Fall Style Tips II: Right on Time

I've never been much of a watch person. Maybe it's because I've grown up in the digital age, always using my cell to check the time, or because watches have always felt more like an adult necessity rather than another accessory. 

 For reasons unknown even to me, I brought my watch to Istanbul and haven't stopped wearing it since I arrived. I've also noticed that Turkish people are really into watches -my Turkish friends own as many stylish watches as they do bags, and they're sold everywhere by street hawkers. 

If ever there was a right time to invest in a timepiece it's Fall, when we all have to start checking the clock again and act like grown-ups. Watches are practical, versatile, and sophisticated (outshone only by the monacle). Plus, you're guaranteed to find one that suits your style and purpose. 

Fall Style Tips II: Right on Time by raincitystylistas2 featuring asos

Rubber watch, $64 / Watch / ASOS / Geneva wrap watch / ASOS , $35

(Via LookBook)

I'm beginning to appreciate watches as both a practicality and an opportunity to make a statement. What's your verdict?

-B 

Trippy Business: Prabal Gurung's Orchid Rorschach Collection & OOTD

I've always been really taken with the use of symmetrical inkblot-style imagery, especially Rorschach patterns, in fashion. I think it began with Alexander McQueen (doesn't everything begin with McQueen?), but at any rate, it's a technique that has surfaced here and there on the runways but rarely in places where non-millionares can purchase them. 

The most recent appearance of of these acid trip-evoking textiles in couture was executed most elegantly by Prabal Gurung, a newer kid on the fashion block who has lived, worked, and studied all throughout Southern Asia. Here's a few pieces from his Spring 2012 collection:

Botany + Psychology: Prabal Gurung's Orchid Rorschach Collection by raincitystylistas2 featuring a floral blazer

Prabal Gurung floral print dress, $1,120 / Prabal Gurung floral top, $670 / Prabal Gurung floral blazer, $1,485

Imagine my delight when I found this floral shift on a sale rack in Turkey for under $20 USD! Though the pattern is much less subtle than Gurung's, sometimes you just have to wear the plainest shoes you can find and let the garment do it's thing.

 (Plus the *subtle* presence of flora on my pelvis is totally a metaphor for my feminine mystique!)

Do these kind of prints whet your whistles whatsoever? Alliteration. 

-B 

P.S. Happy September! 

UPDATE:  
Guess what Kate Middleton wore this week during her Royal tour of Asia with the Duke?

Fall Style Tips: Metal Capped-Toe Shoes

As Fall quickly approaches, many of us will reluctantly bid farewell to our sandals in lieu of more weather-appropriate footwear. In the fashion world, Autumn is synonymous with chicness and polish because of the melding of summer and winter styles, plus consistently mild weather that lends to layering for the purpose of style rather than utility.

Enter the metal capped-toe shoe. In a myriad of styles and colors, this trend offers polished intrigue without sacrificing versatility. It looks expensive without trying too hard and is a great building block for accessorizing.

Valentino kitten heel shoes / Yves Saint Laurent cap toe shoes, $710 / Rachel Roy slip on shoes / ASOS high heel pumps / Wallis flat shoes / Oasis cap toe shoes, $60

Blessedly, this smart-looking trend has descended from the upper echelons of the fashion heavens to more affordable locations, including, not surprisingly, your local Forever21.

 I don't know about you guys, but I'll be snatching up a decently priced pair of these shit-kickers ASAP. Thoughts?

-B

Clarks Desert Boot: Not Just for the Dudes

Y'all know I'm a huge proponent for gender equality, and that conviction extends to even to -especıally to- style. Clothing and how it is worn/who wears it has played a historic role in the women's movement (Just a few decades ago women were being kicked out of court for wearing slacks) and is also an important tool for validating self-identity in many spheres of society, gender and ethnicity being just a few.

So when a neat pair of Clarks "Desert Boots" caught my eye and a male friend informed me they're "more of a guy's shoe" I thought to myself: yeah, fuck that. I see this style of shoe frequently worn by men in Seattle but rarely by women. Why should dudes have all the fun when it comes to these delightful kicks? 

 Plus you know I'm a sucker for boots.

Clarks boots, $155 / Clarks boots / Clarks boots

And here's some ladies showing us how it's done!

(Photos via Lookbook)

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things: Chunky, Loose-Fitting Sweaters

Today I'm going to talk about something very near and dear to my heart: the sweater. It's been a wardrobe staple of mine for as long as Seattle has been a miserable place to live, and there's a few reasons why I love them: They come in every color, shape, style, material, etc. etc. etc. Furthermore, they're incredible easy to find for cheap- the 20 or so thrifted sweaters in my closet are a testament to that. 

One particular style begs for digression, however. Chunky or loose-fitting sweaters are incredibly versatile and often offer a chicness and comfort that only your grandpa's cable-knit can achieve. There are more ways, however, to wear them other than with jeans and unwashed hair (okay, maybe that's more of a personal anecdote), and here's how!

Untitled #3 by raincitystylistas2 featuring striped pants

                              

(From left to right: Thakoon P/F 2012, Rag & Bone P/F 2012)

                                                            
                                                              

(Sweater: J Crew, thrifted; silk wrap skirt: vintage, bag: knockoff, Ebay)

And there you have it, folks. The frumpy sweater isn't actually so frumpy, is it?

-B

Drooling Over Loafers

I know, you're probably thinking, "Berit, what could be more sickeningly hipster than loafers?" The answer is... I don't know. BUT I WANT LEOPARD PRINT ONES DAMN IT. So please cast your judgmental eyes somewhere else if you don't want to ogle over the unholy class of these kicks with me.

Loafers by raincitystylistas2 featuring flat heels

Christian Louboutin studded shoes, $1,295

Sam Edelman flat heels, $150

Jeffrey Campbell tassel shoes, $115

Belle Sigerson Morrison low kitten heel, £105

Dorothy Perkins tan shoes, £26

Flat slip on shoes, $99