Coaching myself out of a rut: RTW, Spring '11
Sometimes I long for clothes that jog me out of my dependable-basics rut, but then, in a shop, I find the tried and true in my hands. I need to summon a higher vision.
While couture is the stuff of dreams, ready-to-wear must translate those dreams into getting dressed Monday morning or enjoying an evening out. This year, many designers sent out pieces that meet real-life requirements.
The best of Spring '11 transmits messages that I can pick up on, even if I don't buy the exact item. I just have to stay open.
Here are some RTW clothes I admire as much for their attitude as the specific style.
The matching shaped tunic updates the pantsuit, in supple silk. Mine might have sleeves.
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| Akris |
A suit in rich and varied fabrics reminds me to hold out for superb pattern:
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| Proenza Schouler |
A tonal mix, here grey but equally effective in blues or beiges, can be as summery-cool as white:
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| Bottega Veneta |
Or...monochrome, but with precise yet soft tailoring:
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| Cerutti |
A packable, playful coat in python-print iridescent taffeta sings in the rain! Note to self: avoid boring travel basics.
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| Marina Rinaldi |
Colour in unexpected combinations: dare unconventional pairings! There's world beyond navy and white.
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| MaxMara |
I like black, but I should make it interesting. Feathers: not on my list but I'm charmed.
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| Betty Jackson |
And, finally, to remember that cut reigns; this suit! Worn with those oxfords! Dame Vivienne Westwood turns 70 this year, so I could pull up my socks.
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| Vivienne Westwood Red Label |
Whether or not these exact clothes make it to my closet, I'm inspired by their point of view and quality.
Issues of access, size and budget notwithstanding, a look at the best of spring's designer RTW hones my eye and strengthens my resolve to save my pennies for something special.
Comments
Just kidding. The fabrics and styles in the photos are very lovely.
I love black too, but have been thinking about how to make it more interesting. Fabric is key.
P.S. The roofer says we don't need a new roof for another 5 years, just some sealant, so it looks like we're going to Paris Spring 2012. We got your Parisaddress tip from Mater's post and it looks intriguing!
C.
materfamilias: I think quality has dipped since the recession. I'm not getting thrilled in the bridge and mid brands.
Belle: See my remark to Anonymous @ 3:49; thanks!
laurieann: Travel brings out my worst all-black tendencies :)
Susan: Great news for your trip! Parisaddress has been wonderful to us. They even returned a rather large sum of euros that my son left behind!
Anonymous C: I keep trying to figure out how I used to have to choose among so many things I wanted and now am gobsmacked to find something that really raises my pulse. But I have lots so like you am coasting.
Tiffany: I'd like something in a well done python!
Anonymous @ 3:49: My history is checkered.
When I was single, up to my late '30s, I spent on designer clothes, watching for sales but sometimes paying full price, gasp. Then life and my size changed- a family and far less time to shop.
Fast forward 25 years: empty nested and can think about the occasional high-end piece again, but like you challenged to find sizes and unwilling to break the bank as I once did. Jewelry is returning more year over year value than clothing, which is why I post on it so often.
"As soon as I say I want a dress for my daughter's wedding, everything in the shop comes forth. They understand totally that the occasion is molto importante. Most brides' mothers, I think, do not want a mother-of-the-bride dress. All the lavender lace and beige crepe dresses designed with that in mind must go unsold. The suit I finally choose at a small shop, which makes everything especially for the customer, is orange. I never have had an orange dress in my life. It's a frosty silk orange, which requires two fittings. My sister will loan me her coral and pearl necklace. I find beautiful dull gold shoes with high heels that could kill. The wedding will be wonderful."
C.
Maybe I'll visit the Marina Rinaldi boutique on Calle Serrano when I'm in Madrid. Exchange rate and all, it might be worth the splurge...
and Rubationata, I love thinking of you shopping in Madrid for smoething inspired by our fabulous Duchesse -- who hosts the BEST conversations. We are soooooo going to share some fabulous glasses of wine in Montreal, n'est-ce pas? quelque jour? . . .
Rubiatonta: You might want a suit for your venture in Madrid. I want an "unstuffy" one like the Westwood, which I would buy instantly.
materfamilias: I would be delighted to have a glass of wine again with you in Mtl or anywhere!
But I am having a lot of trouble shopping now. Prices seem to keep going up and up and quality, at least in the lines I can afford, is slipping drastically. There was an article about this (WSJ?) during NY fashion week.
I would pay more for good materials, design, and construction, but it becomes increasingly difficult to find something that lives up to this criteria, especially without paying high end prices. Even then, size and cut is an issue.
It all brings me to thinking more about each purchase and refining the basics that I live in.
Quality in department store bridge lines that used to be pretty good (Anne Klein, Tahari) is poorer by the season: saggy knits, limp, muddy prints. Super short skirts, skimpy blouses.
At least the high prices will keep my wardrobe edited down!