Good morning, Friday. I'm still feeling a little funky today but looking so forward to the weekend. Safe and healthy fast for those observing Yom Kippur. For those non-tribe types, Yom Kippur is the most solemn holiday of the entire Jewish calendar. It is a time to forgive, forget, apologize, and reflect, and of course, fast. It's a fairly somber situation, so feels particularly suited to this very strange year.
And speaking of somber, mass retail is feeling a bit maudlin these days as well, and not just because retail needs to be completely reconfigured to meet the needs of the pandemic era. A Facebook friend of mine jokingly posted a pic of some dresses at H&M and asked if we were going back to the 1800s and who would want to wear such funeral-like attire? Um, hi. Have you met me?
I am loving the gothic, sister-wife vibes of fashion the past few years. I'm aware this look is not for everyone, but brands like Batsheva, Simone Rocha, Cecilia Bahnsen, and the Vampires Wife (and many others) have shown us a world where giant puffed sleeves and modesty have the makings for a great dress. I for one find modesty very sexy, even if I'm well aware that sexiness is very far from the point. I'm also a woman who wears a ton of black and always have. I'm not particularly goth but do dabble a bit in the dark arts from time to time. Who doesn't love a good Gene Loves Jezebel moment? (Stay with me non Gen X types- you may not know from 80s new wave goth vibes but you can still get involved).
With that in mind, here's a few dresses from H&M I'm loving right now. They bring to mind a Sarah Moon photograph, shown at the top of this post and here. I just love the dark vibe (and amazing price) of these frocks. And who's wearing poppy colors right now anyway? Doesn't quite feel right but maybe that's just me.
This all-over lace dress with ruffles is really great in person and a steal at under 50 bucks.
This lace trimmed dress is a slam dunk and it's under 20 dollars. It's made from recycled polyester and presents as taffeta. I was shocked how great it looks on and how inexpensive it is. I'll wear it with my snakeskin knee high boots or even with a pair of Gazelles. It's so good. Truly.
This a-line girl is so lovely and love the mini length and silhouette. Great with tights and over the knee suede boots. Oh and it's just shy of 50 dollars so there you have it.
I have seen this trend for a few years now and find it fascinating- maybe we want to dress in clothes that suit the times- maybe just maybe 2021 will have us all craving something altogether brighter and sunnier. But for now, keeping it goth feels right. Cause that's what's up this freaky Friday in the 718. Yours, in going dark and black celebrations. XO