Tag: fashion

London calling…

Kimberli SimonLeave a comment
Disco Inferno

Marlene Berger ‘Claude’ ruched brocade top | Fuchsia Teardrop Ring | Halston Sleeveless Cowl Neck Jumpsuit | Nine West Zadie Ankle Strap Sandal | Sterling Silver Double Onyx Drop Earrings | Alice & Olivia Delora Ruched Mini Dress | Verdusa Sequin Miniskirt | Black Opium Perfume | | Zara TRF Tied Heel Sandal | Smashbox Lip Gloss

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!

Mod Squad

Alice + Olivia Marella Dress | Oversized Retro Sunglasses | Soojun Cotton Linen Boxy Top | Saint Laurent Bianca 85 Node Sandals | Scoop Super Wide Leg Jeans | Julia Jordan ¾ Sleeve Midi Dress | Fhayla Pointy Toe Booties | Thin Wild Mercury Perfume

*London Calling – The Clash

Handbags and gladrags…

Kimberli SimonLeave a comment
So many bags

Coke bag  |  Lipstick bag  |  V&A Bags Inside Out Poster  |  Moschino Pizza Box Bag  | Palette Bag  | Queen of Hearts Bag  |  Slurpie Bag 
Titanic Ship Bag  |  Monopoly Bag  |  Lip Bag  |   Lighter Bag  |  Heart Bag

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

3-29-20 Ephemera (The Covid-19 Edition)

Kimberli SimonLeave a comment

Portrait of Constance-Gabrielle-Magdeleine Bonnier de la Mosson as Diana by Jean-Marc Nattier (1685 – 1766) from The Getty

I am 3+ weeks into this isolation thing and pretty sure at this point I am corona free.  Week 1 of social distancing saw me driving 2000 miles for a work trip where I was essentially alone except for a few food, gas, and restroom breaks.  Made record time getting to my various destinations too, since the highways weren’t crowded at all.  And while I feel very fortunate to be able to work remotely week 2 & 3 have convinced me I am less busy when I work from my office then when I work from home.

If I put aside the fears, disappointments, and uncertainty that accompany this pandemic I am actually enjoying having more time to garden, cook, read, and spend time with my family.  I have also been spending a LOT of time on the web (which I am grateful has enough bandwidth to support what seems like the entire country watching ‘Tiger King’ at the same time). Here are a few things that have kept me from going a stir-crazy over the last week.  Here’s hoping one or two will do the same for you…

…hoping you and yours are keeping healthy!

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

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…

Gatlingburg

Bling Jewelry 2CT Solitaire CZ Studs| Just Class Patterned Shark Bite Dress | Circus by Sam Edelman Carolina Sling-Back Sandals| Lifestyle Attitude Tie Front Top| Time and Tru Ocean Stripe Swimsuit| Levi’s Classic Short| Tommy Hilfiger Beauty Perfume| Clinique Two Ton Tomato Chubby Lip Color Balm| Comfort by Brinley Co. Espardrille Wedge| Bowlaway: A Novel by Elizabeth McCracken| Kendall & Kylie Red Patent Tote

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…

Denver

Falari Pashima Wrap| SA106 Tortoise Butterfly Sunglasses| Love Sadie Hawaiian Print Ruffled  Romper| Palm Beach Jewelry Concave Cigar Band Gold Ring| Fleishman Is in Trouble by  Taffy Brodesser-Akner | Bling Jewelry Tortoise Shell Hoops| Elizabeth Arden Sunflowers Body Mist | Time and Tru Deep V Swimsuit| Unique Bargains Stacked Heel Tassel Ankle Strap Sandals| Love Sadie Halter Shift Sundress| C. Wonder Michaela Suede Espadrilles| Eliza May Rose White Stripe Ultimate Tote | Revlon Ultra HD Embrace Matte Lipgloss

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…

Charleston

Gottex Sinatra Bathing Suit| Brinley Co. Bow-Accent Slip On Flat| Gorjana Power Gemstone Turquoise Charm Gold Ring| Sofia Vergara Faux Wrap Front Maxi| Textile Lacey Flutter Skirt| Fate Rainbow Knit Sweater| Lux Turquoise & Coral Inlay Medallion Drop Earrings| Eliza May Rose Toile Basket Tote| L’Oreal Infallible 320 Red Fatale Lip Gloss| Three Women by Lisa Taddeo| Anne Cole Crochet All Day Swim Cover Up

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

Do the pinball boogie…

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

You can’t always get what you want…

Kimberli Simon2 Comments

beach
Apres’ Lotion  |   Turkish Towels  |  Swimsuit  |  Palazzo Pants  |  Nail Polish  |  Earrings  |  Sunglasses  |  Sandal  |   Perfume  |  Beach Tote

Last week I was in a shopping mood so I headed out to Nordstrom’s.  I left the store empty handed, feeling saddened and disenfranchised and vowing to write to the CEO.  Why?… Continue reading “You can’t always get what you want…” →

Wear your bright clothes…

Kimberli SimonLeave a comment

brightprints
Lite brite

I’ve already shown you how to re-create some bold floral and bright looks from the Spring 2018 runways.  Clever me – today I’m combining those trends to show you a few more ‘bright patterned’ looks that would all be super easy to make.  In terms of sewing expertise, the off-the-shoulder top and pants require at least moderate skills, being the only garments made from more than rectangles and straight sewing lines.  Add a fun pair of kicks and you will be ready for anything from shopping with your friends to dancing under the stars with your boo!

Lisa Perry
print fabric | solid fabric | slingback flats
Alice + Olivia
floral print fabric | abstract print fabric | jungle print fabric | ankle strap heels
Temperley London
butterfly print fabric| abstract print fabric | ankle wrap wedges
No. 6
circle print fabric | abstract  print fabric | slingback kitten heels

 

*In the Summer Time – Mungo Jerry

 

One bright day…

Kimberli Simon1 Comment

brights
Fashion so bright you gotta wear shades

Last week I re-created a few Spring 2018 bold floral looks (here). Next up – the brights!  You really can’t go wrong with a bright piece of fashion regardless of season. I say this as a women who has never met a black garment she didn’t like, or buy.

Each dress would be fairly easy to make but would require minor pattern changes prior to cutting to achieve optimal effect.  The orange linen midi wrap dress needs to have the waist-to-hem length extended and extra fabric purchased to make the belt.  The blue dress requires no pattern alteration but does need extra fabric, cut on the bias, to create the neck band, tie, and horn tassels.  Like the orange warp midi, the hot pink gown also needs to have the waist-to-hem length extended and extra fabric purchased for the neck scarf.  During assembly, make sure to allow for that sexy front (or side) slit.  All you need to finish off these dresses are a pair of statement earrings, a luxe lipstick, and a pair of jeweled sandals or ankle-wrap heels to stand out in a black-clad crowd!

Badgley Mischka
hat | lipstick | fabric | earrings | sandals
Escada
lipstick | earrings | fabric | heels
Christian Siriano
lipstick | earrings | fabric | heels
*One Bright Day – Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers

 

My passion flower…

Kimberli Simon8 Comments

floraldress
Flower Power

Spring is almost here, which means I am ready to switch out my warmest sweaters and coats with light, fresh summertime dresses and getting the itch to re-create some of my favorite Spring 2018 runway looks.

Each spring and fall I feature ways to re-create the top runway looks (past recreations can be found here, here, here and here)  through sewing and some accessory purchases.  Some of the hottest trends this spring include boldly colored graphic prints, checks, sorbet and pastel colors (especially lavender), fringe, and florals (my favorite trend of all).

I plan on making at least one version of the Vanessa Bruno gown for the summer.  Not only is this a garment that could hide all flaws, it would also be the perfect garment for a beginner sewer to attempt.  Honestly, it would probably take someone longer to pin snd cut the pattern than to sew it.

The Cushnie et Ochs and Alice & Olivia recreations require a bit more sewing skill but would be well worth the effort to make.  How cool would that Cushnie et Ochs dress and a moto jacket look paired together? Or mixing a floral moto jacket with faded jeans, a tank top, and strappy heels for a rocking night out on the town?  The possibilities are only limited by your creativity, personal style, and flowers of choice!

Cushnie et Ochs
earrings  |  ribbon  |  fabric  |  shoes
Vanessa Bruno
tote  |  earrings  |  fabric  |  shoes
Alice & Olivia
earrings  |  fabric  |  shoes
*Passion Flower – Ella Fitzgerald & Duke Ellington

 

 

Happy birthday to me….

Kimberli Simon1 Comment

BirthdayOutfit
Birthday Outfit 58

Old Navy Floral Plus-Size Waisted Midi |  Tissue Weight Wool & Cashmere Scarf  |  Treasure & Bond Drusy Drops  |  Lancome Le Metallique Rouge Magma Lip Lacquer  |  ASOS Leather and Sueded Cross Body Bag  |  LovePop ‘Shopping Time’ 3D Birthday Card   |  Nine West Fallon Wide Calf Dress Boots  |  LUSH Karma Perfume

 

I just celebrated another birthday and had a really great time.  Since the date fell on a Friday – yeah Capricorns! – I turned my day into a 72-hour celebration instead.

My actual birthday was spent receiving calls from my loved ones who each sang me ‘Happy Birthday’.  On the way home from work I took a detour to see ‘I, Tonya’ (which was fantastic).  I came home to some snail mail cards and a beautiful bouquet from my son and his girlfriend.  Funny story there – unbeknownst to my son, the florist was his 3rd grade teacher who was thrilled one of her students was sending flowers to his momma.  My day ended with the perfect gift from my husband –  a SpaFinder gift card (Tiba NU here I come).

Saturday saw me working on the ‘Who Am I?’ project with artist Ashley Mintz.  That evening, my husband and I got dressed up for a four-course dinner at The Melting Pot.  Fondue appetizers, fondue lobster, shrimp and steak, and fondue desserts, all benefitting Second Harvest Food Bank as part of Nashville Restaurant Week.  Yum!

And Sunday?  Well, Sunday was football playoff day and my team – the Philadelphia Eagles – romped their way to a Super Bowl ­­­­berth!  I’ve been waiting a long time for my Iggles to have a season like this and they have not disappointed me (or the rest of their fans) yet.  I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the next year of my life…

*Happy Birthday To Me – Bright Eyes