A Very Rainy Day in Philly

I've said this once before in my old, resting in peace, blog for Philly Style: Just because it's raining and cold outside does not mean a person should dress like a clown. Do the fashion world a favor and take another cue from Kate Moss (here at Glastonbury with that ex). Wear Hunter rain boots. Wear them in black or dark olive or hunter green. Do not wear them in neon, or polka dot, or fun-colored plaid.

Dark and dreary days make for great fashion opportunities. Look at Ashley Olsen: it's a breeze to look put together without much thought. Even if you're getting dressed off your floor, you can find the key pieces. Yesterday's jeans, a warm, stylish jacket, an even warmer, big scarf, black rain boots, and voila! When I (hopefully) have cash in the new year I definitely want to get a pair of these in black. 

Until then, I have an odd love of wearing my old (really old, from high school), beat up Dr. Martens. I've been wearing them with skinny jeans tucked in and the tongue sticking out--kinda quirky-like. I know they are ugly, but that's partly why I love them. They are indestructible, which is quite respectable, and they keep my feet dry and warm in rain and snow. 

Of course, there is always the trench coat when it comes to slick, sleek style. But it owes itself more to Les Printemps than L'Hiver, and; it must be worn with respect to its classic beauty.

Which is why I prefer to wear the trench on a partly cloudy day with a chance of rain. Then you can wear sunglasses and not feel weird. I mean, what's wrong with people who wear sunglasses while its raining? 

The option for wearing a trench in rain is to wear your heels and walk with care. Carry an umbrella. Never wear rain boots and a trench, please. 

To combat a little more cold or wind, I like layering a hooded sweatshirt underneath my trench. It gives a more urban street style. 

Now get out there, stay dry and stay fabulous!

Ed Note-- A fashion friend of mine recently pointed out that the bottom sole of my Doc's affirm their strength. "Dr. Martens Cushion Sole: Oil/Fat/Acid/Petrol/Alkali Resistant." And I thought they were good in the cold rain and snow!

My Favorite Vogue Cover and Irving Penn

This cover of Vogue, May 2004, shot by Irving Penn, stopped me in my tracks in Philly's Market East Station. I convinced my boyfriend to buy it for me because I didn't even have any money. I'm still grateful, and I'll never forget it. Moments after finishing reading this issue, I dropped my subscription card in the mailbox. This cover is up there with Tim Blank's television show Fashion File, Tom Ford's design reign at Gucci, and Kate Moss' stylish existence for the most inspiring reasons why I love and am addicted to all things fashion. 

So, thanks, Vogue, and thank you, Mr. Penn.

This image always makes me happy. It is utter beauty. Nicole Kidman is amazing by all accounts, but never so much as here.

I don't think any photographers are like Irving Penn. Others are great, yes. He is a master.


This is my favorite picture of his wife, Lisa Fonssagrives Penn. She was often his subject. What a love story; it makes me warm and fuzzy on the inside.

This is another of his Vogue covers, from 1950.

When you get off the elevators at Vogue, there are huge, framed Irving Penn portraits lining the walls of the lobby. I particularly remember a breathtaking shot of Shalom Harlow. She has a similarly powerful, striking face to his wife. I'll scour the stacks at the library and see if I can find that photo.

Some other great shots:

And the way he shot this Issey Miyake piece in the 80's kind of blows my mind. The soft curve of the shell sweater contrasts the model's choppy, ragged hair, yet I feel it's very organic. But also so fresh and clean. 

Yes, Yes it's all quite amazing.

I Heart Frye and I Want Moccasins

On Thanksgiving morning, my mom and I started a new tradition: flea market shopping. It does sound trashy, and you can't be too proud when you go there, because, well, it mostly is. I won't give away my location, but I will tell you that I got these amazingly beautiful grey oxford booties for $40.00. Online searches are ringing these babies up around $200. Another sweet deal for me. In the future, I'd love to pick up a neutral brown colored flat boot, while I'm waiting for my others to be repaired. Those are Steve Madden pieces of junk compared to the quality and gorgeous leather of Frye.

So here they are:


I'm also dying for some moccasins. While pondering a non-Ugg solution to warm winter feet, I turned to the Native North Americans. A couple friends have a nice L.L.Bean slipper version that's semi-durable for winter wear, but they weren't cutting it for me. I found a place online called The Wolf Den, in Canada. I really like the idea of an authentic moccasin, and how warm do these look? They're all sheepskin. I can't wait for their arrival.

Romeo Gigli

While working in Drexel's Historic Costume Collection, I recently learned about the late 80s, early 90s designs of Romeo Gigli, and; I was fascinated by his ideas of layering such luxurious separates. He often used changeable silks, appearing iridescent, for pants, button down shirts, blazers and shoes. He offered crop tops to go over baggy tent shirts or to be worn with high-waisted bottoms. He used menswear tailoring, exotic materials (like antique buttons from India, or cloths made from pineapples), and an artistic sense of color. A collection of his separates is truly inspiring. It's so sad that he has lost control of the collection bearing his name.

Here's some of his clothing:


Autumn / Winter 1987


Autumn / Winter 1990


Spring / Summer 1990


Autumn / Winter 1992


Autumn/Winter 1993

There's not so much of his work out there on the web. I found these images in the Style section of the International Herald Tribune's website. I would love to see one of his complete runway shows. The colors are just so beautiful and rich.

Recently, he began the clothing line, Io Ipse Idem. The latin phrase has some tongue-in-cheek reference to the collection's inability to be eponymous. And, I think it's going to be beautiful. I have a feeling that he's like a Ralph Rucci type, very much appreciated by few people, but really, very talented. I feel very lucky to have learned about him. I will definitely be keeping my eyes on the runways for this collection, and I'll be interested to see how his immaculately clean, yet super detail-oriented designs influence fashion this time around.


New Gigli, Io Ipse Idem


More New Gigli, Io Ipse Idem