March 2017 – With Love, Amanda

I overthink things. I just do. So when I thought about wearing this military jacket, I couldn’t help but consider the symbolism and implications of the now-trendy topper. Am I disrespecting the sacrifices of our men and women in the armed forces if I turn their symbol of pride into a mere trifle that matches my mood on a given day? Worse still, am I sending an aggressive message? (I wasn’t kidding when I said I overthink things.) In the end I decided that if I wear a military jacket with the right intention, a spirit of pride and respect for those who risk everything in defense of peace, then maybe I could get on board. And so here it is. The object of my obsessive ruminating. Reconciled as I am to my peaceful position, I now love it. Plus I decided to wear it halfway, off the shoulder if you will, ’cause it’s a thing right now. Just ask Joan Smalls, or Gigi Hadid.

With love,

Amanda

More to love… Rachel Roy Military Blazer; Michelle Mason Long Military Coat; Ann Demeulemeester Collarless Military Jacket

Paris fashion week is well underway and this makes me think of (among many other wonderful things), Balenciaga. It’s a brand with deep French roots, a long storied history and a compelling, subversive edge which makes it oh-so irresistible. It was one of my earliest fashion crushes and as such became one of the first designer pieces I ever purchased. Et voila, here I am still wearing and loving this Balenciaga sweatshirt, the catalyst, if you will, to a series of extravagant and entirely justifiable (this is what I tell myself) designer purchases. And it’s still one of my utmost favorites. Here I’ve layered it over a little tiered ruffle mini dress from Forever 21 (the low to Balenciaga’s high) and finished it off with ankle boots that, in spite of appearances, are made for walking. What was your first designer crush?

With love,

Amanda