It looks like the quest for stylish shoes is nothing new. Since this link came to me by way of the Fluevog Twitter account, I wonder if we'll be seeing an updated version in an upcoming season?
Andrea from a cat of impossible colour writes about why she blogs. I'm immersed enough in modern academic thought patterns to be truly intrigued by metatextuality, the whys and wherefores of even our most basic actions. At some level, that's why I blog: to examine the reasons that I, and other people, wear what they do.
As ethical, sustainable production becomes more of a social issue, we'll hopefully start seeing more companies like Oliberté, a footwear company devoted to making shoes entirely in Africa - while providing their employees with fair working conditions. The shoes look like they're well-made and, while they're not my usual style, are definitely on the list to consider if I ever need a pair of casual athletic-type shoes.
In response to a New York Times article on the fashion demands of the plus-size market, The Waves wonders if getting swept into the fashion industry's current dynamic of overabundance of mediocre products is what any woman needs.
I've been expending a fair amount of brainpower trying to figure out if I can knit Nubby Twiglet's elegantly destroyed sweater.
S. from academichic recaps her year in Europe with a deliberately limited wardrobe. I particularly love her comments on choosing items that allow for the most versatility, even if they're not always "perfect." I think we get far too caught up in trying to find "the perfect..." (shoes, bag, jacket, whatever) and end up with burgeoning closets full of possibly redundant near-duplicates. Of course, I'm a big proponent of "buy what you wear" - there's a lot of sense in knowing your favorite items and sticking to them - but there has to be a happy medium somewhere.
Imogen from Inside Out Style suggests a packing list for a two-week, multi-function trip. I'm not sure I agree with all her choices - I'd choose a jersey dress for travel rather than yoga pants! - but it's a departure point.* What do you think?
* That was totally inadvertent. Sorry.
For those who sew, Gertie has some great tips for making comfortable, cool summer garments.
Megarita of Fashionable Academics discusses a way to examine summer clothing: the CAFTAN scale, ranging from "Heck, I might even be found in a closed-toe shoe in a snappy color" to "There is no hair style to be had. There is no shoe that will feel ok. There is no fabric that can stand this."
Super Kawaii Mama comes up with some outfits for spending time with her favorite musicians. I'm not as musically inspired or linked as some - I cannot write with music in the background, for one - so I love seeing how others are inspired by their favorite tunes.
Some musings on veils, modesty, and hot weather, from Worn Through. I'm not sure what I think about this, to be honest - is it possible to fully separate extreme modest dress (i.e., full-body veiling) from the cultures of oppression, violence, and subjugation that often come with it? (And on a related note, has anyone ever looked into dress cultures and gender relations of the Tuareg, a nomadic group from Northern Africa whose traditional dress includes veils for men? Where does that fit in the current European/American dialect of the veiled woman as oppressed other?) Do the benefits of modest dress taken to extremis outweigh the possible health risks, i.e. heatstroke?
Audi discovers the secret to success, and it's thigh-high socks. I knew it!
Have a lovely weekend, Fabulous Readers!
25 June 2010
24 June 2010
My Two Wardrobes
Tie-dyed shirt, thrifted
Butterfly pendant, estate sale, remixed
I've been thinking a lot about this post recently, and the significance of editing - the self-editing just about every blogger does.
I don't show you all my clothes, Fabulous Readers. You don't see my gardening/scrubbing/home construction grubbies, the baggy board shorts I go kayaking in, my lounge-around-the-house-in-a-funk pajamas, my ad-hoc workout wear. You also don't see outfits on days, like today, where after half an hour with the camera I haven't been able to get a single photo that looks decent, that approximates what I see in the mirror.
Is that vain? Absolutely. But there are a lot of facets of me that I don't discuss on this blog: my politics, my religious views, my other areas of interest, what I had for dinner. That's not why you come here, which is also the reason I don't attempt to encyclopedically document every single thing that I put on my body, in some mad quest to be fashion blogging's answer to Samuel Pepys. You read my blog, I hope, to see and hear about my particular (peculiar?) perspective on fashion, its whys and wherefores - and hows.
Clothing might not shape our self-image in toto, but it does help define it to the world at large. I don't expect my clothes to express the sum of my personality to the world at large: instead, they present a carefully-edited version of myself, the parts of me I choose to show.
That process of editing, of choice, is what really fascinates me about fashion. Why do we make the choices we do? What determines why I find one shirt cute and another so unflattering as to only be suitable for the most menial of tasks? Why do we emphasize some parts of our bodies and desperately try to camouflage others?
It's easy to say "because of the dominant social paradigm" in response to all of these questions, but I think that's too simple an answer, and maybe even a bit of a cop-out. What are the forces that drive that paradigm? Where do they come from and what influences them? And what about the people who stray from that paradigm, by degrees minuscule or dramatic? What inspires them?
What do you think? Should style blogging be encyclopedic, a comprehensive catalog of what one person (or several) wears, or would you rather see a carefully thought-out selection of outfits a blogger thinks are interesting, inspiring, or attractive? What degree of (self-) editing is all right before a blogger loses authenticity and thus authority - some? None? Lots? No upper limit? Are style blogs more like diaries or one-person fashion magazines?
PS. Apologies to all you Fabulous Readers who subscribe via RSS: I don't know why this published while I was halfway through writing it!
22 June 2010
Reader Request:: Surviving Brutal Summers
Fabulous Reader Mindfulranter asks:
"Hey can you think of some looks for a seasoned (nearly 50) full figured woman who lives in Phoenix? Summers are brutal, would love to figure out simple, flattering, comfortable outfits to wear!"
I'm immensely flattered by this request! I've lived in the northeastern US all my life, where summers are a bit cooler and much more humid than the Southwest, so I'm working from theory rather than personal experience.
I don't know anything about Mindfulranter's figure type, complexion, or financial circumstances, so what follows are general ideas and suggestions, rather than specific recommendations for garments to buy.
Learn to love linen. Linen has a bad rep: people think that it's hard to care for, wrinkles easily, and needs to be dry cleaned. That's true if you expect linen to act like a suiting material and be crisp, shiny, and have a hard hand. Linen was the fabric of choice for undergarments in Europe for centuries for a reason, though, and not just because it grew easily all over the continent: when washed, linen becomes soft, drapey, and develops a gentle hammered texture. It's also one of the coolest fibers you can wear: unlike cotton, it doesn't "swamp" when it gets damp, and it's much more breathable than any synthetic. Look for linen garments that can be machine washed and dried, whether the tag says so or not: avoid acetate linings (which ruin the cool comfort, anyway), hand-wash-only trims, and structured garments like blazers. Other good fibers to look for are ramie, cotton, silk, bamboo, hemp, and rayon. Avoid polyester, nylon, and synthetic blends: they trap heat and moisture. Fabrics like seersucker, chambray, gauze and voile are all good choices: these are lighter, more open weaves that allow for more air flow. Lighter colors are generally more comfortable, but some dark hues in your summer wardrobe are just fine.
Dresses are the best. What could be better in the summer than a cool, breezy dress? Look for styles that skim the body rather than cling in lightweight fabrics. Don't fear maxi dresses whether you're full-figured or slender: just choose them carefully for your figure type. The extra length can provide a bit of shade and trap breezes. Keep accessories light and minimal: broad belts and giant statement necklaces can be oppressive in the summer heat. Skirts are great, too, when you want separates.
Flowing tunics are great, too. Pair them with cropped leggings, harem pants, and knee-length or maxi skirts. Again, keep the fabrics light, and choose wovens over knits: knitted materials seem to absorb and retain more moisture, trapping heat with it. A super-light summer scarf, wrapped loosely, can add color and style without getting too schvitzy. Soak it in cool water, cowboy-style, to help cool off if the temperature's unbearable.
Don't forget your hat. Broad-brimmed hats are ideal for sunny, hot climates: what's not to like about portable shade? Fuller-figured women often have the body scale to carry off broad brims with style. Look for straw or canvas styles, and pair them with just about anything in your wardrobe.
One thing I don't think works well for hot, dry climates are shorts. Those are better in hot humid weather, where excess fabric can cling and stick. However, when it's hot and dry, a loose, drapey longer garment can provide a bit of protection from the sun and trap stray breezes.
Any Fabulous Readers from desert climates have any suggestions or further ideas? I'd love some feedback!
"Hey can you think of some looks for a seasoned (nearly 50) full figured woman who lives in Phoenix? Summers are brutal, would love to figure out simple, flattering, comfortable outfits to wear!"
I'm immensely flattered by this request! I've lived in the northeastern US all my life, where summers are a bit cooler and much more humid than the Southwest, so I'm working from theory rather than personal experience.
I don't know anything about Mindfulranter's figure type, complexion, or financial circumstances, so what follows are general ideas and suggestions, rather than specific recommendations for garments to buy.
Dresses are the best. What could be better in the summer than a cool, breezy dress? Look for styles that skim the body rather than cling in lightweight fabrics. Don't fear maxi dresses whether you're full-figured or slender: just choose them carefully for your figure type. The extra length can provide a bit of shade and trap breezes. Keep accessories light and minimal: broad belts and giant statement necklaces can be oppressive in the summer heat. Skirts are great, too, when you want separates.
Flowing tunics are great, too. Pair them with cropped leggings, harem pants, and knee-length or maxi skirts. Again, keep the fabrics light, and choose wovens over knits: knitted materials seem to absorb and retain more moisture, trapping heat with it. A super-light summer scarf, wrapped loosely, can add color and style without getting too schvitzy. Soak it in cool water, cowboy-style, to help cool off if the temperature's unbearable.
Don't forget your hat. Broad-brimmed hats are ideal for sunny, hot climates: what's not to like about portable shade? Fuller-figured women often have the body scale to carry off broad brims with style. Look for straw or canvas styles, and pair them with just about anything in your wardrobe.
One thing I don't think works well for hot, dry climates are shorts. Those are better in hot humid weather, where excess fabric can cling and stick. However, when it's hot and dry, a loose, drapey longer garment can provide a bit of protection from the sun and trap stray breezes.
Any Fabulous Readers from desert climates have any suggestions or further ideas? I'd love some feedback!
19 June 2010
Link-tastic! 19 June 2010 (Better late than never)
I usually try to get the week's roundup of links posted by Friday night, but the last two days have been seriously discombobulated. My apologies, Fabulous Readers, and enjoy...
Two great theory-based posts from academichic: one from S. about the metatext of blogging in the context of creativity and a limited wardrobe, and one from E. about the intersection of style and functionality.
Speaking of limited wardrobes, Kasmira at What I Wore Today has some great tips for assembling a capsule wardrobe. While she places them within the context of capsule wardrobe challenges (I've never done one of those and am quite frankly a little intimidated by them!), the same process could easily be applied to selecting clothing for a trip or even, on a larger scale, to building a well-edited and compact wardrobe.
La Historidora de Moda is now Doctor La Historiadora de Moda (and she looked smashing when she defended her dissertation, too)!
Another set of posts on a theme: fashion, consumption, ethics, and sustainability, as seen by Sal at Already Pretty and Andrea at a cat of impossible colour.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Two great theory-based posts from academichic: one from S. about the metatext of blogging in the context of creativity and a limited wardrobe, and one from E. about the intersection of style and functionality.
Speaking of limited wardrobes, Kasmira at What I Wore Today has some great tips for assembling a capsule wardrobe. While she places them within the context of capsule wardrobe challenges (I've never done one of those and am quite frankly a little intimidated by them!), the same process could easily be applied to selecting clothing for a trip or even, on a larger scale, to building a well-edited and compact wardrobe.
La Historidora de Moda is now Doctor La Historiadora de Moda (and she looked smashing when she defended her dissertation, too)!
Another set of posts on a theme: fashion, consumption, ethics, and sustainability, as seen by Sal at Already Pretty and Andrea at a cat of impossible colour.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
17 June 2010
Rock and Roll
Sometimes, I just want to feel tough. Don't-mess-with-me tough. Usually, when I do, I reach for a vintage military inspired look: laced boots, fatigues-inspired jackets. Sometime, however, I prefer to draw from the style vocabulary of classic, badass rock: jeans, leather, studs.
Of course I put my own twist on it: a sheer blouse with smocking details and lacy OTK socks.
I like these jeans much better cuffed to capri length than unrolled: I have better-fitting full-length jeans aplenty, plus I'm not terribly into bootcut jeans right now. I may cut them down to mid-calf length: then I could wear them like this or cuffed further into Bermuda shorts.
After last week's Black-Out, it feels refreshing and calming to wear this dark, neutral-heavy combination. I love black and brown together, and until recently felt very uncomfortable in bright colors, especially in combination. Eschewing black, a fashion baseline for me, really helped me refocus on its strength and simultaneous connotations of power and loss. I was feeling very distanced from the black items in my closet. Now, after a week of forcing myself to work with everything else, I can contemplate the dark half of my closet with clear eyes again.
What are the unsung workhorses of your closet? Have you ever identified - or had trouble identifying - with a certain color or style?
Sheer black blouse: Ann Taylor Loft
Jeans: Ann Taylor Loft "Curvy Boot"
Belt: Gap, thrifted, remixed
Socks: Sock Dreams, "O Chevrons"
Shoes: John Fluevog, "Summertime: Sunshine," remixed
Woven leather cuff: Urban Outfitters, remixed
Black headband: Sephora, remixed
Key necklace: Key from antique store
Of course I put my own twist on it: a sheer blouse with smocking details and lacy OTK socks.
I like these jeans much better cuffed to capri length than unrolled: I have better-fitting full-length jeans aplenty, plus I'm not terribly into bootcut jeans right now. I may cut them down to mid-calf length: then I could wear them like this or cuffed further into Bermuda shorts.
After last week's Black-Out, it feels refreshing and calming to wear this dark, neutral-heavy combination. I love black and brown together, and until recently felt very uncomfortable in bright colors, especially in combination. Eschewing black, a fashion baseline for me, really helped me refocus on its strength and simultaneous connotations of power and loss. I was feeling very distanced from the black items in my closet. Now, after a week of forcing myself to work with everything else, I can contemplate the dark half of my closet with clear eyes again.
What are the unsung workhorses of your closet? Have you ever identified - or had trouble identifying - with a certain color or style?
15 June 2010
Summertime, and the Living is Easy
On a technicality, it's not summer yet - not until the 20th. Long, warm, sunny days make it hard to remember that it's still spring by the calendar.
Even though I hate getting dressed in summery weather, every so often I hit a perfect, simple sweet spot. Some summer outfits are like gin and tonics, on-the-rare-side grilled steak, or a bowlful of sweet strawberries - ideal in their simplicity.
Dress, sandals, statement-y accessories. Minimal makeup, air-dry hair. Done. I tend to over-think and over-do things, but this is just right in its simplicity, comfort, and ease.
A big part of that's this dress. I love it: it's simple, comfy as all get-out, and cut just right for me. I'm so-so on a lot of Brooklyn Industries' stuff: for the most part, I think my body type is completely out of their designers' frame of reference.
I'm so fond of this one dress, though, that I'm thinking of getting this season's version - in a vivid turquoise!
Do you have a "perfect" piece of clothing?
Even though I hate getting dressed in summery weather, every so often I hit a perfect, simple sweet spot. Some summer outfits are like gin and tonics, on-the-rare-side grilled steak, or a bowlful of sweet strawberries - ideal in their simplicity.
Dress: Brooklyn Industries "Kritti" (last summer's colorway)
Shoes: John Fluevog "Summertime: Haight," remixed
Oceanic necklace: gift
Silvertone and "pearl" cuff: antique store
Dress, sandals, statement-y accessories. Minimal makeup, air-dry hair. Done. I tend to over-think and over-do things, but this is just right in its simplicity, comfort, and ease.
A big part of that's this dress. I love it: it's simple, comfy as all get-out, and cut just right for me. I'm so-so on a lot of Brooklyn Industries' stuff: for the most part, I think my body type is completely out of their designers' frame of reference.
I'm so fond of this one dress, though, that I'm thinking of getting this season's version - in a vivid turquoise!
Do you have a "perfect" piece of clothing?
11 June 2010
Link-tastic! 11 June 2010
Goodness gracious, Fabulous Readers, it's Friday again already!
I was featured, along with quite a few other fabulous bloggers, in the Fashionable Academics' Annotated Bibliography of Tattoos. I loved seeing the different styles of tattoos and reading the stories behind them!
I know that there are significant differences in clothing terms among American, British, and Australian English. Here's a guide to some Aussie terms for fashion and more.
Win a pair of covet-worthy Jeffrey Campbell sandals from Nubby Twiglet. I'd love to wear these with jeans or a floaty sundress!
If you're not comfortable with wearing patterns (and nobody says you have to be!), here are a few great suggestions for introducing them into your wardrobe.
The Waves examines fashion and identity, in two parts. I'm still mulling over my thoughts on this issue: they're deep and complex, and I want to give her the well-thought-out response she deserves for writing so intelligently on such a complex topic.
How much does your posture affect how your clothes look? After years of yoga and dance, and some time in the weight room (you get very aware of your posture when you've got an 85lb. barbell on your shoulders!), I've become much more aware of the alignment of my back, hips and shoulders. I don't have picture-perfect posture every moment of the day or anything, but I am more aware when I do start to slouch and quicker to correct it - and yes, it does make my clothing fit better!
Have a great weekend, Fabulous Readers!
I was featured, along with quite a few other fabulous bloggers, in the Fashionable Academics' Annotated Bibliography of Tattoos. I loved seeing the different styles of tattoos and reading the stories behind them!
I know that there are significant differences in clothing terms among American, British, and Australian English. Here's a guide to some Aussie terms for fashion and more.
Win a pair of covet-worthy Jeffrey Campbell sandals from Nubby Twiglet. I'd love to wear these with jeans or a floaty sundress!
If you're not comfortable with wearing patterns (and nobody says you have to be!), here are a few great suggestions for introducing them into your wardrobe.
The Waves examines fashion and identity, in two parts. I'm still mulling over my thoughts on this issue: they're deep and complex, and I want to give her the well-thought-out response she deserves for writing so intelligently on such a complex topic.
How much does your posture affect how your clothes look? After years of yoga and dance, and some time in the weight room (you get very aware of your posture when you've got an 85lb. barbell on your shoulders!), I've become much more aware of the alignment of my back, hips and shoulders. I don't have picture-perfect posture every moment of the day or anything, but I am more aware when I do start to slouch and quicker to correct it - and yes, it does make my clothing fit better!
Have a great weekend, Fabulous Readers!
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