In Conversation with…

Sara Braunstein

Below is some back and forth banter we had together and above are the looks we co-created.

SB: “Okay, lets back up a second. Laura is giving the fashion editorial because… she’s a stylist and fashion expert. What she’s not telling you is how this little “Runway-to-Reality” fashion shoot began.”

[continued]

“It began with overt hostility and turned into something else entirely. I called Laura last week and asked her (rhetorically) what-the-fuck was up with Fall Fashion 2020. Now, I’m not a dolt and don’t live in a hut made out of Chicos stores. I get fashion is supposed to be aspirational fantasy but this year, I’ll take my aspirational fantasy via porn, thanks. The seasons varying (schizophrenic?) “on trend” looks were annoying to me on a visceral level. I wanted to know where the hell people were going in wispy white dresses? Are high waisted culottes and knee high boots really a thing you want to be wearing sitting next to your five socially distanced besties warming yourself by an outdoor heater? Tone-on-Tone suiting. Seriously? Most of the country is still sitting at home in their crusty yoga pants, working on their laptops, and feeling …well, crusty. I felt like even the fantasy was frivolous and almost tone deaf. I wanted to see Fall Fashion 2020 interpreted in a wearable, comfortable (and comforting) way that made people feel more cozy and not more crazy. So it began…… Laura and I took what we already had in our closets to tell a wearable story of Fall Fashion 2020.”

LM: “We embraced the neutral palette, which focused on tonal dressing – one color at a time. We paired outfits with combat boots, knee high boots, and lace-up style hiking sneaker-boots. We worked in pleated black acid-wash jogger jeans (though she was thoroughly against this) and a little nod to school-girl style (opting for plaid instead of argyle because I already owned some). On a few looks, we even incorporated the fringe trend, but minimally (and tastefully). We finished looks with capes, statement coats, hats, scarves and gloves because – let’s face it - we are going to be outside as much as possible during a pandemic!”

SB: Three things:
1. “Those hybrid sneakers/hiking boots are everything.”
2. “Laura was shocked at how many ivory and camel sweaters, wraps, coats and hats I owned.”
3. “Oh, and I really really hate those high-waisted-FRONT-TIE rigid, acid-washed jeans. (had flashback to Z. Cavaricci’s at the mall!) Sorry, LM.”

LM: “We only used a few pairs of pants but changed sweaters, shoes, layers, and accessories. Sweaters are your first must have purchase for Fall 2020. We mixed off-white to camel and every neutral in between. Some were soft, simple and more fitted while others were super chunky. Grey and black basic sweaters also come in handy to create a tonal outfit with pants and layers you already own.”

SB: “Laura’s spot on. My favorite looks from the shoot are the neutral tone-on-tone ones. So easy, and effortless because ideally A. you probably already have some of this laying around and B. using different color variations in the same tonal family achieves a more layered, dimensional and interesting look. Don’t spend big bucks on base layers and some insider info: that fabulous camel ‘statement’ coat Laura is wearing is a Vintage Missoni (found at a thrift shop for under $100). Go ahead — bust out that ivory pashmina you bought 7 years ago for a wedding, double it up and tie it around your neck. Neutrals and fringe - you just got a Fall Fashion twofer!