View from the Top
I was very lucky to hear the brilliant and hilarious Michael Kors once say the following to a captive room of retailers and editors: “ all that really matters is what you wear from the waist up. The top half is where we get the most fashion credit.” In his view, once one sits at the dinner table or in a desk chair, all anyone sees is the top half! His wisdom feels more true than ever right now.
There are a few things that excite me right now in the fashion world 1) the fantasy that I can continue to keep my feet in isolation cocooned inside fuzzy slippers 2) similar thought different idea…that heels are a reality in a distant future 3) I want to look really good on the top half of my body to take on Zoom calls. Really really great tops are the name of the game and I want to come up with a solid rotation mixed with novelty and classic elements to augment my virtual reality.
Being able to (I mean forced to) see oneself and examine oneself while in the midst of a work Zoom meeting is awkward at best. By this point, we have all earned silent degrees in lighting, prop styling and backdrop staging. We know the exact latitude and longitude our screen monitors should be raised to and have learned what we can and can’t get away with to be presentable for early am meetings. Who’s figured out you only need to blow dry the front of your head?!
This post is a dedication to the view from the top, our new normal and giving waist up style everything we’ve got! The best news is that there are several exciting reasons to shop for tops right now.
Things I’m on the hunt for include: 1) The Puff Shoulder is still alive and kicking!! I am a firm believer in holding out for one where the puff doesn’t wear you!! 2) Cardigans!!! This is THE must have sweater of the pandemic. It’s a reason to shop. There are cool cardigans everywhere so this is the season to buy one you love. 3) Color (look for your best hue and buy a killer top in it. I gravitate to warm tones usually and wanted to register the new autumnal browns, burnt siennas and reds that look rich with brown accessories 4) Collars Collars Collars. They always frame the face and are a beautiful choice for our virtual reality 5) A VOTE tee shirt 6) Classic Prints (Stars and Stripes) They call it classic for a reason. Below are a handful of favorites:
This illusion style from one of my go to brands Cinq a Sept, is the perfect amount of puff and not an overwhelming amount of poof! Reserved for special occasions.
I am also swooning over the fitted rib styles from A.L.C. which come in modern autumnal hues like burnt sienna and more acid brights like preppy pink and green. I love the way the fabric feels against my skin and that it’s the perfect tuck in style with high waisted jeans. It’s comfortable and pulled together.
Alice and Olivia’s dickey style is my favorite zoom to dinner table look of the quarantine. I am paying homage as often as I can to the Notorious RBG and looking for statement collars with a vengeance.
If I hadn’t moved to LA I’d probably have a cardigan closet by now. The cardigan is Fall 2020’s new blazer. There is something cozy and luxurious about owning a really fabulous cardigan sweater right now. I was drawn to this whimsical Alice and Olivia style which I plan to wear over skinny leggings and skinny jeans as often as possible.
I felt extremely proud to have a dedicated Tee this year to mail in my ballot!! I highly recommend getting one if you don’t have a graphic Vote Tee shirt!!
And last but not least, stars and stripes. In the pictures of me I’m wearing my Saint Laurent classic star print shirt that is my “Old Faithful” top. I invested in it years ago and it never disappoints. I love that Equipment has a series of this style in different colors that truly capture the spirit.
As we continue to awkwardly gaze at our own countenance over zoom, bluejeans, face time and anything else you can think of lets celebrate our view from the top.
Xoxoxox
Brooke
LINKS TO SHOP:
Alice and Olivia Embellished Cardigan
Cinq a Sept Illusion Floral Top w Puff Shoulder
Equipment Signature Star Shirt
Alice and Olivia puff shoulder knit with White Collar