Saturday, October 5, 2013

Fall Fashion Essentials: Boston Edition

I miss the L.A. uniform. Slip on a pair of faded jeans, a white gauzy tunic, and some flip-flops and you could blend in anywhere in the city, from the surf shacks of Manhattan Beach to the sidewalk bistros of Robertson Blvd. So easy. Of course, looking good in L.A. has always been about the body, not the clothes. It takes endless hours of hiking in Runyon Canyon to perfect that laid-back style. On second thought, maybe not so easy after all.

I'm sure it will surprise you not in the least to hear that there is a uniform in Boston too. Over the last week, I've been shuttling visiting relatives all over town, and doing some fashion reconnaissance on the sly. So, what are all the cool girls wearing this fall?

#1: Longchamp's Le Pliage

This bag is everywhere. Navy is the most popular, but several girls walking around the Common today sported dark red.

Here.


#2: Frye Melissa Button Boot

There are still a few brave souls wearing their Navajos, but most are tucking their skinny jeans and Lululemons into riding boots.

Here.

#3: The Quilted Puffer Vest

Your torso is ready for the tundra in a down vest. Again, navy rules, but yesterday I saw a beautiful version in burgundy with ruffles down the front at Sara Campbell in Concord.

Here.

#4: The Infinity Scarf

I am convinced that Une Femme is the only chick in Southern California who understands scarves. So, I'm encouraged to see women wearing circle scarves, like this one from Lilly Pulitzer. No mad origami skillz needed. Even I can pull this look off.

Here.

#5: Needlepoint Hat

Worn with a bun peeking out at the nape of the neck.

Here.

14 comments:

  1. Every time I look at a pair of Frye boots, I remember I live in the rainforest, not the tundra. It's too warm for long boots here, I find. I still love them and may spring for a pair soon.

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    1. I have a feeling I'll be wanting a pair of knee-high boots come winter.

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  2. I have an ancient pair of Fryes with a cowboy heel. . . I should probably take them on an outing one of these days, tucking my skinny jeans in . . . Fascinated by that needlepoint hat. I had no idea that was a thing. . . .with my curls, I'm not adopting a cap, but I'm fascinated nonetheless. Thanks for the peek at Boston style.

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    1. I love Frye cowboy boots, especially the ones with the harness detail at the heel.

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  3. What does it mean to understand scarves, I have many and wear them a lot, does that count? What are Navajos? I don't have the right brands, not that I care, but good to know I can easily fake the Boston uniform if I ever get there.

    Thanks for the recon. ;)

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    1. I think that definitely counts! I just mean that I can't tie a scarf if my life depended on it. I can never get them to look just right. I have a few that have been given to me as gifts, but they just sit there unused in my dresser. Navajos are leather flip-flops from Jack Rogers.

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  4. Okay, I do like the long champ, knee boots I can not do cuz my feet/legs get claustrophobic (weird i know), never understood vests (my extremities get cold way before my torso), too big of boobs to wear the infinity scarves, hat's cute! Stay with the jeans, tunic but move to boat shoes:)

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    1. I like that idea! I have never had a pair of boat shoes before, but I am seeing Sperry a lot out here.

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  5. I've been hunting for the perfect pair of tan boots and a tan bag for what? Three years now? I think those boots are spot on. I've been thinking about getting a vest or "gilet" as they are called here in England. You've helped me make up my mind in that now.

    Ali

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    1. Hi Ali, glad I could help. :) The boots are really cute in real life. I'm on the hunt for a tan bag too. Let me know what you end up getting!

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  6. Thanks for the mention! Boston style sounds very simple-luxe to me. Except for the cap, I'd wear any of those.

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    1. Simple-luxe is a good way to put it. It also seems like a very flattering look - all sizes and ages of women here wear very similar outfits and they all look great.

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  7. Classic 'home counties' style here ... with social connotations to match! I've never understood a baseball cap with otherwise smart clothes, and the social immplications would prevent me from wearing a gilet. I do, however, have two le Pliage totes (against the advice of one of my oldest friends. 'Oh, but you can't. You'll be one of "those" girls!') - black and navy. They are my work bags. They go with everything, weigh almost nothing, and can fit books, water bottle, spare shoes and a packed lunch, as well as wallet, keys, phone, diary etc. Mine have softly fraying corners from spending too much time stuffed under desks and slung on top of lockers; perhaps I should have treated them with more care, but not having to worry about them is one of the reasons I value them!

    I was once asked to give a friend a lesson on how to wear scarves. I was a bit nonplussed because I just chuck them on, and then I realised that that was what she most admired! so to begin with, don't worry. However, as I'd been asked for help (!) I did some research and realised there are many tutorials on scarf-wearing. Looking again this morning, I found these:
    http://www.liberty.co.uk/liberty-tv-scarf-styling-1/article/fcp-content
    http://blog.mintvelvet.co.uk/10-ways-to-wear-your-scarf/10/
    both for quite light-weight scarves, which are quite fun.

    And as for knee-high boots ... I got back from France and felt depressed and grumpy about the end of my holiday and the fact that it was raining, until I realised it was cold enough to wear my winter boots! Instant cheer. I have been pulling out all my old pairs this week and it is like meeting up with old friends.

    Perhaps I would fit in in Boston after all?

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    1. Despite their obvious pride in their city's role in the Revolution, I suspect that many Bostonians would be perfectly happy to be British (or at least mistaken for Brits). We would all adore you out here.

      My sister's bag broke while she was out visiting, so she bought a black Le Pliage while she was out here. She is very happy with it, and she won't run into the "Is that your bag or mine?" issue in L.A. In fact, she liked it so much, that she just sent me a medium one in navy as completely unnecessary but absolutely fantastic hostess gift. (Gotta love my sis!) So now, I am very happily one of "those" girls.

      There are social implications to wearing a gilet? My goodness, I must investigate.

      Thank you so much for the scarf tutorials. :)

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