely blah becomes a chic statement with the addition of just 4 lines.

The dress is the product of my recent and continuing McQueen binge (can you blame me when he was able to create things like this?) and the boots....well, if you know me at all, you know that I have a particular affinity for Marc Jacobs.  Marc was one of the first designers that really sparked my interest in fashion, and no matter how hard I try, I just can't quit him. In particular, I can't seem to stray very far from the shoes--they just suck me in season after season!  I tend to shy away from the overtly sexy stiletto Louboutin-style shoes (especially for work, as this can automatically make tip a fashion-forward outfit into the completely inappropriate area), so the quirky yet flattering lines of MJ's shoes just make sense.  He also ALWAYS offers styles in a variety of heels, so you aren't relegated to strapping yourself into 5-inch high torture apparatuses for the sake of looking good. 

Although... torture may still be involved in other forms...These boots were the fruit of waiting 4 torturous hours  outside the MJ boutique in Soho in sub-freezing temperatures for the slight chance of finding some sort of fashion miracle 90% off.  Miracle or not, I love these boots AND they cost less than a pair of shoes from Nine West, so I can't really complain.

See you after Spring Break!

The Dot and the Line

 Uniqlo tulip skirt, custom-tailored shirt from Thailand, Gerbe swiss dot tights, Stuart Weitzman shoes

 

This outfit, composed of office-wear basics, reminds me of a children's story with which you are probably familiar.  One where what initially seemed boring and traditional was twisted and turned into something lovely and interesting with just a few tweaks.

It is the anguished story of a straight line who falls in love with a dot.

The dot, however, "only had eyes for a wild and unkempt squiggle who never seemed to have anything on his mind at all..."

"'He is so gay and free, so uninhibited and full of joy,'" she informed the line coolly,

'and you are as stiff as a stick.  Dull.  Conventional and repressed.  Tied and trammeled.  Subdued, smothered and stifled.  Squashed, squelched and quenched.'"

"'I'm dependable.

I know where I'm going.

I've got dignity!"

But this was small consolation for the miserable line.  Each day he grew more and more morose...

Until he had all but given up, he discovered at last that with great concentration and self-control he was able to change direction and bend wherever he chose.  So he did and made an angle.  And then again and made another..."

The dot was overwhelmed and giggled.

and...soon they lived--if not happily ever after, at least reasonably so...

MORAL OF THE  STORY:  Make your own angles, LINES AND DOTS BELONG TOGETHER.

[excerpts from The Dot and The Line: a romance in lower mathematics by Norton Juster]

Spring Flowers

 

Behnaz Sarafpour dress, J. Crew tissue turtleneck (a layering fave!), Prada thigh-high boots, J. Crew chain necklace, vintage cameo necklace from street vendor

With the recent spate of "warm" weather in New York, as well as an impending beach getaway, I've suddenly gotten all hot-and-bothered for Spring.  The result, as you can see, is a slightly crazy office get-up.  I was going for the literal spring look.  But, as we all know, as the weather heats up so does one's ability to get away with the crazy at work, so this is only a harbinger of things to come (lucky you!). 

The advent of a new season also brings new "trends"!  Although, as fashion becomes less fascist about what's in and what's out, these trends just seem to be more like unabashed trickery to induce irresponsible consumption.  But who are we to flout the $300 billion dollar fashion industry? ;-)  Any excuse to "need' to buy something is good enough for me!  I am wholly complicit.  

Some "trends" I like for Spring 2010: scuba wear, nudes, pastels, khaki, military, exotic print, floral, blouse-y everthing, jodhpurs, drama

Knit Picking

 

Balenciaga sweater coat, Cole Haan boots

  

I love love love sweater coats, but when it comes to wearing them at work, I'm often at a loss at to what to put under them.  Something about their blanket/bathrobe-like qualities makes the dressier office-wear seem off limits and, damnit, I don't want to wait until Casual Friday to snuggle up in one!  My solution?  Sweater coat as sweater dress!  Not wearing anything under definitely makes the morning dressing ritual a lot easier.  And if you can find one in an interesting knit/color, no one should even know the difference.

Note: Make sure said sweater coat has adequate fastening cabilities, otherwise you could go from sweater dress to sweater flasher in .2 seconds!