I can never bear to toss old issues of InStyle – first, because they’re such beautiful compilations of editorial art. On every page, energetic publication design and punchy, eloquent writing unite to form a sensory surge and copywriting dream. Second, the magazines are style guides, collections of irreplacable tips and tricks, that comprise an historical archive of fashion and beauty I romantically want to cling to long past the publication dates.
A thick, substantial structure allows InStyle and Vogue to work as accent décor much the same as coffee table books. Stack the monthlies on shelving so the binding, documenting issue date and cover model, is on display. Or, incorporate the literature more organically into your living space: sliding a stack of magazines under a petite lamp on your nightstand or balancing a tray of candles and flowers atop the non-traditional base adds instant interest and unique charm to a room.
More than aesthetic accessories, the periodicals are fashion history reference tools. It's impossible to anticipate when you may want to turn back the page like I did yesterday, mindlessly lying in the sun. In the November 2011 edition featuring the funky and fashionable Gwen Stefani on cover, I found a comprehensive catalog on the best Internet retailers and style blogs, an easy guide to finding your perfect floral fragrance, and a helpful tutorial on how to wake up your work wordrobe – all startlingly relevant stories for me, 9 months after the issue arrived in my mailbox.
Although autumn is a still a few months away, I’ll use the current weather “cool-down” [temps hovering in the high-80s compared to last week’s low-100s] as opportunity to feature an item inspired by an editorial in last fall’s treasure trove of an issue.
Since appearing in the fashion-forward publication nearly a year ago, I think it’s time the mass consumer warms up to smoking slippers. The androgynous loafers provide a sharp way to jump on the menswear wagon without donning an overly masculine bowtie or obnoixiously obvious full suit. The Sam Edelman 'Aster' loafer offers a slip-on footwear option in 100% snakeskin embossed leather that is cuttingly chic. Pair the metallic cap toe shoes with tailored shorts and a blazer for evening; cropped denim for day.
If you can’t wait til fall, it’s entirely appropriate to step into this rose gold & taupe pair now, keeping the darkly-hued, calf-hair variations on deck for September or October. As I learned this weekend, fashion is all about rotation – from year to year and season to season.
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