Whether we like it or not – sequins are going to be a staple holiday embellishment in your closet for years to come. I remember about 3 years ago, the market was flooded with glitter, lurex, sequins, all over everything – you couldn’t find a basic top to save your life. It was right before I was leaving for Italy – was broke as a joke – but wanted some chic key pieces to bring over so that I could fit into a European aesthetic. Little did I know, before visiting, that Italy is swimming with embellishments – specifically Rome. The boys love it more than the girls – bedazzled hats, hoodies, sneakers…it was crazy. I was in Charles De Gaulle coming back from a weekend in Paris when I noticed the huge difference between my Alitalia flight’s line and the others – it was the most tacky line in the airport!
So – 3 years later I’m all about sequins, for Holiday strictly. I like my sequins in chic form, however, and the silhouette has to be absolutely condusive to that shine. I’m not into colors – I like my black or gold in small doses – and absolutely die for leather sequins (yes, it’s possible and they’re fabulous). Mini sequins are also a great alternative if you’re on the subtle side – it’s a less bulky, more drapable appearance and it looks more like a treatment rather than extra hardware. When putting together a look, don’t overdo it with fashion forward pieces - if it’s a sequin dress, pair it with opaque black tights and a subtle shoe – if it’s an accessory, make that be the statement piece, not your top or dress. Think Burberry circa Sienna Miller at the Met Ball – gold sequin shift dress, opaque tights, patent Mary Janes and a ponytail.
Bebe dress $89.50
Top Shop $55
Debenham’s headband $6
Express sequin leggings $98
Halston is a really tragic figure in American fashion. He, like Chanel, first started in milinery - by designing hats for Jackie O - and is best known for his role in shaping the 70’s discoteque aesthetic. Halston was also the first of many, many designers to go diffusion. I can’t even count on my hands the number of brands owned or licensed under Polo, and Halston was the first designer to make that controversial step. He was so tragic because he couldn’t find it in himself to hire designers under him, which is of course a necessary part of the growth process - and was later fired from his own company (while losing the right to design clothes under his own name). Every time I sit at my desk and loathe myself for being a corporate apparel drone, I need to remind myself not to lose it, not to yawn, not to scream - in the name of Halston (and a steady paycheck)!
Dress (not on Nicole Richie, obvi) Bebe.com $179
Blair Waldorf is to my adult life what Cher Horowitz was to my tween years. Case in point, the White Party.
In GG world, this is a Marc Jacobs dress & Jennifer Behr headband. I once knew a girl at V who had the J. Behr Prada turban equivalent. For a minute I thought Omg I need it I want it I have to have it - $100 dollars later I realized I was not the intern with a private jet. That being said - see the always more interesting, Blair-worthy, alternatives below. XOXO.
Bebe $159
Top Shop $160
Nordstrom $68
Forever 21 $3.80
Urban Outfitters $20
All of my fabulous five readers out there will have to forgive the fact that I’m starting this GG fashion commentary a tad bit late, but I am transitioning from NYC to ATX to say the least! To make it up, to all five of you, see below article from NY Mag.
“Gossip Girl” Tosses a Nairtini in Our Faces
