Every one knows that 2009 is one dramatic year whether it is for fashion or beyond. Even more so if you add the whole decade in the mix. So, before handing in the reins toward a Happy 2010, The Wall Street Journal obliged to offer a brief look at 2009's best and worst fashions. But who really wants to see the best, when you can grimace at the fact you wore the worst? Here are fashion reporter Christina Binkley's worst fashion findings:
Worst of 2009
Adornment overload
1. Killer Booties: Binkley thought it was too "draft horse"-esque because it piles so much details on the shoes--platforms, animal prints, zippers, chains, and many more. Then again, maybe some women looked at draft horses for inspiration.
A look strictly for the brave, and the toned--in the leggy regions
2. Skinny Jeans for Men: Honestly, this is one trend I absolutely love. I love my skinny jeans no matter what. Since every pair of jeans look baggy on me, I'm actually glad retailers started offering something that wouldn't look overwhelming for my legs.
An excuse to wear shorts in winter?
3. Short Shorts with Tights: It's bad because "chunky horizontal blocks of color will make you look several inches shorter and wider." However if you are built like a fashion model, then go for it!
Lean, mean and powerful
4. Power Shoulders: Binkley lamented the fact that she gets to relive the 80's--again. But for those young enough to never experience football/power shoulders, it looks so darn alluring. It goes to say that the worst decade for fashion just may end up being the treasure trove during the recession.
A perfect secretary look
5. Necktie Blouses: Wait, they make these? Anyway, I think a separate shirt and tie would work best because it extends the mileage of the shirt. Unless you know, you have to have a tie around your neck every time.
A cornucopia of offenses: power shoulders, necktie blouses and harem pants in one
6. Harem Pants: All it conjures is MC Hammer and Genie from Aladdin. That's all I have to say.
Ponchos are not unusual in the provinces of Latin America and the Wild West, but this Winter big cities like New York and Paris maybe well on the poncho foray as well.
Marc Jacobs Fall-Winter 2009
For Fall-Winter 2009, designers have given us a myriad of inspirations. Most dwell on the idea of bringing the 80's back while others recommend a return to the basics. Still, there are some that wish to venture beyond the financial panic and trek the savage part of life. For Marc Jacobs' collection, that means battling the torrential winds of New York City with a belted gigawatt yellow poncho and sculpted headgear. But for Wooyoungmi's sober collection (pictured topmost), the idea is more blazing the city's outback than conquering the nightclub.
The designers' vision on the "modern" poncho differed. Marc Jacobs opted for volume and eye-popping colors that'll entice any young woman. On the other hand, Wooyoungmi (the designer for the eponymous Wooyoungmi label) preferred tailoring and cropped length. The latter's version of ponchos are chic and very suitable for everyday use. Also, the fact that it pairs well with a tailored suit makes it even more appealing to young men. And did I mention the bulge-effect on the shoulders? Balmain Spring-Summer 2009 readily comes to mind.
As much as I adore every look from Wooyoungmi, I do have one, teeny, measly gripe: the tapered sides seems cumbersome and restrictive for arm movements. Anyhow, I'm sure the fabric is stretchy enough for any arm related ordeal.
After many weeks of waiting, I finally met my friends' boyfriends! I'm very proud of A and L for picking the right men. They are very reputable men with ambition. Plus, they have polish and principle to accentuate a great personality. Although, they do have this semi-odd sense of humor, but that's totally irrelevant. I wish you gals all the best!
Moving on to another non-romantic subject, have you guys seen the new D&G Time commercial? The one with the suggestive ménage à trois? I swear, Dolce and Gabanna never have a dull ad spot for their products. It's suffice to say that they're as edgy as Calvin Klein Jeans' ads. Except, you know, they're Italian.
This isn't the first time D&G made titillating ad spots for their watches. In fact, the hip Italian label is known for sexualizing their advertisements. Do the quasi-explicit (and sometimes deviant, below) content actually work in persuading people to purchase D&G products? Watch and find out!
I am so inspired by Jessica's post about her Christmas wishlist that I'm making my own wishlist too! A friendly warning, this post is going to be one avalanche of white hot (albeit restrained) materialism. And why shouldn't it? After all, I've been good all year long, Santa!
Nico's Christmas Wishlist:
1. As a prelude to my many gifts, I would love to score this duffle bag from Alexander Wang. Not to worry, Santa, it's not as expensive as Jessica's Birkin!
2. A lifetime subscription to 10 Men and V Man would be a nice addition too.
3. Since I live in Los Angeles, I'd want new sunglasses. Especially this one from Marni.
4. And to top off my list, this azure neoprene sleeve from Raf Simons! It may not keep me warm, but it looks smashing and simple.
5. Finally, I would love it if I experience a white Christmas here in L.A. I'm not asking for too much, but it would be great if there was snow (or hail) here. I mean, it happened before so it shouldn't be that hard. Please Santa, pretty please!
Wow, for a wishlist, I sound like I'm begging. But seriously, I would love to have the last one. A little drizzle of snow here wouldn't hurt, right? Of course, snow in L.A. wouldn't be complete without the duffle bag, the magazines, and the neoprene sleeve. And if anyone (and I mean anyone) is feeling jolly generous this Christmas season, do remember this list on your way shopping. Any rich moguls out there? Oprah? Cougars waiting for their boy-prey?
Duffle bag by Alexander Wang, $890 at www.alexanderwang.com; magazines at www.10magazine.com and www.vman.com; sunglasses by Marni, $280 at www.marni.com; neoprene sleeve by Raf Simons, $840 at www.thecorner.com
This award is extremely long overdue so without further ado, I would like to thank my good friend (whether in cyberspace or in real life), Abby! She had a post about shopping for awards, and honestly I could not choose. Luckily, she recommended the Humane Award for me! I'm not particularly sure why she chose that one but I agree that at least once in a while, we become filled with compassion and empathy for our fellow brothers and sisters. Whether it be doing the chores for our family or comfortably saying "Hi!" to strangers or hugging a friend who needs comfort, being humane never went out of style.
So grab your cider and yell proudly: cheers to everyone!
Next on the programme is the tagging portion. I would like to tag the following people that exude the characteristics of a humane person: Trish, Farah, Jessica, Manju and Maha!
Adornment overload
A look strictly for the brave, and the toned--in the leggy regions
An excuse to wear shorts in winter?
Lean, mean and powerful
A perfect secretary look
A cornucopia of offenses: power shoulders, necktie blouses and harem pants in one
