Style Diary
by Katie Goldsmith
As Shape's market editor, I scour the fashion and accessories world for the best of what's to come each season. The result are the pages you see in the magazine—Style Finds, Runway RX, Instant Style Updates—and I have the added job perk of traveling all over the globe on our fashion feature shoots.
From the black lacey bra I'm coveting to the latest runway look that's inspiring me, there is just too much out there to fit on our pages every month. In this blog I get to obsess over each fabulous find, tricks of the trade, and the trends I'm dying to try out.
MIND THE GAP
The Gap is in the midst of a brand overhaul, thanks to new head designer Patrick Robinson, who earned his stripes at Armani, Anne Klein, and Perry Ellis. Right now, the store is a schizophrenic mishmash of the old and new—weathered chinos next to hipster plaid dresses. But there are some incredible pieces in the mix that are worth the visit to your local mall (or the company's website, which has additional exclusives). The current standout: this Cropped Leather Vest ($248; gap.com).
I'll most likely wear it with an oversize knit tee and my high-waisted jeans, which exudes a 70s ski chalet chic. But I also fantasize about throwing it over a sequin tunic and black lame leggings—my personal take on Richard Chai's rocker sophistication. Dare to dream, right?
ELECTRIC SHOCK THERAPY
One of the best feelings in the world is when you try out a trend you were nervous about, and get loads of compliments. For me, that trend this season was neon. The acid hues bring new life to my mostly grey-white-black wardrobe and make my citified pale skin glow. I decided to give it a go at a birthday party I threw for a friend earlier this week. I started out tentatively, with this Swatch Bring Back watch ($220; swatch.com).
I teamed it with a white t-shirt tucked into rolled-up grey skinny jeans and strappy, black rocker heels. Great success. Emboldened, I upped the ante today by wearing a neon yellow cardigan from Club Monaco and the watch. And I got raves at every appointment I went on!
FOOD FOR THE SOLE
My best friend and I have been boycotting the Michael Kors store in New York City's SoHo since it opened last December – our absolute favorite brunch spot in the world was located there until Mr. Kors' metallic leather bags and shiny gold watches arrived. Jerry's, an upscale diner made famous in the 80s when its exterior appeared in the movie Cocktail, served up the best Dutch Eggs I've ever tasted. But last weekend, we were walking by the window and I saw a pair of heels that begged for my full attention: Michael Michael Kors Hanna platforms in black patent leather ($133; zappos.com). They fit my impossibly narrow feet like a glove, and the platform makes the super-high heel feel less treacherous. I felt a bit badly about breaking our boycott, but at least these shoes have fewer calories than the Dutch Eggs.
