Rooney Mara and Why Experimental Clothing Doesn't Always Work Out

I get reallly annoyed when people all look the same. Like how in my area right now it seems as if I can't go anywhere without seeing five pieces of Kendra Scott jewelry, eight pairs of Tory Burch Reva flats, and a half dozen Michael Kors Hamilton bags. I understand that oftentimes women who are around each other a lot start to dress alike, so it stands to reason that this will also happen when women shop at the same stores. If it's not tiring to dress like everyone else, then I certainly find it exhausting to look at. 

Which is one of the reasons I find Rooney Mara so refreshing. She has an ethereal and almost Swinton-ian quality about her that allows her to wear things your average cookie-cutter starlet could never dream of pulling off. Designers clearly love this about her and she is always wearing something interesting.

Like here, for example:

Rooney is promoting her new film called "Her" in Rome and her Balenciaga dress certainly looks like Her. It seems to be evoking a sheer version of Gwenyth Paltrow's now epic White Tom Ford Dress Avec Cape from the Oscars. 

Which is fine. Totally. I'm personally feeling rather beleagured by the recent "Everything is SHEER below the knee right now and bonus points if you go sheer from the waist down and get your actress to don a bodysuit or visible knickers of some kind and extra extra points if you include lace because lace is EVERYTHING right now." But I would rather look at two beaten-to-death trends when they are employed in a garment that is at least visually interesting. 

My problems with the get-up are twofold. Namely, that it is rather unflattering in the chestral region and it seems ill-fitted and/or moderately uncomfortable.

I will start with unflattering. The combination of clavicle and shoulder armor with the corresponding horizontal line of Strapless Dress With Bib creates a severe frame for Rooneys's underarm pooches. Now, everyone has these pooches. I have them. You know you have them. They are really not too bad, but certainly neither of us wants them to be hightlighted as the focal point of our torsos.

As far as the fit goes, the dress is either too large on top (which I doubt) or Rooney is uncomfotable with having to wrangle so many elements. 

Either way, she cannot stop messing with it.

She looks like she's had enough of Shoulder Warmer Bridal Veil Boob Napkin time and would just rather be wearing the lace minidress and fabulous lipstick.

Regardless, thanks for keeping it interesting, Rooney. 

Photos: Getty Images

Colored Boots for Fall and Winter

As I'm sure you are all well aware, I love color. There's nothing I find more sartorially depressing than a closet full of black or gray. One of the things that I love about Autumn is that it opens up so many more options for layering colors.

The keys to remember here are 1) keep the rest of your wardrobe neutral, 2) go monochromatic for an "easier" and more subtle look, 3) use complimentary colors to create more drama.

Steve Madden "Troopa" in Wine

Wear with:

Merlot Tights

Anne Klein "Caelina" in Navy

Wear with:

Dark Purple Tights

Tsubo "Tayla" in Charcoal

Wear with:

Espresso Tights

Elizabeth and James "April" in Forest

Wear with:

Mustard Tights

Steve Madden "Milaan" in Burgundy

Wear with:

Charcoal Tights

All tights courtesy of SockDreams. Shoes via Zappos.

My New Favorite Accessory

Though it's not quite chilly enough here in Austin for cuddly woolens, I can't help but indulge in my recent obsession: thigh-high socks. I wear mine layered over tights and peeking out of my boots. It's a nice way to create a tonal look or to introduce a splash of color to an otherwise neutral ensemble.

I have run into one slight problem, however. Namely, that many socks that are labeled "over-the-knee" or "thigh-high" end up being too short on my long and curvy legs. Or worse, the top band cuts uncomfortably into my knees. And the only thing worse than a muffin top is a muffin top on your legs (stem muffins? leg loaves?). The solution? A
plus size sock from Sock Dreams. They are thin enough that there is no bunching in my boots, but substantial enough to add warmth. My favorite part is the band. There's a soft and stretchy piece of elastic circling the cuff that keeps them in place without causing discomfort.

Here they are. The Extraordinary Thigh High:

Extraordinary Thigh Highs

Granted, I did not choose this color but my laptop is on its last legs and this is the only image it would let me upload. I purchased the Charcoal and will also be adding Black, Navy, and Burgundy.

Some of my other favorites: 



Wavy Top Over The Knee




Crochet Lover Over The Knees





Button Ribbed OTK



Extraordinarily Longer Thigh High

All photos courtesy of Sock Dreams.