Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Casual Chic

Spotted! #1: Ysa



     Trendspotting in Greenbelt was a breeze considering the number of fashionable people walking by. But Ysa stood out for one reason: her scarf.
     The color, size and texture might change, but one thing’s for sure, scarves are here to stay.
     What used to be used for warmth is now a fashion accessory. Scarves are back, and they’re back big time. Never has any single item been as versatile as a scarf - a body, head, belthole and bag accessory, scarves are a trend that can be worn with anything. Overused? Yes. Underrated? More so.
     Scarves can be dated back to ancient Rome when linen kerchiefs or ‘sweatcloths’ were wrapped around men’s bodies for wiping their faces. It isn’t the scarf we know today though. It was usually just tied to a belt. A different use emerged in the 17th century with the Chinese. Wearing scarves became a status symbol as the officers in China wore silk scarves, while ordinary soldiers wore cotton. But you can blame the boom of scarves to the French who began wearing scarves or what they called ‘cravats’ in different colors to portray one’s position. Now, we just throw on scarves based on our moods. Who knew scarves had so much meaning centuries ago?
     Scarves offer an instant punch to any outfit. Coming in stripes, florals, color-blocks and so many other shapes and sizes, there are so many styles and looks to choose from. It’s funny though because scarves never seem to be out of style, what changes per season is the type of scarf. And truth be told, it’s so hard to keep up! Generally speaking though, scarves are on their peak. You see scarves anywhere and everywhere. Just look at Marc Jacobs for the 2011 Louis Vuitton Resorts collection or Donna Karan for DKNY in New York Fashion Week, who presented not one, but two ways of wearing a scarf. Pictures below. In the Philippines however, scarves are still just beginning to catch on. It probably is because we really don’t have needs for scarves here. We do see some fashionable people wearing scarves here though, so we can safely say that we’re in the Early Adopter stage. 


Left - Right: DKNY New York Fashion Week, Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton 2011 Resorts collection
     If you’re wondering who made scarves so popular, it can be attributed to royalty and to famous icons. An example would be Grace Kelly who had a trademark head wrap scarf named after her – ‘the Kelly.’ So you see the Trickle-Down theory in action here – very few icons started it and it’s now adopted by millions of people. 

     If you’re enticed by all this and itching to get your own scarf, go ahead! Because scarves really are for everyone, especially those fashion conscious students and yuppies. If you’re on a budget, Forever21 has a lot of scarves around P400 or if you’re willing to spend, there are pricier brands like Topshop and Zara that go until P1000.

     Happy scarf-ing!

http://angelatunner.com/rediscover-luxury-gloves-and-scarves/
http://www.articlealley.com/article_98500_28.html 
http://cosmeticagency.com/scarf-will-be-the-trend-soon-08.html
http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/fashion/fashion_week/dkny_spring_show_laeZEmRZg0YqhBGAxlsMfJ 
http://searchingforstyle.com/archives/6583/
 

Spotted! #2


    
     Here is a very relaxed and casual look yet still very sophisticated as well. You can never go wrong with classic, basic pieces. The white linen button-down shirt goes well with those black chinos and loafers. He is also sporting a front wave hairstyle, windswept look. His glasses, an additional detail to his look and the way he folded the sleeves of his shirt make everything seem more effortless.


                    from D&G's collection on Sicilian Sensuality/Summertime Tailoring                    (http://www.dolcegabbana.com/dg/#/man/runwayshow/pressrelease/)
     For a more fun and stylized version of this look, check out Dolce and Gabanna’s Man Fashion Show Summer 2011 at http://www.dolcegabbana.com/dg/collection/collection-man/#/man/runwayshow/show/
  Also check out J.Crew's collection of shirts and shorts at 
http://www.jcrew.com/mens-clothing.jsp


The loafer and its humble beginnings
white Gucci loafers
     Loafers are becoming more and more popular now (probably at its peak) both with men and women, young and old. Designs are varied, some having heels, tassels, designer logos, etc. Aside from its stylish appeal, what probably makes this shoe most popular is its functionality, the comfort it provides. It was and still is designed out of necessity. 
Trickle up-across-down
     Originally, loafers were used by Norwegian farmers when they went to the loafing area of their farms to have their cows milked (trickle up theory). Its popularity was  started when it got featured in 1932 by Esquire magazine and in 1934, became more popularly known as the Weejun through John R. Bass. (trickle-across theory) It has been worn with both preppy and polished looks, from power suits to prep-school uniforms and during the 80s, it became fashionable to wear them without socks. Designers have ever since been reinventing this classic shoe and adding their own personal signatures to it (trickle down theory).

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