..an article I never published so I thought I'd share it..
It’s all about the mix—of high and low fashions that is. As the saying goes, “Don’t wear all your labels at once.” well, it’s no fun, and in these economic times very good advice. So, here’s the lowdown on what to splurge and what to save on this fall. When it comes to accessories I say splurge, you can always count on the right accessories to bring an outfit from dull to fabulous. This fall, bags were kept simple yet chic making them durable and timeless, while shoes were decadent and just simply irresistible (think thigh-highs & booties). Now, when it comes to clothes invest in key pieces like a boyfriend blazer, a great motorcycle jacket to keep you warm and casual this fall, or perhaps a great cocktail dress. The key is to spend your money on pieces that you can wear for numerous occasions and feel comfortable in—quality over quantity is always the principle. As for saving there are great options to get those daring, fun, and fashionable styles without breaking the bank, luckily we can count on stores like Topshop, H&M and Mango among others to deliver those affordable fashion cravings. (As you can see I’m obsessed with European affordable fashions)This season designers drew inspiration from past decades like the 40’s and 80’s, therefore it’s a great idea to pay a visit to local vintage stores were you are sure to find treasures for a good
It’s all about the mix—of high and low fashions that is. As the saying goes, “Don’t wear all your labels at once.” well, it’s no fun, and in these economic times very good advice. So, here’s the lowdown on what to splurge and what to save on this fall. When it comes to accessories I say splurge, you can always count on the right accessories to bring an outfit from dull to fabulous. This fall, bags were kept simple yet chic making them durable and timeless, while shoes were decadent and just simply irresistible (think thigh-highs & booties). Now, when it comes to clothes invest in key pieces like a boyfriend blazer, a great motorcycle jacket to keep you warm and casual this fall, or perhaps a great cocktail dress. The key is to spend your money on pieces that you can wear for numerous occasions and feel comfortable in—quality over quantity is always the principle. As for saving there are great options to get those daring, fun, and fashionable styles without breaking the bank, luckily we can count on stores like Topshop, H&M and Mango among others to deliver those affordable fashion cravings. (As you can see I’m obsessed with European affordable fashions)This season designers drew inspiration from past decades like the 40’s and 80’s, therefore it’s a great idea to pay a visit to local vintage stores were you are sure to find treasures for a good
dime.
LUXE
Fendi Peek-a-boo patent tote 3,450, BergdorfGoodman.com 2.Michael Kors Necklace, $700.00 michaelkors.com.3. Balmain Leather Jacket, $12,995 netaporter.com. 4. Stella McCartney pierced leather otk boot $1,595, neimanmarcus.com 5. Rodarte dress,style.com, price upon request: rodarte@rodarte.net . 6.Alexander Wang Coco Duffel $850.00, satine.com 7 . Black shoulder dress, available at H&M stores this fall. 8.Croc and gold bangles, $39.90,Mango.com. 9.Checkered pencil skirt, $70.00 topshop.com. 10. Purple denim, available this fall at H&M stores. 11. Kate Moss for TopShop jacket $250.00, topshop.com.
I find that the chicest people are those that can put together an outfit within minutes by grabbing a couple of high fashion essentials and mixing them up with affordable fashions in their closets. For example, who can forget how effortlessly chic Sharon Stone looked during the 1996 Oscars, when she redefined evening glamour by pairing a charcoal turtleneck from Gap with a floor-length Valentino skirt. Everyone, from fashionable celebs like Ashley Olsen, Chloe Sevigny, Sienna Miller, and Kate Moss to our very own first lady Michelle Obama embrace this style philosophy. Let’s take Michelle Obama, who stands out with her modern elegance, is known for pairing J.Crew and Gap classics with pieces like Azzedine Alaia belts, Thakoon coats, Lanvin dresses, or Jimmy Choo heels to set some examples. It works for them as they each personalize this philosophy and apply it to their own style aesthetic—but I find that ultimately it is a way to have fun with fashion.
- Michelle Obama wearing a Talbots Dress with a Sonia Rykiel belt. photo:instyle.com
I was watching The Rachel Zoe Project earlier today,( the Bravo show about the celeb stylist) and in this episode Zoe mentions she’d like to be buried in head to Chanel, Initially my reaction was, “Oh how perfect.” I thought, being a diehard Chanel fan, but now I might have a second thought on that… Anyhow, for now, I only want to think about the near future, and as much as I love summer weather I cannot wait for fall to fully kick in so I can casually walk down the streets wearing my latest acquisition, a vintage menswear tailored navy YSL jacket, with perhaps a striped sailor dress from American Apparel, and well ideally I’d pair with a pair of to die-for Hussein Chalayan over the knee boots that I’m trying to get my hands on!
- Alexa Chung wearing a Phillip Lim Top & H&M Skirt. Left: Hussein Chalayan Fall 09 Boots.
- Alexa Chung wearing a Phillip Lim Top & H&M Skirt. Left: Hussein Chalayan Fall 09 Boots.
