Hammer Time

1.10.10

When I see a pair of harem trousers, I can't help but conjure up images of Aladdin on his magic carpet or MC Hammer telling us we can't touch while doing some ferocious foot work. Although, I never understood what we couldn't touch exactly, Mr. Hammer fully embraced the harems in varying colours and styles. It is quite hard to explain my love for trousers that make grown-ups look like they're wearing a pair of giant nappies, but I quite like them. I really do. 

The shape of harems were marketed in the 1800s as a form of women's wear that would allow for an active lifestyle without compromising decency. They were supposed to be a freeing substitute to tight corsets and petticoats. But apparently, not all women liked the feel of air in their lungs since harems didn't quite catch on then. French designer Paul Poiret, came along in the 1920s and was able to convince harem snobs that the trousers can indeed take one from a mere commoner to Greek goddess. He produced a collection of head dresses, kaftans and harem trousers in lampshade silhouettes.


image credit: examiner 





This pair is nothing compared to the glamour of Poiret's, but I have to be able to walk down the street without blinding everyone that comes within 100 yards of me. I love the skirt silhouette and the fact that they fall just below the knees. I swapped the plain black for this braided one and paired it with a floral cardi (I'm still not over the prints).


Say, where did the entire month of September go? Hope you are all geared up for the October! Have a great weekend, and see you soon!


Bisous
Abs

39 Contributions:

grace said...

Abi I'm definitely with you on the harems!! I have a slight obsession with bold-print gypsy style pants and also your blog, which I haven't visited in a while but is lovely as usual! Have a divine weekend too! x

The Suburb Experiment said...

I love them too but definitely can't wear them. I'm already high-waisted so they make me look like my abdomen is about a mile long! Ha! So I just look at people like you who look adorable in them and sigh. . .

Jenn

Unknown said...

wow your harems are so flattering! also you've got a rocking top to go with it :)
LOVE!

xStace
TEE&FAME

StylishForever said...

That's a gorgeous look Abi, love the pants!
yea join the club hun and we'll be gym freaks together, lol.

Grace said...

You wear them so well!

Love Grace.

Viva La Fashion said...

i know. where did september go? but those pants are amazing. :)

My Own Strange Little World said...

Really interesting story about the origin of this type of trouser. I like the way you've combined them with the coloured top to add some colour to the whole outfit. You look great!!

http://myownstrangelittle-world.blogspot.com

Shanna Maren said...

That outfit on the doll is great, and so is yours!! That pants is amazing! Wish we had a F21 in the Netherlands :(
Nice background info, btw ;)

www.m-4-l.blogspot.com

Jenmarie said...

Yes, Aladdin! So true my friend. You look absolutely amazing. Love your style!

Unknown said...

coool outfit!!!

sorry for my late reply...

Taryn said...

I've always been a bit intimidated by harem pants but you make them totally chic and wearable! love it

Ginta said...

Oh, I'd like to try on Paul Poiret's harems! That'd be amazing! Piece of art!

Love your harem pants, love that they give the illusion of a skirt :) And a rope belt - love, love it!

Emma at Daily Clothes Fix said...

I don't normally like harems but I can see the attraction of yours. Very nice, make me want a pair.

...Iww... said...

Color of the blouse fits you so well^^ and great pants
Love how you match this two :D

Mica said...

im so in LOVE with harem pants at the moment too! i matched it the opposite way though; my harem pant's floral-patterned and the top's a plain coloured. i love the length of ur harem pants, mine's the longer version.

(pics here --> http://thebabyandherhoneybear.blogspot.com/2010/10/pancake-parlour-is-my-second-home.html)


p.s. im so glad u visited over @ my blog, cos i adore ur style! am now a follower :D


love, mica (the coffeebaby!)

Trixie said...

Thanks for your comment! And yeah... now that I think about, that model looks like James Franco (who is very good-looking... mmm ... hahaha).

I actually despise harem pants because, as you says, they look like "nappies". However, you definitely pull them off! I have some grey ones just like that, but I wear them at home (they're comfy!)... maybe you've convinced me to wear them in public...

Fashionably Black said...

Hey Abi:

I love the way you styled this outfit with that belt. It really makes it pop!

www.fashionablyblack.blogspot.com

Princess Feef said...

love it ,, u look gorgeous ,, admire ur style <3
keep it up .

Teresa said...

I've never been a fan of harem pants, but those look really fab on you! Perfect length and cute belt detail!

invasionista

Jazzy E (Hivenn) said...

beautiful
xx

Zarna said...

lovin the harems you look STUNNING!

stayfabulous,
zarna
http://zarnasrunway.blogspot.com

Amy T said...

interesting post about harems. im not too into them, but the ones your wearing you pull off so well!

Unknown said...

Wow, I wouldn't have thought I would ever really like 'hammer pants' but you definitely pull them off! I think they look great with the floral top as well to 'girlify' them up a bit too.

Anonymous said...

I like this trouser !
Thanks for sharing this post !
Best,

Anonymous said...

wow, these pants are fabulous!

simplychic said...

the harmes look fab on you. i have a pair that i can't tell if the are harem or just long in the crotch and i feel so silly in them, but i still wear them from time to time.

LaToya said...

Very lovely outfit! That top is amazing!

Hugs,
http://achameleonscloset.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Hahaha..I love your harems!!



LOVE!

Anonymous said...

I love your pants and how you paired it with that top. I must say, you have such wonderful style. keep it up. following your blog.

-Philip of
FASHION TOY GUN

style-haus said...

these harem trousers are fantastic...i love the ease of harem pants and you wear these so well!

http://style-haus.blogspot.com/

Abi said...

@grace: thank you kindly! you're too sweet with your words :) I had a pleasant weekend. Hope you did as well!

@The Suburb Experiment: oh my! Really? That's no good.

@StylishedForever: Indeed we shall ;)

@Shanna: They're coming to London soon, so hopefully a store would open by you in no time ;)

@mica the coffeebaby: thanks for following! I would be sure to stop by your blog and have a look at your styling soon

@Trixie: hahaha! they do make for good housewear!

@Philip the Fashion Shooter: thanks for following :)

Unknown said...

this outfit is absolutely amazing, great print

vasilieva
http://elenavasilieva.blogspot.com/
x

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

You and your perfect shades of blue, and perfect bone structure!

rudegirlnina said...

Abi, you are like a style guru for me! :)) Everytime I look at your pictures they take me away! <3

jolaa said...

nice photoss! and ofcourse your outfit! :D
Like the picture with the wink haha;)

xoxo

Abi said...

I'm really flattered!

Rebecca Maureen said...

Wow, just amazing. Your style blows me away. Followed :)

Constance said...

Loving those trousers!
x

Abi said...

Thanks!

I appreciate that you're following Rebecca :)

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