Posts tagged ‘Rag & Bone’
The 10 Piece Wardrobe
Clockwise from top left: Topshop blazer | Isabel Marant shirt | Issa dress | Isabel Marant boots | Proenza Schouler bag | Asos belt | Ray-Ban sunglasses | Asos heels | Equipment blouse | J Brand jeans
The other day a friend of mine put me up to a challenge; she asked me what items I would choose if I was limited to a 10 piece wardrobe. Naturally, my first thought was, “Joseph’s beard! I can’t even limit myself to packing 10 pieces when going on a weekend getaway!” But I was into this challenge.
Before giving her my answer which, mind you, took about 30 minutes to put together, I made sure that I could leave items like underwear and socks off my list. Obviously those are “essentials” but that just seems too obvious to me. Once I got the go ahead to exclude the under-pieces, I began reciting my 10-piece wardrobe list, which I kind of want to turn into a song to the tune of Beyonce’s “Count Down”, but that’s for another time.
Now let’s break this ultimate wardrobe down.
1. The Black Blazer — Boring? Yes. Necessary? Abso-freakin-lutely. I cannot list the amount of times I’ve reached for my hip-length black blazer to add some polish to a look. The fact that it works with dresses, basic blue jeans, and even sweatpants is enough justification for me to own at least five of these, but we’re dealing with a 10-piece wardrobe so let’s just say I own one.
2. The White T-Shirt — Another basic necessity. Much like the blazer, I’ve found that the white tee can be dressed up and dressed down, and functions as one of the more comfortable pieces in my closet. Suffice it to say, I wear my plain white tees as pajamas too.
3. The Day-to-Night Dress — Everyone believes the LBD (Little Black Dress) to be the ultimate wardrobe staple. I used to be one of those people, but I’ve changed my ways. I think that every woman should own a dress that transitions from day to night seamlessly. You want a dress that you can wear to brunch with the ladies before meeting up with Jack from Friday night for drinks. If this is a black dress for you, that’s fine, but don’t feel the need to limit yourself; hence my choice of a bright red Issa number.
4. The Ankle Boot — I never thought of boots as a year-round staple, but ones that let your ankles catch a breeze are comfortable and extreme climate friendly. I tend to opt for ones in a neutral color with a modest heel so that they go with everything and are easy to walk in.
5. The Shoulder Bag — Ok, this Proenza PS11 has been at the top of my must buy list for easily three years. When I first set eyes on it I knew it was the ultimate everyday bag. It’s a reasonable size, sits perfectly at the hip, and literally goes with everything. I know it’s on the pricier side, but for something that’s going to be worn on a daily basis is worth a splurge (though I have yet to pull the trigger). For a more reasonable option, I suggest trying this Rebecca Minkoff cross-body that’s just as versatile and chic.
6. The Neutral Belt — Belts are one of those accessories that add dimension and breaks up silhouettes. An outfit consisting of jeans, a white t-shirt, and some ankle boots (all members of the 10-piece wardrobe) looks far more stylish when the tee is tucked into the jeans allowing the neutral belt to show. At least in my opinion, which is why you’re here. OK…moving forward…
7. Aviator Sunglasses — I’ve never met a person who doesn’t look good in aviators. Their tapered shape and slim frames are flattering on every face shape and aren’t the kind of shades that steal the spotlight like cat eye sunglasses or giant round ones as favored by Paris Hilton.
8. The Simple Heel — It’s up to you whether you prefer the pump or the sandal, but a straightforward heel is as necessary in a woman’s wardrobe as underwear. Just make sure that they go with everything and are one of the more comfortable footwear options in your closet — no one wants to wear shoes that make them walk like a drunk camel.
9. The Classic Button Down — I wear a button down almost every day, but reach for the one with blue and white stripes more often than not. The vertical stripes are flattering, it can be dressed up or down, and if you’re lucky, your boyfriend already owns a few so you can just borrow right from his closet. Whoa! Did I just narrow this down a nine-piece wardrobe!?
10. The Skinny Jean — As much as I love the Mom Jeans, there is nothing I wear more often than skinny jeans. Once you find a brand and cut that fits you like a second set of skin, I guarantee you will wear them until the butt rips. This just happened to me with my favorite pair of Hudson jeans, though I am also a huge fan of J Brand, Rag & Bone, and Paige Denim.
Do you think I’m missing anything? I’d love to know what you think is the ultimate 10-piece wardrobe! TELL ME PLEASE!
All in the Coat
I remember when an old friend of mine first moved to New York City. It was the beginning of summer and she couldn’t believe that she could walk around at night without a jacket or sweater. Having lived in New York for four years at that point I’d never really thought of it that way, but yeah…she was right. Though at times unbearably hot throughout the day, there’s something really wonderful about being able to drink frozen margaritas outside at 11pm wearing only a sundress.
Having said all that, there’s also something really horrible about it. Along with the constant sweat, a good portion of my wardrobe has to be stowed away for four to six months. As someone who accumulates jackets like a squirrel collects nuts for winter, it’s slightly heartbreaking to hang up some of my favorite pieces knowing that we won’t be together again for a solid amount of time. And it’s not like we can be pen pals. I mean, the coats are hanging in my closet staring at me. And I’m staring at them. But that’s about as far as the relationship goes between May and September. Now I know what you’re thinking, is she really personifying her coats? And yes, ladies and gentlebeans, yes I am.
I only just acquired this statement making Beetlejuice coat and I hate knowing we have only a few more weeks together before we part ways for the summer. The thing is that I don’t miss coats in the summer – I love not having to worry about lugging around a bulky piece of clothing or hiding it in a bar somewhere while I get my drink on – it’s that a coat, like this one, can turn even the most boring outfits into something totally polished. But this is what I signed up for when I left San Francisco’s static 58 degrees for a city that celebrates all four seasons to their fullest potential. So with that let us prepare to bid au revoir to our outerwear and give a big high five to the season of bare legs and barbecue stain blues.
Asos coat | Vince shirt | Rag & Bone jeans | Manolo Blahnik heels | Vince Camuto clutch
// photos by Emily Malan
The Maxi Wins Again
Well isn’t this curious. Back in October when the weather was transitioning from summer to fall, I wrote about the maxi dress being a great transition piece. And now, as the weather switches from winter to spring, I am here again promoting the skirts of a longer length. Only this time, instead of a dress, I’ve hiked up my maxi skirt so that it functions as a moomoo tube dress of sorts.
Now, a couple of things about wearing a maxi skirt as a dress. Unless you are a twigster, this type of silhouette can be uber unflattering. So to combat looking like a tree trunk, I stress the importance of a structured, hip length jacket. This not only adds some dimension to your look and says “hey I actually do have some shape I just chose to wear this snakeskin potato sack,” but also adds to the whole notion that we are in a climatic transition here and certain limbs must still be covered.
And while we’re on the subject of covered limbs, let’s take a moment here to appreciate how maxi length dresses and skirts allow us to go tightsless while still covering the deathly pale color of our legs. I’m honestly shocked you can’t see the brick wall through my kneecaps.
So, while you’re busy covering up your gradually tanning limbs, let your mini-limbs (aka fingers and wrists) take the spotlight with extra bulky accoutrements that allow you to track your tan as the day progresses. Ring tans are the accessory of spring/summer 2013. You heard it here first.
Maje jacket | Michael Kors skirt worn as a dress (on sale!) | Rag & Bone boots | Coach bag | Vintage rings
// photos by Emily Malan
Consider the Hybrid
Several months ago I caved and bought my first pair of leather pants. I admit they were a bit snug, but I wanted them to have that extra skinny fit. With a couple of wears and a few too many episodes of sweating on the subway, I was not only in love but convinced that all the hoo-ha about leather pants being the number 1 item women most regret buying was a misconstrued statistic. These edgy pants were comfortable, glorious and cupped my butt beautifully!
But then the worst thing to happen to a woman in skinny pants happened. As I was getting out of an SUV taxi in the most unladylike fashion — legs spread like I was doing a grand plié — I heard a ripping noise followed by a waft of cool air around my nether regions. Looking down, my $Did-You-Really-Just-Spend-That-Much-On-Leather-Pants? were split right down the middle. Thankfully this was a taxi ride home to my apartment so I didn’t have to deal with crotch-ripped pants in public, but I was devastated and mortified nonetheless. Not only did I feel like a hippopotamus but my beloved leather pants were done-zo. Finito. Tombstone ready. This is what all those women were complaining about! Their pants ripped! I’m convinced.
Fast forward a few months later and I came upon a pair of pants that were half leather/half leggings. While skeptic given my previous leather pants debacle, I decided to give these hybrids a go. With a wiggle here and a lunge there, I was in my new skinny fit leather leggings and beyond pleased with their flattering cut and pajama-like comfort. But the ultimate test had to be done because God forbid I rip another pair without the luxury of being so close to home like the last time. So, I turned my apartment into a mini ballet studio trying out grand pliés, grand battements, and just about any other “grand” movement I could think of.
After a good sweat and probably one of the better shows I have ever given my neighbors, I am pleased to announce that not so much as a seam popped. I have since worn these almost everyday and am also pleased to announce that they have barely stretched out. So, if you’re one of the women who curses the moment she bought leather pants or find yourself debating whether or not to take the plunge, I urge you to consider the hybrid. And much like a 1980s mullet or that time in 8th grade when you thought that if you only shaved the front of your legs no one would notice the hairy situation going on in the back, these pants are bound to make you look awesome from any angle.
Rag & Bone jacket | Sahar Dada fur stole c/o | Zara shirt | Paige leather leggings c/o | Khirma Eliazov bag (borrowed) | Pamela Love x Nine West boots | Celine sunglasses | Saks beanie
// photos by Emily Malan
La Tur
As a blogger whose online presence revolves primarily around sharing sartorial choices, I really try not to repeat certain articles of clothing. Obviously there are some exceptions like bags, shoes, and underwear (scratch that last one, I’ve been wearing this bra for a straight week now and you didn’t know that, ha!), but for the most part I really try to mix it up. You come here to see something different and different I shall at least try to give you!
But part of me thinks you also come here to see some normalcy, and the truth of the matter is that I wear this shirt a lot. So much so that it was sitting in my dirty dry cleaning bag (note: this bag has been at the bottom of my closet since the beginning of October), and I started to miss it so much that I hand-washed it so it could be brought back into its normal weekly rotation.
At the risk of sounding disgustingly materialistic, I will say that having this shirt back in my closet makes me feel somewhat whole again. Kind of like when your favorite cheese isn’t at the cheese store and you try other allegedly similar cheeses that taste fine but really all you can think about is when the La Tur is going to be back in stock. Finally you get so fed up with trying different cheeses claiming to taste like La Tur that you go to a different cheese store, one that’s out of your way no less, so you can serve the creamy mound of fat heaven at your next dinner party.
I’ve gotten off track here, but the point I’m trying to make is that sometimes it’s not worth $100 to take your load of dirty clothes to the dry cleaner when all you really need to do is hand-wash the item you’re missing. Certain fabrics may not apply, see tag for details.
Rag & Bone jacket (on sale!) | Zara shirt (old) | Rag & Bone jeans | Topshop boots | Coach bag | Dannijo necklace | VidaKush ring | Kenneth Cole watch
