Sporty Spice

I kind of hate Forever XXI. Partly because their clothes are way too cute and way too cheap. Partly because they put significantly less effort into the men's section than the rest of the store. And partly because they're ungodly trendy.

Like two months ago, their weekend display was all basics. Literally, every one of their glossy, glammed out mannequins was dressed for the gym in neon camis and shorts. It was unexpected. It was fierce.

I think I was OK with it because I had just spent 5 straight hours watching and re-watching Spring runway shows, my favorite at that moment Balenciaga, which featured a sporty silhouette that justified my recent desire for a gym membership. And then seeing the XXI display allowed me to acknowledge athleticism as a Spring trend publicly while secretly being able to claim fashion-forwardness in my ability to anticipate it.

I went out for coffee and a walk in the park this morning and when I got home I realized how trendy I looked.

This is my attempt to pose in a new and interesting way. Please restrict comments on my modeling abilities to positive ones.

Shoes: H&M, 12.95
Shorts: Lacoste, 39.95
Jacket: H&M, 39.95

LOVE: VALENTINO SS2010

Smokey. Romantic. Young. Classic.

The Valentino SS2010 collection by Maria Grazia Chiori and Pier Paolo Piccioli blurs the line between dream and nightmare. It was definitely a fantasy. Despite all the materials and ideas present, the dresses, jackets, pants, shorts, and gowns all remained incredibly sheer. Seriously, titties everywhere. It was fantastic.

I’ll start with the shoes. I fucking loved them.

They’re by Phillip Treacy, and they put me out. Explosions of complicated lace, silk, and embroidery that - despite being starched as fuck - appeared to wrap around the feet, ankles, and sometimes legs of the models like wings of smoke. Very romantic.

And they complimented the collection perfectly, which showcased sheer lace everywhere. Even in a few fun little blazer/pant/short ensembles.

And did you see Chanel Iman in that jacket/skirt combo? The designers constructed what looked like gorgeously weightless ruffles on the front of the jacket and skirt. But a closer look at how they move and interact shows a combination of lace and leather strips. The dialogue between the two materials creates a fantastic effect on the runway.

Every single one of the jackets in this collection was tailored with lazer-precision, giving them a formal line that contrasts with the organic flow of the drippy, flowing construction of the collection’s other elements.

And did I mention the jumpers? Yes. More than one of them. Also precisely tailored. Hell fucking yes.

But I think the main reason I live for this collection is the red carpet-style gowns towards the end of the show. Can you say Karlie Kloss? Yes. She’s from my city, btw. (ST.L ftw). And she looks fierce as fuck in this gown. The draped silk looked like this gorgeous, drippy cloud of smoke when she took it down the runway. I literally think I creamed myself.

That’s basically all I have to say about that. The bags? Geometric, constructed, fun. They stuck out against the sheer attitude of the clothes and shoes, and helped bring everything down to earth with this beautiful tension that I think Valentino is going to reclaim after their Spring 2009 show. I guess all we can do is hope.

Overall favorite look:

Love, ZackDNR

Street Style!

I love The Sartorialist. I love this idea that at any fashion event, or even just walking down Fifth Avenue in NYC on an average day, Scott Schuman could pop up and decide to photograph you. If you're wearing something trendy and holding your hands in an awkward way, this photograph could be posted and just-like-that you're famous. If you don't look completely fierce, you've missed an opportunity to be sealed in among the best dressed of all time.

Scott Schuman has upped the need for chic street fashion. If you weren't motivated to look incredible before, then certainly the fear of The Sartorialist has changed you. Unfortunately, the chances of Scott Schuman coming to St. Louis are pretty small, so I don't have a much to be fearful of. But if I ever find myself pounding down the streets of Paris, Milan, or NYC, which I will, I'm going to hope and pray that I get a frame.

Reading "The Sarorialist," Scott Schuman's publication of his favorite looks, kind of changed my view on what makes good fashion. The people who look the best aren't necessarily following every trend and rule straight off the runway or buying clothes off the mannequins in department stores. What makes people look amazing is when they demonstrate outstanding personal style. It's all about that signature quirk, and that boost of confidence recieved from dressing in something you absolutely love.


(thesartorialist.blogspot.com)

People with amazing personal style inspire me so much, and that's what the concept is all about. Seeing someone wearing something different makes me want to try something new with the clothes I have. Mixing, matching, and restyling to create something unexpected. Examples up later, if/when I find my digital camera.

Zack

p.s.- More than once, I've been stumped with what to wear, and have retreated to my copy of "The Sartorialist" for inspiration. Should I be ashamed of that?