Kate's Profile
Entry: Don't Look At Me
posted by Kate
Nov 20, 2007 1:34PM
I'm irrationally paranoid about cameras in the gym locker room; not so much that I'll be caught in a state of undress so much as flexing pathetically in the full-length mirror.
Entry: Barneys Windows Are Plastic, Fantastic
posted by Kate
Nov 29, 2007 10:59AM
Is it possible they might have been LED lights? Or Barney's is using alternative energy sources, or buying carbon offsets, at the very least?
People really need to get over the green-hippie thing. If you (general you) prefer your environmental responsibility low-key, that's great, but don't fool yourselves into thinking it's part of some vast left-wing conspiracy. Although it is true that we can't "consume" our way out of planetary emergency, fashion, being so visible and representing trend-, image- and tastemakers, has a responsibility to lead the way into a more sustainable future.
Agreed about the Crocs. Ew.
Entry: Tagging Rights
posted by Kate
Nov 29, 2007 2:30PM
The best thing we can do is to support fair-trade and sustainably produced products in whatever fashion we can do--the hope is that economy of scale will eventually make such products accessible to everyone.
Along the same lines as vintage, and in response to adopt a shelter pet above...as a vegan, I have avoided leather for years, but PVC is certainly no environmentally-friendly solution. There are other options, sure (Vegan Queen handbag @ $750 a pop, anyone?); but designers are doing amazing things with reclaimed leather and cashmere lately. Check out Ashley Watson handbags, beau soleil (dresses w/ lovely recycled leather details), Deborah Lindquist and Avita (both recycled cashmere)...the list goes on.
Entry: Would You Wear Shorts in the Winter?
posted by Kate
Nov 30, 2007 1:29PM
I've tried to do corduruoy shorts and cable tights before; it looked great in my head, but just didn't translate into reality somehow. Maybe it was the shoe issue. Some type of ankle boot might work, as in Gwen's look here. Although there is still something slightly off IMO.
A flimsy dress with a cozy sweater, on the other hand, is my favourite part of winter dressing--especially since you can whip off the sweater to protest overheated office conditions if necessary.
Entry: Do You Smell Your Age?
posted by Kate
Dec 05, 2007 11:18AM
I've been wearing Coco Madamoiselle since high school. Clinique Happy sometimes, as well. I still love the scents just as much as I did then.
In high school, I also wore a men's fragrance called Tsar briefly. If I could ever caught the scent of it again, it would take me right back.
Entry: Do You Smell Your Age?
posted by Kate
Dec 05, 2007 12:43PM
The Bath & Body works sprays--they were ubiquitous! I'd forgotten about those. What was it,sundried raspberry?...I preferred freesia.
When I was a kid, I used to buy my mum fragrances that I perceived as exotic--my favourite was called Xia Xiang. I think I may have first bought her Samsara, which she still wears.
Entry: Would You Wear Velvet?
posted by Kate
Dec 05, 2007 12:51PM
I would completely agree, except that in high school, I had an awesome Betsey Johnson dress-a simple, short, swingy tank dress that draped perfectly...it was navy blue and if not velvet, velveteen or some other similar velvet-like fabric. It was the most expensive item of clothing I had ever bought for myself, and it was perfect. It got stolen out of my dorm room when I was moving one time or I would still be wearing it.
And I think it was George who made the velvet remark, which is worse.
Entry: Would You Wear A Political Statement?
posted by Kate
Dec 06, 2007 1:02PM
Soviet communism killed far more than a million people; Che eschewed Soviet communism. Granted, his methods were questionable. All the same, if he'd had a proper burial, he'd be rolling over in his grave re: the vapid ubiquity of his image.
I think you have to be very careful when it comes to cultural appropriation, and err on the side of good judgement. For example, my fiance is from Iran and would flip if he saw me casually don a keffiyah, due to the associations it has for him. Apparently it's not an issue for others. And remember the controversy a few years ago over the Chanel frock that incorporated verses of the Q'uran into the design? That was not cool.
That said, I would not hesitate to wear my own heartfelt political opinions on my sleeve, as it were.
Entry: Not-So-Secret Products
posted by Kate
Dec 19, 2007 9:39AM
Adopt a Shelter Pet, have you heard of Paula's Choice? She's the "don't go to the cosmetics counter without me" lady. The line is very effective in my experience, and she completely eschews ingredients that could irritate, even if they are botanical in nature. She doesn't test on animals, and I confirmed with the company that most of the products are vegan, with the exception of cochineal in some of the makeup. Very reasonably priced as well.
Entry: Denim: Classic or Trendy?
posted by Kate
Jan 07, 2008 4:11PM
I love my Del Forte high-waisted, very flared jeans--but it's true, you just can't wear them over cold-weather footwear, much less tuck them in. And it's a waste wearing baggy sweaters etc over them, since the waist band is so flattering and detailed.
Actually, my favourite jeans for day-to-day wear are my Acne jeans "Hug" style, which they describe as "anti-fit"--skinny, but not "vagina-crunching", to use the Fug girls' evocative phrase. (Sorry.)
Entry: Pat Field Gets Carried Away
posted by Kate
Jan 07, 2008 4:12PM
I could see the jacket in some incarnation, but those shorts are really pushing it, and the socks are just beyond the pale.
Entry: Would You Wear a Dickie?
posted by Kate
Jan 11, 2008 7:39PM
It's something my mum might have made me wear in the third grade. I was going to say just get a slim-cut polo; not too much bunchiness there... but then again I have a small chest, so what do I know.
Entry: Jan 24, 2008 @ 12:52pm
posted by Kate
Jan 24, 2008 1:11PM
I disagree. Classy behaviour requires a person to at least respond in good faith. How hard would it have been to say "Fantastic, thanks for asking" instead?
Entry: An Open Letter to Natalie Portman
posted by Kate
Jan 29, 2008 11:08AM
I agree with le petit lapin and fellow herbivore. It's not easy to find quality non-leather (and no, 'plastic' is probably not an accurate characterization) shoes in classic styles. Natalie's shoes look attractive and wearable, and the styles would seem to suit both work and after-. They are also at an accessible price point; there's not much between cheap fake-leather Payless and the spendy but very nice offerings from Stella, Beyond Skin, and Charmone etc., and those that do exist have had quality issues in my experience. Good for Natalie for putting herself out there for a misunderstood cause!
xx a vegan fashionista
Entry: Underpinning Assistance
posted by Kate
Apr 15, 2009 5:00PM
One very inexpensive option--particularly if you're smaller-chested--is a dance bra from a site like Discount Dance Supply--they're very unobtrusive and you can even get them with clear shoulder and back straps.
I've also been wearing the tanks over my VPL Beckham bra/tanks, and VPL makes other base layers as well. VPL isn't cheap but you can find them pretty deeply discounted.
Entry: Explain: Dressing Up at the Gym
posted by Kate
Nov 20, 2007 1:30PM
I do it to a certain extent--at least a little mascara and benetint, and Torn sweats. Pride in one's appearance is a nicer way of putting it; I usually say that I just can't be seen by anyone looking like the proverbial bag of @$$.
Over the summer, it got to the point where I would cover up and suffer if my mystic tan was wearing off, but I snapped out of that.