Channeling Yayoi

(photo credit: Sheila Drakely Photography)

Today's outfit reminds me of one of my favorite artists, Yayoi Kusama. Her work spans many mediums and infuses the avante grade with influences of pop art, sensuality, and her own inner workings. A majority (if not all) of her work involves the repetition of polka dots, adding a surreal element to naked subjects, structures, a horse, and even herself at points. Yayoi once said "a polka dot has the form of the sun, which is a symbol of the energy of the whole world and our living life, and also the form of the moon which is calm. Round, soft, colorful, senseless and unknowing. Polka dots become movement… Polka dots are a way to infinity." Although I've only recently started researching her philosophy, I can't help but find her work and polka dots themselves a meaningful harbinger of creativity and resilience.

In recent years, Yayoi has collaborated with beauty giant Lâncome and fashion house Louis Vuitton. 

Although I'm not wearing any of Yayoi's pieces, I paired a few of my favorite dotted pieces together honoring Yayoi's (and my) favorite pattern. 

tweed overcoat from J. Crew Factory (similar here)

vintage dotted tulle dress

black and blue dotted tights from J. Crew (unavailable)

heels from Steve Madden (unavailable)

Enamel black dot cuff from Kate Spade (unavailable, but the ring is very cute) 

xo,

The Cosseted Pauper

Suit Up!

One of the most talked about pieces for the spring is the femme tuxedo. Runways debuted a huge spectrum of colors, silhouettes, and materials. From Balmain's beetle juice-esque biker chick leather to Altuzarra's dreamy obi-tied cream and royal blue suit, this trend leaves no girl behind!

(credits: Balmain, Jonathon Saunders, Costume National, Altuzzara)

My favorite tailor of the S/S '13 female suit has to be Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent. His years at Dior Homme are apparent in the excellent fit of every single pant and jacket. Also, how could you say no to tastefully done pussy bows, feathers, sequins, and organza sleeves?!

(credits: Saint Laurent) 

For your average college student, purchasing a new tuxedo from a reasonably priced retail store (i.e., J.crew or Zara) could cost you upwards of an entire semester's books. If you're sure you will definitely utilize it in more than just this spring I would say invest. Otherwise, in the words of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis I would say hit up that thrift store down the road! This advice applies most so to blazers. You can often find classic black and blue as well as colored and patterned blazers for just a few dollars. On this weekend's thrift haul, I was able to find a sweet blue velvet blazer with a purple silk lining for a mere $10!

Vintage blue velvet blazer

Rag and Bone top (similar here)

Paige jeans (similar here)

 For a Saint Laurent reminiscent look pair skinny jeans, your blazer, a complementary pair of heels or flats and a tee-shirt or dressier shirt with pussy bow capabilities. From here, the sky is the limit with further embellishments!  

xo,

The Cosseted Pauper