California Casual. I should be able to do this in my sleep, right? After all, it's how most of us, even without realizing it, probably dress. Although it references a particular geography, California Casual is the Everyman of the fashion world, the ability to dress casually and comfortably but still stylishly, and in so doing, subvert class in favor of lifestyle. Regardless of economic means, just about anyone can afford a well-fitting pair of jeans, a tee shirt, a jacket, or a cardigan.
California Casual fashion icons include Farrah Fawcett:
Goldie Hawn:
Her daughter, Kate Hudson:
Lauren Conrad:
Cameron Diaz:
And Jeniffer Aniston, who for me epitomizes the all-American beach babe, throw-on-a-pair-of-jeans-and-a-tee-and-a-jacket sensibility that has infiltrated American fashion to the point where you can't tell a CEO from a waitress just by what they're wearing on their off hours.
Key California Casual pieces include: gladiator sandals, stacked heel boots, tee shirts, button downs, flutter sleeve tunics, slouchy dolman-sleeved knit tops, cut off shorts, blue jeans, khakis, a-line and wrap skirts, denim and corduroy mini skirts, sun dresses, structured blazers, windbreakers, and aviator sunglasses. Anything that would look right at home on a surfer girl attending a Malibu beach bonfire party or a mommy-with-money antique-shopping along Ventura Boulevard.
Gap boot cut jeans, DKNY Jeans top, vintage Famolare Sandals,
vintage heirloom locket
What I wouldn't give for Famolare to make these Hi-Ups again. Soooooo comfortable!
Ralph Lauren cotton top, Eddie Bauer washable suede a-line skirt, Gianni Bini Campus Boots, thrifted scarf, el cheapo Mother of Pearl bracelet
Territory Ahead jean jacket, YaG Couture jersey dress, Anthropologie belt,
Steve Madden gladiator sandals
Cielo cotton jersey bat wing top, Banana republic scarf, Gap skinny jeans,
Gianni Bini lug-soled boots
Key California Casual pieces include: gladiator sandals, stacked heel boots, tee shirts, button downs, flutter sleeve tunics, slouchy dolman-sleeved knit tops, cut off shorts, blue jeans, khakis, a-line and wrap skirts, denim and corduroy mini skirts, sun dresses, structured blazers, windbreakers, and aviator sunglasses. Anything that would look right at home on a surfer girl attending a Malibu beach bonfire party or a mommy-with-money antique-shopping along Ventura Boulevard.
Here's what I came up with:
Gap boot cut jeans, DKNY Jeans top, vintage Famolare Sandals,vintage heirloom locket
What I wouldn't give for Famolare to make these Hi-Ups again. Soooooo comfortable!
Ralph Lauren cotton top, Eddie Bauer washable suede a-line skirt, Gianni Bini Campus Boots, thrifted scarf, el cheapo Mother of Pearl bracelet
Territory Ahead jean jacket, YaG Couture jersey dress, Anthropologie belt,Steve Madden gladiator sandals
Cielo cotton jersey bat wing top, Banana republic scarf, Gap skinny jeans,Gianni Bini lug-soled boots
Next on the agenda: Pirate lets loose with her inner Bombshell and I see if I can conjure up, like, Mod.
