Monday, August 16, 2010

Fashion muses for the Fall season

On baking hot August days like today, the best survival tactic I’ve come up with is to imagine the cool, crisp autumn ahead. Being that I’m a one-dimensionally materialistic person, this includes pondering the twists and turns of the new season in fashion, which this year, center around a more streamlined and minimalist look. But don’t worry- since when do I take advice? I’ve listed items that appeal to the playful side of life, too.

Mal from Inception- minimalist elegnance
What struck me so much about this character? Maybe it’s that she’s French, or maybe it’s that she’s a figment of Leo DiCaprio’s imagination (what I would give to be a figment of Leo DiCaprio’s imagination)- whatever it is, Marion Cotillard’s wardrobe exemplified the simplicity that is so inspiring about this year’s fall trends. She wore hardly any jewelry, relying instead on the aesthetic strength of unusual beading or lines of a dress. In the same vein, her casual clothing included the classic structured shirts and jackets that have re-captured attention this autumn. This emphasis on a sole detail of an ensemble is a contrast to the ornate and accessory-ridden trends of the recent past (think Nancy’s layered necklaces in Weeds) and also decidedly European. You go, Jeffrey Kurland!

Lush solid perfume (Karma)- Hippy meets maturity
Seems like an oxymoron, right? But somehow patchouli, the flower-child favorite, is infused with a grown-up dose of heady orange and lemongrass essential oils for a classic and intoxicating aroma. It’s vegan and all natural, so perfect even for sensitive skin that’s been traumatized after a summer of harsh sun. The scent is a little retro, but maybe even more charming because of that (think Mrs. Robinson from the Graduate). To me, it reeks of the unadorned beauty of this fall’s fashion. Don’t worry, opposites attract.

Silly Bandz
Yup, total regression. I find these little mermaid- and unicorn-shaped rubber bands really appealing. Not only are they cheap, but one or two of them adds an adorable (and possible infantile) touch of color and whimsy to most ensembles. Check out the Fantasy pack. DISCLAIMER- don’t blame me if you suddenly have a craving for sugary breakfast cereal or Saturday morning cartoons.

It may seem like the muses listed here contradict each other in spirit. That’s because they do. Fashion is art, art is meant to inspire, and I usually find the confusing and eclectic to be the most inspiring of all.

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