I know, I know – I shouldn’t tease. But it’s 30 degrees outside, and as I look out my window, there’s a veil of frost over everything. I need a little light at the end of this wintry tunnel. So forgive me for seeing glimmers of springtime everywhere I look this week.
I’ve had it just about up to here with all of the designer/discount collaborations of the last few years. Haven’t you? I mean, really…has anyone not done a poly-acrylic knockoff of their greatest hits for Target or H&M by now? But a good diffusion line is an entirely different story, and one I can thoroughly get behind. With a diffusion line, the designer has infinitely greater creative (and production) control, and the prices – while still a far cry from what you’d pay for the main label – are high enough to ensure serious quality.
The point? Oh yes, that. Jason Wu debuted his new line, Miss Wu, exclusively at Nordstrom this week, and while a few of the pieces may lean a little too “Taylor Swift” for my sensible 30-something self, there are a few seriously stylish goodies to be had.
Erin ~ Winter is not my season. As soon as that cold weather blows in, you can barely see me under the layers of sweaters, coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. So a trend that is both stylish and warm? Sign me up. The oversized trend from Fall 2012’s runways can look architectural and very “model off-duty”, while allowing you to layer a few extra sweaters underneath to combat the cold.
Of course, the runway looks are incredibly theatrical and larger than life. So how do you wear this trend without looking like you just bought the wrong size or are impersonating the Michelin Man?
Kate M.W. ~ Despite the fact that I’m a strong advocate for flats, sometimes a pair of, say, suede platform wedge t-strap colour-blocked heels just catches my eye and I’m hooked. Completely practical? Perhaps not. But there’s something about these Darnell Wedges from Jeffrey Campbell that seem both playful and grown-up, appealing both to my inner child and my subtle chic older self. The mix of black, grey, and maroon provide a palette that’s versatile and easy to work with.
For some reason, this guide is always the hardest one for me…possibly because part of me thinks this whole blog is one giant style gift guide (isn’t it?). But still, I know we all have that trend-obsessed slave to fashion on our list who feels impossible to please. Take my word for it: your work’s officially done. Any one of these gifts is 100% SMC-guaranteed to put a geeky holiday grin on even the pickiest fashionista’s face.
But how do you wear this trend when you’re closer to forty than fourteen?
I think we all shop at certain stores during certain life phases. Forever 21 or Express when you’re still buying into every trend that passes by. The Limited when you grow out of those a bit. Banana Republic when you get your first “real job.”
So, when I stopped going to an office every day, I kind of forgot about Banana Republic. I didn’t have a bad experience, or think they were awful, I just…forgot. Now that I was no longer absolutely desperate for an army of dress trousers and shells to wear underneath suits – and, if I’m honest, now that I know how to step up my game a little in the world of professional attire – the Banana dropped off my radar.
But last week, I went poking around hunting for something for a friend, and came across more than a few pieces that made me think “Hey, I totally need that!”. Closely followed by “Wait. That’s only how much??”. Clearly, BR deserves a second look.
I have what friends might lovingly call a denim problem. Because I work from home, and because I live in a pretty casual part of the world (hello, fleece lovers!), I spend an exorbitant amount of time in jeans. To the point that I’ve had to have the seats in my car replaced because they’re covered in denim dye. Truly, I’ve tried to stop. But what are my alternatives? Cords? No. They make strange sounds when you walk, and leave woefully unflattering color changes when you sit. Khakis? Absolutely not. Have you ever looked at your backside in a pair of khakis?
So, what’s a girl to do?
As it turns out, the solution lies with those impossibly stylish folks at MiH Jeans. They singlehandedly resurrected the trouser/flare jean a few years back (for which I’m still thanking them), and now they’ve just launched their latest and greatest: a collection that translates their signature denim fits into a whole range of perfectly-fitting casual pants to get us through the winter.
The beauty of MiH, as with all denim, is the fit – and friends, the fits at MiH are absolutely dreamy, whatever your figure. They espouse a more structured style, which is very good news for your physique (though it does mean sizing up, so be prepared).
If you’re petite, you’re going to adore their Brighton, a cropped mid-rise style that should land right in that ultra-flattering base-of-the-calf/top-of-the-ankle zone and sit comfortably above your hips. I’m thoroughly in love with this grey flannel version which is, let’s face it, about as versatile as it gets.
And for my tall girls, have you met the MiH Marrakesh? Long, lean, and a stunner whether you have curves or not, this high-waisted flare does some gorgeous things for a figure, trust me. I’m head over heels for this one in hunter twill, which has such a fresh feel after all of those colored skinny jeans we were inundated with all summer.
(For the record, I can’t think of the last time I styled something in which I wanted every.single.piece. quite so badly. That blazer? Those boots? The leather-trim tee? Come on!)
If you love them as I do, don’t dally…shell out some support for MiH’s daring adventure into the world of casual pants, and let’s see if we can turn them into this season’s staples. Vote with your wallets, people!