Why Not Make Prada Spring 1997 Your Entire Personality?
This is a deep dive into sheer pieces, but also into transparency, and taking a good look in the mirror.
We landed on a theme today. This is my Zine dedicated to transparency, or is it self-reflection? Maybe it’s both. The thought of sheer outfits can be a little unsettling, it’s really putting yourself out there isn’t it? There’s not a lot to hide in mesh. But it’s also kind of fun and freeing to wear something that leaves little to the imagination. We’re not here for totally see-through though, these looks serve as a sort of veil, a peek into what’s underneath without revealing everything. It’s sort of how you need to approach your life on the Internet. But it’s not how you need to approach cosplay letter writing. There you need to let loose and let it alllll out. Why not see where you’re hiding, where you need to show up, and show off a little more? Take a good look in your coffee cup and see what you come up with.
Why Not Make It Prada circa 1997 or Nada?
Pinterest has been serving me looks from the Prada Spring 1997 show on repeat and it’s become all I can think about. The sheer elements are not in the least bit dated, they all look exactly like what I want to wear right now. Maybe that’s, in part, because so many recent runways are showing sheer elements—Prada, of course, Miu Miu, Alaia, Saint Laurent, to name a few. It’s all very restrained and minimal and somehow lovely because it also feels soft and feminine and ethereal. The question becomes can I wear sheer elements out of the house? And I think the answer is yes. Wear a semi-transparent skirt to dinner, why not? I think the trick, as always, is in the balance. A long sweater or blazer over the sheer skirt, or a short slip under a long sheer dress, or baggy trousers with a fitted sheer top.
I styled this Leinwande dress with a gray cashmere sweater, mine is Zara ($55) and I wear it constantly, and ParisTexas boots ($840) (these are just like the Khaite ones that are about to be everywhere but cost 35% less). I think it could work over black trousers too.
I love the brand Kye Intimates ($163) and this sheer slip dress is no exception. This from Matches in house brand is also great and on sale. I wore mine with a cashmere turtleneck, Cos men’s blazer ($250) and Prada loafers ($1200). The dress is giving this Alaia and this Saint Laurent.
This Christopher Esber top is on sale and so good. I love it with a slim trouser or pencil skirt.($257)
This is also a great Zara skirt ($50). Would look tops with this Vince knit ($445). I’m not trying to sell you on fall yet, this would be a great evening beach sweater too. I’m also into this Materiel skirt on the Real Real ($270).
Prada Spring 2023 and an unknown Pinterest image that stole my heart.
Saint Laurent getting it right, too.
Why Not Get Really Transparent…with Yourself?
A practice I love that I’m pretty sure I discovered in one of the many spiritual books that line my book nook is to write letters that you never send. I think it’s such a freeing idea both in that it can allow you permission to unearth anything you’re keeping in your subconscious and/or truly let loose on a person or situation that you can’t seem to shake. While it is in essence journaling, I think it lends more of a purpose and direction to what you’re writing. You can literally be as mean or vulnerable or honest as you need but the trick is, I reiterate, to NEVER send it. Sometimes you don’t even really know what you’re feeling or why you’re feeling it unless you write it down. Why not?
Why Not Get Reflective…in Your Coffee Mug?
I fell in love with these Service Projects cups from Debora Rosa’s insta, alas they do not deliver to the US yet. I wrongly assumed the stainless steel coffee cups I was seeing in various places were all vintage Alessi. But stainless steel coffee and espresso mugs are very chic, widely available, and mostly affordable. Like this one by Garett Wade ($45) and this set from Etsy ($24)
To be fair the vintage ones are very good like this AMC ArtDesign espresso cups set ($111).
Why Not Find Your Glow, and Take a Good Look in the Mirror?
I follow a flawless spiritual/manifestation guru on TikTok who insists she doesn’t get any Botox but remains snatched by putting her face oil on at night while thanking her face for its elasticity and youthful glow. Why not? Just add it to the affirmation list. For said face oil I am in love with Agent Nateur (holi)Oil ($62) and for said glow I was newly introduced to Jones Road Miracle Bomb ($38) and it’s so light and pretty and dewy. I like the Flushed shade.