Thursday, July 29, 2010

Sayonara Skinny Jeans

Dear Skinny Jeans,

I'm filing for divorce. We've grown apart. Unreconcilable differences, even.
The spark has gone, that's for sure.

Perhaps we just need a break - our relationship has been nothing if not intense. Yes, I think a long break will be the best thing.

You've helped drain my bank account, so naturally, once I'm financially on my feet again, I'll be moving on.

Regards,
Genevieve.




Skinny jeans are no longer a fashion statement. "Not everything has to be a fashion statement, you consumerist monster!" I hear you cry. I know, I know. God knows I don't have the bank account to be a consumerist monster, even if I wanted to. Basics are always appreciated and have an everlasting pivotal role in our wardrobes.

However, skinny jeans remain to sneak into outfits unnoticed, digging in their skin suffocating claws and dragging a fresh, dare I say different, outfit back down to the realms of 2006.
It is currently near impossible to look at all different in skinny jeans.

I'm sick of the same shape on every man, woman and child. I don't even care that boyfriend jeans or jeans of a shorter length aren't as svelte or "sexy." But don't try and tell me skinny jeans are popular because they are the most figure flattering, because we've all just succumbed to the illusion that they are, simply because they reveal our figures. That doesn't mean flattering. We've just been wined and dined by social proof and have dutifully fallen under its charming spell - once you see something enough, and with enough popular support - anything is a good idea.

I'm just being fickle, I know. I'll keep mine, and bring them out and use them when I need a dependable basic. For example, they work so well in the pictures on my Clogs post - because they are being a great basic. I'm not throwing them out, or trying to drive consumerism to mad extremes.
But everything has its rightful place. And skinny jeans have had their share of the limelight.

They've been milked for all they're worth and regardless of what pattern or texture or adornment designers may desperately try to use to freshen them up - they're spent. They've been done.
For now, at least.

So, I'm just calling for a change in my wardrobe.

Drumroll please...

A pair of chino's has just usurped "large black tote bag" for the top spot on my shopping list.

What in God's name is a pair of chinos, you say?

In lay terms, they look like trousers that are rolled up to just above the ankles.
In fashion terms, they are so much more than that.

























Historically speaking, the humble chinos were used in the 1800s as part of British and French military uniforms, but did not gain popularity until the 1900s when U.S. soldiers returned home, bringing their "chino" pants with them and wearing them during civilian life - especially at college.
"Chino" is Spanish for "China" which is where these pants were originally made ( and let's face it, are probably still where the pair you'll buy today are also from).
They were sold in military stores for only a few dollars in the states, and were soon picked up by artists, style mavens and jazz musicians alike (Scharf,2010).

If you're still not convinced, at least take solace in that with their historical origins they fit comfortable into the modern military twist on fashion.

The iconic chinos are far more comfortable than skin suffocating skinny jeans, but balance their relaxed fit with a firmer fabric than leggings. Hence, with the right ensemble, they can be worn to almost any occasion (or, at least more than skinny jeans or leggings combined). Which explains their enormous popularity with both men and women this season, no?


They vary from draping, luxurious fabrics in a loose fit, to the slim fitting firmer fabrics and personally, I prefer the latter. As a matter of personal choice, I think the well fitting chinos are fun and summery, and a little more figure flattering.






















On the flipside, loose fitting chinos are more temperature savvy in summer.
Throw caution to the wind and try both! You can't go wrong with chinos ( and a healthy dose of style common sense, but I have faith in you)!
As you've noticed, I'm fairly black and white, so there is no middle ground, in my books.

I'm picky when it comes to particular seasonal items - I still haven't found my ideal pair of boots, although I'm getting warmer. Unfortunately, so is the weather, so it might be a hunt that spans a few seasons. They'll be so much more rewarding when I do find them though.
I always have exactly what I want in mind - without those nuances nutted out, how else can I make sure what I get will go with everything else?

Naturally, chinos are no different. I don't want chinos like these, because I don't think they are particularly inspiring. I'm not saying their bad, but I'm just sharing my bias with you. These are the middle ground I was referring to earlier.

Back to happy chinos.
They may not make your legs look as long as skinny jeans, but who cares? Skinny's have been done to death. TO. DEATH.
Besides, chinos show off some ankle, how risque.
P.S. They are not to be confused with capris, we aren't quite there yet.






They look tres chic with flats, very cool brittania with boaters and so big apple with brogues. You can't wear espadrilles with skinny jeans, thats for sure. What other pair of pants let your footwear shine this much? The trick is in the bare ankles, I'm telling you!


I want a whole let less of this:



What else says relaxed chic like a pair of silk khaki chinos and chunky sandal heels? Gold jewellery, goddess hair and you're set like a jelly.

I'll admit, I'm a fan of the ankle-baring pants in general these days, after trying on a pair of peach chinos and relaxed fit jeans that, like the chinos, finish juust about the ankle. So. Keen.

Skinny who?

Please and thankyou to Vogue.com.au and garance dore for the images (some have been cropped and resized)



I'd love to know what you think, so please comment and let me know what your feelings are about skinny jeans and new season pants!




Monday, July 26, 2010

Showerpowerrrr.

I was in the shower (where I do all my thinking) when it struck me. Why can't we do it all?

Why do we only study or become an apprentice with one goal in mind? Why do we narrow our vision like a horse wearing blinkers, forced only to consider the track ahead.

We only have one life. That does not mean we can have only one passion that we make our reality?

There is of course the argument for focus leading to greater efficiency at reaching a goal.
I think limiting our dreams is dull, because we just limit ourselves.




What isn't efficient or effective or worthwhile about the fruition of so many other talents, opportunities and experiences?

I love writing, but that doesn't mean that I don't love

photography
film
make up
fashion

interior design

and so many other arts.

I love helping people and I enjoy teaching.
I enjoy self expression and communication in so many mediums, it's bizarre that i channel 90% of my conscious efforts towards one goal.

Lack of focus or decisiveness is in my nature, I'm told. But what if I just like a lot of things?
Why is having a wide range of interests subjected to the connotations with the use of phrases and words like " lack of focus " and " indecisiveness" which just makes it a negative trait?

It's all " the man's "doing!!!

Just kidding.
Moving along...

I am doing a double degree, so that I will end up with a degree in Creative Industries (journalism major) and a degree in Business.

I chose this as the business degree is intended to give practicality to the expressions of creativity. But why limit my creativity to only writing?


I challenge myself and I challenge you, to challenge your traditional notion of a career or your motive for studying.

To give time to the side projects that you relegate to whimsical passions that have no real value. I'll attempt to do the same, between studying, and post any results.


Photos courtesy of imboycrazy.com


I should have known this was an Oscar quote when I fell in love with it. The man is an unparalled genius.




Morning sunshine

I apologise for my apparent abandonment of blogging, I've had little inspiration to write lately. Until today.


Uni has just started back, and comparing last semester to this semester I feel like I have woken up.
I feel energised and aware, I have plans, more ideas and am actively engaging in the world around me. I've also had a quiet period of thinking to decide upon the things I change and how I need to do so. Every now and then I just need a break from all usual routine, blogging included.

I have a lot more direction now, and have also had a think about the different people in my life. Anyway, enough of my idle chatter, I'm just going to share some of the things that I find inspiring, interesting or otherwise.





Images from Vogue, Sportsgirl, MinkPink, Novo, French Connection. If a picture is incorrectly referenced etc, let me know

Friday, July 9, 2010

Clip Clop Clogs

Clogs. They're certainly demanding attention, if nothing else. The humble clog has had some pretty bad rap, previously carrying a fashion stigma similiar to the ever hideous crocs. However, when Karl Lagerfeld sent clogs down the runway, the idea caught fast.

In my opinion, the only okay clogs are clogs with a heel and only with certain kinds of outfits. I can't remember where, but recently I saw a picture of some actress wearing clogs with a bright coloured swooshy skirt and a peasant blouse, and the bright colours and flimsy material looked a little too Dutch peasant. Like, the reason people don't like clogs.

However, they've worked their way into some surprising ensembles and definitely come out on top.








I'm already a fan of the faded denim/chambray shirt, and clogs fit in surprisingly well with this relaxed look I think.

I think the trick with clogs is that you have to treat them as a statement - as you would an exceptionally bright colour or mix of colours.
So, that in mind, they don't need a brightly coloured ensemble to bring them out. In the words of Coco Chanel, elegance is refusal, people.

So let's not get too nutsy.

I call this the polished/sophisticated clog. It's actually a really chic outfit. Of course, copious amounts of Chanel always helps, but all the same.






Finally, the flirty clog. Yes, I said it. No, i'm not flirting talking about wearing clogs, red headscarf and a peasant skirt while flirting using a generous hunk of Gouda as your main weapon of seduction. Not at all. Clogs have just proven they can seamlessly fit into a flirty evening outfit. I'm floored. I also think women like them because, just like super huge IT bags, such a huge chunky shoe makes your legs look skinnier in comparison. Crafty, crafty clogs.



All pictures from lookbook.nu


So, what do you think? Yay or Nay?

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

American Dreamz.

Oh America, you do fascinate me.

You're culture is so like our own, yet so starkly different that you make a fascinating study of contrasts. Each dissonance in the most unlikely places, from the mundane to the marvellous.

Suddenly, America is cool again. Some credit Obama, others credit the revival of the USA music scene, led by Vampire Weekend, Spank Rock, TV on the Radio, Fleet Foxes and the Black Kids to name a few.



There are certainly parts of American culture that I'd rather point and laugh at than participate in, such as the Hollywood obsession with buffing and smoothing character out of faces and features, rendering such bland shockers such as Heidi Montag and aptly named, Spencer Pratt. (Irony, you're a gem.)

It's easy to take American culture at face value ( almost literally) and judge only their plastic nation. Dig a little deeper, and it may still retain the lingering superficiality that is quickly seeping into the pores of all Western culture, but there's substance to their culture that... is interesting to say the least....





A little concerned it feels like you're being swept up into a world that has been sucking a little too hard on the helium? You're spot on. Get high on the insanity, it never hurts to lose yourself once in a while.

If you come back down looking like Joscelyn Wildenstein though, there will be trouble.















Pictures via Oyster, Vogue, Fashionising.com and my beautiful friend Ashleigh, who went to New York recently. If I've credited the pics incorrectly or you want 'em down, you know the drill. ( ...ask me nicely and I'll fix it)


Admittedly this is more of a New York post, but I still heart you, San Francisco. One day, one day.