Molly Bloom knows style

May 30th, 2008

Where It’s At

Penned by molly in Uncategorized

Lately I’ve been focusing on finishing my fashion line. It’s the last thing I have to do for school and it is kicking my ass emotionally and physically. I’ve never sewn to this level of quality before and it brings out the perfectionist streak that I have spent years beating back. The patterns have to be perfect as well so there is a lot of work for me to get lost in.

Working at home isn’t for me. Not really. It’s too distracting. Oooh, look! The floor needs to be mopped! I’ll do that first, it’s more important, can’t live in filth. On and on. Ideally I’d like to spend half my time in a workroom or office and the rest of my time tending to housewifery and fabulousity.

But I’m almost done. And when I am done I will buy those yellow shoes in the shop window a few blocks away, a small present for finishing. They’ll look great with my orange dress.

May 21st, 2008

De La Renta Resort 2009

Penned by molly in Resort, Runway

What you’ll be wearing next year on vacation. If you’re really really rich. (image via Getty Images)

May 20th, 2008

Mile-High Fashion

Penned by molly in Third Sin, Travel, Vintage

Braniff Airlines had the best stewardess uniforms. This was back when flight attendants were in the same league as models and faced a weekly weigh-in by their employer. Many of the uniforms were worn with bloomers because of the micro-mini skirts — I imagine there were a lot of napkins dropped in the aisle if you get my drift. Designers included Emilio Pucci (he of the swirly psychedelic mega-prints) and Halston (he of the sexy-chic and the column dresses and the disco).

Looking for some object lust? Here’s an eBay auction lot featuring 90 pieces from Braniff Airlines uniforms designed by Pucci & Halston. The listing says that the collection was amassed by a 20-year Braniff employee. It includes the space helmet! I’ve never wanted anything that cost $250,000. Except maybe a check for $250,000.

Jezebel created a quiz to match the stewardess uniform to the airline from the photos of a private collector. There’s not a Braniff in the bunch.

May 13th, 2008

Fashion Help: Resort Shoes

Penned by molly in Resort, Shoes

I love it when people ask for fashion advice. Dear reader Angela wrote in with a footwear crisis:

I am going to Bermuda next week and am renting a scooter to get around. I need to find some shoes (pronto, so Zappos would be ideal) that are sturdy enough for biking around, but also cute enough that I can to drop into places for lunch and not feel dumb, like I would in sneakers or flip-flops. I would prefer open-toe to show off my pedi, but that’s not 100% necessary. My color preference is boring black, but I am open to other options.

Anything I can do to end the rule of flip-flops, Angela! Flops are great on the beach but like you I find them too casual for much else.

Basic black sometimes looks too hard with resort wear unless you’re wearing all black. And if you’re in the sun I hope you’ve opted for some light fabrics and color. These polka-dot flats from Privo are neutral and would look great with a tan leg. I especially like the penny detail on the heel. They also come in black if you insist. Privo makes sturdy, stylish walking shoes as I’ve posted previously.

Gladiator sandals are all the rage these days. This pair from Jeffrey Campbell strikes a good balance between sandal and costume.

These silver peep-toe flats would look great with Bermuda shorts, short-shorts or a sundress. I’m a Puma fan and these peep-toe sneaks are adorable; I like the black and the almond. If you’re looking for more of an open-toe shoe, these T-strap flats are only $40. I would probably ditch that flower charm but who knows, resort wear can take a lot of whimsy without being too precious.

If you like a wedge heel these are adorable. Every color combination of these peep-toe flats is adorable; good luck choosing.

I love yellow shoes. I usually prefer a rubber sole for my expeditions but if you’re on the scooter you’d do fine.

May 12th, 2008

Seamless

Penned by molly in Uncategorized

One trend that’s moved from the activewear/outdoors camp to streetwear is seamless garments. I’m a huge fan of seamless underwear, which are made by everyone from Patagonia (my favorite) to department store lingerie brands.

Banana Republic has a line of seamless tops they call “layering tees.” Seamless styles are comfortable and non-binding. They’re body-conscious so if you’re uncomfortable with a form-fitting top, these styles aren’t for you. This fabric is usually wrinkle-proof and quick-drying, making these tops ideal for travel. You’ll need to pick your undergarments wisely because these tops aren’t too forgiving. I’ll report back after an in-store test-drive.