Here's a quick heads-up on what to look for this fall.
In the southeast US, where it's still unseasonably warm this time of year, the colors of people's clothes are early indicators that fall is on its way. The leaves won't change for a while still, but the usual fall suspects are currently appearing on runways and sidewalks everywhere: cognac, oxblood, aubergine, navy, emerald, ecru, nude, and mustard are (thankfully) replacing the blinding neons of summer. Add to these colors the fall metallics -- grey, silver, gold, and rose gold -- which aren't going anywhere anytime soon. And as usual, fall patterns, such as tweed, plaid, and houndstooth, are popping up everywhere from Forever 21 to the luxury lines. But let's move on to the pictures, shall we?
As all of you know by now, the 90s are back in full effect. But for some reason, the ugliest parts of the 90s are popping up in couture more than the good parts (were there good parts?). With that in mind, I've compiled a list of Fall 2013's Things That Suck, and Things That Don't.
1. Capes:
Unless you are an actual vampire or superhero, please just don't wear a cape. Please?
2. Horrible fur anything:
While I don't mind fake fur, animal cruelty ain't cute. Plus, aren't the bright shades a little Muppety?
3. Studs:
While I'm a fan of handsome men, that's not what I'm getting at here. I know lots of women love a pair of studded boots, but I firmly feel that studs should remain with the two groups who've held them firmly in their grasp since the beginning of time: bikers and BDSM enthusiasts.
4. What I'm referring to as "alien chic":
Cutouts, mesh, and shimmer: OH MY WORD. Totally unwearable, unless you have a natural bobblehead and actually LIKE wearing ten pounds of double-sided tape.
5. Baby doll dresses:
Courtney Love made these huge in the 90s, and I'm hoping they go by the wayside ASAP. No female over the age of 4 should wear any item of clothing with the words "baby doll" in its description.
6. 90s applique (and, while we're at it, "everyday" taffeta):
A picture's worth a thousand words.
7. Crop tops:
Ahem.
8. Overalls:
OMG, stop with the overalls.
9. Balloon trousers:
The title says it all. Do you want to look like a plaid balloon???
10. I don't even.... I can't.
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1. Dior.
As always.
2. Tory Burch:
I always feel that fashion is at its best when it is both attractive (in the magnetic sense) and creates a sense that the wearer could and would feel interesting/beautiful/powerful while wearing it. In other words, good fashion has to make you feel something, and you have to visualize what that something will be before you ever put it on. TB clothes, shoes, and accessories do just that, and are totally wearable.
3. Boots:
I'm a huge fan of boots all year long, and there are a lot of very...er...interesting boots in the fall lines. There's lots of meh stuff in the Hedi Slimane/Saint Laurent line: it's been called uninspired and draws mainly from the glory days of grunge for its inspiration. But let's be honest, grunge was pretty fugly in general. Wasn't that kind of the point? High fashion + grunge is relative madness. Anyway, while I've never liked Doc Martens, not even in the 90s, I do like what HS did with them here. Would they look good with any outfit, ever? I don't know, but I am strangely drawn to them. And however pretentious the idea of repurposing an intentionally sloppy decade for high fashion may be, I know the hipsters (or, as I like to call them, le faux pauvre) will eat it up.
4. Chanel (Fall/Winter 2013/14):
Beautiful knits, patterns, and classic lines. Classic Chanel elegance.
Not to mention Chanel's Paris-Édimbourg 2013 Métiers D'Art line... It is so beautiful, I could literally die. If you want to torture yourself with beauty, visit the whole line here.
I'll end on that lovely note. 'Til next time: dress and love well. xoxo, HYFT
