Know Your Style Know Yourself
Welcome to my first post! This is a space for women who cannot wear sheer tops to work and pantyhose as pants. Hope you'll join me weekly and if the spirit moves you subscribe and share.
As a designer I’ve always concerned myself with the end use of my designs. Who would wear it and where? There was always a practical application for my work which now seems démodé.
Now as a stylist I’m coming at it from a different angle. Though the runways offer inspiration, little of it is applicable or even obtainable for the needs of my clients (mainly power women with real jobs). The reality at retail is akin to finding a needle in a haystack. Fashion throws a whole lotta product at us at a furious pace. My purpose here is to tune out the noise and present what looks good, is made well and will push your personal style needle forward.
I stress personal style because in the end that’s what it’s all about. Style trumps fashion every time. Style is an inner conversation that manifests outwardly. There should be consistency as well as surprise to your style and it should always evolve. Rather than looking of the moment you define the moment for yourself. My acid test is to look back ten or more years at a photo of yourself, do you think hmmm how chic, or what was I thinking? Your clothes should have staying power, it’s how you style them, the proportions and accessories that bring it to the moment.
The purpose of this newsletter is to first and foremost inspire but also give down to earth recommendations to make the dream a reality. The luxury market has become so expensive that it’s necessary to find interesting alternatives that still scratch that itch. I look forward to sharing with you many independent brands that offer great quality, thoughtful design and incredible value compared to the big names. Which brings me to my disgust of logos on everything from hats to shoes and everything in between. To this I say enough!
I hope this will be a two way conversation. Please let me know what's inspiring you or what you can’t find but would love to. Your comments are most welcome. Enough said for now, here’s what looks good for Spring, the inspiration and the reality.
I loved Anthony Vaccarello’s Spring ‘24 Saint Laurent show. The crisp tailored cottons with sharp leather accessories evoke power with the throw away glamor of the 70’s. A great look for my working girls.
I can’t help but think Vaccerello was inspired by Saint Laurent’s safari looks of the late 1960’s. Here he is flanked by his main muses, Betty Catroux and Lou Lou de la Falaise in 1969, timelessly chic some 50 years later.
A key piece in any spring wardrobe is a great jacket. Taking inspiration from la Catroux, get the vibe with any of these. The most literal interpretation here (sold out sorry) and here. Love this option as well.
All of the above capture the YSL vibe past and present. To me brown is the black of summer. The crisp cotton of this shirt would look fantastic tucked into straight leg pants. Sturdy leather belts figured prominently in the Saint Laurent show, love the color, simplicity and lack of branding here. The shoes elevate the whole look, then top it off with bold gold earrings like this.
Fluidity is the name of the game here. This silk cdc shirt I would size up. The proportions of this cotton shirt are just right. And here a great summer trouser, just be sure to have the right amount of pooling at the hem. This is the actual belt from the show, a worthy investment. Brown slingback pumps and heavy gold necklace, done!
Few viable options for the office are presented on the runways these days, another reason why I loved this collection. Here a perfect example, though this dress would set you back roughly 4K. Upper left is a damn nice alternative. I would cuff up the sleeve and cinch with this belt, it’s a tad wider which works. Add a gold cuff like this or this. Then go for broke with this shoe fresh from the runway. I’m old enough to have experienced returning to things I thought of as passé, case in point sheer black hose, they’re looking great to me again and add a sexy edge.
Thanks for reading, I would love to know your thoughts and please subscribe and share, there’s much more to come!
Hi Caroline, Thank you for reading and commenting. I feel that the fashion industry has forgotten the amazing working women who are out there kiling it in male dominated fields and doing it with style and grace. My hope it to inspire them and give practical advice while having some fun.
PS, I loved the The Great Fall, it's a wonderful book for an inside look at a heady time in fashion. I'll be sure to check out your site as well.
I haven't worn hose in years but at 66 I must start up again. My legs are still in great shape but my skin is less than desirable - does the hose in the photo have any sort of support?
I found some that felt great - the Hooter's girls wore them; but I really loved the look of those in the photon would like to try them if they aren't too flimsy.