The Nero Chronicles: Notes on the Roman Fashion Passion

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Notes on the Roman Fashion Passion

It has come to Nero's attention that whenever an upcoming voyage is mentioned here, many of my devoted readers-cum-fashionistas' elegant ears perk up. Shortly thereafter, a great fluttering is heard much like moths swarming a flame and Nero begins to receive emails inquiring as to a few gratuitous chic shots. Those of you who've come to know Nero's nomadic ways are aware that packing and wardrobe planning are things this blogger digs into weeks before the plane's wheels ever touch tarmac. For what is travel if not another way for us to role play? And where better to unleash the drama than in Italia? Indeed the clock is ticking down a month and one week before the Nero Trio takes off, and yet articles of clothing have already begun to shape shift, accessories and rogue adornments are undertaking clandestine meetings in the dark innards of Nero's closet, in short, it's a backstage catfight in there y'all. Here Nero lets you in on some of the more noteworthy combos as I channel a new hybrid species -- genus Italian J Lo.

Topping Nero's list of covetable Roman colosseum couplings, this ikat sheath and studded clutch, care of Maggy London and Vince Camuto, respectively -- both available at Macy's.

These fiercely wallet-friendly finds stand testament to fighting tooth and nail to make a piercing fashion statement.

Rounding off the first collage, a pair of sassy kitten heels will be paying a maiden visit to their Motherland. Here Nero must, as an aside, give a proverbial holla to my gal pal V, who had the wisdom to decipher that when a woman says "Don't buy me anything for my birthday," what she really means is "On second thought, I'd gladly commit a misdemeanor for the studded patent Pradas deeply discounted and thrown into the bottom of a bent up box at Saks Off 5th."

Next up, a softer warning, in a dusty rose and in desperate need of a steaming. The caged sleeves and roped waist immediately evoke an ancient Roman toga -- Nero consulted the Oracle and determined that this silk wrap must make the cut. You, fair readers, can consult your own glass ball here to decide whether this is a look you could cozy up to or at the very least, throw a discus in. With any luck good fortune will smile and you too, like Nero, may reap an even better deal in-store.

These gladiator haters, rescued from a life of destitution several months back, where they'd been slashed down, written off and discarded into the wilds of the back-stock room at the Valentino boutique, will also be making their first Grand Tour as reintegrated members of not-so-polite society.

This older and wiser chaperone, whose unlikely provenance was documented here, will accompany the cage-fighting heels, ever ready to redress any inappropriate behavior which may arise care of their off-color past.

As you may have deduced, strong hardware is key to this well-oiled operation. As such, one LBD (Nero shudders as I type that cliched acronym) will be hitting the cobblestones -- hard. You can get your own halter dress jollies here, and while you're at it, please pass the model a feeding tube. The Collier de Chien cuff is vintage Hermes, the Belle by Sigerson Morrison sandals are circa five years old and were procured at a now-defunct Houston branch of Barney's Co-Op. But the real question here, folks, is will Michelangelo's David approve?

Within every ensemble repertoire there must reside a throwback, so here's mine. This capricious ode to la dolce vita comes care of last summer's paisley Zara dress, a clutch by that bordello-chic purveyor of plastic stripper heels, Bakers, a mock-tail ring from Charming Charlie, and a pair of vintage Gucci cork wedges snagged on sale which haven't seen the light of day, well, to be most sincere, since the dawn of time.

Last on the list, the subtle piece de resistance, that gossamer godsend -- the dress for the wedding we'll be attending in Rome. Here again, a lucky break, a chance encounter with the Dillard's sales rack and this simple slip-like swath materialized. Designed by BCBG, the link has sprouted fairy wings and flown from the website. Nero fancies the look a touch Degas ballerina with a hint of Miss Miu Miu thrown in. We won't discuss Nero's first forays into shapewear, or how an ample bosom was molded and bent into submission to fill the modest bustier, to say nothing of the tricky navigation of the peephole at back. Because what transpires on Ground Nero stays put, fair readers.

Finally, to cap it all off, mismatched pearl posey earrings by Tony White perching perky on an obliging hippo.

9 comments:

Vicky Abrahamsson said...: I always love your fashion pieces. Not only are the visually appealing and smart and always humorous. Can't wait for the pics of all these ensembles in Italy. Love all the spikes and studs, so Nero!!! That wedding party dress is so romantic and perfect. I'm sure you'll look stunning. I bet there is plenty of time for more outfits to come together. Can't wait to see what you cook up!!; May 2, 2012 at 3:22 PM
Lila Moonlight said...: Dear Nero, i like your clutch and earrings very much. Your studded heels will rock Roman streets :) david will definitely approve that view in silver, am jealous of your vintage piece there :)) and that is a very good bday gift :) i will love seeing your italian posts, like i love cupcake cashmere ones these days. And who knows maybe we see eachother in front of david :); May 2, 2012 at 4:41 PM
candicecowin said...: Your closet is a treasure trove! Very inspired ensembles indeed. The wedding frock is so spot on! What shoes with it???; May 2, 2012 at 5:26 PM
Gigi said...: Love your selection Nero...We are kindred spirits, I too have the prada studded sandals in the crushed saks box, and the valentino cage shoe in a crushed NM Box! Have a wonderful travels...; May 2, 2012 at 6:16 PM
Alcira Molina-Ali said...: Cheers Vicky,

So glad you be digging the vibe.
Yes, you know Nero, always with a pyramid stud close at hand.
Love the black shoes Boo!
Acira; May 2, 2012 at 6:49 PM
Alcira Molina-Ali said...: Cara Aylin,

Thanks so much for always taking the time to comment and remark on the details.
I'm thinking in both cases, the cobblestones of Italy may wreak havoc on both pairs of heels, but such is the price of cutting una bella figura ;)
We will be in Florence extremely briefly, half a day and one night, but yes, perhaps we will rub elbows.
Baci, Alcira; May 2, 2012 at 6:51 PM
Alcira Molina-Ali said...: Dear Gigi,

Welcome to Ground Nero and thanks so much for popping by.
it would appear that we are sole sisters indeed ;)
Houston has swiftly become a wonderful hub for discount and outlet shopping. It is rather a dangerous attribute but also a thing of beauty.
Do swing by again soon, Alcira; May 2, 2012 at 6:52 PM
Alcira Molina-Ali said...: Howdy Candita,

In theory the studded Valentinos will accompany the wedding dress.
The straps are a similar light pink and I think it will create just the sort of hard/soft tension that Nero simply must have buzzing at all times.
Catchya soon, Alcira; May 2, 2012 at 6:54 PM
Anonymous said...: Looking for the nude studded flats you posted on your blog. Can you give me the brand and/or store you purchased them from?; February 15, 2013 at 1:44 PM