So lets kick it old school style or something, for beginsies. Fashion show time!!!
SO in this episode I'm gonna gush about a favorite Designer of mine, and Dita Von Teese and Lady Gaga, (the three of us being the trifecta of how you know if a designer is a-may-zing-,) none other than, Mr. Jean Paul Gaultier. And for the first time in Superficial Fodder history, I'm gonna talk about a couture line!!! It's time, guys, ready to wear isn't nearly as batshit crazy as fashion can be, and couture can be pretty tame, just trust me. So this line, all about Hollywood glamour. From when? Well... Kind of just in general. There are clear nods to silver screen starlets from across decades from Brigitte Bardot to a few things that could very well be Lindsay Lohan. So, clearly, the message wasn't quite so clear. But the clothes! The clothes were drop dead piss your pant
s fall on the floor and vomit poop and cry all at the same time beautiful. That was a lot of bodily functions, so I'm gonna let you recover from that. ... and stop picturing it. And come back. Okay. So this collection has everything you could ever want. From fierce strong suits, to fabby corsets and onesies, to beautiful glamazon dresses, to several pairs of overalls that were surprisingly chic. So arguably this collection had something for everybody, but personally the lack of story or coherence detracted from the show as a whole. I love every individual piece, but I want a story that goes with them, and there just wasn't one. 
here's a link to the slide show. check out the whole thing!!
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/slideshow/F2009CTR-JPGAULTI/
Friends, near and far, close and ... far... At any rate.... One of the unifying themes of the majority of my lady friends, the inspiration for this blog of fashion mouth farts, is that you all have a hippie streak. From earthy colors to floral sun dresses, strappy flats and blouses with ethnic nods, almost all of you, specifically all of my old, deep friends are flower children at heart. So as an homage to all of you out there in dreamland, I give you the trend called FOLK!
So here's what's amazing about folk. Folk is everything you old hippies love with elegant vintage details. Think Russian babushka embroidery and delicate filigree jewelry paired with all your favorite hippie garb and you've got a smart chic and fiscally responsible look! Now, the reasons why it's even more fiscally responsible is, that the pieces can totally transition from winter to spring to summer to fall so effortlessly that it's practically irresponsible to not have at least a few stand by fashionista folk pieces.
So since I'm not talking about an item of interest, but rather a look as a whole, I'm going to tell you about the best way to put together a folky outfit, some important pieces to have in your folk wardrobe instead.
Now, folk looks are all about layering patterns and textures. Good fabrics and textures for this look are velvets and suede, soft leathers, chunky knits, silks, ginghams, stiff cottons and fur. I know you all, and as far as I know, I only have one friend who wears real fur, and she doesn't even read this, so I'm going to just say that of course, vegan versions of these materials are tot's fine, as long as they don't look to plastic.
Alot of people are afraid of mixing patterns, so here are my rules: size; the size and boldness of the patterns you are wearing should be approximately equal to your size, for example, if you are tall go for big patterns, if you are petite go for smaller ones. If your bottom half is bigger than your top half, then bigger patterns on the bottom are approps. etc. Color; the colors of the patterns you are mixing should compliment each other. They don't have to be exact, but there should be at least one or two colors that carry over from one pattern to the next. Also, for this look, stay away from too many blacks. They tend to be harsh, and no one wants there mellow to be harshed in this look. Go for browns and grays for this look. Type; don't mix a pattern with another of the same type, for example, you shouldn't mix two florals. Or two plaids, or two stripes. (this is the only rule I will support you fudging, if you know what you're doing. I do it all the time.) So go wild! Wear your velvet embroidered waist coat with your lacy cardigan and your earthy brown floral dress with plaid trim with your striped tights and suede boots. You'll look fierce!
Lets talk about pieces, shall we?
First off, boots. No not uggs. Burn those. Few things are more unattractive on your foot than an Ugg. I mean crocs. duh... but for realsies. NO UGGS. Flat boots are tots fine. Here's what you're looking for; your boots should be made of something comfortable and not too fussy. like suede or warn leather, even fabric if you want. Look for boots with Victorian inspired details, laces are obviously a nice touch, maybe some embroidery. If that's not your thing, work boot styles work too. like the one in the above arrangement. Oxfords in the same materials are also super approps for this look.
Next; dresses. Here's the deal. This look is super casual and super comfortable. Your dresses do not need to be super fitted. In fact, the more layered and loose your clothes are the better for this particular look. Also, your dresses should be longer. if you're worried about looking short, then knee length is fine, but otherwise go for mid calf if not ankle length. This is a really good place to get some pattern in, and I encourage some lovely vintage florals or even paisleys. If you think the pattern looks tablecloth-y, then you're going in the right direction.
Jewelry. This is the easiest way to turn your hippie garb into folk. Find super ornate jewelry, like long oval stone rings, or carved wood bangles. The juxtaposition of natural or rough materials with super detailed settings or delicate chains are an awesome way to go. At Banana Republic they have a beautiful raw amethyst necklace that is excellent for this look. Also, more is more for this look. Don't be afraid to wear some ethnic bangles, three rings, five necklaces and some ear rings. It's taking you there. And, you can't hardly look fussy in this look.
Lastly outerwear. Like I said this is a layered look, and the more details your pieces have the better. Look for outside stitching, and of course, the ever coveted, embroidery. Jackets lined with sheerling, or fur are great. Stay away from anything that looks synthetic. No puffy jackets please! Your old warn denim jacket is perfect for this look as well.
Like I mentioned before, this look transitions super duper well. You can take off some of the heavier layers and switch out your boots for flats, and you're ready for spring.
So be bold! Or chill rather, and try it! here's some other pieces I love that fit this look!!
So now for people. People I find stylish. Well, as I've already spent a lot of time reminiscing, why not go there, with an old friend while I'm at it. Sydney. So for those of you who don't know her, Sydney was the first girl I demanded grow an inch and win ANTM. She's absolutely stunning. She has beautiful blue eyes and super cute dark hair, and fashion sense by the bucket load. She understands how to juxtapose casual with formal. Lady like with bad ass and smart with pretty. Back in the day, she spearheaded movements like Stepford Wife Wednesday(? I'm not sure if that's the right day) where her and my Frasier girls would all dress in there best fifties dresses and pearls. Her aqua blue and orange swirl dress never got tired, and she made those cardigans work for her. She's so stylish and so stunning and also the person who taught me how to make a hideous face. So My hat goes off to miss lady friend Sydney. Way to be.
That's my show thanks for watching!!!! GOOOD NIGHT!
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