Said in Context

“I’m moving to Soho. I’m sick of everyone being like, ‘Oh, you’re Lower East Side—of course.’ Why of course? I’m going to prove them wrong. Besides, it was time for an upgrade.”

—Alexander Wang, via style.com

The One Hundred: Part I

Inspired by Nina Garcia's book, The One Hundred, we bring you a list of items every stylish woman should own. Each Friday in November, we'll list 25 must haves and tell you where to get them.

1. Evening Gown

2. A-line Dress

3. Little Black Dress

4. Little White Dress (ask Maureen on this one!)

5. Leather Pants

6. Denim Jacket

7. Boyfriend Cardigan

8. Camel Coat

9. Khakis

10. Fur

11. Jeans

12. Havaianas

13. Converse

14. Ankle Bootie

15. Ballet Flat

16. Brooch (I suggest digging through your grandmother's jewelry box for this one. Vintage brooches are the best!)

17. Diamond Studs

18. Cowboy Boots

19. Belts

20. Aviators

21. Clutch

22. Exotic Skin Bag

23. Hobo Bag

24. Cosmetics Bag

25. Blackberry (duh.)

Deep Thoughts: Beautiful Pain

Over the years I've inflicted my fair share of pain, both onto myself and others. After a particularily brutal weekend involving 4 inch heels (self-inflicted) and a drunkenly overzealous tete a tete (inflicted onto a poor unsuspecting other), I hobbled to work Monday morning contemplating the physical torture we endure for the sake of fashion.

Easy and comfortable are often synonymous with mundane and ugly. I'll take sore legs over a night of comfortable shoes any day and I'm not alone. One friend likens wearing her Balmain gladiators to being punched repeatedly in the lower back, but is quick to add, "still worth it."

Aside from starving, waxing, tweezing and other general masochistic bodily upkeep we enthusiastically endure, why do we love the things that make our lives hell? There's an expectation that the truly noteworthy pieces are the most uncomfortable in order to prove their elite status. Sacrificing the most basic needs of comfort for an unconditional love of fashion is inexplicably exciting and brings a raw sense of meaning to a mostly aspirational, untouchable industry. The things that make us cringe in pain, the too-tight denim, the half-size too small shoes, become badges of honor proudly displayed along side shredded feet and scarred knees.

The greater the pain, the greater the reward. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Photo stolen from Love Magazine.

Notes On: Hats

The hat is a fickle garment. It can just as easily ruin an outfit as it can make one. It can define your mood, your personality or even your job. There are rules about hats at dinner or during the National Anthem. Hats can be iconic like Faye's beret in Bonnie&Clyde or Harrison's hat in Indiana Jones. Hats can even affect one's level of attractiveness. I once dated a boy whom I was only attracted to when he was wearing a backwards baseball cap. I can't think of any other accessory that affects the wearer (or the gawker) quite as much.

Other than a brief cowboy hat phase in the fourth grade, I have never considered myself to be a "hat person." But that hasn't stopped me from being fascinated by them. It's a mystery to me that something so simple can instantly cause a specific reaction or behavior. For instance, yesterday I put on a Temperley cable knit beret that was given to me years ago. I asked my sister if I looked stupid in it and her reply was, "No, you look totally Parisian!" I was beyond ecstatic. I immediately went out for a tiny cup of coffee and had to stop myself from purchasing a pack of Parliament Lights just so I could carry around cigs all day.

Whether you're a hat person or not, there's actually a pretty fantastic selection out there for Fall/Winter 2009. My picks are:

Nobis Madison Hat $50 available at Atticus Shop

Nobis Isabella Hat $135 (Atticus re-order expected soon!)

Nobis Lucifer Hat $39 available at Atticus Shop

Eugenia Kim Woomi Earflap cap $188 available at Shopbop

Canada Goose Aviator Hat $145 available at Context Clothing

Said in Context

I am a fashion person, and fashion is not only about clothes — it's about all kinds of change.

-the great Karl Lagerfeld via twitter

What Are You Wearing? OR Homeless Chic Take 2

“Is this on right?” I asked my morning companion as I put on my sweater.

“I don’t even know how it works so I have no idea.” Generally, a response like that is no big deal, but this guy knows his fashion so I knew I was in trouble. It only got worse when I got to the office. Before I even sat down, a coworker kindly asked, “So I don’t get it…what exactly is the point of your shirt?”

My predilection towards dressing like a hobo may be evolving into a full blown trend. It’s too easy, especially on those mornings when you’ve failed to make it home the night before. If I’m going to embrace disheveled, I might as well go all out. Today I’m wearing:

• a reworked VPL turniquette sweater (with the cowl neck cut off)
• a Kova&T burnout crew
• J Brands
• Frye Paige tall riding boots

What are you wearing?

The Justification: Hey Everyone, it's Eco Tuesday!

Loomstate Catch Some Tail Tee

Justification #1: Loomstate tees are made from organic cotton.

Justification #2: The name of the shirt speaks for itself.

Loomstate Moose Tee

Justification #1: With details such as side skewed stitching and water based ink, these tees are better for the environment and a step up from the average graphic tee.

Justification #2: These tees are so ridiculously soft, you'll want to wear them during the day and even sleep in the at night...trust me!