Foot Loose

Last weekend in L.A. the mercury rose to a sweltering 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The first thing on my mind was the daunting search for a cool mass of water to dip my heat-stroked body in. The second was "what is the least amount of clothing I can get away with in public (without soliciting chilly stares)?"

All I can imagine wearing when it's this hot are sundresses and sandals. And so, although it is not even May, I began my search for the endless summer wardrobe.

After scouring many stores—boutique, brand and vintage—I was disappointed to see the dismal selection. Is it possible to find anything under $300 these days? Aren't we in a Recession?

I hit the Internet to see what I can find in the ether-world. I have to confess, I'm still leery of shopping for clothes online. I like to touch and try on before committing. Plus, there is something about the experience that is less exciting. The impulse is different. The adrenaline rush is more about the anticipation of the package; not the purchase and acquirement of the object.

My first stop is shopbop.com. I decide to focus on the feet. Two main requirements: open and flat. I am overwhelmed by the abundance of selection (and many being under $300).

Huaraches are apparently having a revival. Jill Stuart did a modern metallic take on the classic beach shoe. Frye gave it a feminine twist with a peep-toe and a mini-wedge.


Farylrobin makes a great earthy gladiator that is more Summer of Love than war. And if I'm feeling knotty, Joie's corded sandal will do swimmingly.


Naturally, there are an array of choices that reach out of my budget, but I choose to ignore them. There are enough under the $250 range that will make my feet happy and save me from feeling the heat once the pre-summer highs have cooled down.

Did the 90s Really Bite?

I watched Reality Bites last night. Aside from reminding me that Ethan Hawke was actually hot it made me long for the early 90s wardrobe of blousy, vintage button-up dresses (not to mention stroked my urge to chop my hair).

Kurt Cobain's credited for so much of the fashion influence of the 90s, but I think this movie also had a lot to do with it. The actors, characters and soundtrack—god, it's good, not necessarily the artists, but simply the songs in compilation—contributed to a time capsule for the 90s.

The film left me with Lisa Lobe's "Stay" and an obsession with the sunglasses Winona wore in the scene where she's swiping her dad's gas card in exchange for cash.


I've been searching online with minimal luck. This is the best image I could dig up. Now if only I can find out the brand/style name...

Can't Buy Me Style

Brutal honesty is an appreciated virtue, unless it is biting the hand that feeds. Take this snarky quote from Diane Von Furstenberg in today's WWD:

“It would be pretty depressing to dress only rich people, because they don’t always look so good,” she said. “It was the young, hip girls who I saw buying my vintage wrap dresses who inspired me to get back into the business.”

Hip, young rich girls? A perfect fit.

Irreverence? Priceless.

There's a MasterCard ad in my April Vogue offering a chance to win a portrait by Julian Schnabel. Initially, I found it sad. An artist selling out—all that jazz. After processing the initial shock, I've decided it's actually pretty cool. He's kind of spitting at convention—toying with our perception of art. Isn't all art essentially commercial?

I opened the little ad's 3D envelope like a kid digging for the prize in a Kracker Jack box. I would feel awkward staring at a portrait of myself; I'd rather it be of my cat, Phoenix. I think Julian might actually appreciate that gesture of slight absurdity. Alas, I didn't win. I suppose I'll have to find another way to immortalize my feline friend.

Internal Wars

I know designers cite film as a source of inspiration, but I never figured Alexander McQueen to be a Star Wars fan. The final look at his Fall 2008 show was curiously reminiscent of Natalie Portman's character, Queen Amidala.