Red and Purple

Tibi Dress, Proenza Schouler sandals

Shot through the head.... 

I had a pair of crescent moon barrettes with red and purple hearts (why hearts?) hanging from them when I was in kindergarten;and ever since, I've had a bit of a soft spot for the combination, which has been notably absent in the fashion world for a few decades...UNTIL NOW.  Peter Pilotto's FABULOUS, FANTASTIC, PHENOMENAL Resort 2013 collection wholeheartedly embraced it, as did Marc Jacobs (in both his main collection and Marc by Marc lines). I don't know why exactly there seems to be a bit of taboo about it, or why it's at the very least stuck in a a no man's land of color cominations, but I think it's an utterly refreshing duo that's can be pretty while simultaneously a bit subversive (I guess, because of that inexplicable mainstream aversion).  So, when I saw this Tibi dress, I just couldn't help myself.  The pattern, colour, and cut just make me feel energized.  And, since I had such a wonderful experience with my first dalliance, I knew it would completely translate in real life....and it did!  The print is currently available on their website (in other equally as lovely variations as well), and if you need some more convincing, below are a few daring red-and-purple pieces for practice (a few of which are even on sale). 

Sonia Rykiel

Carven

Dannijo

Pour La Victoire

Acne

Lanvin

Tropicalia

 Prada shirt, Dries Van Noten skirt, Rochas shoes

Love the fan of the pleats on this skirt--they're only in the front, so makes for quite a dynamic shape

Can you tell I REALLY want to go on vacation?  One of the downfalls of switching jobs before you take any vacation is that...you end up with no vacation.  Not exactly surprising  that resort with a small "R" is on the mind-- incessantly. But that puts Resort (with a big "R") on the mind especially since   Resort 2013 just passed (one of the many reasons the blog was dormant--too many appointments!).  While there were many a pretty thing, I have to admit I was a bit bewildered by the multiplicity of trends.  This is not a new...err...trend, but the lack of focus was a bit dizzying for me this time.  Of course, this is great for the average consumer who is looking for something specific, or who just hasn't gotten around to embracing trends that have been percolating for some time already.  BUT, for the fashion-immersed, is it something of a let down?  Does having those many "choices" water down the innovation?  Of course, Resort isn't usually known for the innovation factor, but it is often used as a harbinger of what is to come for Spring.  After a lackluster Fall, a staid Spring is the last thing fashion lovers need! No need to throw prints and lace and bright colors overboard, but let's do them in some fascinating ways, designers!  I need more pieces like the Prada Bananas and the Dries Victorian-tropical photo-prints to guard against the boredom of everyday life, not contribute to them! 

CURRENTLY COVETING: ALC Joni Sweater and Chekered Mick Pants

The Perks of Being Wallpaper

American Eagle top and jeans, Stella McCartney heels

 YES I KNOW THERE IS TOO MUCH LIGHT AND IT IS COMING FROM THE BACK, BUT I  ONLY HAVE EAST FACING WINDOWS, SO DIRECT COMPLAINTS CAN BE ADDRESSED TO: THE SUN (Working out lighting and getting-up-too-late issues in the new place, bear with us)

Hello!  I'm not dead!  Sometimes, life just gets in the way doesn't it?  Well, now that I'm finally getting my bearings (just barely), I'm hoping "normal" life will resume. On the topic of "normality"-- more than a year into working in the fashion industry, I still can't desensitize myself to the lovely perks that come with it (one of which is definitely NOT the salary). I will defend those perks (beyond needing them, see salary comments above) because I've really seen that gifting wares to media-folk very much helps a brand get the exposure they want.  What better advocate is there for a brand than someone who wants to and does wear your wares?  Case and point:  the American Eagle outfit above.  The lovely peoples at AE sent out a summer goodies the other day and I was genuinely FLOORED when I opened up the box. WASHED OUT FLORAL PRINTS???  DID THEY GET INTO MY BRAIN?  Pulling out the pieces, all I could think was, "When and HOW did they get THIS cute?"  Not that I didn't consider AE before--who doesn't have some of their comfy tshirts or denim shorts--but this was cuteness on another level.  The colors were so right, the print so right, everything SO RIGHT.   A little bit Laura Ashley, a little bit LA-- it was a disconsonant mash-up and I loved it!    Now, I'm definitely a convert--at the price point (the shirt for example, retails for 44.95), AE is a solid contender in the shopping gauntlet. Now where's the matching wallpaper?  I need my Garden State moment.


CURRENTLY COVETING:  Mary Katrantzou Tulip Skirt