Springtime on the High

When I awoke this morning to find the last remnants of last week's fashion circus swept away and the sun shining like it hasn't since before our economy, society & co. fell into the crapper, I
felt something stir inside me, and that something was my need to feed my closet. So shedding my winter uniform (fur gilet, wool snood with a shearling on top) and feeling like a newborn baby for it, I emerged into the sunshine and headed for prime mid-range consumer grazing grounds, High Street Kensington, in search of a springy snack.

I don't know if it was the sudden intake of UV goodness or the intoxication of bright neon pink, orange and yellow and more acid wash than a Blondie reunion adorning store windows, but as soon as I hit the High Street, I was more desperate for a serious 80s fix than any Bush (H.W.)-era junkie. Luckily, as the dressing room whisperings below will attest, the shops were so chock full of 80s fabulousness that I didn't have to troll for long before the beast was satisfied.

Stop #1: American Apparel

Always one of my first stops, American Apparel is like a 24 hour convenience store--you always know exactly what they have, where it will be in the store and what you're looking for (milk...leggings...bread...red metallic tube bra): you never have to try things on, just pop in, scoop up your glittery pink leggings and go. Still, they introduce new pieces all the time, so regular frequention is a must to maintain your AA saavy at all times.

In this case, I found some glorious bits that reminded me of going to summer camp back in the States as a kid in the 80s, bedazzled jean jacket and all. Not that I ever went to summer camp...but if I had, I probably would have worn this super soft cotton rose tie-dye tee coupled with some acid wash shorts (albeit my counselor probably would have tried to do me or have me kicked out of camp if I had, at age 8, turned up to capture the flag in shorts that tiny). Don't you love how fashion can make you nostalgic for memories you don't even have?







Stop #2: Urban Outfitters

So I realize that I'm patronizing all my fellow-Americans that have invaded Britain's high streets, but every expat needs to do their part. Screw the troops, support our shops! Besides, when it comes to new beginnings (such as springtime) there's no place like home to start--or at least as close as you can get to it. Overall, the pickings at UO weren't that great (alas they never are this side of the Atlantic), but I did find a couple of tasty numbers worth mentioning.

There was a See By Chloe skirt perfect for anyone thinking about or wanting to recreate the feeling of a holiday in Mexico, or I guess, in the Londoner's case, Spain. God I love white cotton with bright embroidery, it's just so innocent and fresh, yet kind of sexy in a playful way at the same time. Maybe it's just getting to be that time of year (Spring Break's just around the corner kiddies!), but I'm craving a frozen marg rimmed with crystalized salt, a bowl full of fresh guac, some gold gladiator sandals and straw bag. This girl is ready to go wild. Ole!

Stop #3: The Gap

I know it's shameless in its blatant American patriotism and the supporting of child labor and all other manners of evil, but when on the prowl for inexpensive and everlasting denim, what's a Yank to do if not head to the fountain of jeans itself, the mega-chain legacy of good ol' dry goods manufacturer and cowboy down on his luck Levi Strauss? I've been in search of a pair of boyfriends for some time, and just haven't been willing to put in the energy til now. So wasn't I surprised when I found the boyfriend of my dreams (well, he's no Current/Elliot, but there's a recession on, so he'll have to do!) at Gap. Tried, trusty and always true when it comes to blue. Just cuff, add layers of pendants, vintage tee, slide into some chucks or Havis and go!






Stop #4: COS

After gutting High Street Kensington of all its best neon and denim bits, I popped over to Oxford Circus and into COS (H&M's sophisticated older sis) on a whim, and, to be honest, in search of juicy colored panties--they have some of the best undies at near H&M prices and fantastic loungewear. H&M, sadly, didn't have any bits worthy of especial mention. But what did I find when I walked into COS? Butter soft LEATHER harem pants in grey suede and black leather! Oh I was in heaven...they were a little pricey, but draped like a dream and were super comfy. The black especially are such a great year-round piece, and definitely worth the investment.

I teamed them with a peach linen blouse I grabbed in passing off a random rail--just one of the many ways you can professionalize such a trend. An aqua linen scarf (I have a thing for linen scarves, I think I have enough for a very detailed rainbow--see "Love Scarf" at Calypso) tops off the look, springing up the leather and playing with the color pallette. My last find (panties and a new purple jersey bra aside) was a bright orange pinched silk kaftan. Tucked and gathered in all the right places, it was like a big tangerine of summertime joy. Pair with huge floppy straw hat, chunky ethnic jewellery (turquoise especially), gladiator sandals and the Riviera is all yours. One drawback: stupid little clip in the back to reign in the fabric, limits what you can do with the piece...hello, I have belts for that!










Stop #5: Topshop

Hail to the Queen! Or at least the top shop on her high street! Here my lust for all things 80s met its match (as did my debit card). Thank god I still have a valid student ID and can glean that lovely extra 10% off. The Unique collection is so spot on this season, I want each and every bit of it, and, after today, am well on my way there. A mint green dress which can be toned down for March by interspersing with tights and black, or fabbed up for spring with an amazing multi-colored heart print oversized silk blazer. There was only the one left--and it ain't there no more I'm afraid. The possibilities for this season's joy of clashing are endless with this piece. It was one of two outstanding blazers in the collection--the second being a black western themed studded jacket of the same cut. It's like a badass faux Vegas rodeo on crack circa 1989...excellent! Toss over ripped jeans and casual flip flops and vintage tee with tossled hair for that Kate Moss sexy cool or go for broke, pile on the sequins and embrace the tacky with all your heart.

I delighted in pairing mine with a little eiffel tower printed CROP TOP! All hail the return of the crop (and the fact that fashion week meant I didn't eat so my stomach can afford the additional publicity). I hailed it so enthusiastically I wound up with two: the eiffel and a little white lace number that just looked so cool when worn over a body con mixed neon print jersey Pucci knock off dress that it had to come home with me.

On the topic of the dress, a solid buy, as it looked great by itself, with little lace crop top and fab with a double breasted oversized casual blazer. Basically, it's one of those mad prints that you can pair with anything and get away with it...for now.

***NB The jersey section at Topshop's flagship is teeming with cool vintage-inspired tees for less than £20...one labelled "NYC Backstage 1986" made it home with me. Another 80s wannabe dates itself as post-millenial due to the London Eye splashed across the front, was left for another time. If I were two inches shorter, I could have worn it as a super mini, but as I stand, it wasn't going to happen.

Finally, a very pale lilac long sleeve sculpted and zipper ridden suede dress (very Marios Schwab SS09, whoever decided suede was a good spring material must be a Brit, London being a place where 'spring' is more in name than season, so thicker fabrics in lighter colors do the trick). Though it didn't make it home with me, kudos must be paid to its level of craftmanship and intricate design.