My roommate and dear friend Cat opted for a bright, fresh fall look today (always inviting in the mass of earth tones and neutrals that is early fall). She balances the young playfulness of the floral leggings with solid, flowy neutrals on top and gives the look some punch with some masculine lace-ups. Wouldn’t it just be divine to see more seasonal-pattern-swapping? Thanks for keeping it interesting, Cat!
DIY Style
Who says silk scarves are reserved for head and neck-wear? I turned this bohemian beauty into an exotic summer top by securing the corners to the strap of my cami and to one of the belt loops of my shorts. I completed the look with some bold, gold earrings and lipstick in a shade of earthy red-brown….and voila!
Music Meets Fashion Moment #3: Karen O
While the closest I have come to witnessing Karen O perform is an HBO special of what can now be remembered as the ‘old school’ Yeah Yeah Yeahs material, there is still no arguing that her dominance of the stage and explosive persona (literally—the woman has a history of spitting hard liquor from her mouth and lighting it ablaze as it spews from her lips) is in large, due to her ass-kicking, merciless and totally ‘out there’ style. She is a rock goddess, a freak for color, a rule-breaking, beat-making powerful woman machine. I appreciate her diversity of looks the most; while she can rock a headdress full of multi-colored hand ‘feathers’ or a futuristic suit with the strongest shoulders I’ve seen on anyone other than Gaga, she also has a softer, more refined side. Not to mention, the woman has worn some fabulous hair styles along the way and was probably a significant influence on the return of the blunt bang as the hip girl’s go-to. Altogether, Karen O is a fashion force to be reckoned with and I am ever-so-thankful that there’s still a rock style icon who just says ‘to hell with it’—and really means it.
Annie (f)Hall
Okay, so autumn is still another two months away, but it’s never too early to start looking ahead to the next season for style ideas. For me, fall always brings out my love for menswear-inspired looks. Rocking the masculine aesthetic (whether it be straight-up boyish or imbued with feminine elements) is altogether empowering.
In fact, I’d argue that it is important for women to borrow from the boys when it comes to fashion; what better, quicker way is there to communicate that we are confident, powerful equals? Who knows—if this patriarchy can allow us to borrow men’s clothing, perhaps they will finally allow us to borrow their standards for wages as well. Although it has been nearly 50 years since the passage of the Equal Pay Act, women working full-time jobs still only receive 77 cents to each dollar that men earn.
Still shot from Annie Hall, 1977
All this talk of female empowerment brings to the forefront a legendary character in film and fashion history, Annie Hall. This coming season, I’m aiming to confidently tromp through the city and have myself a real Hall Fall. If you’re interested in joining me, I’ve compiled a fresh take on Ms. Hall’s iconic look to get those creative juices flowing…
Cissus Button-Up, Gingham (Anthropologie, $88)
Unisex Suspender in brown (American Apparel, $18)
Regency Brummel Victorian Ascot Cravat in maroon dupioni silk (Etsy, $24)
Buttons & Pleats Wide-Legs (Anthropologie, $118)
Quinlin Calf Monk Strap Shoe (Ralph Lauren, $595)
Ideally, the button-up would be worn in a form-fitting size to balance the billowy silhouette of those fabulous wide-leg trousers. Also, to change up the look a little bit, try pairing a solid colored button-up top with a patterned ascot or even replacing the ascot with a bow-tie. And if you’d like to include more femme in this ‘fit, replace the Ralph Lauren flats with a pair of killer pumps with a wooden heel.
Go get ‘em, girls.
SHEER PERFECTION.
Recently I have developed a bit of an obsession with sheer apparel. Personally, I only own sheer blouses (which seems to be the case for many, if not most people), but I plan to change this as soon as is feasible.
Yes, sheer things are a bit of a trend right now, but I can’t ignore it! Not only are these garments beautifully femme, but the free ‘n flowy aesthetic is perfect for the at-times-stiflingly-hot Chicago summer and for any liberated, city-slicking style-hound. Not to mention, there is something undeniably sexy about sheer, in the most sophisticated way.
I’ve compiled some of my favorite sheer pieces for y’all here. Cheers to sheers! (I’ll drink to that).
1. Sheer Printed Romper (Free People, $98). Generally I veer pretty far away from the bohemian aesthetic, but this “romper” (more like jumpsuit) is simply too fabulous to ignore. Paired with a cream rope belt and a black bodysuit to censor the goods, this garment could really make a statement. Wearing this would feel so free you’d probably forget that you had clothes on at all.
2. Chiffon Double-Layered Shirred Waist Skirt (American Apparel, $42). This skirt from AmApp is great for softening a multitude of looks, and what’s more, it comes in no less than 22 color varieties. While it’s not quite as sheer as the rest of my picks, its subtlety is charming and makes it a great summer basic.
3. Of An Era Top (Modcloth, $63.99). So sheer it looks like a skeleton. This top is intricately detailed with beaded embellishments to cast a 1920s vibe, complete with modern utility. I would love to see this top partnered with something a bit more structured (perhaps a camel colored pencil skirt or even ultra high-waisted black skinnies). Frankly, this top probably deserves its own post. J’adore hardcore.
4.Wideleg Jumpsuit (Free People, $148). Also offered in apricot, this jumpsuit is the perfect union of sexy and refined. The pleating down the front of the garment allows the billowy fabric to hang wonderfully around the legs. And speaking of legs…how sultry is *just* being able to peep on them through the polyester? I enjoy the addition of an extra-wide brown belt pictured here. Without a waist-cinching mechanism of some sort, this could end up looking like some washed up Lady of Ill Repute’s smoking robe (and so the importance of accessorizing is reinforced).
5. PJ by Peter Jensen Sheer Silk Dress (Urban Outfitters, on sale for $69.99). So often, I come across dresses that play with sheer fabrics. This one, however, fully commits and I appreciate that. I’ll be honest when I say that I’m not a huge fan of the abrasive red for this design (but it could still be rocked, most certainly) and that I wish it was offered in other colors. The thing that beckons me to this piece though, is its mesh of sex appeal (via the overall sheerness) and innocence (the frock-like silhouette and high collar). Sweet, yet suggestive.
Alexander McQueen moment #2: Fabulous Feathered Frocks
Mr. McQueen has graced us with a slew of designs incorporating feathers (to varying degrees) and I thought it was about time that I shared with you my top picks amongst these aviary gowns. While perusing photographs of his work, I have been reminded that not only did McQueen have a knack for both color and texture, but he had an undeniable gift for crafting some very breathtaking silhouettes. I kid you not; as soon as time travel technology develops, one of my first stops will be a McQueen runway show circa 2008.
Me & Anthropologie: A Dangerous Discount
Recently, I was offered a job at the ever-cheery-whimsically-refined retailer Anthropologie. Besides realizing that I am now, by extension, owned by Urban Outfitters (never thought I’d hear myself say that), I also realized that I should probably pay homage to the beautiful apparel available at Anthro before I become at all jaded by my employment there. You know, like when I end up spending most of my pay checks on their clothes while rationalizing my purchases with my employee discount.
With the items I have selected to share with you, I believe you will be able to see the aspect of Anthropologie’s collection that I value most…its diversity. It’s quite difficult to sum up Anthro’s aesthetic as far as its goods are concerned, and frankly I find that incredibly refreshing. They put out clothes they find beautiful and inspiring, rather than tailoring their selection based on trends for a certain target demographic. To me, Anthropologie regards style as more art than commodity. That’s not to say you won’t spend a pretty penny, but thankfully the clothes seem to be of very high quality.
Without further ado, I give you some of the pieces that I will be seriously sniffing out on my first pay day.
Glass Glow Shift by Fish Fry ($178)
As a soldier for structure in a sea of women who refuse to wear anything but billowy sun dresses come summer, I felt compelled to include this shift. It’s made of breathable cotton and the elaborate print and colors balance out this plain (but classic) silhouette.
Hanging Gardens Tank by Carolina K ($168)
Bright, festive and playful. I can picture this top so well-matched with dark-washed skinny jeans, brown woven sandals and some circular shades.
Cropped Wisley Blazer by Daughters of the Liberation ($118)
I adore the color scheme on this blazer. The washed out pinks and blues, as well as the pattern itself, scream femininity. Then there’s the fact that it’s a structured blazer, a more masculine look. Best of both worlds. And yes, it is….a lot. But I’m a consistent sucker for statement pieces.
Odonata Culottes by Daughters of the Liberation ($68)
Culottes are just the best for tromping through the city. They offer the playfulness and freedom of a skirt, but you can rest assured that no one will see your butt cheeks in a heavy gust of wind. And these culottes have dragonflies. C’mon.
Dotty Shorts by Plenty ($88)
As a frequent channeler of post-WWII retro fashion, I often struggle with finding pieces that pay homage to the era that are not more wintry looks. These bright azure shorts took my breath away—an essential item for the retro city-slicker this summer.
Light Play Heels ($198)
Personally, would I ever wear these? Probably not, but only because they do not jive with my personal style. However, they are beautiful shoes and I just had to share them with you in hopes that they will suit somebody out there.
Music meets fashion moment #2:
George Lewis Jr. aka Twin Shadow
My fascination with George Lewis Jr.’s look mostly stems from the brilliance of his hair. The man rocks what might be the best pompadour of the 21st century and sometimes even plays with the intoxicated-and-wild-Jerry-Lee-Lewis-mane. He even manages to wear a most-of-the-time-mustache and to not look predatory. Or maybe it’s that he looks perfectly predatory. Whatever it is, it just works.
Lewis also sports many-a patterned, vintage button-downs, which nearly always tickle my fancy. He also has a mastery of denim that I aspire to. Living in New York has certainly inspired his sense of style (he’s totally working with the artist from the Village look), but his consistency in perfectly nailing various retro looks keeps my eye to his wardrobe.
Check out Twin Shadow’s washed out music vid for ‘Slow’ here for a glimpse of Lewis’ aura in action.Tessa Konkol
Age 21
Chicago, IL
Tessa is one of those girls who just knows what works for her. Her style is bold and glamorous, glittery (but never tacky) and is inspired—but never directly guided—by her interests in other arenas (say, for instance, a certain hot, teenage vampire slayer). Her inspiration is….well, inspiring. Note her variety in hair colors; she tastefully plays with color in a way that jives harmoniously with her style at a given moment in time. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you: Tessa the Bold.
Describe your overall personal style in five words or less.
Inconsistent glittery urban cave-woman!
What are your current top three wardrobe pieces?
1. I have a jacket obsession, so I’m alternating right now between my structured black blazer from Village Discount ($1.50!!)…
2. …and my faux fur cropped coat.
3. I’m also trying to work in wilder shoes, like my giant Lady Gaga style leopard wedges, my blue Marc Jacobs boots, and other assorted crazy heels I have lying around.
Any style icons, past or present, that inspire your look(s)?
I know I’m one of thousands here, but Eric Daman’s styling on Gossip Girl, particularly Blake Lively’s clothes in seasons one and two, really changed how I thought about personal style and getting dressed. Sarah Michelle Gellar’s 90s/early 2000s Buffy the Vampire Slayer outfits also intrigue me, especially how she manages to wear leather with everything ever. Also, I definitely have more than one Courtney Love outfit in my closet.
What color palate are you working with lately?
Now that my hair is red, I’m interested in wearing more jewel tones, like emerald and cobalt. And I want to figure out how to wear white without looking like a sailor!
What are some items you’re looking forward to bringing out this spring?
I’ll definitely be getting my hands on the Jeffrey Campbell Litas for stomping around town, and I’m also looking for some dramatically high-waisted shorts to wear with shorter tops. My other required summer accessory is a leather belt with pouches on it (a belt purse?), fanny pack-esque, but essential for music festivals. Oh, and I love tailored, cropped pants like the J Brand Earhart and the whole gamine look they espouse.
Where is your favorite place to bargain shop?
I can’t remember the last time I made a full-price purchase at Urban Outfitters, but their sale section can be on par with thrifting, especially during their college night sales (all the sale merchandise is an extra 50% off). I’ve scored a $300 dress for $5 at the Wicker Park location, and the Rush street store usually has some good deals as well.
If you could afford a splurge purchase, where would you choose to drop the bills and why?
It’s kind of a three-way tie between Barney’s, netaporter.com and Bendel’s, but I’m going to say the Henri Bendel flagship location in New York, just because the store is so amazing to shop. It’s so colorful and maze-like and every floor has a well-edited but eclectic selection of bags, clothes and accessories. My favorite floor is at the top, where all the Herve Leger bandage dresses are!
What trend/style/item do you wish you saw less of?
I’m getting really tired of the over-sized, shapeless trend, particularly in tops and t-shirts. I get that it’s comfortable and *can* be styled well, but I’ve caught myself wearing it and looking like a tent, so I’m really trying to stop. I think it’s time for a return to structure!
How have you grown stylistically in the last several years?
I remember high school and my freshman year of college, where I shopped almost exclusively at H&M and Forever 21. I think my style has grown up (a little). I’ve also diversified into other shopping possibilities, from vintage to Barney’s to various online options like ASOS and Modcloth.
Give me your thoughts on the relationship between personal style, youth and individualization/identity performances.
Fashion has always been an expression of personality, and (hopefully) individuality. I love the 70s punk era of Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McClaren, when clothing—on some level—defined a youth culture, but was still artful and beautiful and original, rather than a wave of flannel and apathy. Instead of launching into an anti-hipster tirade (which is kind of 2010), I’ll just say that clothes don’t make you who you are, but they should make you happy. Everyone has been told that a shirt, or a pair of shoes or whatever, just isn’t ‘them’ and I think that a unique aesthetic identity is important to recognize, and in some cases, maybe even challenge.
Now that it’s actually warm enough to pull your hands out of your coat pockets and keep that hat in place when the relentless lake-wind whips around the corner, it might actually be worth it to get more creative than the fur-lined hood of your parka.
1. Urban Outfitters Corsage Headband: Just big enough to make a statement, but not so big that you’ll look out of the Mad Hatter’s tea party. I’m also partial to the color combination—it’s quite autumnal, but paired with the right clothes could shine during spring. $24.00
2. Forever 21 Wool Floppy Hat: I know it’s black, wool and overall quite dismal looking, but we have to be realistic that when we say “spring” in Chicago (especially this year) we mean “winter’s baggage”. I’m in love with the long, satin ribbons that to me, hearken back to colonialism. I’m trying to imagine the various ways people will tie (or not tie) them. $14.80
3. Urban Outfitters Crochet Flower Clip: It’s no secret that I can’t get enough of flowery hair accessories, but I’m happy to see this one in particular. The crochet pattern is a bit different and could really help out anyone going for the granny’s closet look (which I also can’t get enough of). $14.00
4. Modcloth’s Up the Antique Hat: Derby-esque? Royal Wedding-like? Why, sure. Perhaps innovative hats for women are just fresh in my mind. Or perhaps the blend of timelessness and progressiveness in this particular hat is just what I prefer. Imagine accenting the cream color of the hat with an intense hue of lipstick in merlot or chocolate brown. $107.99 (currently out of stock)
5. Urban Outfitters Goddess Chain Headwrap: I love a nice piece of hardware every once in a while. This chain keeps it classy—not too shiny, not too thick, not too abrasive. It would look 90% more awesome if worn with most of the hair down to cover the back of the chain, but the quirkiness of showing it off is kind of fun, too. $18.00
6. Modcloth’s Easy Does It Hat: I’ve been ruminating on whether or not I am a fan of the straw fedora craze and think I have landed on the fact that I do like straw fedoras—on the right person—but am not so partial to observing a sea of straw fedora hats on every third person. This version from Modcloth is refreshing and rustic and would look stellar complimenting a blonde head of hair. My only complaint is the tan band of fabric that looks plain cheap. That would be more acceptable for a rip-off at Forever 21, but this one will cost you $44.99.
Hat & Hair accessory tip: Typically, I find it looks nicer to keep your footwear on the simpler side when donning a bold hair accessory. Pairing a statement-piece-hat with statement-shoes gives off the look of being book-ended, vertically speaking. Hair accessories draw people’s eyes’ to your face, which is the beauty of them. So don’t go distracting people with your elaborate, knee-high gladiator sandals, too…just flash ‘em those pearly whites and they’ll have enough sensory stimulation to keep them happy.
