American Classics

My mom has this leather trench coat that she bought in the ’70s. It’s slick and shiny with just a hint of retro, and she only pulls it out for holidays and special events. I’ve been trying to sneak it home in my suitcase for years because it’s so brilliantly chic. Sadly, I’ve yet to succeed, but a recent photo story on ZOOZOOM.com has inspired me to take up the effort once again. The theme? The timeless appeal of American sportswear.

The feature has also encouraged me to look for my own wear-forever pieces. My goal? To find a go-to, every-occasion dress and a rebel-cool moto jacket, and I could think of no better place to start my search than our Designer Boutique, a hotbed of young American designers.

First up are the frocks. I’ve narrowed my selection down to two: a grey and black number by Lela Rose and a fuchsia, floral-print delight by Sari Gueron (Israeli-born but raised in these United States). They each have characteristics that make them distinctive, and they’ll be as chic ten, twenty, even thirty years from now as they are today.

Next, the jackets. Derek Lam offers up a practical felt one that still has an edge, while Jenni Kayne does the look up California style with a cropped silhouette in leather. Both pull off the kind of cool a moto jacket should possess with that suspended-in-time feel I want.

Which to choose? I haven’t quite decided yet, but I’m pretty certain they’ll be the object of coveting affection for years to come.

--Amie

Comments

[Barbara]

Just on dresses: I would pick the Derek Lam - it is a great dress that will serve you for years; great cut, color, length. The Sari Gueron dress is less "time-less" in my book; though it is very cute...patters and color come and go.

Let us know which one you go with.

[Sam]

Go for the Derek Lam coat. That's the coat that will grow older with you, while ten years from now the leather one will look like you are trying too hard.

[lisa]

My vote is for the Lela Rose dress. Square necklines are forever striking and that material looks gorgeous. I would never get bored with that dress.

PS: I am now on the lookout for a leather trench coat.

[Xenia Viray]

Hi Amie,
Thanks so much for linking to ZOOZOOM! We hope you can make it to our next fashion party and meet our staff and fashion friends. Our next Fashion Wars Party is January 29th. If you would like to vote or attend, e-mail me at xenia [at] zoozoom [dot] com.

Feel free to comment back on our Staff Blog. We love to hear from our friends.

*Xenia