Rebel Rouser
Hi everyone, happy Wednesday!
Pop punk has been making an undeniable comeback; from MGK x Megan to Travis x Kourtney, Olivia Rodrigo to Willow Smith, the semi-anti-establishment aesthetic of the early 2000s is undergoing a massive revival. I’ve done my fair share of listening to Paramore and shopping at Hot Topic, so safe to say I’m thrilled that the genre’s gotten a second wind. I discovered so many cool pieces in the process of putting together this issue that I might have to do a part 2 next week (👀), but for now, here are some of the sickest finds I’ve stumbled across.
Put a Pin In It
VINTAGE PLEIN SUD SAFETY PIN DRESS - FARMER JAWNS
My first foray into the punk aesthetic began in middle school, when I found a bag of jumbo safety pins while cleaning out my homeroom teacher’s cabinet and proceeded to adorn my cardigan with them, rows of pins marching up and down the sleeves. I still maintain a fondness for safety pin fashion today, which is why I was immediately enamored with this daring Plein Sud dress. It’s not exactly something I’d throw on for a day at the park — as I’ve written before, apparel that’s a stiff breeze away from baring it all is a little too anxiety-inducing for me — but I could definitely see Willow rocking this in her next music video.
Off the Grid
Would it even be a pop punk-themed issue if I didn’t include something plaid? I know the print is usually reserved for skirts or trousers, but I’m kind of loving the versatility and wearability of this easygoing high-necked top from Montreal designer Eve Gravel. With its clean, minimal white lines, this plaid isn’t quite as in-your-face as, say, red checkered tartan — pair with jeans or the peach trousers shown here and it’s demure enough for the office, but styled with a miniskirt and some buckle boots and you’re suddenly channeling Avril Lavigne.
Buckle Up
LINE ORB BELT BUCKLE - VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
I would be totally remiss if I didn’t give a shout-out to Vivienne Westwood, who basically pioneered punk fashion. The brand’s pearl choker necklaces have been popping off among the TikTok set, but personally I’d go for this edgy belt featuring the iconic Westwood orb, preferably slung over a pair of ripped black jeans. I’m especially a fan of the buckle’s gunmetal grey colorway, which allows you to neatly sidestep the age-old debate of gold vs silver hardware (though for what it’s worth, I’m a silver girl through and through.)
Tried one of my recs and loved it (or hated it)? Wanna get something cool on my radar? Drop me a line at kittylguo@gmail.com or swing by my Twitter @kitguo!