Lots of excitement going on at the Payton Project headquarters! Runway shows, photo shoots, styling gigs, and much more is happening! It's ALL happening!
Speaking of "It's All Happening" Let's talk about Fall 2015 trends that are going to make people scratch their heads. I'll tackle one every few weeks or so and show you how I personally like to style it, and how you can incorporate the look into your life to fit your needs.
It's no secret that the 70's are "in" again. I attribute this to trends being a 20 year cyclical thing in fashion in general. If not 20, then 40. (For instance, in the 90's, there was a big surge of 70's inspired fashion, and the 90's were twenty years ago...stop to feel like an old fart here...and in the 80's, there was a lot of clear 1940's inspiration happening...think Joan Crawford shoulder pads on Dynasty.) So because everything 90's is "soooo retro" here we are.
I have mixed feelings about this being hip as a whole. I for one, have been dressing like it is 1973 for about the last ten years of my life. That era has always resonated with me, and I found that the clothes were flattering for my body and lifestyle. So I stuck with it. I went through my phase of wearing truly terrible polyester vintage dresses (and I still have some) and part of me still will always wish for that time period of effortless glam. So, I get why it's back.
It's also a bit odd for me to see sorority girls in bell bottoms and kimonos with Led Zeppelin t-shirts and big floppy hats...it seems a bit like "false advertising" as one of my fellow vintage enthusiast friends said of girls he was trying to date. But, nonetheless, it's here. And while the general rule stands that if you can buy the item at a fast fashion chain ala Forever 21 or H&M, the trend is dead...I like to look to the runways! Paying attention to the shows for next season will help you get a head start on what you wish to bring to your style to the table for the upcoming season. Luckily enough for me, the high fashion trends are inspired by vintage clothes...most of which I've had hanging in my closet for years! Today, I am going to talk about one that was seen all over the Fall 2015 runways. Patchwork!
Fall 2015: Burberry, Chloe, Lanvin
And then there's these babies! Prada made these for their Fall 2015 collection. Imagine my shock when I realized I had my version of the originals in my closet!
These booties are sold at Neiman Marcus. It said to inquire for the price in store. Which means...ridiculously expensive!
And here are mine. These were a thrift store purchase in 2006. I paid fifteen dollars for them. I've managed to keep them in good shape over time. Make sure when you are purchasing vintage footwear, you have something that is sturdy, or you might as well be throwing money out the window.
These cost me $15 9 years ago. Which means, cost per wear? They've paid for themselves...three times or more over!
Because I work in a creative field, and I work for myself, I am pretty free to wear whatever I want, as long as it translates to "I can make you look cool on your album cover/for your show." or whatever message I am trying to communicate to my clients. In my personal style, I am trying to stay away from my familiar and comfortable bohemian style, and go for more of a Jane Birkin in the 70's/Jerry Hall vibe. I am leaning more towards tailored things, going a little lighter on the makeup (for me) and am trying to perfect that effortless chic of French 70's fashion. It's only a slight step to the side, but it is nice to walk in to a room in a tailored suit that's full of fringe kimonos from Wet Seal.
So, how did I wear them? My lovely photographer parter, Nathan managed to snap a few photos to show you.
Me and My Arrow. And my patchwork boots.
I paired my dark skinny jeans with one of his button downs with the sleeves rolled up at first. If you guys follow me on Instagram (@PayTripper) you will see my gold 70's tassle necklaces that I am obsessed with (This one is from Pura Vida Vintage--one of my favorites) I threw a long one on over along with my gold cuff, and a cocktail ring for some added glamor. You should always wear ONE thing a day at least that makes you feel glamorous! But then, I really wanted to wear my latest score...a vintage purple Halston cropped jacket that I picked up while thrifting. It fits me like a glove! This shade of purple is also everywhere this fall. Try using it in place of navy. It's more versatile than you think..
Best $6.99 I've spent in ages.
For my friends that work in an office environment that want to try this out, I recommend sticking to ONE piece of patchwork, and letting that be the main focus. I'm seeing a lot of great patchwork flats, and even handbags right now. Try pairing a pair of trousers with a cropped jacket, and adding a patchwork bootie instead of a black flat. Get a great oversized patchwork tote in warm brown colors instead of your basic briefcase. Have fun with it!
The Prada python patchwork bag. White tee, plus a gorgeous dark wash trouser jean, big sunglasses, and this bag. An instant touch of effortless chic.
I'm even beginning to see this trend manifest itself in denim patchwork...even so much as to seeing a high fashion version of the 90's Jnco jeans. I'm still not quire sure how I feel about it. (Besides old.)
This trend can go from fun and chic to costumey really quickly, though. So proceed with caution!
#NeverForget
Have fun with it, guys! Do you think you'll be adding patchwork pieces to your wardrobe this Fall? Will you be investing in the Prada pieces or digging through your mom's closet to see if she has the originals? Let me know in the comments below how you feel about it!
Also, because I didn't want the Spears/Timberlake photo to be the one I left you with, here's a gratuitous family shot of my favorite photographer slash doggie co-parent , Nathan Cox, and our little one. Two of my favorite men. (And well dressed to boot.)
