outfit extravaganza

Starting from the top...

Mexican Art Deco: This is what I was wearing when I walked into the Balenciaga store in West Hollywood. Yes, I was designer shoe-less, Levi-wearing having animated conversation with Balenciaga shop girls. This probably only happened because I had just been across the street at MOCA looking at security-guarded Rodarte dresses in the dark from behind a white line. One of the shop girls wore a black pillbox hat with one long black feather cradling her face. Details like this is what really makes the experience. That, and the futuristic hidden headquarters of a store with built in runway screens, fantastic fabric that you can touch, and the feeling that it goes on forever (like a casino!). Mexican silver jewelry from our honeymoon in Mexico City, Marc Jacobs blouse from friend's closet clean out (FCC, I will call it from now on in this post), Levi's 501 jeans, 80's belt.

That Swiss Mexican Girl: One of the most beautiful girls I have ever seen was a girl I knew in college who was Swiss Mexican. I am confabulating when I think that she dressed like this. She would have looked so good in this outfit! Actually, this choice of outfit is about trying to reconcile Mexican me with the Orange County resort scene. Matty M sweater, my mom's Mexican dress, homemade silk belt with wooden buckle, Teva boots.

Librarian in Barcelona: I pretend that many of my outfits take place in Barcelona. Here, I am taking a moment to try to focus. "Where, oh where is the Gaudì section? I mean, I work here. I should know these things. Was it the fourth floor? Huh, I probably just need a Spanish latte to awaken my memory." Marc Jacobs FCC sweater, Levi's jeans, Poleci FCC blouse, Mingle earrings.

marc jacobs, teva, and brazil

The Brazil part is my friend Denise who was just summering in South America "not buying shoes". Oh, no, she said, not this time. She might not understand that we shoe mortals all benefit from her shoe shopping and wearing. Her shoes brighten our day... sometimes in technicolor, but always with style. They say to me, "Fun, fun! You can always have fun!" Here is Denise' clothes story:

"Okay, so I saw them and instantly thought 'old school glamor meets funk'. A bit of Carmen Miranda, a bit Copacabana showgirl." Yeah!

Alright, more clothes stories... I became obsessed with these boots because they represent a fairy tale life of style complete with a magical cottage in the woods. It helps that an identical pair are often worn by this stylish girl who lives in a fairy tale cottage in the "woods". For example, I recently called her: "Where are you?" "Oh, I just went down to play in the creek." I'm sure she looked amazing doing it. The boots are Teva and they are waterproof. Perfect for playing down by the creek... or going to sip a cappuccino at Intelligentsia.

Lastly, my sweet friend (oh, I wish I could link "sweet friend" to her blog, but she does not have one - drat!) gave me these happy, sparkling gloves by Marc for Marc Jacobs. I had never been a fan of this designer, and I think my lukewarm attitude was based on those advertisements that feature photography by Juergen Teller. The photos are not my cup of tea, so I never really noticed the clothes. Then, I came across a documentary on this designer by French t.v. I do love seeing an artist in action. I like checking out their process from how and if they collaborate with others to where they find inspiration. Even seeing their moments of self doubt is so interesting to me. I guess it helps me learn about myself. My favorite moment is when he just starts pinning stuff to a pair of pants a model is wearing - in the moment of creation! He seemed like a cool person, and the clothes are stunning. Check it out.


Oh, and there are tiny elasticized holes in the tops of the thumbs and forefingers to allow one to use one's iPhone.
I know.