I wish this was real!

I love this editorial! It's featured in the December issue of French Vogue, by far the best Vogue of the Vogues when it comes to creative fashion editorials, imho. I'm assuming these dolls are meant to be barbies, but it reminds me of the pleasant company catalogue that always came around christmastime when I was a kid. "Valentino" looks just like my dining room! Which one would you choose?!

via trendland

a hat for one season

When worn purely For Fashion, I find hats silly and pointless. I don't mean to make blanket statements, but as far as I can tell, the only people who can pull them off are frenchies (see: Jane Birkin, Brigitte Bardot, Clemence Poesy...)

 and the olsen twins, obv.

But there's a time and place for everything, and with summer fast approaching (and with it, my last twenty-something-th birthday) I feel it might be time to take every single magazine's advice and start wearing a sun hat, strictly seasonally, in order to protect my own delicately youthful visage. Because I don't know about you guys but I plan on sunning all summer long--I need it! Only, finding Just The Right Hat isn't always easy. Shape-wise, I'm pretty particular. I look ridiculous in baseball caps, so those are out. I'm afraid anything too nautical would be overkill with the stripes I will invariably be wearing all season long. Fedoras are too structured and indiana-jone-y for my taste, and I feel I'd need considerably more hat-wearing experience to feel comfortable in anything very floppy or wide-brimmed.  It should be made of straw, or raffia, in a neutral color, with as little adornment as possible; something utilitarian, but more safari-goer than gardener.

So to recap, I'm in the market for something understated, summery and soft (but not too soft), with a brim wide enough to block the sun, but not so wide as to make me conspicuous. And wouldn't you know it? The aforementioned Olsen Twins have hit the nail on the head with their recent collaboration with Yestadt Millinery, the results of which topped off The Row's s/s 2014 collection.

A cloche! Of course! Part bee-keeper, part Coco Chanel, equally dramatic and understated, it's everything I could ever want in a hat, and more. Trouble is, these don't appear to be for sale anywhere in the whole internet (though something tells me I couldn't afford it even if they were...) You can buy a similarly-shaped canvas fisherman hat, also by Yestadt Millinery, for $220 at Nordstrom, but that's obviously not going to cut it. So what's a summer girl to do? Googling 'straw cloche' resulted in few tenable options. I did find a couple that might suit, provided that their ribbons are removable, here and here. But by far the closest thing I've been able to find is this pleated straw cloche by Kangol.

Not sure how comfortable I feel spending $46 on a hat, especially one that isn't quite right (the ones for The Row are slightly more belled and asymmetrical, their straw braiding considerably more refined) but I suppose you can't have it all. And wouldn't this look great with my sunglasses? It may just have to do for now. But, I'm still on the lookout for Just the Perfect Thing. Please let me know if you find it! 

AUTUMNAUTICAL

I used to think maybe it was plaid, or fair isle, because of the pattern; but in terms of comfort and ubiquity, I've decided that the winter equivalent to a classic breton top is an oatmealy and perfectly ovine fisherman's jumper. When worn correctly, each impart an old-world, at-home-on-the-beach look, but an arran sweater is so much more celtic and familiar. Around September, I remember that I actually own these articles, and being looking for excuses to wear them; paired with flat leather sandals and some ratty denim cutoffs, it's my favorite outfit of all time, the perfect mix of cozy and beachy, only to be worn this time of year. But the coast is the best place to be any season. Cool-weather nautical is, for me, the perfect, perfectly angst-y vibe to channel through late autumn and directly in to winter. You just have to imagine you're there. Think craggy cliffs breaking frothy waves of ice; wild winds buffeting tufts of heather on cliff tops; dark men dressed in wool, looking stern  under dark skies. 

You know, just like this:

I would live my entire life within this editorial. It's like, Wuthering Heights meets the Secret of Roan Inish. It's exactly what I want. Perhaps with the lead male re-cast, though Adam Driver does have  a certain charm... And speaking of charming, what about that magical, purely bluest gown? (Alberta Ferretti, satin-velvet, $3,000, just so you know.) But it's all perfect, really. Daria Werbowy wearing that golden nose ring, by the sea, is making me feel so wistful for a certain magical time in my past, it hurts.

Days gone by!

Adam Driver and Daria Werbowy by Annie Lebovitz for Vogue; sweater pic via fromparis2london

the platonic jumpsuit

I usually dont go for Rompers. I think, at best, they make you look like a college freshman at a music festival who shops at Forever21, and at worst, like a slutty/disheveled adult babydoll (Im looking at you, Hannah Horvath). They tend to come with a lot of bells and whistles in the form of weird patterns and strange clasps, and overall, they strike me as cheap-looking. But this is different! And maybe I would never have felt this way, this time last year, but Ive completely fallen in love with this now-sold-out, four-hundered-and-fifty-dollar beige-and-navy colorblocked cotton jumpsuit from Makié. Can you imagine one single thing more comfortable and convenient to wear in the summertime? 

So breezy. With a pair of nude leather flats and some circular sunglasses? Maybe a denim jacket? Come on. Only, I don really understand how you get in and out of it? Which is my number-one problem with jumpsuits in the first place. So scratch what I said earlier about convenient, unless theres some trick I dont know about. Tell me if there is!!!

the platonic sunglasses

Ive made a decision which is that Im only ever going to wear round sunglasses from now on. Chase bought me a pair of wayfarers for christmas a few years ago, and I really like them because theyre like, classic, or whatever. But I was looking at some pictures of myself wearing them, and they just dont look right on me. Its mildly heartbreaking, but Im willing to accept it. But let me show you. Here I am, making the same face (and wearing the same shirt) in two different pictures, with two different pairs of sunglasses on:

the wayfarers in question;

and my good ol roundies, I like to call them. 

The round ones just look better. But its more than that. I prefer them on aesthetic principle, regardless of the fact that I also believe them to be more flattering. Incidentally, it matters to me that they be entirely, perfectly round, not just sort of round-ish. Oddly and irregularly shaped sunglasses--aviators, cat-eyes, various trapezoids--dont sit right with me, conceptually or on my flattest face (which is maybe partly the reason why). Ive realized that I only like pure shapes--that is to say, circles, equilateral triangles, pentagons, and the rest of the regular polygons.  If I cant classify the shape of something Im wearing, its distracting to the point of discomfort. Maybe Im overstating things but also I think I just dont know how to describe this part of my brain properly. Its why I like stripes so much, and, specifically, stripes of the same width. I think, ultimately, it has to do with my affinity for symmetry. When things are off-balance, I have an overwhelming desire to set them straight. I think if someone made me wear one of those one-shoulder tops I would go mad over the course of the evening, trying to correct the imbalance. But a circle is always perfectly circular. Do you know what I mean, or do I sound like a freak right now?

Anway, another nice thing about circular glasses is that, like I said, a circle is a circle. Which means that, no matter how much they cost, if theyre shaped like circles, then theyre right. So you can buy cheap ones and it makes really no difference (unless quality is something that concerns you). Asos is a good place for cheap sunglasses, regardless of your personal style or your philosophy on symmetry--though they have plenty of pricier name-brands, too.

Love that color-blocked tortoise shell! And the nude pair would look great on you blondies and gingies out there. Maybe your life is different than mine, but for me, cheap sunglasses are usually a good idea because I lose them, and Felix sometimes breaks things (though now that he has his own sunglasses hes less interested in mine). I cant honestly believe Ive had my wayfarers as long as I have, and that nothing bad has happened to them in all this time. Its truly shocking! 

p.s. Isnt baby felix the sweetest? I cant believe these pics were taken a year ago! He looks exactly the same to me.

the platonic bathing suit

um, ok you guys. This could be the perfect bathing suit of all time. I cant think of a single thing I would change about it. It even has underwires, and removable straps--these things are important! I dont own it so Ive never worn it, but doesnt it look so so flattering? And of course, I love the colors! Just imagine me wearing this, poolside, with some sunglasses and a giant John Daly in hand...

Topshop, youve done it again! I want this so badly my face hurts! Also, my only other swimsuit is now ten years old and keeps its shape even when no one is wearing it so, its pretty obvious I need a new one.

Quick, someone, buy this for me please! (that means you, Chase!)

image via topshop.com

the platonic flat

Ivy and Me at a friends wedding, summer 2010

Once, when I got back to America after being on the Isle of Man for about half a year, my friend Ivy (whose hopefully happy birthday it is today!) gifted me a pair of shoes. She bought them at The Wardrobe, this pretty dingy but incredibly popular second-hand charity shop in Columbia, Missouri. They were worn out already but it didnt matter, because they were the perfect shoes of all time, these tan leather peep-toe flats that went with absolutely everything and whose color--which, in the summer, matched my skin almost perfectly--had a lovely leg-lengthening effect. I wore those shoes in to the ground, literally, and it was with heavy heart that I eventually discarded them, in the winter time, just before we moved to Memphis. Of course the fact that weve lived in dreary, muddy, rain-riddled countryside for the past one million years has made it easy to forget about those shoes... but the breezy, unusually warm day we had today (nearly 50℉ it was!) has got me thinking of them again. Its my belief that one perfect pair of shoes is all you need (per season, of course), and these really did go with everything; they were so chic and understated and somehow so much more sophisticated than ballet flats, which they made look incredibly childish. These were slightly pointier, you see. So far I havent found the perfect replacement, but I believe these two come pretty close:

these, from topshop,

and these, from ELF even moreso; theyre not peep-toe but they are so beautiful, and slightly pointy.

In my book, no shoe can be truly perfect if it costs more than $100 (a stipulation dictated by my pocketbook, not my heart, obviously) and these both fit the bill. I just wonder if I can do even better?

Keep your eyes peeled, guys!

the platonic haircut?

Chic frenchie hair like this lady:

or long, mermaidy (and arguably even frenchier) hair, like these two:

Ill never decide!

images via here & here

the platonic striped top

Remember the only striped shirt I have? I like it a lot and people always compliment it, but like I said before, for some reason I feel like its not quite the perfect, platonic striped shirt. Because the stripes are too wide. Ive been thinking a lot about this, and Ive decided that the thickness of a stripe is inversely proportionate to the coolness of a shirt, as the wider the stripe is, the more deliberately 'stripey' the top appears, and therefore less incidentally cool. Also, I think the dark/light stripes should be of equal width, which explains why the top I got from Uniqlo isnt exactly perfect, despite its black stripes being very thin. Incidentally, I used to have one that looked pretty much exactly like the one ol' kurt is wearing, above. Only it was an XL from gapkids--so, while pleasantly boxy, it was not particularly flattering to my ladyshape. So I got rid of it, pre-move. What Im trying to say is, I need another one! Ive learned my lesson about boxy crew-necks (the lesson is that they look much better on a boy) so it cant look exactly exactly like Kurts, unfortunately. The best, most feminine iteration Ive found is this top, which, sorry, I already told you about (twice)--but its only perfect and I cant stop thinking about it:

The peplum isnt exactly grunge, but Im pretty sure I could dress it down... or up! And speaking of perfect stripey tops from JCrew... technically, an ideal striped top can only be white/cream+navy/black, but youre allowed to have more than one top, you know, and they dont all have to be perfect. These comme des garcons shirts are exactly like mine, but in fun new colors, and I want them all! Except that theyre like a million dollars each. Ill let you know when I find them on ebay, which is where I got my first one, for like a fifth of the price of these. Suckers!

images via here, here & here

the platonic... sink?

Cant really figure out why this circular waterstation sink, by KWC, is no longer being made. Maybe there were problems with it that I dont know about... but not knowing anything about that, it looks to me like the most perfect sink I can imagine. The built-in colander alone makes it ideal, but then it also has a cutting board. Genius. Right? Here it is in action at The Reserve, a private home in South Carolina, where it served as the main inspiration for this custom kitchen designed by Tim Odom. I want one!

images by Gregg Willet via here

the platonic ballet flat

oh my lord. These are it. I want these shoes to be mine forever. And, if they were the only shoes I was allowed to own, Im 100% positive Id be fine with it. Theyre the perfect thing: so simple, just the right shape, all leather, in the perfect peachy-pinky color thats not too sweet--just sweet enough! Im in love!

image via here

the platonic silk shirt

Silk is easily my favorite clothing material; its so beautiful and comfortable and chic. Look how good elin kling looks in hers! The only thing I really own in silk is a sleeveless shell top I bought for probably one dollar at a charity shop back home. I cant wear it in the winter! Its sad! I used to have a huge cream-colored silk blouse from the same shop, but its since gone missing, and it was too big anyway. What Im saying is, I want need a proper silk blouse so badly! I mean, look how good elin kling looks in hers (from hip swedish designer Filippa K, and way out of my price range):

Its the perfect thing, right? I figure, whenever I do end up buying one, since theyre usually pretty expensive, it will be my only one--its got to be the Perfect One. My requirements:

-neutral color that goes with everything 

-boyish cut that is slouchy, but fits well

-probably button-up...?

-made of 100% purest silk

-price-wise, hopefully a hundo-or-less

I feel this silk shirt by Zara isnt exactly perfect, though it technically meets all of my requirements, but it  nonetheless makes it onto my list because somehow, despite being made of 100% pure mulberry silk, it only costs £49.95, and so would certainly do:

However, if were talking actual perfection, so far it seems that the J.Crew/Madewell family is my best bet: theirs are cut exactly how I want mine, though are, unfortunately, twice as much as the zara one. Bummer. My two favorites are this slouchy washed silk boyshirt, by Madewell--washed silk has the best texture and I love the pale purpley-blue shade

and this French-hen print silk boyshirt by Jcrew. Navy and white (the best combo) with the sweetest print that reminds me of princess Dianas sheep jumper, (in a good way), this  may be the actual perfect one!

I want it! Badly!

images via here, here  here & here

the platonic trouser

I only saw this photo on some tumblr and its a shame because I have no idea where these trousers were made and by whom... but if you ask me these are the best pair in probably the whole world. 

Where oh where will I find them???

the platonic boot

My everyday/diaper bag, which I carry always, is brown leather--unfortunately, pretty much the same shade as many of the boots Ive seen and considered purchasing for the fall/winter. You see, if something matches too exactly, I find it not only old fashioned, but tacky (am I way off base?). On the other hand, if something is floral then, in my opinion, it goes with everything. So Ive been keeping my eye out for a pair that fit the bill. Only a lot of what Ive seen is a little too floral, by which I mean, too precious:

See what I mean? Too pastel, too shiny, and altogether too reminiscent of tea cups. Which is not the kind of floral that Im looking for. But then I found this pair of floral tapestry boots from Topshop: 

Arent they perfect? Floral but dark, cute but not too cute... I literally cant think of one thing with which I would not wear them. And Im not sure but Im almost positive theyre the perfect shape, what with the ankle height, almond toe, baby chunky heel, and little zippy dealie on the side. Plus, they look comfortable, no? And what a perfect texture!

Just imagine how well theyd go with a pair of floral tights a la this outfit from Hermes 2012!

Platonic Shopping: an introduction

While Im usually jealous of impressed by girls who have the kind of wardrobes that allow them to sport something new and different virtually every day, I personally tend towards Uniform Dressing--that is, consistently wearing essentially the same (of course, seasonal) outfit, because why bother messing about when you already know exactly what suits you. And of course it does lend itself well to young motherhood, as these days I find I no longer have the time to play dress-up in my own closet, nor periodic access to the substance that used to make my otherwise repetitive dress-up sessions so enjoyable... if you know what I mean. But not only is this method of dressing ideally suited to my current lifestyle, it is also apparently my Sartorial Destiny, for despite attempts to add variety to my wardrobe when shopping, I invariably pick out slightly different but more or less exact copies of the approximately ten articles of clothing already in my possession. Its not that Im trying to repeat myself, its just that Im forever drawn to a few certain pieces. Unfortunately, it isnt Investment Shopping, due to my unwillingness/inability to invest any decent amount of cash in my purchases; instead, I like to call it Platonic Shopping: forever seeking, and failing to find, the ideal anything. Its sad, and its a real problem for me. But knowing that you dont actually have the Perfect Anything makes you relatively detached, which is great if youre Nomadic; when we left for England, I easily shed at least half of my wardrobe. Now Im left with only one of the most elusive items in my wardrobe: the Striped Shirt. People who know me personally mayb be familiar with this obsession of mine--but despite the literally dozens of iterations Ive owned in the past, I have still yet to find the Perfect One. This is the version I have now:

 and its fine, though there are some problems with it, which I wont go into just yet (this is only an introduction, after all). The point is, Im sick of wearing things that are sort of, but not quite, what Id like to be wearing. Maybe it doesnt bother other people so much, but when you have only one of something, you want it to be the right one, no? So, because of everything Ive just said, Ive decided to bite the bullet and start really looking for, and more importantly, paying for, those ten-odd elements of my probably very boring, but undeniably reliable, wardrobe, to which I will introduce you shortly. Stay tuned!