Monday, November 17, 2014

Solange Knowles’ Wedding: The story of a bike, a jumpsuit, and a cape!

http://www.people.com/article/solange-knowles-marries-alan-ferguson


Now usually I don’t do this, this is definitely not a celebrity gossip site. But you have to give credit when credit is due.

So I was surfing the internet when I came across the headline that Solange Knowles just got married. I decided to follow the link because who doesn’t love love and weddings? I more than likely always click on links to wedding photos or celebrations. I also like to get ideas about my big day. The wedding of Solange Knowles and Alan Ferguson, congratulations to the couple on their nuptials, gave me plenty of ideas.

http://necolebitchie.com/2014/11/heres-a-look-at-solanges-official-wedding-portraits/solange-and-alan-ferguson-arrive-on-bikes-to-their-wedding/
First off, I love the quirkiness and playfulness of the ceremony. The fact they arrived riding white vintage bikes, and took party  pictures in an aging, borderline dilapidated, building with everyone wearing white, gave the photos in instant classic vibe. The wedding seemed very vintage and chic. Two things that I am all for. It also says to brides and grooms, “this is your special day, do it your way.” It was understated and absolutely wonderful. I am not going to be a traditional bride and it is nice to know that I am in good company.

http://necolebitchie.com/2014/11/heres-a-look-at-solanges-official-wedding-portraits/image-by-rog-walker-6/

So let’s start by saying I love cream, I love gold, I love the combination of cream/white and gold, I love jumpsuits, and I LOVE capes! I was thinking about writing a piece on fall summer trends and I landed on capes. Capes are so wonderful! I tend to lean towards pieces that were popular in a time now past. Capes have that vintage feeling, but they are also very dramatic, luxurious, and regal. Let me just say this again, I LOVE CAPES! I can just imagine myself in New York City with knee-high boots, a thick beautiful cape, a muff for my hands or elbow length leather gloves. So classy, and so classic. So chic!

 http://www.thefashionspot.com/style-trends/449489-fall-fashion-trend-2014-capes/#/slide/15

Back to Solange’s particular ensemble. Everything is right about her outfit. It kind of feels like a throwback to the seventies, but the cream color, the material, and the plunging neckline, not to mention the cape of course, gives it a wonderful playfulness while remaining classy and gorgeous. And of course, nods to her red lip and afro, two of my staple looks.

P.S. She didn’t only wear a cape with her cream jumpsuit!

http://necolebitchie.com/2014/11/heres-a-look-at-solanges-official-wedding-portraits/image-by-rog-walker-5/
Brava!

http://necolebitchie.com/2014/11/heres-a-look-at-solanges-official-wedding-portraits/image-by-rog-walker-4/

What are your thoughts on fashion found at Solange Knowles' Wedding? Do you love it? What are your thoughts on capes in general? 

Leave a comment, start a conversation!

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Is it a Shirt or is it a Dress? Why, it is Both!

Shirt-dresses are extremely versatile. It is both feminine and masculine. There is structure, but there is also flexibility. They can be flirty while being professional. You can also dress them up or dress them down.


There is something so mystifying about a masculine piece worn on the female form. There is an element of mystery ; it accentuates a woman’s curves while hiding them at the same time, leaving much to the imagination. In fashion this androgyny is very popular and many collections are constructed around this concept. Where do I think that this attraction to blurring gender lines through fashion comes from? The evolution of the woman. Masculinity is synonymous to strength and power, which is often the foundation for success. As women become more multidimensional figures in society, thus giving men more room for exploration themselves, we began to question both the idea of femininity and masculinity.



What I really like about this particular shirt-dress is its wonderful hem, the contrasting material with the mesh and the smooth silkier material, the cape flaps on the back, and the rich color. It is a high-low hem, but it almost looks like a tuxedo tail. The front is quite high and sexy, but the tail tones this down. I can show off my legs, but not appear too racy. I love the solid material that transitions into the sheer black mesh over the shoulder and down the back. It is very feminine and fashionable. This piece is full of surprises, most notably the split cape that flaps in the wind. I love that this piece is very feminine, but certainly has its masculine elements with the shape, collar, and breast-pockets. I actually love love this piece; it has such a classic feel to it.


Accessories: I went with nude heels because they elongate my legs, can go with just about any color, and they lighten the already dark outfit. I also wore a gold-leaf statement necklace and small gold dangling hoops.

What do you think of shirtdresses?

What do you think of the manipulation of classically male pieces for the female form?

Join the conversation!