Bad Luck

Wearing: Asos blouse, vintage crochet top from Tunnel Vision, MarinaFINI earrings, Target shorts and Dr Martens boots.

In an interview with Leandra Medine of Man Repeller, Iris Apfel agreed we don't live in a glamorous world anymore. As much as I'd hate to admit if she's right- they're both right. Now and then Leandra wears something both glorious and outlandish, such as a gold blazer with matching shorts and Balenciaga boots but even the blogging world's brightest star rarely dresses with the same panache. I've been thinking a lot lately, about accessories and their relevance in day to day life. Both Iris Apfel and Leandra frequent garish bangles and bracelets, with little method to their madness. Medine has coined the term "arm party" for the collection of shiny bangles and bracelets she wears on her wrists. And Apfel appears to prefer wearing elaborate jewellery in lieu of going to the gym, or as a kind of armor. I'm citing both these fabulous women in this outfit, which seems fitting given that this bracelet is a gift from yet another fabulous woman- my mom. 

Au neutural

Wearing: Thrifted blouse and scarf, Target shorts and Dr Martens boots.

It's no secret that I love mixing prints, but normally I'm more comfortable wearing a lot more colour. Unless of course it's the middle of semester, I forgo washing my hair, I have an assignment due and some kind of presentation to give. In which case clothing isn't part of the equation and I become the most basic human being and more or less exist rather than actually live. So it felt a little strange and somewhat challenging coming up with a cool outfit in a neutral colour palette. I've been dying to buy some silk scarves since I saw the 'How to tie a neck scarf' video by Man Repeller on Youtube (for you intellectuals out there, you can also read the blog post here) Now I obviously lack the cool sunglasses needed to complete this look, as well as any sign of pigment as evidenced by my moon face and long pale legs, but it's still just as effective. Also I feel like I was unconsciously channeling Chloë Sevigny Fall 2012 campaign for Miu Miu. Minus the amazing boots, David Bowie make up and cropped hairdo.

Molly Goddard Spring 2016

When interviewed by Susie Bubble for Topshop's Youtube channel, Molly Goddard hinted at more of her tulle and embellished creations. The idea that something inexpensive such as tulle or calico being transformed through hours of work and various techniques shines through once more. Goddard's signature designs, loosely based on the designer's own baby clothes have carried her in good stead throughout several seasons at London Fashion Week. Last season saw an impromptu art lesson complete with live drawing class. The nature of the show in itself turned heads, but perhaps things are starting to slow down. We've watched each collection progress and mimic stages of adult life from infancy and now into college. As a sign of maturity, Goddard has gone one better, creating floral embroidery on apple green netted dresses and matching tights. As someone who still regularly tosses and turns at night lusting over Rodarte's spiderweb tights I have my heart set on owning some of Molly Goddard's hosiery. 

*Images via WWD

Raf Simons Spring 2016

Raf Simons continues to mystify me- although he is frequently touted as a genius I can never figure out what all the fuss is about unless I read through what others have said of him. I suppose that largely has to do with my age and the relationship I have with personal style. Or that having been told all my life that youth invalidates experience I find myself unable to analyze his work. Whatever the case may be I find myself having to file these collections under the "you'll appreciate this when you're older" category. That's under the assumption that I will eventually abandon my brightly coloured power clashing aesthetic and come to appreciate the shape and cut of my clothes. For now all I'll say is that I loved the heavy chains slung over the shoulder and carried next to the bags for Spring 2016. They reminded my of heavy vintage Lucite necklaces, ballooned to greater proportions and appropriated for a different purpose. As a child I often caught myself wistfully wishing I had a shrink ray to change the size of my plastic beads (of which I was obsessed with) to wear in all manner of ways. It's true what they say- somethings never change. 

*Photos via Vogue.com

Caroline Rose Kaufman 2014 collection

In the wake of yet another successful Fashion Revolution Day which took place a few weeks ago my brain began ticking away with thoughts of ethics in fashion and particularly production. As serendipity would have it I also stumbled across Caroline Rose Kaufman, born and raised in West Virginia with a penchant for handmade clothing which combines traditional techniques with story telling. It's also been very chilly lately so knitwear has been on my mind a lot lately but her pieces are exceptional in that knitwear has not been exclusively reserved for scarves, sweaters and beanies. Needless to say, I was intrigued with her work and have always been drawn to practitioners who see their creations as three dimensional artwork rather than a piece of clothing. To anyone from Australia her aesthetic is akin to that featured in Frankie magazine and from the outset I myself was won over by her photo shoot starring a woman of colour. 

Although there are specific colours which Kaufman has experimented within this collection she is in no way limited by them, instead she has explored all avenues with a variety of techniques. On the contrary, her intricate knits celebrate handmade clothing in a way that echoes human experience. The shapes of her clothes allow room for growth and development in a way that is liberating but without being tactful. Her clothes hang loosely on the figures but are enshrined in beautifully hand painted iconography or hundreds of weaved threads. They are unlike garments sold through daytime television infomercials for the sole purpose of providing a solution to women with insecurities about their weight. This is in part because they were lovingly made by hand with commercial success of lesser importance. The little beetles or cacti which appear on several of the linen dresses remind me of journal pages shared through Tumblr which again has been reinforced by the handmade brown paper backdrop.  

My personal favourite piece is the gorgeous and angelic peachy coloured dress with pom poms! I only tried to make pom poms once but instead of cute little well formed fuzz balls I was left with a mess of yarn of equal length. Since said incident I have never tried again fearing the same results but I have always been struck with a quiet respect for those who have mastered the tricky little things. Especially those who can make pom pom sculptures (especially Rachel Burke writer of I make it. You wear it) in the shape and design of little fruits. For whatever reason during fall and winter I have an insatiable appetite for soft floaty dresses which are impractical given the weather but I love wearing them with lots of layers. It's my way of countering the Melbourne subculture which is entrenched in all black, very little colour and smart business coats. Those mega-talented babes who have the technical guise to create pom poms could probably create their own dress, in addition to pom pom platform heels and flower crowns. 

These gingham dresses remind me of school uniforms, but that influence in particular is subtle drowned out by thick knitwear, pom poms and sheer leggings. It also reminds me of an outfit my friend Kelly from Glitterous Clittoris posted to her instagram although her take on gingham was decidedly different! A commonality to both these aforementioned sources is the gingham hasn't been used ironically but documents the steady evolution from childish things. The shapes and silhouettes are far-removed from baggy dresses, inspiring a spring of admonishments from a motherly figure assuring us we would grow into them. These have been instead replaced by loosely hanging tops, silk slip dresses and plenty of mouth watering embellishments. To say nothing of those divine wooden soled sandals with leather straps harking back to the bohemian era. These archaic artifacts have been modernized by the exuberance of youth and the most dreamy spring colour palette.