Drop Trou

The other day I saw one of the coolest outfits in months and it surprised me that what made it so hip were her dropped crotch pants. These pants made a reappearance on runways and in stores calling back regaling memories of "Hammer Time" but I quickly passed them over as an unflattering frivolity. Now I'm reconsidering. The outfit of inpsiration was an extremely baggy pair of white and blue striped seersucker dropped crotch pants, a deconstructed gray jacket over a plain white tank, very high tan booties, bedroom hair and an oversized men's watch. It was a perfect polished mess!

(Rick Owens drop crotch denim stretch pants, Mary Meyer grey sahara pant- Oak NYC)
I loved what the disheveled jacket did for her outfit but beware of falling victim to too much fabric. This Robert Rodriguez ensemble (showcased in the Cooper Design Space) is a good example of how to pair the two together.
Pants of this sort will disguise most of your feminine figure and bring whole new meaning to leaving the boys with enough room for imagination. Wear them with a fitted shirt and a high heel for a dose of bedraggled sensuality. If the guys do dig it and try to pass a smooth move, you need only say "You can't touch this".

In Her Running Shoes

Ok I'm taking off the fashionista hat/boots and putting on my athlete hat/running shoes.
After living most weekend mornings the past few months in my favorite running tights and many trips back to the source for more goodies, I simply must share this new line of workout gear of which I'm such a big fan. Splits 59 is a new athletic store in Brentwood, CA focused on women's athletic apparel. This isn't like the corporate cookie cutter garb every other girl is sporting around the gym. Splits sets the bar higher in the way they've brillantly blended superior performance with a fashion edge. The Sheri foldover run tight pictured at left is my obsession (I've been told they are adding hip zippers to the style for fall) and they stock an expansive collection of other bodies which include sexy sport bras, breezy running shorts, chic tennis skirts, edgy racerback tops, hip oversized backless tees (great for yogis), and futuristic wind breakers (very Y-3) all in the most gorgeous color palette and delectable fabrics.
I'm telling ya, this company is going places! And you'll have further proof beyond my testimony, when you see them appear in the upcoming issue of Vogue (yes that's right the Vogue). Splits59 offers online shopping and direct shipping to those sisters that don't live in the country's west coast fashion capital. Go ahead and bookmark http://www.splits59.com/ now.
As write this entry I hear echoes of my dad hurrying me along as an adolescent getting ready to leave the house. "Come on!", he'd say. "It's not a fashion show." But really, isn't it always?!? Sporting Splits59 gear will make that next run down the sidewalk feel more like a jaunt down the catwalk. So come on ladies, strike a pose, vogue.

Back to the Gypsy

If my alter ego wasn't so set on fronting a rock 'n' roll band, she'd otherwise be a free spirit floating about St. Germaine with some painter of a boyfriend. So lightning struck me maybe once, maybe twice when I saw the styling of this poetic shoot in October's Elle UK.

This winter my gypsy ying and rocker yang outfit will consist of a pretty floral dress under a tough little leather jacket, a combination that marries the winter floral trend with the little leather jacket fetish that exudes the ever cool "I'm with the band/model off duty" kinda vibe.

You can also accomplish this look wearing a denim jacket with a short flowy print dress and beat up boots much like the model in this Pepe Jeans ad.

There are lots of dresses out there as floral prints will be en vogue through spring '09. These are two of my current favorites (on shopbop of course!)

(Daughters of the Revolution Happy Long Dress; Haute Hippie Beaded Dress)

But don't think you have to don a dress for your gypsy to dance.

(Free People Velveteen Lead Vest; Muxo by Camilla Alves Totisse Cross Body Bag)

These inspired pieces will let you face your freedom without fear.