Dispatch from Across the Pond

As a newly minted expat freshly arrived in the British Isles for a year of graduate study, I've spent the past few weeks constantly exploring my new environs. I've extensively checked out everything from grocery stores to open air markets and major shopping thoroughfares, and have been thoroughly distracted from countless tasks by the constant parade of fascinating people ripe for the watching- especially the slew of stylish ladies.

In the two weeks since I've arrived in London, I've concluded- conclusively- that there is one universal truth about these British girls: they are so, way, vastly much cooler than I am and will or can ever be. Its like there is some sort of genetic variant, some unlikely mutation affecting every single female between the ages of approximately 12 and 50, at which point style appears to entirely drop off.

I think it would be impossible for me to accurately capture, chronicle, or assess the characteristics that distinguish and define these incredibly creative, clever, and genius creatures (sensory overload, inadequate adjectives, and a general lack of fluency in the requisite vocabulary); suffice to say that the breadth of style options is seemingly boundless. These girls are peerless- AND fearless- in their inventiveness. Unlike in New York City, where I've spent the majority of the past ten years, London ladies are not universally decked out in a uniform, TBD each season (when I left, rompers, bangs, hipster glasses, and Keds were fairly de rigeur). There's a greater diversity of options. There are also at least two distinct (and distinctly awesome) categories of chic: professional women dressed for work, and what I'll call street style- your average 20-something woman decked out for the rest of life (Or maybe she's going to work- who am I to say?).

With all qualifications now on the record, here are five things I've noticed so far:

1. Steal Clothes

This approach is a perennial favorite- raid a boy's closet. A lot of the fall trends suggest co-opting more traditionally masculine styles- oxfords, wingtip shoes, plaids, sharply tailored clothes, even the semi-ubiquitous pegged trousers have a hint of man-tailoredness to them. Taking it one step beyond boyfriend blazers and slouchy t-shirts, I've seen girls here rocking everything from boy's shoes to boys sweatpants to ties and suspenders. There's something distinctly feminine about wearing at least a single piece of clothing that is vastly oversized.

2. Mess Up Your Hair

I am crazy about London hair. The heavy bang has been a staple of New York coiffure for at least a year and a half, and its a trend that is going strong here as well. However, other options abound. These ladies know how to tease the bejesus out of their hair. Side braids are absolutely everywhere, but really messy and disheveled ones. Big, almost frizzy buns are also all over the place. And fancy Amy Winehouse-style beehives (complete with those amazing cat eyes, natch) pepper the High Street crowds.

3. Wear Flats

As a major lover of shoes, I've long held the belief that all cosmopolitan creatures love heels. The higher the heel, the sharper, the pointier, the more obscene, the better. I have had a major revelation in the past fourteen days, and that revelation is that London is a city of flats. Ballet flats, Chucks, Docs, flat boots, mocassins, pointy toed flats- these women walk everywhere and for once, their footwear reflects the adage of form following function. But they absolutely don't compromise on style; I've made endless lists practically every day of enviable and unique heelless options. Brits know how to make a hot flat, which is good, because I have a lengthy daily commute ahead of me- on foot.

4. Tights and Leggings

One major look I've noticed everywhere I go has been the very short cutoffs over tights, a nod to the days of grunge if there ever was one. When I started to notice the frequency of this ensemble, I started to pay closer attention to legs, and I have decided that London is OBSESSED with black leggings. I think this must be particularly marked, because in New York you have to practically climb a tree in Central Park to avoid falling over six black-legged girls, but it seems absolutely universal here. Crazy tights- in colors and patterns- are also in abundant evidence. This will undoubtedly become very welcome shortly, when it gets cold and wet for eight months.

5. Go Crazy

I follow some really great street style blogs. When I stop to think about what looks jump out at the photographers, and to think about what captivates my attention either in a look on a blog or on a woman on the street, I've started to realize that the most compelling looks are often the wildest. Think striped minidress with bright tights and a different bright tone of shoe. Think giant hair, giant glasses, fur coat, and leggings. Think wifebeater and giant silk harem pants. Think color, bold shapes, mixing of patterns; think breaking rules. What I am drawn to is a redefinition of rules, permutations of pieces that I would never in a million years have considered. London ladies are not afraid to take major style risks, to try the unexpected, to wear extremely cutting edge clothes- and to wear them with confidence and joy. There's an artistry and a bit of defiance about London style, and it makes the girls more remarkable and their clothes more interesting. Like they say, fake it till you make it. Or in this case, fake it till someone takes your photo and puts it on a blog and calls you cool.

I will keep taking notes and will report back as soon as I have more cohesive or prescriptive thoughts to offer. In the meantime, five shots of London street style- the hair series- for your enjoyment. Off to speculate about the Queen's hat collection. Cheerio!

Images: All photographs by Sarah M. Barton.

Vogue vs. Verité

One of the reasons I love September? The September issues. Any fashionista worth her salt will tell you, September means the biggest, best, and brightest from all your favorite fashion magazines--and for many, Vogue is the crème de la crème.

The very sad elephant in the room, however, is that the state of the economy has hit the fashion industry hard (think Mack Truck), evidenced in--among other things--a noticeably slimmer stack of glossy pages this September. This grim reality means no couture gowns, no shoes priced at nearly four figures, and (tear) no Chanel handbag--not this year, and probably not next year either. As my mother so aptly phrased it the other day, the world has gone from vogue to verité.

Fortunately, it's not all gloom and doom. As my man Nietzsche once said, One must still have chaos within oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star. In this particular scenario, the star of the (fashion) show is keeping it local. For those independent boutiques who have not crumbled under financial pressures in the last year or so, they have never shined so bright.

One such place is Bessie Blue, a sunny boutique in the center of Belmont. Bessie Blue is the type of place where vogue meets verité, offering a range of apparel and accessories for the everyday woman.


If it sounds too good to be true, you couldn't more wrong. Take a peek inside my shopping bag... After a recent visit to Bessie Blue, I walked away with an amazing wrap sweater by Laurie B. Made of super soft cotton and a dash of cashmere, it's ultra cozy--but also totally edgy, as it can be worn two ways: wrapped up around the shoulders or long and luxe. If you're a babe on a budget, a two-for-one look like this is the best cure for the recession blues.

Thanks to the très chic trio of Lee, Lone, and Ashley, Bessie Blue is able to do what few other boutiques of its kind have mastered: walk the fine line between cutting edge trends and ready-to-wear fashion. From handbags and hoop earrings to skinny jeans and scarves, Bessie Blue offers something for every woman. Mothers and daughters can shop together and then leave the store, shopping bags in hand, still friends. I've seen it happen. But if you don't believe me, then you'll just have to see for yourself. Go ahead, put a little vogue in your verité.




Psst: Bessie Blue is open 7 days a week, located at 21 Leonard Street in Belmont, MA, and available by phone at (617)489-4900. When you stop by, don't forget to join their mailing list for updates on sales and promotions!

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Vogue Paris September 2009 cover; (2) Bessie Blue store interior, photo courtesy of Trinity Building and Construction Management (http://www.trinitybuildingboston.com/).

A New Recipe For Cupcakes

I received a calendar of "365 Days of Cupcakes" from Miss India for Christmas last year--one of the best gifts ever, without a doubt. Since the first of the year, I have been happily dazzled by countless recipes for my favorite sweet treats (plus a few muffin recipes--they cheat a little). With that same spirit of culinary inspiration in mind, allow me to play chef for a moment and introduce a new recipe for cupcakes: the lolly.brand hoodie. Yummm...

Just in time for fall, the lolly.brand cupcake hoodie is all about reinvention. Made of soft heather-grey cotton, the hoodie features short sleeves, a deep v-neckline, and a cozy little kangaroo pocket. The best part? Rather than a cherry on top, this sweet treat has a cupcake on the back--much more delicious (and in neon pink, to boot).

Are you craving sugar yet? Just in time for fall, this new addition is now available on the lolly.brand website. So make sure you save room--in your wardrobe, that is. For a hoodie this tasty, you won't regret it. And don't worry, you can always go back for seconds.

Photo by Dallin Wilson: lolly.brand cupcake hoodie $40, available online at www.lollybrand.net.

Perfect Your Pout

The great Mae West once said, Kiss and make up--but too much make up has ruined many a kiss. While I don't want to put words in her mouth, in the spirit of kissing, I'm guessing she would approve of the right lipstick. So what is the "right lipstick," you wonder? For this season: RED. Definitely red.

I am a firm believer in power colors, and nothing perfects your pout more powerfully than red. It is simultaneously bold, glamorous, and utterly classic--a cosmetic trifecta seldom achieved. My absolute favorite red lipstick is Chanel's Rouge Hydrabase Creme Lipstick in Russet Moon. It is the ultimate in rich, velvety red--without being overly intense.

If you're a proud brunette like me, then you should feel especially confident rocking the red lip. Though I am admittedly biased, you can't deny that red is particularly striking on brunettes. I guess this is just one of those times that brunettes do it better! It's a fact: the contrast of sleek dark hair, a lightly powdered face, and ruby red lips just can't be beat!

But don't worry, blondie, all is never lost. If you covet a red pout circa Marilyn Monroe, the success is in the shade. While a brunette can go dark, blondes should opt for lighter and brighter reds to avoid looking overly goth girl (sorry, Jenny Humphrey, but it's true). It's the difference between Christina Aguilera (top photo, upper left) and Mary Kate Olsen (below); Christina's scarlet kisser drags her down, while Mary Kate's cherry red pucker proves that it is indeed possible to look sultry and sweet at exactly the same time. So for you blonde bombshells out there, try something more along the lines of Chanel's Luminous Satin Lip Color in Audace.

The moral of the story: if your pout is in need of a pick-me-up, be bold and go red! You will be amazed at the way this one, kiss-worthy color can transform your whole look. Kiss and make up, kiss and tell... If you perfect your pout, the choice is yours!

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Celebs in red, photo courtesy of Style Salon (http://shinymedia.blogs.com); (2) your very own Lolly, photographed by herself; (3) Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, photograph thanks to Stardust and Sequins (http://stardustandsequins.files.wordpress.com).

Reach For the Thigh

Confession: I am sort of visionary. Don't be worried; I am so not drinking the Kool-Aid. Rather, there are times when I can feel a trend, and of this one I am completely certain. Think: thigh-highs.

It's true, in the land of school girls, thigh-highs are certainly "been there, done that." But I'm not talking about pairing 'em with your Britney Spears micro mini (save it for Halloween, sista). Instead, I'm all about socks over tights, leggings, and even skinny jeans/pants. This look is particularly effective with killer boots--in the spirit of layering, of course.

Fortunately for sock lovers such as myself, hosiery is everywhere this fall. While running an innocent errand at the mall last night, I found myself pulled into the punk/prep playground that is Rugby. There, with the help of two dashing young prepsters, I happily invested in two fabulous sock options. My favorite of the two: a burgundy and navy Striped Cotton Boot Sock--utterly irresistible in a sexy Hogwarts sort of way (if such a thing exists).

Trust me, I am onto something here. In fact (and I can't believe I'm about to say this), I'm sort of looking forward to the cold weather--at least, cold enough to put my trend to the test. Until then, I'll leave you with some motivational words: reach for the thigh!

Images, in order of appearance: (1) thigh highs on the runway, photo courtesy of Fashion Bomb (http://www.fashionbombdaily.com/); (2) Striped Cotton Boot Socks $19.50, available at Rugby (www.rugby.com).

My Sister's Closet: Functional Fierce

In the past couple of weeks, I have spent a good deal of time on my family's farm in Western Massachusetts. Out there, life is quieter and the required wardrobe much simpler. I realized how refreshing this was during a rainstorm two weeks ago when I found myself living beneath the waterproof comfort of my orange North Face rain jacket.

Okay, so maybe North Face isn't typically what you would call "fierce," but I confess that I'm sort of in love with all-weather practicality. In fact, donning my J Brand skinny jeans, a flannel shirt, and my North Face rain jacket and boots, I almost felt cute--in a "you could be a farmer in those clothes" sort of way. There is certainly something to be said for simplicity.

I have to admit, my sister was onto this utilitarian trend long before I was. You might think it's because she goes to school in Maine, but the truth is, she was riding the all-weather train waaay back in high school and maybe even middle school. You name it, it's in her closet--from the North Face to Patagonia to Arteryx. Though, I have a few choice items in my closet too, it's nothing compared to the likes of the lovely Annie. And she wears it all with such irresistable class that I'm surprised I didn't cop her smart New England style long ago. Better late than never, right?

Having learned my lesson and finally giving credit to practicality (gasp!), I recently found myself perusing the North Face selection online--and was surprised to realize that it's actually possible to marry function with fierce. It comes in the form of the North Face Animagi Jacket, with all the warmth and weather resistance of your standard North Face gear--yet with a shiny, quilted bodice and uber long sleeves--and made of recycled fiber, to boot!


With the cold weather months ahead, I feel a bit liberated in my fashion choices--and plan on an equally fierce--yet much warmer--winter wardrobe. Of course, I still subscribe to the notion that, quite often, beauty is pain. How can you not when your closet is already packed with 4+ inch heels? But, if nothing else, at least I know that I have functional fierce options...

Images, in order of appearance: (1) farm, photo by me; (2) Women's Murcado Boot by the North Face $120 (online at http://www.thenorthface.com/); (3) Animagi Jacket by the North Face $149, available from Nordstrom (http://www.nordstrom.com/).

Daddy's Girl: 5 Ways To Be the Coolest of the Cool

I must confess, I'm quite the Daddy's girl--as anyone who knows me will tell you. So you can imagine that my world was turned quite literally upside-down with the passing of my beloved Daddy, Nicholas Fish Warner, last Thursday, September 10. All fashion sentiments--of white after Labor Day, the Manolos I so coveted, and the split ends that desperately needed attending to--immediately disappated with just one phone call.

Today, let this post be a tribute to the man who, among other things, taught me how to adapt rather than conform; to conquer each day; and, of course, how to wear leather pants.

Not every girl can claim they inherited a pair of leather pants from their rockstar (figuratively, if not literally) father. It's true, I am lucky. But before you start seeing green, allow me to share some of Daddy's infine wisdom, in the form of the following top 5 list. You can think of it as a "how to" guide on being the coolest of the cool... Because cool is always in fashion.

1. Adapt, Don't Conform: This one is a life lesson and thus applicable to all areas. Yet, as the self-proclaimed fashionista that I am, I can attest that it's especially important in fashion. As could Daddy, who wore a silver lamé suit to his high school graduation. The thing is, we all love trends, but try to avoid being a total fashion victim. Rather, find a way to interpret what's hot hot hot and to make the look all your own.

2. Find Your Voice: I've always admired those who could walk up to any group and strike up a conversation. I am so not this person, but that doesn't mean I lack a voice. Obviously. While I may not know much about painting (unlike Daddy, who was a genius), cooking (he made a mean beef stew), or politics, I know fashion. And so do you! I mean, you're reading my blog, are you not?

3. Write It Down: Daddy was the most gentlemanly of gentleman, and he was amazingly able to maintain both written and electronic correspondence with those important to him for all of his life. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: fashion loves manners. It's no coincidence that some of the coolest artists and designers have their own lines of stationery. Write that down!

4. Wear It Well: Unlike the 99.9% of people I know, I don't think I ever saw Daddy wearing a pair of jeans. What I consider uniform just didn't enter his reality, as he favored Dickies and Carhaart over all else. The moral of the story? Whatever fashion god you pray to, the only "must" is that you wear it well.

5. Enjoy Every Sandwich: Whether it was painting in his studio, sneaking off for a burger at The Bucket, blasting music in the car, driving across country, or dancing in the kitchen with Momma on Christmas, Daddy's life was consumed by the people, places, and things that he loved. Yours should be too.

Of all the things I have discovered in the past twelve days, perhaps this is the most important: once a Daddy's girl, always a Daddy's girl. You see, not even death can undo something as powerful as love. In the immortal words of Coco Chanel, Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening. Daddy was and is all of these things to me. To know him was to love him, as he left no life untouched. I can only hope that, in reading this, you somehow know him a little bit better--for that would make you infinitely cooler.

Requiescat in pace.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Daddy, photographed by Leta Warner; (2) Daddy, photographed by me; (3) Momma, Daddy, and me.

Dress For Brunch

Patiently waiting for my nails to dry yesterday, I gingerly leafed through the pages of Lucky Magazine. As Lucky might as well be the mother ship of great wardrobe inspiration, it was no surprise when a picture caught my attention, featuring a gorgeous--and totally unusual--dress.

The dress in question was the Lorick Bird Dress, one of many available from Sunday Brunch Dress Shop. Thanks to Lucky, I am quickly becoming acquainted with this New York based dress shop, which features the brilliantly elegant work of up-and-coming designers. Seeming to articulate precisely why I feel the need to purchase new dresses for special occasions or to take home gowns that make my heart sing, their attitude and mission is refreshingly pure: Dresses aren’t just for swooning over dark, brooding men or inheriting spooky mansions on windswept moors. They’re also for brunch on Sunday morning, going out with friends, or even going to work. They’re for slowing down and dressing up. They’re for elegance every day, for showing that the moment is special. Because every moment is part of our story.

Of their current collection, one dress in particular is calling to me: the Heidi Merrick Kate Dress. This dress gives the allusion of a classically tailored jumper/billowy blouse combo, though it is happily one. Made of fitted cotton pique and silk cotton voile, it is elegantly versatile. In fact, I would venture to say that even HRH Coco Chanel would smile upon this piece.

If you're like me, than you sometimes have qualms about shopping for certain items online--like fitted dresses. You think, but how will it translate to my off-runway body? Fear not, Sunday Brunch has you covered. Each dress comes with a fit tip, an indication of size and fit, in relation Chuck--a virtual representation of Sunday Brunch owner, Judy, and her own measurements. Still doubtful? You can email your measurements, and the experts will decide. Problem solved.

Are you convinced yet? Well then, allow me to sway you with what I consider the best thing about Sunday Brunch Dress Shop: each piece is truly unique, wearable art in dress form. Though the prices are higher than, say, Anthropologie, you can make your purchase with confidence, knowing that you will not show up wearing the same dress as the girl sitting two tables away. Sort of makes you want to dress for brunch, doesn't it?

Dresses and images courtesy of Sunday Brunch Dress Shop, online at www.sundaybrunchdress.com: (1) Heidi Merrick Aunt Judy Dress $530; (2) Heidi Merrick Kate Dress $560.

Put Me In A (Tiffany) Box

It's official: I have been in my new little house for a month now. I wish I could tell you this means (1) we are now settled; (2) the house is organized; and (3) life is fabulous. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Though we are well on our way, the "to do" list remains somewhat lengthy. In fact, it is my bedroom that needs far more love and attention--and not for a lack of trying. Though my beloved husband has a surprising tolerance for bold design (thank you, HGTV), he is currently resisting all of my efforts to turn my bedroom into a Tiffany box.

Yes, you heard right; put me in a (Tiffany) box. To clarify, I'm not talking about diamonds, though I wouldn't turn them down. Rather, I'm all about that tell-tale shade of robin's egg blue (heaven, in color form) on my bedroom walls. I would hate to air our marital discord online (some nonsense along the lines of the color not being masculine, which is interesting when the room in question is shared with a female counterpart), but I will concede that interior decor--like marriage--often requires compromise. Which I am capable of.

Sadly, there will be no Tiffany walls for me, but I've moved on--to the accents. After all, life is all about the details, is it not? Take these images from Apartment Therapy Boston (my new mecca), where this perfect color makes an appearance on a smaller scale: in a few stripes of paint, a decorative pillow, a piece of furniture. This striking use of color is anything but subtle. In fact, it could be argued that, individually, the bright splashes of color make more of a statement than your standard coat of paint on the walls.

So as you can see, fashion is alive and well in the home. As far as my home is concerned, the next item on my "to-do" list involves a can of Tiffany blue paint and a side table. If a bite-sized Tiffany box can bring a smile to my face, then I'm guessing a small, appropriately colored, bedside table can do the same. One way or another, I will have Tiffany in my room.

Stay tuned for the next episode. And photos.





Images courtesy of Apartment Therapy Boston, online at www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston.

Hello, Bird!

With the Bye Bye, Birdie chorus ringing in my ears after last week's Madmen episode, I would like to (respectfully) take the road less traveled--and to instead say: hello, Bird!

Don't tell me you haven't heard! With fall just around the corner, Juicy Couture's queen bees, Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy, have recently debuted Bird, their new line with a much edgier look. According to the July announcement on Juicy's Love G&P Blog, Bird is a different take on the Juicy girl. She is more like your well-traveled sister with the impeccably tailored wardrobe…the closet you cannot help but raid! Sounds like a sister I'd like to have (in addition to the lovely Annie, of course).

Bird is now available in high-end stores, such as Bergdorf Goodman and Harrod's--just to name a few. I took the liberty of perusing the selection online and immediately noticed the change in mood, compared to the standard Juicy collection. It was the difference between the sunny girl next door and her older black-nail-polish-wearing sister. Probably my favorite piece is the Erica Military Jacket. I'm loving the black satin collar and hanging tails, which add a unique edge to the classic military look.

Of course, one can't help but wonder about the timing. After all, the recession has wreaked havoc on the entire fashion industry, forcing many labels--those far more established than the lovingly bedazzled Juicy--to close their doors. So why have Nash-Taylor and Skaist-Levy picked now to unveil a new, more expensive line? According to fashion critic Booth Moore's recent coverage of Bird in the LA Times, the designers see Bird as their laboratory, a place to develop ideas that trickle down to Juicy.

Whatever the rationale, Bird certainly ups the ante when it comes to degrees of fierce. There is a noticeable lack of bling in the Bird apparel--very surprising in the kingdom of Juicy. Rather, the collection has a refreshingly minimalist look to it. With a monochromatic color palette of black and grey in a range of cotton, wool, and leather, the collection is pure industrial chic.

I, for one, am definitely intrigued. While I'm all for comfort, a girl can only have so many track suits. So it seems that, for those Juicy girls who are ready to grow up and leave the nest, the timing is right to say hello to Bird.



Psst: To see the full text of Booth Moore's coverage of Bird from the LA Times, click here.


Credits: (1) Bird advertisement, photo thanks to Juicy Couture (http://www.juicycouture.com/); (2) Erica Military Jacket $498, from Bird by Juicy Couture; (3) quotes from "Juicy Launches Bird Collection" by Booth Moore, featured in the LA Times on August 2, 2009 (available online at http://www.latimes.com/).