Fashion Forum Friday: Audience Participation Day!

“What do we do when we fall off the horse? …..We get back on!”-Maury Ballstein

“Sorry, Maury, but I’m not a gymnast.”- Derek Zoolander

This was the excerpt of dialogue running through my mind as I prepared to compose today’s entry. Zoolander is a very inspirational film. That’s right; I went there. I said “film”.

Anyhow, let’s see if we can’t recover from yesterday’s blog debacle.

I keep talking and talking and talking about Northgate Vintage, and it remains to be seen how long I can extend the subject. Methinks awhile, as the shop and its patrons have challenged me, unbeknownst to them, to step further out of my fashion comfort zone and into an arena of style I’ve only admired thus far.

For years now, my paramount goal in my own personal styling has been to perpetuate the classicism of old Hollywood bastions such as Audrey Hepburn, Bridget Bardot, and Natalie Wood. How my executions had been, I’m not certain. Still, I have always strived for a more tailored, sophisticated look with these inspirations lingering in my mind.

As of late, I’ve felt a tug in a different direction. By no means do I plan on abandoning my Audrey Hepburn classicism, or at least my love for it, but I am increasingly interested in developing more of a boho chic look. It’s a thin line to walk, though, and one must proceed with caution. In attempting to look like a whimsical yet sophisticated gamine, I could easily envision myself just looking sloppy. Or, as in the literal meaning of the word…like an urchin.

So far I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my venture out into bohemian fashion…or at least my translation of it. I believe it may be crucial, at least for myself, to meld the two styles together. I think them mutually inclusive, Classic and Bohemian. Clahemian? Nope, not appropriate. Scratch that. We’ll stick with Classic Bohemian.

Last night, B. Lacy performed a set at Northgate Vintage’s First Thursday musical gathering. If you reside in our vicinity, you need to come to one of Ranger’s (owner of NGV) First Thursday events. Awesomocity. Be ye warned, though. Thou shant find any other recourse for departure other than to purchase stuff. Not that you’re required to; the event’s free. But you will purchase stuff; that I can promise. The giddy influence of local musicians and complimentary Pabst Blue Ribbon will see to it. And so they did and are responsible for my Fashion Forum item of the week.

I’m loving this with capri leggings and simple wedges. I also like that it doesn't encompass one particular decade. The print is very late 70s or early 80s. The halter cut has been around since Jesus walked the earth.

One key factor can make or break the boho look. Less is more. Choose your statement piece and fortify it with other minimalist items. I could see one piece of statement jewelry complimenting this dress well. Perhaps a bangle.

If you superfluously layer on various stand out pieces, your ensemble has no focus point and attention is diverted in far too many directions. Results: Slapdash Thrifty Nickel or Little Girl Playing Dress Up. Neither of which are desirable. And it’s surprisingly simple to want to do. Watch out!

Carrie Bradshaw may be burned in gen X’s brain as the paragon of daring panache, but let me clue all you Gen Y-ers in on something groundbreaking. Often, the character was over accessorized. Daring and groundbreaking? Yes. Verging on clownishness? Often. The stylist was trying far too hard to be off beat and shocking. I respect the attempts and do like to challenge myself and others, but let’s all remember how easy it is to just look…drunk.

I love layering clothes, and I love layering jewelry. But the same rules apply.

Okay, I’m off my soapbox and want to know what your anticipated weekend wear is. Also, any tips you can give me? I love to hear the thoughts of others.

Bon Weekend!