Fashion Friday #4

Fair warning: This post should really be two separate entities; one about ads and one about airport traveling fashions.

But first, and as usual, some music to set the tone! I'm sort of feeling a bit like my old self--you know the one that would pair argyle, a stripe, scarf, blazer or a motor-cross jacket. Think prep school James Bond meets the Misfits. Since its been like Seattle in NYC for the past 800 years, I've had to resort to the tried and true bit of my old style. In any case, here is some dance madness for you. Its full of climactic orchestrations!

I came across two ads. One of Uma Thurman, who I normally think looks like an alien, but looks fantastic on the cover of this months Harper's Bazaar--but, still completely creepy. I would love to learn how the photographer gets such a bronze overlay of all the colors. Its almost as if they used a Holga for this shoot--I am more than a little intrigued here. I'm drawn to this because of her wide-set and colorful eyes, as most would be, but, I also have a strange allure to anything that is tanned/brown/golden. Stunning, all around.

Obviously, this is ridiculous and he is a paragon of the male form--at least in the fading house of Cro-Magnon. What can I say? Simple sex and good looks sell. Anyways, on to the technical aspect of this photograph. Lighting is everything in this ad. Everything else--the minimal makeup, the body gloss, even the rope, are all insignificant in comparison to the lighting. Without it, the dramatic effect would be completely lost. I'd like to know what sort of lighting source they're using here. I wonder if this could be achieved through the "gritty" effect? Anywho, nice hair.

On to airport fashion!

This concept came to me several years ago through a Vogue magazine article. It was the lament of some old money designer, who basically said, no one dressed up to go anywhere in our modern times, especially at the airport. After reading this, I thought it over, and she's right. How many times do you see ladies in track suits or men in gym wear or worse? Its as if dressing oneself has become some lost art.

As usual, Molly and I talked about this, and she agreed, even professing that that is the perfect time to strut and have the best makeup. She made the point that an airport is a people watching haven and most there look like they just rolled out of bed--so why not do the opposite and have people say,"...damn he/she looks good."

My most recent travels took me back home to North Carolina. I know flying into Charlotte, isn't flying into Milan or Paris, but looking good is a sign of sophistication wherever you are.

This was my airport outfit. Yes, I was in the men's room to be vain, next time I'll ask a passerby to photograph me. My outfit was simple with just enough chic to pass for someone with sense to say, I care. This was part of my nautical theme--the double breasted sweater, white jeans. Not pictures are an oversized brown tote and white suede wing-tips. Much better than sweats right? Took minimal effort and time. Appearance isn't everything, but it can definitely help.

Side note: What do you think of my newest addition to my bag collection? Its simple, navy, and a little doctorish, but I couldn't take my eyes off of it.

Happy Friday!