I just made a grand discovery!
The Beauxbatons Academy of Magic is REAL! They went to the Olympics in 1976!
Amazing! Where is Madame Maxine?
Mind…BLOWN.
Tag Archives: Opening Ceremonies
And in the Rest of the World…
Last night I threw together an outfit idea that I think is an upgrade to the US Opening Ceremonies preppy French beret look, but honestly, America was not the worst-dressed country at the ceremonies yesterday. I wanted to address some of the rest of the world’s fashion choices. Now, I know that some of the outfits were cultural, so I’m not going to pick on the men in skirts (which were kind of awesome, to be honest), or the island shirts. I’m sticking to the more Western style outfits.
First up: Sweden.
As someone in my Twitter feed said last night “The Swedish Olympic Team: Sponsored by IKEA.”
Now, when you’re as good looking as a Swede, tall and blonde and athletic, you should be able to pull off anything. And they look as good as they possibly could. But rugby shirts with horizontal stripes and shorts? Really? Plus, they have a flag that is NOT red, white and blue. They could use those colors in such fun, creative ways, and instead they go with sloppy rugby shirts.
River Island peplum top, $44 / Vivienne Westwood Red Label fitted blazer, $265 / Lauren Ralph Lauren pencil skirt, $69 / J.Crew high heel shoes
Next up: Czech Republic. They tried a spin on dressing for Britain’s famed rainy days, but their wellies and shorts and umbrellas were kind of silly. Plus, the bicycle shorts on the women? The sloppy blazers? No.
I decided instead to give them blazers with a take on the classic trenchcoat and a fantastic Marni print top. The royal blue works to stand out from the crowd, so we hang on to that.
Marni floral top / A.F. VANDEVORST long jacket, $400 / Mango crochet pants, $55 / Steve Madden flat shoes
I think everybody had to shake their heads and wonder what was happening with the Spanish team. They had a Russian designer, and to be honest, I haven’t seen much great fashion coming out of Russia. Their outfits were a dowdy ketchup-and-mustard-and-print extravaganza. And the fan-shaped bags? Really? They are, without a doubt, my least favorite outfits.
I decided a more sporty, modern look would be a refreshing change for the Spanish team. I am quite in love with this top, a dip-dyed use of yellow and red that is not overwhelming, especially on the crisp white. Very sexy-sporty-Spain.
Vivienne Westwood Red Label crop top, $175 / NIKE racerback tank, $55 / Blumarine white pencil skirt / Vince Camuto shoes
And then there was Mexico. I just…I can’t…I don’t…
There are no words. And I can offer no help here.
The great thing, regardless of fashion, was to see the looks on the athletes faces as they paraded in. Even the worst outfit is helped along by shining faces and excitement.
BONUS: the most kickass “team” at the Opening Ceremonies were the Independent Olympic Athletes. I think they were having the most fun of anyone there.
USA! USA! USA!
I’m watching the Olympics Opening Ceremonies wrap up just at this moment. The great fun of watching the parade of nations is to see what everyone wears. And there is no lack of interesting–both good and bad–uniforms.
The US outfits have been controversial this year because Ralph Lauren, the designer, had them made in China. Whoopsie. I think that they’re an embarrassment just because we look like we’re A. French or B. Martha’s Vineyard-style twats.
Historically thinking, it’s not our worst look. After all, we did rock a stetson and a sheepskin once upon a time.
We also, way back when, looked like we were coming in to take over the place by force.
However, I have to say, not my favorite look. Here’s what I would have done for the Olympians.
For the men, a piped blazer, navy pants, a subtle blue and red tie, and awesome details in the oxford shoes with red laces and the red white and blue cuff links.
Alberta Ferretti navy blue dress / Blonde + Blonde stripe blazer, $47 / Hobbs peep toe wedge, $125 / Pin brooch
For the ladies, a simple sheath dress (which looks good on athletic women’s bodies), and a great striped jacket with a nipped in waist. I gave them a wedge in bright red, because heels are too dangerous for these ladies. Sorry, ladies, I love ya. No athletic injuries needed while walking in, though.
Can’t wait to watch the games! GO USA!
