What I Wore – The Grey Goddess

London calling…

April 5, 2021 Kimberli SimonLeave a comment

Has it really been two months since I last posted? By the calendar it would appear to be so, but by the one big time meld I have been living since last March it could just as easily have been 2 weeks, or 2 days. Regardless of the passage of time I am still planning on getting to London before October so I can catch the Victoria & Albert Bags: Inside Out exhibition.

I really enjoy 3 to 4 day trips, ones where I can fly in, spend a few days exploring, and then fly back out, maximizing what I do while minimizing what I spend. It’s the kind of travel made for light packing, requiring a carryon bag, a backpack, a captivating book and always, music.

For this quick trip across the pond I am planning my ‘looks’ around the two newest bags added to my own personal bag collection: Studio 54 (a 1980’s Whiting & Davis silver mesh clutch) and Mod Squad ( a 70’s wooden beaded shoulder bag). I’m going groovy for the day and disco for the night, but based on what I’ve pictured here may need more than a carryon to store it all!

*London Calling – The Clash

Handbags and gladrags…

January 14, 2021 Kimberli SimonLeave a comment

What is it about a handbag? Women go nuts over certain brands and styles, many of which have become iconic over time. The Louis Vuitton Keepall Bag, the Chanel Quilted Bag, and the Hermes Birkin Bag are coveted by collectors the world over, routinely selling, and re-selling, for thousands of dollars. There are bag collector groups, blogs, websites, and even virtual galleries like The Vintage Purse Museum devoted to all things ‘handbag’. You can even take a quiz (or two) to see which handbag you are.

Turns out I am either a backpack (simple, compact, and practical with a touch of whimsy) or a hobo bag (free as the wind, live by different set of guidelines, value autonomy, exploration, art and personal expression, and prefer things that are unique and last a lifetime). Laugh if you will but both bags, and personality descriptions, are quite accurate assessments of me AND my bag styles.

I love those ‘What’s IN my Bag’ spreads in the tabloids. Peek inside my bag and you will always find my Ray Bans, Mac, Nikon, sketchbook, pencils and pens, lipstick, Aleve and my wallet, all carried in a big tote or backpack. I’ve been relying on these choices (almost always in black leather or pleather) since I was a teen. Both styles are arguably the workhorses of the bag world, designed for maximum content and minimal fuss.

Are you a bag lover? Do you have a favorite style? I do, and it is definately not a backpack or hobo. Hands down, my vote goes to a special occasion bag (see whimsical above). Going out for a night on the town in which a great outfit and attendant bag are required always gets me thinking of how to assemble the pieces of the fashion puzzle to make sartorial magic happen. There was a time when my lifestyle saw me routinely dressing up for one glitzy event or another but those days are long gone, leaving me with an awesome fashion archive and nowhere to wear it to.

Even if I don’t have any actual plans, for the past few weeks I’ve been trying to figure out how I might manage a special, spontaneous and quick jump across the pond to see the Victoria & Albert Bags: Inside Out show. I could travel light, with my trusty hobo (for a few outfits) and backpack (for my passport, plastic, and sunnies) holding everything I’d need to to get me from here so I could tour the V&A in a rocking outfit and carrying by a great bag the entire time. While odds of this fantasy becoming a reality appear slim a girl can still dream, about travel and a great bag (or two)!

*Handbags and Gladrags – Rod Stewart

There Ain’t No Cure for the Summertime Blues…

May 25, 2020May 25, 2020 Kimberli SimonLeave a comment

When the living is easy

It’s Memorial Day which means it’s the start to summer for this Jersey girl! Plus, all 50 states are beginning to open back up after Covid-19 and I couldn’t be happier. It’s not that I minded staying at home these past 3 months so much as I hated being told I had to stay home. I’m a road warrior so when safer-at-home orders went into effect the thing I missed the most was the simple freedom* to get in my car, crank up the tunes, and go.

I am about to make up for my lost travels with 5 upcoming roads trips which will take me through 17 states by August. While Denver, Philly, Mobile and San Diego (x2) are my final destinations I am also looking forward to the pit stops along the way. Regardless of where I stop, or go, I always try to travel light: a few good books, a lot of rock and blues tunes, and a few interchangeable outfits and I am ready for anything the road offers.

Normally I’d pack for my travels with the things I already own but after three months of wearing the same comfy sweats and worn-in t-shirts I’m going help the economy get back on its feet by buying some new clothes that will take me from hiking around Red Rocks to eating a cheesesteak at Pat’s to dancing under the Avenue of the Oaks to swimming in the Pacific.

Pretty Garden Boho Maxi Dress | Aurelia Ankle Strap Pointed Toe Pump | EV1 ‘Love’ T-shirt | A New Day Aviator Sunglasses | Halogen Tube Hoop Earrings | Cheetah Swimsuit | Sephora Lipgloss | John Lee Hooker T-shirt | Fresh Sugar Lemon Perfume | Scoop Vegan Biker Jacket | ChainJoy Ruffled Boho Skirt | Dr. Scholl’s Classic Sandal | Downton Abbey Pearl & Crystal Earring | Bo Diddley Scooter T-shirt | Boden Claire Espadrille| Time and True Tote | Levi’s Signature Boot Cut Jeans

How about you? Do you have any exciting travel plans? Or will you stay closer to home? Drop me a line…I’d love to know where you are headed this summer.

*I am deeply grateful for all of the men and women young and old who have given their time and their lives so I can enjoy the freedom of the road – and all of the other freedoms I have taken for granted too. Thank you.

**Summertime Blues – Eddie Cochran

A dedicated follower of fashion…

September 4, 2019 Kimberli Simon2 Comments

Long time no post. I fell victim to the ‘dog days of summer’ in its truest sense and haven’t felt inspired to create much of anything, let alone share on social media. Mostly, I’ve buried myself in work, family, reading (6000+ minutes read for pleasure between May 15 and August 21^st), TV (the 3^rdseason of Glow, the newest The Great British Baking Show, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, and The Righteous Gemstones to name a few) and movies old and new.

I’ve seen Once Upon A Time in Hollywood twice and stumbled upon CBGB shortly after. One has made $124 million and the other $40,000 but regardless of gross both are love stories well worth your viewing time. Once Upon a Time romanticizes moviemaking’s past while addressing the constant need to evolve and remain relevant while remaining true to one’s own moral code, set against an alternative, fairy tale, mid 60’s LA backdrop.

Zara high leg leather heeled boots | Molly chunky medium hoop earrings | Floryday floral round neckline maxi a-line dress | Tallulah small hexagon sunglasses | J. Crew white denim jacket | Miss Dior perfume | Farm embroidered denim shorts | Chantelle soft stretch bodysuit

Fast forward a decade later to The Bowery and Hilly Crystal. Hilly was the grandfather of the punk rock music scene who created what is undisputedly one of the greatest music clubs of all times, CBGB’s. The personification of punk, Crystal tried his hand at being a musician, bandleader, booking agent and club owner, only to fail at them all. Even his original idea for “CBGB and OMFUG” failed. The abbreviation represented the kinds of music he intended to feature (Country, BlueGrass, Blues and Other Music For Uplifting Gormandizers) but he couldn’t get any of those acts to play the club so he took a chance on an obscure a punk band (Television) and the rest is history.

Between the Lines turtleneck sweater | Kilian Vodka on the rocks perfume | Jenny Bird Sloane bracelet | Bec & Bridge pink party mini dress | Blondie punky pink muscle tee | Anthropolgie essential houndstooth bootcut trousers | Venus faux fur jacket | Jessica Simpson Pixelle 2 bootie | Rave Krisp-E’s Crossbody bag

Watching both of these music-themed stories got me to thinking about a paper I wrote in college on whether music influenced fashion, for which I earned an A+. How could music and fashion not influence each other – even decades later as evidenced by the looks I’ve pulled together to relive my inner hippepunk!

How about you? What musical genre influenced your style? Do you still incorporate elements of that style in your wardrobe today? Drop me a line…I’d love to know.

*Dedicated Follower of Fashion – The Kinks

You got a new horizon, it’s ephemeral style…

June 17, 2019 Kimberli Simon2 Comments

Summer officially begins on Friday, which means it’s travel time for me! I’ve got three weekend trips planned and I hope to get away with bringing nothing more than an overnight bag for each. Mix-and-match outfits, some lip gloss, and a good book are about all I need – besides a loved one or two – to enjoy my time away…

First up is a weekend trip to Gatlinburg, where the plan is to tour the Old Forge Distillery and The Salt-and-Pepper Shaker Museum, walk across the new pedestrian suspension bridge (if I can a suspend – ha ha – my fear of heights) and soak up some rays by the pool…

My second adventure is taking me to Denver to spend time with two of my favorite peeps, where we’ll tune in and turn on at the Dead & Co show, followed by a day enjoying Mother Nature at Garden of the Gods. Since my flight doesn’t leave til late Monday night I am going to play solo tourist and check out some art and some books at the Denver Art Museum and the Tattered Cover Bookstore…

Finally, at some point before Labor Day I’m going to make it to Charleston for a long weekend. I’d like to spend the time exploring the architecture and cemeteries through walking tours, drop in at SCAD, get some tan time in at Folly Beach, and visit the basket ladies at Charleston City Market…

How about you? Any travel plans for the summer? Do you like to visit new places when you go on holiday or do you stick with the tried-and-true spots that make you feel nostalgically happy? Drop me a line…..I’d love to know.

*Feel Good Inc – The Gorillaz

Just a girl in a t-shirt…

June 1, 2019June 2, 2019 Kimberli SimonLeave a comment

Ever since the 2019 Camp Met Ball I’ve been thinking a LOT about t-shirts. And while a t-shirt can certainly be camp (with a few appearing on the red carpet the night of the Gala) it can also be much much more. The right T can silently communicate your life philosophy, favorite sports team, travels, tribe or musical preferences. T’s are like the workhorses of the clothing world: no other type of clothing serves as many diverse purposes for its wearer. It’s really a rather remarkable when you think about it. Did you know:

International t-shirt day is June 21st
The word “T-shirt” was first used in 1920 by author F. Scott Fitzgerald in his novel, This Side of Paradise.
The first promo t-shirt was produced for The Wizard of Oz in 1939 (sadly no image exists fo this art)
The first t-shirt to bear a slogan was the “Dew-It with Dewey” shirt made for Thomas E. Dewey’s 1944 presidential campaign.
Tropix Togs was the first company to decorate T-shirts with pop culture icons and slogans in the early 1950s.
In the late 60s tie-dye t’s became popular, largely due to Rit Dye ad mogul Don Price. Rit gave away hundreds of dyed shirts at Woodstock, starting a counterculture trend still in style today.
Coca Cola was the first brand to promote itself using t-Shirts
Over 2 billion t-shirts are sold worldwide every year.
60% of American have more than 10 t-shirts, which is enough to circle the earth 34 times.
At least once per week, 89% of Americans put on a t-shirt.
The Salvation Army receives several million t-shirt donations every year and auctions them off by the pound, exporting them to third-world countries.
T-shirt recycling keeps 5 billion ton of textile waste out of landfills annually

I am, unfortunately, part of the 40% of Americans who owns less than 10 t-shirts. I plan on rectifying that situation over the summer by adding a few choice designs purchased during my upcoming summer travels. How about you? Do you wear t-shirts? Do you own more or less than 10 t-shirts? Are you a plain t or design t advocate? What’s the best t you ever owned? Drop me a line…I’d love to know.

*Girl in A T-shirt – ZZ Top

Put on a gown that touches the ground…

March 25, 2019 Kimberli SimonLeave a comment

Zara Cat Eye Sunglasses | Lauren Ralph Lauren Ruffled One-Piece Swimsuit | Miraclesuit Babylon Caftan | Tiki Slide Sandal | Kenneth Jay Lane Gypsy Drop Hoop Earrings | Levi’s Original Trucker Jacket | Nars Lipgloss | Clinique Happy Rollerball | Clinique Pop Smash Lipgloss | Cole Haan Piper Flat | Tape Bag | Saucerful of Secrets T-shirt | J. Crew Midi Shirtdress with Hearts | Calvin Klein Sleeveless Cowl | Made by Johnny Palazzo Pants| Madden Girl Block Heel Sandal | Billabong Wide Leg Striped Pants | Lipault Weekend Bag

It’s been quite some time since I posted but fear not, as two months focused on handling family and work matters is finally behind me and I am once again (hopefully) back to blogging twice-a-week. Not sure I’ll actually accomplish that goal but a girl can dream.

If I don’t make my goal this week at least I’ve got a good excuse, as my husband and I are headed to Miami Beach to see Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets Tour when it stops at The Fillmore Miami Beach. I got our tickets months ago when I first read about the show, and if the reviews are even halfway accurate we are in for an (inter)stellar night of classic old school Floyd.

We’ll be staying at CASA Boutique Hotel, which is close to the theater and the beach without being near the craziness of Ocean Drive. Besides the concert we plan on spending our days soaking up some rays, exploring Lincoln Road Mall (including Taschen Books), wandering the galleries at the Bass and the World Erotic Art Museums, grabbing authentic Cuban food at Puerto Sagua and ending our nights at Mac’s Club Deuce, a bar we used to frequent years ago. All in all, we’ve got a great mini-holiday to look forward to, and maybe 2nd post later this week too!

*See Emily Play – Pink Floyd

Do the pinball boogie…

January 23, 2019 Kimberli Simon2 Comments

Lush Novak Crepe Blazer | White Gold Silver Hoops | Colleen Kammerer ‘Bonus Points’ Pinball T-shirt | No Boundaries ‘Camera’ Cross-body Bag | Miss Dior Rollerpearl | Hue Opaque Tights | NYDJ Zip-Pocket Skinny Jeans | Kenneth Cole Silver-tone Mesh Watch | Nars Dolce Vita LipGloss | Baked on 8th Birthday Cake | Marc Fisher Yalen Booties

This weekend I celebrated another birthday. I’ve never been a big party kind of person and prefer a more intimate day spent with those I love, sharing some laughter and a tasty home-cooked meal followed by the sweetest store-bought birthday cake I can find. One personal birthday tradition I have kept for many years is to wear something special to remind myself of how much I love clothes and dressing for an occasion (previous birthday outfits here and here).

My husband, who knows I’ve developed a bit of pinball obsession, surprised me with a trip to an area arcade I had no idea existed. Best gift ever! We were the first customers of the day and had our choice of hundreds of machines, all in great working condition. We lost track of the time and finally called it quits when our wrists hurt so baldy we couldn’t play anymore. In keeping with my birthday outfit philosophy, and having an inkling of where we might be going, I dressed accordingly.

*Do the Pinball Boogie – Red Foley & The Crossroads Boys

Easy as 1, 2, 3….

August 27, 2018 Kimberli Simon2 Comments

You know it’s bad when your mom wants to know if you are ever going to post again… I’ve been dealing with some significant life changes over the past month with have left me with zero free time and zapped all of my creative energy. Still, its almost Labor Day and I always feel nostalgic for back-to-school shopping around this time of year. I am also sick of wearing all of my summer things, so I decided to spend what little free time I’ve been able to muster surfing the web to create an adult version of a back-to-school wardrobe for the fall.

I’ve written before abut traveling light and making less do more (here) so the 1 coat, 2 bags, 3 shoes, 4 bottoms, 5 tops strategy pictured above would provide me with enough outfit variety for well over 2 years. Given lots of free time and a bottomless pocketbook here’s what I’d buy to make my back-to-school fantasy a reality:

How about you? Are you tired of summer clothing? What kinds of fashion are you looking forward too this fall? Drop me a line…I’d love to know…

*ABC – The Jackson 5

You got the silver…

May 15, 2018 Kimberli SimonLeave a comment

I am beyond OBSESSED with silver shoes right now! It all started when I impulsively purchased #3 one dreary day during lunch. I wore the shoes almost immediately and every time I looked down to admire my new purchase I smiled with shoe happiness. There is no bad time to sport a silver shoe, although my personal favorite is at night after a day at the beach and accessorized with the perfect slip dress, silver jewelry and a fresh pedicure!

Since my first silver shoe purchase I have acquired #5 with plans to add #4 to my collection next payday. I am also coveting #12 and #14 but those shoes may be mine in dreams only, since I live a decidedly non-12/14 lifestyle. How about you? Which number – or numbers – speaks to you? I’d love to know…

Category: What I Wore