Mod Squad

As I prepare to outfit the newlywed nest, I’ve been spending some QT with various home design and decor websites and blogs.  I continually find myself turning to Jonathan Adler for his slightly kitschy, mod aesthetic.  Incorporating a piece or two of his seems like just the way to balance out my otherwise formal, feminine inclinations.  When I laid eyes on his funky, op-art set of needlepoint pillows ($165, Jonathan Adler), I felt totally inspired:

Somewhat refreshing and dramatic given the predominance of grays, camels, and other muted tones we’ve been seeing on the runways.  I’m instantly reminded of Twiggy and Edie Sedgwick and all of those doe-eyed, skinny-legged icons of the mid ’60s.  Twiggy, for example — say what you will about what she did for the modeling industry (she was a willowy 90 lbs and instantly earned cover girl status, transforming the standards by which all future models were…well, weighed) — had a cool look that, when properly translated to contemporary times, could really elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary.  (Refer to Exhibit A: Sienna Miller, the neo-Twiggy.)

How to adapt the mod-tastic look?  Let’s begin with a retro-chic trapeze dress.  Harvey Faircloth’s crisp-yet-dramatic version would be right on the money.  They seem to have removed their eBoutique capabilities at the moment, but I’m guessing they are preparing to either release a new collection soonish or are simply performing routine maintenance:

Though the ladies of the 60s wore little Mary Janes with chunky short heels, I’d stick to pointy toed flats and some classic wayfarers to round out the look.  The London Sole flats I featured in yesterday’s post (pictured here as well) are perfecto:

For a splashier take on the mod squad look, consider this polka dot dream of a dress by Michael Kors (on sale for $553, The Outnet):

Love the modified halter neck.  It’d look killer at work with your pointy-toed Audrey Hepburn flats and this chicly textured Kate Spade bag ($355, Kate Spade):

Push the look further with some white frames (Ray Bans, $135, 80s Purple):

With polka dots on the brain, take your mod self out for a night on the town with this to-die-for Prabal Gurung gown ($1,430, Kirna Zabete):

Are you swooning yet?  UGH, love.  (Gurung hails from Bill Blass; his eponymous line is relatively new to the fashion world, first debuting in 2009.  Love his stuff.)  I’d strut around in it, accenting with this fun little pom-pommed clutch by Sondra Roberts ($148, Nordstrom):

Alternately, slip on this equally swoon-worthy Jay Ahr number (on sale for $804, The Outnet):

For a real Twig-tastic look, pair with this dangling disco ball earrings by NOIR Jewelry, a favorite costume jeweler of mine ($75, Kitson):

I’ll admit I’m a tad intimidated by them, and would probably go the cocktail ring route, but — daring fashionistas out there: go get ’em, tiger!  For those on my end of the spectrum: I’m a click away from purchasing this fun little bauble by Kate Spade ($65, Bloomingdale’s):

For daytime, I’d throw on this LBTD (littleblackTEEdress) by Alexander Wang ($85, Kirna Zabete):

And then add this funky little “Must Love Dots” Kate Spade bag ($175, Kate Spade) and a pair of oversized shades ($10, 80s Purple):

Then I’d throw on a couple of bold, graphic black-and-white bangles (the first — $10, ASOS; the second — $48, Nordstrom):

I’d probably stick to the pointy-toed black patent flats, but Walter Steiger’s collection of stubby-heeled boots and pumps would be right on trend:

Steiger is a Paris-only man: he owns two boutiques that carry his line of excellently-crafted shoes and handbags, one on Fouburg St. Honore and the other on Boulevard St. Germain.  Very exclusive, very chic.  (Code: very expensive.)  The t-dress above is extra versatile, so you might also consider dressing it up with some heels, an updo, and this retro-cool Kate Spade minaudiere ($225, Kate Spade):

Yellow was, after all, favored by Twiggy herself:

Add on a pair of faux eyelashes (Shu Uemera is supposedly the best of the best) and these House of Harlow sunburst studs to complete ($35, Singer22):

The earrings would look just as perfect when paired with this little 60s-throwback by Miss Me (aptly called “The Mod Dress,” $92, Miss Me):

Love the way it’s styled in the picture here — simple patent flats and oversized, jet-black bangles.  Ideal.  And, now, I know it’s far from winter (it’s been hothotHOT in D.C.), but how perfect is this little collarless wool wonder by Moschino ($962, The Outnet)?

Throw on over some black or (if you dare) colored tights and patent flats and you are set.  Mia Farrow would have easily worn something similar in her day.

When you’re done running your errands, head home to your swingin’ 60s pad, complete with this 1963 Eero Aarnio ball chair ($6,860, Hive Modern):

Curl up in it with your (super-retro) phone — $60 at Velocity:

It’s Austin Powers meets hipster meets Andy Warhol.  And I like it.