Casual and Comfy yet Dressy and Daring

May sound rather dull at first but the first crisp day of Fall hit in a major way today and all I wanted to do was layer on as many sweaters and comfortable bottoms as possible. Unfortunately jeans weren't what I felt like and sweats were certainly not an option for work- thus I settled for my go-to: tights. What I really should have been wearing however were the soft cotton, sometimes pleated - always tapered and perfectly cropped to the ankle pseudo harem pants I have been eying for the past month. In order to brave the chilly fall weather at the Spring09 shows these cozy yet ultra femme goodies showed up all over the sidewalks of NYC, Milan and Paris. My favorite part is that they can be worn in any color and can be dressed up or down. Tuck in a skinny tee and throw on a flashy belt or fitted blazer to dress them up or hunker down into a soft sweater and make the paints high-waisted to give shape to your now warm and happy silhouette. These pants are relaxed as a result of the soft cotton fabrics yet seem dressy because of the pleating at the waist and the polished crop of the hem. While the style of these pants may seem daunting because of the gypsy-like cut, they are oh-so-much more flattering than sweats and impossibly more current than leggings (no matter how much La Lohan's new line might tempt you).

Back in Action

Having taken quite the little respite from the world of blogging I have decided to return (triumphantly?) and begin fresh for Fall. Which, in the world of seattle means finding the perfect boots, breaking out every pair of tights you own and trying to find your way in a tumult of rain and gray skies. I've decided that lace up booties are the only option and have resolved to get more than one pair. Although I'm loving the beige suede slouchy ankle boots I grabbed at a small vintage store in Hudson, NY they are not rainproof by any stretch of the imagination. I want slightly chunky heeled, grommit covered laceups that are leather and black and certainly more victorian than Doc's - which have been popping up everywhere over the last six months. Living in Seattle however, I think their style hits a little too close to home, even having them in my closet next to this season's requisite fitted plaid flannel is too much of an homage to Kurt. Modeling my fall attire after my new favorite chictopian http://www.chictopia.com/user/blog/Starrgirl I'm going to need more tights, a little plaid and definitely some boots.

Basics On a Daily Basis

I'm in the midst of dealing with that time of year when one minute its 80 degrees and your sundress feels like heavy flannel and the next minute you've thrown on your leather jacket and bundled up with a scarf. Not only is the weather perplexing but daily activities are no longer so easy to plan out. Its too sunny for a movie but too cold for the beach, what is a girl to do? The answer I have found clearly lies in an eclectic mix of popping in and out of museums, cafes and thrift shops. All relatively indoors- but you can trapse around in between and strut your late-spring threads while doing some serious people watching as well. There is no one way to dress up for such a day, however lately I have been sticking to lots of layers and playing with tights, textures and color combinations. To beat the possible late afternoon cold fronts I always mix in a thin cardigan- long or short, fitted or baggy, wear it under a fitted blazer or belt it so you look less hippie and more chic. Let's not drown in our over-sized accessories, be it cloth or shades, as a one Ms. Zoe so often does. Sometimes less really is more- unless of course its items that actually add warmth. That being said the best part about this month is that I can still thrash about under a floppy beanie and wrapped up in a cozy scarf while I eagerly count down to the days of simple sandals and flowy frocks.

Gender Trend Bender

Why oh Why is this man better at this than me? High waisted shorts with cuffs AND dual colored ankle socks? Why do I EVEN get dressed in the morning. Its clearly manufactured, but is done so well it seems perfectly casual. Thumbs up all around, although I would contemplate a coiffe re-evaluation if I were him. That greasy slicked back do barley works on tall, dark, handsome and Argentinian...never mind dirty blond and over-sunned. Love love love everything else though and am thinking of conjuring up a femme version in response.

High Waisted Skirts: An homage

I like them all the time, in every fabric, every color and almost every length. Slip a black or navy pencil skirt on for work and tuck in a fitted blouse or top with a slim blazer. Pair that same skirt with a vintage graphic tee or a plain solid V-neck and dress it down for the day with flats- jump into chunky gladiator heels or round toe booties to glam it up for night. No matter what the occasion, or how you accessorize, a high waisted skirt is flattering and spicy while keeping its sleek classic shape. I can't stop dreaming about them in every color and length: a black pleated for night, a bright red fits-like-a-glove Philip Lim with an exposed zipper from Barney's, a retro floral pattern for frolicking about during the day and I'm loving the loud pastel pink on the moderneteter, my favorite Northern European bloggette. So throw one on and if the mood strikes add a belt for shape and flair.

Obligatory recognization of awesome

This photo courtesy of the facehunter was like a bright light of amazing after a day of extremely unsuccessful shopping. I mean Nordstroms randomly closed for a private party at 7pm on a Thursday? How could they ignore my blissful post work prime shopping hour. However, after indulging in sweet potato frites and a pomikazi my flatmate and I trekked home unsuccessful, vowing to hit the pavement again this weekend. Then I stumbled across this girl who was donning two childhood elements that are currently gracing every store's inventory, from old navy to shopbop. The old school jean jacket and tie die. Having clearly stepped everything up a notch, this chic chick combines the two in fabulous muted jewel tones and tops it off with the best accessory possible, a fierce impressively-volumized fro.

1970's Beach Culture Couture

With summer creeping up and visions of island vacations dancing in my head I have been scanning through images of resort wear. Im loving flowy white numbers paired with 70's inspired cuts and accessories. There is nothing concrete about these ensembles, its more about the luxurious cruise-wear vibe crossed with the groovy summer chill out feel that comes with the Coachella time of year. Its as if you were sipping caipirinha's in Rio after spending a week island hopping in Dubai, sailing off the south of France, or playing the crap tables in Monaco and then changed in your Aston Martin for a long board. I'm crushing on over-sized sunglasses with faded lenses, high waisted wide leg pants, hats and hair wraps- both scarves and thin bands that are paired with gladiators or moccasins. Eva Mendes looks impossibly glam with her white on white while the Lords of Dogtown perfectly capture sandy haired- peasant blouse innocence.

Ankles: so hott right now

Apparently the Victorian era is back. While people have been getting bolder and bolder the last few decades with how much skin they are willing to bear to catch others attention it turns out they have been missing the mark. Turns out all you need to bare is a little bit of leg, well ankle anyway. Take a lesson from the ladies of yesteryear who dared to show a bit of their leg from under layers of taffeta and hoopskirt, but modernize the silhouette. I like this look best when its simple and to the pin-tuck-point: squeeze into your ultra skinnies and do two tiny rolls (only about 3/4 of an inch wide) and then throw on some light tennies with no socks. However to spice up your (night) life and draw some attention to this seasons sexiest body part put on some snazzy socks- they can pull from another color in your outfit or add a new texture or pattern. I love pairing a neutral ribbed sock or a bright polka dot. Two of the most coveted avant garde indie ladies have been strutting around town like this for months- keep your eyes on the ankles of Ms. Deyn and Ms. Sevigny. At night slip your cozy socks on and slide them into gladiator heels, or for a dressier day look follow in Jenny Humphry's footsteps and wear socks over your tights and top it off with a patent leather flat.

Rock the Brights Right

This guy gets it. I've been wondering how to wear my bold and brights without looking like a candy wrapper and after stumbling onto this image from TheSartorialist I've been inspired by this man's funky fun take on spring color. He works it by pairing two contrasting yet complimentary brights in modern shapes and muting them with an older, ethnic seeming woven scarf. The scarf picks up on some of the bright shades with the electric blue that weaves throughout but the darker maroon adds necessary depth and sophistication. And just when you think he's only about vivid pops of candy color the abstract animal pattern of his vintage frames creates character and pushes the outfit from preppy to fresh.

Headgear: Not Just for the Ortho-Challenged

Unfortunately I let my love of Aggy take over one afternoon when I was feeling rather bored and restless and thus no longer have long messy locks that can be tamed by the addition of a girly headpiece. Every time I happen upon someone rocking a head band that perfectly combines funky elements of 70's surfer chic with an elegant prohibition era vibe I immediately resolve to grow my hair out and tie on ribbons, feathers and rhinestone encrusted bands. I have months to wait, but while I bide my time and let my hair grow I will be searching for the perfect hair wrap. The key is not to let your inner flower child take over...try to look less like your mom at Woodstock and more like you fancied upon vintage feathers hidden away in a Parisian attic. (Sad how simply the word Parisian can make even an attic seem romantic and edgy). Do this by avoiding a strong center part and placing your head gear of choice on top of bangs, (any will do- side swept or centered/ thick or whispy) and by choosing a funky sparkley material like metallics, chain link or satin. Make the rest of your look modern or mix in an 80's throwback, and save your hippy-granola high-waisted light washed jeans for another day. One exception to this rule is the daisy chain. At first glance it may seem like boho overkill but is so cute and DIY that the decade drama is overshadowed by visions of warm summer days and green grassy fields.

Rain Rain come my way

Having recently moved to Seattle, a city known for three things: latte art, Kurt Cobain's famous plaid flannel and most abundantly- rain I have had to reevaluate my inner winter weather warrior. Coming from the east coast, I have grown accustomed to throwing a belt over a floor length down jacket to give it shape, donning a vintage fur hat to keep out the cold and have more embellished knit mittens than one should rightly own. These tactics are no longer suitable though, as the fur just gets wet and the down does not fly in a downpour. I was not discouraged however and decided that I would need to embrace this new weather pattern and go out splashing with the best (dressed) of them. First and foremost is footwear- I immediately went out and bought a pair of wellingtons. I chose the classic Hunter brand for style, comfort and warmth and must advise to go with a neutral solid color! Do not fall prey to the kitschy- campy patterns of yesteryear and as cute as the polka dots may seem in the store they will look tacky and unpolished I promise. If you're dying to let your inner child out hit shopbop for this amazing metallic silver pair- a tres modern take on the country farmhouse classic. Don't be discouraged by the price of the wellies because they can and should be worn rain or shine- ideal for muddy music festivals ala Kate and Gweneth at Glastonbury. They pair perfectly with dresses, skirts and tights, short shorts and you can tuck your skinnies right in. Now that your feet are dry (and Moss approved) throw on an anorak or a trench that will cinch at the waist AND be waterproof. Since your feet are in solids you can spice up your outerwear with a chic take on the traditional seafarer yellow- this girl is working the rainy day in sunshine patent leather with an over-sized collar to keep out the cold. As for head gear- keep it functional with a hood or kick it up a notch by adding a fedora or other hat with a wide brim and then find a puddle and jump on in.

Laid Back

Inspired by Hot Chip's mantra and the slow but sure arrival of Spring I've decided to embrace the lazy, lacy, whimsical look. Let grassy fields and picnics dance in your thoughts when you pull your summer skirts and dresses out from the back of your closet and throw your hair into a messy bun on top of your head. Keep your makeup simple, perhaps a pop of bubble gum pink or lilac polish and some super shiny gloss. The key is to channel summer sunshine while remaining wintery warm. Balance the frothy pastels with waterproof boots, tights (or the handy and tres trendy over the knee socks) and maybe even by throwing a thin sweater under your dress. Otherwise accessorize with unfussy slip on sneakers and a bag to tote easter eggs and dandelion chains in bright white or a sherbet-esque shade.

I'm going to throw on a fresh cotton sun dress and cozy into a oversize winter sweater and count down to the summer solstice as I plan my easter morning brunch with hot cross buns and ruby red grapefruit mimosas.