Sunday, January 17, 2010

I see London, I see France

The wheel that cycles us through the rotation of fashion trends gone by keeps moving and as we move deeper into '90s trends, we hit another old stand-by: lingerie-influenced clothing. And yes, I know attention starved starlets never let this one go, but I'm talking about real designers, editors, and buyers marketing this to real people - for real! Honestly, that old adage of not wearing a trend that you wore in a previous cycle has become impossible, I believe!! (So ignore it!!)

If you're like me, the idea of lingerie as outerwear is not immediately appealing and it's pretty downright impractical right now in the dead of winter. Actually, I don't care how hot it gets, but I can't imagine running around the city or meeting up with friends in a bar wearing a just a slip.. And it's not a cheap trend either - if all of your layers are showing, you can't get away with old, granny underwear.. (not that you or I have any.. of course!!)

On further thought though, I realized that a lot of things that I already wear are lingerie inspired. What is a bustier, for example, or over-the-knee socks? And, while the first images that come to my mind about lingerie-inspired fashion are either some ethereal fairy-like floaty thing or scary dominatrix leather, there are many interpretations that are much more creative and forgiving than that and possibly even appropriate for work (let me clarify.. I mean office work at a desk).

So, I took some photos of outfits I really like that I think are lingerie-inspired and one that is actually technically lingerie (the camisole with metal fringe on it, worn with tux jacket and black pants).

I mentioned to my friend Judy that lingerie-inspired fashion was going to be my next post and she observed that we don't have to follow that trend just because it's come around again. People should feel free to let a trend pass them by and just to pick and choose which ones appeal to them. I agree completely. But I also think it's fun to interpret a new trend in your own way as an opportunity to shake up your wardrobe. Trends can bring up a new shape or nuance that affects your eye and, if you choose to do something with it, it may look nothing like what you see in magazines or on runways. But that's where your personal style comes in - including, of course, the choice to opt out!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

No muss, no fuss

For New Year’s Eve plans, I have a rule: keep it as simple and flexible as possible... and my New Year’s Eve outfit follows a similar rule. With available taxis on New Year's Eve about as rare as unicorns, inevitably, I will have to walk home. And this year, with snow forecast to turn into slush, I gave it extra thought as there was no way I was wearing clompy flat boots to a party, nor was I going to destroy my heels walking home in the salty slush. I'd already learned the uneven layering trick for New York winters (flimsy layer for over-heated interiors, thick layer over that to keep you warm outside or if you're next to a drafty window). And this time, I needed to be able to make an easy change into snow boots. So, my solution? T-shirt/jacket/shorts/tights/boots (and a spare pair of snow boots in my bag).

And sure enough, while the streets were filled with cabs and the air resounded with honking, not a single available light was shining. But I was comfortable, my feet were warm and dry (as were my high heeled boots) so I really didn't care... As my colleague Sanne says, "there is no bad weather, only bad clothes". Too true.

A different challenge faced me on New Year's day when I woke up: I was tired, I was hungry, and all I wanted to do was to lounge in my pyjamas with tea or coffee.. but I had no milk. Or food. When I lived on 10th and Ave A a few years ago, I would go to the bodega in my pjs, boots and a coat, but I can’t really do that in the more civilized Greenwich Village and at an age when I really should know better (i.e., older than 8. I was older than 8 on 10th St too, of course, but chose to ignore that then.)

Plus in my additional experience in perfecting lazy weekend mornings, I have found how to dress with only slightly more effort than putting a coat and shoes on over pyjamas, but which creates the appearance that I actually am dressed for the day and can actually walk quite respectably a few blocks further from my sofa if the closest grocery store doesn't have what I want.


What's the trick? Bright lipstick and pulled back hair takes care of the grooming in 30 seconds, a dress and boots gets you covered (add leggings if it's cold)..grab your coat (or sweater and vest), your bag from last night, sunglasses, et voila! you are golden! A smile may be asking too much..

And Happy New Year's everybody!!