Wishlist: October 2012 :: Mixed Materials

column 1, from top: Rebecca Minkoff // J. Crew // Jean Michel Cazabat
column 2, from top: Michael Kors // Proenza Schouler // Clare Vivier
column 3, from top: Dolce Vita // Dolce Vita // Madewell

My wishlist is pretty light these days. As I mentioned in part one of my fall preview there’s nothing I need this fall, so it’s mostly been closed wallet and increasingly ridiculous list of wants. Pretty soon a pony will be on there. Even as my closet cull continues I’m finding plenty to wear and I’m hesitant to bring anything new in until I have a better handle on where my personal style is going.

Of course, I still like making wishlists. And since it’s just a wishlist and not a shopping list I can add as much as I please and pretend like my wallet is bottomless. It’s nearly the same release for me as actual shopping!

As you can see, I’m on a shoe kick at the moment. Mixed materials are prevalent in clothing and accessories this fall. While it’s a hard trend to guess in longevity, it’s something I definitely want to dip my toes in with. Perhaps literally with a new pair of shoes! Or boots! Or both!!

Earlier this week I visited Piperlime’s Soho store (Eye Candy post coming next week) and tried on the Dolce Vita Mella boots. Love the distressed body of the boots and the squared off pyramid studs on the shaft. The boots are super comfy but run small — I tried a 40 on and my toes were bumping the front. I’m usually a size 9. They seemed comfy walking around the store. A back zip on a boot is a bit unusual. I liked it here. I wish the shaft was wider. These boots don’t slouch — they stand up stiffly.

Here’s how they look on:

What I’m wearing: Jacket// Top (similar) // Jeans // Bag // Boots // Ring

Just a try-on shot, not a true OOTD. I would pair these boots with skinny jeans, a long slouchy cashmere sweater and perhaps a vest as a topper.

Pants are another category mixed materials are taking over. I’m not sure which designer started it but the most memorable example for me are the beautiful CĂ©line Silk Organza pants you see above. Ivory base with a black organza overlay in the front. Dreamy!

Since then the trend has trickled down to the rest of us. Brocade over denim. (Like J Brand’s Brocade Maria, reviewed in this post.) Leather over denim. (Like AG’s Leatherette Leggings, which I’ll review in a few days). Lace over denim, denim patched together, etc.

My favorite interpretation is the combination of leather (or faux leather) in front and leggings or jeans in the back. The first version I’ve seen is Rag & Bone’s delightful Hyde Pant you see above. The black-on-coal combination reminds me of the chaps I used to wear to horseback ride in the winter. I’m excited to have the chance to rock the look in a more urban way! A simple grey sweater (light or dark grey) will work great with these pants. If Rag & Bone is overbudget, I saw a similar pair at AG that aren’t online yet and expect more versions to show up soon.

That’s just the start of my October wishlist! The rest lives on my new Cravings page, which I’ll be updating regularly with the items I’d buy if only my budget were unlimited. This month I’m focusing on mixed materials, including a super-cute Madewell clutch and a preppy shirtdress from Club Monaco.

Are you into the mixed materials trend? Have you purchased any items that mix materials for fall?


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