DIY (or not): Obi-style corset belt

I don't remember the name of the etsy seller who first turned me on to obi-style wrap belts (unfortunately, she is now inactive), but I clearly remember the belts themselves: neat lines, intricately patterned Japanese fabrics printed in blacks, browns, reds and golds with sakura all over them.  They seem very forgiving of all body types, as the wrap style allows you to adjust them for a very snug fit (and will hide multiple pooches).

They made such a stunning, dramatic statement that I wanted to buy one really badly before I realized: this should be one of the easiest projects for the beginning seamstress, one who, say, had a reliable machine and yards of brightly colored fabrics at her disposal, and was ready to move on from cushions and curtains (like me!).  Since then it's been on that vague, someday-I'll-get-to-it list of things to do.

I recently had another nudge in this direction when I came across an even more inventive version by desirapesta, which looks a bit more like a corset.  But no more difficult to make, I think, if one measures and cuts carefully.  Then I totally fell in love with the ones made out of leather at LedThread...they are so sleek, so brightly colored, and so gorgeous!

I decided I really want to make myself an obi-style corset belt or three... first using the batik fabric I picked up in Kuala Lumpur, and then maybe if I can get my hands on some scrap leather and a tougher needle for my sewing machine!  I'll keep you guys posted on the results.

Introducing Annie!

So Annie was actually one of the first people added as a contributor to Wearability, but posted only recently.  It's a little backwards, but it seems appropriate that she have a proper introduction.

Annie's one of those enviable people who has been developing her style for years and years--and the result is something that is consistent, confident, and uniquely personal.  I've always thought of it as kind of "edgy and dancer-like," with flowy, comfortable fabrics and unfussy cuts, but I'll leave it up to her to share her perspective.  

Here she is in a bold little number she got from Gilt.com (I take full credit for getting her hooked on that site).  The second picture is from a photo shoot Garry did, more than a year ago.

Dress: Yigal
Heels: Cage booties, Forever 21
Necklace: Forever 21
Occasion: 3-year anniversary with her boyfriend, Randy

For Men: Men of Capri

Fellas, hear me out.

Shorts are as natural to a guy's wardrobe as a basic white t-shirt.  There's absolutely no doubting that.  And shorts being the length that they are these days - shorts are practically capris already.  So why note consider adding a pair to your warm weather wardrobe arsenal?

Maybe for starters we can call them 3/4 length shorts.  Does that help?  Probably not that much because there's general fear amongst the male ranks for anything "fashion-y" - especially in the States.  But I will say that our brothers in Asia and Europe embrace these as a staple to their warm weather wardrobe and I've only recently started to incorporate them into my mine... and I must say that I genuninely like them.

Truth be told - I thought they were, for lack of a better word, "fruity" and would set me up for public humiliation so I never considered them.   Already called names for having floral print shirts, I was adverse to adding a pair of capri pants for fear of further name-calling. 

While shorts are comfortable, I fully recognize how shlumpy they make me feel when I wear them because they're generally pretty billowy and bulky (esepecially with the cargo pockets).   And they for sure don't pass for anything above casual - which further limits them in terms of occassion (although having an uber-lax dress code at work - I never feel quite right lounging around in shorts at the workplace).

So I saw a pair at the mall and figured that I'd give them a try just for the hell of it.    I was surprised immediately.  First of all - they have a much more flattering silhouette when compared to bulky shorts.  I'm not the tallest guy out there, and they are slimmer cut closer to the leg/butt  to so they don't look like you're borrowing you much taller, fatter brother's clothing.  The pair I tried on still had all the cargo stuff goin on (which is helpful to stuff wallet/keys/phone in various pockets)... and it looked great!  You can put a dress shirt on and a blazer and wear a pair of loafers without socks for a very "euro" but very comfortable and dressy look (especially for california standards).

For the brave - get a pair of stark white - it just looks clean and sharp.  A khaki pair always looks great.  Or if you're feeling cheap - you can take a pair of khakis and fold (or roll) them up like you'd fold up the sleeves of a dress shirt if you were getting hot.

So I have a few pairs of "manpris" now - a plaid-ish pair and a dark charcoal grey pair with pinstripes from H&M (they were $14.99 each!)   If you can't make the leap - a good pair of more tailored shorts that hit just around or above the knee are a much more versatile piece that I'd encourage all men to own.

The idea of the capri pant is funny - I fully admit that - but they seriously look better than shorts.  Give it a try at least before you judge - I have a feeling you too may be pleasantly surprised.

Dilemmas: Should I Buy It?

I've been eying this Sheri Bodell dress for a long time now.

I love the subtle sweetheart neckline, embellishments and color. I always deemed it too "expensive" and I already have a million other black dresses.

But, this one's gorgeous with the detailing AND it's on sale for $170 (reg $568), what a deal.

The only downside is it's final sale, meaning not-returnable. What if I get it and I don't like it or the dress doesn't fit me well? Then I'm stuck with an expensive dress that I'd never wear.

What do you think, should I buy it?

Progressive Fashion At Your Fingertips

Acrimony

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via shopacrimony.com

I just joined Thrillist.com (kind of like Daily Candy, but edgier/hipper i.e. a bit more annoying). I can't deny though, that they have good recommendations. They pointed me to Acrimony, a design collective/online boutique that is having its summer sale right now, with very reasonable prices 40-70% off.

I like how the fashion skates the line between experimental and wearable. It's kind of like 80sPurple.com, but even edgier.

Acrimony

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Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon

From Wikipedia:
 
"The Baader-Meinhof phenomenon occurs when a person, after having learned some (usually obscure) fact, word, phrase, or other item for the first time, encounters that item again, perhaps several times, shortly after having learned it. This is a specialized version of the effect of serendipity."
 
I read Stephanie's post on her Urban Outfitter "cage" type sandals in the early morning hours on Sunday. Later that day, I went to DSW and spotted, for the first time in my life, a real live pair of cage sandals. These ones by BCBG Paris. It's not unusual for fashions to come and go before I even know they exist, but I still thought it was a pretty Baader-Meinhoffy moment! Apologies for the phonecam photo.
 
By the way I did try on these sandals on, and they were ridiculously comfortable.

Not sure which trend I'm caving to...

Yes we're shoe-crazy here at wearability.  So is it a gladiator sandal, which I once called the trend that should die?  Or is it the more recent cage trend sparked by YSL's beauties?

I'm hoping these sandals I got from urbanoutfitters.com yesterday (in taupe, down to $39.00 from $58.00) are in a class all their own.  I'm looking forward to how comfy they look--hope there's still enough summer left for me to wear them.