5 Reasons Why I Love Daffy's

1.) Because today I got a 100% cashmere short sleeve White+Warren sweater in tan for only $20. Cashmere! White+Warren Cashmere! Two hours later I am still in disbelief.

2.)Because today I also got a pair of Steve Madden shoes for $30: a patent grey thick heeled pump with a ruffled T-strap, the Impereal. They are awesome, perfect for spring's New Neutral look, AND they are still in the retail outpost and Macy's for close to full price! One reason why I really love these shoes is because the heel is not too extravagant, and I can definitely last a whole day getting around the city with no problem in them. This shoe miracle happened to me once before, too. Weeks after I bought a sexy cognac colored fringed pump, the Bijoux, they were not even on sale in other locations. This pair is also great for spring, as fringe is still all over.

3.) Packages of men's undershirts by Calvin Klein (and others) for really cheap. You know it's amazing how many times a plain white V-neck tee saves an outfit... or makes an outfit.

4.) Another time, I found a white tiered See by Chloe dress. It's A-line ease and airy silk echoed the feeling that took over the runways a couple of years back. Maybe you remember that post from my Philly Style gig, when I first described how hidden treasures are awaiting your rescue among the outdated mannequins, horribly styled window displays, and truckloads of Italian labels that don't really work for this city. It wasn't until after I did some internet research that I realized a belt should have come with the dress, but; I still consider this a major score. It's just beautiful. I've worn it before with a thick black belt and open toe black flats with the slightest of a wedge heel. I reminded myself of Breakfast at Tiffany's for some reason, not an exact look, but the feeling of the look. Possibly, one day, I will get around to photographing my looks.

5.) There's barely ever anybody in there!

"They Just Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To..."

This has become a favorite phrase of mine while working in the Historic Costume Collection at Drexel University. It pertains to, literally, everything I've touched with my gloved hands: hats, wedding dresses, suits, shoes, coats, everything. 

It especially relates to the unbelievable craft of Norman Norell, under the label Traina Norell, circa 1950. This man, who also designed under the Hattie Carnegie label before Traina Norell, and under his own eponymous label post Traina Norell, has become a small obsession of mine. Okay, a large obsession of mine. 

So, you could imagine how the weight of a stressful day in the grad fashion program floated off of my shoulders when my boss, the chief curator of the collection, told me my first task of the day was to organize the Norells. A warm rush of happiness replaced it as I made my way through the racks, gazing up at the evening gowns hanging way above my head. 

Organizing the Norells is a dream, not a job. I took my time. I studied the proportions, the exciting use of color, the lines, oh the simple lines... and I fought the inclinations to try on the day dresses, with their big buttons, their belted waists. Instead, I daydreamed about the sunglasses I would wear with them, the plain, clean-lined pumps that I'd pick to match. Through my thin gloves, I fingered the thick wool of the coats, their colors still vibrant after all of these years, hanging, lonely on these racks. 

By the time I snapped out of it, all of the gorgeous, floor length evening gowns were hanging with their sisters, the coats were with the coats. The day dresses were in color order in front of the cocktail dresses and behind the skirt suits. My lucky eyes kept taking in the seriousness of the Norell collection, wondering if these wonderful clothes would ever be exhibited. Wondering if anyone knew what really hangs behind the doors that is the DHCC. 

Here are two photos of the gorgeous model Dorian Leigh wearing Traina Norell designs. The LBD in the center to the right is in the Met's Historic Costume collection, and the checked suit and the other LBD are actually for sale on different vintage websites. These designs are so "clean" that I feel they are still completely relevant in the fashion environment of today. I mean, just look at the dress in the center, there. Amazing! I will have to make a reproduction for myself once I learn how to really sew.

And these old ads, from 1947 and 1950, respectively, are just gorgeous! Talk about inspiration photos. I will definitely be inspired by Norman Norell, the first ever recipient of the Coty Fashion Award (predecessor to the CFDA Awards), for the remainder of my professional fashion career.
I'm talking collections, fashion editorials, and wardrobe additions! I will spend the rest of my life trying to get my hands on a Norell dress for my personal closet, and then I will wear it all the time.

Blair Waldorf, meet Alber Elbaz

So, Gossip Girl is my favorite thing on television right now, and I've been getting super inspired by Leighton Meester's character Blair. Blair loves Breakfast at Tiffany's and Yale, and she's both a vulnerable daughter and a down-right bitchy queen bee. She's the best character I've come across in awhile, and she totally steals the show. Serena (Blake Lively) is a complete yawn compared to Blair. 

Her style is simply impeccable. Preppy. Classic. Although it's not my personal style, I find myself enchanted.

Just like the first time I found out who Alber Elbaz was, on my first day interning in Glenda Bailey's office at BAZAAR. I stood for at least an hour and a half in front of the machine, photo-copying the look book of Lanvin's Fall 2005 show. Who was this genius? What label was this? Has this man really made these women look so enchanting, by dressing them up in his clothes?

I was in love with him and his work like I'm in love with Gossip Girl now. And if Blair Waldorf was a real person and I was her stylist, I would have her in these Lanvin looks below. They are timeless and so is she. 

From left to right: Spring 2005, Spring 2009, Pre Fall 2008, and a grouping from Fall 2005

Images of Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf resulted from a simple Google Image Search.