FLANNEL SQUARED

Most great things come in twos: Reese’s cups, Shamwows, The ATL Twins, certain male reproductive organs. This plaid flannel-on-plaid flannel pairing is no exception. I layered a knee length plaid shirt-dress with cutoff sleeves over another flannel wonder, this one with sleeves still intact and a casual cut reminiscent of most bathrobes. With my outerwear lending itself to a “trailer trash heroism” theme, I knew the rest of my outfit would have to follow suit and honor the classically American look. Ergo, overalls. It’s finally warm enough to bare knees, so I’m trying to get as much wear out of this vintage Vigoss number before it either falls apart or my butt gets too big to squeeze into it (very likely considering my recent cheese Danish obsession). Overall (no pun intended), the look is “prole on the prowl” – calculated nonchalance and hobo chicness in tow.



FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

Beanie – H&M

Sunglasses – Retro City

Gray flannel robe – YES STYLE

Blue flannel cutoff shirt – Secondhand

Ladder necklace – Vanessa Mooney

Snakeskin turtleneck – Boohoo

Vigoss overalls – Secondhand

Bag – Rebecca Minkoff

"Opera booties" – Pink and Pepper

These here shoes are a rockin’ new pair from my buds Pink& Pepper, cheekily titled “the Opera bootie.” They’d surely fit right into an ‘exclusive art ambience,’ but I prefer wearing them to downtown dives and flea markets where my frayed flannel is not only socially accepted, but encouraged. Less pressure. I’ll be leaning against a chain link fence somewhere shotgunning a PBR if you need me. 

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva

DESTINED FOR GRAYNESS

Balancing sport with sleek is becoming a perennial challenge for me on those early mornings when I’m getting dressed for the gym. I’m not usually the type to wear fitness apparel all day – I need a solid look to throw over my sports bra and running shorts, especially when it’s cold, and especially when I intend to meet with friends later at Café Rio. This outfit meets all my necessary qualifications: comfortable, casual, chic. The loose knit and circle scarf keep me cozy, and the sweats – with their matching gray panel pockets – keep me active. Chunky platform sandals are perfect for a post-cardio stroll, and it doesn’t hurt that they complete my sports luxe 2013 look with a dazzling leatherette finish.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

Circle scarf - YES STYLE

Knit sweater - ROMWE

Paneled sweat slacks - YES STYLE

Platform sandals - ROMWE

Skull backpack - OASAP

Check out the rest of Romwe’s sweater and shoe selection, or Yes Style for scarves and pants. Most of my wardrobe is comprised of heavy knit tops and slacks… trying to get a good wearing out of the novelty garments, then resell them so I can invest in more staples. Guess this means I’m becoming an adult. Or a jaded fashion blogger exhausted by excess. Wink.

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva

love isn't real

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Troisième œil

I don't speak French, but according to my research, "troisième œil" translates to 'third eye' -- a très new age entity that supposedly catapults people into a state of higher consciousness. Since my outfit is inspired by a stereotypically French beatnik look, angora beret and stripes in tow, and features a holographic eyeball pendant around my neck, I chose to name it after something mystical and chic. Because clearly my potential for spiritual enlightenment is as high as the society I belong to in Paris.



FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
Beret - YES STYLE
Sweater - QQONE
Trousers - YES STYLE
Overcoat - OASAP
Chelsea boots - WANTED

Everything on my body is pretty much a staple piece... slouchy slacks, chelsea boots, tortoiseshell shades, and a bulky winter coat (that hopefully I'll no longer need come 60 degree breezes woo). Most importantly is my striped sweater. It's absorbed many a tear this tragic winter. And y'all know there's no greater consolation than emerging from a mountain of Kleenex and seeing your cutie pie striped sweater reflection in the mirror... thanks a million to QQONE for hookin' it up! For those who aren't familiar - QQone is a retailer that specializes in sweaters ~exclusively~. Cardigans, ponchos, vests, too... if you can knit it, they stock it. I weirdly wish they would sponsor my depression. Heh. ^-^

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva

PRESENT TENSE

You’ve seen this jacket on me before – I literally ‘rocked’ it with a check print miniskirt and oxford lace-ups this Fall in a look called “Wild Thing.” The 1950s homage was full force with heart-print sunglasses and a fuchsia sash wound characteristically around my neck, but my penchant for nostalgic influence has since rot and festered. Outfits that look like costumes suggest more of a superficial understanding of “clothes” than of a deep and rounded understanding of “fashion.” The relationship the outfit’s aesthetic maintains with present culture is of premier importance, and in fact integral to the execution of the ensemble as an idea. So I didn’t nod to styles of any years past with this look. I buttoned the varsity jacket straight up to the neck and let the asymmetrical hem speak for itself. It’s nobody’s kitschy letterman. It’s a staple piece of present-day sportswear with an avant garde twist. Thank you, Jovonna London!

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

Sunglasses - Retro City

"Allison Vesty" Jacket - Jovonna London

"Sexy Pages" Crop Top - HOW VERY DARE

Velvet harem pants - PERSUNMALL

Suede stilettos - PERSUNMALL

Leopard satchel - Jimmy Choo

Underneath my jacket is a very clever crop top c/o How Very Dare – a clothing line that prides itself in attention to prints and modern silhouettes. Scoop necks, hi-low hems, and contemporary patterns – I see you, horse print leggings – command a presence on their site, and they all translate beautifully into real-life function. This top was an easy choice for me: the open book print is smart with a sense of humor. Didn’t even mess around with heavy necklaces because I wanted to keep the lounge vibe consistent... velvet harem pants with a low-rise, elasticized waist made that easy. And the practical heel on my new stilettos kept the silhouette sleek without compromising my comfort. Both are from Persunmall, and both are prized new staples that well represent the present tense that is 2013.

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva 

METRICE

I’ll never forget the time I wore this Romwe sweater for two straight days… I thought I’d lose my mind if I had to look down at that dizzying pattern for one more hour. But in moderation I admit that neutral hexagon print affords my knit top a comforting chicness, especially when paired with cuffed denim skinnies and stilettos. I love a little monochrome symmetry. I also love that this Valentino rockstud clutch looks kinda like a classic quilted Chanel. It’s homage with attitude… couples well with a messy ponytail and oversize aviators.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
Pyro sunglasses - RETRO CITY
Hexagon print sweater - ROMWE
Cuffed skinny jeans - Seven For All Mankind "Gwenevere"
Rockstud clutch - Valentino
Transparent heels - YES STYLE

I loved Olivia’s interpretation of the sweater, jeans, and heels combo in January, and I think what she said about American classicism is true: “It’s all about that chunky cable knit paired with worn in denim, and a classic pair of sunglasses that matches pointy pumps that is reminiscent of all things Americana.” Certainly is, and just goes to show that you can wear jeans to lunch without looking underdressed. Sometimes the most sophisticated looks incorporate famously casual elements.

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva

CEMENTED

Today I'm sporting a plaid flannel maxi skirt -- yes, one of the most genius UNIF garments to have ever been invented -- over my light-wash PacSun jeans because, obvious. Layering is what's up. Not because it's cold outside or anything. It's that wearing as many clothes as physically possible while still respecting sartorial social norms is a testament to how much you love getting dressed. Throwing on another layer is like... maximizing your apparel experience. More to touch, more to appreciate. Also helps that this little flannel number gives me a grunge vibe so aloof I gotta compensate for it with this weird thing called "effort." That's where the small details come in -- a tattoo choker I've worn more times than I can justify in the past couple months, and a layer of Lime Crime's "Glamour 101" opaque lipstick that I can justify wearing a million more times this dreary winter season. My pucker could use some punch.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

Snapback - YES STYLE

Cropped sweater - DAILY LOOK

"Gwen skirt" - UNIF

Ripped skinnies - PACSUN

Platform boots - UNIF HELLBOUNDS / SOLESTRUCK

Backpack - OASAP

Shout outs to DAILY LOOK for hooking me up with this cropped sweater! There are few things I like more in this world than boxy knits with cropped hems, and all of those things are illegal so I'll settle for this little beast instead. ;) I'll be rocking TONS of Daily Look this year so keep ya eyes peeled for more greatness. And sign up for an account at their site -- they'll email ya on the 'Daily' with clever collages for outfit inspiration, but not in a pesky-newsletter kinda way. PROMISE.

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva