It’s like candy, icecream - the light teal baby blue and lemon drop against snakeskin is the perfect combination of a thick skin and sweet side.
View the entire Versace Spring 2009 collection on Style.com
Archive for January, 2009
Courtesy of photographer (slash street style maverick) Wayne Tippetts
Contact: Wayne@waynetippetts.com
Since this is the first recession many of us are going through – every day I’m more and more amazed by how fashion just is not the same. We see it with the assortments at stores, the red carpet, and now couture! There was one bright spot among the dismal and too separate-y Paris couture week – the always inspiring John Galliano for Dior. The thing about couture – is that it’s obviously a loss leader, the amount of couture pieces Dior will sell in a season probably total 5 – and for good reason, couture is supposed to be Avante-Garde and one of a kind. Why else would you pay upwards of 20k for a dress? That’s what Dior did – an inherent costumer, he presented a collection that was not only true to the Dior likeness (the New Look), but he made it swoon-worthy with intricate texture, voluminous skirting, perfectly tailored tops & a heavy Dutch influence. It was like stepping into 300 year old oil paintings at the Met – you really did feel like you were in a dream, which was the exact thing Galliano was aiming to achieve.
“There’s a credit crunch, not a creative crunch. Of course, everyone is being more careful with their discretionary purchases. I am. But it’s our job to make people dream, and to provide the value in quality, cut, and imagination.”
View the complete collection on Style.com
So, the recession - unlike the housing market, is very much affecting Austin. A very forward and influential boutique carrying contemporary designers - i.e. Catharine Malandrino - “Fetish” is closing its doors and will be holding a 50-75% off sale. Another - Slate - one of Austin’s only young men’s apparel resources (that serves you beer while you shop) is also unfortunately closing. I’ve only been here 6 months and can already feel deeply saddened by this - one of the defining points of my initial visits here were the eclectic and inspiring boutiques, which are so singular to Austin - that should absolutely be preserved. Whether we like it or not, the retail landscape is changed forever - it will be a long time before we see new ventures or forward thinkers in this industry. It has deteriorated so greatly from this recession, which is predicted to last until at least summer - that I can only imagine what household name chains will liquidate next. Anyway, even if you can only buy a $25 cotton tote like I did last night at C. Jane on the drag - do it, because small decisions make a big impact!
FETISH / 1112 N. Lamar / Austin, TX
SLATE / 4800 Burnet Rd / Austin, TX
Courtesy of photographer (slash street style maverick) Wayne Tippetts
Contact: Wayne@waynetippetts.com
Like I said – I had no idea I would fall so hard for this menswear movement! Now that my job here in Austin requires a bit more subtlety in terms of dress – (i.e. straight men, not the garment district, etc) I plan on LIVING in these types of bottoms for the next year. To me, this is half of the new power suit – and the beauty of the balance is that the pant is the anchor, you can go with a feminine or basic top depending on the occasion - and the pant still looks effortlessly chic and pulls it all together, and so on trend with the shows. As much as I miss running around Polo in a bubble skirt, towering heels, and endless baubles - I just can’t walk around the new office sticking out like a sore thumb anymore. The first time I tried this pant in my new environment – it was for a huge presentation (which, I nailed) – and I wore black ankle Audrey pants (like the UO pair below) with a black fitted collar shirt (tucked in, sleeves rolled) & a pair of strappy and complicated sky-high gladiators. I felt on top of the world! There’s definitely something to be said for dressing the part – just don’t call it business casual.
Victoria’s Secret $69.50
Urban Outfitters $58
JCrew $79.50
I would looooove if this was ever a possibility for a Valentine’s gift - good god! However, the $17,500 price tag on these VBH black diamond and ruby encrusted rings may be a little too much for the boyfriend in grad school.
For a look for less - Swarovski heart ring $14.99 @ Girl Props
I am SO excited for this! Lately, all it seems I do is rant about designer diffusions being so subpar – but McQueen comes to the rescue and really, what did I expect? Turns out Target switched it up and asked McQueen to base his collection off of a specific piece of inspiration, rather than creating a capsule to meet mass classification requirements. So, who’s the muse? Leila Moss, lead singer of The Duke Spirit - the reason I am itching and itching for this collection to hit. The leather-look trench & vest are so rebel, rebel – and the Grecian draping is timely but edgy with the linear prints and color blocking – somewhat reminiscent of Jonathon Saunders Sp 09 (also a Target alum).
What’s best about this collection over others – is that it’s very clearly on trend, very McQueen, and the key – very aspiratonal! If that leather vest sells out, I’ll hunt and hunt to find another but when I do find it, it probably won’t be $30 – so there is that urge and excitement to get there and have McQueen’s likeness at a low price. I will definitely brave the 5 lane super highway that is I35 and come out victorious before any Texas fashionista gets there first - and I will throw elbows!
“I am always inspired by youth subcultures. I’m also inspired by music, rebellion, style revolution, and people with the passion to make a lasting difference.”
Hits March 1st. To read & see more - visit Nylonmag.com
Courtesy of photographer (slash street style maverick) Wayne Tippetts
Contact: Wayne@waynetippetts.com