Posts tagged ‘topshop’
Gauchos, Another Sartorial Breakthrough
OK, you’re probably thinking, “Great, here’s Sonia wearing a mish-mosh of prints again. Bring on the lecture on how to mix-and-match.” And perhaps you’re right; maybe my style has become predictable in that I’ve run out of new ways to wear the pieces in my wardrobe, but I’m not ready to surrender to that assessment. So hear me out. Unlike previous posts of me playing textile mixologist (in this exact same shirt no less), I am here to tell you about the Gaucho pant.
Much like Tevas and Mom Jeans (I swear, I’m almost done referring to them on a daily basis), Gaucho pants were one of my favorite pieces to make fun of as a teenager. I don’t know if any of you have seen Never Been Kissed, but Josie Grossie (played by Drew Barrymore) wears the most awkward pair of spandex Gaucho pants that only fueled the ridicule fire from me and my friends.
Much like sporks or skorts, Gaucho pants are basically a cross between capris and matronly, ankle-length skirts. They billow like a flag in a wind storm and will forever receive curious comments like, “Are those pants or a skirt?” — a direct quote from Never Been Kissed and a man at the engagement party I wore them to earlier this year.
The old me would have hated such questioning comments, convinced that someone or everyone was making fun of me. But as it goes with every coming-of-age story involving a lesson learned, my hatred toward Gaucho pants was quickly swayed when I saw this pair of printed silk Tibi pants many moons ago (I got them for Christmas). I first tried wearing them the night of New Year’s Eve, but my friends told me they wouldn’t be seen with me in public and that I’d never get laid in them, let alone get a midnight kiss. (For the record, I wore something slightly revealing and still went home by myself to a bowl of pasta). I have since worn them to almost every festive cocktail party in the past few months — the aforementioned engagement party, my mom’s birthday, and a 7-course dinner party — and know they’re not going to be retired any time soon. These billow babies may not be timeless, but they are certainly seasonless.
You see, not only do they allow for the breathing room of a skirt, but they provide the comfort of pants — very clutch for those of us who have a tendency to sit with our legs apart (I blame this habit on the all girls school education I had through senior year of high school). So basically what I’m saying is that since I’ve now adopted Mom Jeans and Gaucho pants into my wardrobe, I guess Tevas are the next step in my sartorial, coming-of-age breakthrough. Are you with me!? If not then just watch me look like an idiot in the gif below.
Zara blazer | Topshop shirt | Tibi pants | Gucci heels | Vintage earrings | BaubleBar, Vintage & Hermes bracelets | Gorjana rings
// photos by Emily Malan
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!
The Beauty of the Suit
Topshop suit | Equipment blouse | Lulu Frost necklace | Michael Kors heels | Seiko watch
Allow me to make a generalization: I have often thought mens clothing to be very boring. Obviously the likes of Simon Doonan, Hamish Bowles, and Johnny Depp are excluded from this proclamation, but given the “everyday man” in his suit and tie (hey Justin!), there’s just not a lot there. Or so I thought.
In the last year however, I have accumulated several suits. Plaid, velvet, grey, and black, these coordinated two-pieces have become my sartorial savior in many a fashion bind. Do I wear them together all the time? No. But neither do men. I have seen my brother pair his grey blazer with jeans, his matching grey slacks with a navy sweater, and I have also seen him wear both pieces at the same time with a crisp button-down and tie. So much versatility with just two key pieces! Bananas!
As a preview to one of next week’s post, I have decided to show a not so neutral suit that pairs with essentially everything in any girls wardrobe. Here we go:
Behold the above image — a suit paired together for the classy, work-focused lady. With a silky white button-down, standard black pumps, and a slightly eccentric necklace, this girl could easily be going to the office or attending happy hour with friends; my guess is she’s the white wine type.
Below we have the cool girl who probably lives somewhere in Brooklyn or the East Village. She works at a creative ad agency, has a lot of guy friends, and has one of those sexy raspy voice because she likes to smoke Parliament Lights in between glasses of Jameson on the rocks. Her laid back t-shirt and beat up chucks may give off the vibe that she’s messy, but M-F she’s got her head in the game as is evident by her designer bag.
Topshop pants | R13 shirt | A.J. Morgan sunglasses | Anya Hindmarch bag | Vita Fede bracelet | Converse shoes
Then we have the California transplant (or maybe she lives in LA right now, but I’m in New York and I just picture her here). Never one to let go of her easy breezy Pacific lifestyle, she’s brought all her doily vintage inspired dresses with her. But to add a bit of edge to her west-coast-best-coast flair, she tosses in a bold lip and cozy flannel to fight off that New England almost-spring air.
Topshop blazer | Proenza Schouler bag | Dolce Vita dress | Mac ‘Ruby Woo’ lipstick | Jacquie Aiche earcuff | Ralph Lauren shirt | Asos boots
And lastly we have the mix-master who can essentially wear anything and look put together; which also happens to be the beauty of the suit. Here we have the grunge factor — flannel, boyfriend tee, converse — but the combo of the tailored blazer and matching trousers make her look like the type of person who would leave a note if she hit your car pulling into a parking spot. She also probably has a really hot boyfriend, which is where she got that boyfriend shirt and flannel. Just sayin’.
Topshop suit | R13 shirt | Converse shoes | Ralph Lauren shirt | Vita Fede bracelet | Seiko watch
Stay tuned for next week’s post where I replicate all of the above with the pieces of my own wardrobe and not the world wide web. Goodbye.
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
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
