Outfit Details:

Todd Oldham blazer and vest (similar blazers here and here), Sierra Sky top (last seen paired with Dior, close to this one), Hollister jeans (which I wore with faux fur in candy land, similar here) Vintage kitten heels (I love this DVF pair, and this emerald pair is marvelous), Vintage bag (Don’t you love vintage?! Where else can you find something like this? I also like this one with an origami bow by No.21), Elizabeth and James rings

Some clothes are simply effortless. I put blue jeans, white t-shirts, and button downs in this category. Also: blazers. There is something casual and crisp about a good blazer. This Todd Oldham one certainly fits the bill. It is just easy to wear. But being who I am – unabashedly, unashamedly in love with color – this blazer is particularly appealing to me because of its details. It takes the idea of a classic piece and treats it lightheartedly and with a little irreverence. Underneath the classic camel color is a party: bright pink, orange, and a vest with polka dots!

Though Todd Oldham has redirected his energy toward creating interiors, films, and books, he had a lively run in fashion. A New York Times article described his clothes as being “inspired by potholders or wallpaper or kitschy paint-by-numbers paintings or garage sale treasures — toasters, gilded mirrors, loopy printed upholstery.”

The exclamation marks of Oldham’s designs are exuberant colors, trompe l’oeil effects, elaborate printing techniques, embroidery, intricate beading, and appliqués. His clothes are fun, but also beautiful. I would have loved to attend one of his runway shows in the 90’s. Supers like Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell skipped and shimmied down the runway in a party atmosphere that paralleled his exuberant designs.

These skinny fit jeans were actually a little too skinny at the ankle for my taste, so I cut them myself to add a little detail. Every time I wash them the ends fray a bit. Jeans are just one of those things that get better with age.

Recently, Oldham’s vibrant creations were the subject of a special exhibit at the Rhode Island School of Design. Oldham himself tackled the execution of the exhibition. The main room was staged in the style of a French garden. Tops once worn by Cindy Crawford were displayed where topiaries would normally sit.