JOANNE Watkinson
IT WAS ACCEPTABLE IN THE NINETIES
“I find it so difficult to shop these days, I never find anything I like,” my friend lamented as we embarked on our first pre-Christmas soiree of the year.
Even after a few glasses of the old personality enhancer, I remember the remark vividly. A friend seated facing me caught my eye. We both knew immediately that we could not concur having spent the days prior furiously sharing with each other images of clothes that we were doing our level best to resist.
Despite writing about fashion as a job, I avoid overconsumption for reasons of conscience.
Add to that the serious tightening of purse strings required right now, and my consumption is at an all-time low. But it’s a daily battle. The temptation to snaffle up lots of shiny new clothes is high.
It always been this way. I am usually pretty blasé, especially when I see most garments in the flesh. I’m often underwhelmed at the quality, and the desire to own it evaporates as quickly as it peaked.
Lately, though, my resolve feels as though it’s being tested. I want it all. All the dresses, all the coats, all the shoes.
Luckily I have this little space in which to share my most-wanted items, and while I may not get the satisfaction of wearing any of them, I take great comfort in knowing that you might find it useful and that my time browsing online isn’t completely in vain.
I have to start with the Narciso Rodriguez X Zara collection. Younger readers may not know this reference but the CubanAmerican designer was responsible for the slip dress Carolyn Bessette wore to marry John F Kennedy Junior in 1996. The silky number went on to become one of the
most iconic silhouettes of the 90s. Rodriguez has echoed this minimalism in his Zara collection. It’s pricier than their standard ranges but the pieces are beautiful.
Still on that 90s vibe, I have also been refraining from buying some wide-leg parachute trousers. We used to call them combat pants. That name has been shelved, along with all references to girl band All Saints who were a source of inspiration for the look first time around.
In 2022, the humble cargo trousers come in much lighter weight fabrics and khaki isn’t the only colour option. They look great in black silk. I must note I’ve also seen parachute abbreviated to ‘chute, which is as dreadful as the word outfit being shortened to ‘fit.
Never Ever have I ever felt so low…