I was going to start this post all: “It’s INSANE INSANITY that the mags/blogs/retailers are already touting the totally weather-inappropriate upcoming season,” “WTF are bathing suits doing at Target in January,” etc & the like – but I’ve said that exact same thing halfway through EVERY calendar season and really, I’m just not that shocked anymore. Maybe I’ve decided to stop resisting the fact that trends and influences move so quickly; maybe I’m only NOW accepting that I, myself, have a hardcore case of Inspiration A.D.D. (which would explain my seriously cuckoo closet). Either way, I’m facing it: I’m BORED with Fall/Winter 08 and am glad to see signs of Spring. Here’s a look at just two of the standout routes to take when charting your path next season:
As with seemingly every Spring editorial in the history of Spring editorials, stylists are working in the athletic-wear in spades. The difference? This time around it’s actually working. Nylon’s legging interpretation made me rethink them entirely (a difficult notion in the age of Lohan, I know); both the razor-sharp runway styling at Alexander Wang AND at the always-attainably-styled Teen Vogue showed inspired sweat-suit separates; lycra and jersey are everywhere you dare (or dare not) to look. This seems a fresh direction in androgyny and I’m into it.
The softer side of Spring is looking TOTALLY PROMISING: think “Sun-bleached Liberty Prints by way of the Southwest, as worn by a Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands” and you’re juuuuuuust about there. It’s a little bit 90s (shades of Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony, for sure), a touch rock and roll (denim, zippers, and a certain brand of patent leather showmanship abound), and equal parts Aztec and Woodstock. Examples and inspirations above (left to right) from Topshop’s Glory Days Collection, The Cobrasnake, the latest Urban Outfitters catalog, and Topshop’s Fringe Leather Waistcoat.
Granted there are a ton more Spring trends, already apparent (clashing patterns! HUGE jewelry! all things tribal!) and yet to be determined, but the above two are my faves. Do you, too, have the Winter-wardrobe doldrums, and if so what direction is your closet headed?
I’m just ready for color and dresses without tights.
January 10, 2009 at 10:00 am