3.1 Phillip Lim t-shirt; TopShop scuba peplum skirt
Olympia Le-Tan purse; Manolo Blahnik slingback pumps
Thrifted necklace; Rachel Lynn Chicago bracelets; TopShop ice cream cone earrings
Ok, ok, I pose like a surly teenager whenever I take personal outfit photos. I really am happy on the inside – I SWEAR! Now that we got that out of the way I can tell you I was – very obviously – inspired by Lichtenstein’s exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago, which ends on Tuesday! Like Lichtenstein, Phillip Lim discovered comic books as a source of inspiration. I’ve always been drawn to “otherworldly” fashion, whether it’s of the fantasy realm or the spiritual realm. I immediately knew I had to own a piece from 3.1 Phillip Lim’s Pre-Fall collection the first time I saw Elin Kling’s street-style photo featuring this sweater.
I actually bought this scuba peplum skirt from TopShop specifically to wear with my 3.1 Phillip Lim t-shirt, one of the few fashion indulgences I’m allowing myself this season while I pay down credit card bills like a responsible adult (#firstworldproblems). I like the architecture of peplum skirts, but the fabric has to be sturdy for the folds to fall correctly. I couldn’t be more pleased with how supportive the scuba material is. For shoes I chose these classic Manolo Blahnik slingback kitten heels, but I actually thrifted them for $20 at Randolph Street Market and had Brooks resurrect them from the dead. I think these shoes are much sexier than 5-inch hooker platforms dripping in rhinestones, but that’s just me.
For accessories I went for a mix of surreal and simple. This Superwoman-esque plastic necklace I thrifted at Village Discount was the perfect addition, and low-key enough to complement – not overpower – this look. My gifted Rachel Lynn Chicago bracelets rarely leave my wrist like my own personal Wonder Woman cuffs. My Olympia Le-Tan purse which, by the way, I would have sold my first-born child for, lends a quirky humorous touch. It’s also like the “caption” of the look, since text is an integral part of the comic book art form. I went with two Deborah Lippman shades for nail polish, Ruby Red Slippers and Across the Universe. For earrings these TopShop ice cream cones put the perfect finishing touch on my comic book-inspired ensemble.
I know what you’re thinking – why didn’t I run inside the museum and take pictures in the exhibit? Taking photos with the artwork itself seems crass (and probably isn’t allowed in special exhibits) so I casually posed next to this GIANT advertisement on Monroe Street. I just, you know, leaned up against it… by casually of course I mean I made my [angelically patient] friend Theresa take my photo 50 times in front of crowds of tourists while I awkwardly directed the photography. God, fashion bloggers are nuts!
Roy Lichtenstein: A Retrospective ends after September 3, so if you’re looking for something to do this rainy weekend GO SEE THE EXHIBIT!
Slim silhouettes on men are almost always flattering on the right body shape. Billy’s young age made his tailored look even more impressive. I imagine there’s a lot stylish clothing and accessories in Billy’s wardrobe. He should start a blog – I wish there were more men’s fashion blogs. I need to hone my eye and keep learning!
I’d LOVE to hear your recommendations for menswear personal style blogs. Leave links in the comments or tweet me @Chistreetstyle.
Darius is one of the people I photographed while riding in the G-Wagon. I was elated when Chloé nudged me and said “what about him?” I spun around and there he was! I immediately recognized him because it was only a few months ago that I had spotted him on Chicago Avenue with his pals. The first time, the photos didn’t turn out well because of the poor lighting (my fault) but I’m happy to say these photos are excellent. Playing with flare is fun but challenging, so Darius gets major props for being so patient with me while I photographed him. So glad he finally made it onto my blog!
