So, I’ve been shopping a lot lately.
I’m doing my part to stimulate our poor economy, obviously trying to ignore the fact that I should probably be funneling my extra pennies elsewhere, but I’m also going through post-Paris depression, so it’s ok.
Anyway, I’ve been noticing a lot of what Hayley calls, “Trompe-l’≈ìil, but for clothes.”
Like an Elizabeth & James blazer that comes with the sleeves pre-ruched and an Alexander Wang dress that’s supposed to make people think you’re wearing a t-shirt tucked into a skirt. There was a grey knit tank at Otte that came with a scarf sewn onto the neck, which really confused me, and a vest attached to the inside of a blazer somewhere I don’t remember.
I can’t, for the life of me, understand the point of this. I understand the initial thought of, “Hey, it might be easier if I don’t have to worry about the styling details myself.” But what if it’s cold and you want to pull your sleeves down, (even though I always wear mine up, too)? Or what if you want to wear that t-shirt with your jeans instead of the skirt it’s sewn onto? And what if you want to wear the tank top but it’s 75 degrees outside and you don’t need a scarf?
Wouldn’t it be easier to just show the pieces styled together to give shoppers the right idea but let them decide how they want to wear it? Someone please explain.
Thanks.
Tags: Alexander Wang, Elizabeth & James, Otte
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I UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY!!
It’s like those awful sweater, button-down combinations that have been plaguing department stores for years. Now in designer versions. Not a good evolution.
yes, I’ve noticed that too. Just bought a VW Anglomania tshirt dress w/ corset silkscreen on front and a pair of Marc by Marc suede patent leather mini boots that look like patent leather maryjane except surrounded by suede.
I feel like it’s a foreign phenomenon. All of my friends from countries other than the U.S. and France wear things like this. Usually it’s for men though. It reminds me of childrenswear. I don’t know anyone in America, even the lower classes, falling into this trap though.
http://www.shopbop.com/trompe-loeil-dress-rag-bone/vp/v=1/845524441823975.htm?folderID=2534374302063602&fm=browse-brand-shopbysize
http://fashionista.com/2007/07/the_lazy_mans_guide_to_dressin.php
Looks like this issue has been bothering you guys for a while now
Marc Jacobs did several dresses like this for Marc by Marc Jacobs s/s 08. I believe Moschino does shirt/skirt combo dresses too. They are easy to wear because you don’t have to style them really like you would putting a top and skirt together.
However, I hate the pre-ruched thing, thats just always looks bad.
I think it’s less about functionality and more about being cheeky. I don’t think it’s as though A. Wang wants to help you out by making a dress that acts as a shirt and a skirt; instead it could be commenting on the appearances of things in fashion versus the reality.
“I don’t know anyone in America, even the lower classes, falling into this trap though.”
That is funny, though next time I would think the term “servant classes” would lend an even more delicious air of snobbery.
I love you guys if for nothing other than your constant use of clueless references.
I’d love to have a quote-off. You’re worthy opponents.
whoa commenter #4. that is a seriously obnoxious thing to say. after a marxist revolution, when they own the means of production, do you think we will all be wearing trompe l’oeil coveralls to the fields and factories?
Haha 9, love it.
yeah that is annoying. its like when everything in restrooms are automatic. Maybe i want to get my own paper towel.
God, I love how I can always rely on Fashionista (the bloggers AND the commenters) to give me a heaping dose of snobbery. It’s like that go-to comfort food that never fails to hit the spot.
Though a big fan of Marx, I happen to like these easy outfit creations. I’m lazy and it’s nice to have some kind of insta-outfit to keep on hand when you don’t feel like crafting up something innovative. The cost of a shirt+skirt dress is also generally way cheaper than if you had bought the separates. I just bought this Rebecca Taylor dress (http://www.shopbop.com/twill-combo-dress-rebecca-taylor/vp/v=1/845524441829224.htm?folderID=2534374302023845&fm=browse-brand-shopbysize) and I love it. But you know what I love even more? That you gals even look down on people who CAN afford the clothes you cherish. It’s truly equal opportunity, people!
x
allison