As some of you may know, I have been a little absent on my home turf due to my being a contributing author on a professional blog. But fear not avid Rakish readers, I have heard your cries and am back to give you some savvy fashion knowledge. I'll be taking us to one of the pieces in my closet that has been getting more wear lately. So sit back, and relax as we enter the rakishly disheveled mindset.
I think my infatuation began back in the winter of 1982, when as a wee babe I... nope, that's a lie, but you'd be lying if you said it wasn't a great start. Truthfully, from time to time I find myself becoming enamored with an item of fashion that is a little more difficult to find, whether it be because the item is "off season" or that it is just not a focus piece in that current season. This spring I have really been into the idea of "tipping"... or some may refer to it as "piping". More specifically, I have been focused on the tipped blazer. Over the years I have acquired a few odd-jackets (meaning that they are not part of a suit) that are wonderful examples of this, and illicit glorious praises every time I wear them. Simply put , tipping is the act of adding a contrasting color band along the edge of a garment. In jackets, this flash is most likely along the outer edge of jacket and lapel. Occasionally, the designer will continue the embellishment by topping off the chest and side pockets as well.
I find that these jackets give you a more tailored look due to the strong lines, but can easily be paired down with denim provided that your trousers are slim. The object is to create a look of relaxed sophistication. In fact, the other day I got a comment because I paired the clean edges of the blazer with the soft, rounded look of a
golf collar -- a mixing of shapes if you will. This mixing of shapes is subtly askew yet not fashionably incorrect. In order to be truly rakishly disheveled one needs to follow all of the fashion rules to the letter and then purposely make something "off"... thus adding a signature flair.
Final Verdict: Follow my lead and get out to start the search for a tipped jacket to add to your ever-growing wardrobe. Places like
H&M or
ASOS are great places to look for this statement piece without breaking your bank. Don't forget to add your own RD vibe. (That's
Rakish
Dishevelment for those of you who didn't get it by the initials)
