Cinco de Mayo

Hat - Nautica
Top - Zara
Jeans - One Teaspoon
Bag - Gigi New York

Cinco de Mayo: Such a fun day for tacos and margaritas, right?

Hold on...

In a time where our country is in a bit of an imbalance, and relationships with other countries- including Mexico- have been rattled, I think there's room for introspection, and a little further than bright colors and embroidered materials for the Friday fiesta.

Ready for a little history-behind-the-fashion lesson?  Kick up your loafers for a minute:

In the US, Cinco de Mayo has become a celebration of Mexican-American culture.  It's sometimes mistaken to be Mexico's Independence Day—which is actually celebrated on September 16.

But really, Cinco de Mayo is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army's unlikely victory over French forces back in the day, specifically on May 5, 1862.

The holiday began with events following a civil war called the Reform War in Mexico (stay with me here); it left the country nearly bankrupt.  Due to this situation, Mexican President at the time Benito Suarez suspended all foreign debt payments for two years.  While other countries were able to negotiate reimbursement, France- ruled by Napolean III at the time (go figure), took this opportunity to establish a Latin empire in Mexico that would favor French interests.

The Mexicans were not having this.  They stood up for themselves and took the chance on going up against a much better equipped French army.  Well guess what? They won, and the major victory gave a huge morale boost to the Mexican army and the people of the country.  Kind of a big deal.

The holiday crossed over from California into the rest of the United States in the 1950's, but its popularity really caught on in the 1980's when marketers, especially beer companies, capitalized on the celebratory nature of the day and began to promote it.  This is when things got lost in translation (maybe because people were too drunk), and now many Americans today use it as an excuse to go out and celebrate with drinks and tacos without a clue about the significance of the holiday to the people and country itself.

So when you go out later today for margaritas, hopefully you now have a little more insight into why this day is important.  But hopefully you also look cute.  Smart but cute.  Fun looks for Cinco de Mayo...and any other weekend this spring... listed below.  Enjoy!

Vertical Stripes & a Half-Tuck

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Outfit - Zara

Stripes are everywhere right now.  Coincidentally it works out that I've been living in this striped button-down blouse.  Comfortable and classic, it goes with everything, can be dressed up or down, and layered in this ever-changing weather.  I'm a big fan of the half-tuck when styling a button down.  It's a relaxed look and feel, but the half-tuck gives accentuation to the waist and prevents loss of shape in the silhouette.  Pairing with a  high-waisted skirt gives further definition and draws the eye up to make the lower half look longer.  We're all built differently, but who doesn't appreciate a little styling trick to get us one step closer to #legsfordays?

I'm sure ready for the weekend.  Anyone else?

Photos by Dennis Christians
 

Wrapped up

Sleeve - Dusica Dusica

Skirt - Asos

Wrap yourself around me  

Security in your embrace 

Warmth like a favorite pillow

 Love like home

-

This sleeve feels like a hug.  Of course, one does not initially seek it out for its functionality or comfort.  I came upon it during my occasional perusal of racks at Dusica Dusica.  Dusica designs the type of clothing I love: innovative, creative, architectural and often multifunctional. 

I'll be wearing this sleeve layered over something else most of the time, to evening events or to any sort of art function where her design can really be appreciated.  And yes, it is not for the faint of heart.  But it's a damn good accessory that I'm in love with :)

Do visit out her store in SoHo if you are in New York.  If not, check it out online.  I can guarantee you personally that her materials are high quality - she produces at her factory in Milan.  And she is as lovely- and cool- in person as her clothes are.

Photos by Aleksander Karjaka

Styling & Makeup by me

Sleepless in New York

Kimono & pant set - Zara
Shoes - Kathryn Amberleigh
Sunglasses - Sojos
 

Your grandmother might have gasped at the thought of you intentionally wearing your sleep attire out in the streets, but that's what the cool kids are doing these days.  Ironically enough, I had several likely-grandmothers (and grandfathers) walk by me this day and compliment me on this outfit.  I guess they approve then.  Honestly I think it just goes to show that if you properly put yourself together, groom your hair and face with care, and carry yourself confidently, the rest will work seamlessly.  The same goes for the athleisure clothing trend and explains why some people pull off a pair of plain sweatpants much more chicly than others. 

I found this set at Zara while I happened to be accompanying a friend who was on a search for a couple of items (of course I always find the best stuff when I'm not looking for anything in particular/trying not to spend).  

There's just something very subtly sexy about wearing the day-pajama look out in the streets.  It's not quite come-hither as a lacy silk cami, but rather an understated implication of rebellion; an elicitation of what otherwise would stay intimate.  A loungewear set is something typically worn in your bedroom or elsewhere in the privacy of your own home when you let loose, relax and let your guard down.  Like: I kinda rolled-outta-bed and didn't try that hard- but did brush my hair- vibe.  By bringing this out into the streets, it is a conscious decision made, knowing heads will turn- or tilt- a bit, all while remaining physically and mentally comfortable with how you chose to present yourself.  Seriously comfortable.

Oh, and velvet heels because why not wear an elevated version of lounge slippers and complete the look?

Worth a try, no?

xx

Photos by Dennis Christians

Eye Spy

Jacket - Nicole Miller
Shirt - Zara
Boots - Zara

I'd like to take a minute to appreciate and share about this incredible leather jacket.  I first made eye contact (haa....sorry) with it at the Nicole Miller showroom... and it was hard to stop looking.  After a bit of interrogation, I found out that it is one-of-a-kind, meaning you won't be able to find this in any stores.  But if you do really want to get your hands on it, you can check out the Jeffrey Fashion Cares event on April 3rd where they will be auctioning the jacket off in order to raise money to support the LGBT community.  I was certainly sad to hear that this was the only jacket made, but do check out their amazing "Artelier" jacket which I also fell in love with when I saw it up close (leather quality and stitching is impeccable).  

Since embellished jackets are such a big trend right now, I've additionally listed several (seriously amazing) on-trend options below, with both real and faux leather options and at some really great price points.  These are so much fun for the spring and will carry you through 'til fall, so it's hard not to justify a purchase like this.  

Happy Friday!
 

Photos by Amra Beganovich