Saturday, May 16, 2009

Summer's Here. Relax!

Yeah, not so much. I mean, we have been flustered for the passed 6 months in unwavering anticipation for a heatwave to collide against our pale skin, however, the bitter cold still prevails. Unbelievable. We have had the option of warmer dress, which is definitely one of the few positives that have come our way. But, how to ease into that summer style, one might ask. After one quick look in my closet, I realized I had lost a few pounds and was on the ultimate mission to revamp a "in-need-of-desperate-attention" wardrobe. Stretched-out Acne T-shirts, ripped jeans (also stretched and loose), stained suede Tod's loafers and more ugly vests than I know what to do with. I suppose sometimes you have to look within yourself for the answer. I chose to look within my wardrobe to consummately achieve a budget-friendly new line of threads without spending a dime. This would allow for me to reallocate my budget for more important things (rent, groceries, you know.. details). Much to my surprise, I was able to do just that. Re-use old pieces from fall, a few key items from winter and some old "Job interview-friendly" random tid bits from here and there to solidify a very random selection of a look I wasn't aware would go well.

Pictured above is an exemplary ensemble to portray my ideal summer outfit. Just comfortable. More limp and rather earthy. Shorts are a must. I dared to expose full arms in a few looks paired with vintage vests, stolen from 3-piece ensembles from my father's 1980's suit collection. I came to realize that it was THIS easy! The key was to play with relatively non-perennial items to surprise onlookers with a dash of originality. Nothing eccentric, of course. I would rather stay clear from wool, heavy gloves and cashmere scarves. Rather, I preferred working with less obvious pieces: Fall vests, winter dress shoes, heavier jackets with lighters under-layers. An element of surprise to an unsuspecting critic. The trick was simply to follow all rules and go with a comfortable choice. The Light Choice, if you will.

I have just pondered the brilliant idea of wearing something of a putrid nature paired with a fantastic set of jewelry, gym shirt paired with a nice belt and dress pants or perhaps a sexy fragrance with a pair of PRO-Keds sneakers and shorts. It works and it works well. The chance to wear something you would otherwise never choose to wear is now. Fix that chip on your shoulder about what others think and take the plunge. In confidence, one can wear just about anything. I met a french girl the other day wearing an Erdem dress and New Balance sneakers. I mean... Can we think of the possibilities once we have conquered chic with bleak?

What will your summer choices be? Shall you stick with one look or rotate between a few? Or, I suppose if daring enough, would you be willing to cross seasons to state a comfortable, unique point... all for the sake of fashion?