Meg-a-Porter: January 2013

Monday, January 21, 2013

Menswear Monday starring MObama!

Today just seems like the timing has just matched up well in many instances. For starters, it is Martin Luther King Jr. Day as well as the inauguration for the second term of America's first African-American president. I mean, come on! This had to be planned, the timing is so impeccable.

Secondly, paying attention to one of my previous posts about theming some days on the site, it is Monday, meaning menswear! How freakin' appropriate that style maven Michelle Obama wore a jacket designed by a menswear designer to the inauguration?

Not only does this holiday now have much more meaning and more to celebrate, but we also have something to talk about today! You decide which is more important.

Source

Mrs. Obama wore a silk jacquard (which basically means weaved in a particular way) coat designed by a menswear designer named Thom Browne.
The coat is a gorgeous navy and the jacquard print was chosen to resemble a tie, according to the designer himself. This choice not only created a beautiful piece, but also an extraordinarily appropriate choice for a formal event such as this.

Obama in Browne, 2012 Source

After some careful research into this somewhat unknown American designer, I found out that he launched his womenswear line very recently, in 2010.

Also, this is not the first time MObama has worn one of his designs; she wore a silk and lace dress by Browne's design to a presidential debate this past year.

If you were unaware of Browne's past menswear designs, you would think these two pieces were simply beautifully made garments. However, with the clouding aspect of knowing his past, there are definite menswear defining characteristics in both. Either way, the moral of the story is that FLOTUS kills it always, and pretty much can do no wrong. She single handedly gives unknown American designers their shot in the spotlight while remaining flawless. The end.

Thingz:

P.S.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Arm Candy

In a society where the “less is more” philosophy really never gets utilized, bracelet stacking has become somewhat of an art form. It was the blogger Leandra Medine (aka ManRepeller) who coined the term, “arm party” when speaking of stacks of baubles on ones arm. Other than my very verbal love for this particular blog, who wouldn't want a party on their arm!? During the day, feeling a little bored, just take a quick peek at one of your limbs, and its an instant pick-me-up!

I have always loved piling on many bracelets, but I somehow always seem to get too annoyed with the clanging against everything (namely, my computer) or jingling noises to wear too many for too long. Recently, however, I have definitely put those feelings aside and have fully committed to rocking a constant arm soirée.

The trick of these accessory groupings is to ensure you are pairing the right colors, metals, textures, sizes, etc. I have been attempting to master some pairings using my albeit, a little excessive, collection of bracelets.

From my Instagram yesterday

Thankfully, I have some aspiring wrist models for friends that took time out of their busy schedules to be photographed wearing some of my trinkets.

All bracelets are my own.

These two examples show that cohesion among accessories works, either by keeping all silver and black or all brown and gold.

Also, a pop of color among all of the cohesion is also very doable and easy to pair with outfits.

This look is paying special attention to one particular more muted accent color by adding slightly blue elements to the mainly gold look.

I recently wrote an article for CollegeFashionista that will be available online on Monday in which I discussed my advocacy for mixing metals, notably silver and gold. These two arm gatherings are good examples of how it works well.

Here are all of the looks together!

Lovely.

Links!

Friday, January 4, 2013

Footwear Friday! Loafin' Around

" Loafers", "Smoking Slippers", "Mocassins", or just plain old ambiguous "flats". These shoes have many names, and as is apparent by the multitude of options out there, many different styles as well. Whether you're into tassels, studs, stripes, or even patent leather, there is a pair out there for you.

Take it from an avid wearer, that I feel infinitely more sophisticated when donning a pair. I also feel as though I should be in a robe, swirling brandy next to a roaring fire in an old Victorian mansion. But that might just be me...

Here are some of my favorites!