I am still as busy as a one-arm paper hanger right now, working very hard to sort out my dad's estate, but I am also getting lots of downtime and rest and I actually slept the whole night through a couple of nights ago!
Today's Style Question is sure to elicit some debate: is clothing with animal motifs a timeless, ongoing aspect of the fashion world, or simply a trend that comes back now and then to varying degrees?
We are all well aware of the critters of 2012:
Ema sported Old Navy's fox sweater in this blogpost in her wonderful My Closet, my baby and I blog. Rynetta, sported a puffin here and a cat here in her uplifting jcrewismyfavstore blogspot.
Rynetta is also showing the new Madewell Jackalope sweater:
Oh sure they are cute, but how long can it be until the Bigfoot sweater? THAT is the sweater i will buy!
I don't have much in the way of animals in my wardrobe. A quirky j crew belt from 08 or 09 with a cute little beagle on the belt buckle:
My giraffe bracelet from this summer:
But nothing really caught my fancy until reading the November issue of Vogue. Chloe Malle, social editor for the magazine (how does one become a social editor? I want that job!), daughter of celebrated actress Candice Bergen and the late celebrated director, Louis Malle, was sounding off on her favourite quirky things. And then there they were: the objects of my animal magnetism: The Charlotte Olympis red suede Kitty loafer.
Oh Thank Goodness these appear sold out in my size everywhere! They are an ungodly price and if I were to spend $700 CDN on a shoe, it would have to be something that would see me out, like a classic Laboutin black or leopard pump. I am sure I am late to the game on these, as once I started searching for them, they were everywhere. Charlotte Olympia even has a sweet little Charlotte's Web version:
Given this is one of my most favourite books, and i have the pig to prove it, these would be a delight as well.
And my Wilbur, given to me by my daughter several years ago:
But I digress. Will this cornucopia of critters continue on, ad infinitum, or do you see this as having a shelf life and already on the wane, to be replaced by god-knows-what? And if the trend wanes, will you still embrace your critters, like I embrace my beagle?
Do share! And please pass on other critter costumes for those of us who like our fashion on the wild side! And Tabs, if you recall, Jim-Bob had a pet peacock....
Happy Wednesday and stay safe out there!
Today's Style Question is sure to elicit some debate: is clothing with animal motifs a timeless, ongoing aspect of the fashion world, or simply a trend that comes back now and then to varying degrees?
We are all well aware of the critters of 2012:
 |
| The infamous hen sweater, which launched a 1000 debates.... |
 |
| J Crew's Frenchie sweater, not sure I want a dog on my chest, but would wear this for sure! |
Rynetta is also showing the new Madewell Jackalope sweater:
Oh sure they are cute, but how long can it be until the Bigfoot sweater? THAT is the sweater i will buy!
I don't have much in the way of animals in my wardrobe. A quirky j crew belt from 08 or 09 with a cute little beagle on the belt buckle:
My giraffe bracelet from this summer:
But nothing really caught my fancy until reading the November issue of Vogue. Chloe Malle, social editor for the magazine (how does one become a social editor? I want that job!), daughter of celebrated actress Candice Bergen and the late celebrated director, Louis Malle, was sounding off on her favourite quirky things. And then there they were: the objects of my animal magnetism: The Charlotte Olympis red suede Kitty loafer.
Oh Thank Goodness these appear sold out in my size everywhere! They are an ungodly price and if I were to spend $700 CDN on a shoe, it would have to be something that would see me out, like a classic Laboutin black or leopard pump. I am sure I am late to the game on these, as once I started searching for them, they were everywhere. Charlotte Olympia even has a sweet little Charlotte's Web version:
Given this is one of my most favourite books, and i have the pig to prove it, these would be a delight as well.
But I digress. Will this cornucopia of critters continue on, ad infinitum, or do you see this as having a shelf life and already on the wane, to be replaced by god-knows-what? And if the trend wanes, will you still embrace your critters, like I embrace my beagle?
Do share! And please pass on other critter costumes for those of us who like our fashion on the wild side! And Tabs, if you recall, Jim-Bob had a pet peacock....
Happy Wednesday and stay safe out there!
Hi WWM! I did pick up the initial hen sweater - always like to have a fun/humorous piece in the wardrobe. I even ordered the Madewell Owl sweater (it hasn't yet arrived.) But that is where I draw the line. I know I will grow tired of 'critters' on my clothing, as they are not a basic/staple that will carry on. I think it's great that they have variety now - for those of us who prefer dogs, deer, cats, whatever. I consider my hen sweater "at home" wear, or "running to the grocery store" wear. That's about it.
ReplyDeleteLook forward to more responses here! So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. My mom has just been diagnosed with a cancer, and it has me a bit paralyzed. Mind you, my husband has had cancer twice, AND a stem cell transplant; I have had melanoma. But this is my MOM! I wish I was getting more done, but I am kind of moping right now. I suppose I just need to get busy. Thanksgiving will take care of that! Take care!
Oh Suzy, of course you are moping! I am moping myself these days and can so understand your distress about your mom, and you are right, mom's are so special and important to us, and this on top of your family health issues. Big cyber hugs your way! I hope you have a restful thanksgiving and take good care of yourself!
DeleteHa to the peacock, oh I wish the Waltons was still on TV.
ReplyDeleteI think animals are just this season's thing along with all of the crazy cigarette pants.
I see the fox/beagles thing a bit differently as they are part of our outdoor heritage here and have appeared in small forms ( belts/shooting sticks) for generations.
My neighbour had 6 peacocks - the fox dined on them on the second night!
Oh No! Imagine how much 6 peaccks cost (okay I have NO idea how much 6 peacocks cost, but I imagine it is as much as one would need to pay for something equally special, like a pair of diamond studs!!
DeleteI think you are right on the fox/beagles. I wondered when I saw the sequin rhinoceros if JCrew wasn't also being ironic, but then I realized that few people are as much smartasses as we all are!
Barry actually gave me season 1 of the waltons several years ago - I think the first 3 or 4 seasons hold up exceptionally well, since the show is set in a different time anyway, but really jumps the shark when John-Boy leaves and is replaced by some other sod!
We had about 10 peacocks next door at the neighbor's house a couple of years ago, and it was horrible! They are very pretty, but they are incredibly loud and destructive to everything around them...the deck, roof of the house, etc. Thankfully she was able to get animal control to give her traps to set up (they didn't hurt them, just caged them), and finally got rid of them all.
DeleteI have almost all seasons of the Waltons on DVD, and actually went through a Waltons watching marathon several years ago. I agree that it really just wasn't the same once they replaced John Boy.
As for wearing critters on my clothing, I really don't have any interest in doing it at all. I think the trend will pass eventually. Hopefully sooner rather than later. ;)
I meant to say that I went through a Waltons watching marathon several months ago, not years ago.
DeleteI like critters if they are meaningful but I have firmly resisted the current batch of them. The sweater ingredients are not so desirable so I'm collecting the ones of yore or happily petting the ones I own from years ago. I think critters will come and go but I wear them not for trend but mostly because they make me smile. And often others too.
ReplyDeleteThat's why i love you Tiffany Rose! None have been meaningful to me yet, but I wasn't joking - if they suddenly do Bigfoot in a cashmere, I am all over that! Or a really nice giraffe...I do love a giraffe. I may have to run away from home and join the giraffe man....
DeleteMy critters are all on jewelry. For some reason, I am not drawn to the critter clothes. Maybe when someone puts Nigel on a sweater we can talk :-) He'll have to have the hunting rifle and jacket and jaunty cap or I wouldn't consider it.
ReplyDeleteCate! You are right! Nigel needs his own sweater or tshirt for sure!!!and it would come with a matching flask and book.
DeleteFlask & book, genius! I knew there was a reason I liked him... The critter-knitter-from-space is going to be busy with this project.
DeleteThis could be a club project. I don't think I trust this kind of thing to old JC! I think Knityarns needs to design it, I will take a crack at the first draft of the story, to be added to by all and sundry and who will design the flask? Anyone? Anyone?
ReplyDeleteWell, I do like my cocktails and something to keep warm in woods, can handle InDesign and know a few metal fabricators through the DH's work. Put the flask on my to-do list.
DeleteI figured it would be a race between you and Tabs! I do have an old JC flask that says "I drink to make other people more interesting", which in my case, is sometimes true! and I think Fred needs same said flask tomorrow!
DeleteThey have a couple of "words to drink by" flasks in the gift section of Chapters/ Indigo this season too.
DeleteANIMAL FARM WMM, a historic moment *drumroll*, first time Waltons and "jump the shark" ever made it into sentence together. I keep waiting for JC or someone to do a set of 12 Days of Christmas or "Partridge Family" jumpers (like the Jewelery and Shoe Clubs).
ReplyDeleteDid like the Tory Burch foxes when they first came out (memories of Basil Brush) and would have bought on sale if critters didn't come out of woods everywhere. Really appreciate DBP and others' collection of JC critter bangles (although can't do that kind of JC bracelet.) And I did buy the Frenchie sweater as an Xmas gift for one of my younger UK relations (who has a family bulldog and is dog mad). Yanked it on to show DH who when I said "dog sweater" he thought JC was making sweaters out of some kind of exotic dog fur (no ideas Jenna, enough with the rabbit already).
My fave JC critter wear actually the sweaters with the small shoulder polar bear, scotty etc. from around 2008.
Oh, and of course Tabitha has me crave-crushing a giraffe sweater in a sort of naif/ IKEA Swedish happiness pattern. For the days when there should be more good in the world. And because I think that elongated and elegant creature will make me look taller (still hoping).
DeleteGF - I do my best to bring a highbrow culture to the proceedings. Oh sure, other blogs may quote kierkegard and Plato, I give you some bad outfits and Fonzie!
DeleteWouldn't you like to have a Giraffe sweater? Too funny about DH and the dog sweater! My husband was surprised this a.m. to learn he had bought me zebra shoes. He asked: "is that tacky"? Given that I was wearing sequins at the time (having totally ripped off Miss Tiffany to cheer myself up before going to the bank and to the funeral home, one cannot be surprised by the question...
Ah no, WMM, I have you bested. Three Christmases ago, I brought home an emerald silk satin blouse with some small pleats and a tiny frill for possible inclusion in party outfit. (Bear in mind I have a very flat chest and said article came from rather prosaic Banana Republic.) My DH took one look up from his bed-time reading at me in that and black skirt with a single frill and said, "Is Riverboat Tart a fashion trend?"
DeleteWell little known fact - one of my best buddies and I wrote a parody of Showboat years ago for his Gilbert and Sullivan Society. I know who to cast in one of the key roles next time around....
DeleteIn general, I don't think animals on our chests contribute to our look. Resist, unless the special animal appears in a nice knit.
ReplyDeleteLane - I hear you! It's enough sometimes to just go with what we have on our chests to begin with....
DeleteI can't stand animal/critter clothing, starting with those awful mj mouse flats.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you got some rest. Hugs.
A! YOu made me laugh out loud! I wonder if some like them because they were deprived on GRRanimals as a child?
DeleteI'm sure the fad will pass, but I will still love the critters. I've had a few old school ones that I like to break out, and I'm nerdy/kitchy like that I guess. Speaking of which, I actually bought myself a cat DRESS yesterday, at Ann Taylor Loft. Yep, have officially gone overboard.
ReplyDeleteWell you wear them with aplomb! I have to see the cat dress! It is so Anne Hatheway of you! In your case, would this be a case of "jumping the cat?"
Delete"In general, I don't think animals on our chests contribute to our look." Hilarious! Thank you Lane!
ReplyDeleteWMM - I have to say that even if I don't comment, know that I am reading with delight because your posts, as well as being funny and uplifting in their own right, elicit the best comments!!!
I know Patricia - I feel kind of like a good pitcher - I just throw it and the little merry band just keeps hitting 'em out of the park!
Deleteim blaming myself for facilitating this trend. it just provided too much post material, http://thewhiningdiner.blogspot.com/2012/08/animal-wear-revisited.html
ReplyDeleteand
http://thewhiningdiner.blogspot.com/2012/08/little-bopeep-has-found-sweater.html
for example.
Have to keep reminding self that the stuff is being offered for sale, , not issued. Otherwise we'd all look like we were in the wrong reading group.
Ha! Great last sentiment! It does feel like things are issued at times, doesn't it?
DeleteWMM, you have the most fun blog around-I love it!
ReplyDeleteNot sure why, but, fad or long-time trend (I think it's the former), critters aren't for me. Not saying I am above them, by any stretch-they just don't ring my bell. As per Lane's comment and your response, I have enough going on in the chest area already, and am perhaps loathe to add more? ;) I also came of age during the big Scotties on clothing trend in the 80's, so possibly got my fill early on? I do think the Crewlet Puffin sweater is adorable...
Hi Wendy! I like the puffin, too! I remember Princess Diana in those sheep and Scottie sweaters - she looked so cute!
DeleteI returned my Madewell owl sweater. I think I outgrew it. :)
ReplyDeleteTwit twoo!
DeleteRose - it flew the nest! I did order some sheep for my daughter...
Critters, bows, hearts and most other embellishments just don;t speak to me, I bought too many for my daughter when she was younger. I think about a year ago she said 'Mom, why do you always buy everything with pictures on it?'. Since she outgrew them at 9, I decided it was time for me too.
ReplyDeleteI also stopped sleeping with stuffed animals...
It can get crowded in bed! We sleep with our dog Indy, who is pretty much like a stuffed animal!
DeleteYou're hilarious!!!! I really like the critter sweaters. I know that they aren't for everyone, but I just love something about them!!! Like shopwithm, I think I'll love these sweaters even after this fad is over!
ReplyDeleteRynetta - I think you will for sure! I just love it that fashion is getting more diverse than it used to be!
Delete