Collaborate and Listen

 Marni for H&M jacket and leggings, men's Band of Outsiders shorts, Proenza Schouler longsleeve t-shirt, Chloe boots

I'm not usually a huge fan of designer collaborations, but when Marni for H&M came around, that changed.  Why? Well, for one, I LOOKED LIKE REAL MARNI.  Then, after seeing it in the flesh, IT STILL LOOKED LIKE REAL MARNI.  Even though a near mob scene (who am I kidding, it was a full-on mob scene) that literally devoured the clothing as it was being replenished proved to be a daunting obstacle/impetus at the preview, I managed to emerge with A LOT of Marni for H&M in spite--or perhaps, because--of it.  While not all of my booty ended up finding a permanent home (sorry floral brocade top/pants), I have been wearing the above two favorite pieces like there's no tomorrow. Many, many a time have I tried on the original version of these leggings, but could never work up the nerve to spend that much on a pair of leggings.  And it turns out, I didn't have to! AND THE JACKET. Let's talk about that.  It's shiny (my new love).  It has stretchy arms.  It's vaguely varsity-ish without making me look like I want a boyfriend who plays sports (which for the record, I don't. :).  It was my first time with a designer collaboration, and it was awesome.

Pep in Your Step

 Band of Outsiders men's shirt, Dries Van Noten peplum pants, seal moccasins

I'm not going to expound on the virtues of the peplum---there are more than enough sources touting them--but I will continue to highlight my love of it with a passion!  Especially with these Dries peplum pants.  Yes we've seen plenty of tops, skirts, and even dresses with the signature ruffles as of late, but a pant is still a bit of a novelty. Beyond Dries, I'm not even quite sure who does it, but, as with many things Dries, I'm sure many will follow in his footsteps.  If anything, it's an interesting shape to keep in mind--and potentially a good use of those micro mircro minis from days yore.  Slip them over a skinny pant and you've got yourself a bona fide DIY peplum.

That's enough fashion seriousness for now--Happy St. Patty's Day!

The Hook Up

 J. Crew paisley shirt and skirt, Ferragamo shoes, Derek Lam bag

 

 At dinner tonight, I happened to run into a J. Crew employee who told me that my outfit is what the real J. Crew Insiders refer to as "the hook up".  "Huh?" you ask? Very simply, it is the deft execution of matching print top and bottom.  And I thought I was just a purple paisley people eater.  I don't want to even try to comment on what that difference in interpretation means, BUT it does also mean we both love paisley and purple! And it's not just that I'm alphabetically narcissistic (although "P" is kind of the best letter...).  For a trend/microtrend/tool-to-sell-people-clothes-they-don't-need, paisley is tops in my book.  Obviously, it's totally traditional in the, uh, traditional sense, but when cast in vibrant colors and/or on start white backdrops, paisley becomes something so totally modern and forward-thinking.  It just makes me feel happy and optimistic and great.  But that might have also been the gorgeous 70 degree weather today. OR, perhaps my new favorite Derek Lam bag might have helped!  Thought I wasn't going to acknowledge that elephant in the room?  As you may recognize, the snakeskin patchwork from the Spring 12 show and this is indeed current season. To my extreme benefit, however,it somehow ended up at the Barneys warehouse sale many, many % off. I'm still kind of speechless over the whole thing.  So we'll stop there for today.  Class dismissed!