Not Quite There

Though I've been hearing reports of glorious weather on the other side of the ocean, it's still not-quite-spring here...It's that annoying transitional weather, where one false move, one layer too many, could lead to uncomfortable sweatiness but layer removed and the chill sets in. Very annoying. Doesn't make too much of a difference to me anyhow as I am holed up inside writing. Supposedly academically, though clearly currently not the case ... rather been playing, dreaming up an imaginary world where I could afford everything from Weekday. It's a world of simple transitional outfits for awkward weather: lighter sweaters, shorter skirts, pastel pants or scrunched up socks while risking the bare leg...simplicity for studying. (Apparently in this imaginary world, I still study).

Though to be honest, my fantasy world would actually involve no studying and no need for transition: summer would be Now. Straight to minimal dressing: throw on dresses, shorts and slinky blouses, and the same shoes and an iced coffee every damn day. Ah summer, you are so far away. Come back soon.

Inside & Out

I suppose I should be less of a curmudgeon and embrace the cold, both inside my flat and out. For lounging, I imagine cozy long knits, sweater upon sweater, and a Pendleton blanket to snuggle up in with a good book. For venturing out, it's best to wear appropriate shoes to ward off the cold and the slush, sheer blouses insulated by thick knits and a proper shearling coat (I was this close to convincing my mom to give me hers while home, guys - this close!). I hate gloves (they make me feel criminal) so fingerless will have to do, but with a good cuppa coffee to keep the tips warm. I can feel the flush of warmth in my cheeks as I type...

wish list (no. 6): if Spring has indeed Sprung

As the layers come off, I've been thinking about my spring wardrobe. Not that I invest in a new wardrobe every season, but I imagine recycling things in my closet this season that rotate around keeping it simple & fresh, with a hint of daintyness and that slightly askew-ness that seems to follow me.

I present stripes and flowers (nothing new but nautical stripes will follow me my entire life I hope), bellbottom jeans, loose camisoles tucked into shorts, contrasted with men's shirts, sleeves rolled and continuing with the 70s flavor of stacked wooden heels.

wish list (no. 5)

I have a self-imposed shopping ban in place until February 15th. I was trying to see how long I could go without shopping (hadn't bought anything since right before Christmas), and I figured a month was a good goal...especially, since I literally have no money right now. Anyway, I made it all the way until January 15th and then fucked it up, and so restarted the ban until February.

The upside is I have not had any guilty "shouldn't have bought that" moments in a while, the downside is all the things I've found on the internet (damn topshop.com) and cannot (will not!) buy. At the moment, am I feeling very prone to a minimalist (as much as I can be) aesthetic, probably because of the grey weather, and the above wish list fits that precisely. Once the ban is lifted, I think I will buy one thing from the list -- only one I must remind myself -- as a pat on the back for a job well done. Who knew abstinence could be so trying.

Denim on Denim on Denim on

The double denim rule is one of those classic fashion rules; to break it is inexcusable, a sin amongst sins, a fashion travesty (gasp!). Though I'm not crazy about the idea of fashion rules, for most of my life, I happily nodded along with this one (save for a brief early 90s period of matching jeans and denim jacket -- but I was 8, so all is forgiven) but I've gots to say...

....I'm kinda loving most of the looks above. Especially, Ashley Olsen's take, as well as the French monsieur captured by the Sartorialist (bottom right).

In recent months I have been noticing double denim outfits showing up in editorials, blogs and street style sites, and it got me thinking. I'm beginning to believe that denim on denim can be done...if it is executed with some thought. Less of the matchy-matchy denim, more mixture of different denim washes and textures....so it seems less...well, denim.

At the mo' I haven't got the clothes (nor the £) to experiment with...so I made a quick attempt with polyvore (first time use)... I don't know if it would work in person, it's worth a thought.

A final thought: though I am reconsidering the denim rule, I'm thinking more about denim separates - shirts/shorts/skirts/jeans. Still not ready for the jean jacket/denim pant look, eh?