Jill Fairchild’s Closet: Mix Master

Gone are the days of dressing in a single designer head to toe. Borrr-ing! (Okay, except perhaps for a Chanel suit, and even Karl Lagerfeld has shown the jacket with a simple pair of jeans.)

Today it’s all about being In the Mix – and I’m not talking only about clothes, but that’s a whole other story. For now, let me stick to fashion. What’s more fun than trawling shops to find a fabulous top to go with a pair of designer pants or a skirt? Or that great jacket that goes with everything? Or a flea market necklace that looks fantastic with a designer blouse?

And what’s better than finding that inexpensive top that mixes with a designer something – and that all your friends (and, better, your rivals) think cost twice as much as it did?  Trend watchers call it “masstige,” taking something from H&M, Zara or even Target and wearing it with Ralph Lauren, Joseph or Chloe. And, again, Karl Lagerfeld is right on trend – he’s just announced a new collection called Karl that will launch in January and will be sold only online, beginning with Net-a-Porter.

I know I’ll check it out right away because I’ve always enjoyed mixing it up. Take my latest find: a BCBG vest that cost $185 and that everyone I meet admires and thinks is real fur costing 10 times as much. It goes with everything – and from day to night. Love it (and not just because of the price, although that helps).

So if you’re not already, mix it up. That’s the fun of fashion. Now I’m off to hunt for my next bargain.

Style on!
Jill

A versatile “Masstige” outfit from Net-a-Porter and The Gap.

jill

Left to Right: Chloe Pleated Silk-mousseline Blouse ($1195), 1969 Ponte Five-pocket Leggings ($70), Erickson Beamon Fluoro Swarovski Crystal Earrings ($280),  Mongolian Shearling Vest ($298), Faux Fox Tail Pouch ($40), Michael Kors Bromley Leather and Stretch-jersey Knee Boots ($200), Yves Saint Laurent Cat eye-frame Acetate Sunglasses ($275)

In the picture below, Jill pairs a Vintage Digs sweater from DIGS with an Ermanno Scervino vest.

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