Posted by
Dain,
Saturday, August 25, 2007
2:08 PM (Eastern)
I still don't know what style is. It mostly seems to be work this way: "I like this. Let's wear it." Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I get better at it over time. My taste is highly idiosyncratic, but that is a good sign, I think. The time to worry about what people think about your clothes was over in high school. Sometimes I worry if about what I'm wearing, usually that I'm overdressed, but not often. I wear what I want to wear. Even at the end of an exhaustive OCD session (what, you couldn't tell?), I don't know if I can be any more definitive than that. Style is... reserve, decision, confidence, personality, and... grace under pressure. It's like wisdom, you acquire it yourself, no one can do it for you.
As such, I'm afraid this series isn't really a guide. It's just one way of doing things, perhaps my attempt to be as organized about clothing as I am about makeup.
Enough babble. Let's continue to everyone's favorite, shoes and bags. I've sprinkled them throughout these articles like currants in a bun, but the collective is more illuminating.
bags I think the minimum number of bags I need is two, but I want three. Yes, three, not ten or twenty. Every other fashion enthusiast wants to collect as many beautiful bags without going bankrupt, but my interest is in owning as few as possible; only, they are the perfect few. Wasn't that how women used to do it, once upon a time? A lady had a handbag for everyday, maybe something for evening, maybe something for the summer. It's only now that they have names, have become collectibles. If a bag becomes popular enough to become an it bag, it's already spelled its own doom: within a season, it'll look old. Actually, two of my choices are it bags, but they will avoid that fate, I hope, because one is a redoubtable classic, and the other is an Anya Hindmarch (she tends to make bags that are unique, but trendless).
This is perfection, not only to look at, but I think it's also a convenient size (13" x 9" x 3") for everyday, though I might be able to squeeze in a small notebook still. This could take almost anywhere, so long as it's not too casual (like the beach) or too fancy (like a ball).
That should be the end of it, but I think a big, roomy bag is necessary. Why then, do I need the Anya Hindmarch above? In part because I want it, and in part because I don't need to lug around heavy books any more, and you know what they say, the lighter the bag, the lighter the mind. In any case, a Hermès Kelly, which is way out of my league as yet, so it's quite an academic question. Perhaps someone will come out with a large bag that's equally compelling and not so cripplingly expensive.
An evening bag understandably won't see much use, but I think it's an essential too. No matter how nice your everyday bag is, it doesn't look appropriate with a posh dress. It's not the most practical option, but then, eveningwear isn't about practicality in the first place. As you can see, I favor simply styled bags (they match, instead of taking over your outfit), but I think a minimal clutch is a perfect way to showcase some gleaming silver lizard.
shoes My attitude towards shoes is much the same. I want one evening shoe, one sneaker, one sandal, etc., which I mean to wear to death. So I must choose carefully—interesting yet versatile yet high quality. A girl needs more shoes than handbags, and they don't last a lifetime, because they do wear down much more quickly Here's how I've decided what I need: everyday flats and heels, summer flats and heels, winter flats and heels, house slippers and evening heels. I think that covers every possible circumstance.
After much agonizing, I still don't know what I'd like to have as THE everyday flat; I keep changing my mind. I started with Repetto and then thought zebra might be cooler and then I saw black lace and it just spiraled from there; aye, my head spins. For a palate cleanser, I went back to Repetto, and found this picture of Brigitte Bardot. Hmm... red? Dearth of red in my wardrobe, but it should be darker, like a luscious burgundy for more versatility. I'm starting to like the idea... ruby slippers, yeah?
Probably no shoe is so essential than a pair of classic black pumps. I think these Manolo "Butterfly" are particularly exquisite, in a very understated way.
Instead of the ubiquitous Havaiana, why not consider K. Jacques St. Tropez? They're still handmade in the south of France, and they offer easy, natural styles that are perfect for the lazy days of summer. I have my eye on the whimsical Icare ($190); it would be so pretty in a sky blue, but I like the white and silver they offer too. Since it's the end of summer, I have lots of time to decide before it becomes an issue; no point in buying them now.
I was unable to find any great espadrilles online, at least, any that are quite the level of my favorite shoes of all time. I bought them long ago from Banana Republic (which goes to show that expensive isn't always better), and they've been absolutely everywhere ever since, including Croatia. What else could be more perfect with pretty little sundress*? I fear for their demise... actually, they can be resoled, right?
Though I'm disappointed by how costly Converse Chucks have become, it cannot be denied that they're a classic. They offers tons of options, but this disgusting skull print amuses me. After all, they're the kind of shoe that looks cooler the more beat up they get. I don't wear sneakers until it gets cold (I have an aversion to socks), so might as well be amused.
Insert obligatory joke about blue suede shoes here. No, really. Chucks are poor protection against inclement weather, so I do need a pair of boots. But boots are particularly expensive, and they're not really an aesthetic I favor (I have short legs). I thought to myself: it should have a tasteful wedge heel, simple stylings, in grey, suede if possible. And then I saw the Bruno Magli Alissa ($375.50), and I think the dusky sapphire hue is even nicer. Plus, the price is pretty decent for a pair of designer boots.
I should add a pair of luxurious cashmere slippers here, for lounging around the house, but I'm not sure what's really good. They're not the top priority, but perhaps when the others are well in hand...
And finally, a flashy evening high-heeled sandal, without any regard to practicality, just flat out glamorous.
jewelry Jewelry is an entirely personal matter. I think one should only wear "important" jewelry, significant pieces, accumulated over a lifetime. I feel that way about all clothing, but it's especially the case with jewelry, especially if you cannot make your own as Colleen does. : )
Ok, I don't even have pierced ears, but I like these two, they have much personality. One's sparkly and baroque, the other's sexy and earthy, both are quite eye-catching. I thought about some pearl studs, but the high-society angle is already covered by Cathy Waterman. As for the Annette Ferdinandsen, they were originally inspired by the classic hoop earring—I think these still retain the sex appeal but in an unexpected way, as if the silver suddenly became organic.
In some dream universe, this antique art deco pearl and diamond ring from Fred Leighton would become my wedding ring. I know it's not exactly traditional, but I'm not really a traditional sort of person, and I'd want my wedding ring to display that. No, I wouldn't mind wearing it every day, but it'd probably be heavy. On the other hand (lol, literally), a blue stone worn on the pinky finger, such as this Jamie Joseph Kyanite Ring ($704), would be the perfect complement. The rough cut is a pleasingly organic counterpoint to the fussiness of the Fred Leighton ring, and its brilliant watery depths echo the pearl's maritime origins.
Bracelets and watches are a distraction to me, but a clean, slightly masculine watch like Chaumet's Dandy and the dazzle of this tennis bracelet (except so much more) from Harry Winston can brook no argument.
Phew! That took forever to write! O woops, I forgot necklaces.
Necklaces are the only thing I wear everyday, so I keep things as simple as possible. Above is a classic strand of pearls, which are ever appropriate, and a pendant that is special to me for personal reasons. It's got a mini Buddha living inside, see?
*I have one like this in white, and it's my favorite thing to wear; casual dresses in general are actually my outfit of choice for everyday, and yet they're too variable to be included among the basics. So I'm not sure where exactly to place them.
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