Fall 2010 New York, Fashion Week, News
I’m Just Too Old To Wear Marc by Marc Jacobs
By Lauren Sherman
PHOTOS BY MORGAN O'DONOVAN
The palette–lots of red, putty and olive green mixed with tan and bright blue and yellow accents–was pleasing, and there were plenty of pretty dresses to wear to weddings, proms or just on a fancy date. It was one of the diffusion line’s strongest showings in years.
Britt especially liked the strapless number with red, black and gold vertical stripes. Luckily for her, I’m an expert at talking people into buying things, so I’m sure she’ll be wearing it to our company’s holiday party.
However, I’ve got to admit something. I’m in my late ’20s and…I just feel like, in general, I’m too old to wear most of this stuff.
The only other brand I feel similarly towards is Betsey Johnson, but that’s a little bit more understandable. Marc by Marc was my “reach brand” in college. It was what saved up for when I had a little extra money and what I was constantly on the hunt for at Marshalls, Loehmann’s, Century 21, etc.
But now, with a wardrobe that’s predominantly black and predominantly designed by Scandinavians, it just isn’t enough for me. I’d much rather save up for one dress or jacket from Marc’s Monday night collection than buy four dresses from his Tuesday afternoon one.
Does anyone empathize?
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Here, here. I'm so glad you wrote this. I loved the show and while I found many of the pieces to be quite wearable, there's no denying, I am quickly outgrowing the diffusion label too. It looks very early twenties. But I loved the sweater coat, the opening dress (and the skirt edition). Maybe this is just me, but it almost seems as though Marc by Marc Jacobs has gone a bit younger as of late.
Awesome, I was saying the same thing on my blog last week. I love the coverage you did of the Marc Jacobs show from earlier, and I feel like I'd want to wear more of those pieces (especially the coats) and the stuff from Marc by Marc.
http://www.theladylikes.com/post/379080352/shop…
My 14 year old sister is too old for this collection. Main line was spectacular though… So glad velvet is here to stay till next season!!
http://layersandswathes.wordpress.com
I think it's cute. I'd wear it but hehe I'm 16!
nikitetmode.blogpost.com
couldn't agree more, I always find Marc by Marc to be too cute..
Not only am I too old for this collection but many of the looks seem a bit dated. The apple cap with the white lace shirt, belt and pants just reminds of a tragic late 80s early 90s 90210 wardrobe pull. This collection just does not channel the sophistication and beauty of Marc's Monday night collection.
I want my wardrobe to grow with me and function in multiple settings. I invest in pieces that channel my personality from year to year…not fledgling one time items (except when it comes to a pair of shoes).
I think there might be a reverse bell curve on marc. I also feel a little too old for marc by marc (I'm in my mid-twenties), but I have to say, my mother looks adorable in many of the pieces! And my mother does NOT try to look younger than she is. Perhaps once you hit a certain age/stature, it's easier to bring your own sophistication to the young, whimsical looks.
Esse, what an interesting observation!
I think it's very easy to forget that Marc by Marc is still expensive. If Marc by Marc was a “reach” brand in college — and you were able to reach it — well, I think you're very fortunate! I think for most of the country, it's still a “reach” — or more accurately, out of reach — brand. I assume those who read this blog have an active interest in fashion and aren't shocked by $300 sweaters, but it still rubs me the wrong way to talk about Marc by Marc in the same way we might Rampage or XOXO. That said, the styling for Marc by Marc can be quite twee.
Hi Jessica,
You're right–it isn't cheap. In college–even in high school!–I used my own money from part-time jobs to pay for clothes. (And in college I also paid for my rent, food, etc.) However, I was brought up to buy one nice thing instead of ten cheap things. If you go to Bloomies or Saks when there's a big sale, you can get something from Marc by Marc for $50. What I'm saying is that it looks young, not that it looks inexpensive.
Esse, I think you're absolutely right. When I was in my late 20s, I thought I was too old for Betsey Johnson (as Lauren mentions). But now, in my forties, I wear her stuff a lot. It works in a way that it just wouldn't have when I had to work to be taken seriously.
BUT I think the key for women of a certain age is to limit “young” designers to a single piece — a blouse OR a skirt OR a purse OR a pair of wild shoes. Any more than that, and you look like you can't accept your age.