Wear Are You Going?

ode to my mother

May 12, 2012

*Mum and I (in Lilly Pulitzer) in Santorini, Greece circa 2002*

It’s easy to say someone’s amazing, but in the case of my mother it really is true. She’s a trailblazer with an infectious love of life. The only one of her sisters to graduate from college (and then Columbia grad school), she traveled around the world on a boat after college. She’s fluent in three languages (English, Japanese, Spanish), and while living in Columbia she got her pilot’s license. She’s an astounding cook, known to create delectable, creative dishes on a whim (a salad of crunchy, unripened peaches, diced celery, and a sweet homemade dressing is one of my faves). She’s an incredible pianist; I can always deduce her mood by the song she’s playing when I walk through the door. Oh, and did I mention she’s an avid sailor and skier ? (It’s solely thanks to my Mum that I too can ski, sail, and read music.) What. a. slacker.

I will forever be in awe of my mother’s gregarious nature and ability to make friends everywhere (even in line at the grocery store) ; her entrepreneurial spirit (thanks for passing that onto me;) ; and her complete lack of criticism (particularly regarding my appearance or weight – even during my goth stage). I’m consistently inspired by her gumption and fierce independence. I’m particularly grateful that she raised me to be emotionally honest and open.

I once heard you choose your parents. You may disagree, but I wholeheartedly feel my Mum and I chose each other. I know our relationship has humbled, challenged and inspired us both. I can’t wait see what this next chapter brings. My ambition’s rooted in my desire to give as much to my Mum as much as she’s given me. xx

clever but clueless

May 7, 2012

*Jeans: J Brand Zoey, Shoes: Miu Miu, T and Sunnies: Forever21*

Photos by Amelia Rose Blaire

This afternoon my ADD took hold and I ventured into a decrepit alleyway behind my favorite coffeehouse. Luckily, I didn’t bump into a crack dealer. Instead, I was met with this timely message: “We’re clever but we’re clueless.” Obviously, I started laughing immediately. And I use the preface “obviously” because “clever but clueless” is the most apt description of me I’ve come across…in weeks. (Also, what great self-awareness on the part of the – criminal – grafitti artists. So many layers of hypocrisy there.)

I’m quick with biting comebacks, but lacking in street smarts (which is ironic, because I was born in NYC). For example, this weekend I asked my American sister if she could get us tickets to “The Book of Mormon.” Her response: “Yo no sé.” My response: “You know, there’s another word for that.” Her: “What’s that?” Me: “Pretentious.” (Granted, I am totally guilty of interchanging Spanish/English/French words in texts…so by default, I’m pretentious too.)

Other talents include quoting the entirety of “Bridget Jones’ Diary” (in character) and confidently driving a stick (shift); all invaluable life skills, clearly.

However, when it comes to anything pragmatic, I’m clueless. I’ve worn 5″ platforms to the dog park (on a hill no less) more than once; all the scratches on my car are from ineffectively backing in/out of my garage; I assumed electricity just “came with the house” until I got my first place; and yesterday I mistook a bottle of shampoo for face wash.

I’m immune to embarrassing moments. Which is why my style is decidedly non-feminine. As long as I’m wearing pants, I never need to worry about flashing someone as I get out of my car.

classics with a twist

May 5, 2012

*Proenza Schouler PS 11 Tote, Alberto Aspin Chambray Shirt, Boy by Band of Outsiders Long Blazer (w/ Leather Trim)*

*J Brand “Zoey”*

*Christian Louboutin “Janice”*

Considering my go-to brand right now is called Boy. by Band of Outsiders, it’s not coincidental that I’ve also been buying myself mens shirts – for myself. I was having no luck finding basics – like a chambray shirt that wasn’t “frou frou she she”- in the women’s section of anything. The wash was either off or the buttons looked cheap. Why is it always so difficult to find the simplest pieces?? (Note to self if ever have the opportunity to collaborate on a collection.)

Just when I was about to give up, I decided to check out the mens department at Barneys – aka my fashion utopia. (If you’re a woman, I urge you to do the same sometime; particularly when amidst the trenches of low self-esteem. The attention you’ll get from the lads will have you feeling back on top in no time.) Anyway, thank God my ADD brought me to the fourth floor; because it ’twas there that I found the chambray shirt of my dreams. Perfect shade of blue, great cut; no off-puting faded wash.

Let’s just say I’ve made peace with the fact that I am not drawn to feminine clothes…quite literally. So naturally I love styling men. And now, evidently, wearing their clothes.

If you’re reading this and scoffing that you’d never be caught dead in the mens department of anything (for yourself), I ask you: Does it really matter where anything came from? No. What counts is the cut, fit, craftmanship and versatility.

Which is why I’m only investing in basics this year – and urge you to do the same. Here’s why. I’ve observed with myself – and all the other peeps I know with extensive closets – that in spite of a grand aesthetic inventory, there are about ten pieces we all seem to wear consistently. And, ironically for me anyway, I was least enthused by these pieces when I purchased them. Like my Burberry tuxedo blazer I bought many years ago and can’t remember why…oh wait, got it. That was the period when I was obsessed with Kate Moss. She’d been rocking a tuxedo blazer consistently, so naturally I had to get one too – by the same designer.

Call me a magpie, but I just don’t squeal for joy at the prospect of buying a white button down – the way I do when I think of a black beaded Temperley cocktail dress.

But now I’m challenging my narrow minded (read: obnoxious) belief that simple things are boring. To that end, thankfully all my favorite designers have come out with basic pieces that have just enough edge to keep me and my ADD brain interested; like classically cut black blazer with a leather lapel and leather buttons – or black pants with silver zippers. These little touches add a definitive cool factor without overpowering the classic (and arguably timeless) versatility of the piece.

the (wo)man behind the curtain

May 3, 2012

*Sweater: Matthew Williamson (old). Top: Rag & Bone. Jeans: J Brand. Shoes: Chloe (old). Bag: Mulberry. Sunnies: Vintage Dior*
Photos by Amelia Rose Blaire

This week has been full of firsts. Week one of my vegan detox? Check. First visit to a clothing factory (J Brand)? Check check. Oddly, both experiences have left me feeling emotionally frayed and vulnerable. Never paid much heed to where my clothes came from/who made them/what ingredients are in the food I eat/what farm/factory that food comes from. I don’t consider myself a political person, but I totally get why people – myself wholeheartedly included – choose to be ignorant. Once you force yourself to look under the hood, you can’t go back.

ANYWAY. My trip to the J Brand factory was followed by a trip to the J Brand factory OUTLET. Ah-mazing. To the point where I may define all odds and become one of those mothers that’s like, “Come on kids! Time to hit the outlets!!” But really, when you know there’s a place that sells your favorite brand for 75% off, why would you ever go back? Let’s just say I plan on making a monthly pilgrimage and stock piling up on J Brands while I’m living in LA. I wear these jeans almost exclusively – they’re the only brand that consistently fit me to a T (fellow girls with curves, take note). Plus, their styles are never “frou frou chi chi.” Great cut, and no obnoxious emblems or logos – or sales people. Isn’t it great when all those things collide?

shop my closet

May 1, 2012

Today marks an exciting new instalment on my blog – Shop My Closet! I’m in a constant process of acquiring/recycling items through my styling work, and looking to itemise my closet down to pieces I love and regularly use. If you like what I wear on my blog, you’ll love Shop My Closet. Updated regularly, this page will feature unique, pre-owned vintage and designer pieces – available for a fraction of their retail cost (sans tax). As an extra incentive, I will be donating 10% of gross proceeds to a non-fashion-related cause. This summer I’m giving to Paul Newman’s The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp – a no-fee camp in CT for children and families coping with terminal illness.’

Below, you can check out my current, favorite for-sale items.

Pop on over to the Shop My Closet page for full details and listing of available goodies!

Vintage Glass Necklace