T-shirt designer Atypyk has caused quite a stir with their ‘Be Tough’ t-shirt which includes a trompe l’oeil print in the back. It seems UK officials are offended and have made statements regarding the seriousness of gun culture. And as expected, the publicity it received has made the t-shirt even more popular. I personally like the t-shirt and don’t think it’s over the top or socially dangerous in any way. I dig the blunt silhouette, placement of the print and the subtle ‘don’t f with me’ message it reveals. It’s certainly a shirt I’d add to my wardrobe for the days when my mood applied.
Now that I’ve found my perfect party dress, my attention has shifted towards finding a flirty babydoll dress. The babydoll theme is thought-provoking since the style, (hence the name) is mimiced after little girls’ clothing. This can either look really cute or really stupid. So, if you’re shopping for a babydoll piece, perhaps you should bring along a friend.
The dresses, camis, nighties etc are sexy, but more in an ‘I want to take your innocence way’. Even the stylists at the fashion shows often put the models’ hair into pig tails or have them carry a giant lollypop or lunch box as a prop to complete the visual concept. And it works. On a simple level the styles are cute and playful, but when you think about why they are sexy, it’s a bit strange when realizing that on some level designers are tapping into the taboo male fantasy of being attracted to a little girl. Knowing this, can make it even more fun to wear. When you slip into your little girl inspired ensemble, you can also assume the part in a flirtatious role-play (all subtle and played into merely on a subconscious level).
Below is a collection of designer babydoll dresses which I am basing my search upon; finding a dress similar to these styles but at a price I can afford.
First stop: Ebay. Try to focus on the dress only rather then the model or atmosphere. As an Ebayer you often have to use your imagination, on how you’d rock the piece. Shopping online can be challenging enough since you can’t try it on or feel the fabric, but shopping for vintage online can be even more difficult.
Group 1: I like the pastel colors, gingham pattern and candy-striper style. But dress #1 looks a little too Dorothy from the Oz…May be to over the top.. Out of this group, my pick is #3. I like the color for the warm season and the lace peeking out of sleeves. My only hesitation would be where the bustline hem would fall on me. I’d prefer the hem to start right under my bra rather then mid-way. This is one of those times I wish I could try it on.
Group 2: I love wearing white in the spring/summer and since the babydoll dress attracts enough attention on its own, I may want to work within a neutral color pallet. Dress #1, I like lace on the pinafore and the wide neckline, but I’m looking for more of an empire waist, rather then a drop waist. Dress #2 and #3: the material looks cheap especially on #3, it doesn’t look soft and flow-y. And this cut is leaning more towards peasant-y instead of babydoll-ish. Must stay on track. Moving on..
Group 3: Dress #1 is awesome without the sleeves, so I have to factor in the alterations. Dress #2 I like the subtle print and cut, but might be too long..more of a prairie look. #3: Like the cut, ivory background and muted terra cotta colored floral pattern. Folks we may have a winner!..And since it’s ebay, I could always buy 2 
While in the spirit of all things girly…check out these playfully risqué pendants available at Retro-A-Go-Go. I’m not so into the suicide girls, nor do I understand the fetish that has been built around the hardcore chicks. But I do like the images taken from vintage magazines. Vintage clothing and jewelry aside, I happen to be a collector of relics from the 1920’s through the 1970’s, including a vintage playboy collection from the 50’s, Marilyn Monroe memorabilia and of course a love of Varga girls (artwork centerfolds produced for Esquire magazine in 1940).
The sexy pin-ups have suggestive messages laden with strong sexual undertones ..encouraging our inner vamps to appear loud and proud.The collection also includes retro–inspired cigarettes cases, charm bracelets and card holders all created from images, movie posters and ads from the yesteryear.
This spring- be sure to find any excuse to wear a party dress. I’m not sure if I’ve been watching too many episodes of Sex in the City or if I’ve been seduced by the flirtatious dresses from the Spring 2006 fashion shows, but I’ve decided that this season, I’m going girly. But the anti-polished version. I am lightening up the makeup, (clean skin, flushed cheeks, shimmering eyes and a little gloss), beachy hair and living in dresses and skirts that move. Because there’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel pretty.
The party dress is not to be confused with a cocktail party dress..and here are the differences.
| Party Dress |
VS. |
Cocktail Dress |
| When? Day into Night attire |
- |
When? Night only attire |
| Material? Light & airy; sheer & wispy |
- |
Material? Thick, opaque and restrictive |
| Appeal? Movement |
- |
Appeal? Sleekness |
| Color? Light pastels or bright prints |
- |
Color? Nope. Most often black |
| Cut? Often empire waist and flairs out |
- |
Cut? Structured form-fitting dress |
| Fun sexy |
- |
Serious sexy |
I am a creature of habit…drawn to the same designs (er designers). About a year ago I was browsing through Calypso on Broome in NYC, and came across a small rack of tops that I was truly impressed with. Then I found the perfect shirt. It was a muted lime green (with a hint of olive) halter top that used ivory-colored rope with wooden beads as the ties. It was sexy, cool, a little bohemian, and so definitely-me. So much so that I was almost able to justify spending the asking price of $242 on a ‘going-out’ shirt - then reality sunk in like a ton of cinder blocks and I had to race out of the store my head down. Around the same time I was online and came across some images from a recent runway show and thought ‘wow, I really like this collection’. Then..as if that wasn’t enough..I saw a dress I liked on Paris Hilton (believe it or not), Melania Trump, Lisa Rinna…a shirt I ‘yes’ tagged in Lucky magazine and I doggie-eared a page in InStyle magazine. Today..after a year of repeatedly falling for the same designer and not even knowing it, I was perusing girlshop and nearly fell off my chair when I viewed Ingwa; Melero’s boutique. Yes, that’s the impact this designer has on me. I quickly googled the designers and rediscovered all of the designs I’ve been tracking for a year. And as foolish as I feel, it now makes perfect sense.
The so very talented designer duo Ingwa; Melero has mastered the art of fusing edgy, sexy, classy and feminine. They are artists who incorporate handcrafting techniques, with fitted feminine silhouettes. And integrate snowflake doilies, leather cut-outs, crocheted chokers, wooden and stone beads and antique lace, all with impeccable precision.
Their 2006 collection shows flowing tops and empire waist dresses all finished with subtle details ensuring their work stands out from the rest. Yellowed-lace trimmed tops have the farm-girl allure, and dresses have the jewelry built right into the design. Chunky turquoise beads accent the elegant red straps of a dress downplaying a decadent design back to cool, for the earthy girl. Ingwa; Melero has once again taken design to another level with their ability to merge clothing and accessories into one exquisite piece.
Oh how I wish this was the pile at the bottom of my closet. Can’t you just smell the sweet combination of leather and moth balls? This is my vision of a great day: Walking into a no-name vintage shop and hidden under a rack, tucked far in the back corner and stumbling upon a dusty pile of couture vintage bags. I’m a fan of vintage shops (both Soho-style and off the beaten path), thrift stores, flea markets, estate sales, and even at times the Salvation Army. I’m a patient shopper and enjoy rummaging through bins for the perfect find. I don’t find it overwhelming but rather invigorating, because I know that there is something there, so unique..so rare and remaining just hidden enough until I discover it. Once I uncover my antiquated find, I get to work. I’ll redesign, alter, embellish, cut, tear, re-sew and essentially rework the piece until it fits or is a stylish updated version. Although some may be repulsed by the thought of another person wearing the article of clothing before you, I think the journey traveled and the history of a piece makes it that much more interesting. And I find there is certainly greater satisfaction in receiving a compliment on a piece that is rare and I had a hand in designing. One that will never yield the comment “I have to have it…I’m going shopping this weekend!”
In my opinion, ads like this allow the product to speak for itself. Not that I don’t enjoy the beautiful models and how the clothing is delicately draped on their frail bodies. I do. Most campaign ads create a lifestyle scene that their target customer is intrigued by, whether it’s relatable to their actual life or appeals to them on a fantasy level. But this Chloe ad eliminates any distraction (fluff) and for me evokes a feeling of nostalgia instantly triggering sensory memories. In this ad, there is no mistaking what they’re trying to sell. And I for one, am sold.
Loving this dress. Designer Jessica Ciarla creates classic couture quality pieces teeming with modern coolness and rightfully cited by the New York Post as one of “the best designers you’ve never heard of…creating timeless, limited-edition pieces you’ll want to wear again and again.” Recently, I purchased an ivory Michelle Mason dress from the Fashion Pulse which resembles this cut. But now I wish I held out for this gorgeous frock. Not that I wasn’t pleased with my purchase, but I’m drawn to the black silk charmeuse trim that accents the neckline and waist. The dramatic contrast takes the design to a highly sophisticated level. And the long lean skirt, accented at the waist with a black sash detail makes the whole ensemble appear svelte.
My most current love affair is with silk jersey material. The stretchy fabric clings to your figure just enough to give shape, but allows for movement. And the lightweight feathery cloth- both delicate and comfortable is purely sexy. Comfortable and sexy…what more could a girl ask for?
