Musings: Uptown, Downtown

Only in New York would there be a "community look" that's distinctive of the neighborhood one lives in exists. In Brooklyn, you get all the "hipster" looks. In the Upper East Side you have the "ladies who lunches." In Soho/Lower East Side "models off duty" roam around the streets like the runway.  It's great seeing all these styles co-mingling in our fair, small city. But what about the "midtown" look? What is that?

Having recently moved from Hell's Kitchen to Chelsea, I thought a 20 block move wouldn't make a huge impact in terms of wardrobe choices in the weekends. After all, I come from a background of dressing corporate five days a week. (Dresses and killer heels, never a suit, unless I'd like to pull a Hedi Slimane Saint Laurent look.) So really, how much would my style evolve when it comes to dressing for leisure?

So it was out of ordinary when I plunked down money for a fur vest at What Comes Around Goes Around. Okay, it wasn't expensive (in fact, it was insanely cheap consider it's real sheep skin). But I surprised myself by wearing it all the time - running errands, eating brunch, going out to dinner with my family - and don't feel out of place whatsoever. In Chelsea, it's exactly the right thing to wear on a Saturday afternoon. At my old neighborhood, where the community consists mostly of young families and Broadway professionals, I'd feel out of place parading the exact outfit doing the exact same things 20 blocks south. Why do I feel this way? Is it because all the bright young things that live in Chelsea - and nearby meatpacking district touting the Milk Studio crowds - all share that same nonchalant luxe in the dead of winter?

The Chelsea look is more upscaled than the Soho girl but more relaxed than the Upper East Side madams. I can't explain it - it's neither uptown or downtown. Maybe the look should be called "midtown?" As Jen Brill (Chanel ambassador, Terry Richardson's muse and girl-about-town) once mused, "My downtown friends called my look 'uptown.' My uptown friends called my look 'downtown.' So what am I? Midtown?"

During a recent brunch, a group of bright 20 somethings walked into the restaurant wearing the most fabulous vintage - a 20s secretary blouse with red lips, a 70s print dress, a 80s Azzedine Alaia's bustier paired with slouchy paints - but the looks are modernized when paired with sleek black coats and sensible slim boots. A lady walked by with the most fabulous white bell-sleeve sweater I've ever seen - paired with a sleek Bottega Veneta leather woven hobo. These are the hi/low juxtapositions that only the Chelsea girls can do it so well.

I so need to learn a thing or two from this crowd.

Fashion Week: Vantan Tokyo

What: fostering young design talents via the intl x-seed program of Vantan Design Institute in Tokyo

Take away: three designers with distinct aesthetics presenting their graduate collection.

What we love: Sagan's poetic prints mixed with soft sweaters. Designer Natsuki Watanabe's interpretation of the woman is delicate and frail with a dose of dreamy romanticism - which on the runway translate into wool sheath dresses with vintage rose prints, our favorite of the evening.

(Photos coming soon.)

Fashion Week: DVF

What: rock n roll glam

Take away: You can't get more fun with Cara Delevigne (in her Cheshire-cat like smiles and flirty sway) opened the show in an animal print keyhole dress. The rock-n-roll vibe reverberates throughout the collection - one can see the influences of Rolling Stone's Mick Jagger in some (her suede wrap dresses reminiscent of Diane's own Studio 54 days), some in David Bowie, and overall a fun collection. Diane von Furstenberg has always been the champion of women, allowing them to express their femininity through easy dressing while maintaining the sort of glam that most designers are unable to accomplish in their aesthetics. Although the theme of "life is a party" isn't a new one for her, it is still refreshing to see her reinterpret this theme season after season.

What we love: the tuxedo wrap dress with leaf motif. Life's a party - drink it up!

Photo Credit: Style.com

Fashion Week: Herve Leger

 
What: graphic prints on signature body con dresses inspired by nature

Take away: surrealism is dominant in this collection inspired by Les Lalanne, an artist duo whose main subjects are animals and vegetation mixed in different mediums. The graphics are strong and to the point, with juxtaposition of delicate materials carefully laid on tougher fabrics. Designer Lubove Max Azria made the collection fit for all seasons by layering the dresses over sheer black wool sweaters. Overall it is a beautiful collection with a distinct point of view.

What we love: the black sequined bondage dress layered over sheer black sweater.


Photo Credit: Style.com

Current object of obsession: Zara necklace

Current collection. Available at most Zara stores now.