One day something magical happened. Something forbidden happened.
Polka Dot met Stripes and after that, fashionable life was never the same.
Posts Tagged ‘fashion trends’
When Polka Dot Met Stripes: A Short Fashionable Tale
Posted in Arts, Events, Fashion, Uncategorized, Vintage, tagged fashion, fashion history, fashion news, fashion trends, mixing patterns, patterns, polka dots, polka dots and stripes, stripes, style on January 18, 2023| Leave a Comment »
Fashionable Quote of the Week by Meryll Rogge
Posted in Fashion, Uncategorized, tagged fashion designers, fashion news, fashion trends, fashionable quotes, Great Bags, Meryll Rogge, pandemic dressing, pandemic fashion, pocket bags, pockets on January 10, 2022| Leave a Comment »
My dresses usually have pockets. I’m taking into consideration the realities women face today.
Meryll Rogge, Belgian fashion designer.
Ms. Rogge started her own fashion house in 2020, after working for fashion icons Marc Jacobs and Dries Van Noten.
Pockets in women’s clothing is such an issue. Ask any woman and she will confirm that YES! we want pockets. Particularly these days when certain things need to be accessible as we navigate our mask covered pandemic world. But designers say – pockets add bulk and can ruin a silhouette.
Well, there is an answer and I call it the Pocket Bag. Last year, I noticed that there were things I needed to consistently get to quickly and so I started carrying, in addition to a regular handbag or tote, a little pocket of sorts. Over my head or around my waist, this pocket holds keys, hand sanitizer, lip balm, and a pen. (Everyone should use their own pen!) I made a couple of these bags, but I also have one from Great Bags (pictured). Pocket Bags are handy as well if you’re carrying a backpack and/or you’re traveling and need to access your passport, etc. Plus, I think you can have fun with the look.
Fashionable Quote of the Week by Fran Lebowitz
Posted in Fashion, Uncategorized, Vintage, tagged fashion, fashion trends, fashionable quotes, Fran Lebowitz, Fran Lebowitz style, men in shorts, modern fashion, modern style, signature looks, wingtip cowboy boots on June 14, 2021| Leave a Comment »
I get dressed every day. I always have. I know there are many people who wear workout clothes. I do not wear these things. People have looked terrible for a very long time. I’ve said it for decades, and everyone gets furious at me. Men in shorts, I think that’s bad. I wear jeans every day in the house. I’m a surprisingly formal person. I eat at the table. I set the table every time I eat. I do this even if I’m eating an apple. I have tons of friends, especially people who live alone, who often eat in their bedrooms. I would never do that. Ever.
Fran Lebowitz, American author, public speaker.
I love Fran Lebowitz! She makes me laugh. I saw her for the first time many years ago speaking on television. In her bone dry delivery she ripped Californians to shreds for our extreme no smoking policies. I’m a Californian, I hate smoking, and I support our policies/laws, but Ms. Lebowitz had me in stitches laughing. Her pacing, delivery, quality of voice, and unapologetic manner are a magical combination for humor. What’s more, she’s not even working it; seemingly that’s just the way she is.
She has a signature look that I also appreciate. Pretty much for the last 50 years she has donned jeans, an Oxford shirt, a blazer, custom made wingtip cowboy boots, and in the winter a big overcoat. She buys quality, often bespoke, classic pieces and sticks with what works for her.
As for her quote today, I completely agree with everything she says:
- Men in shorts is not a good thing. (Men in sandals is worse.)
- People dress poorly.
- I also set the table every day for every meal.
Click here to read an interview Elle magazine did with Ms. Lebowitz in 2015. (Once again she had me in stitches.)
What to Wear Sheltering-in-place: At Home Attire
Posted in Events, Fashion, Uncategorized, Vintage, tagged at home attire, caftans, fashion news, fashion trends, pandemic, pandemic 2020, pandemic fashion, Stella McCartney caftans, what to wear at home, what to wear to a pandemic on August 26, 2020| 2 Comments »
That’s me and my grandmother, she looking lovely in her caftan.
I recently attended a Webinar discussion on the future of fashion during the pandemic with a panel of women who work in the business; one panelist mentioned that she thought entertaining at home was going to be a trend. She predicted that by next year designers will have a dedicated line of at home wear.
I think she’s on to something and I’m reminded of my stylish grandmother. When she was elderly and could no longer go out, at home every day she donned colorful caftans and leather mules. (She also still dyed her short pixie-cut hair and had regular manicures – up until she died at age 84.)
Caftans by Stella McCartney, Fall 2020 as seen in Harper’s Bazaar.
My wardrobe includes items that are what I call, At Home Attire. In pre-pandemic days, I would change out of street clothes when I got home and slip into “something more comfortable,” which might be a pair of silky pajamas or a long cotton dress. Now that I’m spending more time at home, I’m inspired by my grandmother and I try to make an effort to look presentable every day.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll share some of my newly created outfits. Stay tuned.
Finding Historical Fashion Today: The Mini-Dress
Posted in Fashion, Uncategorized, Vintage, tagged 1960s fashions, fashion designers, fashion history, fashion trends, historical fashion in modern fashion, matching in fashion, Michael Kors, mini-skirt, Twiggy, vintage fashion, vintage style, women's style on August 19, 2020| 2 Comments »
One of the assignments in the fashion history class I recently completed was to find historical fashion references in current fashion. In magazines I looked for examples covering ancient clothing to the 20th century and matched with historical images from books, plus I had to write a comment.
The late 20th Century: Mini-Dress
The simple silhouette, high waist and short hem of Michael Kors design revisits (yet again) the mini-skirt fad of the 1960s. (Additionally Kors use of brocade fabric and jeweled embellishment feels a bit 18th century Baroque.)
Of course I love the matching hat! Plus you can’t see very well, but the mules are made of the same dress fabric. Go matchy, matchy!
This is the final installment of Finding Historical Fashion Today. I hope ODFL readers enjoyed the series. If the stats are any indication, you did.
There will be more historical fashion posts in the future. Stay tuned.
Finding Historical Fashion Today: The Doric Chiton
Posted in Fashion, Uncategorized, Vintage, tagged Ancient Greek clothing, Doric Chiton, fashion history, fashion trends, historical fashion, historical fashion in modern fashion, Prada dress spring 2020 on June 24, 2020| Leave a Comment »
One of the assignments in the fashion history class I recently completed was to find historical fashion references in current fashion. In magazines I looked for examples covering ancient clothing to the 20th century and matched with historical images from books, plus I had to write a comment.
Over the next weeks I’m sharing what I found.
This week’s historical influence is the Doric Chiton.
I’m inspired by the simplicity of the Ancient Greek Doric Chiton. I wear long dresses and skirts in summer at home and I find they are cool and comfortable, but not sloppy in certain fabrics. A cotton weave is best.
Clothing in ancient cultures were draped and folded, tied or attached by a T-shape pin called a “peplos pin.”
It’s hard to read my comment above but the modern dress is by Prada, spring 2020. The basic silhouette and ties at the shoulders speak Doric Chiton to me.
Tune in next week for another post on Finding Historical Fashion Today.
Finding Historical Fashion Today: Schenti
Posted in Arts, Fashion, Uncategorized, tagged Egyptian clothing, fashion books, fashion designers, fashion history, fashion trends, historical fashion in modern fashion, modern fashion, Rosie Assoulin, Schenti on June 17, 2020| Leave a Comment »
One of the assignments in the fashion history class I recently completed was to find historical fashion references in current fashion. In magazines I looked for examples covering ancient clothing to the 20th century and matched with historical images from books, plus I had to write a comment.
I hopped right on it and started looking when the class began in January and it took me pretty much the whole semester. It wasn’t something you could get done in one sitting (I think that some of the other students might have tried). It was old-school cut and paste and I really had fun with it.
I’m going to share my findings with ODFL readers over the next weeks. First up is the Schenti:
Tune in again next week.
Street Style at Salon 1757 in North Berkeley
Posted in Fashion, Uncategorized, Vintage, tagged Berkeley fashion, fashion, fashion trends, Lesley Warren, Salon 1757, street style, street style Berkeley on June 19, 2019| Leave a Comment »
Lesley Warren from Salon 1757.
I’m a regular at Salon 1757 in North Berkeley where Kit Cullinane has been keeping my hair looking its bobbed best since 2006. On a recent visit to the salon I thought stylist Leslie Warren was looking particularly Berkeley chic.
It’s the pants that make the outfit. Lesley tells me she found them in the Juniors Department at Nordstrom in Seattle. (It’s always smart to look in Juniors.) The detailing along the sides is a current trend and turns otherwise simple pants into something interesting. The shoes are just the right Berkeley quirky and the low heel is perfect with the shorter hem-length of the pants. Lesley punches up the all black look with a colorful scarf. And of course her full bouncy red hair tops it all off nicely. I also really like her subtle cat-eye glasses.
It’s all in the detail.
Berkeley has always had its own unique style. Part European or Asian, part hippie, part DIY. Think non-structured silhouettes, Dansko clogs, shades of black and gray, geometric patterns, texture, natural fabrics (linen is a favorite), layering, and sometimes a touch of vintage.
Thank you, Lesley! I’ll be seeing you again in the salon.
Shoe Review: Arcopedico
Posted in Fashion, Uncategorized, tagged Arcopedico, Arcopedico LS, fashion news, fashion trends, shoe review, shoe trends, shoes, vegan shoes on April 10, 2019| 2 Comments »
Arcopedico shoes have a long history since their debut in 1966. Made in Portugal, they are as unique today as they were back then. The uppers are crafted from a nylon mesh knit, allowing for breath-ability and stretch that can adjust to various foot shapes. The nylon is treated with a softener wax making it gentle on the skin. Additionally Arcopedicos have patented metal-free twin arch support soles that protect the arch and offer distribution of body weight. As soon as you put on these shoes you feel the contradiction of the soft cozy knit with the stable foot bed. It’s like you slipped orthotics into your socks.
I’ve been wearing the LS (pictured above) in Starry Navy daily for a couple of weeks. Since I stand at my writing desk, that was the first comfort test. I find in Arcopedicos I can stand for long periods of time without any foot or back fatigue. Out doing errands they are comfortable to walk in for short distances. I don’t know that I recommend them for long distance walking, but a few blocks, in and out of the car, plane travel, train travel, commuting to work – YES.
Now, on to another very important point – they are cute, cute, cute. The LS is an Oxford style with a nicely contoured black sole. Wear them with or without socks and pair them with jeans, shorts, leggings, or a denim skirt. They have a unique sporty look, which makes a good alternative to the ubiquitous sneaker. They’re vegan, washable, and they come in many colors – red, pink, white, yellow, black … too many to list them all.
I have enjoyed wearing the Arcopedico LS and I’m happy to add them to my shoe wardrobe. They’re a great option for upcoming spring and summer events. I see them hopping on the merry-go-round at the fair; dancing at a music festival; strolling the farmers market; boarding a jet plane to faraway places.
Check out the entire Arcopedico line. They make boots too!
Street Style in San Francisco
Posted in Fashion, Uncategorized, tagged fashion on BART, fashion trends, San Francisco style, street style, white Berkenstocks on November 15, 2017| 2 Comments »
I’m taking another class in the San Francisco City College Fashion Department – this semester it’s Textile Analysis, which I’m really enjoying. So that puts me in the city once a week and taking BART.
About a month ago when the weather was still a little warm, I popped onto the train going home and settled in (standing). As usual I started looking around. At first this women didn’t really catch my eye but after a couple of perusals, I stopped on her.
I noticed the details of her sartorial choices and how it all worked together.
First, you can’t really see in the photo, but her slacks are cuffed. A nice detail, and one that is a perfect contrast with the Berks. You don’t expect to see Birkenstocks with tailored slacks. Also note that the hem is just a tad short. Much longer would look sloppy. Beyond that the shoes are in white. If you’ve got to wear Berks outside the house, white in smooth leather takes away the hippie vibe and perhaps even makes the look, in its way, chic.
She tied in the white Berks with her white trendy longish cardigan. The slub knit yarn offers some texture. She added a bit of subtle color with a lightweight teal sweater (cotton/rayon?) and a nicely wrapped scarf in the colors of autumn. I love the quilted handbag in black (more texture).
No we’re not talking high fashion here but it’s her own simple style and I think it looks great!
OverDressed for Life 