February 5, 2016

The Other Tom

Don't get it twisted: I love Tom Ford. I've already waxed poetic on his genius so I'll spare the repeat offense here. I may live for Mr. Ford but am always peeved that the other Tom - Thom - gets the cold shoulder from fashion. I'm talking about Thom Browne - the wildly eccentric genius who spins something as simple as a wool cardigan into a story of a farflung, dystopian fantasia.

Thom's vision carries a whiff of the artistic proclivities that the late Alexander McQueen was admired for and his penchant to clash cultural touchstones and dissonant ideas into one collection calls to mind the beauty of Miuccia Prada.

I wait impatiently like a toddler for the Tooth Fairy when it comes to Thom Browne's haunting fashion shows but it isn't just his storytelling that makes him the visionary designer he is. It is the way he takes the concepts of the catwalk and churns them out into accessible commerce.

Yes, a warped Wizard of Oz-meets-Geisha collection is out there. But then he strips down the dramatics of the runway and crafts wearable apparel that has the feeling of that collection. Browne doesn't water down his vision when selling his wares but gives everything his Midas touch - even something as assumedly simple as a turquoise polo.

This outfit was inspired by Vogue editor Kelly Connor - again! Her drool-worthy collection of Thom Browne fuels many a fashion fantasy of mine. And - after quite a bit of legal style stalking - I see she lives for a good pair of Vans and a classic Hermès Birkin. So I tossed those into the mix because my goal in life is to be as cool as Connor.

Thom Browne cashmere polo, $1,220 / Seafarer jeans, $102 (was $235) / Hermès bag, $9,200 / Vans sneakers, $55

January 29, 2016

Rita + Tom

by Matthew T. Murray in Some Enchanted Evening

Following Rita Ora on Instagram is an unintentional undertaking rife with soul-crushing moments of insecurity. I mean how in the hell are you supposed to feel good about yourself when British Barbie is parading around the world wearing haute off the runway looks you could only daydream of. I mean, the girl could make a garbage bag look like some couture confection.

So when the stylish songstress arrived with Tom Ford at the Met Gala last year, my heart skipped not one but two beats. But when she rocked the red carpet with Mr. Ford for a second time at the British Fashion Awards, I died. Time of death: 9:53 PM.

Ford and Ora are a match made in heaven. Ford's iconic sex kitten designs for YSL and Gucci shaped the landscape for contemporary fashion. Ora's outlandish outfits are a fashion girls' dream come to life. It only makes sense Ford would cherry-pick Rita Ora as his muse.

So in honor of the dynamic duo, I would kill to see Rita rock this show-stopping velvet and satin Tom Ford gown with metallic Barbie-pink Gucci sandals and a striped Edie Parker clutch. And even though I love to showcase a look for less when picking looks that cost 3 month's rent, I couldn't find anything that came close to these jaw-dropping picks.

Tom Ford gown, $4,995 (was $9,990) / Edie Parker clutch, $1,195 / Gucci sandals, $595

January 26, 2016

The Lady or The Tramp

by Matthew T. Murray in SEX APPEAL, WORK

A classic camel coat is everything you'll ever need for your wardrobe. This timeless, double-breasted cashmere Burberry coat will give any look instant polish - from lingerie and vampy patent leather Tom Ford hooker boots (winky winky) to an office-ready pinstripe suit that screams CEO.

It's a choose your own adventure for the adult set with this coat: lady or tramp? For today, let's go with tramp because it's a feminist-tinted world (thank Sheezus!) and while the haters gon' hate, there's no shame to your game!