Dear Stylist: Fergie Edition

Dear Stylist,

We're having some difficulties understanding what Fergie has been wearing lately. We realize celebrities cannot be left to their own devices but several choices you've made have perplexed us to the extent that we think you two have had a severe falling out. We can't fathom any other possibility for this particular brand of cruelty. We get the "dressed up in front row couture show Chanel" and the "I'm working out with Josh Duhawho? in the median of a random LA street in sweats" but several pressing questions have kept us up at night.

Who decided the Little Rascal's hats were a good idea?


Did you check your missed calls...? Because Avril Lavigne wants her bermuda shorts and suspenders back.


Um...what's with the really big hankie?


Until the likelihood ceases that your bad choices will assault our innocent eyes during otherwise innocuous MTV programming we respectfully ask that you leave poor Ms. Ferguson alone.

Yours truly,
the Aesthetes

Deconstructed Preppy: He said...

Before discussing the topic of the hour, I just wanted to say a little something... You know, if asked to do so, I would find it inordinately difficult to enumerate the reasons I honestly appreciate the weird, almost organic, synergy Betsy and I have. It's been happening since day one (ugh, the laughter just did not stop during those car pools to and from our fusion jazz class at McDowell, remember, Bets? When that girl did that thing and then rrrrrrip and then Jaleesa was so pissed because it was, like, right there... oh, good times), and it seems like every day, we have a revelation that really secures our friendship. It's ridiculous that all of the friends we individually have almost immediately understand that, if you're friends with one, leave space at the table for the other. No, not like a romantic relationship... more like what Ben Stiller hoped his relationship with Tom Cruise would be during that stunt double skit at the VMA's. It's deep and it's real.

That being said, as Bets brought up, we have come to one of our most relevant conclusions (when it comes to all those superficial things we can't help but care about) about a trend that is defining next seasons fashion, not only for high fashion and couture, but also for accessible trends that we all are ready to embrace. We're ready to embrace it because it's easy for everyone, it's affordable, and we're all familiar with it... of course, this also means that if people we know have at least the most basic level of style, there's no excuse for doing it wrong. We call this "Deconstructed Preppy." Now, Bets has a way with describing fashion trends (being in the industry and all), but I'll just tell you how I see it. (Of course, if I WERE to talk high fashion, I would show you this Dolce and Gabbana... thing:

and then I would talk about the literal deconstruction of classic "preppy" elements in vaguely contrasting neutral tones. I would say that, while not necessarily applicable to the everyman, it does show what one can expect, piecemeal, from the general direction of men's fashion. I would, for example, note the double cuff accents, and subsequently affirm that repetition of something so structured tends to add symmetry to the entire piece, and how the branch/leaf pattern on the body of the jacket is welcome, though not surprising, as we've seen that motif in other areas of design for the past two or three seasons. I would also note, if I were to discuss this, that neutral tones create a clean palette on which to work with creative, but not visually overwhelming, design. Maybe then I would suggest that such literal translation of deconstructed, as in, slim pants destroyed by vultures and paparazzi, or, you know, whatever, is not such a good idea. You might have nice legs, but we don't want to see all of them on the corner of 23rd St. & Broadway. But I won't talk about that.)

We all have our own opinions, revolving around something similar, when we think of "preppy." Now, when we think "deconstructed," we think of that in two ways:

a) The separate pieces are actually being physically deconstructed in some way (like those pants above, but quite a bit less so) and then either left that way or reassembled with an extra element. (Note how the word "distressed" has become such a prevalent term when it comes to casual wear. Have we really been asking for clothes that already seem like they've been worn just under TOO MUCH? Yes, and gladly. Thanks for asking.) As for reassembled pieces, you've been seeing (and you will be seeing) a lot of subtle detail added to pockets, cuffs and emblems. Hopefully, this won't appear in applique form (thank you, 7th grade Home-Ec), but it will appear in the form of varying patterns and complimenting textures. Don't hate when you first see them... it's a welcome change.

b) We also think that "preppy" is being deconstructed conceptually. Fashion houses from Galliano to G-Star, Louis Vuitton to LRG, are taking the idea of "preppy" and adapting its general qualities (clean lines, versatile pieces, somewhat timeless edge), to current and future designs.

In the near future, Betsy (are we at "nickname" phase for our pseudonyms? B-Tizz? No. My bad), we'll be discussing elements that are happening basically everywhere (think stripes, think flannel, think outdoors brought indoors), and hopefully giving you the know-how as to balance your own personal style with what's going to be insanely prevalent everywhere... You know, within reason. Get ready for us to have a really good time. Really.

Deconstructed Preppy: She said...

Phat Tony and I have found ourselves seeing eye to eye on all matters of taste since our early days at the McDowell School of Dance. Boiling down Fall 07's trend offerings into one shared theme is no exception. The notion has been brewing for some time now as we have recently explored both seersucker and summer plaid and the notion is: deconstructed preppy.

Here we have a unique situation where we've seen all the elements to a look before, yet somehow, when tweaked and recombined, we create something new without creating something, well, just plain crazy. Our favorite visual guide comes from Balenciaga:


Here's a great example of flow from season to season. All those loose-fitting dresses you were wearing this summer? Throw on a blazer, add some tights and the scarf of your choice and, voila, we arrive at something very new and current.

Before you go do anything bold like pop your collar, let's discuss what we mean by deconstructed. From both men and women, we're looking for the UNexpected here. So if Kanye West is doing it, did it three minutes ago or appeared at VMA's in it, we might want to rethink things. We're looking for something divergent from the irony of the preppy rapper, we're looking for something a bit more lived in. For example, for women, we hate the idea of pastels and pearls right now but we love the idea of a men's-style striped shirt and blazers over everything (especially where we wouldn't think they'd belong).

We also love some of the androgynous looks for women and deconstructed preppy happens to be one of the unique trends that crosses gender boundaries. More to come for the Men's point of view but until then I leave you with one last visual for inspiration. It's a bit reminiscent of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air's inside out jacket circa 1990 and yes, we love it.

Denim on Denim...On Denim

We've never felt so much like we were in a codependent, on-again, off-again relationship than when we're thinking about or discussing denim on denim. In fact, we feel like we've just had a conversation with a Justin Bobby (read: head exploding in moment of hari kiri) every time we have to talk about it. Let's explain. For years, YEARS, although we've never, ever, deigned to wear it ourselves , we've sort of maintained the position that maybe, when executed correctly, denim on denim might be a legitimate fashion possibility. (Phat Tony: "Oh, awkward.... umm... I think I wore a denim jacket at the same time I was wearing jeans once. There was, however, a non-denim segue that softed the edge a little bit, but still... never again. In truth, before I left my apartment that night, I was thinking it was a risk I would be willing to make, but not even halfway through the evening, I was feeling awkward in that 'ugh, I'd kill for a Juicy Couture velour sweatsuit right now.' And, as we all know, that's a clear sign that something was wrong.... I've learned my lesson.")

Through thick and thin, as if we were working very hard in couples therapy, we've thought, hey, one can pull of most looks with the right amount of bravado, denim on denim should be no exception. Even when faced with hard times we kept the faith.

This picture is a visual expression of the innocence of youth, is it not? Before the baby dropping, before Jessica Biel...we long for simpler times when matching denim on denim outfits said "togetherness." Unfortunately, it also says BIG FLAMING MISTAKE. (PH: "And what about 'denim patchwork' cries 'subtly irony and elegence'? NOTHING.")

As if we finally summoned the courage to end a bad relationship, we've finally admitted that there are zero situations in life that call for denim on denim. Not matching, not contrasting, not when paired with horrible sneakers and a midriff bearing white tee.


We challenge the public to show us a correct, even passable, interpretation of the denim on denim scenario. Anyone....anyone?

Divorce Looks Great on Reese Witherspoon

Harsh you say? Mean? We challenge you to view this image of Reese Witherspoon and tell us that exit Philippe hasn’t been the best thing for her.

(Phat Tony Interjection: You know, I don't know if I even need to say anything relating to Reese's choices... She's perfect to me. I can't help it. After seeing Legally Blonde three times in the movie theater, reality might be a little skewed towards Little Miss RW. Okay, go ahead, Bets...)

We think this phenomenon is more than just depression weight loss. Ever since the split, Ms. Witherspoon has been glowing. Maybe she's dating Jake Gyllenhaal, maybe not, we don't even care with this brilliant makeup, great hair and impeccable style. She's got a new movie out, she's inked a contract with Avon and she still manages to spend tons of time with her two kids.

In addition, Witherspoon can bask in the knowledge that she's SO much better looking than the woman with whom Ryan cheated on her.

Whomever has taken charge of Reese's do should also be commended. Her blonde locks have the perfect highlights and the bangs frame the face beautifully. What else but great hair says "my career is on an upswing and my ex-husband is dating unknown actresses." In the immortal words of Elle Woods: "The rules of hair care are simple and finite. Any Cosmo girl would have known." Hats off to you Ms. Witherspoon, divorce looks great on you.

Weighing in: Colored Denim

A quick glance at the Fall 2007 ready to wear shows confirms that we should look forward to bright saturated colors coming our way next season. We won't mind seeing it most often in Womenswear in dresses, tops, shoes, and handbags, in that order. What we're not too thrilled about, is seeing a lot of bright colored denim.

We're not pretending that Jessica Alba is anything but gaunt and therefore can flippantly disregard a few of our fashion missives but for the average woman (Phat Tony: "Yeah, I thought that even her presence couldn't overcome the wackness of her movie choices, but please note that I'll still DVR "Honey" whenever it's on... Jessica Alba might be able to do whatever she wants."), we're issuing a strong caution on this look. Unfortunate but true, there are just certain details about one's legs that one may not want highlighted. Consider these jeans a Bic highlighter for your flaws. (PT: "A huge Bic highlighter with those attached Post-It flag dispensers that allow the owner to make notes next to what's been highlighted. Yes, the jeans will tell us all that. And no, we never wanted to know.")

And then there's this:


We're not happy that Aly and AJ, the poor man's Mary Kate Ashley Olsen (hereby referred to as Al J), are weighing on the collective conscious, but we're downright apoplectic over the fact that they are currently bringing their bad fashion on a nationwide tour. (PT: "Having been on a nationwide tour myself, I know there's no place for bad fashion. You make bad fashion choices, and then you end up with wrinkled sateen tops, drawstring pants that are a little too tight right there, and a little too bulky right over here, knock-off Birkenstocks, and your blonde hair turning green from the Motel-8 jacuzzi. The combined efforts of Tim Gunn and Sally Hershberger would not be able to dig you out of that tacky, florescent bulb-lit hole. And it'll all be your fault. Just saying.)

You may have guessed that we're not thrilled about the vest (PT: "Right?!") and we're still too angry to discuss Alicia Keys' wide-leg, high waisted, jumpsuit (PT: "Oh Alicia... how far you may have fah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-len"... wow, my voice sounded so good just then), but there's oh so much else that's wrong here. Al J has firstly decided to violate the code of women, twin or otherwise: thou shalt not wear the same shoes. Secondly, we just got a text message from Alex P Keaton politely requesting his tie back. Lastly, those bright coral jeans make you look fat Al J and we need you and your minions of teen fans to stop it. Right now.

Phat Tony Addendum: Okay, I may not have Betsy's tact when it comes to colored denim. I'm also not a woman, and maybe my personal connection to denim isn't as... developed? Regardless, when thinking colored denim... unless you're the type of girl to whom random strangers always say, "Whoa, those bright colors look ridiculously amazing with your skin tone," then it's really never pleasant (for me, at least) for you to wear the denim a la Crayola. And at the end of the day, that's a trend that, when it's over, it'll be O-V-E-R. No trying to save that crap for when it comes back into style... we won't want to see it then, either.

If I've Said It Once, I've Said It a Thousand Times...

... and I'll damn well keep saying it if you people continue to just NOT LISTEN...

This post may not precisely fit the paradigm that Bets and I have been creating thus far... It doesn't concern fashion. It's oblivious to interior design. It's also not about food. That being said, what we have to explain to you now is nothing if not a question of taste...

Ladies (and hell, the gents, too)... I know that, for many of you, looking good is important. Hopefully, feeling good is even more important. What we have to say, as hard as this is to even fathom, is actually pertinent to both concerns.

Picture this: You're about to head out for a night on the town with some of your nearest and dearest... Perhaps you're accompanied by your special someone, or maybe you decided the night was perfect for just chillin' with your girls and token gay. Regardless, you take your time getting ready... after all, you've looked forward to this night all week, you turned down a few happy hour plans during the week because you knew you were really going to rage tonight. You put on those clothes that always make you feel sexy and confident, and the shoes with just enough heel to not really inflict the inevitable excruciating pain until just before you need to call it a night. You're rocking those huge earrings that may look too ridiculous on an average day, but your hair is doing exactly what you want it to, is sweeping out of your face and falling down your back just perfectly, so you have the perfect pedestal on which to display your favorite jewelry. Your make-up, if you're one to wear it, is looking so perfect, it's barely there, but you're gonna look flawless all evening. And with those daps of your favorite scent delicately applied to those strategic locations, well... you smell good, alright?

Fast forward to the goal location: Some folks are getting drinks at the bar. Maybe you will, too, but only for a bit, because DAMN, the DJ's playing your song! You go out onto the dance floor, and your special someone, or maybe your girls/gay, are right next to you, matching that incredible energy. Then, in a fit of what must be agonizing madness, it happens.

Your hands end up above your head, snapping...

Yes, snapping to what you incorrectly assume to be the proper beat.

And everything you have worked for comes crashing down at your feet. Whether or not you choose to accept it, you neither look good, nor should you feel good.

People... you may think you're a good dancer. And we're not here to take that away from you (although hopefully, that's not all that you've got going for yourself)... But if you're trying to express yourself appropriately, you have just failed miserably, because there is NOTHING that you want to say that will be expressed by the hands-above-head-snapping maneuver. It's gross, and downright unhealthy. For our eyes, especially... if I have to yell in terror and cover Betsy's eyes one more time....

I don't want to be all Hitch here or whatever, but if you're that person to do what is clearly utterly abhorent, I want you to do this for me... Whenever you feel your hands going up, try to imagine them being stopped by an invisible barrier (or perhaps forced down by God, trying to give you a sign) at the same level as your eyebrows (in fact, let's just say your nose, just so there's less of a risk for pushing the boundaries of decency)... If your hands end up there, throbbing (from what was undoubtedly the Lord's furious anger), slowly, perhaps even to the beat (no, not beats 1 and 3, people... ONLY beats 2 and 4), bring them down as centrally to your body as possible. What you do after that is up to you. I have no idea what you're capable of, but I'm sure you can provide yourself with some options.

Now's the time to thank us... You have no idea the gift that we have given.

My Name is Gladiator

Sadly, we're feeling all the tell-tale signs that we're coming to the end of summer. As we welcome cable-knit, hot cider, and college football, we happily say goodbye to one of summer's enduring and oft-misused trends: the gladiator sandal. Fear not, we will not be ranting about the look as a whole. Rather, as per usual, we'll be delving into the subtleties of its use. The gladiator sandal was more than passable this season in either a neutral or maybe a metallic. They looked great with jeans or a flowy skirt. The concept began to become a little dodgy if you will around the time the Olsen twins got a hold of it.

Hey Mary Kate, that little black dress is working, and not too many people can rock the Prada Cousin It bag... so hats off to you! But... umm... can we talk about the footwear? Those shoes are a little ridiculous and very costumey: two things which are only acceptable under a very (Phat Tony: "VERY") special set of circumstances. If you insist on wearing the full-leg gladiator sandals, we insist you go all out and pair them with a toga. We're not kidding, boldness and irony go hand in hand in fashion. Also, would you like a sip of our milkshake? (Phat Tony: "C'mon MK, it tastes like Christmas!") No? Well then would you mind having a chat with your sister about this?


Oh Ash, there's so much you do right. We really adore that yellow skirt and we think you're right on track with that charcoal blazer. However, whoever viciously attacked your patent knee high boots with pruning shears must be brought to justice and just say the word and we'll be happy to organize a posse and hunt he/she down vigilante style.

You're welcome.

Phat Tony Addendum: You know, Bets and I have always agreed that one can pull off almost anything, basically, if you're doing it confidently and with a style of your own. Confidence might just be the best accessory... and you, Mary Kate, I've got no doubt you've got confidence by the LV duffel-load (although I really think you could use this... no judgment, of course)... but no amount of confidence will help with gladiator sandals. We don't need to see those sandals, only to instantly become entranced by that optical illusion graph-like pattern all over your calves. Of course, maybe it's fun for you to see the white squares magically appearing wherever the black lines cross. I mean, sure, magic can be fun. Ask J.K. Rowling. Regardless, for your entertainment...

Vested Interests

Vests have come back into our lives faster than Michael Vick struck his plea deal and we think it's high time to discuss a few rules here. Let's start with the women.

Note to Fergie Ferg, I thought we agreed to leave Kids Incorporated in the 80's, no? There are so many things going awry in the above photo that Phat Tony and I have a collective headache. (Phat Tony: "Ow.") The overarching difficulty we have though, is the poor use of the vest. The rule illustrated in this example is while we'd like to restrict the use of vests to thinner women, we also feel that it's important to have a smaller chest (read: only B cups and below need apply). We like how Paris Hilton's vest below contributes to a long, lean silhouette.

For the men, several issues arise. Once again, we ask that the general public submit to dressing for their body types. Vests are only passable on thinner guys. No exceptions. Think Pete Doherty or Adam Brody, for example. We love how a v-neck sweater vest can dress down a suit.

One must always pay attention to the proportion and fit of one's shirt in order to avoid bulkiness, and of course, it is always imperative that one wears a shirt.

Sci Fi Looks Great on Megalyn Echikunwoke

Okay, so fine, you don't actually understand a word I just said. I understand that you might not be ready to accept this, but the Sci Fi Channel and the USA Network have taken some unexpected initiative and manifested... intelligent fashion choices?

Enter Megalyn Echikunwoke.

Megalyn (Can I call you Megalyn? Hi, I'm Tony. Phat Tony.) has made moves... She's currently playing the role of "Isabelle Tyler" on the USA Network series, "The 4400," a series about 4400 people who had been abducted in the past 70 years, and were all returned in a ball of light in the same moment, features individuals with special abilities, apparently provided by the 4400's abductors. The character of "Isabelle" was the first baby conceived by two returnees, and then in a freak event, grew to adulthood overnight (I'm sure it was more complicated than that, but you probably stopped caring two sentences ago)... Regardless, I'm thrilled that Isabelle got older, because Megalyn needed some shine, and shine she does... especially considering what she looked like before. Gather 'round me, kids, and take a gander:

Before the 4400:



After the 4400:


Check out the refreshing simplicity of her look. No gimmicky weave, no low-quality makeup, no raw silk madness. A plunging neckline in a simple white cowl neck top, combined with dark denim that traces her figure but doesn't distort her natural perfection... Invisible makeup that still highlights her best features... Affordable, accessible, and positively glowing. She continues with this effortless elegance on the show, where she tends to pair simple prints, gentle fabrics, and neutral tones to compliment her feigned innocence.

So who cares if no additional projects seem to be in the works for you? Keep on riding the freak-alien-returnee wave, Megalyn, because Sci Fi looks great on you.

Beanie Man

So we've already admitted to watching "the Hills" and now there's no avoiding commenting on the phenomena that is Justin Bobby.


For those still feigning not to watch, Justin Bobby is Audrina's on again off again boyfriend who has mistreated her in the past and has, most likely, swooped back into her life to cash in on her fifteen minutes and then leave her in a flaming pile of reality show detritus. The ridiculous moniker Justin Bobby comes from the fact that his name is Justin but his friends call him Bobby. Aside from being really fantastic TV, and possibly an even better villain than Spencer, we couldn't help but notice his propensity for wearing ginormous floppy beanies somewhat on the order of Adam Brody below:

Clearly, this look is not new, we credit Colin Farrell for its genesis and note Wilmer Valderrama for his studied imitation. Justin Bobby aside, we're even starting to see it on the East Coast. What's next, Kansas?

We're not saying the beanie is inherently bad. We feel the look is highly informed by he who wears it such that the hats tend only to look good on people you already like. Therefore, the floppy beanie is in a trend "safety zone" so to speak. What we fear is a "trucker-hat-isation" of the concept which unfortunately, might be right around the corner. If that's the case, we have just one request.

Can we just skip saturation and go straight to backlash please?

We Love Lucite

Sometimes Phat Tony and I get obsessed with things that may seem a bit random. Take for example the never ending wonders of the fried egg pizza and/or David Bromstad.

Certain things we obsess about are born out of our unique environment. For example, we live in studios, stylishly appointed of course, but studios nonetheless. We declutter constantly, we're avid watchers of Small Space Big Style, and consequently we LOVE lucite.

Lucite you ask? What could possibly be so special about acrylic glass? Its a durable inexpesive material that, we think, does wonders for a small space. As much as hanging a mirror in a small space to make it look bigger is a cliche, its a cliche that works. The trick with a smaller space lies in coaxing light to shift around the room (mirrors) and allowing it to pass through things (lucite).

Take for example these twin tables.


Not only do we love how they are visually unobtrusive, we're pro the two-tables-bunched-as-one coffee table agenda. From personal experience we can attest that it's not the easiest task to locate such tables of equal size. It is much easier to find nesting tables, which we've seen work just as well, or a full size lucite coffee table.

Our love for this concept stretches as far as to say we're loving the recent trend towards glass based table lamps.


This works on a solid nightstand or a chunky wood console NOT on top of something else clear. You heard it here first, in design as in life, there may just be too much of a good thing.

Phat Tony Addendum: Nicely phrased, Bets... This being said, I think the very idea of lucite can be inspiring... It's a relatively inexpensive (read: cheap), clear acrylic... But it is, for all intents and purposes, reinvented when paired with something else, becoming a subtle piece, creating a beautiful contrast as well as opening up a space. Reinvention is all too often the name of the game here, and we're thrilled that it has been actualized so successfully. Not being afraid to use what you already have (of course, within reason) can be the core of incredibly classy style decisions.

Weighing In: Ray Ban Wayfarers

The latest fascination with Ray Bans classic Wayfarers is an interesting matter of taste. While we admit they're being overused in hipster circles, we can't quite write them off. The style was most recently stamped in our memory by classic 80s film and television:


Looking a bit further back, the Wayfarer first launched to its most significant fame as worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Chloe Sevigny is credited by many to have brought this look back in this millenium but we like to share that credit with The Closer's Lieutenant Michael Tao.

We find it dificult to create any hard and fast rules here. We think Wayfarers look good on lots of people and great on few. Try not to do this:


We suggest taking great pains to bring your look back to the Millenium at all costs. It's so easy to make mistakes here but as you can see, this look isn't going anywhere for a while:

Obscurity Looks Great on Kelly Osbourne

Having not paid much attention to Kelly Osbourne since she was a chubby, cursing, hot pink leopard print wearing cast member of the short lived yet brilliant “The Osbournes,” we were surprised to come across this photo.


Wow. This is a great look for Ms. Osbourne. We love the Anna Wintour bob, the classic chanel, the belted parka. Ok, we’ll give you the fact that she looks 35, but she’s also rocking a great bitchface. Kelly, you had better thank goodness that recent plans to team up with Kim Stewart for a reality show have been scrapped because obscurity looks great on you.

Holy Eyeliner Batman

We admit that we're really not afraid of bad TV. We watch America's Next Top Model, we watch the OC, we even watch its reality-based spin off "Laguna Beach" (we think it's funny how evil those freaky kids are). Our Tivo's are also, not surprisingly, set to capture every vapid moment of the spin off to the spin off, "the Hills." However we admit, we're 28, and we don't quite get all of it, namely the appeal of Spencer. Thankfully, we get most of the fashion. The LC beach-girl-chic, the Whitney why-is-everyone-around-me-so-much-stupider-than-me nouveau preppy. What we don't get is the eyeliner.



We've never seen so much liquid liner on girls under 25. Its like they're channeling the late Tammy Faye Bakker here. And what bothers us is not that they've decided to go with that look here, on the red carpet, its that, and you'd certainly know this if you watched the show, they wear this stuff morning, noon and night. Let's call it what it is, excessive, and more importantly, these girls are emboldening this guy:

The Britney Spears Headscarf

There's no one on planet Earth right now that personifies the phrase "done lost her mind" better than Britney Spears. She's a baby-dropping, cheetos-eating, train wreck of an aging pop star and we all know she flipped out and shaved her head a few months back but we'd much rather see her sporting some kind of fierce GI Jane buzzcut rather than what she's been doing.


The Britney Spears headscarf. This look says sloppy to us. We really hate it. We think it might be ok to and fro the gym or at the beach but really never else. And what's most disturbing is the idea that this trend is spreading.



Scary.

How To Wear Leggings

There are a few elements of fashion that are so simple yet are bungled as often as Lindsay Lohan
is arrested. Take leggings for example. This item of apparel is simple
with variations only in length and color. Yet even this may be a little
too much choice for people.

Apologies for the quality but a stealth picture had to be taken in this instance of a strong leggings don't.


Note the woman on the right. Note the length of
leggings she's chosen which hit right at mid-calf. Even in the low
quality photo she looks frumpy. A legging that ends in the middle of
the calf muscle truncates the leg and no woman, not evenBrazilian supermodels want that.

We have two options to offer friends and the first is for everyone. Short or tall, thin or heavy, everyone's legs elongate when wearing leggings to the ankle. Here's the do:

If you are taller than 5'5", you have another option. You may also choose to wear leggings that stop just below the knee.



This look came from the Marni Spring 2007 runway show. Looking forward to fall, Consuelo Castiglioni
has shown an even fresher leggings look; a stirrup legging. Before you
say that sounds just about as modern as the side ponytail, take a look.

You sort of can't tell what's going on in the nebulous ankle/shoe region. All you notice are long slim legs.

Unemployment Looks Great on Rachel Bilson

"California here we come, right back where we started from..." Are we the only folks rapidly approaching 30 and weaned on 90210 that grew a special place in their hearts (guiltily perhaps) for the OC? Ever since Seth Cohen welcomed us to the family like a hoodlum from Chino, we haven't been able to get that song out of our heads.

We like all the characters really, from Ryan with the brooding eyes that only make us laugh to Sandy Cohen and his crooning. We've noticed that since the show was canceled, we haven't seen much out of the cast. We don't really mind as they are immortalized in our season one box set dvd collection but in one instance, we think it's working out to her advantage.

Summer Roberts entered the show a vapid teenager with a stereotypical southern California teen wardrobe. She ended the season a little bit boho but what's really remarkable, is how great she looks post Adam Brody split and more importantly post OC cancellation. We don't always love the "jailbird chic" look but this example shows a great sense of color and proportion.



And even more recently we noticed this great use of pintucks.


A quick check on IMDB reveals that Ms. Bilson may have a project in post production for '08 but for now, Mischa Barton should take a page out of your playbook Rachel Bilson because unemployment looks great on you.

Get it Together: Shapeless Shifts

We realize that shapeless flowy dresses are very in right now, in fact, we even wear them with shameless abandon. Check out this version from Marni Spring 2007:



The model is teeny, the dress is huge, yet somehow, it all seems to come out ok. We see copious women pulling off this look in NYC. The shape here is lollipop and as long as we're not talking about people's heads being too large for their anorexic bodies, we're all over it.

However, we saw something last night that really got us riled up. So angry in fact we felt the need to snap a stealth picture. Apologies for the quality but drastic measures need to be taken when one attends happy hour wearing one's nightgown.



Note the girl in the center. She's wearing something out of Twas The Night Before Christmas. All we ask is that people dress for their body types (and that they refrain from wearing pajamas in public). It's not the garment itself we have a problem with, it's just the way it's worn. I think if Consuelo Castiglioni were present to the above debacle she would echo our sentiments: please, for the love of god, throw on a belt.