An Excuse to Shop Menswear

The Queen of Oversized Clothing | Miss Mary-Kate Olsen

I'd never imagine in a million years that I would be shopping in the men's department.  Growing up, gender presentation was very traditional.  Blue was for boys, pink was for girls.  Boys played with trucks, girls had their barbies.  So naturally, it made sense for girls and boys to shop in their respective departments.  I know, I know, I sound ancient -but this was back in the 90's.

Fast forward twenty-something years and I find myself perusing men's tees and coats, and I love it.  Some of the best styles and statement looks are the ones that stray from tradition, and I am definitely loving the blurred lines in the fashion industry (did anyone else get a traumatic flashback to the VMAs?)

Men's clothing styles have started to appear more regularly on the runways -everything from boyfriend jeans, to shirt, and coat? Well it's not exactly the boyfriend coat, but there has been an emergence of oversized jackets this fall/winter season.  I first spotted this oversized silhouette on the Celine Fall 2012 runway, and it has since been on many other runways and streets (street style).  I for one, feel that there's something glamorously chic about these coats and especially love that they evoke the cozy feeling of cuddling in a blanket -maybe it's just me, being from the freezing windy city,  but I love it!

So this is one of those occasions that calls for the men's department.  I would opt for a wool or cashmere blend topcoat/overcoat.  There are so many options to choose from once you're in the store, but make sure that you choose something that still fits.  Oversized doesn't mean that you need to drown in it.  If you're a small in women's, I would still go for a small in mens because they tend to run larger.  The best part is that overcoats are great for layering, especially if you live in a colder city -you can easily throw on a smaller jacket under and stay stylishly cozy.

Have you tried this look yet? If so, how do you like to style your coat?

(1) Massimo Alba - Austin 3 Button Coat

(2) Zara - Camel Coat with Fur Collar

(3) Asos - Double Breasted Wool Overcoat

(4) Yang Li - Burgundy Angora Rippled Long Coat

The Art of Pajama-wear

Model Mary Jane Russell | Vogue in 1953

Lets talk PJs, and how we want to keep them on all day.  Ever since the days have gotten shorter, I've been thinking more and more about keeping my pajamas on throughout the day.  However, I haven't been able to do that yet thanks to my mirror, (my enemy or my best friend?), who is there to tell me every morning that I haven't completed my overnight transformation to a Victoria's Secret Angel.   But seriously though, I love pajamas and actually believe that one can pull off day-time pajama wear if worn correctly.  The best styles are the ones where rules are broken, and I think that definitely applies when opting to wear your pajamas in public.

For those of us who don't have the luxury of stepping out in Louis Vuitton's Fall 2013 nightwear inspired collection, here are other alternatives you can try out.  Have fun with the style - and try to stay awake if you're wearing this to work! By the way, I like to try this look on a lazy Sunday -preferably something that involves brunch and shopping.  I've found that brunch time is one of my favorite ways of finding out what people think of my style choice of the day.  I'm usually greeted with the perfect amount of judgment, curiosity, and indifference -tried and true.

Rashida Jones in Erdem

Shop similar styles at Neimens and Bergdorf

Kate Bosworth's take on Pajama Chic

Try this look by pairing similar styles from J.Crew, Henry & Belle, Zara, and Asos