Essentials: Helmut Lang Villous Jacket

If you see me at school, 8 times out of 10 I will be wearing this jacket. I like wearing it as top with no shirt underneath because I'm incredibly lazy (I like to think of it as effortless chic). I wore it 5 days in a row last week and would have continued wearing it if I hadn't gotten broccoli cheddar soup on it. It's luxe, casual, edgy, versatile, and most importantly, comfortable! Think of it as a grown-up sweatshirt. Great to wear when traveling too...although I had a minor fiasco when TSA told me to take off my jacket and I had to explain there was nothing underneath.

Helmut Lang 'Villous' Jacket / / J Brand 'Maria' Jeans

 Versatile, edgy, minimalist chic

Oooooh yea asymmetry

The black version is always sold out

Wharf color is only $78 (60% off) here

Helmut Lang sizing is very inconsistent. Their tops have very slim, tight sleeves. I own everything in between a XS, S, and M in their pieces.

I'm working on an ultimate sizing guide for various brands that I hope will make shopping easier for all. For reference, I am 5'3, 120 pounds, dress size 2, pant size 26. When something is sized in XS, S, M, L, it gets a little tricky for me. I normally look at reviews, as well as what size the model is wearing to determine if I should order a XS or S. 

Here is my rule when it comes to Helmut Lang: if it's a loose flowy top such as the 'Render', I take an XS and there's still a good amount of room. It's safe to size down. If it's a top or dress that is fitted (especially if it has fitted sleeves) such as the 'Nexa' or the 'Sonar Wool Dress' I take the S. This is the size I took in the 'Villous'. When I purchased the 'Kinetic', I wanted that loose drapey T-shirt look, so I sized up to a M. 

If you have a store that carries Helmut Lang near you, you should definitely try on their pieces to determine what kind of fit you want. If you are ordering online, I am pretty confident that you shouldn't have a problem if you follow my advice above. I love love love Helmut Lang and their pieces are absolutely classic.

Let's Go Scuba Diving

Love these. The neoprene scuba trend is showing up in a lot of places, but most styles are way too daring for me to pull off. These pants are perfect--they keep you surprisingly warm and even make a great work pant! They can be worn casually as well as dressed up. Taking care of them is extremely easy, all you have to do is rub with water. I'm consistently a size 26, but I sized up in these to a 27. I think a 26 would have been better, but at least these don't stretch out after a couple of wears. If you are looking to purchase, I would go true to size. 

J Brand Scuba Pant

White Jeans

Apart from being quite easy to get dirty, white jeans also make me look like I ate 500 Krabby Patties and they all went straight to my hips and thighs. 

J. Crew Merino Sweater / / J Brand 'Tali' Zip / / Manolo Blahnik 'BB' 

I have short legs. Really short. How short, you ask? The jeans above are supposed to be cropped ankle jeans and they are still too long. For all my jeans, I have to get them hemmed to fit my inseam of 26". However, these have zippers on the ankles which would make hemming a nightmare, so I will just leave them as is. Does anyone else have the problem where some jeans bunch up and form creases across the back of your thighs and knees? I think it's so unflattering but I don't think it's a sizing issue. 

If I ever reproduce, I will make sure to choose a guy with tall skinny legs so our child will not have to suffer from short stubby legs. But then again, I do like dangling my legs when I sit down in a chair...so maybe it's not too bad.

Green Suede and Black

 Vince Jacket / / BCBG 'Cecil' Top / / J Brand 'Maria' Jeans / / Rag & Bone 'Newbury' Bootie