Molly Bloom knows style

Right now I’m not loving retail fashion. This is a tight spot for a style writer. I have paced Maiden Lane, walked through Bloomingdales, sauntered through Hayes Valley and perused websites until my clicker finger calloused. Nothing new excites me. Sure there are lots of pretty things but nothing new. Nothing lights a fire under my custom-made Levi’s. The last thing I bought was a dress from Forever 21 which I hemmed into a tunic. I’ve written endlessly about tunics, pretty short-sleeved blouses and ballet flats. I’ve discussed belts and skinny jeans and the end of the boot cut. These are the things that populate the stores.

So to turn that frown upside down I am going to write about vintage fashion. It is the foundation of what we wear today. Vintage still rocks my world.

I love love love this color blue. The shape of the shoe is modest yet has a spicy almost d’orsay low cut on the inside arch. If I were getting married this spring I’d wear these shoes. Something blue, indeed.

Normally I nudge people toward finding their own personal style. But there are times when you want to blend in and be anonymous. Just ask this guy who was arrested for robbing a bank because police recognized his Members Only jacket. Members Only is an especially humorous choice given their 1980s slogan, “When you put it on something happens.” As if that weren’t enough of a tip-off, it’s clearly a bad idea to rob a bank in the same clothes you wore when your parole officer photographed you. After being released from the pokey for robbing a bank. In a Members Only jacket.

If you’re seriously considering robbing a bank, my advice is to dress simply and unremarkably. All black could be good if you’re in an urban environment; coveralls or flannel would work well in more rural areas. It really goes against my nature to say this but wear exactly what everyone else is wearing. Blend in and then get the hell out of Dodge.

Ski masks are a good way of obscuring your visage. The pantyhose-over-the-face thing is creepy, ditto the Nixon mask. You’ll want some comfy shoes for your getaway. As for accessories, don’t wear anything that will get you recognized. Remember to cover any identifying marks such as tattoos and scars. Don’t forget luggage for toting all that money. Again, look for something nondescript like a gym bag. A roller bag could work well if you have problems lifting heavy things.

Good luck and don’t quit your day job.

hook-and-eye closure - A fastening device consisting of a metal hook that catches over a bar or into a loop, often used in conjunction with zippers.

You know what I’m excited about? Yellow. Bright yellow-yellow. And maybe also grass green.

I wrote an article for KOIT radio about how this weeks’ Fall ‘07 ruwnway shows will translate to the mass market. You should read it.

Marchesa is a fabulous line. I am continually pleased with the textures they use. I was a bit dismayed to see so much strapless, especially in a fall season. I’ve been hoping for some great sleeved evening wear, some things elegant in three-quarter or full sleeves.

Naeem Khan
Shine! Luxe black! Glimmer!
I adore black print on black fabric. The outfit pictured about is absolutely adorable and would look good on a lot of people. The sleeves and high waist are fresh; the skirt reminds me of ornate wrought iron fences. Throughout the collection there are beautiful necklines and graceful cuts. Gorgeous.

Marc Jacobs
As always, everyone’s talking about Marc Jacobs. I like the 1920s silhouettes. They seem to be exaggerated by the hats. The prints and washed out navy blues and reds he uses remind me of travel posters of the ’20s era. He continues to surprise.

Jovovich-Hawk
I’ve written about this design team previously. They’re true to their personal styles and weild a great approach. They used to show their line in Milla Jovovich’s apartment. Now they use scene staging to create atmosphere. Models holding books and lounging in period furniture are nice touches. The clothes are gorgeous, very pretty and dressed up. They all have a retro feel without being true to any one era. And there are more polka dots to love.

paillette - A small shiny disk, larger than a sequin, sewn together with others on fabric to create a fishscale effect. Pictured above is a sweater tunic from DKNY.

Back to fashion week, where we see the styles of a far-away seeming fall.

Diane von Furstenberg
One of my favorite designers, Diane von Furstenberg, showed a polka dot coat with pink lining. It’s small touches like a shock of color in the lining (or pocket bags, for that matter) or the thoughtful dot pattern that make real fashion. This coat has a sense of humor without being clowny.

BabyPhat
I don’t get it. It’s wildly successful and I see nothing desirable. The models with teeth grills are funny though.

Carolina Herrera
I like some of the looks. I don’t like all the fur. Pass.

DKNY
This fall ‘07 line is adorable. Looks for men and women were showed. It’s very New York. A nice surprise is that it’s a tad cute or sweet. Love the dress-like zipper coat and all the pink and black. I love pink with black.

fishtail hem - An assymetrical hem that is longest at the back of the skirt. This style is usually fitted around the hips and flares out from the knee to the hemline. Earlier today Diane von Furstenberg showed a draped black dress with a full, almost a-line skirt and fishtail hem as part of her Spring 2007 line at Fashion Week. Perfect.