Underwear as Outerwear- Do you dare?

Here’s a resurgent trend I’m fiercely fond of- the underwear as outerwear craze. Specifically- the incorporation of slips into the daily wardrobe. There’s something so ethereal about a piece of gauzy fabric peeking out beneath a typical item of clothing. It’s unexpected, it's bold, and it combines the innocence of cream/peach colored lace with the inherently suggestive nature of sleepwear.

the slip dress

This can be as simple and sweet as a plain slip dress. The dress pictured above takes typical the little black dress (essential to every girl’s wardrobe) and makes it lighter, silkier, and less structured. This style reinvents underwear for day time and is actually make to be worn as a dress.

slips can be worn as skirts as well

Paired with a slate colored sweater and tall leather boots, this gossamer undergarment becomes playfully edgy.

The incorporation of the slip into the daily wardrobe is easy to embrace

use it as an accent

allow a ruffled or crinkled slip to peek out beneath a dress for contrast of color and texture

or go BOLD

Wear a full-length slip as an outer garment- even when you can see what's underneath

No matter how you choose the spice up your wardrobe with slips- be confident, but be classy- wear enough undergarments to assure people that you didn't forget to finish getting dressed before leaving the house! :)

Fall- Feet First

This fall, it seems that socks are sort of a big deal. Magazine ads are fraught with socks of every weight and height- they aren’t just for gym class any more. Personally, I’m a big fan of the trend. Socks are (should be) an inexpensive way to jazz up your wardrobe (*ahem*-nice try UrbanOutfitters, Free People, and the like- I can find comparable socks at Target for $5- as if I’m going to spend $15 on a pair of knee highs…I’ve got to save some money for the shoes!).

Of all the sock/shoe combo options this fall, I have a few favorites:

1) Thigh-high socks worn over tights
This look appeals to me because it allows a conservative/body conscious girl to wear a more mini-style dress. I wait all year for the opportunity to wear stockings with shorter skirts- I’ve just never been one to bear it all. This look allows any chick to wear the flirtier styles and still enjoy the feeling of being clothed. The socks add another dimension and little more play-room (think colors, textures, patterns...).

2) Knee-high socks over legging jeans under tall boots
This look can be incredibly classy and versatile- it can be dressed up or down depending on the heel/style of the boot. A colored sock would be a great option for day wear. The sock/boot combo also allows curvier women to embrace the legging style jean- it takes away the tight ankle aspect of the look and creates a more gentle waist-to-ankle size contrast.

3) Chunky wool socks and “boy” style shoes
This look is fantastic for a tom-boy feel and is best paired with shorts and skirts. It's great for the girl who embraces fashion but still doesn't mind getting a little messy every now and then... I'm thinking fall camping trip. :)

(The Matthews Target currently has adorable socks on sale- go get 'em and have some fun!)

The Over-Sized Sweater

My 2010 fashion fall favorite- the over-sized sweater (my current crave, from Free People’s fall line, pictured here)

This seemingly simple piece of fall fashion has the unique ability to capture two of the most intriguing weapons in a woman’s arsenal- her innocence and her sex appeal.

The fall-off-your-shoulder, two sizes two big, thick weave yarn look harkens back to the little girl who played dress up with items from her parents’ wardrobe. To convey the air of innocence most effectively- consider pairing the sweater with a floral printed mini skirt or wearing it loosely over a peppy-printed dress. Wear chunky jewelry don’t be afraid to toy with colored eye shadow and lip stain- we are playing dress up, remember? Don’t take yourself too seriously- keep it childlike and sweet.

On the other hand, this type of sweater obviously screams, “I wear my boyfriend’s clothes”. The bare shoulder look is inherently sexy. Pair the over-sized sweater with a simple, thin, white tank, legging jeans, and heels. Accessorize modestly- small earrings, rings, etc. Keep the lips and cheeks in the peachy/nude range. A smoky eye in charcoal or purple would definitely make this look pop.

One of the greatest things about this fall fashion fav? You can do it for CHEAP! Check out Goodwill, thrift stores, or possibly a male family member/friend’s closet. I’d love to see photos of what you come up with. Happy Shopping.

Blame it on Barbie

One of my heroes is Barbie. She may not do anything, but she always looks great doing it. ~ Paris Hilton

Blame it on Barbie. Better yet, blame it on those tedious cut out dress up dolls... the ones with the tabs that you had to fold down in order to secure them to that woman in her underwear...

Yes! Those!

Regardless of what you blame it on, I have always had a serious crush on clothes (and shoes, and accessories, and bags...) and I have a feeling I'm not alone.

This blog is for the fashion-smitten.

I am a cardboard cut out doll in non-descript skivvies and the world is my folding-tab ball gown laden dressing room.

Love is a game and fashion is no exception. Let's play. <3