Mix 'N' Match

 Prada coat and shoes, Proenza schouler top, Paper Denim  Cloth shorts

Getting ready for summer vacation (finally!), I'm throwing all sartorial caution to the wind and embracing the last few weeks of low key before the hustle and bustle of fall (and fashion week!).  I was never one for denim cutoffs, but lately these old Paper Denim's have been in regular rotation on the weekends.  There's something so liberating, but still chic, about throwing them on with a men's polo and some flats.  Or, about pairing them with something unexpectedly dressy.  I am finally a full-on convert--bring on the denim!

Unlikely Friends

 Marni top, Thakoon pants, Dries Van Noten shoes, YSL earrings

 This may not exactly be a revolutionary idea, but--as of late, I've been completely mesmerized by the idea of things that "clash."  This is nothing new--post (post) modern society can be marked, if by anything, by that very mixing of what does not naturally exist together--whether in fashion (the now beloved high-low end combination), music (pop, rock, rap--all in the same 3:00 morsel!), film (the romantic bro comedy), True Blood (vampires and witches--really?), etc., etc. Nevertheless, I'm finding myself channeling it sartorially, and specifically through colors.  Go big or go home right?  Well, silver and gold may not raise an eyebrow these days, but there's still something deliciously taboo about it to the remnants of my very rigid rule-adhering former self.  I remember completely gagging at the idea that silver and gold could even share the same compartment of a jewelry box, let alone set the palette for an outfit.   And this is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.  Pink and red?  Sure.  Orange and red?  Why not?  Perhaps the excitement about clashing colors is a symptom of a less than eventful life, but isn't that the case for most of us in our everyday routines?  Why not do something a little bit naughty every once in a while?  Even if only you and I know/care that it is!

Heatwave

 Wrangler shirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs shorts, Proenza Schouler shoes

As this gargantuan, record-breaking heat wave sweeps most of the US, it's been understandably difficult to pull it together sartorially.  The majority of the week was full of appropriate, but unremarkable outfits (who wants to ruin an amazing piece with subway sweat stains (which, as they sound, are even worse than regular ones)?  Thankfully, the weekend was a bit of a respite--not from the heat, but from trying to look acceptable in any way.  I opted for super soft, super breezy cottons and sandals when I did venture to out of my under air-conditioned apartment (which was not very often at all).  While I usually don't allow for excuses about not dressing up, when temperatures are 100+, it transcends excuse and become necessity--I just say go with what feels good...or at least bearable.

Salute Your Shorts

 Derek Lam sample shorts, DKNY blouse, Jasmine Shokrian tank, Rochas shoes

I love colors.  I inexplicably love big shorts.  Here, I have brought them together in the hopes of inspiring others to join my bright-color-big-short brigade.  Throw in a bit of a camp counselor/basketball uniform (I *almost said "basketball outfit", *almost) vibe and who could resist?  But seriously, is it possible to really tire of color-blocking? I have been mulling over this proposition for a while now, after the whole color explosion thing that happened this spring.  You can't walk into Zara without being bowled over by the large, saturated swathes of colors bombarding you immediately.  I mean, theoretically, color exhaustion seems possible, but in actuality, what person can resist fun, punchy colors, especially when they're all neatly in a row?  A non-person that's who.  So basically what I'm saying is:  if you want to prove your humanity, wear a lot of colors. At once.  To work.  At home.  Wherever.  It's as simple as that.  And it's never wrong!  Unlike these gym shorts masquerading as fancy shorts.  Which are probably wrong all of the time.  But that's why I love them.

And just for fun because it's so good....

Punk Ethics

 Balenciaga vest and shirt, Narciso Rodriguez sample pants, Dries Van Noten sandals

There are few things I would all-out, unabashedly call cool, but Nicolas Ghesquiere's S/S 2011 Balenciaga collection is one of them.  A crazy hybrid cyber-rockabilly-punk thing, it completely blew away the sum of it's individual (and brilliant) references combined.  The take on punk was particularly inspired--especially considering that the punk aesthetic is such a specific and ironically ossified look. I wasn't sure how it could be updated and/or elevated. Silly me, I shouldn't have doubted that Nicolas could do both flawlessly--simultaneously incorporating new design details (the tails on the shirts, new techno fabrications) while reinvigorating punk standbys (the oversize houndstooth, kick-some-ass boots).  Needless to say, when I saw some of the pieces 75% off at Barneys, I couldn't resist (sadly the runway shirts with metal collars were not as marked down and still far, far outside my price range, as were the creepers).  Sid Vicious (or should I say Nancy Spungen?) I am not, so I would go as far to say that I may actually tone down the cool factor of these pieces---but that is exactly what is so great about this collection: it's completely adaptable to different aesthetics and personalities.  So while you may not be a total egg-yolk mohawk-parachute-pant-and-safety-pin wearing punk on the outside, Monsieur Ghesquiere and co. make sure you can at least get out a little of that punk on the inside.

Taking the Plunge

 Celine silk and knit cardigan, BCBG skirt, Miu Miu shoes

After all that hemming and hawing, I finally did it!  I wore the Miu Mius!  And I'm proud to say I even walked around in them!  And nary a blister to my name.  I also dug an old seersucker skirt from the college days out of hiding to pair with my new kicks and sweater (thank you, thank you Barneys sale!).  It inadvertently gives a bit of a 4th of July feel, only 9 days too late. Yeah, I'm that patriotic.

In completely unrelated news/public service announcements:  I went to the Soundgarden show last weekend in Newark.  It was the best show I've ever been to in my life (including when I saw them in 8th grade!).  If they are near you, GO.  Even if you don't like guitars, or rock music, or other good things.  JUST GO.  :)

Happy Feet

 

I've been dying to give these Miu Mius their photographic due, but too scared to actually, you know, WEAR them.  As a compromise until I work up the nerve to sully these pretty soles, I'm going to give them a their own solo editorial as a preview of things to come.  It was a tough decision deciding between this color way and a black/gold/white colorway--especially considering my aversion to white shoes in New York City--but the sweet girlishness of the white/gold/putty plays off wonderfully against the more masculine idea of spats.  In other Miu Miu news--although I'm not usually the biggest fan of putting the latest Hollywood ingenue in fashion ads, I absolutely adore Hailee Steinfeld (both in True Grit and on the red carpet), and think the F/W 2011 campaign starring her is absolutely adorable and a perfect representation of the brand.  The entire campaign is here, my favorite shots:

Surf's Up!

 Proenza Schouler skirt, shirt, and shoes, Dillard's boys blazer

In between scores of mosquito bites and gradually frizzier hair, it somehow turned legitimately into summer!  What better way to take it all in, than that surf-inspired look that's had some staying power (Prabal Gurung Resort, Lisa Marie Fernandez, even Proenza is still going strong with beach-life inspired inflections).  While the Proenza clothing in this outfit is from last summer's fave collection, these new sandals from Proenza's S/S '11 collection are quite possibly my favorite purchase in a long time (thanks Barneys sale!). The slick look of the leather harkens to the glistening skin of an eel or other sea creature that I would prefer upon a bed of sushi rice. And the thick bandage straps scream utility! and sportiness! like no other.  Before pontificating too wildly on my love of the Proenza, I must address my topic of choice today: the "mandal".  The mandal is a difficult proposition to consider, but one I think that may very well pay off for those willing to gender bend in a subtly unexpected way.  They are comfy, sturdy, and imply some serious ass-kicking ability.  And they literally and figuratively bring weight to any outfit, no matter how frivolously feminine.  In the interests of public service, I am going to take it upon myself to test the boundaries of the mandal and see just how far they will take me.  Clearly, from the above look, they will take me to a very uppity clam shack, or to work on a very casual day.  What I really want is for them to take me somewhere in a suit.  Now taking bets on  how many dates it'll take...

Happy Canada Day/4th Of July Weekend!

 Miu Miu top, Chloe skirt, Prada shoes, Swatch watch

 

Hope everyone on the upper 2/3 of the North American continent (sorry Mexico) is enjoying their long weekends!  I may not be in spirit color-wise, but believe me, this outfit is screaming for summer fun.  Whether you're just barbecuing in the back yard or travelling to far-flung exotic locations--have a good one!

I leave you with S/S 12 Prada for men:  I'm thinking the golf vibe (see shoes above) might be something to look into...