Synesthesia

A while back, I promised I'd explain my fondness for the purple/green color combination. It goes beyond the fact that in general, any two colors of a color triad look wonderful together: it has to do with a neurological condition called synesthesia.

Synesthesia is, simply, a blending of the senses. Some people associate specific shapes or colors with numbers, or have auditory reactions to visual phenomena such as movement.

I have a very mild case: I smell in color.

I get all my perfumes from Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, an independent company in California. I was introduced to them when my fabulous cousin, whose sense of style exceeds my own, gave me a vial of a perfume called The Apothecary. It's an herbal blend with notes of fig, and smells - you guessed it - green and purple. I had never thought to pair those two together!

I get a lot of inspiration for color combos from my perfumes. Of course, there's a downside to it too: I can't stand to go out of the house in an outfit that clashes with my scent. If I pick the outfit first, I have to be really sure I like it before I put the perfume on.

Today's outfit is inspired by a limited-edition perfume made to commemorate a full lunar eclipse called Penumbra: its description reads, "Rich purple musk, moonflower, red sandalwood, black amber, oakmoss, copal, lavender, neroli, tobacco, and pomegranate."

It smells burgundy, purple, and black:

Dress: Ann Taylor Loft

Cardigan and scarf used as belt: depth of the closet

Sweater tights: Marshall's

Shoes: John Fluevog, Summertime family (forget the style name)

Dichroic glass tree pendant: Jenn Feldman Glass

Pink, purple and pearl drop earrings: gift from parents, bought somewhere in Europe
 

It's also due in part to the academichic Fashion 101: Cardigans unit that I'm auditing. I've layered this cardigan over a dress before (it feels like walking around in my bathrobe all day!), but I'd forgotten how nice a pairing it was until I saw E. do something similar. I think the soft, drapey lines of the dress and scarf are balanced nicely by the edgy platform and studs of the shoes. And yes, there's still plenty of snow on the ground and I'm wearing sandals. I love my boots, but I feel like I've been wearing the same four pairs of shoes forever. 

I can't wear sandals in the snow without thinking of iki. Iki is one of those complex, difficult-to-translate Japanese words: it indicates an ephemeral, transcendent aesthetic ideal, straightforward yet elegant, spontaneous and unselfconscious. Like many Japanese aesthetic concepts, it's easier, coming from a European-based culture, to understand it through poetry and visual images. One of the canonical images of iki is an elegant woman wearing geta (platform thong sandals) in the snow.  I'm not hard-core enough to wear sandals without thick, warm tights, even though today was warm and sunny... for early March.

 What non-sartorial inspirations fuel your outfits? How do you blend cultural influences in your dress? What do you think about sandals or open-toed shoes in winter, tights or no?

Spring has Sprung

The incredibly talented Jen Kiaba and I did an impromptu photo shoot yesterday (hence the strange background, although giant martini glasses are, well, kinda OK by me).

photo courtesy of and copyright by Jen Kiaba Photography

Grey wrap cardigan, BCBG Max Azria, TJMaxx?
Yellow tee, Caslon, stolen from mom's closet
Grey skirt, Ann Taylor, thrifted
Purple tights, Betsey Johnson, TJMaxx
Boots, United Nude "Pocket Hi," Amazon.com
Scarf, purchased in Zell am Zee, Austria
Earrings, chips from Fabulous Husband's first computer

My birthday is in late March, and I've always been fond of crocuses and snowdrops, the early spring flowers that are the only ones reliably in bloom on my birthday. I'm not comfortable wearing white (it doesn't stay white for long on me!), so I don't often echo the green-and-white palette of snowdrops. The yellow and purple of crocuses, a punchy complementary color scheme, is fair game, though!

Both colors look particularly stunning against grey, and shades of grey echo the often dismal skies of a New York early spring.

The boots are one of my few non-Fluevog pairs, from innovative shoemaker United Nude. Their designs are scupltural, architectural, and (sometimes) downright wacky. I couldn't resist these BDU-inspired boots: they have functional pockets, a detail sure to win my heart, and little red tags that read "Remove Before Flight."

Most of the time, my husband's reaction to new shoes is... lukewarm, to say the least, but these got his seal of approval with an "Oh, wow. Those are awesome shoes." They're a little tighter in the calf than I'd like, and the ballistic nylon means they can't be stretched by a shoemaker. Like Fluevogs, though, they're comfortable despite the high heel, and the rubberized fore-sole means plenty of traction in slippery conditions.

And yes, I painted my nails a shade of pale purple to complement this outfit. 

Everywhere I look, people are getting fed up with winter and ready for spring! What are your favorite spring colors, rituals, and clothes?

Back in Black

another Fabulous Husband photo

Black cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft
Henley with little owl pattern and heart-shaped buttons: No Boundaries, thrifted
Woven belt: Ann Taylor Loft
Black denim pencil skirt: Ann Taylor Loft
Tights and black-and-red stripey socks: depths of the drawer
Scarf: Hot Topic
Boots: John Fluevog "Inge"
Woven leather cuff bracelet: Urban Outfitters (?)
Onyx brooch: estate sale

The outfits I've posted so far have been vividly colored, which is pretty atypical for me. This is more my usual speed: black, black, and more black, with little accents of color.

As for the preponderance of Ann Taylor Loft items, I spent a year working there, and as a result built up quite the wardrobe of pieces from the store. I'm glad I'm not working retail fashion any more, and I've become unhappy with the chain's stylistic decisions in the subsequent years, but I learned valuable lessons that year about style, fashion, wardrobe-building, and dressing a wide variety of body types. The thing I miss most about it was helping my customers find smashing outfits for their body types and lifestyles.

One thing that will become quite obvious is that I have a deep, abiding fondness - verging, some might say, on an addiction - for John Fluevog shoes. There are several reasons for that: I love the combination of funky style and comfort - I have several pairs of Fluevog heels, these 3" babies included, that are just as comfy and walkable as a pair of sneakers; the company has a commitment to ethical production and offers quite a few ecologically conscious styles; they stand behind their products fully; and the salespeople are the sweetest,  friendliest, most attentive, and most knowledgeable retail staff I have ever encountered, bar none. Even if you buy online, you'll get a call from someone at a Fluevog store to discuss fit and shipping.

I'm also playing along with the academichics' Fashion 101: Cardigans unit. I own a few cardigans, but I don't really think of them as a wardrobe basic. However, I'm taking this as a style assignment (Me? Miss structured curricula much? Nah!), so expect to see quite a few of them this week as I try to fit the few I have into a daily rotation! My plans for this week include a photo shoot with the incredibly talented Jen Kiaba, a thrifting expedition, and a lunch meeting, so I've got a variety of situations for which to dress.

Do you have a default style - a certain look or combination you know you can always count on? When do you stick to it, and when do you experiment? What about favorite brands - do you have a go-to manufacturer? Are there certain items you're brand-loyal regarding, and others not?

Death Takes a (Golf) Holiday

 

Photo courtesy of the Fabulous Husband

Pink L/S tee, LnA, thrifted
Pink tank, Theory, thrifted
Black skull print tunic, Love Child, TJMaxx
Woven belt, Ann Taylor Loft
Green polka-dot mini, Old Navy
Leggings, Hot Chilis
Boots, John Fluevog "Mallory"

After a week of storms, variously described as "Snowpocalypse" and "Snowmaggeddon" wracked the Northeast, I was sick of bulky sweaters, loose jeans, and other functional items of clothing. So when Saturday brought a break in the weather, I wanted something bright!

I was originally going to wear a more mellow olive-green cargo mini, but due to the extra layer of leggings and my mammalian tendencies to add a bit of, um, insulation in the winter (plus aforementioned snow keeping me from going to the gym) it was a wee bit tight. So I pulled out this bright-green number. It fits well, but I realized I was dressed in that preptastic color combo, green and pink. Eek!

So, of course, I had to punk it up a bit.

 

I took this photo myself!

Shaggy chain, made by me

Heart locket and pendant, depths of my jewelry box

Crescent moon pendant, gift from the Fabulous Husband

Jade drop earrings, Anima Perdita Studios

The skull tunic and a series of chain necklaces of various lengths served nicely. I didn't want to go overboard, so I kept most of the necklaces thin and light, and wore a favorite pair of earrings made by the Fabulous Husband.

I don't know why I'm so attracted to the combination of pink and skulls (I have a few guesses, though): I own several pieces that feature this combination.

The boots didn't show up that well, but have no fear: you'll be seeing them lots in the future. They're one of the more comfortable pairs I own, and I've been living in them this winter. La Historiadora de Moda from Fashionable Academics has them in orange: I wish I did, too!

I also realized that this outfit perfectly fits my yearning for warmer climes. Preppy though it is, the green/pink combo screams warm weather. I could easily lose the leggings and long-sleeved tee and swap the boots for a pair of sandals and wear this outfit in summery weather.

 

My hair has started to frustrate me. For most of my life, it was very long (as in, past my waist): a year and a half ago, I chopped it into a grown-out angle bob. I like it, but I'm getting sick of the long front in my face all the time! So I'm thinking about cutting in big, thick, heart-shaped bangs, with malice, British, and J-rock style aforethought. Worst comes to worst, it looks horrible and I have an excuse to wear smashing hats until the bangs grow back out. What are your thoughts, O Fabulous Readers?

Link-tastic! 26 February 2010

First off, some pretty nifty news: I've been accepted into the Independent Fashion Bloggers network (check out the pretty button in the sidebar!).

Secondly, apologies for the dearth of outfit posts. We've been stuck in Winter Storm Hell here in the Northeastern U.S., and my primary occupation of late has been shoveling my driveway - over and over again. As a result, I've been exploring the fashion possibilities of knee-high gaiters, snow boots, and bulky parkas. Trust me, you don't want to see pictures! Hopefully, more clement weather and cuter outfits will return early next week.

Now, on to this week's links!

Sal at Already Pretty found a great quote that pretty much encapsulates everything that anyone who thinks about fashion feels about him or herself.

I have a love-uncertainty relationship with the Fug Girls (love their funny writing and pithy observations! Uncertain about their level of snark!), but every so often they hit one out of the park - like this loving paean to Gabourey Sidibe. No, she doesn't have a conventionally beautiful figure. Yes, she is awesome and beautiful.

Gertie pokes into the history of the suspender skirt. There are theories that the skirt-with-suspenders combo (as an undergarment) goes back as far as the 1500s. Either way, I'm suddenly craving one.

Haute Macabre found some non-corporate-produced Alice in Wonderland goodies.

No Signposts in the Sea wonders about future vintage, and what an interesting question that is! I've deliberately avoided shopping at H&M, Target, and their ilk for a number of reasons lately, and now I'm really starting to think about issues of sustainability, durability, and quality of manufacture, not to mention quality versus quantity, in regards to clothing.

The Lady Likes fleece-lined tights. I can't argue. The snowdrifts outside are beyond knee-deep, and as far as I'm concerned, the more things that are fleece-lined, the better!

I call myself a fashion theorist, but compared to Minh-Ha T. Pham and Mimi Thi Nguyen of Threadbared, I'm a rank amateur. Their piece on implications and referentiality of prep clothing, especially in urban contexts discusses class theory, race relations, and the perils of historicizing.

 Related to this week's post on pushing your sartorial comfort zone is Sal's answer to a reader's query about finding your style when you're feeling lost, complete with some awesome reader feedback.

A. at academichic theorizes that there are two modes of dress: drag or uniform. What do you think? Is "drag" the appropriate word, or would you, like me, tend to use the slightly less gender-loaded, but (as we explored earlier) potentially misleading term 'costume?' Why?

Outside the comfort zone

Fabulous Reader Dina posted:

For nearly a year I've spent almost every.single.day. in sweats/yoga pants and a nursing tank or other form of loungewear. I actually dread having to "get dressed" because even wearing jeans puts me out of my elastic-waisted comfort zone. I need an intervention... badly.

Which got me thinking about comfort zones and clothing.

For one thing, Dina, the fact that you mentioned a nursing tank indicates to me that you're a new mama, a point in life where there are lots of demands being placed on you, physically, mentally, and emotionally. I've never had a child, so I can't really speak from a place of authority, but I believe that new moms have every right to wear whatever they want that makes them feel comfy, because, damn, they're ensuring the future of our species. One of the reasons I haven't had kids yet is that I don't know that I have the strength of character or emotional fortitude to birth and raise a productive member of society.

However, the fact that you're saying you "need an intervention... badly" means that you're not that comfortable in your "comfy" clothes.

As our lives and circumstances change, our comfort zones in terms of clothing do too. That's one of the reasons I go through my closet constantly: one day, I realized that plaid mini-kilts just weren't me any more (OK, not really. I still love me a plaid mini-kilt, preferably worn with knee-high stompy boots).

A lot of things can influence these changes. Sometimes it's dramatic things, like having a child, changing jobs, or relocating to someplace with a totally different climate. Sometimes, it's a more subtle shift: reading an article in a mag or on a blog that gives you a new perspective on a style, seeing an inspiring photo, or even finding a new way to play with color.

Whatever the cause, it can be disconcerting. You can be left with a closet full of clothes you have no interest in wearing, possibly lacking the wherewithal (wear-with-all?) to replace them - even if you knew what you wanted instead, which you might not.

That last bit is the tricky one. Even for those in strained financial circumstances, savvy thrift shopping can provide a wealth of options. If you're feeling adrift in terms of style, though, a thrift store can be an overwhelming mishmash of possibilities and options - a little like going to a diner with a sixteen-page menu when you're starving. There are so many options that you don't know what you want!

Defining (and refining) your personal style is a lifelong, ongoing process, and it's hard to know where to start.

As my yoga teacher says, the intention is the practice. Just by thinking about ways you can find a personalized style that suits you better, you'll start to find ways to do it.

Look for the things you genuinely like in your current wardrobe. Are you drawn to certain cuts, colors, styles? For example, I know that I love full skirts, fitted sweaters, brightly-colored tights, layering tees, and secondary and tertiary colors. Conversely, what's in your wardrobe that you can't stand?

Every time you go shopping, try on one thing that scares you, or that you're sure won't work on you. Maybe you'll be right - or maybe you'll be surprised. I once knew, for instance, that yellow looked horrible on me, and that I hated it. Then one day I tried on a yellow shirt and loved it. Was it the specific shade?  The cut of the top? The phase of the moon? I have no idea, but now I know that I can rock it. Ditto for belts, scarves, short skirts... the list goes on and on. Next on my list of things to try that I'm scared of are skinny jeans and shorts over tights.

As for finding a way back into style comfort for Dina, how about one of my favorite combinations for chic comfort: a jersey dress, leggings, belt and boots?  Nobody ever said you have to wear tailored, structured items to be "dressed:" maybe stay in easy-to-wear jersey pieces, but change silhouettes or colors.

comfy mama by fashiontheory

I wear variations on this outfit all the time. It's all stretchy, easy-to-wear fabrics (even the boots are jersey!), ideal for chasing around a wee one. The leggings provide more coverage and modesty than a dress with tights would. A belt gives definition to the waist and breaks up the visual line of the dress, while a colorful henley underneath adds contrast (and an extra bit of warmth!).

The bold colors are my favorite part, though: they make a simple outfit look much more deliberate and "styled." For those of you into color theory, this is a variant on an analogous color scheme. Analogous colors are pleasing to the eye and pretty common in nature - think about a vivid sunset or autumn leaves - but don't seem to be the first thing that comes to mind for many people when it comes to clothing color combinations. That's a shame, because they really do look smashing.

That's just one option: there are lots more out there. Check out style blogs for ideas, starting with academichic. Blogger E. had a baby this past summer, and has been figuring out ways to look stylish and be comfortable ever since. 

What about you, Fabulous Readers? Do you have a defined "comfort zone" in terms of style? Are you happy there, or itching to break out? Do you push the envelope, or stick with the tried and true? If you have redefined your comfort zone, what inspired the change?

Lacking inspiration

I'm a big advocate of putting on presentable clothes even if I'm going to be working from home or running basic errands. I end up very upset with myself when I don't.

Today... well today was one of those days where I really didn't want to. After nearly a week of inspiring, invigorating springlike temperatures, I woke up today to a persistent snowstorm, achy muscles from a vigorous workout last night, and a general lack of vim and/or vigor.

Great lead-in to my first ever outfit post, isn't it?

Green dolman top, Michael Kors (via Marshalls)
Green shadow-stripe tee, Urban Outfitters
Gap jeans, Housing Works
Frye Harness 12R boots, Century 21
Rough amethyst necklace, Metropolitan Museum Store
Longer amethyst and clear quartz necklace, gift from mum?
Green webbing belt, thrifted
Coffee mugs, Elan Pottery

Photo courtesy of my fabulous husband. Thanks, sweetie!

Forcing myself to get dressed, even just in jeans and a cute, comfy top (and, natch, making coffee) helped my mood immensely. Green and purple are one of my favorite color combinations: I'll explain how I discovered it soon!

I've talked a lot about how what you wear affects others' impression of you. Clothing is costume: we use it to create a persona that we project to the world. That's not news. What I haven't really spoken about is the internalizing of this effect. While it's very possible to feel utterly lousy about yourself while you're nicely dressed, I find it much easier to feel good about myself when I'm wearing something that I think flatters me and feels put together.

I'm not about to turn into a mascara-on-the-treadmill kind of girl, or even a FlyLady fanatic, but I think that wearing what I perceive of as "real" clothes (gym clothes aren't real clothes: nor are pajama pants) makes me feel better and even think better as well as look better. Yes, I find it easier to write when I'm wearing the sort of clothes I'd wear to an office or professional/academic conference than when I'm lounging around the house in sweats. I'm not entirely sure why, but I think the phenomenon deserves further examination and thought. I think it has less to do with the clothes and more to do with our perceptions of them.

Does what you wear affect your perception of yourself? Can an outfit you like make the difference between a grumpy mood and a good one - or being smart and effective or fuzzy-brained? Has putting on a pulled-together outfit, even when you didn't feel like it, ever saved the day for you?