The Story of a Shoulder

I am a child of the 80s. Thus, it is no surprise that I can remember a time when the New Kids on the Block were being chased by legions of fans; parents were knocking one another over to purchase a chubby Cabbage Patch Kid for their offspring; and Jennifer Beals and her incredible dance moves a la the film Flashdance were being copied by everyone on the planet. Despite such an upbringing, the off-the-shoulder tee shirt trend never appealed to me much. Now, in the year 2009, I’ve become obsessed, and want to own one in every color.

LnA "Off the Shoulder Long Sleeve Flashdance Top I pre-ordered this LnA Off the Shoulder Long Sleeve Flashdance Top in Midnight from Singer22 just last week and am counting down the days until it will arrive on my doorstep. The neckline is wide, very reminiscent of a boatneck; while the body has a loose fit that is similar to the cut of the boyfriend style. The fact that the sleeves are long so that you can roll them up when the weather turns warm, or wear them down when it’s a little nippy? A feature that makes me overjoyed. I plan on wearing it with skinny jeans and ballerina flats for an effortless look that is chic and sophisticated, yet playful and fun!

Alloy "Off-Shoulder Tee" I constantly see items in the Alloy catalog that I would love to add to my burgeoning clothes collection, but it was this Off-Shoulder Tee in Iris that caught my eye, and made me eager to whip out my credit card in 0.5 seconds flat. This top is a staple for every girl for the warmer months. Dolman sleeves. Off the shoulder. Available in summery colors like heather coral, pool, lime, orange, hot pink, and many, many more. I don’t know about you, but I have all sorts of plans for this marvel. I'll wear it while lounging poolside with a fruity drink in my hand. I'll strut up and down the boardwalk sporting it with lace-up espadrilles and a mini. Someone pinch me; I must be dreaming.

Brandy and Melville "Off the Shoulder Long Sleeve" If I could live in sweatshirts, I gladly would. Unfortunately, since they oftentimes appear sloppy and unfashionable, as opposed to chic and trendy, I try to steer clear of them. This Brandy and Melville Off the Shoulder Long Sleeve, however, changes that. Equal parts comfy and cute, while remaining completely smart and trendy, this is an off the shoulder top that I desperately need to add to my wardrobe. And I’m not just saying that because, aside from a cute off the shoulder look, it sports a sweet little swingy bottom that is utterly irresistible.

Victoria's Secret "Off-the-Shoulder Top" Oh Vicky, somehow you never cease to amaze me. Regardless of the fact that you are known for your lacy underpinnings, your Off-the-Shoulder Top proves that you are one to be reckoned with even in the clothing world. This is an off-the-shoulder offering that you don’t get lost in. The material is drapey, yet manages to cling to and showcase every curve; while the cowlneck seemingly shimmies over your shoulder to display a little skin. As with almost everything from Victoria ’s Secret...je veux!

Free People "We the Free Gypsy Jersey Top" Palm trees are synonymous with Southern California (the place I currently live). White is one of my favorite colors. Free People is a clothing site that I frequent multiple times per day. Gypsy is the name of one of my cats. Correct me if I’m wrong, but with the amount of coincidental occurrences between me and the We the Free Gypsy Jersey Top, how could I possibly not buy it? This is a piece that would look absolutely amazing topping a tie-bikini bottom. And paired with candy-colored short shorts? Ah-dor-a-ble!

What’s your take on the off-the-shoulder top? Better left in the 80’s, or a fashion trend to embrace for the summer of 2009?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to LnA Clothing, Alloy, Shop Intuition, Victoria's Secret, and Singer22 for the pictures.