Posts tagged ‘leather jacket’
Pink Sneaks, They Be Chic!
If I were to ask a room full of people if they thought a pink pair of running shoes could ever be considered “chic,” I can almost guarantee that the majority of the room would say, “No way José.” And until recently I would have agreed with them. For at the time before the recent, my limited noggin deemed running shoes appropriate for treadmills, trainers, and trailblazing. Since none of these were activities included in my daily routine (I’m more of the elliptical type), I never put much thought into the sneakers I strapped on for the purpose of burning calories. Clunky white trainers fit for a tourist with socks rolled up to the knee (aka my stepdad) were my athletic style statement (if you could even call it that) and I never thought twice about it. If anyone were going to try to pick me up at the gym, I guarantee my sweaty tomato face and oversized t-shirt would be more dissuading than the clunkers on my feet.
Since then, which to be honest was about a year ago, Nike has decided, to hell with exercising, I’m getting plastic surgery. And with one giant facelift, the go-to athletic brand went from treadmills and track shorts to sidewalks and little white dresses. Or at least in the image above, which may be the epitome of comfortably chic and totally babe-a-licious, and therefore worthy of copying to a capital T. So I guess what I’m telling you is that you’re going to see me in something similar very soon, and I hope to see you do the same.
PEACE.
//photos via Tommy Ton & Likette
Because It’s Awesome
Each time I wear either this jacket or these shoes I get a variety of comments — some positive, some negative. For example, a boy once said to me in reference to this outerwear, “why on earth did you buy that?” Ok, a few things here. One: I can’t believe a guy actually said “why on earth” — I feel like only people who say “geez” or “golly” or “soda pop” say that. Two: do you really want me to explain why I bought this jacket? Because it’s a pretty uninteresting, anti-climatic story. So, I simply responded with “because it’s awesome” and walked away. (Jerk.)
Now, when I was younger (ages 5-24) a comment like that would have sent me to Insecure City where people hide in corners and try to blend in with the walls. But as I’ve matoooooored (that’s “matured” with an obnoxious accent), I’ve grown to care less and less about what people think in regards to my sartorial choices. Much like the belief that most people would rather be overdressed than under, I would rather dress like myself than try to blend in with the vanillas of the world. This is starting to sound like a preachy post, and though that wasn’t my initial intention I’m going to roll with it. You see I’m under the belief that if you feel like your look is a little on the “is this appropriate?” side then you should definitely wear it. So I leave you with this: should someone question your outfit or comment on its ridiculousness, tell them it’s awesome and walk away. (Cause they’re a jerk.)
William Rast jacket (similar here) | Splendid shirt | Moschino skirt | Tibi clutch | Burberry wedges | Ray-Ban sunglasses
// photos by Emily Malan
The Purpose of Style
With the exception of skyscraper heels, I’d like to think my style is pretty functional. Sure I’ll pile on the accessories or wear an extra layer or two, but it’s important for me not to have an outfit that requires a lot of fidget and fuss. Outfits that have you constantly pulling down a skirt or adjusting a belt are not only frustrating, but make you look uncomfortable. Style is supposed to be fun and experimental, not a nuisance. So for the most part, I nix any outfit additions that get in the way or serve no purpose.
I’ve often admired punks and 90s grunge icons for their ability to look effortlessly cool when really we all know their outfits took some serious time and thought to put together. Sid Vicious and his piling of spiked belts. Kurt Cobain and his multitude of layered cardigans. The kids hanging around Tompkins Square Park or St. Marks Place with their tattered tights and mohawks. Do you know how long it takes to actually get a mohawk to stick straight up? I don’t, but I imagine it takes awhile. And Sid Vicious, I love you, but I’m fairly certain your three spiked belts all fastened to the side were not all there to keep your pants up. Yet, while these pieces serve next-to-no-function (i.e. ripped tights do not keep you warm), they do serve a purpose; the purpose of style.
Taking cues from the Fall 2013 runways, I’ve been testing out different ways to add more layers to a single look before spring and summer roll around and I’m stripped of anything that will cause an excess of sweat. I don’t like things to feel too bulky — having socks bunch up while inside my shoes may be one of my biggest pet peeves — so I started simple with a 90s grunge inspired plaid shirt tied around my waist. Though it serves no functional purpose, it added an extra element of proportion, texture, and style to a look that felt a little too simple without it. I can also report that when double knotted I never had to fidget to keep it in place.
Schott leather jacket | H&M sweater (similar here) | Catherine Malandrino dress (similar here) | Rail shirt (similar here) | Zara boots | Chloé bag | Ray-Ban sunglasses | Michael Kors scarf
// photos by Emily Malan
Transitions and What Nots
I got this maxi dress back in July and failed to wear it with all its glorious exposure (mega cleavage on this sucker) while it was still nice and toasty out. Unwilling to move it to the back of my closet until next spring/summer, I paired it with a fitted and cropped leather jacket that added just the right amount of edge and actually toned down the fancy factor of the dress.
Now the real question is, can I make it work in winter?
All Saints jacket | BCBGMAXAZRIA dress | Alexander Wang bag | Vintage sunglasses
// photos by Emily Malan
WISH
I’m the farthest thing from an impulse buyer — if I’m not sure about it, I’m not going to buy it. This has resulted in me missing out on some amazing vintage finds, but I think if you’re going to spend money on something – especially something that’s expensive – you should be 100% sure you love it and you’ll wear it years from now.
I am constantly making wish lists (you can see some of the things I’m currently obsessing over here), but if I look at the list really closely, there are a few items that have remained on there for months if not years. I have lusted, drooled and cried tears (not literally, ok maybe literally) over Rick Owens’ signature leather jacket for at least five years. The Chloé studded Susan boots are my Podiatric porn. And I don’t think I need to explain myself when it comes to the Proenza Schouler PS11 bag.
Though I’m not in any place to make a big splurge (I just moved, afterall!) I can’t help but remind myself just how much I love the following four items that have surpassed the test of time on my wish list.
{ Cartier Love Bracelet }
{ Proenza Schouler PS11 in Burgundy }
