The Long and Short of the T-Shirt

Sometimes you don't even notice what a person is wearing.

Since the warm weather is finally giving way to Fall, I thought it might be fun to take one last glance at the clothing of summer. Namely, the t-shirt. I have actually been thinking a lot lately about how universal the t-shirt is, and how almost everyone wears t-shirts nowadays. So I thought it would be interesting to look into it's origins and figure out how it all started.

Not surprisingly, the t-shirt stemmed from men's undergarments. Apparently in the late 1800's men started cutting off their one piece underwear into two pieces. The comfort and ease of the undershirt quickly gained attention and around the turn of the century the US navy began issuing them to all sailors. The t-shirt, or "skivvy," as an under shirt soon became popular for many different workers in various industries as it was easily fitted, easily cleaned and inexpensive. By the 1920's it was widely accepted as an undershirt and also acceptable for young boys to wear.

I can see why this was such a huge promoter of the t-shirt. Wowza!

Another iconic t-shirt wearer.

It wasn't till after WWII that it became common for men to wear t-shirts with trousers out in public. But it took Marlon Brando to make it popular (1951 Streetcar Named Desire). The 60's promoted the printed t-shirt including the tie-die and branding t-shirts. Though it was still not fully assimilated into everyday wear, that was the beginning of the t-shirt movement and it's been all downhill from there.

Jean Seberg in Breathless, 1960

I'll take one of each

Could Sally Field have been any cuter?

It seems to me that it wasn't until the 80's that t-shirts were acceptable as every-single-day attire. I know there was a big push in the concert t-shirt world, and many high-end designers started playing around with the possibilities that a t-shirt presented. As much as I have many favorite t-shirts and I wear them almost daily, there is a certain part of me that is saddened to see the easiest, most basic article of clothing be the most accepted. It makes total sense, yet some part of me wishes that there was more to life than simple and easy every day fashion.

Abba in all of their 70's glory!!!

So much enjoyment from one little advert.

Madonna did a lot to further the fashion of t-shirts, most notably: the cropped and mesh varieties. Thanks a lot Madonna!

We mustn't forget the pastel beauties of the 80's!

This is one of the first t-shirts I thought of when I was thinking of this post. Wham baby!

This was my first t-shirt love. I stole it from my older sister who had actually gone to the concert. I wore it religiously for many years, much to my Mother's dismay. She always complained that I had "men on my bosom."

The 90's didn't do much for the t-shirt. 

I looked up some current looks, and I like all of the dressy styles teamed with the t-shirt.

I'll take every item please!

This is from 2010, all of them wearing the Gap Red t-shirt. Lovely picture!

On and Off the Streets of Glasgow

Earlier this year I spent a month in Glasgow, and I thought that now--the day of the Independence Vote in Scotland--would be a good time to share some of the fashion that I experienced while in Glasgow.

Fabulous ensemble spotted while eating ice cream at Nardini's on Byres Road.  

Matching hair!! Isn't is brilliant?

Walking through Kelvingrove Park

Funny fellows on the street--I think they're a Buchanan Street institution

Exciting red shoes!

In a shop window!

Some young lads walking along Great Western Road--one of them sporting a pair of (infamous) crushed strawberry trousers!! 

(Just ask the Glasgow Uni Archaeology Dept.--or Alexander McCall Smith!)

Top hat at the Argyll Arcade

Some classic paper dresses, displayed at Vintage Guru on Byres Road

My own find from the vintage shops.  Beautiful Prada shoes!!!

These three amazing dresses, at the Riverside Museum, are by Glasgow designers David and Marion Donaldson. 

60s!! Love!! 

Another beauty from the Riverside Museum.  Let's Dance!!

Time for some tartan!!  

Kilts abounded, actually.  These were walking down Blackfriars Street, just off the High Street

Old Tartan coat, at Kelvingrove Museum

 I couldn't leave this out--from the Glasgow Will Flourish exhibit at the Kelvingrove Museum

And this, on display at the Willow Tea Room on Sauchiehall Street, a dress worn by Mrs. Cranston, owner of the famous tea rooms

Back to the street!  

A very fashionable young street performer, ubiquitous in his usual spot at the junction of Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street.  I grew rather fond of him!!

Sometimes the surreptitious part just doesn't work!! He posed for me!

Just off Argyll Street, near St. Enoch. Bright pink!!

Kilts in the subway!

I saved the best for last!  

She very graciously let me take her photo.  Dress, boots, makeup, hair--what a perfect ginger ensemble!!  

In front of Oran Mor on Great Western Road.

NY Fashion Week Highlights 2014

I am not going to provide a complete overview of the trends and fashions that were found at this year's NY Fashion Week. Instead, I am culling out some of my favorite pieces from my favorite collections. Hope you enjoy!

Monique Lhuillier
This collection makes me weak in the knees! Aside from the pink frock (*sigh) it is all blacks and greys and other dark hues. But it still manages to be completely feminine and light. I couldn't possibly decide on a favorite.

Vivienne Tam
I love the overall variety of textures and patterns in these clothes. Yet she still manages to make it all look like a cohesive collection. There are obvious 30's and 40's influences in the silhouettes and fabrics, which is probably why this one won me over so completely.

BCBGMaxAzaria
I love this collection for it's simple lines. I also love the choice of colors and the added, soft-tan fur. It's a beautiful, feminine, wearable line!

Trina Turk
As with Vivienne Tam, I love her diverse usage of textures and patterns. This is such a fun, retro collection. Very wearable!

And last but not least...

Zac Posen
Just when I thought I couldn't love Zac Posen more! These dresses are simply heavenly! And the colors are inspired! (Is that not the perfect color of teal?) These dresses seem simple, but if you look closely, they are all finished with a meticulous eye for detail. It's gowns like these that make me thankful for fashion and the beauty that can be produced with needle and thread.