Happy Memorial Day!

 Derek Lam dress ($75 at sample sale!), vintage scarf from parents, Chloe sandals, cuff from India

Go have some fun, you crazy kids!  Even if you're not in the US.  (Despite the pensiveness of the photos, I too am ready for some good times!) :)

xx

Ok, gotta run, super late already...!

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, Part I

Alexander McQueen dress and skirt, Manolo Blahnik for Thakoon shoes, earrings from India (see can't stop wearing them!), random rings

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It seems as thought the blogging gods are not looking very down very kindly upon me.  For the last few weeks I've tried to schedule a time to go to the McQueen exhibit at the Met; each time I have met with misfortune and futility.  Something came up, something goes long, it's the weekend, etc., etc.  And then today, I thought--naively it turns out--that I would finally make it to the exhibit, only to arrive just as they cut off the line (which was at 45 minutes even on a Tuesday afternoon)!  So, instead of looking at pictures online (no personal pictures are allowed unfortunately) and conjuring up something up, I'm going to hold-off on the write-up because this is something I really want to experience before I write.  I have a feeling it's going to be one of those rare instances of pure inspiration (duh).  In the meantime, with all this anticipation mounting, I went a little (a lot) crazy with the McQueen and the results are above!  These pieces (from McQueen's last fully complete collection--S/S 2010)  may not be in a museum, but they are completely priceless to me! 

The Holy Grail: The Tailored Boyfriend Blazer

 Dries Van Noten Jacket, Proenza Schouler shirt, Theyskens Theory pants, Rochas shoes

 Despite the weather's unwillingness to cooperate with me (read: non-stop rain), I managed to eek out a few pics for the ol' ball-and-chain and post my last "must-have" Holy Grail item:  the boyfriend blazer that, wait for it.....actually fits!  The boyfriend blazer, in its schlumpiest versions, has become ubiquitous on the streets of NYC and beyond.  This needs to end.  Yes, it is difficult to find a slouchy blazer that fits properly at the shoulders, arms, waist, etc.--but it's more than possible!  There really shouldn't be any excuse to go to a thrift store and buy any old fun-colored blazer that fits neither here-nor-there.  Because even if you do--tailor!  This Dries blazer in particular is a DIY in the making.  It is literally just a men's blazer (men's standard measurements and everything) with the waist nipped in.  Ta-da!  Still easy and slouchy (i.e. you have free range of movement), it's long enough to cover tummy/hips/what have you, but in a completely put-together way.  Over leggings, denim, trousers, or skirts, it'll just work.  So that makes 4 in my Holy Grail list (trousers, dress, blouse, jacket), and while that may not see like a lot, it's the details in these foundational pieces that will take you wherever you need to go.  They aren't the only staples a woman needs, but the ones unique and personalize-able enough to make her stand out at her best  on a daily basis (at least in my opinion!).

The Holy Grail: The Perfect Printed Blouse

Dries Van Noten blouse, Narciso Rodriguez pant (yes, these are the $7.99 ones!), Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes, earrings from India (I've been wearing them non-stop lately)

 

Next up on the can't-live-withouts:  the silk blouse.  But not just any silk blouse.  The perfect most quintessentially-you printed blouse out there!  It's easy and yawn-worthy enough to have a host of flattering neutral or solid blouses in your arsenal, but it's such a banal necessity that I don't even think it merits mention on the list.  The printed blouse, however, is a whole 'nother story.  Why so coveted you ask?  Well, first, it's kind of hard to find a printed silk blouse that isn't hideous.  There are a lot of horrible animal- and abstract- print monstrosities out there, but only a few that actually overcome the hurdles of good taste.  So, that's why when you find THE ONE (this Dries is my blouse soulmate), don't be afraid to wear it over and over...and over again.  Second, that perfect print on that perfect blouse will tell everyone just exactly  who you are.  I think a printed blouse can be one of the most personally expressive pieces a woman (especially a professional woman) can have.  So even if it errs on the side of um...questionable...there's no denying that the personality it conveys is worth whatever supposed misstep you might think you're making.  Third, the usual reasons--you know, that it's versatile, it's comfy, day-to-night, week-weekend, yada yada, you've heard it before.  But do reconsider the printed blouse as a great opportunity to let the real you show through (at least just a little)!

The Working Girl on Style Like U

 Check it out here!

The Holy Grail: Easy Dress-ing

 Rochas scarf and dress, Happy Socks polka-dot socks, Newport News shoes

 I had these socks on when I went to the trunk show at Barneys and Rochas designer Marco Zanini told me to "never take them off!", so I had to put them on the first time I wore the dress!

After the last post, I thought I would try to keep this "Holy Grail" thing going--as kind of rundown of my current wardrobe "must-haves."  Last post was easy trousers, today: easy dresses! Notice a pattern? Well, easy, effortless dressing is something I think we can all agree on when it comes to fashion and style, and is my M.O. on a daily basis.  Of course, the occasional preening and primping is welcome, but let's be serious, who has the time/desire to that everyday?  That is not to say that effortless equals disheveled and sloppy- I think far too many people get the two confused.  Rather, it's that dressing shouldn't be an all-consuming affair; it should be part and parcel of your personality, second nature if you will.  On most days, I usually don't take more than 20-30 minutes to get dressed in the morning (30 if I decide I have to eat breakfast during!), which surprises a LOT of people (which in turn is surprising to me!).  The secret?  Not very secret or surprising--it's all about choosing the right pieces for your wardrobe so that no matter what you throw on, you won't be mistaken for a college student during finals week (although if you're a guy, maybe you want to, because you look so cute all scruffy!). Number one on my list?  An army of dresses.  While dresses may initially seem limiting since you can't really mix-and-match, there is simply NOTHING more pulled-together and mindless. Whether structured or soft, body conscious or full-skirted, the right dress can be a save-all for any situation--that is, if it's not too short, too low-cut, or too tight.  Personally, I think a dress like the Rochas dress I'm wearing above is a great template of the kind of dress that can and will take you anywhere no matter who you are--the '40s details are beyond classic (I seriously could see myself as a grandma still wearing this), the washed silk is divine, the slightly full skirt with defined waist and sleeves is completely flattering on a lot of different body types, and there is nary a zipper on the whole thing.  Literally slip it over your head and run out the door.  In the winter, a turtleneck, cardigan and some boots are perfect.  Obviously, I don't mean that everyone go and only buy this particular dress (it takes a LOT of finagling, trust me...;), but rather, it's the idea of the dress that I think translates so well across all budgets and personal styles--a great starting point if a starting point is what you need!

The Holy Grail: Slouchy Work Trousers

 Gant Rugger men's sweater, Narciso Rodriguez pants, Dries Van Noten sandals

The perfect pair of slouchy pants is kind of a Holy Grail for me.  And the perfect pair of work-appropriate slouchy pants?  Fuhgeddaboudit.  Luckily, on my mini-law school reunion in Nashville this past weekend, I was able to stop by UAL, which was one of my favorite hidden gems for discount designer clothing.  In the past, I've picked up this wonderful Chloe skirt (90% off retail, thank you very much), and this Proenza top (for around $150).  Needless to say, I had high hopes for my visit this time and was not to be disappointed.  Case in point:  the above Narciso Rodriguez sample pants were scored for $13.99.  Yes $ 13.99.  That is not a typo.  Lest you be floored by that lowly number, I also picked up a wide-leg Narciso pair for $7.99.  That's practically criminal!  I've never owned a Narciso piece before, and I have to say I now get what all the hype is about.  The tailoring on both pairs of pants--despite being samples-- is impeccable.  I love the fabrication of this pair in particular because, while  totally comfortable, it's stiff enough to maintain a crisp crease down the middle.  Crisp and slouchy?  I'm getting some serious cognitive dissonance even thinking about that kind of contradictory co-existence. But how wonderful that it does apparently exist!  The generously long stovepipe legs which break ever-so cool-ly are just icing on the cake.  God bless the South, and God bless UAL.

Met Gala Favorites

Hamish Bowles via style.com-Any man that can pull off that much tartan is my hero

Hailee Steinfeld via style.com - Even so young, Hailee Steinfeld has THE most impeccable taste in Hollywood.  And is a badass.

 Karen Elson via stylebistro.com - Gorgeous.  McQueen.  Enough said.

Diane Kruger via stylebistro.com- The definition of glamour.

Rihanna via stylebistro.com - Love the drama of the silhouette and the slightly kooky Southwestern styling. 

While I was a bit hesitant to do a "Best Dressed" for the Met Gala, I  thought I would succumb to the cliche and round up my faves since it was in honor of one of my favorite designers ever.  Although, I have to say, for a ball honoring the late and utterly genius Alexander McQueen, the fashion was a bit less than glorious and/or creative (as it should have been in the true spirit of McQueen).  Where was the drama?  The edge?  The subversiveness?  The McQueen? Yawn.  But these few above I thought were standouts, whether for taking risks, having a sense of humor, being flipping gorgeous, or all three put together!

And in case you missed it, check out what my choice would have been if I had a fairy godmother here on StyledOn!