PRAISE VOGUE

In July's issue, American Vogue asks if they can get "an Amen up in here?" From the depths of my fashion soul sings a resounding YES. You see, Vogue is celebrating the return of the woman-- of waists and boobs, of tailoring and tights, of kitten heels and graceful gestures (Think Prada). Bye bye oversized, shredded don't-give-a-fuck, pour-yourself-into, liquid-sexpot-latex-and/or-leather-leggings and geometric skyscrapers more commonly known as "shoes." Nope, I've never been a huge fan of the downtown, model off-duty look.

Not sure if I need to be strutting around in nude pantyhose just yet, but there's something about elegance and poise that's utterly refreshing. I'm drawn to the idea of dressing up (Everyday! How did we get so casual in the first place?? People wear pajamas outside of the house--seriously?), hair that's set once or twice a week, and always knowing exactly what to say (Hello, Oprah!). I'm seriously ready to crack an etiquette book.

Editor Sally Singer sums it up, "The point is that right now, the look that has been doing the rounds for what feels like, oh , forever is suddenly tired, tired, tired. The biker jacket with one too many zippers. The slouchy distressed tees that now only cause frayed nerves. The heavy buckled platform ankle boots that are a dead weight. And the leggings! The leggings, in leather or nylon or gleaming PVC; time for them to walk to the back of the closet. Girls who once dressed for their inner rocker don't want to hum that tune anymore."

Yep, we've got a new song to sing; its highlights can be found in Vogue's Met gala round-up (be sure to check out Doutzen Kroes glorious powder blue tulle confection), the classic 1950s housewife melodrama in which Natalia Vodianova must choose between happiness with her rebel boy toy or a marriage with the secure Ewan McGregor (a bit trite, but it works), and Sally Singer’s foray into carefully coifed up-dos. Each feature made for a spectacularly cohesive issue, one that truly inspired my barely beating fashion heart.

Well done, Vogue, well done.

Marion Cotillard photos via Just Jared