Harmonies and Variations

These additions, some more recent than others, form the basis for central ideas about wearing dresses.

In the first instance, there were pleats and form-fitting tailoring. Initially, the plan was to only wear this as a base layer, to which oversized sweaters or tee shirts could be added.

Then, most recently, came the idealized version of a dress itself. Black, oversized in my most prized cocoon shape, the pleats still in place, and a subtly intriguing detail at the hem offering the absolute slightest peek of thigh flesh.

Somewhere in between these I acquired the silk long sleeved oversized dress of dreams, complete with pockets and a fascinating sleeve pleat detail - a long slit that opens.

The back is finished with buttons.

Also of note, a new lip color. This makes four lipstick tubes on a shelf in my bathroom. Again, my special best friend was involved. She's been there with me for my most notable lipcolor decisions, encouraging me as only a true friend who understands can.

She sent me this Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lip Color "Cocoa" lipstick in the mail, after guiding me to try it on weeks ago. It reads very dark in person, but not in a goth way. The darkness reminds me of 90s R&B and what I imagine to be the color worn by flappers, even though those photos are always black and white. I think this last resonance is why I felt compelled to combine it with the drop waist pleats.

Dresses, all had for $26 - 50 each:
1. Made by Theory, found at the Buffalo Exchange in Berkeley, CA
2. Made by Diane von Furstenberg, found at VACATION in San Francisco (GO TO THERE!)
3. Made by Dennis Goldsmith, found at NO vintage shop in San Francisco (GO HERE, TOO!)