The Working Girl, Esq.

Ms. Jackson If You're Nasty

2012-01-24T16:38:00.000-08:00

(via vogue.com)

Equipment blouse, Crumpet leopard print cashmere sweater, Altuzarra moleskin pants, YSL wedges

Ok, I know I'm cheating using this pic that accompanied a very useful and handy dry shampoo article, but things have been C-R-A-Z-Y, people. And not in the good way. I know I've used that excuse many-a-time before, but believe me, this one is legit. Totally for real. I think I'm about to dive off the edge of a steep steep precipice at any moment and meet a very unrecoverable fate. The only thing that truly keeps me going is the promise of the very awesome sale scavenging that is going on right now at your finer department stores and of seeing some seriously sweet action on the runways for NYFW. I have to believe that after a somewhat yawnworthy (but pretty!) S/S, F/W 12 is going to be all kinds of nasty. In the good way. A dreamer can dream right? Think nasty thoughts.

The Genteel - Borrowing from the Boys

2012-01-17T16:47:00.000-08:00

Celine sunglasses, Gant Rugger sweater, Joe Fresh button up oxford, Jenni Kayne pants, Happy Feet socks, Cynthia Rowley shoes

Leroy & Perry sweater, Proenza Schouler turtleneck, Theyskens Theory pants, Alexander Wang boots

If you are even a semi-regular reader of this blog, you know I LOVE menswear. Period. In the interest of getting Xmas tree photos out of the way before they look seriously dated, I thought I would post these two boyish looks together, and talk a bit about my new favorite site THE GENTEEL. Why The Genteel you ask? Well, first off, you can see my list of the best men's brands to browse here (and other musings here), but this is more than self-promotion: the site should be bookmarked by all women who enjoy intelligent discourse, fashion, and culture. The only thing I DON'T like about the site is that it beat me to the punch in providing a fun, yet intelligently-curated forum for women who enjoy battering about ideas and abstracts, but who also don't take themselves too seriously and enjoy the indulgences in life! I could go on, but I think you best do yourself a service and head on over there!

Winterize It!

2012-01-11T17:39:00.000-08:00

Proenza Schouler dress, Marc Jacobs leather pants and shoes (yes, the Holiday decorations are still up--NEVER LET GO)

Although it was slow to come, it's officially winter. As I've been cleaning out my closet, I've come across un-seasonal pieces that have inspired me to try to winterize them. The Proenza dress above is definitely one of those. This particular dress resonates not because it's awesome (which it is, duh), but because seems emblematic of the huge changes that occurred in 2011. It was one of my favorite Fashion Week outfits, and got a decent amount of coverage on a few blogs my first Fashion Week as a "fashion girl." But, its significance didn't really hit me until I found myself very unexpectedly on end-of-year street style roundups on Refinery 29, Fashionista, and Harpers Bazaar (btw thanks guys!). It's funny that in a year and change, I find myself in the throes of the fashion world at which I was only peering from the periphery not too long ago. I'm not sure what 2012 will bring-- probably some good and some bad (hopefully more good!)-- but I hope this is only the beginning of my fashion journey. At the very least, I hope it can be an example for someone else to take a chance on yourself---even if it is only to be confident about wearing a summer dress in the winter!

Beauty Break--HAPPY NEW YEAR/MAKEUP/YAY

2012-01-05T18:18:00.000-08:00

via refinery29.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I know you're supposed to have resolutions and whatnot, but that just STRESSES ME OUT. I am way too type-A to confine my meta "to-do" lists to just one time of the year, so I'm taking a pass and sticking to my usual OCD year-round lists of things to accomplish. In the meantime, I'm finally getting to my "part 2" of beauty: THE GOOD STUFF (i.e. makeup). Let's me honest, no one likes putting on a full face of make-up day in and day out, but it sure is fun to play around with even when you have no idea what you're doing (like me)! As with my taste in clothing, my taste in makeup is definitely on the color-adventurous side. Although the overall effect may not look totally outrageous, some of the colors can look pretty daunting on their own! Let's explore! :)

EYESHADOW

-YSL is one of my favorite brands, and their red/burgundy eyeshadow (sexily called Ombre Vibrations Duo 13) is my favorite non-zombie zombie color. Adds just a tiny bit of "edge" to everything while still being perfectly pretty

-MAC is another fave for the eyes--and I am obsessed with Era, which looks fairly neutral, but somehow transforms my peepers into something super chic...I think. For the more adventurous, do try their yellow (yes yellow, not really gold, not matter what the name suggests). Sunblonde and Goldmine are my favorites.

-Chanel is also gets props for straight-up girly prettiness---no one does sparkles better (except maybe Illamasqua). My favorite "Les Quatres" is Sparkling Satins

-Illamasqua 4 Color Liquid Metal Palette- METAL SHINE SPARKLE. Enough said.

BLUSH

I am a slave to cheek stains--my faves are my Givenchy Blush Gelee and Tarte Cheek Stains (currently on a Natural Beauty binge, but love Dollface, Tipsy, and Flush too)

CONCEALER

-YSL Anti-Cernes Concealer is my one and only. Will sometimes supplement with the famous Touche Eclat.

LIPSTICK

The MOTHERLOAD. This is where I get crazy. My favorite shades are:

MAC Violetta

MAC Up the Amp

MAC Natural Eccentric

MAC Powersuit

NARS Funny Face

NARS Fire Down Below

NARS Belle du Jour (true fact: I first bought this in college because I thought it made me look like Beyonce).

YSL Rouge Pure Shine 33 (deep berry)

YSL Rouge Voluptue 8 (pepto bismol pink)

Donna Karan Rich Raisin

LIP GLOSS

I am kind of rediscovering my lip gloss stockpile, so bear with me:

-Chanel Unity gloss

-Joe Fresh Grenadine gloss (seriously, the finish is amazing)

-YSL Gloss Pur 49 (black) gloss (great alone if you're feeling daring or underneath other lip colors to give it some depth)

MASCARA

-Lancome Doll Lashes Mascara is my favorite of all time! So lightweight and not clumpy!

EYELINER

I skimp here and usually rely on drugstore brands, but I have a black Dior Brow and Liner Eyeliner pencil I love!

-Lancome Art Liner is also perfect for a dramatic cat eye (which I wish I could actually do on myself)

-Nars Larger than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in silver

BROWS

MAC Browset in Show-Off 4 EVA

Beauty Break--THE FORMULA

2011-12-28T14:15:00.000-08:00

Miu Miu sweater, Joe Fresh turtleneck, Wythe coat from Asos

Hi All! Hope you are spending the end of the "Holidays" wisely! A while ago, a commenter ("Anonymous") asked me to post about my beauty routine. Lucky for my lazier propensities, Aimee at THE FORMULA did most of the work for me on this one! You can check out the entire interview here (and other amazing profiles with more beautiful pictures of more beautiful subjects). If you're the type of person that is super thorough (in either a creepy or non-creepy way), below is a full list of the skincare products I use on a regular basis. Will highlight my favorite make-up doo-dads in PART II (I know, it's exciting :).

BEHOLD.....!

-Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel (my absolute favorite face-wash ever)
-Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser / or Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish / or St. Ives Apricot Scrub
-YSL Toning and Cleansing Micellar Water (cannot live without this!)
-Clarins Hydraquench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase (I always use this and sometimes mix with the below serums)
-Elemis Visible Brilliance Serum
-Princess Theodora Von Auersperg Rejuvenating Rose Serum (this is a new one, but really like the feeling on my skin and the smell is divine)
-Clarins Hydraquench Cream (in summer)
-Elemis Maximum Moisture Day Cream (in winter)
-Shiseido Bio-Performance Super Eye Contour Cream
-Clarins Younger Longer Balm OR YSL Top Secret Beauty Sleep Restoring Skincare Palette at night

MASKS:

-Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel
-Clarins Hydraquench Cream Mask

HAIR:

SURPRISE--I don't really care about my hair! I do love the above pictured Sachajuan Volume Oowder--it's the only dry shampoo I'm a fan of. Also love Terax leave-in conditioner and Redken All Soft Argan-6 Oil. I've heard a lot of good things about Moroccan hair oil, but I haven't quite made the jump yet....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2011-12-25T10:55:00.000-08:00

Cece Topping dickie , Dries Van Noten sweater, Chloe skirt, Fogal tights, Comme des Garcons shoes

HOPE BABY BOOMER SANTA BROUGHT YOU SOMETHING GOOD! :)

Party Time

2011-12-18T15:09:00.000-08:00

J. Crew turtleneck, Balenciaga skirt, Fogal tights, Giuseppe Zanotti boots, Cynthia Rowley ring

One of the best things about the Holidays is the ability to indulge the things that make you happiest and let practicality take a basckseat. Ugly sweaters, enough glitter to choke a small domestic animal, more bows than on an episode of Gossip Girl- whatever your embellished poison might be, it's all a go. For me, that means crazy poofy mini hoop skirts, a la Balenciaga! Although I'm sure I will find a way to wear my latest sample sale find well into spring, there's something so jovial about it that it seems just perfect to me for the Holidays (adding some sparkly boots doesn't hurt, of course). We are just getting in the midst of things, so I'm also sure more sparkle and fuzziness is to come, but this has to be favorite incarnation so far. What's your favorite Holiday dressing indulgence?

Cherry on Top

2011-12-11T09:39:00.000-08:00

Rochas sweater an pants, Ferragamo shoes

Dress pants can be quite the conundrum--what kind of pant leg do you get? What kind of rise? What material? What color? It can be difficult to stray from the very easy straight leg, mid-rise variety, not only because of your own reticence, but also for the lack of options available. Things have gotten a bit easier with the return of the wide-leg trouser, but, as we all know, that's not always appropriate in every setting. Sometimes that kind of volume is not appreciated by a tailored jacket or by colleagues at a meeting. That's why when I saw these Rochas characters with a jacket sleeve cuff on the bottom (which almost gives it an athletic disposition), I couldn't resist. They are indeed your standard wool-blend wool dress pants (no crazy secrets there), but the combination of what I can only deem a "blouson" leg and high waist give them so much personality without diminishing an ounce of usefulness. I can see this style of pant fitting in perfectly with many a blazer or sweater/shirt combination. All this is not to diminish the cherry intarsia cropped sweater that comprises the other half of the outfit, though. LIKE, HOW PERFECT IS THE COLOR COMBINATION? AND THE STRIPES? AND THE CHERRIES? Gouaaggaaagahahahaa.....[slobber]. It's that good.

Convertible Dressing

2011-12-04T15:04:00.000-08:00

Alexander Wang vest and boots, J. Crew turtleneck, Elie Tahari belt

I don't know if it's all these eclipses or what, but things have been quite topsy-turvy lately. Can't seem to keep to a schedule at all! Patience, will be rewarded, however, as sample/sale season has been especially kind. A "sample" of the things to come: Rodarte, Balenciaga, Rochas, Miu Miu, Comme des Garcons, (hopefully) Proenza.... We aren't kidding around here. Until then, however, I've also been continuing to edit the closet, and making pieces prove their worth. This Alexander Wang nubby vest has always been a favorite, but I was recently skeptical about it's versatility, which wasn't completely obvious to me. With some semi-inventive thinking, I slapped a belt on it and voila!-- a dress! I'm not usually an advocate of "belting" things excessively (I know you know those people out there), but there are indeed times it's appropriate. Never say never.

Thanks

2011-11-25T18:45:00.000-08:00

Joe Fresh blouse, Tibi skirt, Coach shoes

For everything. xx

Other People's Clothes

2011-11-20T15:48:00.000-08:00

Inhabit sweater, Le Mont Saint Michel tank, men's Prada pants, Cynthia Rowley shoes, White coat, Balenciaga bag

Last weekend I joined The Streetpeeper Phil Oh, Natalie Joos and Connie from Refinery 29 at the Tribeca Grand to sell some of our extraneous wares. Besides being super fun way to spend a Sunday, it also afforded me the opportunity to become completely obsessed with Phil's closet! I've actually always been a fan of his personal style (which sadly does not get documented enough since he's always on the other side of the camera), but was totally blown away by the pieces he was getting rid of. Being the generous individual he is, at the end of the night he kindly imparted a few of his remaining pieces to me, one of which is the pair of Prada pants I'm wearing, and one of which was the above menswear-inpsired White coat. The coat, funnily enough, was actually a piece Susie Bubble had left at Oh's apartment a few Fashion Weeks ago---and the blogging world comes full circle!

Keeping with the theme of making other people's clothes your own-- Hannah of Chic Heroine did a post of her own based on outfits I've posted on this blog in the past. Not only was it immensely flattering, but it also made me so happy to see someone make my outfit inspiration completely their own--that's one of the main reasons I started and keep maintaining the blog! Love to see people take chances with their style, and if I can even have one iota to do with it, I am completely honored to do so. :)

On a final note--YOU can now make my clothes your own because I FINALLY HAVE ITEMS FOR SALE under the "Shop" tab. There are some real goodies I am heartbroken to part with, but as Destiny's Child once sang, "Bills, Bills, Bills".

Craving Carven

2011-11-16T17:17:00.000-08:00

Equipment blouse, Ralph Lauren Blue Label sweater, Carven skirt, Wolford tights, Marc Jacobs shoes

Big pocket!

A good skirt is a hard thing to come by. I dedicated myself to the task around my birthday and came up with two options: this Acne skirt (that I still dream about) and the Carven skirt above (from one of my fave e-tailers MyTheresa.com). Sure it's easy to find a straight or slightly a-line (mis)shaped skirt, but if you're looking for a particular body-flattering type--whether pencil, full, or somewhere in between--it can be a perplexing task. Add in wanting a winter-appropriate flannel or tweed and the task is almost impossible. Carven is a great go-to to solve these kind of very important problems. At the pricepoint, I doubt there's a better brand for feminine, yet not overwhelmingly girly takes on staples. They're knits are to-die-for, as are they're impeccably sweet dresses. Although growing increasingly popular, it's still a bit of a secret brand, so you can also be assured not everyone and their mother will have the same skirt as you. The only thing Carven unfortunately didn't satiate is my desire for a felt skirt, unfortunately. In the meantime, however, I'm more than happy with the Carven I ended up with--a hint of schoolgirl, a hint of professor; hell, it's practically the whole school put together! And that's a very good thing because, in my books, there aren't many things better than school (NERD ALERT!).

Pant-Sweater-Shirt-Done

2011-11-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

Crumpet sweater, Ralph Lauren shirt, Jet by John Eshaya jeans, Converse sneakers

J.W. Anderson sweater, Brooks Brothers shirt, Jet by John Eshaya jeans, Cynthia Rowley shoes

I'm not exactly one for uniforms, but if there was ever one to pique my interest for Fall, this is it: collared shirt, pullover sweater, pants, and flats. Not exactly groundbreaking here, but there's something very enticing about the possibilities the shirt/sweater combo presents. It runs the gamut from casual to dressy, sophisticated to louche--endlessly appropriate for a myriad of occasions. These two outfits are especially speciale because they introduce two new favorite jumpers to the blog! Some of you may recognize the J.W. Anderson from my "5 days" feature, although this time I dressed it down for an easy Friday with some amazing Cynthia Rowley embroidered slippers (yes, the velvet slipper is a trend I wholeheartedly endorse and will participate in). Crumpet may not be so familiar to some of you, but it is a line I can wholeheartedly endorse. They make the cutest feminine knit pieces (see above) and do so at very decent prices. This particular one was a birthday present that I wore on my birthday (as were the sparkly Converse--yes, I was turning 11). The two outfits also exemplify what I can love about the uniform idea--simply changing the shoes between these sweater-shirt-jeans outfits makes oodles of difference in the overall look. I love how such small changes can have such a big impact. Not, THAT, ladies and gentleman is a reason if there ever was one to recommend the idea of "uniform" dressing.

Trick or Treat

2011-11-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

Dries Van Noten sweater, J. Crew turtleneck, YSL Pants, Banana Republic belt, Ungerground creepers, Rag & Bone backpack

Not a little black backpack

In case you missed it (I kinda did), it was Halloween yesterday! And even though I didn't officially "dress up", the holiday spirit got all up in me and shook me around and spit me back out as the perennial [office] clown. My twisted funhouse Dries sweater just couldn't resist the elongated pointy-toe creepers/clown shoes. Throw in some haute YSL hobo dress pants, and you've got yourself a veritable Halloween trick AND treat. At least for me--you know I'll take any excuse to wear large bottoms, and these size 10s (FR 42) are one of my faves. A larger-than-normal size can give standard cuts a whole new dimension and add some forbidden excitement. Sure, everyone always tells you to wear clothes that fit--but sometimes it's fun to wear things that don't fit just right.

Birthday post next! On the of horrors getting O-L-D.

I Can't Stand the Rain

2011-10-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

Nonia sweater, Ralph Lauren button down, Stella McCartney raincoat, Erdem skirt, Nine West boots, Eddie Bauer backpack

Cold rain in NYC makes me as petulant as a sick child. Throw in being sick...and well, you get the idea. So, to honor my general crankiness, I dressed the part of annoying 4th grade brat. I took it all the way back to 1991 and threw on a backpack and the tights, and the big sweater. This is new inspiration for me clothing-wise, but has been the catalyst in forming my now semi-adult (emphasis on semi) personality. The years '91-'95 were probably most crucial in the crystallization of my core beliefs and values, which haven't much changed since then. Really. This very fact, I confess, is why I will never really be a true "fashionista". I might succeed every now and then, but ultimately I will always "mess" it up with a crazy sock, or too many prints, or too baggy a something, or, like, un-brushed hair. You see, that was "cool" to me then, and is some kind of sartorial truth to me now. As my esteemed friend A Better Roni might say, "Eh, who cares?" Exactly. But every blog needs a uber self indulgent post once in a while, amiright?

IF YOU WANT TO SEE ME LESS CRANKY--CHECK OUT 5 STRAIGHT DAYS OF REAL ADULT STYLE HERE:

Bright Ideas

2011-10-24T17:05:00.000-07:00

Dries Van Noten blazer, American Apparel t-shirt, Rochas skirt, Lanvin shoes, Celine bag

While I have my wardrobe primed for the grays and charcoals and earthy colors of fall, there's something that seems so rebellious about sticking with brights. This Dries Van Noten blazer is my favorite for playing the summer-for-fall trick--it's actually a bona fide fall/winter wool blazer, but in one of the most tropical colors out there, most people would never guess. Stripes and flora-inspired patterns all scream for warmer days; yet, somehow, a modest black patent pump grounds the whole thing in the crisp autumn air. Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about, but sometimes you just have to be out of season. Or at least seemingly so.

Old and New

2011-10-18T16:39:00.000-07:00

Farewell mandals! Balenciaga vest, Club Monaco t-shirt, Marc Jacobs leather pants, Proenza Schouler sandals

The folks at Elie Tahari were nice enough to invite me to a little shindig a couple weeks ago, and as outfit posts pile up (seriously, every time I think a break is around the corner, things just ramp up even more!), I thought the juxtaposition between this very modern outfit and the below, styled by Mr. Tahari himself almost wrote itself! The wonderful Guerre of Guerreisms took pictures of all the attendees in the window wearing Tahari's wares. If all that wasn't good enough, the inimitable (and fellow Canadian) Joe Zee was on hand to supplement Mr. Tahari's styling capabilities. Not bad for a Tuesday night, huh? As someone who has always associated Tahari with solid, if not predictable, office wear, I was fortunately surprised to see that the brand has grown past that and included some great fashion-forward pieces for Fall (like a great silk leopard trench, pant, and a ruby velvet suit (very 90s Tom Ford)). My favorite was the black floor length below that Mr. Tahari took to an Old Hollywood level--a place I don't go too often, but was happy to visit!. Goes to show--don't pigeon hole yourself! You can go anywhere in your fashion dreams--that's what makes it so great!

Curiosity Killed the Curator

2011-10-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

Ralph Lauren sweater and skirt, J. Crew shirt and vest, Band of Outsiders tie, Marc by Marc Jacobs socks, Marc Jacobs shoes

Between overcoming sickness, drawing up Fall wishlists (emphasis on wish) and general grown-up problems (the worst!), I've been trying to find my feet both sartorially and intellectually. For some reason, the wealth of information available to us at all moments of the day is just finally overwhelming me (and I don't whelm easily). Then I read this Gawker article on the death of College Radio. While, yes, FM analog radio is outdated and by no means "necessary" to life, I think my sadness over its demise is symbolic of a growing problem I'm having these days: a lack of curatorship. We have so much information from so many sources that the whole process becomes totally incomprehensible. Having the option of 5,000,000 white shirts when I need only 1 makes me just want to go out and buy lots of bags of potato chips. Hearing a million mediocre bands instead of just 3 mediocre bands makes me want to puncture my ear drums. This is where the college radio analogy comes in--those near-extinct stations used to be a reliable and trusted source from which to explore new music (and to do so in a decidedly non-commercial way). Everything wasn't mind-blowing, but you could generally get a sense of what the best new things out there were from people who really had knowledge of and a passion (as well as time) for and knowledge of the subject matter. Nowadays, music is just "out there", as is fashion, current events, and everything else under the sun. Even the sites that attempt to "curate" fall victim to the necessity of spitting out information at an incessant pace to match our voracious/bored appetites while at work, waiting for the subway, or waiting for dinner. Yes, maybe this isn't the biggest problem to be up in arms about, but I'm wondering when people will stop equating quantity with quality. Just because there is greater access to information doesn't mean it always improves quality of life. The trick is to balance the two, of course. Having no selection (i.e. your friendly NYC bodega--WHERE ARE MY CHIPS??) is obviously atrocious, but when limits aren't even a consideration, I can't help but think this overwhelmed feeling is going to become pretty familiar....

Ok, so to tie this all to the blog (besides my sweet techie/old-school collegiate mash up outfi--ha!): having already vowed to streamline the dressing process, I am ALSO going to challenge myself curate my clothing choices in and of themselves. The effects will probably be unnoticeable to everyone else, but gosh darn it, I think it might give me some satisfaction to rid myself of some excess!! So, that's not really anything to do with the blog or fashion, but it IS my rant for the day. ;

AND if you aren't totally bored/annoyed by me and my thoughts, Chictopia did a little interview with me HERE!

Ribbed For Your Pleasure

2011-10-06T17:07:00.000-07:00

Northern Watter's sweater, Theyskens' Theory cords, YSL boots, random t-shirt

Corduroy season is upon us (yep, that means I'm already sick!), and although in recent years my fondness for it has waned more than it has waxed, we are in a full wax-on (sorry) mode here guys! These amazing Theyskens' Theory cords had more than a little bit to do with it. The flare and fit are immeasurably perfect--trouser enough for more professional environments, exaggerated enough to have some fun in! As you can see, I was so inspired that I kept the ribbing going all the way to the sweater. It is true: my love of ribbing extends beyond the corduroy plane. I think it's such a great way to get a cool shape in a knit. Really gives sweaters a couture dimension in the thick variety, and a cool 90s body-con look when you go on the thinner side. While corduroy may not be for everyone (and may induce horrifying acid flashbacks to the 1970s), it's definitely in the midst of being reinvented--and even having quite the moment. So give it a shot. And oh, it doesn't hurt that it's actually pretty damn warm and cozy!

Bowie to Bowie

2011-10-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

Dries Van Noten pants and bag, random blouse, Ferragamo shoes,

Of course, after my last Dries gushing, I had to go put on my Dries " Bowie" pants. I completely love how Dries combined different era David Bowie ('70s and '80s) while putting his own signature twist, to create the most original pants I've seen in a very long time. The shape alone is quite innovative--the dropped crotch (but not dropped in the the popular way), the slight flare that breaks quite low, the oblique single pleat--all things I haven't seen on a trouser before. Throw in an amazing print, and I'm thoroughly enamored. The printed pant may not be for everyone, but if you're looking to shake things up for work (and beyond), there's never been a better time than now!

On an unrelated note, I was perusing Tommy Ton's latest style.com pics and came across the one below from Paris--familiar combination, no?

At least let me pretend....;)

Bright Lights, Big City

2011-09-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

Givenchy shirt, Ralph Lauren Blue Label jacket, Guess skirt, Proenza shoes

(side note: I said I would wear these mandals with a suit and I did, kind of--I WIN?)

Let me recant a bit of what I said in the last post--I'm kind of "eh" about everything EXCEPT DRIES VAN NOTEN. Holy Batman! It was a veritable visual AND intellectual delight. If I could meet/marry anyone in the world it would be Dries (sorry, bf, sorry Dries's bf). I don't have enough superlatives to even describe! But you know what? It is exactly a collection that is TOO cool for superlatives. So I'm not going to even try. But I will say: the juxtaposition of the old/new, natural/man-made photo prints was brilliant on so many levels. The splashes of turquoise, magenta, and cinnamon perfectly enhanced the clash of civilizations from which the prints were sourced. And the wit: the "Circus Circus" coat with peplum pants look is my aspirational image for the year. I want to be the woman who wears this. Oh and also the woman who wears pink rose outfit. And the entire collection. My favorite moment, however, was, upon watching the video, discovering that some of the the skirts and shirts I thought were festooned with "chopped up" city lights (which I thought was a great nod to the increasingly fractured nature of life) were actually flashing crystals that mimicked the effect of the real artificial thing (which is an even better nod to ideas about authenticity and artificiality). It was something that left me actually thinking about how our relationship to nature and history is influenced by living in midst of the scraps and monuments of the man-made world--and about whether all these legacies and futures can coexist in harmony. If only it were a Dries world, they could and would magnificently!

(via vogue.com)

Oh Well, Whatever...

2011-09-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

YSL trench, Rochas dress, Alexander Wang boots, Dries Van Noten bag

Apologies for the lack of new non-NYFW material, but it has taken a while to get out from under the life-hangover that it left. Now that things are somewhat back in order (notable exception: the apartment), I thought it was more than overdue. I was also hoping to have some inspirational and aspirational thoughts after my first bona fide experience as a fashion week attendee--but unfortunately, all I can muster is an "eh" for now. Of course, there were a lot of pretty and/or cool things, but nothing that need be described in more detail than it already has (although I MUST have this unphotogenic, but super-amazing-in-reality Derek Lam look asap). It seems I am more enamored of the new tv season (Parks? Downton Abbey? Boardwalk Empire? Dexter? Anyone?) than I have been of Spring 2012. Part of me wonders if this ennui is the inevitable consequence of actually working in fashion; but, most of me thinks it's just that things are very safe right now in general--whether it be in music, fashion, or what have you--and that never is good for the inspiration department. It will be a challenge to take away something new for the season based on the shows so far (notable exception: Prada, although it was very Prada), but I'm hoping that this dearth of blockbuster ideas might lead to some unexpected delights in the end!

The Sartorialist, Part Deux

2011-09-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

via The Sartorialist.com

OK I promise no more (maybe one more) Fashion Week posts, but I just have to because I'm so excited. Two Sartorialist postings in one fashion week ain't bad right? ;)

Ok done with the geek out...

NYFW SS12 - Day 6

2011-09-16T20:36:00.000-07:00

(via Vogue.co.jp)

Balenciaga shirt, jacket, and bag, Narciso Rodriguez pants, Dries Van Noten shoes, Ray-Ban sunglasses (that were stolen at a show!!)

Yeah, you've seen this one before, but I love it!

NYFW SS12 - Day 5

2011-09-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

Beautiful photos courtesy of Citizen Couture:

And An Unknown Quantity:

And Guerre/Marie Claire:

Prada sunglasses and shoes, Brooks Brothers top, Erdem skirt, Edie Parker clutch

NYFW SS12 - Day 4

2011-09-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

(via cn.wsj.com)

Alexander Wang cardigan, Soundgarden t-shirt, Rochas skirt, Underground shoes, random ebay houndstooth clutch

(via Flare.com)

NYFW SS 12 - Day 3

2011-09-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

(via Mr. Netwon/HarpersBazaar.com)

Alexander Wang robe dress, Prada shorts, Miu Miu shoes, Asos clutch

NYFW SS 12 - Day 2

2011-09-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

(via Phil Oh/Streetpeeper/vogue.com)

Proenza Schouler dress, Dries Van Noten shoes, Asos clutch

NYFW SS 12 - Day 1

2011-09-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

(via The Sartorialist)

Dries Van Noten pants, sweater, and sandals, Edie Parker clutch

Are You Ready?

2011-09-05T17:55:00.000-07:00

Olivier Theyskens leather top, J. Crew t-shirt, Derek Lam shorts, Chloe shoes, Swatch watch

Are you READY?! NYFW is just around the corner, so this long weekend was spent hibernating and being as unfashionable as possible. Although I did make the rounds to see if I could/should pick up some new pieces for Fashion Week (it's a great excuse, right?), I spent most of it eating (oops) and... playing my new drums! Of course, living in New York they're electronic, but, let me tell you, that doesn't make them any less enjoyable. The bf (who is a bona fide real musician) has been patient in teaching me the ropes, so hopefully we'll have a legitimate side project going soon! Don't worry, I won't be subjecting anyone to that on the blog (at least just yet), but I'm super excited to be starting on a new creative endeavor--I haven't really indulged my "musical side" in quite a while. What I will definitely be subjecting you to, however, are posts of my show outfits on a hopefully semi-regular basis. While some may think fashion week has generally become a circus, I just love the "anything goes" M.O. and I'm really looking forward to playing around with new pieces/motifs. I may sacrifice commentary for the sake of timeliness and just post the pics themselves, but I'll be sure to do a round-up of the week, especially now that I'll be attending as someone working in the fashion industry. Should be interesting...

Last Hurrah

2011-08-31T18:25:00.000-07:00

Brooks Brothers shirt, J. Crew sweater, Erdem skirt, Ferragamo shoes

I don't know if anyone else is feeling it, but the suddenly cooler nights are a pretty clear indication that summer is....shhhh!!!......over. All those cheery brights and florals don't seem as fresh and lively as they did just a couple weeks ago. Not that I'm ready to give it all up quite yet (that would totally throw a serious wrench into my NYFW plans), but I think it's an appropriate to celebrate and thank them for all the hard work they've put in over the last few months. When it comes to florals (and beautiful clothes that are appropriate for everyone woman and/or man), no one does it better than Erdem, so my celebration rightfully starts with him. I absolutely love how his floral arrangements don't venture into the cloying or overly saccharine territory. Just perfectly sophisticated with the right amount of whimsy that would make even the biggest non-believer in obvious beauty a convert. In that spirit, enjoy these last weeks of Indian summer and wear the hell out of your summer favorites!

Where the Sun Always Shines

2011-08-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

For some reason contrary to popular perception, it's never rained the several times I've been to Seattle and/or the Vancouver area. Snow once, yes. But considering the regions's reputation for drizzly weather, I think it's safe to say I'm lucky. This particular trip I took the bf for the first time, so instead of hanging out in my pyjamas at my parents' house, we hung out in pyjamas and took in some sights: Stanley Park, Granville Island, Crescent Beach, the Peace Arch, downtown Vancouver, and a few others in BC. Mount Baker (snow and shorts is a combination I will never stop marveling at), Pike Market, the Experience Music Project (Nirvana exhibit!!!), Lake Washington, and the Crocodile Cafe in Seattle/Washington. After my fill of delicious food and wonderful scenery, it was hard to leave. I completely recommend it for the outdoors fan who still craves a bit of civilization. In particular, if you are a rock music fan, the Experience Music Project is a dream come true. Athough the current major exhibit focuses on Nirvana (the 20th anniversary of Nevermind is coming up on September 24th), Krist Noveselic and company did a great deal of broadening the subject matter and making it a real insider's take on the history of punk music and the underground scene that brought Nirvana to the mainstream (thankfully!). There are literally hours of interviews and music worth listening to. What impressed me the most is that there is a whole section devoted to "jam rooms" where visitors can have 10min at a time (at least) to jam out on the guitar, bass and drums (and even record it!). It made me think there might be hope for the younger generation yet. Since it was a pretty chill trip, I tried to keep the fashion on the cas side, but thought it might be fun to do a little roundup of the sights and scenes.

Alexander Wang cardigan, Ralph Lauren button-up, J. Crew t-shirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs jeans, Converse sneakers

More pics after the jump!

"The Suburbs"

This picture is worth it for the guy in the back. Yeah that guy

Yes, a store dedicated to handmade brooms on Granville Island. Amazing.

100+ year old broom machine

Downtown Vancouver

Canada Place

Totem poles in Stanley Park

Alexander Wang lace leggings/shorts, random t-shirt, "vintage" silk shirt, Proenza Schouler shoes, Ray-Ban sunglasses

Suspension bridge, scary as s***

Mt Baker

Amy Byer skort, RL polo short, Gant men's sweater, Converse sneakers, Prada sunglasses

Bringing the skort back?

Seattle

Nirvana exhibit

In Utero angel

Style inspiration

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Theyksens' Theory dress, J. Crew t-shirt, Celine bag, Chloe shoes

Mt. Rainier

New Slang

2011-08-23T17:39:00.000-07:00

Street style as authentic as it gets--on the street!

J. Crew T-Shirt, Jasmin Shokrian tank, Acne shorts, Proenza Schouler shoes, Celine bag, Prada sunglasses

I was having a hard time articulating what seems to have changed recently in my approach to style. No, it was not just a change in careers that seems to have gotten my freewheeling, "anything goes" nature...going. But, after reading Will Welch's piece in GQ about the inevitable death of street style, it looks like I've found a voice for the feeling. A brief overview of the article: basically, Welch argues that street style has become too contrived to be inspirational; that the exact reason street style was so appealing (the naturalness, the spontaneity) has given way to the same kind of stodgy, unrealistic aesthetic standard that the Old Guard carries, and which seems burdensome in current times (ok I may have embellished his words with some of my own, but that's basically the gist of it). One prescient commenter (yes, there is such a thing! ;) on nymag.com also noted the lemming effect of street style--it's increasingly not about individuality but about solidifying street style stars. I'm not sure if I'd go as far as to condemn the whole kit and kaboodle (I think there's still a lot of great inspiration amidst the increasing contrivance), but there is more than a grain of truth to the article; and, I think I've been unconsciously railing against that very same realization. Looking at pictures from my recent trip to the Pacific Northwest (errr and Southwest Canada), I couldn't help but notice what seems to be a very deliberate, yet unwitting desire to just throw an outfit together. Not to look sloppy or unkempt, but to just actually not think about it. The net effect: I took 3 pairs of jeans (only wore 2 of them), lace short/leggings, one dress, and one pair of shorts for a 9 day trip where I actually left the house. And I didn't self-immolate! At least my bank account might appreciate this new turn of direction...

More vacation pics of me "grunging" it up in Seattle and Vancouver in the next post! xx

Summer Vacation!

2011-08-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

Dries Van Noten shirt, Acne shorts, Proenza Schouler shoes

The daydreaming is over. Summer vacation starts NOW. All apologies to the commenter who gave praise earlier for not being a blogger who indulges in the pan-blog Acne obsession. In my defense, the shorts are my first Acne piece! And they were only $45 on the Outnet. Once again, the big short obsession trumps all. :)

See you in a few!

The Long and the Short of It

2011-08-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

Gant men's sweater, Ralph Lauren Blue Label button down, Dries Van Noten pants

HA! You probably thought I was already on vacation didn't you? No, that was just standard pre-vacation anticipation (laziness). I will take this opportunity (before I actually do go on vacation imminently), however, to talk about alternative bottoms. This may just be a logical extension of my infatuation with big shorts; but, I also am always on the lookout for bottoms that are not quite pant, not quite short, not quite skirt, yet still completely workable on the conservative side of the conservative- to-crazy spectrum. Wearing a non-conventional piece of clothing may be an easy way to make an outfit "interesting", but why demean legitimate experimentation that way? I prefer to look at it not as a cop-out, but as legitimate moment of liberation from everyday conventions (that won't land you in jail). I've worn these lovely Dries shants (ew no), ports?, no, cropped salwars before and given their motherland heritage its due, but I think their inherent hybrid nature also deserves some recognition. So, not-quite-anything bottoms, we salute you.

Mix 'N' Match

2011-07-31T16:38:00.000-07:00

Prada coat and shoes, Proenza schouler top, Paper Denim Cloth shorts

Getting ready for summer vacation (finally!), I'm throwing all sartorial caution to the wind and embracing the last few weeks of low key before the hustle and bustle of fall (and fashion week!). I was never one for denim cutoffs, but lately these old Paper Denim's have been in regular rotation on the weekends. There's something so liberating, but still chic, about throwing them on with a men's polo and some flats. Or, about pairing them with something unexpectedly dressy. I am finally a full-on convert--bring on the denim!

Unlikely Friends

2011-07-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

Marni top, Thakoon pants, Dries Van Noten shoes, YSL earrings

This may not exactly be a revolutionary idea, but--as of late, I've been completely mesmerized by the idea of things that "clash." This is nothing new--post (post) modern society can be marked, if by anything, by that very mixing of what does not naturally exist together--whether in fashion (the now beloved high-low end combination), music (pop, rock, rap--all in the same 3:00 morsel!), film (the romantic bro comedy), True Blood (vampires and witches--really?), etc., etc. Nevertheless, I'm finding myself channeling it sartorially, and specifically through colors. Go big or go home right? Well, silver and gold may not raise an eyebrow these days, but there's still something deliciously taboo about it to the remnants of my very rigid rule-adhering former self. I remember completely gagging at the idea that silver and gold could even share the same compartment of a jewelry box, let alone set the palette for an outfit. And this is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Pink and red? Sure. Orange and red? Why not? Perhaps the excitement about clashing colors is a symptom of a less than eventful life, but isn't that the case for most of us in our everyday routines? Why not do something a little bit naughty every once in a while? Even if only you and I know/care that it is!

Heatwave

2011-07-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

Wrangler shirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs shorts, Proenza Schouler shoes

As this gargantuan, record-breaking heat wave sweeps most of the US, it's been understandably difficult to pull it together sartorially. The majority of the week was full of appropriate, but unremarkable outfits (who wants to ruin an amazing piece with subway sweat stains (which, as they sound, are even worse than regular ones)? Thankfully, the weekend was a bit of a respite--not from the heat, but from trying to look acceptable in any way. I opted for super soft, super breezy cottons and sandals when I did venture to out of my under air-conditioned apartment (which was not very often at all). While I usually don't allow for excuses about not dressing up, when temperatures are 100+, it transcends excuse and become necessity--I just say go with what feels good...or at least bearable.

Salute Your Shorts

2011-07-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

Derek Lam sample shorts, DKNY blouse, Jasmine Shokrian tank, Rochas shoes

I love colors. I inexplicably love big shorts. Here, I have brought them together in the hopes of inspiring others to join my bright-color-big-short brigade. Throw in a bit of a camp counselor/basketball uniform (I *almost said "basketball outfit", *almost) vibe and who could resist? But seriously, is it possible to really tire of color-blocking? I have been mulling over this proposition for a while now, after the whole color explosion thing that happened this spring. You can't walk into Zara without being bowled over by the large, saturated swathes of colors bombarding you immediately. I mean, theoretically, color exhaustion seems possible, but in actuality, what person can resist fun, punchy colors, especially when they're all neatly in a row? A non-person that's who. So basically what I'm saying is: if you want to prove your humanity, wear a lot of colors. At once. To work. At home. Wherever. It's as simple as that. And it's never wrong! Unlike these gym shorts masquerading as fancy shorts. Which are probably wrong all of the time. But that's why I love them.

And just for fun because it's so good....

Punk Ethics

2011-07-17T18:16:00.000-07:00

Balenciaga vest and shirt, Narciso Rodriguez sample pants, Dries Van Noten sandals

There are few things I would all-out, unabashedly call cool, but Nicolas Ghesquiere's S/S 2011 Balenciaga collection is one of them. A crazy hybrid cyber-rockabilly-punk thing, it completely blew away the sum of it's individual (and brilliant) references combined. The take on punk was particularly inspired--especially considering that the punk aesthetic is such a specific and ironically ossified look. I wasn't sure how it could be updated and/or elevated. Silly me, I shouldn't have doubted that Nicolas could do both flawlessly--simultaneously incorporating new design details (the tails on the shirts, new techno fabrications) while reinvigorating punk standbys (the oversize houndstooth, kick-some-ass boots). Needless to say, when I saw some of the pieces 75% off at Barneys, I couldn't resist (sadly the runway shirts with metal collars were not as marked down and still far, far outside my price range, as were the creepers). Sid Vicious (or should I say Nancy Spungen?) I am not, so I would go as far to say that I may actually tone down the cool factor of these pieces---but that is exactly what is so great about this collection: it's completely adaptable to different aesthetics and personalities. So while you may not be a total egg-yolk mohawk-parachute-pant-and-safety-pin wearing punk on the outside, Monsieur Ghesquiere and co. make sure you can at least get out a little of that punk on the inside.

Taking the Plunge

2011-07-14T17:33:00.000-07:00

Celine silk and knit cardigan, BCBG skirt, Miu Miu shoes

After all that hemming and hawing, I finally did it! I wore the Miu Mius! And I'm proud to say I even walked around in them! And nary a blister to my name. I also dug an old seersucker skirt from the college days out of hiding to pair with my new kicks and sweater (thank you, thank you Barneys sale!). It inadvertently gives a bit of a 4th of July feel, only 9 days too late. Yeah, I'm that patriotic.

In completely unrelated news/public service announcements: I went to the Soundgarden show last weekend in Newark. It was the best show I've ever been to in my life (including when I saw them in 8th grade!). If they are near you, GO. Even if you don't like guitars, or rock music, or other good things. JUST GO. :)

Happy Feet

2011-07-10T18:50:00.000-07:00

I've been dying to give these Miu Mius their photographic due, but too scared to actually, you know, WEAR them. As a compromise until I work up the nerve to sully these pretty soles, I'm going to give them a their own solo editorial as a preview of things to come. It was a tough decision deciding between this color way and a black/gold/white colorway--especially considering my aversion to white shoes in New York City--but the sweet girlishness of the white/gold/putty plays off wonderfully against the more masculine idea of spats. In other Miu Miu news--although I'm not usually the biggest fan of putting the latest Hollywood ingenue in fashion ads, I absolutely adore Hailee Steinfeld (both in True Grit and on the red carpet), and think the F/W 2011 campaign starring her is absolutely adorable and a perfect representation of the brand. The entire campaign is here, my favorite shots:

Surf's Up!

2011-07-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

Proenza Schouler skirt, shirt, and shoes, Dillard's boys blazer

In between scores of mosquito bites and gradually frizzier hair, it somehow turned legitimately into summer! What better way to take it all in, than that surf-inspired look that's had some staying power (Prabal Gurung Resort, Lisa Marie Fernandez, even Proenza is still going strong with beach-life inspired inflections). While the Proenza clothing in this outfit is from last summer's fave collection, these new sandals from Proenza's S/S '11 collection are quite possibly my favorite purchase in a long time (thanks Barneys sale!). The slick look of the leather harkens to the glistening skin of an eel or other sea creature that I would prefer upon a bed of sushi rice. And the thick bandage straps scream utility! and sportiness! like no other. Before pontificating too wildly on my love of the Proenza, I must address my topic of choice today: the "mandal". The mandal is a difficult proposition to consider, but one I think that may very well pay off for those willing to gender bend in a subtly unexpected way. They are comfy, sturdy, and imply some serious ass-kicking ability. And they literally and figuratively bring weight to any outfit, no matter how frivolously feminine. In the interests of public service, I am going to take it upon myself to test the boundaries of the mandal and see just how far they will take me. Clearly, from the above look, they will take me to a very uppity clam shack, or to work on a very casual day. What I really want is for them to take me somewhere in a suit. Now taking bets on how many dates it'll take...

Happy Canada Day/4th Of July Weekend!

2011-07-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

Miu Miu top, Chloe skirt, Prada shoes, Swatch watch

Hope everyone on the upper 2/3 of the North American continent (sorry Mexico) is enjoying their long weekends! I may not be in spirit color-wise, but believe me, this outfit is screaming for summer fun. Whether you're just barbecuing in the back yard or travelling to far-flung exotic locations--have a good one!

I leave you with S/S 12 Prada for men: I'm thinking the golf vibe (see shoes above) might be something to look into...

Some Scrubs

2011-06-27T18:58:00.000-07:00

Men's Band of Outsiders shirt, Thakoon skirt, Chloe heels

No, not the TLC song, but scrubs, actual medical scrubs! Prada S/S 2011 introduced us to the possibility that scrubs could be worn as fashion (or was it the hood?)--either way, it's a silhouette that I hope is here to stay; I absolutely love the subtle androgyny of it. I think the idea brilliantly turns the idea of uniform dressing on its head while still being able to maintain those utilitarian roots. Lucky for me, if the opening look of Acne F/W 2011 is any indication, we could continue to see a lot of scrubs in our futures, ladies. What I think is easiest to borrow from this look is the boxiness and longer/wider sleeves--basically the men's proportions. And so to the men's department I went...and snagged this Band of Outsiders top from a recent sample sale. What I imagine is a '50s throwback for the boys ends up pretty fashion forward on the gentler sex. The slim cuts of a men's contemporary line ensure that those curves aren't totally hidden--just obscured enough to make sure those real scrubs that chili, t-boz, and left eye (RIP) were talking about don't come hollering.

A Banana A Day

2011-06-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

Prada skirt and glasses, T by Alexander Wang shirt, Anna Sui bralet, Rochas espadrilles, Proenza Schouler bag

Ok, ok, I even admit that a couple banana posts in a row is kind of....well, bananas. But in the spirit of the most excessive fashion season of them all (yes that would be Resort), bananas it is. In general, I'm not the biggest fan of off-season collections, but if I had to choose one, I guess Resort makes a little more sense, if making sense means I can see how this was and is probably necessary for people much more affluent than I. Excess in the most literal sense of the world Pre-fall on the other hand just feels so...flat. And the poor designers that have to work under the pressure and weight of all that forced creative production. Just awful. BUT, unlike seasons before, Resort 2012 caught my attention (during a very busy work week at that) for the very first time. Seems to capture the resort part of Resort so well! Good to see color is sticking around! Some of my favorite looks that make me wish I could be on Spring Break now:

Balenciaga

Celine-want an entire wardrobe in this print

Jason Wu-I'm totally not over scuba and this is like Proenza meets Prada

Narciso Rodriguez - SO. COOL.

Givenchy -Looks like visors are back!

Richard Chai Love- Need this skirt/pant combo in my life

It's One Banana, How Much Could It Cost?

2011-06-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

Prada shirt and shoes, Tahari skirt (excuse seeming creases, morning light is not kind to anyone!)

I started a position at a fashion mag this week--so the transition from corporate drone to....corporate drone is now officially complete! Albeit with a lot more banana shirts (counted 4 this week). Will I ever go back to law? Can't say quite yet--probably not to practice but I don't discount using it in some capacity in the future (it would be a waste not to!). For now, it seems right to explore my interest in fashion to its fullest and see out the path this little blog started. However, starting during resort week and at the beginnings of the "September Issue" may not have been the best planning, but what's a girl to do? I hope the steep learning curve will only make the rest of it seem a lot calmer. At least this damn cold I seem to have caught (seriously, when it rains, it pours) can't last forever...!

Speaking of bananas and such--favorite resort looks to come!

Keeping It Short

2011-06-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

Marc Jacobs shirt and shoes, Marc by Marc Jacobs shorts

Marc Jacobs just recently won the Lifetime Achiement award at the CFDAs, which prompted the New York Times to do this daring article that, for the most part, questioned Marc Jacobs' relevance in today's fashion world. Personally, I have to admit that as of late I've lost a bit of interest, and my favorite MJ pieces are from more than a few seasons past. I'm not quite sure yet if it's coincidence or purposeful, although I have to say I've noted a decided shift in quality since I last found pieces I love. I can say, however, that the shoes are still as comfy and practical as ever, so I won't give up hope just yet. What do you think? Has MJ lost it, did he never have it, or is he still going strong?

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty - Back to Basics

2011-06-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

Theyskens Theory dress, Rochas wedges

As the title suggests, I did indeed finally make it to the MET to take in the glorious McQueen exhibit. As to be expected, I was inspired beyond my wildest dreams---just not exactly in the way I would have expected. When one thinks of McQueen, one understandably and rightfully thinks of drama, romance, and fantasy--a netherworld ruled by strangely beautiful creatures. Yet, what I found myself taking away from the comprehensive exhibit (seriously, it is almost overwhelming in its scope) is a renewed emphasis on the basics. Of course the prints and ingenious materials (medical slides?? Beyond words...) had me going like no other, but what moved me the most was a rather somber and dull-by-comparison line-up of wool coats at the beginning of the exhibit that just encapsulated so much history but that also forged a completely new path for the modern woman. McQueen is famous for cutting his teeth in the tailor shops of Savile Row and has often given credit to that foundation for allowing him to fully express his creative vision. The exhibit itself had a quote from him that summed up not only that method of working, but also his more abstract approach to design: "to demolish the rules but to keep the tradition." For me, that translated into a newfound desire to reconnect with the tradition, with the basics and foundation of clothing. Not to shirk color or pattern or finesse, but to pay a bit more attention to the little details that make something fit just-so and that can covey decades of history in just one dart; and then, to progress both within and beyond those parameters. Maybe this very contemplative inspiration is just a result of the sad realization that the kind of dedicated talent coupled with unwavering vision that McQueen possessed is a once in a lifetime occurrence. Such an apex of human achievement, while life-affirming, simultaneously makes the abyss that much harder to bear. But even if the lasting effect is a pensive one, it is no less invigorating and I'm excited to start a McQueen-inspired journey through the history of fashion.

If you have the chance, do take in the exhibit. Although nothing beats the thrill of seeing a McQueen on a living breathing woman (the powers he had to empower and titillate!), the thoroughness and respect with which the exhibit has been presented more than compensates for any shortcomings. If you can't make it, you can see most of the exhibition online here.

Business Shorts

2011-06-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

Derek Lam sample shorts and vest, J. Crew t-shirt, Chloe sandals, Balenciaga belt

Big shorts are popping up all over the runway (see: Proenza, A. Wang, 3.1 Philip Lim), which both intrigued me and made me extremely skeptical as to howto incorporate them into the week (i.e not on the weekend and not able to take advantage of the surfer/skater intonations). BUT, at the past Derek Lam sale I found a few pretties that I think might actually be able to make the transition (also didn't hurt that they were only $25!). They key here I think is dissimulation through the proper fabrication and a trusty cover-up (we can't have anyone realizing they're actually SHORTS). These ones are a crepe with a nice weight, so they fall with some gravitas and the long vest covers them up enough so that your typical spectator might just mistake them for a weird skirt and move on. Stick with a solid color and you've got yourself an entirely unexpected win-win situation.

Flower Power

2011-06-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

American Apparel shirt, Escada skirt, Rochas wedges, Vintage necklace

Another day, yet another abortive trip to the Met to see the McQueen exhibit. I had even arranged some moral support (and what was hopefully some intervening good luck) from Feigned Perfection's Brandon, but alas, I literally had to get off my uptown bus on the way there and haul ass back to the apartment (long story you don't want to hear quite yet). Nonethless, despite the spate of bad luck and because I'm still feeling decidedly holiday-ish (read: hot humid sticky mess), I thought I would go a bit summery with today's post. And by summery I mean one thing: flowers. What's spring/summer without florals? Ammmiriiiiight? I thought so to. So besides obsessing over that Erdem outfit and this Marni , I thought I would take my first trip to the Versace store to check out what was left of this spring's Christopher Kane Versus collection. The clash of colors/prints is kind of perfect and right up my alley. Unfortunately, I forgot that the new incarnation of Versus--ever true to tradition--insists on only the most scratchy, sweat-inducing polyesters as if the '80s (and Versus) never left us at all. After taking about 30 min (no joke) to figure out this dress and get it on in an unventilated dressing room with (oh my god) fur curtains (this is Versace people, don't look so surprised), I was done right sous vide. Oh and there wasn't even going to be a sale! Phooey. They did, however, have one gorgeously disconsonant plaid/floral shoulder bag that I drooled (or was it sweat?) over until the need for hydration finally prevailed over the desire for pretty colors (thankfully that was before the credit card came out). Moral of the story: don't go outside when it's hot. Epilogue: Air conditioning is your friend.

(via style.com)

The culprits...

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

Derek Lam dress ($75 at sample sale!), vintage scarf from parents, Chloe sandals, cuff from India

Go have some fun, you crazy kids! Even if you're not in the US. (Despite the pensiveness of the photos, I too am ready for some good times!) :)

xx

Ok, gotta run, super late already...!

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, Part I

2011-05-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

Alexander McQueen dress and skirt, Manolo Blahnik for Thakoon shoes, earrings from India (see can't stop wearing them!), random rings

It seems as thought the blogging gods are not looking very down very kindly upon me. For the last few weeks I've tried to schedule a time to go to the McQueen exhibit at the Met; each time I have met with misfortune and futility. Something came up, something goes long, it's the weekend, etc., etc. And then today, I thought--naively it turns out--that I would finally make it to the exhibit, only to arrive just as they cut off the line (which was at 45 minutes even on a Tuesday afternoon)! So, instead of looking at pictures online (no personal pictures are allowed unfortunately) and conjuring up something up, I'm going to hold-off on the write-up because this is something I really want to experience before I write. I have a feeling it's going to be one of those rare instances of pure inspiration (duh). In the meantime, with all this anticipation mounting, I went a little (a lot) crazy with the McQueen and the results are above! These pieces (from McQueen's last fully complete collection--S/S 2010) may not be in a museum, but they are completely priceless to me!

The Holy Grail: The Tailored Boyfriend Blazer

2011-05-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

Dries Van Noten Jacket, Proenza Schouler shirt, Theyskens Theory pants, Rochas shoes

Despite the weather's unwillingness to cooperate with me (read: non-stop rain), I managed to eek out a few pics for the ol' ball-and-chain and post my last "must-have" Holy Grail item: the boyfriend blazer that, wait for it.....actually fits! The boyfriend blazer, in its schlumpiest versions, has become ubiquitous on the streets of NYC and beyond. This needs to end. Yes, it is difficult to find a slouchy blazer that fits properly at the shoulders, arms, waist, etc.--but it's more than possible! There really shouldn't be any excuse to go to a thrift store and buy any old fun-colored blazer that fits neither here-nor-there. Because even if you do--tailor! This Dries blazer in particular is a DIY in the making. It is literally just a men's blazer (men's standard measurements and everything) with the waist nipped in. Ta-da! Still easy and slouchy (i.e. you have free range of movement), it's long enough to cover tummy/hips/what have you, but in a completely put-together way. Over leggings, denim, trousers, or skirts, it'll just work. So that makes 4 in my Holy Grail list (trousers, dress, blouse, jacket), and while that may not see like a lot, it's the details in these foundational pieces that will take you wherever you need to go. They aren't the only staples a woman needs, but the ones unique and personalize-able enough to make her stand out at her best on a daily basis (at least in my opinion!).

The Holy Grail: The Perfect Printed Blouse

2011-05-14T21:47:00.000-07:00

Dries Van Noten blouse, Narciso Rodriguez pant (yes, these are the $7.99 ones!), Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes, earrings from India (I've been wearing them non-stop lately)

Next up on the can't-live-withouts: the silk blouse. But not just any silk blouse. The perfect most quintessentially-you printed blouse out there! It's easy and yawn-worthy enough to have a host of flattering neutral or solid blouses in your arsenal, but it's such a banal necessity that I don't even think it merits mention on the list. The printed blouse, however, is a whole 'nother story. Why so coveted you ask? Well, first, it's kind of hard to find a printed silk blouse that isn't hideous. There are a lot of horrible animal- and abstract- print monstrosities out there, but only a few that actually overcome the hurdles of good taste. So, that's why when you find THE ONE (this Dries is my blouse soulmate), don't be afraid to wear it over and over...and over again. Second, that perfect print on that perfect blouse will tell everyone just exactly who you are. I think a printed blouse can be one of the most personally expressive pieces a woman (especially a professional woman) can have. So even if it errs on the side of um...questionable...there's no denying that the personality it conveys is worth whatever supposed misstep you might think you're making. Third, the usual reasons--you know, that it's versatile, it's comfy, day-to-night, week-weekend, yada yada, you've heard it before. But do reconsider the printed blouse as a great opportunity to let the real you show through (at least just a little)!

The Working Girl on Style Like U

2011-05-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

Check it out here!

The Holy Grail: Easy Dress-ing

2011-05-10T16:11:00.000-07:00

Rochas scarf and dress, Happy Socks polka-dot socks, Newport News shoes

I had these socks on when I went to the trunk show at Barneys and Rochas designer Marco Zanini told me to "never take them off!", so I had to put them on the first time I wore the dress!

After the last post, I thought I would try to keep this "Holy Grail" thing going--as kind of rundown of my current wardrobe "must-haves." Last post was easy trousers, today: easy dresses! Notice a pattern? Well, easy, effortless dressing is something I think we can all agree on when it comes to fashion and style, and is my M.O. on a daily basis. Of course, the occasional preening and primping is welcome, but let's be serious, who has the time/desire to that everyday? That is not to say that effortless equals disheveled and sloppy- I think far too many people get the two confused. Rather, it's that dressing shouldn't be an all-consuming affair; it should be part and parcel of your personality, second nature if you will. On most days, I usually don't take more than 20-30 minutes to get dressed in the morning (30 if I decide I have to eat breakfast during!), which surprises a LOT of people (which in turn is surprising to me!). The secret? Not very secret or surprising--it's all about choosing the right pieces for your wardrobe so that no matter what you throw on, you won't be mistaken for a college student during finals week (although if you're a guy, maybe you want to, because you look so cute all scruffy!). Number one on my list? An army of dresses. While dresses may initially seem limiting since you can't really mix-and-match, there is simply NOTHING more pulled-together and mindless. Whether structured or soft, body conscious or full-skirted, the right dress can be a save-all for any situation--that is, if it's not too short, too low-cut, or too tight. Personally, I think a dress like the Rochas dress I'm wearing above is a great template of the kind of dress that can and will take you anywhere no matter who you are--the '40s details are beyond classic (I seriously could see myself as a grandma still wearing this), the washed silk is divine, the slightly full skirt with defined waist and sleeves is completely flattering on a lot of different body types, and there is nary a zipper on the whole thing. Literally slip it over your head and run out the door. In the winter, a turtleneck, cardigan and some boots are perfect. Obviously, I don't mean that everyone go and only buy this particular dress (it takes a LOT of finagling, trust me...;), but rather, it's the idea of the dress that I think translates so well across all budgets and personal styles--a great starting point if a starting point is what you need!

The Holy Grail: Slouchy Work Trousers

2011-05-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

Gant Rugger men's sweater, Narciso Rodriguez pants, Dries Van Noten sandals

The perfect pair of slouchy pants is kind of a Holy Grail for me. And the perfect pair of work-appropriate slouchy pants? Fuhgeddaboudit. Luckily, on my mini-law school reunion in Nashville this past weekend, I was able to stop by UAL, which was one of my favorite hidden gems for discount designer clothing. In the past, I've picked up this wonderful Chloe skirt (90% off retail, thank you very much), and this Proenza top (for around $150). Needless to say, I had high hopes for my visit this time and was not to be disappointed. Case in point: the above Narciso Rodriguez sample pants were scored for $13.99. Yes $ 13.99. That is not a typo. Lest you be floored by that lowly number, I also picked up a wide-leg Narciso pair for $7.99. That's practically criminal! I've never owned a Narciso piece before, and I have to say I now get what all the hype is about. The tailoring on both pairs of pants--despite being samples-- is impeccable. I love the fabrication of this pair in particular because, while totally comfortable, it's stiff enough to maintain a crisp crease down the middle. Crisp and slouchy? I'm getting some serious cognitive dissonance even thinking about that kind of contradictory co-existence. But how wonderful that it does apparently exist! The generously long stovepipe legs which break ever-so cool-ly are just icing on the cake. God bless the South, and God bless UAL.

Met Gala Favorites

2011-05-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

Hamish Bowles via style.com-Any man that can pull off that much tartan is my hero

Hailee Steinfeld via style.com - Even so young, Hailee Steinfeld has THE most impeccable taste in Hollywood. And is a badass.

Karen Elson via stylebistro.com - Gorgeous. McQueen. Enough said.

Diane Kruger via stylebistro.com- The definition of glamour.

Rihanna via stylebistro.com - Love the drama of the silhouette and the slightly kooky Southwestern styling.

While I was a bit hesitant to do a "Best Dressed" for the Met Gala, I thought I would succumb to the cliche and round up my faves since it was in honor of one of my favorite designers ever. Although, I have to say, for a ball honoring the late and utterly genius Alexander McQueen, the fashion was a bit less than glorious and/or creative (as it should have been in the true spirit of McQueen). Where was the drama? The edge? The subversiveness? The McQueen? Yawn. But these few above I thought were standouts, whether for taking risks, having a sense of humor, being flipping gorgeous, or all three put together!

And in case you missed it, check out what my choice would have been if I had a fairy godmother here on StyledOn!

Brief Jaunt

2011-04-29T21:51:00.000-07:00

I know postings have been a bit erratic, as the last month has been quite hectic! And again this weekend I find myself on a bit of a last-minute jaunt out-of-town. Please accept my apologies, but I will get back to regular schedule soon (and will try to capture a bit of the travel if I can)!

xx,
P

In Bloom

2011-04-26T23:17:00.000-07:00

Prada coat and skirt (from TJ Maxx), Brooks Brothers half-sleeve shirt, Fenton Fallon X Proenza Schouler necklace (new fave accessory and only $15!), Chloe sandals (it's warm!), Balenciaga bag, Tom Ford sunglasses

Soaking in the sun, who knows how long it will last

Now I don't know if it's quite ironic or to-be-expected, but even as a trained lawyer, damn, do I hate a suit. On-campus interview time in law school was a waking hell of grey suits and nude pantyhose. I remember actually getting comments (comments!) for wearing nude colored (but patterned) Wolford stockings. While the interview regimen hasn't changed much since then, the corporate one has--huzzah! So, thanks to the auspices of T.J. Maxx, I went ahead and convinced myself it was worthy to invest in in this "interesting" S/S 2010 Prada "suit"which was (if I calculate the original MSRP at the boutique correctly) in the 75% off range. Which, as you may or may not know, is impossible to come by even during sale time (last season Prada discounts peaked in the 40% off range). It seems I have also officially developed a penchant for the longer coat. What do you think? I love a good cropped jacket, but they've been so everywhere for the last while that I feel the longer length is refreshing. Especially when festooned with sun-bleached acid-print flowers. And it's quite flattering for basically every body-type (also quite comfortable, as no one will know when/how much you've eaten. This is a proven fact--I wore it to Easter at a friend's and it was smooth sailing the whole way. Perhaps too smooth...).

Does anyone actually like a proper suit out there? Very curious!

Refinery 29 - Beauty Secrets from Real Girls!

2011-04-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

Givenchy shirt, Mac lipstick in Violetta and eyshadow in Goldmine

Some of you may have already seen this on Refinery, but, if not, they just launched a new beauty column about "real" women's beauty secrets/tips and--they were kind enough to include me in the first roundup! While I can't say I'm not a bit uncomfortable/embarrassed to have close-ups of my face on the interwebs, the column is a fun read and I can't wait to see who else they feature coming up! You can read the whole thing here. Happy Easter!

Even in [Her] Youth

2011-04-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

Derek Lam sample jacket, Wythe striped shirt, Joe's Jeans "Cobain" jeans, Tory Burch boots, Fenton Fallon x Proenza Schouler necklace, Ray Ban sunglasses

What you see here is the consequence of getting bored, having a 40% off coupon from Borders, purchasing Nirvana Live at Reading, and watching said dvd twice through within 24 hours. It was awesome. Needless to say, the 1990s are on the brain again (don't think I'll ever quite get over them, but who would want to?). And this time, it's in a very literal incarnation. A little The Craft-meets-Friends. The Courtney Cox updo! The darkish red lipstick! Stripes! And the piece de resistance, my "Cobain" style (no joke) Joe's Jeans. A little embarrased about the last one, but as someone who tried desperately to wear in her jeans authentically and failed miserably, this is what I ultimately settled with in the late 90s. In grunge's hey day (circa 1993) I tried everything possible expedite the natural wear process, including rubbing my jeans furiously against the carpet, and my favorite, strategically grating scissors against key areas (i.e. knees, hem, butt)--but all was futile. I was and am still that pristine with my clothes that the cool worn-in look has always eluded me (I have jeans from late middle school that have nary a fray to them). So, finding these "authentic" looking jeans was a bit of salvation for me, even if it was a few years after I had pretty much given up on the whole grunge look. I just couldn't let them get passed me once I found them. And, as pant-legs continue to widen, I'm completely fine with resurrecting the straight leg/slight boot cut (even though I kind of hate the low rise). They're the perfect companion to YouTube-ing videos of 120 Minutes and 1991: The Year Punk Broke (the former of which is being resurrected on MTV2 with original host Matt Pinfield (but unfortunately not the original kick-ass bands) and the latter of which will finally be on dvd in the fall!). Now, if you need me, I'll be moshing in front of my lovely LCD flat screen. Oh, the irony.

Uptown Girl

2011-04-15T19:09:00.000-07:00

Chloe cropped jacket, Alexander Mcqueen dress, Forever 21 tights, Lanvin shoes

I had a meeting the other day, hence the looking all fancy-like in my pearls. I've luckily been able to take some liberties with the outfits lately, but sometimes you just need to come back to a proper, lady-like, Upper-East-Side-ready outfit. With neon pink pockets, of course (so on trend, natch). The Chloe jacket was resurrected because I attempted to streamline my closet (verdict: unsuccessful) and a bit of sentiment got a hold of me, as it was not only my first sample sale purchase after moving to NYC, but also reward to myself for passing the NY bar that very same day. Good times. Which came after many bad times of trying to get results on the NY bar association website that kept crashing over a period of several hours. But it's all good now. My, how thing have changed since then!

You may also have notice some not-so-fancy, but solidly classic tabs at the top of the page: yes, I'm not only trying to organize my closet, but also the blog (insert psychological assessment of my mental state based on those facts here). It's mostly self-explanatory, but the "Styling" and "Shop" tabs may deserve some further elucidation. After receiving more than a few inquiries about whether I was available to style/shop for others, I thought I would just put the information out there on it's very own page that yes, I am completely ready and available for such fun endeavors (schedule willing, of course)! I really enjoy helping other people realize their personal style potential, so it's something I'm definitely interested in doing on a freelance basis. So that's that As far as "Shop" goes--I am beyond capacity with storage in my apartment, so I hope from time-to-time I might post things that unfortunately no longer fit, that have to be edited out due to space constraints, that were bought but never wore, etc., etc. I'll probably be tinkering around here and there, so don't be alarmed if things look a bit askew for the next few weeks! I promise it'll all be for the better! :)

Rah-Rah Oh Rochas...

2011-04-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

Rochas dress and shoes

Throw a layer on underneath or over and it's ready for work

Love the pleating and seaming detail

Just barely on-the-shoulder

Yeah, I know bad pun, especially considering my dislike of Lady Gaga (I mean come on, it's fun dance music but she is NOT the second coming, not even of Madonna). But alas, the broadness of my love for Marco Zanini at Rochas requires only the broadest of puns, so the Lady it is. :) Until now, I had only been able to express my love Zanini et al. through rambling, hyperbolic blog posts and a growing Rochas shoe collection (mostly due to the fact that the MSRP of most Rochas pieces (rightfully) land somewhere on the side of way-too-expensive-to-even-think-about)--but, that's all changed! Thanks to the ever-generous giver of designer RTW, yoox.com, had this beauty of a dress for over 80% off. Besides being pitch-perfect for spring's ballet-inspired looks (see: Chloe), I think it also succinctly represents what I love so much about the new Rochas aesthetic: sexy yet demure; classic yet innovative through the most thoughtful details (let's talk about this sleeve length, the pleating and the back on this dress--divine)! There's no doubt about it, I will be scavenging the internets and beyond for whatever Rochas I can get my hands on/afford--and I suggest you do to!

Frames of Your Life

2011-04-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

Theyskens Theory jacket, Brooks Brothers shirt, Phi jodhpurs, Prada platform brogues, necklace from India

Signature notched collar of Theyskens jackets--so that the shoulders get that cool "shrug" effect

Hi, everyone! We're back in action in NYC now, so no more beautiful vacation pics (believe me, my heart hurts more than yours). But, in the spirit of getting back to the "working" part of The Working Girl, I thought I would mark my New York return with a little suit number. Now, obviously jodhpurs are a stretch in any office environment, so only the most daring need attempt, but, since the the '90s are back in full glory (I couldn't be happier), I thought I might also re-introduce the un-cuffed French Cuff shirt. Now, I don't recommend this look without a jacket (preferably a skinny-sleeved, long-armed jacket), as you'll end up looking more Benny and Joon than high-power fill-in-the-blank. But, as long as you stick with those broad guidelines, I think it's a fun way to funk-ify an outfit (yes my return of the 90s means "funk" is back). The high-contrast, minimal look also screams to what's been going on on the runways, and since it's still a tad (read: a lot) too cold to break out those minimal brights, I think the black-white combination can substitute nicely during this very early spring weather. Add a statement piece of jewelry--I chose a collar necklace, but it could be a great ring, or earring--and you're ready put Blossom to shame.

I also happened to get snapped by the illustrious Tommy Ton for the Armani "Frames of Your Life" web promotion in this outfit. The pics of me are up on the Armani site now, so if you have the time and inclination, you can click over and "vote" for me (it would be much appreciated). The glasses were really great, and fittingly had a bit of a 30s/40s by way of 90s vibe to them. I was tempted to get a pair even though I don't wear glasses! And then I realized I'm not ready to take that step yet. I'm also trying to get a hold of the full, un-cropped pictures, which were pretty awesome, but sadly, have not receive them yet. One more thing for the to-do list.

Mihir Garh, Rajasthan, India

2011-04-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

Dries is pretty much perfect for India--Dries Van Noten shirt, pants, and shoes

Rochas scarf, Proenza Schouler shirt, American Apparel Jeans, YSL earrings, Michael Kors sunglasses

J. Crew shirt, Miu Miu shorts, Rochas sandals, Prada sunglasses

Somewhere in another, more verdant part of the desert was our last stop in Rajasthan--a wonderful little hotel modeled after a traditional Indian fort called Mihir Garh, which was built by the "Don" of the nearest town as a tribute to the landscape, culture and history of Rajasthan. In the middle of nowhere (closest real town was about 30 min away), it was quite the surprise when I ran into a friend from college, who was on vacation as well. Talk about random! Especially considering the hotel only has 9 rooms. Small world indeed. So besides having some very welcome company for our delicious meals (I was able to finally eat again!), we also took this opportunity to get a bit of R & R and take a tour of a couple nearby villages. One in particular definitely gave me pause to think about the way we live as a society--a sect of Hindus whose main aim is to conserve and preserve their environment. The "village" was little more than an extended family and was without any electricity whatsoever (purposefully). Their huts (which were beyond spic and span) were made from foraged materials only--nary a twig was cut down to provide for their needs. That conservation ethic extends to the local fauna as well, and we were told that one of the main reasons the elusive Black Buck still exists in those parts is because of the active protection of these people. They are so committed to honoring their surroundings that they don't even have chimneys (the soot just collects on the roofs of the kitchen-hut). They also one of the very few people in India to bury their dead (in order to avoid wasting arboreal resources). Most interesting was that there is a specific kind of tree (~~the name escapes me~~ the Neem tree) that is literally their giving tree--it provides much of the material for their housing needs (roofs, rope, etc), as well as their medicinal needs (the sap is apparently a pretty good anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, etc.) Best of all, they use the twigs as a combo toothbrush/toothpaste. And let me tell you, it works! They have pretty amazingly healthy teeth. In any event, it was a really eye-opening experience that they seem live so "well" (and beautifully) yet can fit all their worldly possessions in one modest hut. It definitely convinced me to start re-evaluate my own hoarding impulses.

We then went to a more established village (i.e. with electricity), and by wonderful happenstance, I matched the blue/coral color scheme to a T! We also got to partake in an opium tea ceremony, which was quite the trip (ha!). Mostly used for times of celebration (in the past, it originated as a way for enemies to solidify their alliance in war, or to join ornery in-laws in peace), it was really amazing to see how the practice is still in existence (of course now regulated by the government) and can co-exist in a quickly modernizing and Westernizing society.

Think this is it for the India installment--hope you enjoyed taking a little peak into my trip!

Opium Tea Ceremony


He could tie a turban in 60 seconds flat--and out of something like 24 yds of fabric!

Really can't get enough of this blue

If you squint hard enough, I swear I blend in

Oh yeah totally legit.

Had to capture the colors/patterns--however cheesily

Baby Black Buck turns into...

Actually black Black Buck

2-in-1 toothbrush and toothpaste

My bf made a new very friendly friend

Someone didn't get their chocolates that day. Seriously, he was sad because he didn't get chocolate.

(Not Quite) Jaisalmer, India

2011-03-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

Sick safari! Alexander Wang trench, Old Navy linen shirt, Uniqlo cropped khakis, Target belt, Converse sneakers, Michael Kors Sunglasses, Eric Javits hat

The next stop on our mini-tour of Rajasthan was going to be Jaisalmer, which is basically noteworthy because it serves as a base camp for the sand dunes that extend to the Pakistan-India border. Unfortunately, the 250+ km ride over patched of bumpy road in 90+ degree weather did not sit well with poor little me, and in the midst of the use of a sick bag, my dad made the executive decision to stop at a random resort in the middle of nowhere. Although perhaps not at strikingly barren as some parts outside Jaisalmer, the Samsara Resort was literally a desert oasis where we ended up staying did play host to a quite magnificent sand dune that erected itself right behind the bright and charmingly decorated rooms. The hotel also boasted the most comfortable beds (of many comfy beds) of the trip, as well as the most delicious food (at least I was told, but my lentils and rice were also delicious). We went for a little desert safari one morning, which included a camel photo op with a very charismatic camel owner, and a visit to a rural family. Let me take this opportunity to say one thing: I have NEVER in my life seen such unabashed joy in the faces of children as I did in Rajasthan. Although frequently visited by tourists, they wanted nothing but to say hello (or rather "ta-ta!") and give a warm wave and smile hello. As cliche an observation as it may be of "undeveloped" areas, something really touched me about how unanimously their eyes shone. Obviously, I'm not going to make any assumptions or claims about their absolute quality of their life, but if I can ever for one moment look as purely joyous as those kids did, I think my life would be completely fulfilled. :)

Camel Market

Jodhpur, Part II

2011-03-25T10:05:00.000-07:00

Marc Jacobs dress, Prada baroque sunglasses, Rochas fisherman sandals

I wouldn't normally dedicate a whole post to a hotel, but the exquisitness of the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur. Due to the wonderfulness of an Expedia deal, we were able to stay at Umaid Bhawan (even got upgraded to a suite!), which in my opinion, puts a lot of European palaces to shame. The maharajah still lives in part of it, so it's one of--if not the--world's largest residential palace (take that Buckingham). The architecture and design is superb (east-meets-west art deco and Edwardian-inspired), the grounds are impeccable, the setting on top of a hill is majestic, and there are PEACOCKS wandering around at breakfast on the veranda. No joke. And they're not the mousy kind either, but huge, majestic, technicolor bird that match the equally vibrant gardens. Oh and the Maharajahs apparently had a thing for hunting, and there's quite a collection of taxidermy that I'm sure is probably illegal now (ahem *tigers* ahem). A bit unnerving, but the whole thing just works to create a really fairy-tale type settng. Pretty much paradise city in the flesh.

Not an attempt at being glamorous, but at trying not to be sick all over beautiful garden

Hi Dad!

Serene breakfast

Jodhpurs in Jodhpur

2011-03-22T06:34:00.000-07:00

Outside Jaswant Thada - Phi jodhpurs, Brooks Brothers polo, Proenza Schouler sandals, Prada sunglasses, Eric Javits hat

Excepting a bout with a malignant stomach bug (and the general awfulness of Virgin Atlantic), my trip to India was pretty much perfect. The weather was gorgeous (high 80s-low 90s), the scenery unparalleled, the family time good, and the mangoes!!--oh the mangoes! For those of you that haven't had Indian mangoes, they're pretty much the most delicious things ever. Mexican mangoes taste like wallpaper in comparison. And even though it was just the very beginning of mango season, they were absolutely scrumptious to someone so deprived as me. But enough about my mango obsession. Besides visiting my grandma in New Delhi, we also did a mini-tour of Rajasthan to hit up the parts I hadn't already seen. First up: Jodhpur. Being the dork I am, I could not resist breaking out some jodhpurs because...well, does it really need to be explained? While in the city, we visited the Merangarh fort, which was certainly impressive and gave magnificent views of the "Blue City" (many of the houses in the old city were painted blue to repel insects and keep things cool), as well as Jaswant Thada (a memorial to one of the Maharajas), where a man with an otherworldly voice and a harmonium was singing--it was like something out of a storybook. In the peaceful setting of the memorial, it was simply transcendent. But for the most part, we chillaxed at the gorgeous hotel and hammed it out (those pics coming up next). I tried my best to get good pics, but this was kind of at the height of my sickness, so I was dressing a little more casually and paying a little less attention in an attempt not to wretch all over historic monuments. :)

Merangarh Fort

Jaswant Thada

Wedding Party at Merangarh Fort

Going Bananas, Gymkhana Club, New Delhi

2011-03-17T23:49:00.000-07:00

Prada banana shirt, skirt, and platform oxfords, J. Crew tank, Michael Kors sunglasses, Indian earrings, random visor (below)

Confession: one of the things I was most excited about for my vacation was not beautiful scenery, or delicious food, but the chance to wear my newly acquired Prada bananas! That's probably the one of the more awful statements I've ever written, but I am completely enamored of them and all reason flies out the window as a consequence. Lucky for me, the perfect opportunity to debut my wares came my first day in New Delhi. My grandma is a member at a funny club that is somehow totally British and totally Indian at the same time; and, as such, totally anachronistic (people actually spend so much time playing cards that they have beds in the ladies/mens rooms, complete with bed-tea). That kind of fun doesn't come easy and means that there's a 40-year waiting list, so the average age of members is hovering somewhere around 68. This made me very excited because could there be a better place to break out my golf/cruise banana suit?!

Sunrise/Sunset, Rajasthan and New Delhi, India

2011-03-13T05:02:00.000-07:00

A few of my trip pics so far. There's nothing like the rising and setting of the Indian sun for dusty romance.

Prada bananas to come! :)

The best of New York, London, Milan and Paris (so far) Fashion Weeks

2011-03-03T20:40:00.000-08:00

Barneys New York pants, J. Crew shirt, Ralph Lauren Blue Label sweater, Rochas shoes, Band of Outsiders tie, Swatch watch

I had grand plans to do a massive round-up with favorite looks and commentary about Fall 2011, to be complemented with the professorial look above; however, that rascal called time got in the way, or rather, did not give enough of himself to me and all was lost. Instead, I now race against the clock to get everything done before I head off to the Dirty Jerz and into the arms of that indifferent (and ironically named) harlot, Virgin Atlantic. ~~Five~~ Four hours and counting to get my life in order, but I thought I could at least list the collections that made an impression on me. Overall, I think I'm finding Fall 2011 a bit bougie, even for all it's attempts at 70s and 90s nostalgia. I think it might even be because of the references to these decades that I find them so bougie--none of the political or cultural animus (or subculture, period) that existed during those times seem to exist in our placated, ADD-riddled society. The references then come across at best flat and at worst horribly shallow because they get a bit unmoored from the socio-political context that initially informed the looks. Or maybe I'm just tired. Will be trying to update on vaca when I have internet though! I really promise this time.

New York
Proenza Schouler
Thakoon
Rodarte
Phillip Lim
Doo.ri* (with some reservations, but love the well cut jackets)
Karen Walker
Theyskens Theory

London
Mary Karantzou
Louise Gray
Roksanda Ilincic

Milan
Prada
Jil Sander
Marni
Fendi* (also with some reservations, but, hey, slim pickins)

Paris (so far)
Dries Van Noten
Rochas
Balenciaga
Carven

Cool World

2011-03-01T18:30:00.000-08:00

Prada Baroque sunglasses, Alexander Wang top, Proenza Schouler skirt, Swatch watch, Club Monaco tights, Chloe boots

I can be quite the cartoon cut-up, eh? As you can tell by the slight zaniness of the outfit above, I can't WAIT to get out of town to warmer climes and much, much less stress. With Fashion Week having come and gone, a bout of the stomach flu almost defeated, and a spewing of long days behind me, I am completely ready (and dying) for a much deserved BREAK! Luckily, being on the verge of an exhaustion breakdown this past week was somewhat mollified by Spring 2011 Prada shipments that arrived at the boutiques in an oh-so-very timely fashion. Bananas! Platform oxfords! Crazy cartoon sunglasses! And more bananas! Trust, this upcoming vacation will be a heavily Prada-endorsed one. I just had to bust out the baroque sunglasses for a test drive before though because--I don't mean to fall prey to overused fashion-type cliches, but--they are INSANE. I'm not even sure yet if it's in a certifiable or amazing way. That's how insane they are. I know I'm slacking on the Fashion Week roundups (I'll be doing a requisite "best of ____ Fashion Week" post before I leave, fret not :) and pithy commentary on this Galliano scandal, but I thought some levity before then might be good for all of us!

NYFW Fall 2011 - Michael Kors

2011-02-24T19:59:00.000-08:00

Rochas scarf, sweater, and shoes; Dries Van Noten skirt, Proenza Schouler shirt, Balenciaga bag, Ray Ban sunglasses

(pictures from the beautifully-shot blog Citizen Couture)

You can also see this outfit on Elle Japan's blog, NYMag, and Le Fashion

And here it is, the lastbof my personal NYFW Fall 2011 diary exactly a week after it ended! Timeliness was never one of my strong suits. But, it ended, and end it did with a bang courtesy of the Michael Kors show, a place where all the the fashion big guns come to flex their sartorial muscle (and which included my first ever Anna Dello Russo sighting in real life, complete with gilded cherries on top). I can safely say that it was the consummate fashion show. Celebrities, looped electronic remixes, long runways, supermodels--t had it all. While I may have preferred to go to, say, a Proenza Schouler show over Michael Kors, there's no denying that the man does over-the-top '70s goddess glam like no other. And that he did, fittingly to commemorate his 30th year in fashion. Furs were waterfalls of sumptuousness; sequins glittered like beads of poist-coital sweat; power suits were tailored for perfection (and domination). Not a bad way to close out what will hopefully not be my last trip to the tents!

(collection images via style.com)

Alas, now it's back to reality and to fashion nerd-dom--so many shows to catch up on!

I leave you with a new shot of the "arctic raver" (also from Citizen Couture).

NYFW Fall 2011 - House of Waris and Frank Tell

2011-02-22T18:54:00.000-08:00

Proenza Schouler J. Brand jeans, Dries Van Noten sweater, YSL trench, Apart Mongolian lamb vest, Rag & Bone boots

Day 5 of NYFW was pretty tame for me, as you can see not even any street style pics! Life can be tough some times (just kidding!). Of course, I chalk it up to the face that I only had a couple of evening engagements where the light will just not do (can you feel the sarcasm dripping on you?). The first of those was one I had been really looking forward to--the House of Waris presentation. Many of you may know designer Waris Ahluwalia from his appearances in Wes Anderson films like The Life Aquatic and The Darjeeling Limited, but he is also a fabulous jewelry designer and all-around cool dude. The jewelry is totally East-meets-West with great Indian-inspired settings and craftsmanship (he was born in Amritsar, India) complemented by clean European lines (the pieces are finished in his workshop in Italy). Being, you know, real jewelry for the most part, I haven't yet been able to get my hands on yummy things like this, so salivating will have to do. And, being the silly girl I am, I had also hoped to strike up a convo with Waris about my upcoming trip to India (so that we could become awesome friends and he would invite me to all the cool stuff in New York that I only know about through pictures on the internets days later), but had importantly forgotten just how popular he is on the social scene. Having gone alone, I was quickly cowed by Italian fashion editors, socialites, artsy-types, and other members of the "cool crowd" who I obviously couldn't even make eye contact with. If you had seen me, I would have looked like the most popular text-getter ever, I was so glued to my phone in an attempt to not look totally lame and alone. Major FAIL.

The pic/setting does not do justice, but I need to have earrings like that in my life before I die

Then came a quick jaunt to Lincoln Centerfor the Frank Tell presentation, which largely garnered my attention due to influence/suggestion of Feigned Perfection (much appreciated). All I can say is that I was pleasantly surprised by the up-and-comer. Although the collection was a bit over-styled at times, the Arctic princess-warrior seems to be gaining traction in the fashion world (see also Rag & Bone F/W 2011) cut a strong figure and really stood out amongst the crowd of interchangeable designers. Raw-edged moto jackets and multi-yarn knits over relaxed and long silhouettes felt really empowering. Even the fur managed to capture a refined notion of tribalism and inject some excitement at what was becoming--pardon the horrible pun--overkill by the end of the week. I'm interested to see what comes in the future and how the apparent multitude of new ideas is translated and streamlined as the label matures.

(collection images via style.com)

NYFW Fall 2011 - Chris Benz and Thom Browne

2011-02-20T18:35:00.000-08:00

(from Refinery29)

Theyskens' Theory pants and jacket, Ralph Lauren Blue Label sweater, J. Crew scarf, Tory Burch boots, Balenciaga bag

I'm not going to dwell on Chris Benz's collection, no offense to him--it was a perfectly fun, pleasing take on the Savannah-Southern-belle-meets-Wiccan-art-student look (ha, if that's a "look), but it ended up being a bit of a wallflower for me. Thom Browne, on the other hand, W-O-W. The man knows how to put on a show, that's for damn sure. And, in a sea of shows filled with monotonous Euro-beats and directionless but wearable clothes, it was a delight to see a collection with a vision--especially a sardonic and subversive one at that! A brief overview of the cabal: a wood-paneled room in the New York Public Library was made up to look like a church, with a makeshift altar at the head of the room presided over by two exceptionally lovely altar boys in knee socks and signature Thom Browne shorts suits (quite naughty if you ask me!). Behind rows of colossal desks stood Flying Nuns, with extra-large habits and extra-thick avian eyelashes. One-by-one they would approach the altar to be defrocked by the altar boys and do their little turn on the catwalk. The clothing that was revealed was pure Thom Browne--sharp suits in clashing plaids and stripes, very Balenciaga cocoon shapes, and whimsical embellishments. What I loved most was a loose theme of "emergence" that, well, emerged from the spectacle. Besides the obvious defrocking, I thought the cocoon shapes really reinforced the sentiment of a "coming-out" of sorts, as did the bird-like makeup and hair (the thick lashes and egg-shell caps immediately made me think of baby ostriches). The '50s tinged doo-wop music ( the slyly defiant "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?" started things off), only underlined the theme for me and made me think about the faint beginnings of the women's lib movement during that time, which, while powerful and groundbreaking, were (and still are) under heavy constrictions. Much like this Thom Browne collection, where liberating ideas about gender, silhouette and pattern contrasted against traditional, almost constrictive shapes. For an inaugural collection, I was pleasantly surprised both aesthetically and intellectually. Some may have though it over-the-top theatrical, but when there's such wondeful tongue-in-cheek humor (and strong design bones), how can you not enjoy it? I can't wait until next season!

(collection images via style.com, see the full collection here)

NYFW Fall 2011- Derek Lam, Preen, and Thakoon

2011-02-17T16:40:00.000-08:00

(from style.it)

Apart coat, Proenza Schouler t-shirt and bag, Dries Van Noten skirt, Giuseppe Zanotti boots, Prada sunglasses

If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm reviewing the shows I actually saw in person first, and not necessarily the ones I liked most, or thought were most important. And this batch pretty much exemplifies that fact, as it's a total mixed bag of nuts!

Derek Lam was first up at a bright and early (fashion week-wise) 10 am! I enjoyed the '70s redux of Lam's Spring 2011 collection, and was similarly surprised that the Fall 2011 collection was just as enjoyable, if not even more so. Lam matured into a '90s-by-way-of-70's vibe for the collection, showing a lot of poncho shapes in a great greenish-grey flannel wool, and a series of showstopping long, pleated gowns to close the show. The tailoring was precise when needed, relaxed when necessary, and refreshing, in the most understated way. After seeing a sea of Burberry shearling aviator jackets this week, I vowed never to cast a lustful eye on the type again; I had to eat my words pretty fast after Lam showed a great voluminous windbreaker with shearling lining that approached the tired combination with a new eye. It wasn't an earth-shattering show, but there was something indelible about the quietness of its elegance.

Preen, on the other hand, was anything but quiet, even if it did have its moments (few) of elegance. The show started off with a pastiche of crafty looking things that mostly reminded me of a poorer version of the embroidery Christopher Kane did for his celebrated Fall 2010 collection. The second movement suited me much better--color-blocked tulip pencil skirts actually made me pine for my corporate days (but only for a second). Then there was a big WTF moment for me when a large section of pieces covered in what appeared to be a furry fungus (see 3rd image clockwise below) rolled out ad nauseum. The last movement was comprised of a slew of sequined shirts that were intriguing in that they were embellished by what looked to me like sequin worms (or, for the more fashionably inclined, Peppercotton necklaces)--an improvement from what could have been just your usual run-of-the-mill bling. Overall, the collection just seemed to lack cohesion and a focused point of view, even if some of the pieces were attractive on their own.

Then it was the big one--Thakoon at the Plaza! It may have been one of the most intimidating experiences I've had in a long time. Plaza ballroom. Evening show. Fashion glitterati. Need I say more? Gawking from my perch on one of the side balconies of the ballroom onto the gilded chairs that held a who's who of fashion, I finally felt like I was at a fashion show. The opulent setting wasn't for naught either; it perfectly set off Thakoon's inspiration for the collection: rococo-meets-masaai-warrior. Disparate? Yes, but on the Marie Antoinette French blue runway lit by crystal chandeliers, tribal beats and joyous prints somehow felt so right. My favorite juxtaposition of the evening (there were many!) was the African-inspired brightly-colored cutaway puffer coats--finally someone made those chic! And how. The shape perfectly mimicked the bustled silhouette of 18th century French haute bourgeoisie and the accompanying prints were a cheeky comment on that well-known aristocratic proclivity for exotica. I haven't decided if the show my favorite of the week quite just yet, but it did but the biggest smile on my face, and that might just count for even more.

(all collection images via style.com)

NYFW 2011 - Patrik Ervell

2011-02-13T13:49:00.000-08:00

Patrik Ervell shirt, Proenza Schouler dress, Club Monaco tights, Giuseppe Zanotti glitter boots, Nina Ricci coat (from Decadestwo.1), Opening Ceremony hat

While I was slated to attend the much-anticipated Prabal Gurung Saturday morning, due to a ticket mix-up, I unfortunately had to miss it. Although, I have to say the extra two hours of sleep did me a lot of good. While I'm in no way complaining about any of Fashion Week, it's really lived up to the hype for me, it is pretty tiring--and I don't even really go to any of the parties, or that many shows! I blame the fact that most shows are held in super windy locations, it really knocks all the strength out of ya. I imagine the spring shows in September are a little easier to navigate. Anywho, I did get up in time for what was probably one of the most anticipated shows on my list (and it's not even a women's show!)--Patrik Ervell. As dedicated followers probably already know, I've worn the above shirt to death (and am looking to add some more to my collection). I absolutely love the figure he cuts for guys--intellectual, artistic, slightly awkward, and always polished. This season didn't disappoint in excelling in all those categories, and maybe adding a few more. First off, I think the atmosphere was the most striking of the shows I've seen--dramatic parachute material, wind machines, and swelling strings (courtesy of Siouxsie and the Banshees) created an almost euphoric, dreamy backdrop to the vaguely parachuting-inspired wear. Shots of electric blue (it's going to be big people!) and zipper detailing ran through bomber jackets, flight suits, and the standard men's separates. An electric blue suit was my favorite---all the guys out there--GET ONE! I think there was a lot that could be borrowed for the girls as well. Besides the usual impeccable shirts, I think the softly pleated pants could really work on the right lady. I'll definitely be trying! Overall, I think this kid is one to watch in menswear and beyond. There's something so precise but oddly liberating about his look, and you know I'm a sucker for those kind of contradictions.

(collection images via style.com)