style

Fashion July 27, 2020

House Dresses Are the New Loungewear

As we approach month five of COVID-19-imposed isolation, we’ve all most likely become intimately familiar with virtually every form of comfortable, at-home dressing. From oversized T-shirts to tie dye sweatsuits to all-day pajama pants to our beloved leggings and more — we’ve tried it all, so what else is there?

Enter the house dress.

The idea of dresses as comfortable casualwear isn’t actually all that ridiculous — the idea originated in the late 19th century and quickly became popular with housewives throughout the 20th century. The “house dress” was a lightweight, washable frock that women would throw on when they did chores around the house so they could maintain comfort and mobility while still looking presentable enough to see to any visitors that might show up at the house during the day, or for a quick errand run.

Claire McCardell’s wildly-popular “Pop-over” house dress featured an attached oven mitt and a large utility pocket. 1942. Photo Source: The Met Museum

While house dresses started off as purely utilitarian garments — like the wildly-popular “Pop-over” dress designed by Claire McCardell in the early 1940s — they grew to be something more stylish over time with flattering silhouettes, eye-catching prints, and large, convenient pockets that blended form and function.

In the year 2020, months-long quarantines and the sudden switch to remote working has changed many of our dresscodes and has hastened the return of the house dress to the forefront of at-home fashion. While today’s dresses don’t typically come with a matching oven mitt or giant pockets for carrying all of your cleaning supplies, they are still crafted to be comfortable above all else, while still incorporating stylish elements. My favorite house dresses have oversized silhouettes, are made from breezy materials like cotton poplin, and feature romantic details including ruffles, large collars, bows, smocking, and puff sleeves.

Personally, I’ve been waiting for the return of something like the house dress for my whole life. I’m a dress lover and will always wear a dress for any occasion (given my legs are shaven and it’s not too cold!). On top of being ultra-feminine and fun, dresses are a zero-effort outfit that only requires one piece. What could be simpler than that? They’re also a lot less restrictive than other clothing options (*cough* pants), making them a severely-underrated choice of loungewear that actually looks put together. Here’s to hoping that this trend will stick around longer than this virus will.

Are you ready to jump on the house dress trend? Check out some of my favorite options below and get ready to get comfy — no pants required!

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic lavender loungewear dress sleeper

Loungewear Dress in Lavender by Sleeper, $250

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic the caroline nap dress hill house home

The Caroline Nap Dress by Hill House Home, $100

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic SEA marlene tiered cotton-blend poplin midi dress

Marlene Tiered Cotton-Blend Poplin Midi Dress by SEA via Net-A-Porter, $380

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic monki mallan cotton midi smock dress in black asos

Monki Mallan Cotton Midi Smock Dress in Black via Asos, $64

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic zara embroidered floral blue

Embroidered Floral Dress by Zara, $69.90

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic housedress in mint gingham and pink floral

Housedress in Mint Gingham and Pink Floral by Batsheva, $210

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic ludamila dress naya rea

Ludamila Dress by Naya Rea, £270

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic ganni cotton silk dress leopard print

Cotton Silk Dress by Ganni, $295

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic kaftan midi dress & other stories

Kaftan Midi Dress by & Other Stories, $99

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic plisse collar dress white avavav

Plissé Collar Dress in White by AVAVAV, €220.00

house dresses loungewear stay at home fashion style comfort housedress 2020 the young eclectic apron linen dress misty blue linennaive

Apron Linen Dress in Misty Blue by Linennaive via Etsy, $109+

Fashion January 14, 2020

My Ultimate Dream Wedding Designers (& Dresses)

Being 24, I am in the season of life where it seems that everyone I know is either engaged or married and I’m seeing a constant stream of wedding pictures splashed across every social media site. I’m inundated with women in white dresses everywhere I look. I’ve also been in a relationship for close to 7 years now, so it’s easy to see why I sometimes veer off into dreaming about what dress I would like to wear to my own wedding someday.

As I spoke about in a previous article, I used to work at a bridal-centric tech company, so I felt overwhelmed by photos of traditional wedding dresses day in and day out, making me averse to the prospect of wearing one to my own nuptials. As an alternative, I would rather don a fun, white dress from one of my favorite designers. After all, if I’m spending so much on one dress anyways, it might as well be from a brand I’ve always dreamed of wearing.

Check out my dream wedding dresses below along with a few of my favorite bridal-esque looks from each:

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen is one of my all time favorite designers and even though the brand isn’t what it used to be since his death, it still has a dreamy, otherworldly quality that makes each piece look like a work of art. Becoming a McQueen bride would be a dream come true and would make my big day all the more special.

Alexander McQueen Spring 2020

Cecilie Bahnsen

I just recently discovered Cecilie Bahnsen and continue to fall in love with her collections each season. Her playful, gauzy creations are a delight to the eye and would flounce so beautifully as you walk down the aisle. What better time to wear something whimsical than on your wedding day? Also, the cropped length of most of her dresses is unconventional while being the perfect way to show off your shoes, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Cecilie Bahnsen Spring 2020

dream wedding dress designer cecilie bahnsen fashion white skirt with ruffles

Cecilie Bahnsen Pre-Fall 2020

Cecilie Bahnsen Fall 2019

Molly Goddard

Okay, okay, so I know two of the dresses I included here aren’t white and while more and more people are choosing to eschew the white tradition, I still want to partake. The thing I love about Molly Goddard’s designs is the absolutely ridiculous amount of tulle she uses for each dress. You wouldn’t usually get to wear that much tulle in an everyday situation, which is why I think it’s the perfect alternative to a traditional wedding dress. I also absolutely love the white dress I’ve included so much that I have fruitlessly searched for someone selling it online countless times, so if you have the hookup, please let me know!

Molly Goddard Fall 2019

Molly Goddard Spring 2018

Molly Goddard Spring 2020

Ryan Lo

Oh, to live in the world of Ryan Lo would be a literal fantasy! I’ve been following Lo since before they started posting his collections on Vogue and have been in awe of his fantastical creations each and every season. Everything looks so delicate, feminine and soft, the perfect combination of traits to make a wholly memorable wedding ensemble. I would wear any of the dresses I included to my wedding in a heartbeat, and will definitely consider Lo as a strong contender when I start seriously searching for my dream dress.

Ryan Lo Fall 2019

dream wedding ryan lo frilly white sheer dress fashion style

Ryan Lo Fall 2018

dream wedding ryan lo spring 2019 sheer white dress with florals fashion runway style

Ryan Lo Spring 2018

Vivetta

While Vivetta doesn’t really make too many dresses that could be considered bridal-esque, I still wanted to include her on this list because each and every one of her collections is so damn fun. Every season, there’s a new quirky, whimsical twist on classic pieces that never fails to captivate me, and I’m sure would captivate others as you walk down the aisle.

Vivetta Fall 2018

Vivetta Resort 2020

Vivetta Spring 2019

I don’t judge others who choose to wear traditional dresses on their wedding days. It’s your day, so you should wear whatever makes you happiest! What are some of your dream bridal designers or styles of dress?

Fashion January 11, 2020

The Timeless Style Essentials You Need: 2020 Edition

Here’s the deal: Fashion is fun and liberating because there are practically no rules involved. You can wear whatever you like and you don’t have to follow any expectations set forth by an outdated establishment. You can and should wear whatever makes you feel like the most you you.

That being said, if you’re looking to cultivate a classic, polished wardrobe that will withstand the test of time and surpass all of the trends fated to die within a season, there are a few tried and true pieces that will never let you down. Plus, they’re all so versatile, you can wear them again and again and they never feel old which extends their lifespan even more. Read on to discover the essential pieces you need in your closet throughout 2020 and beyond:

Updated White Button-Down

You probably already have one (or two or three) white button-down blouses in your wardrobe already and there’s a reason for that. Good for casual occasions when dressed down, and for impressing the boss when layered under a blazer, you can truly wear these babies anywhere. Plus, there are so many varieties in different shapes with different embellishments that you can find one to match your unique sense of style.

Nili Lotan Pre-Fall 2020

Co Pre-Fall 2020

Partow Pre-Fall 2020

The Classic Little Black Dress

Yep, that thing Coco Chanel suggested is still true: every woman should have at least one little black dress in their style arsenal. They’re universally flattering and eternally on-trend, all while being the perfect choice of outfit for when you’re at a loss for what to wear. Never too formal, but elegant nonetheless, the LBD is your wardrobe superhero. Just accessorize and go.

Preen Pre-Fall 2020

Chanel Pre-Fall 2020

Valentino Pre-Fall 2020

Crisp Blazer

Looking put together is as easy as topping your outfit off with a blazer. Crisp, sharp, classic- a good blazer can take you anywhere, all while exuding an air of confidence and class. Plus, they come in practically every color and pattern under the sun, so you can impart your own flavor of cool onto this polished wardrobe necessity.

Vince Pre-Fall 2020

Max Mara Pre-Fall 2020

Tanya Taylor Pre-Fall 2020

The Perfect Pullover Sweater

Colder weather definitely makes it more of a challenge to put together fashionable outfits when you just end up having to layer a coat on top anyways. You can still give it your best effort though, and you can never go wrong with a sweater that’s as comfortable as it is eye-catching. They look great with jeans and booties for an Instagram-worthy off-duty look, or layered over a blouse and slacks for chilly days at the office.

Camilla and Marc Pre-Fall 2020

Ulla Johnson Pre-Fall 2020

Ralph Lauren Pre-Fall 2020

Chic Statement Sleeves

Statement sleeves have been an ongoing trend for what feels like forever, and I don’t anticipate them going anywhere anytime soon, which means that putting together a look with visual impact couldn’t be more effortless- just throw on a blouse with an interesting sleeve and you’re ready to go! Literally one piece is all you need. It’s beautiful.

Camilla and Marc Pre-Fall 2020

Adeam Pre-Fall 2020

Sportmax Pre-Fall 2020

Mind the Midi

I can’t think of a single situation where a midi skirt wouldn’t be a good decision. It’s one of those pieces that just looks chic and elevated on its own, making it a breeze to style. Pair them with pretty much any tucked in blouse, a pair of boots and a cardigan and you have yourself a timeless look that will make you feel like a style icon. Plus, the longer skirt length will elongate and slim your silhouette, so it’s a win win win situation.

Fendi Pre-Fall 2020

Tory Burch Pre-Fall 2020

Co Pre-Fall 2020

A Lengthy Coat

Like the midi skirt, a long coat just looks luxe and will easily layer over literally anything and still be fashionable. I have so many, I don’t even know what to do with them all! But I’ve come to love them because they make the perfect finishing touch for any cold weather outfit, pulling the look together with sophistication and style.

Givenchy Pre-Fall 2020

Chanel Pre-Fall 2020

Missoni Pre-Fall 2020

Deluxe Dark Wash Denim

This one is obvious- denim is key in any modern wardrobe, so you probably already have this one covered, but let’s discuss it anyways! Dark washes are the most versatile and classic, so you can redress and reinvent your favorite pair of jeans every season without them feeling stale. Plus, the darker wash visually slims your figure, making them a flattering choice on everyone.

nili lotal pre fall 2020 boho tops with dark wash jeans women wardrobe essentials

Nili Lotan Pre-Fall 2020

Re/Done Pre-Fall 2020

L’Agence Pre-Fall 2020

A Quality Tote (the Bigger the Better)

We have so much to carry around these days, it’s hard to keep it all together, but it doesn’t have to be. I’m a firm believer that a good enough tote can change your life (and keep you way more organized). The key is finding one that’s high quality enough to survive the trenches of everyday life, while looking sleek and being big enough to hold all of your necessities (think keys, wallet, phone, laptop, planner, makeup, etc.).

givency pre fall 2020 giant purple bag modern women style essentials

Givenchy Pre-Fall 2020

Fendi Pre-Fall 2020

Co Pre-Fall 2020

As I said before, these things are by no means required to build a wardrobe that looks good and makes you feel you’re best, they’re merely a few items I think are a worthy investment because you’ll get maximum use out of them for the longest amount of time. What do you think of my list? Is there anything you would add or remove? I’d love to hear your take!

Fashion January 6, 2020

Plaid: Fashion's Most Essential Print

From school uniforms to business attire to scarves to bathing suits to shoes to casual weekend looks, there is nothing plaid can’t do. At least, I’m convinced of that. A classic print with an air of preppy properness, plaid has been one of my favorite patterns to play with in my wardrobe.

Firstly, plaid is timeless, so I know pretty much any plaid-laden piece I add to my wardrobe can stick around for a while without becoming an embarrassing reminder of bygone trends. Secondly, it’s versatile as hell, so you can pair it endlessly with a rotating cast of stylish statement pieces and everyday basics for a look with polish and class. Thirdly, it makes me feel like a rich prep school kid with my whole life ahead of me, so, you know, that’s fun I guess!

In all seriousness, I do think that if you’re going to have any prints in your wardrobe, plaid should be one of them because you just can’t go wrong with it and it’s easy to style in a thousand ways, so each piece can feel brand new every time you wear it.

I’ve styled a few of my favorite plaid pieces into fun looks you could wear practically anywhere, for any occasion. Check them out below:

Plaid on Plaid Action

Whoever made up the rule that you can’t mix prints and still look good is a dirty liar. Introducing plaid on plaid AKA a power move. A blazer layered over a dress with a more subtle check pattern creates an interesting contrast, while the addition of the pleated skirt and sneakers adds a playful touch.

preppy plaid winter fashion style outfit red blazer over dress with pleated skirt and sneakers

Blazer: Thrifted. Dress: Thrifted. Skirt: American Apparel (similar linked). Sneakers: Adidas.

Properly Plaid

Like I said, I love the proper, preppy vibe of plaid, which is why I chose to pair it with a classic, high neck, puff shoulder top that is a vintage thrifted find I absolutely adore. I styled the plaid dress as more of a tunic because it’s scandalously short, but I think it looked lovely over corduroy pants for contrasting texture in a complementary hue.

preppy plaid winter fashion style outfit dress over puff sleeve blouse and red corduroy pants

White Blouse: Thrifted. Plaid Dress: Forever21. Corduroy Pants: Urban Outfitters.
Boots: H&M.

A Plaid & Peplum Party

I absolutely adore finding new ways to layer clothing I’ve had for a long time. It helps to keep your wardrobe fresh and forces you to be more creative with your dressing. I think adding a darling plaid peplum top over a black sheath dress creates a glamorous, yet studious impression. The silver shoes over ruffled socks only serve to add to the overall whimsical vibe. I dare you to wear something like this to your next job interview. It’s unique and charming, what more could you ask for?

preppy plaid winter fashion style outfit plaid peplum top over black dress

Plaid Top: Zara. Black Dress: Banana Republic. Shoes: Urban Outfitters.

Pleated Plaid Prep

Perhaps the most classic use of plaid is on a pleated skirt. Channeling the iconic energy of Scottish kilts and prep school uniforms, the pleated plaid skirt imbues any look with a sense of vintage class and the detached cool of a brooding English major that lays on the university lawn reading poetry. I paired mine with a bright fair isle sweater for a chic winter look and finished it all off with silver boots for a touch of shimmer because why not? The fern is optional but recommended.

preppy plaid winter fashion style outfit red fair isle sweater over pleated midi skirt and silver boots

Sweater: Thrifted. Plaid Skirt: Thrifted. Boots: Asos.

I really need to get back into posting style posts more regularly, but for now, I hope these pro-plaid ensembles give you some inspiration for your own winter wardrobes.

Runway August 28, 2019

Pretty in Preen Resort 2020

The Japanese concept of kawaii- an over-the-top, saccharine cuteness that is very unique to Japanese culture- originated with ukiyio-e, or the art of woodblock printing popular in Japan during the 18th and 19th centuries. This cartoon-ish style was used to depict snapshots of Japanese life (think that one famous paining of the big wave, or geishas with pretty, painted faces) and gave rise to the manga and anime we know and love today. This art also helped to usher in the age of modern art in the west that became popular in the 1900s. I know what you’re thinking- “great, thanks for the art history lesson, but what does this have to do with Preen?” I’m getting to that!

“Beauty and Cat” by Utamaro, a Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock artist that was active in the late 1700s. (Image: Utamaro via Ronin Gallery).

This concept of this classic, Japanese art style influencing western pop culture is the inspiration for the Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Resort 2020 collection, which brought us on a journey through a plethora of pleasurable styles that are sure to shake up any winter wardrobe. The kawaii influence of Japan is obvious in what I think are the collection’s most memorable clothes- the fluttering, fluffy, pink pieces that shimmer in sequins, or luxuriate in lace. While the sequins and lace themselves are enough to make these dresses the most eye-catching of the collection, the addition of feathers that snake from shoulder to hem only adds to the appeal of the overall extra-ness of these looks.

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway long pink dress with ruffles — One of my favorite pieces from the collection. The bright pink complements the whimsical nature of the asymmetrical hemline and the ruffle details. (Photo: Preen by Thornton Bregazzi via Vogue.com).

And the pink doesn’t stop there- it can also be found in a long, floral piece that pays tribute to the flowers of classic art, styled with a karate-like belt. It is also seen in contrast on a pretty, floral print sweater thrown over a sheer, turquoise dress (an outfit I plan on emulating sometime soon!). These little, sweet touches of pink bring an overall softness to the collection that gives it a more whimsical, carefree vibe that I really relate to.

And while pretty, pink, flowery sweetness seemed to be a big theme for Preen this season, there were a lot of other looks to love, including a black, A-line dress with puff sleeves and a ruffled waist (witchy vibes anyone?) and a preppy, check print, long sleeve dress that I would love to incorporate into my fall wardrobe. I also enjoyed the ’70s-esque outfit with the printed skirt paired with the herringbone sweater, showing us in inoffensive way to mix prints.

Overall, the collection was incredibly wearable, with many ways to pair each piece for layered, winter looks that looked fresh and stylish, but also fun, which, in my opinion, is the most important aspect of our clothes. Even if our lives are serious and full of adult responsibilities, it doesn’t mean we have to give up the whimsy and fun that made us fall in love with life in the first place.

Check out some of my favorite looks from the collection below:

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway black dress with puff sleeves

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway 70s print sweater with brown skirt

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway floral sweater over a green dress

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway black shirt with pink belt and black skirt

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway sheer pink dress with feathers

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway short checkered dress with long sleeves

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway pink sequin dress with feathers

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway short pink snakeskin print dress

preen by thornton bregazzi resort 2020 fashion runway pink floral dress with feathers

All outfit photos are from Preen by Thornton Bregazzi via Vogue.com.

Runway July 12, 2019

Ronald van der Kemp Couture Fall 2019 Reaffirms My Designer Dreams

I’m a creator, and always have been. Whether I was writing stories or songs, or (badly) drawing pictures of all of my imaginary friends, I always thrived off of funneling my wild imagination into something real and tangible. Fashion became another outlet that allowed me to do that, by helping me to create characters and stories from the looks I put together with the clothes I bought.

Up until recently, my only desire was to put together looks from pieces that other people created, like assembling a puzzle, rather than create something for myself. However, with the recent, urgent push for people to be more conscious consumers and give things up that are doing the most harm to our environment, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I have to part ways with some things that I’ve previously loved and leaned on, like fast fashion- a huge contributor to environmental harm around the globe. Because I’m passionate about being more green and have resolved to buy mostly second hand and ethically-made clothes, I’ve also opened the door to another possibility that I’ve only recently considered: designing and creating clothes of my own.

In the past, the thought of going through the arduous process of learning how to design and assemble my own clothes has left me feeling nothing short of dejected. How am I supposed to put in the work and learn how to do this on my own time? It just seems like there are always better things to do with my wild and precious life. However, after viewing Ronald van der Kemp’s Fall 2019 couture collection, I feel like my resolve to actually go through with this and learn how to craft my own dream wardrobe (with my own hands!) is renewed.

On top of being very in line with my own ultra-feminine, eclectic sense of style, I fall in love with van der Kemp’s couture season after season because he creates his gorgeous looks almost entirely from recycled and vintage, deadstock materials, making his creations environmentally-friendly and pretty much one-of-a-kind. It has to take a massive amount of skill and creativity to turn what basically amounts to scraps of random fabrics into his incredible couture creations, and this season there were so many pieces that really left me inspired to forge my own path in the fashion design world. These are the kinds of clothes I would like to make and wear- the fluttery, blue blouse; the plaid dress with the rad, military details; the lacy, white blouse (I could and pretty much do have an entire wardrobe of just these, thanks); and even the shimmering, silver dress with ruffled details that shines as delicately as the dust of a moth’s wing.

For me it comes down to this: It isn’t enough for me to behold and consume the beauty that others put forth into the world. I want to possess the ability to create my own beauty that others may appreciate. It’s one of the biggest things that drives me forward into the world each day.

Anyways, check out a few of my favorite looks from the Ronald van der Kemp Couture Fall 2019 collection below:

ronald van der kemp couture fall 2019 runway pink dress with bow and fringe details

ronald van der kemp couture fall 2019 runway fashion blue blouse with white skirt the young eclectic

ronald van der kemp couture fall 2019 runway black overalls the young eclectic

ronald van der kemp couture fall 2019 runway fashion brown leather top with fringe jeans the young eclectic

ronald van der kemp couture fall 2019 runway lace white blouse with jeans the young eclectic

ronald van der kemp couture fall 2019 runway white blazer with white pants the young eclectic

ronald van der kemp couture fall 2019 runway silver ruffled dress the young eclecitc

ronald van der kemp couture fall 2019 runway plaid dress with military buttons the young eclectic

All photos from Vogue.com by Allessandro Lucioni for Gorunway.com

Fashion July 4, 2019

Some of the Best Streetstyle Looks from the Paris Haute Couture Fall 2019 Shows (And What I’m Stealing From Them)

During any kind of fashion week, the shows are only half the fun- the other half is seeing the people that attend them and, more specifically, what they’re wearing. I’m talking about streetstyle, people! It’s one thing to see high fashion makes it’s way down the runway in a perfect world where every outfit would be created only from one brand and one collection, and it’s another, more chaotic and ultimately more interesting thing to see fashion from all different sources clashing and weaving into outfits in the wild. You can learn a lot and glean a lot of inspiration from streetstyle, which is exactly what I did with the latest streetstyle looks from the Fall 2019 Haute Couture shows in Paris that have been dropping this week.

Without further ado, I present you my favorite streetstyle looks and the style tips I’d like to steal from each one. Who knows? You might even want to steal something yourself!

I’m a Sheer Girl in a Sheer World

I’ve always always always loved the aesthetic of a sheer, flowing dress thrown over an otherwise unassuming outfit, which is why this look created with a frothy, green Molly Goddard dress really caught my eye. Think about it- it’s the perfect summer getup. With all white underneath and a light layer on top, you’ll keep cool while looking cool and what could be better than that? What I’m stealing: a sheer sheer sheer dress, baby!

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle sheer green molly goddard dress the young eclectic — Lolita Jacobs in Molly Goddard (Photo: Phil Oh for Vogue.com)

Let’s Get Down to Business

Business-inspired streetstyle looks seemed to be a major theme this week, with several people donning strong-shouldered blazers with sharp pants. What I liked about this look is that the blazer is the outfit. Like, that’s it. It’s just a big blazer with some shorts and that’s a big vibe that I’m really feeling right now. What I’m stealing: pairing an oversized blazer with some shorts for a relaxed evening look.

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle acne studios oversized blazer with green bag fashion the young eclectic — Courtney Trop in Acne Studios (Photo: Phil Oh for Vogue.com)

Socks and Sandals (But Make It Fashion)

Your dad may have once embarrassed you by daring to wear the infamous pairing of socks and sandals. Yet, in this all-black, summer ‘fit, the socks and sandals make a perfect match that has me taking notes. Maybe it’s the sheerness of the socks that creates a dainty, doll-ish look, or maybe it’s that the socks are a contrasting white to the rest of the outfit’s black. Whatever it is, I’m buying! What I’m stealing: isn’t it obvious? Socks with platform sandals, please!

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle black outfit with black sandals and white socks the young eclectic — Xenia Adonts in Miu Miu (Photo: Phil Oh for Vogue.com)

Lovely in Lace Collars

I know there’s a lot going on in this picture, but I really only noticed one thing- that darling, lacey bib collar that the lovely lady on the far right has going on. And I don’t even know if this is the case, but I am loving the idea of it being a detachable accessory. It’s genius because then you could imbue some prim, vintage beauty onto any outfit with little to no effort. And after professing my love for these kinds of collars in my Miu Miu Resort 2020 post, I think it’s clear what I’m stealing here: the incredible idea of the detachable collar. I need one, now!

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle phil oh vogue fashion style streetwear the young eclectic — Ada Kokosar, Caroline Daur in Miu Miu, Pernille Teisbaek. (Photo: Phil Oh for Vogue.com)

Your Boyfriend’s Shirt

There is something so simple, yet so compelling about this streetstyle look. It’s just an oversized dress shirt worn like a dress, paired with some chunky sneakers (a high fashion favorite.) I think what I love about this outfit is the freedom in it- like you’ve admitted that you just want to be comfortable, darn it, so you’re going to wear the big shirt and sneakers no matter what anyone says. I want to emulate that level of cool girl chill and confidence. What I’m stealing: just an oversized shirt and some sneakers, apparently.

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle acne studios oversized brown shirt with puff sleeves fashion the young eclectic — In Acne Studios (Photo: Phil Oh for Vogue.com)

Romantic Ruffles and Frisky Fringe

Ruffles and fringe on their own tend to make a statement, and quite different ones that that. Soft, fluttering ruffles seem to say “I’m a romantic and I wish I was on the cover of one of those grocery store romance novels right now,” while fringe says “I’m cool, I’m tough, I like the ’70s, or I’m a cowboy.” Or… something like that anyways. If you’re going to make a statement, why not make two? Or three? Or an infinite amount? Can you tell I’m a maximalist at heart? ANYWAYS- I loved the chic, novel combination of the flowing, ruffled skirt with the structured, modern fringe vest. What I’m stealing: fringe and ruffles and fun and freedom- just do what you want!

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle fringe vest over frilly white dress fashion the young eclectic — (Photo: Adam Katz Sinding for W Magazine)

I hope you found these streetstyle outfits as enlightening as I did! I’m looking forward to doing more of these little reviews in the future!

Runway June 26, 2019

The Only Boots You Will Need for the Rest of Your Life Brought to You by Kate Spade Resort 2020

Piles of phone cases with “quirky” prints. That’s what used to come to mind when I thought of Kate Spade, making me ignore it as one of those mid-tier brands that peddled logo-ed junk to the masses (think the Michael Kors section in the Dillards handbag department). However, during my recent trip to Vegas, I found myself perusing one of the many Kate Spade stores in the resort shopping centers and I was actually warmed by how darn cute and very much my style everything was (I’m still eyeing the round purse!).

Intrigued by the brand and their affinity for pleats and pastels, I perused their Resort 2020 collection and fell in love with the carefree, monochrome ensembles paired with playful handbags (a Kate Spade staple) and the most incredible glitter boots I have ever seen. I have a pair of glitter sock boots that I break out for special, rare occasions, but they only go to my ankle- which, in the light of this collection, is obviously not enough. These glitter thigh boots are the statement shoes I never knew I needed, and now I can only hope I can actually get my hands on a pair someday so I can lovingly wear them with my thrifted shorts to the grocery store.

A few other things I loved about this collection: the vintage-inspired details and silhouettes like the high, ruffled necklines; fur-collared coats; and puff sleeves. I just found myself enjoying every little whimsical detail and will definitely be planning on creating some powdery, pastel, monochrome looks that are like vacation to the eyes. I’m pleasantly surprised by Kate Spade and MAYBE, might consider buying a purse from them in the (near) future. I love a good redemption story! Here’s to hoping that I continue finding joy in the playful designs of Kate Spade.

Check out some of my favorite looks from the collection below:

short printed dress with thigh boots kate spade resort 2020 the young eclectic runway style

grey dress kate spade resort 2020 the young eclectic runway style

pink sweater and skirt kate spade resort 2020 the young eclectic runway style

pink coat with fur collar kate spade resort 2020 the young eclectic runway style

short strapless dress kate spade resort 2020 the young eclectic runway style

green blue long dress from kate spade resort 2020 the young eclectic runway style

short pink dress with puff sleeves kate spade resort 2020 the young eclectic

purple fur coat and bag kate spade resort 2020 the young eclectic runway style

purple shag jacket with purple pants kate spade resort 2020 the young eclectic runway style

monochrome dress with purse kate spade resort 2020 the young eclectic runway style

vintage inspired dress kate spade resort 2020 the young eclectic runway style

All photos from Kate Spade via Vogue.com.

Runway May 31, 2019

Plants Are Having a Major Moment with Valentino Resort 2020

Photographed in Rome’s Orto Botanico, the colorful and couture-inspired pieces in the Valentino Resort 2020 collection shone like rare fruit among giant palms and picturesque bamboo forests. According to creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli, this collection was not about escape, as resort collections often are. He aimed to create a wardrobe with a wealth of options for everyday wear, and this elegant simplicity is key to the appeal of Piccioli’s exuberant designs.

In this way, the restraint of this collection mirrors that of the restraint of a lush garden stuck in the middle of a bustling city, with no possible option for expansion. It is a contained wilderness, which is something these gorgeous clothes can create within us. Feathers adorn jackets, hot pink details bubble up from the core, and sharp dresses are paired with carefree sandals- hints of unabashed joy shine through the pared down exterior of this collection, creating something insanely wearable, yet still exotic and enchanting.

While the clothes themselves are definitely nice to look at, the plants are what drew me in. Lately it seems like plants are having their own renaissance, as more people begin to cultivate them inside of their homes in vast quantities, covering nearly every surface with them. Even I have begun to fill my home with little, leafy friends, adopting the mentality that you can never have too many. My Instagram feed has become overgrown with scenes of lush greenery, so much so that my own posts would blend into the imagery of this collection (is Pierpaolo stealing my thunder?).

wildrepose instagram apartment with a lot of plants

Adding a ton of plants to your living space has recently become a huge trend in interior design. Honestly, I think it looks amazing! (Photos: @wildrepose on Instagram.)

By surrounding ourselves with all manner of foliage, we try to cultivate our own bit of the wild, a slice of nature to remind us of our roots. I could never get tired of looking at plants. They exude liveliness and have a calming effect on the soul, as if to remind us that the world we inhabit is alive, whether we like it or not. All of this to say, if you want to get me a gift, go with a plant and it will never disappoint!

Check out some of my favorite looks from the collection below:

polka dot dress with long black jacket and boots valentino resort 2020 the young eclectic

short dress with pink flower print valentino resort 2020 the young eclectic

long white dress in front of palm trees valentino resort 2020 the young eclectic

white jacket with feathers valentino resort 2020 the young eclectic

white outfit with feathers and embroidery valentino resort 2020 the young eclectic

colorful dress with palm trees valentino resort 2020

colorful dress in front of palm trees valentino resort 2020 the young eclectic

shimmering dress with long sleeves valentino resort 2020

pink outfit with feathers valentino resort 2020

white dress with dramatic sleeves valentino resort 2020 the young eclectic

voluminous green dress valentino resort 2020 the young eclectic

short dress with brown boots from valentino resort 2020 the young eclectic

beige outfit in garden valentino resort 2020 the young eclectic

flowing white outfit valentino resort 2020 the young eclectic

dress with star motif in bamboo forest valentino resort 2020 the young eclectic

all purple outfit with hat and cape valentino resort 2020 the young eclectic

white coat with colorful details valentino resort 2020 the young eclectic

sheer long black dress valentino resort 2020 the young eclectic

monochrome black outfit valentino resort 2020 the young eclectic

All images of Valentino Resort 2020 are from Vogue.com.

Runway May 15, 2019

Candy Colored Retro Futurism in Prada Fall 2015- A Collection I Will Never Forget

Am I aware that it’s 2019? Yes, painfully so. Trust me when I say that writing about a collection from four years ago was not on my agenda tonight. I was preparing to do a write-up on the Prada Resort 2020 collection when memories of the Prada Fall 2015 collection came crashing to the surface of my mind, causing me to seek it out again and relive the joy of discovering this gem.

A sweet matching shirt and pants set featuring sleek, modern materials and classic, ’60s silhouettes. (Photo:
Monica Feudi / FeudiGuaineri.com via Vogue.com)

When I saw the debut of this collection, I was in awe of how fresh and innovative it felt. The smooth, plushness of the jersey knits; the the blown-up print that resembles chromosomes; the sweet, yet cold pastels that defied the normally-morose color code of winter; the cheeky bits of fur; the classic tweed; those sneakers that looked like leather socks; those gloves that extended up into the sleeves of the dresses. Every detail just built on the next to create a look that I had never seen before. Even now, looking back on it, I’m amazed and delighted anew by what this collection accomplished.

Playful in its concept and execution, this poppy collection dared to ask the question of whether or not artificial beauty (created through genetic modification and surgeries) is less authentic than natural beauty by combining natural elements like ostrich with less-than-natural elements, like the blown-up, science-y print comprised of an image of genetically-modified ostrich.

But the innovative clashing of concepts didn’t stop with natural vs. artificial- The modern materials, acid-toned colors, and lab-like atmosphere also abutted the classic and preppy, ’60s silhouettes and timeless tweed, creating a retro-futurism vibe that I can’t get enough of. All of the long-limbed girls on this runway could have been alien replicas of humans, or a robotic army of perfect women from some dystopian future- the narrative possibilities of this collection were nearly endless, which is why it has managed to stick with me through the years.

I remember carefully pulling the ads for the collection out of my well-worn copies of Vogue and hanging them on my dorm room wall so that I could stare at them when I was trying to sleep, or procrastinating on my homework. Sometimes I think it’s strange how our minds choose what to hold onto and what to cast out, as time renders things useless or no longer relevant, but I’m glad my neurons decided to keep this collection nestled inside me, and something tells me that this collection will always be one of my all-time favorites.

Check out some of the best looks from the collection below: