Dope Ambition

So I know it’s not just me: I dread winter for a plethora of reasons, including the it-hurts-to-even-go-outside dread that sinks in once temperatures linger in the near-zero range. I grew up in the Midwest, where winters were undeniably harsh, but the difference was that the furthest I ever had to walk was to my car, or from one end of campus to another. Here in NY, on the other hand, winters are just as harsh, but I have to trek around the whole damn city relying solely on the clothes I’m wearing to keep my feet from going numb and my face from freezing in place.

Last winter (my first in NY), I had some trouble with the whole layering thing. See, I’m not used to wearing thermals with a cardigan over that with a sweater over that with a winter coat over that and a heavy duty scarf to top that off. I felt like the Michelin man: puffy, unattractive, and ripply. I don’t want to feel like a sofa cushion just because it’s winter; cold weather shouldn’t add ten pounds like a bad camera does.

So, my friends, I have created a little step-by-step guide on how to dress for low temps and still keep your womanly allure in the normal-to-high digit range. It ain’t easy, but it’s worth it. Here are some looks I think get it right, followed by a guide. Thank me later.

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One of the main components to keeping bulk to a minimum is to wear your heaviest, warmest item last/on top. So first, start with a simple long-sleeved T. If you’re feeling fancy, pick a pattern so it peeks out from under the masses.

1.long sleeved chunky alexander wang pullover – $235
2. cream + navy striped cotton T – $70
3. yellow viscose + wool T – $21
4. proenza schouler long sleeved cotton t – $375

Then there’s the issue of the sweater. You want something warm, but not too chunky; snug, but not tight. Trapping body heat is so difficult…don’t let your cardigan or sweater let it all out and leave you shivering. With this option, you can choose a button up grandma cardi, a sweater to layer over your T, or a lighter jacket to go under your big ol’ coat.

1. white cotton drape cardigan – $80
2. red waffle knit cardigan – $324
3. madewell cardigan – $50
4. blue h&m cardigan – $40

The coat is the last and most important component to your layering solution or dilemma: if you’ve kept it relatively loose and laid back up to this point, then go crazy with the warmth factor when it comes to your coat. However, if you’re wearing a chunky cardigan and plan to thrown on a chunky scarf, a faux fur shrug or a thin anarak will do the trick here. Keeping it balanced and proportionate is what it’s all about.

1. MICHAEL michael kors faux fur chubby – $175
2. wool blend coat – $675
3. faux fur coat – $200
4. j crew sherpa-lined coat – $198

Scarves: have fun with it. Wear a chunky one to keep your face from numbing, or throw on a silky, colorful one if you don’t have to deal with severe-weather climates (I hate you!)

1. campground scarf in greyscale – $25
2. tan knit scarf – $56
3. black knit scarf – $10.80
4. intermix rabbit scarf – $158

Gloves, for hands? How conventional of you. As I was scanning my usual fashion photography blogs this a.m., I spotted this very 20s-era glove-hat in the upcoming issue of Vogue China. There’s no reference as to who concocted this anatomical remix, but I have to say, I kind of dig it. The images? A little blue and over worked for me. But model Tara Gill sure knows how to work gloves as headgear and hey: we respect that.

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I once wore hunter green, brown, navy blue and black all at once, when I was a teenager. I came downstairs to go to school, and my mom told me I looked “like a bruise.” I was mad, but I changed… I didn’t want to look like a walking “ouch.”

Navy blue and black, however, make for an amazing color combination for fall and winter. Monochromatic black can make you looked washed out, or like you just left an outtake of The Matrix. Sure, under certain circumstances, the colors can clash, but when worn simply, the color juxtaposition adds just enough variety for the eyes to keep them entertained. Are you feeling neon right now? Go ahead, splash some in there with a highlighter yellow belt or an acid green clutch. More into lush primary colors? How classy! Red heels add sophistication. An emerald green statement necklace? How Blaire Waldorf of you. You get the idea. Make it nautical, make it streamlined, make it sexy…your call.

So it’s safe to say, then: when mixing two closely related colors like navy blue and black, leave out tans and browns, and if you’re dying for a neutral color, stick to white. Here are a few street style picks, followed by some outfit inspiration. But don’t take it from me; try it for yourself.

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lace white button up – $200
dannijo mara necklace – $170
black tuxedo blazer – $64
black platform boot – $234
black Converse – $70
linen & jersey skirt – $201

Dreamy interior design photos from photographer Petra Bindel. Can I live in each photo for a little while? Yeah? I especially dig the black and white artwork she photographs against grays, blacks and whites.

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As part of Christie’s 20th Century Decorative Art & Design auction, illustrations from the late René Gruau are being auctioned for thousands of dollars. Some give Gruau credit for changing the way fashion was advertised and received by the public. Alan Riding of the NYTimes wrote in Gruau’s obituary that “in everything he did, he evoked the glamour and style of the world of high fashion.”

Gruau’s Miss Dior perfume illustrations earned him status as one o fashion’s most recognized illustrators, and throughout the 40s and 50s, his work appeared in L’Officiel, Marie Claire and  appeared in the Louvre art museum in Paris. But perhaps most notably (and most overlooked) is his contribution to Christian Dior’s infamous “New Look”; Gruau’s first position as artistic director for advertising was in 1947 with Christian Dior. Gruau’s eye for “combined interpretation and upgrading of old-style graphic illustration” helped transform Dior’s design to shape a period in fashion still referred to today.

Beautiful illustrations, I must say, but they start at around $4,000. The rich and famous will be the ones inheriting these lovelies. Le sigh.

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Be careful with these accessories; they could hurt someone. New Greek accessories label Persephoni has just released a series of angular-inspired pieces including necklaces, clutches and shoes. The brand’s concept comes from the juxtaposition of hard against soft and tough against supple, so the leather gloves are finished with geometric, cold wrist cuffs, a dainty clutch gets dangerous when its corners come to a point and cashmere socks are finished with geometric triangles.

What do we think? Wearable art, or better as just art?

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Happy Friday.

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Please, please tell me you’re not going as a “naughty” teacher (did that freshman year of college) or a “sexy nurse.” Putting the words “naughty” or “sexy” in front of just about anything does not make for a creative, special or even cute Halloween costume. Jezebel recently ran a guide to the absurd costumes showing throughout many online shops, and I must say: “sexy Nemo”? As in the Disney fish who was a little slow, if I must point out. REALLY? Indie brand Felt Up has some kick ass costumes that actually aren’t even intended to be costumes (!), but let’s just call them that for the purpose of this conversation.

Today I came across this Hamburger Monster costume and I thought, yes! The only problem: it’s a little pricey. But rightfully so! It’s practically a work of art, what with the tiered yarn and the French fry hat. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, even better. Halloween is the perfect time to be ironic. Sexy Nemo? Not so ironic. As an alternative, there’s the $75 sequined hamburger dress. Not as fun, but cheaper.

Why be a sexy black cat when you can be a cute fluffy white one? $175

Likewise, the shark dress is equally bad ass, but provides the sex appeal if you really must show all the skin outside of your special places. But alas, also $175. You could always skip meals for a while and buy it. (#priorities).

Perhaps a little more pocket friendly is the Monster dress. She’s a pretty monster. $95.

I often go back and forth between admiring rich colors and wood, and the stark contrast of black and white. There’s something strangely comforting in the lack of color in such a personal space, like Danish artist Tenka Gammelgaard‘s art studio. She leaves no detail unfinished…check out her black and white paint brushes. Excellent.

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Vogue Italia always excels in these types of conceptual shoots, and the October issue’s “Mechanical Dolls” editorial, starring models Audrey Marnay and Kirsi Pyrhonen, is a perfect example of the magazine’s ability to seamlessly blend theatrical concepts with current trends without trying too hard. Photographer Tim Walker captures the models-turned-dolls lounging eerily alongside ventriloquist dummies, and somehow the effect comes off coldy beautiful despite the bride-of-Chucky-esque moments. I especially love the cover shot, with Stella McCartney’s polka dots opening the show (’cause that’s what it feels like, no?)

I’m going to have beautiful nightmares now. So thanks.

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