Simple Black

 

Experiencing DvF wrap dress fatigue after so many holiday parties, I chose a simple black outfit with an edge for my friend's birthday dinner party on Saturday.  I found this long Helmut Lang draped jersey skirt at Nordstrom Rack in the fall.  Although far outside my usual style, the skirt felt so good on, I had to make the purchase, promising myself that I would wear it.

The black color makes it easy to fit with my usual pieces while creating a totally different look: I threw on a black Spanx top (fancy!), lace tights and boots, topped with a Miss Wu leather jacket and a Marc Jacobs bag before heading out the door.  Also! deep purple lipstick.

Although I've worn the skirt only twice so far - and it could be worn with more natural aplomb by the likes of Odyssey or Pret a Porter P - I still love how it feels on (far cooler than my usual self).  I like knowing I have an outfit like this to pull out of my closet when needed.

Fleurette Winter Coats

Living in Chicago requires serious cold weather style.  Like, really really really cold weather: Monday is to be a high of -8 F.  My first winter here six years ago, I followed the crowd and bought a puffy down coat that resembles a sleeping bag more than a garment.  The coat is super warm and still in good condition, but every time I wear it, I feel blaaaaah.  I know that thick wool can be as warm as down, since I wore a thrifted wool coat while studying abroad in St Petersburg one winter, so I decided this year to find a wool coat that is true to my style.

Today I had the day off work and headed downtown to wander around the Art Institute.  I donned my puffy coat and braved the elements.

The dramatic temperature change from outside to the lobby of the museum caused my poor lens to fog.

While downtown, I took the opportunity to shop for wool coats.  I had been obsessing over Fleurette coats on Nordstrom's website, but decided to try Nordstrom Rack before heading to the real thing.  Thank goodness I did!  I found two gorgeous Fleurette coats in my size for a whopping 75% off each.  A red all wool coat and a camel all cashmere coat, both made in the USA of Italian Loro Piana fabric.  Since I was prepared to buy a Fleurette coat at full price, I easily justified buying two for the equivalent of half of one at retail.

The red wool Fleurette coat:

I wore the red coat home and can attest to its excellent warmth.  

The camel cashmere Fleurette coat:

Oooooh, I've wanted a pure cashmere coat all my adult life, but it always seemed like an unattainable luxury.  

For my outfit under the coat, I wore a cashmere sweater, wool skirt and wrapped a silk scarf around a necklace my friend made.

I also snapped up these wool/cashmere gloves with iPhone touch technology.  Very soft and warm! A nice little luxury to save my fingers while waiting for the L train.

Goodbye, puffy coat!  I vow to use it only in the most dire of circumstances.  :)

Soothing Summer Blues

Soothing Summer Blues by dbrackett featuring crochet shoes

Overcast skies and thunderstorms colored my week with steely blues and soft grays.  After months of bright sunshine and primary colors, this low-key palate soothed my eyes and spirit – and my sensitive skin, which was happy for  some cloud cover!

These colors and the feelings they evoke inspired this collage.  I began with the soothing familiarity of my own bicycle, then dressed my imaginary self in a made-to-order organic cottondress from Portland-based designer, Makool Loves You, paired with crocheted sneakers and a silky helmet cover. The cover is made for equestrian helmets, but I wonder if it would work for bicycling?  A lovely perfume would help with the sweat-free summer strategy – here I chose iris and white musk, the scent of a flowering garden after a heady summer storm.

I always have a book with me in my bike bag and this is a good time to delve into the work of America’s new Poet Laureate, Natasha Trethewey.

Overhead, pelicans glide in threes—
their shadows across the sand
dark thoughts crossing the mind.

My imagination paints this scene with the same blues and grays.

Bike Spring!

Bike Spring! by dbrackett featuring retro dresses

A little spring bike fashion inspiration from my blog, Let's Go Ride a Bike.  :)

Airy Spring Nighty

In late spring, my down-filled duvet is replaced by a light quilt and my flannel pj's by cooler t-shirts.  This year, I would like to upgrade from t-shirts to pretty, airy nightclothes.

I took a step in the right direction when I got this linen and silk drop waist nighty from Anthropologie.  (The clearance rack, of course.) 

I am ridiculously happy with this thing.   The cut is perfectly loose and drapey.  The natural fibers feel lovely against my skin.  (Note to self: I need more linen and silk in my life!)

I am unsure whether to consider this one of life's simple pleasures or an example of consumerism.  All I know is I am enjoying my spring nighty immensely.  :)

Style: To Venus and Back

My style for the past several years has been based on vintage dresses with cute flats, the occasional ruffle or lace welcome.  I am 30 years old now and find myself naturally moving away.   My inspirations are deep, muted colors - purple, gray, rose, slate - with a focus on material - cashmere, linen, wool.  All with confidently simple lines.

The photographs below of Tori Amos circa 1999 - her To Venus and Back era - exemplify this.

I am not there yet.  This exact outfit would not fit well in my life; I would feel costumed.  But something in these beautiful (film) photographs feels so right.

Some lyrics from To Venus and Back.

Suede

jets. are revving yes revving
from a central source and this.
has power over me. not because you feel
something or don’t feel something
for me but because.
mass. so big. it can swallow swallow
her whole star intact.