Earlier this year I reported on the “bib necklace” as one of Spring/Summer’s hottest trends. In the post I mentioned that I got my first taste of the bib necklace about a year prior to the official trendspotting for Spring/Summer 2009.

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Earlier this year I reported on the “bib necklace” as one of Spring/Summer’s hottest trends. In the post I mentioned that I got my first taste of the bib necklace about a year prior to the official trendspotting for Spring/Summer 2009.

Leave a comment

If you loved HBO’s Grey Gardens half as much as I did, you simply MUST check out WHOWHATWEARdaily. They’re channeling the fashions of Grey Gardens and dropping dime on how you too can achieve the look of the dueling Ediths!

Based on the lives that inspired the Maysles Brothers’ classic documentary, Grey Gardens tells the story of “Big Edie” Beale (Jessica Lange) and her daughter “Little Edie” (Drew Barrymore) and the relationship they forged while living in a dilapidated East Hampton mansion.

For the entire duration of the film I salivated uncontrollably over the beauty, fashion, and glamour of Big/ Little Edie. Even in the murky depths of their East Hampton squalor, a certain dignity remained. Both Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange deserve more awards than their petite arms can carry. And I deserve a huge cash windfall so that I can go out and cop EVERYTHING that WHOWHATWEARdaily is recommending:

The Grey Gardens story is so shamelessly rich, so ripe with theatrical possibilities, it’s really shocking that it existed for 30-plus years without being fictionalized in film. Now, finally, Hollywood’s taking a crack at the legendary mother-daughter duo with HBO’s original movie, Grey Gardens.

Little Edie is never seen without some sort of scarf wrapped around her head, usually pinned in place with a twinkling brooch. Always ingenious in her wardrobe interpretations, she spends much of her time on-screen showing off new ways of wearing her clothes: a skirt becomes a cape, a sweater turns into a turban, diamond earrings are worn as shoe embellishments, and so on. Big Edie was festively dressed too, though she was primarily fond of oversized hats—big brimmed, brightly colored—and strapless muumuus for sunbathing on the deck. 

We saw glimmers of the Beales’ style on the spring runways, specifically at Dries Van Noten and Nicole Fahri, and found lots of wonderful products with the same transformative spirit. Read on for all the details and more suggestions on how to add a little Grey Gardens-esprit to your own wardrobe. 

ABS Strands of Gold Necklace ($250) 
Though the Beales were living in impoverished grime when the documentary was filmed, they once were part of society’s upper crust. Accordingly, Big Edie had some gorgeously ornate heirloom jewelry, while Little Edie liked to rock a statement brooch. Of course, vintage diamond jewelry is rather pricey and pins aren’t particularly popular, so rather than find exact replicas of their signature pieces, we chose a delightfully dramatic gold-and-crystal necklace instead. The multiple gold chains and chunky rhinestone accents would have undoubtedly appealed to the Beales and we approve of its luxe look too. 

Milly Ruffle Blouse ($225) 
We like to imagine Little Edie’s formative years, when she was a debutant and living on her own in Manhattan, trying to make it big in show biz. That time in Edie’s life took place in the late thirties through the mid-forties, so we found this sweetly retro blouse as an ode to that era. The lovely golden-chartreuse silk would help an aspiring actress stand out from the pack, while the ruffled shoulders lightly reference our current runway trends. 

3.1 Phillip Lim Sarong Skirt ($342)
One of the hallmarks of Grey Gardens is a do-it-yourself style sensibility. Little Edie got creative with her clothes on a regular basis, transforming things like a too-small skirt into a serviceable item by wearing it upside down (the bottom hem is gathered and fastened to her waist with pins.) This sarong-style skirt from 3.1 Phillip Lim shares this casually creative sensibilities; just wear it with a body conscious top for a true Edie look. 

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Brush ($46) 
While the tattered fur coat is a Grey Gardens staple, we looked to another dependable reference for our next item: the sun. The Ladies Beale spent an inordinate amount of time on their deck, wearing swimsuits or muumuus, taking in the rays. We’d never advise you to court wrinkles (and more), so instead we’ll recommend this technologically advanced product from Guerlain. The beauty brand updated their highly touted, beloved bronzer and created this foolproof tinted gel-to-powder formula with a built-in brush. All the glorious color, none of the skin damage—hooray!

Maje Idalia Aboriginal Print Scarf ($135)
Even if you have no intention of wearing one on your head à la Little Edie, we had to include a print scarf in today’s product roundup. After much deliberation, we honed in on this pale gold and chocolate brown silk scarf from Maje (the label’s our fixation du jour). The striking design will elevate a simple jeans-and-t-shirt or act as an excellent accompaniment to dressier fare. 

Charlotte Ronson Helena Sling Back Platform Sandals ($180) 
The footwear in the documentary’s footage didn’t wow us, so instead of giving you a stocky pair of white pumps, we decided to go a different route. These canvas-and-cork slingbacks have a moderately chunky heel and a slight platform, ensuring that they’re just as practical as they are stylish. They will lend themselves to flag dances, certainly, and can be dressed up or down with ease. 

Anika Tierney One-Piece Swimsuit ($178) 
Our final item in today’s Grey Gardens-inspired story comes from an unexpected place (Brazil!) but it definitely embodies our muses’ spirit. In fact, the second we saw this striking rich-red maillot, it was obvious that we’d found a suit Little Edie would love just as much as we do. It seamlessly blends retro glamour (the bombshell color) with modern style (the flattering cut), plus the print-scarf halter offers a subtle riff on Ms. Beale’s accessory of choice. All you need is a copy of Zolar’s It’s All in the Stars ($40) and a warm summer day and you’re set! 

Well wipe away that little crinkle between your brows [before it becomes permanent]. Here’s a dose of Friday Fashion Tips from the pros at WHOWHATWEARdaily

Part of the fun of fashion is trying to articulate the je ne sais quoi quality that distinguishes an average outfit from a truly excellent ensemble. And while our answer to said query is still a work in progress, we do know it when we see it and are happy to share our findings with you. It is in that spirit of sartorial sharing that we present this month’s installment of Who What Wear: Styling Tips. Hopefully, you will find these tidbits of wisdom as inspiring and instructive as we do!

Tip #1: Mix a nude bag and shoes with dark pieces

While attending the launch of Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden in London (a British nationwide search to discover and nurture cutting-edge design talent), Claudia Schiffer looked polished and posh when she accented a menswear-inspired outfit in basic black with of-the-moment nude accessories. By now, we’re sure you all have a favorite blazer and tailored trouser; update these timeless pieces with L.A.M.B.’s Tizzy Strappy Sandal Bootie ($345) and Lauren Merkin’s Caroline Clutch ($275) to get a fresh look for a spring evening out.

Tip #2: Get festive with a hot pink party dress

Leigh Lezark, one third of the DJ collective The Misshapes, occasional model, and full time hipster, is notorious for her cutting-edge style and almost exclusively dark wardrobe. Needless to say, we were pleasantly surprised when the downtown doyenne slipped into Dior’s Mini Smokey Bustier Dress ($9250) and Deesse Sandal ($1360, 800.929.DIOR) for the design house’s F/W 09 show. The Schiaparelli pink dress added a refreshingly festive element to her normally somber evening ensembles. She looked so stellar, in fact, we quickly resolved to introduce a brightly-hued strapless party dress into our own nighttime rotation. Either French Connection’s Otto Cotton Dress ($158) or Rare’s Cup Tulip Dress ($110) will do the trick, just add some opaques and metallic sandals—like the Just Cavalli Snake Metallic Platform Sandals ($447)—for the Lezark look!

Tip #3: Wear trendy accessories with great basic pieces (a ThisThatBeauty fav:))

British TV personality Alexa Chung is a true fashion all-star with a keen ability to seamlessly weave unique vintage finds with key designer pieces. During Paris Fashion Week, Chung was spotted teetering around town in Louis Vuitton‘s Spicy Sandals ($2790) and Savane Flight Bag ($2910, 866.VUITTON), surely the most marvelously over-the-top accessories to come out of the S/S 09 season. Chung smartly balanced the bold statement of the shoes and bag with an understated sweater dress she discovered in an anonymous boutique in Paris. So, dear readers, take note: if you are going to show off a spectacularly strong accessory or two (and we suggest that you do!) make sure to temper the look with a more basic piece. Whether you want to splurge on something like YSL’s Patent Cage Belt ($495) and Cage Boot ($1590) or decide to rock Topshop’s Patent Cut Out Waisted Belt ($50) and Lattice Caged Sandals ($145), don’t force them to compete with an equally au courant item!

Tip #4: Belt a body-skimming top over a fitted skirt

For the Los Angeles premiere of Sugar, Jessica Alba belted a voluminous patterned Miu Miu chemise, creating a more feminine, figure-flattering shape. To give her outfit a little more interest, she layered her top over a formfitting short skirt and black tights. We love the idea of augmenting a loose blouse by adding a killer belt, such as Miu Miu’s Double Buckle Belt ($370). Alba’s choice is very eighties, so be sure to check out your favorite local vintage shops, or try the Ostrich Print Pintuck Blouse ($75) from Peoples Market. Don’t forget to cinch above the waist, to create an empire silhouette à la Alba.

Tip #5: Bring back your denim jacket

While moto jackets and boyfriend blazers are the reigning casual outerwear options for the fashionable crowd, there will always be a corner of our hearts reserved for a simple jean jacket. This spring, we love a fitted cropped version in a light wash, like the one spotted on actress Cecile Cassel at the Louis Vuitton A/W 09 show during Paris Fashion week. Try Urban Renewal’s Studded Denim Jacket ($148) with a monochromatic dress and tights or pair it with a floral frock for a warm-weather appropriate look.

Tip #6: Try shoulder-detail tops and jackets

Love her or loathe her, everyone agrees that Agyness Deyn knows how to pull an outfit together in an interesting way. At the Rebecca Minkoff Fall 09 presentation, Deyn dabbled with the directional strong shoulder trend by donning a leather bomber jacket with ruched detailing on the shoulders and a slightly pronounced sleeve. While Deyn wore her jacket with a pink metallic dress, and combat boots, obviously the styling options abound. We think that Miu Miu’s Rosette Leather Jacket ($2835) or Guess by Marciano’s Legend Jacket ($248), two Deyn-inspired picks, would look just as smashing with harem pants or skinny jeans and your favorite pair of heels. –Kate Mulling

Photos of Alexa Chung, Cecile Cassel, Agyness Deyn, from Getty Images; Photos of Leigh Lezark, from Splash; Photos of Claudia Schiffer, Jessica Alba, from Bauer Griffin.

According to the uber fashionable online resource, WHOWHATWEARdaily….
Bib Necklaces are all the rage for Spring.

Well HOT DAMN…this means I am totally dusting off this little friend to the right —> (JCrew Bauble Cascade Necklace) from last year just as soon as the weather breaks. Who knew I was so ahead of my time

And here I am, setting the trend in Beijing last year

According to the uber fashionable online resource, WHOWHATWEARdaily….
Bib Necklaces are all the rage for Spring.

Well HOT DAMN…this means I am totally dusting off this little friend to the right —> (JCrew Bauble Cascade Necklace) from last year just as soon as the weather breaks. Who knew I was so ahead of my time

And here I am, setting the trend in Beijing last year