Jean Paul Gaultier Tribute: In Bad Taste?

I saw pics from this show recently, and instantly thought that they were beautiful!  Then I read that a lot of people thought that the tribute was inappropriate (most notably, Papa Winehouse).  What do you think?

Espadrilles- First Edition of Fashion Mess or Fashion Yes?

Espadrilles.  I have seen them often, every summer, since about 2005.  Every summer, I have resisted the urge to buy them.  I think they look like they belong on a frumpy soccer mom from the Midwest who is wearing them with a Michael Kors bag and flared jeans. 

Why won’t they just go away?  They were built to be a fly-by-night trend:  the weird raffia wedge, the impractical straps.  I’ll never understand why this shoe has lingered for so long.  However…. I do see them every so often and think they look cute on the person wearing them.  What do you think?

[I think they look cute here, but only because they are tempered with the fact that Annalynne McCord is wearing them (someone who is so gorg that a burlap sack would look great on her).  And also her pants are half-covering them.  If a shoe needs all that to look good, then I say they are bad news!]

Boots, Boots, Boots, Part II

One of my BFFs, Danette, has asked me to scout a pair of perfect riding boots for her.  She gave me a general color/budget/shape guideline; which I will address separately.
Riding boots are classic footwear staples.  Although to achieve staple status, over-the-knee styles, the "scrunch" look, excessive buckles/zippers/weird details, and flimsy materials must be avoided.

[This actually knocks out all 4.  Over-the-knee, especially combined with a heel, is more "Pretty Woman" than Park Avenue.  The scrunch and the extraneous buckles are simply terrible.  And if the material looks shiny, flimsy, and cheap just from a picture, imagine how it would be in person.]

1.) Color-Taupe.  This neutral grayish hue is a great substitute for black.  Unfortunately, the Taupe riding boot is a rarity this season; for the fashion gods have given the trump card to Cognac and Black for the time being.

[Joan & David, $200 on Piperlime.com.  The material is beautiful, the toe is tapered for a more feminine look, and the buckle detail is perfect.]

2.)  Budget.  Come on gal, by now you should know that I can't follow a budget to save my life!  Material should be a prime factor with most clothing and footwear items, and this is especially true when it comes to boots.  Riding boots should be comprised of "hard" leather, which can be either real or faux.  Cheaper materials tend to have an unnatural sheen (unless it's supposed to be patent leather, which will be tackled in a later post), stretch easily, and fray easily.  High quality leather can be kept for years, and maintains its quality over time.

[Vince Camuto, $209 at Nordstrom.  The toe is not as femininely tailored, but they are similar to the Tory Burch "Selma" model- except the logo buckle is not as imposing, and there is no weird lining at the opening.   This is the "hard" leather material I am talking about.]

3.)  Shape- Tapered toe.  The riding boot can have a more rounded toe, which is appropriate for an edgier look.  The tapered toe is more sleek and timeless:

[Marciano, on sale for $230.  Similar to the Vince Camuto, but with a more tapered toe.]

The Blazer

 I wasn’t quite old enough to notice back then, but I would have loved to see all of the over-the-top shoulder-padded couture blazer creations from the 80’s.  I was so happy when this clothing item came back full force.

The two breeds currently on the scene are “boyfriend” cut, and a much more streamlined version.
The hipsters love the “boyfriend” cut.  I thought it was a bit sloppy and unflattering at first glance, but I have to admit this look has grown on me.

[Well done, Bosworth, well done.]


[My good friend Veron.  The white fitted blazer is a summer staple- I have the exact same one from Zara.  This is a streamlined, versatile, sophisticated piece that can be dressed up or down.]


[I love the raised shoulders, color, and clean lines on this one.  The shoes add a great color complement as well.]

Miami Vice?

I used to think all white outfits would be reminiscent of Miami Vice no matter what.  But this is fabulous!  Maybe the accessories make it. 

Red & Leopard

I think that each could be done correctly if worn sparingly, and if the fit and material are both of high quality.  But I can’t bring myself to get over my fashion phobia of the two.

I think it’s really hard to pull off red, especially in formal wear, in a way that does not look cheap.  However, use of red in casual wear can look fantastic when done right:

[My friend Christine, who has impeccably paired a red pant w/ contrasting white striped top and staple belt.]

My leopard phobia comes from years of witnessing atrocities such as this:

[Images like this are the reason I generally recoil at the sight of leopard.]

However, sometimes there are beacons of hope, such as the below:

[This works because the dress design is not too busy.  Atwood maryjane pumps are beautiful.  This almost makes up for the Snooki/Deena leopard assault on my eyes. Almost.]