Tag Archives: fashion

S2: Diane, Pearls

Diane may have lost her sizeable inheritance and become a cocktail waitress, but she never lost her haughty airs. Wanting to look like an overeducated tennis-club-frequenting blue-blooded aristocrat, Diane’s jewelry of choice is, of course, a pearl necklace.

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Now, I am not a Jew of the JAP (Jewish American Princess) variety. My car has a salvage title, my favorite clothes are from Salvation Army, and I haven’t had a manicure since I went to prom. Don’t get me wrong: I’m spoiled and I won’t take public transportation, I’m just not really a pearls kind of girl. I did receive a few sets of classic pearls for my Bat Mitzvah fifteen years ago, but I’m pretty sure I’ve never worn them. Here are a few more modern alternatives that I would wear. If I had to wear pearls.

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Clockwise from top left:

1. Ligia Dias Pendu Necklace. 2. Chan Luu Pearl Tassel Necklace. 3. Lisa Freede Chain & Pearl Necklace. 4. Florian Double Bead Necklace. 5. Sweet Child Pearl Necklace. 6. Dogeared Pearls of Friendship on Gold Silk Thread Necklace. 7. Lizzie Fortunato Sacred Valley Necklace. 8. ASOS Limited Edition Pearl Glasses Necklace.

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S2E5: Sam, White Stripes

We’ve seen what Carla and Diane were wearing in Episode 5 of Season 2. Now it’s Sam’s turn.

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1. Shades Of Grey By Micah Cohen Sailor Striped Crewneck Sweater.

Nearly identical. Further proof that fashion is rarely new, mostly just recycled.

Here’s to changing the minds of skeptics who think Cheers’ fashion is outdated!

Cheers,

Chloe

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In Honor of Valentine’s Day Part II: Maternity Wear, Carla-Style

Happy Valentine’s Day, all! Did you know that on average, 11,000 babies are conceived each year on Valentine’s Day? (That’s in part because of silly things like the lingerie featured in the last post). In honor of that, let’s take a look at Carla’s many maternity outfits.

When Cheers begins, Carla Tortelli has four children. By the end of the series, she has eight. The first pregnancy occurs in Season 1, when Carla is knocked up by her smarmy ex-husband Nick.

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Diane: Carla, I don’t think you should be engaging in strenuous activities when you are with child.
Carla: If I didn’t do things with child, I’d never leave the house. The only thing I ever did without child resulted in one.

-from S3E14

Of course I love Carla’s maternity wear, but for those who want to look less like a pregnant lady in a dive bar, Mama NYC, Hatch, and Asos make some beautiful pieces:

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1. ASOS Maternity Midi Body Conscious Dress in Floral. 2. Hatch Night Out Leggings. 3. Hatch Cape. 4. ASOS Maternity Swing Dress in Floral. 5. Mama NYC Laura Shirt. 6. Mama NYC Kathryn Dress. 7. Mama NYC Maggie Vest. 8. Hatch Sweatshirt Dress. 9. ASOS Maternity Blouse with Peter Pan Collar and Balloon Sleeve. 10. Hatch Boyfriend Sweater.

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Diane Chambers De-Girlified

As you can see from the last few posts about Diane (Valentine’s Day, Pilgrim Shirts, and Sweaters), her wardrobe is often an explosion of ineffectual femininity: pastel pinks and purples (the weakest colors on the wheel), kitten heels (the most useless type of heel there is), sweater vests (I honestly don’t remember the last time I saw a woman wearing a sweater vest), and pussy bow blouses (the name is so vile I can’t even bring myself to say it out loud). She might as well be wearing hearts and rainbows and unicorns and actual vaginas on her person. I don’t even want to find modern alternatives.

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However, when Diane deviates from the safety of her cable knits, as with her oft-repeated go-to of silk shirts paired with vests, it is easy to imagine a less girly version. A touch of masculinity could go a long way for Diane. (Then again, a touch of femininity could do wonders for dear old Carla.) Diane Chambers, de-girlified:

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1. L’agence Silk Blouse. 2. Anke Blouse. 3. Ganni Black Waistcoat. 4. Madewell Billie Boot. 5. Jeffrey Campbell Fontane. 6. Nasty Gal Runaway Stud Vest.

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Season 1: Diane’s Sweaters

Carla vs. Diane, the priss vs. the tomboy, the beanpole blonde vs. the pocket-size brunette. If I had to choose one of their wardrobes, I would not hesitate to choose Carla’s. But Diane is adorable in her own way. Like a toy poodle. Or a baby giraffe. Here is her collection of sweaters (and sweater vests, blah) from Season 1:

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And a few updated versions (some with mock sweater-vests, to boot!):

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1. Kelly Wearstler Selva Slashed Cashmere Sweater. 2. Charlie & Robin Coral Isle Pullover. 3. Sparrow Subpixel Pullover. 4. Blue Fleck Yarn Knit Jumper with Contrast Point Collar. 5. Fine Cable Knit Sweater with Crew Neckline. 6. Michael Bastian Fairlise Shetland Sweater. 7. Boutique by Jaeger Spacedye Waffle Knit in Cotton.

And last but not least, the Gudrun & Gudrun Faroe Jumper from Plumo, another gem I was introduced to by Anne Sage of The City Sage.

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S1: Diane, the Pilgrim

Throughout Season 1, Diane Chambers insists on wearing an assortment of ridiculous high-collar puff-sleeve blouses that magnify her prudishness and pretension to Pilgrim-ish heights. Of course, toting a Carl Jung book around doesn’t help her cause, either.

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Today, I show modern alternatives to Diane’s collection of pilgrim shirts.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that I would actually wear one of these. (My people – the Jews, if that isn’t clear by now – didn’t exactly land on Plymouth Rock, plus, regardless of my immigrant heritage, my neck is too short for a high collar.) Nor am I necessarily suggesting that you wear one, either. Rather, this post is for the skeptical who still believe that the outfits on Cheers are unfashionable, outdated, or just plain ugly. Tell that to the globe’s leading fashion houses.

Fendi and Gucci and Dolce, oh my!

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1. Fendi Long Sleeve Blouse. 2. Anna Sui Black/Lipstick Multicolor Silk Top. 3. Gucci Crepe De Chine Pussy Bow Blouse. 4. Roberto Cavalli Sheer Blouse. 5. Kenzo Puff Sleeve Blouse. 6. Labour of Love Pussy Bow Blouse. 7. Cacharel Vintage Mandarin Collar Blouse. 8. Emilio Pucci Rosewood and Orange Lurex Silk Top. 9. Miu Miu Silk Blouse with Pussy Bow. 10. M Missoni Perforated Blouse. 11. Hakaan Khaki Cut Out Silk Top. 12. Dolce & Gabbana Printed Blouse.

Here’s to the founders of our great country (and the Jews who balance their checkbooks)!

Cheers,

Chloe

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S1E8 (follow-up 2): Carla, Fire Truck Red, & A Truce is Called

In Part III of Season 1, Episode 8, Sam forces Carla to spend an evening with Diane to see if they can make amends. Two things happen. 1) Carla gets Diane drunk and makes a fool of her (but eventually they see eye-to-eye and call a truce…for the time being). 2) Carla wears another fantastic outfit.

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According to Pantone, those pants would be considered “Fire Truck Red,” or in Carla’s case, the color of rage. Thanks to Band of Outsiders, Current/Elliott, Keds, Madewell, A.L.C., and Carven, there are plenty of reds raging in today’s newest lines:

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1. Boy by Band of Outsiders Easy Shirt.  2. Keds x Madewell Sungarden Sneakers.  3. Current/Elliott Skinny Trouser.  4. Eileen Fisher ‘Step’ Oxford.  5. A.L.C. Relaxed Trousers. Far right: preview of Carven’s Summer ’13 line.

Here’s to making peace with your enemies (especially if that enemy is the color red)!

Cheers,

Chloe

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S1E8: Carla, Geometric Prints, Mary Meyer Clothing

On rare occasions we are privileged enough to catch a glimpse of Carla Tortelli’s shoes (always Nike, always color-coordinated with her outfit). But the rest of the time, our view is frustratingly obstructed. Either wearing an apron or standing behind the bar, Carla is relegated mostly to waist-up shots. So she makes sure to always wear a killer shirt. Case in point, this geometric gem:

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The most consistent modern alternative is Brooklyn (via Northern California) designer Mary Meyer, whose line of equally killer geometric-print clothing I was introduced to at Mira Mira in San Francisco.

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S1E7: Carla, Striped Sweater

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One of the many reasons I love Carla so much is that I relate to her misanthropic attitude toward’s life’s many frivolities. For example, that is exactly the face I would be making if I had to hold up a limbo stick at a toga party too.

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1. Wool Blend Scoop Neckline Stripe Sweater.  2. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Block Sweater with V Neck.  3. Minkpink Primary Education Crew Neck Stripe Tunic Jumper.  4. Marc Jacobs Stripe Sweater in Multi.

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S1E6: Carla, Dual Stripes

Season 1, Episode 6. Carla is wearing one of the most incredible shirts ever. Maybe that’s a bit hyperbolic but, it’s good. Real good:

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Dual stripes! And if you notice her right shoulder in the top photo, you can see that the back of the shirt is the opposite–AMAZING. I don’t know anything about football, and am eternally grateful that I will be on an airplane during the Super Bowl and its ensuing hysteria (read: rioting) in San Francisco, but admittedly, she looks almost like a (very well-dressed) referee. So I say, reluctantly, Go 49ers?

I thought this look would be impossible to replicate. Thankfully, ASOS, Antipodium, and House of Holland see the merit in mixed stripe patterns:

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1. ASOS Top with Spots and Stripes.  2. House of Holland V Stripe Oversized T-Shirt.  3. Antipodium Syntax T-Shirt in Patchwork Stripe.  4. Nasty Gal Straight Up Blouse.  5. Antipodium Syntax Striped Tee.  6. Marni Stripe Shopping Bag.  7. ASOS Shirt in Cutabout Stripe Print.  8. Theory ‘Caslyn’ Cotton Skort.  9. House of Holland Striped Denim Skirt.  10. Marni Stripe Silk Twill Top.

And yes, that’s a skort on the bottom left. Like most trends of the 80s and 90s, I am a proponent of bringing them back. Clearly.

Here’s to dual stripes. And the 49ers. I guess.

Cheers,

Chloe

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S1E5: Carla, Pastels

I know nothing of Easter. Being Jewish, I thought pastels were off the table. But Carla has inspired me to reconsider. Sure, Carla Tortelli is a Catholic Italian, but Rhea Perlman’s innate Jewishness shines through her spitfire character. It’s probably half the reason I love Carla so much.

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Yellow button-down, floral belt, and peach denim? I could give it a shot.

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1. Equipment Signature Blouse.  2. Rag & Bone Floral Skinny Belt in Canary.  3. Acne Patti Blouse in Degrade.  4. Maison Martin Margiela 11 Belt.  5. J Brand Mid Rise Skinny Jeans in Bengal Orange.  6. Tretorn Canvas T56 Sneakers.  7. BDG High-Rise Seamed Cigarette Jean in Coral.

Here’s to trying something new!

Cheers,

Chloe

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S1E3, Carla: Part III

A friend just asked me, “Are you really taking hideous Cheers outfits and having a modern alternative involving Lanvin, Chloe, Hermes etc?” My answer: Firstly, I am sure that when these episodes aired, the characters were donning only the hippest brand name clothes of their era, as characters on hit shows tend to do. (Since their costume designer is probably 90 years old, I haven’t sought them out to ask, though I should). Secondly, if Lanvin, Chloe, and Hermes are making similar versions, the originals can’t be that all that bad, now can they? In fact the originals, at least Diane’s, probably were Lanvin, Chloe, and Hermes. Thirdly, they are not hideous outfits, they’re the best outfits, period. Which brings me to one of my favorites, Blue on Blue:

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Blue button-ups have had a bit of a makeover in the course of 30 years; Acne and Equipment make my favorites. Based on the color and cut of Carla’s jeans, I would think they were Wranglers (though my mom insists Girbaud was the leading brand in 1982). Turns out Wrangler still makes a nice indigo wash jean, as does Reiss (You know it’s the right era when the jean is called “Farrah.” I swear I don’t try to make these things rhyme.), and Imogene & Willie, a brand I was turned on to by Anne Sage, who called them a “Denim Game-Changer.” They say the Elizabeth jean “sits higher on the waist for new-meets-old-fashioned feel.” Sounds like they heard my plea. And finally, the feet. It drives me crazy that we rarely get to see Carla’s shoes, so I just had to use my imagination.

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1. Acne Long Sleeve Blouse.  2. Equipment Slim Signature Colorblocked Blouse.  3. Elliot Rhodes Tan Skinny Leather Belt with Gold Horn Buckle.  4. Linea Pelle Vintage Perforated Hip Belt. 5. Keds Pointer. 6. Mel Shoes We’ll Have a Wiffle Ball Sneaker.  7. Wrangler Jess High Waist Skinny Jeans.  8. Reiss Farrah Slim Straight Leg.  9. Imogene + Willie Elizabeth Straight Leg.

Here’s to those of us who can see past the cut to the style beneath!

Cheers,

Chloe

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S1E3: Carla, Part I

Well, we’ve made it to Episode 3, where I really started to notice just how incredible Carla’s clothes are. It’s very rare that we get to see a full body shot of Carla (she’s usually busy slinging drinks and insults), but when we do, it’s golden. Case in point: this belted rust-colored denim/multicolor-striped-tee/casual sneakers gem.

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I’ll get to Carla’s (well-curated collection of) hair clips and (well-curated collection of) Nikes eventually but for now these modern alternatives do the trick:

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1. Splendid Striped slub-jersey T-shirt.  2. A Wear Geo Print Button Back Top.  3. J Brand Mid Rise Skinny Leg in bourbon brown.  4. Rachel Comey Corvus sneakers in truffle combo.  5. Chloe Leather Patchwork Belt.  6. LANVIN Contrasting Leather Trainers.

Here’s to Carla!

Cheers,

Chloe

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S1E2: Polo Shirts

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I used to hate polo shirts. For reasons aesthetic (they simply look too preppy), ancestral (members of my tribe haven’t exactly been welcomed into country clubs), and practical (I don’t even know how to ride a horse).

But then I found an old Lacoste polo at the thrift store (similar to Carla’s above). And truth be told, I like it. Why? It’s a toss-up. Either because it only cost a dollar, or perhaps because it is beat up, thinning, riddled with holes, and a men’s. And as a rule, vintage is almost always better than new, men’s shirts almost always better than women’s.

However, upon some heavy polo research (because of an accidental Wikipedia click I now know all the rules to the sport), it turns out there are a bevy of designers out there not only making new polo shirts for women, but breaking the mold and redefining what a polo shirt is. Whether patterned, textured, deconstructed, modern, or reimagined, these 16 polos will make you do a double-take. (Kind of like seeing a Jew at a country club.)

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1. MM6 by Maison Martin Margiela polo.  2. Carven paisley print polo.  3. Leon & Harper polo in grey.  4. Lacoste L!VE half sleeve jersey striped polo in azurite blue. 5. American Appaarel Open Knit Tennis polo.  6. Dolce & Gabbana cotton wool blend polo.  7. Raquel Allegra polo.  8. Ralph Lauren Blue printed polo.  9. Dolce & Gabbana silk knit polo.  10. Stella McCartney polo in antique rose.  11. Hermes Vintage polo.  12. Leon & Harper polo in yellow floral.  13. Jil Sander navy stretch knit polo.  14. Jean Paul Gaultier fuzzi print tulle polo.  15. Antipodium sporting chance perforated polo.  16. Mossoni short sleeve polo in blue white.

And isn’t it JUST like Carla to make me rethink a lifetime’s ban of polos?

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Wildfox ‘Happy’ polo shirt

Here’s to polo shirts!

Cheers,

Chloe

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Pilot: Diane Chambers

In the pilot episode of Cheers, Diane Chambers quickly transforms from a pretentious tightly-wound blue-blooded grad student about to marry her professor into a (pretentious tightly-wound blue-blooded) jilted barmaid. This is illustrated by a major transformation in her clothes.

See exhibit A:

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From sipping a martini to taking beer orders in an apron, Diane always maintains an air of sophistication, albeit pompous. With almost identical blouses and skirts, plus an overabundance of plaid, available today, it’s easy to achieve Diane’s highs and lows.

See Exhibit B:

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1. Funktional Silk Fold Top.  2. See by Chloé Plaid Shirt Dress.  3. Gianfranco Ferre Vintage Wrap Skirt.  4. Burberry Brit ‘Kristie’ Plaid Dress in pink and in blue.

Here’s to Diane!

Cheers,

Chloe

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Pilot: Carla Tortelli

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Alright, alright. So Carla Tortelli’s outfit in the 1982 pilot episode of Cheers isn’t the best example of her sharp style. But if you can look past the (brillo pad) haircut and unfortunate (mom pant) pleats, this can be easily reimagined as a cute modern outfit. The bones are all there: a chunky oversized knit sweater, an embellished red tee tucked into high waisted colored denim, and a skinny black belt. Update the proportions and it doesn’t feel like the 1982 recession is just beginning. It feels more like, well, the current recession.

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1. Drake’s London Iconic Four Ply Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan in flannel grey.  2. GRP Cardigan in Grey.  3. LEMLEM Adamu Drape Top.  4. Jasmin Shokrian Seam Blouse.  5. Barneys New York Co-Op Basic Skinny Belt.  6. Labour of Love Black Leather Skinny Belt.  7. Alexander McQueen Skinny Jean in bottle green.  8. Societe Anonyme ‘George’ Unisex Tapered Jean.

Here’s to Carla!

Cheers,

Chloe

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Cheers to Carla

How it all began

In the fall of 2012, I moved into my first studio apartment. Then I got sick. I had never lived alone and now I had the flu, to boot. After exhausting all reasonable Netflix options, I turned to Cheers. It was a revelation.

Cheers aired its pilot episode three years before I was born and went off the air when I was in 3rd grade. But, no matter. Rhea Perlman’s character Carla Tortelli, with her keen sense of style (read: high-waisted jeans, color-coordinated Nikes and barrettes, and animal-print sweaters), has become, 30 years after her inception, my fashion guru.

This blog charts the outfits of Cheers’ main characters (with an emphasis on dear Carla, of course), from its pilot episode in 1982 to its finale in 1993. It also points you in the right direction for achieving a modern take on the looks of these underrated fashion icons.

Here’s to Carla!

Cheers,

Chloe

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