I was in NYC late last week running some errands (I'll upload a couple of photos in a bit). It was a beautiful spring day, crisp in the shadow of tall buildings and warm in patches of sun. Central Park was budding and the shop windows were filled with brightly-colored wares. Everyone, it seemed, was turned out onto the sidewalk enjoying the lovely weather. You get the picture.
Anyway, it gave me a chance to do quite a bit of observing, sartorially speaking. My errands took me between Hermes on Madison down to Bergdorf's - a small stretch of land where quite a bit of well-heeled shopping takes place. Except this time, I was shocked by the number of scuffed heels too. It seems whilst everyone was ready to take in the spring weather, some had definitely lost the "spring" in their wardrobes. Some of the most glaring things, that took away from otherwise what might have been quite chic personages...
1. Shoes in Bad Repair
Most people were wearing black shoes. I get it, it's a city, it's grimy, it's urban cool to wear black. But when your *black* shoes start looking dirty - yes, it's time for a clean. I was very surprised by the number of dirty, scuffed, or otherwise beat-up shoes some women were wearing. Heels with the leather peeling off them - this on a woman with a Chanel bag too! No matter what you have going on above the ankle, if the shoes are attracting unwanted attention it is a big miss in my book.
2. Dirty Bags
I saw a very elegantly dressed woman walk passed me - classic double-breasted beige trench, grey pants, black ballerinas, big sunglasses and neat ponytail. Very polished looking, except... her bag. She was carrying an Hermes Garden Party tote in canvas and brown leather - which would have looked darling except on the front of it were yellow and orange stains that looked as if she had a run-in with a hot dog stand.
3. Wearing All your "Best Stuff" (Logos) at Once
Granted, I think this was a group of tourists, but the principle still applies - you can overkill on the logos, people. I know some people don't like logos of any sort. I'm inclined to agree, but I have seen others carry off a logo-ed item here or there with panache. But not EVERY logo, not all at once. I think I can understand what the tourists were thinking: "Hey, we're going shopping to some posh places, let's make sure we dress up with our finest regalia." But the Gucci sneakers, the Louis Vuitton bag, and the Fendi eyeglasses all at once? My eyes, my eyes.
4. The Fuzz
No, I'm not talking about the police. I'm talking about fuzzles, lint, cat and dog hair, etc. If it wasn't originally woven into your coat or sweater, it shouldn't be on there now. Oh, and also it may be a beautiful cardigan but if it has enough pills under the arms to start a felting project - not cool. Really, it's about basic garment care. Maybe it got tiring and now that winter's almost over, people are just giving up. But like other signs of disrepair or lack of care, it distracts from the person.
Actually, all of these observations could fall into one general category - If I'm too busy looking at "it" (whatever it is) that I can't notice you, you should fix "it", clean "it" or remove "it."* The coming of spring is a perfect time to review your cold-weather gear, and mend and clean before storage.
(*Gosh, I sound a bit snarky but I don't mean to be. Somewhere in the blogosphere someone is probably writing about one of my fashion faux pas, unbeknownst to me... guess that's only fair.)
So, to end on a positive note I will share with you my favorite sartorial sighting during my brief vista. A lady, in here late 60s or early 70s, petite but sturdy frame. Confidently striding (yes, striding!) by the Apple Store in a neat black jacket with peplum styling. A maroon skirt. Sheer black stockings. Sensible shoes but with a little platform wedge. Classic, but modern. Comfortable in her own skin. She seemed to have a spirit about her, well, I can't quite put my finger on it but she was memorable and made me smile then, and now. What a nice impression to leave, no?
