fancy pants

conde nast: kiss my ass

2009-04-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

I received a little post card in the mail yesterday from the my dear deceased friend Domino Magazine. I was expecting to hear from them one of these days to reveal what magazine would be sent to their subscribers in its place. I had speculated with Darlene what the magazine would be, and concluded that it would be Allure. A totally useless publication that I only read at the nail salon or in the grocery line. I say useless, but I am not against breezing through it as long as I don't pay for it. Well, they did worse. Much to my chagrin, I will be receiving Glamour. I feel like it is a totally waste of paper to have it sent to me. I am thinking of cancelling the subscription, is that even possible? Barf. Conde Nast, you fail. FAIL.

RIP Dear Domino

collections

2009-04-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

What do you call it when you have multiple things that are basically the same or have a common theme that brings them together? If they are really things, or tchotchkes, it's a collection. But what is it when those things are clothes and accessories, an obsession? Well, sort of, I guess. But I do like to consider myself a collector of clothes rather than a shopaholic, even if I am known as the latter to most of my friends and family. At one point I even planned on opening a store to sell all my treasures that I acquired over the years, but I soon realized that that idea just enabled my shopping addiction.

(flikr)

I've been collecting clothes for longer than anything else; it probably started when I got too old to play dress up with my dolls - at an embarrassingly late age, mind you. But dress-up is dress-up whether it is with dolls or people! My collections are not so much by garment - although I do have quite the collection of shoes, jeans and vintage dresses - but more by theme. I am just drawn to certain things. Usually because I like them and the way they look and the way they feel and the way they make me feel when I see them or wear them.

I've decided to start documenting these collections and the stories behind them, and how they started in a new series on this blog. I know I have been really bad about posting recently, but I promise I will follow through!

otis jury show

2009-04-09T21:29:00.000-07:00

Thursday I went to the Jury Show for my Alma Mater, Otis College of Art and Design as a juror. It's the first of the 2 shows that are put on by the students in the fashion program. The Jury Show is the one that determines who gets to participate in the benefit show for their scholarship gala, or whatever it is called. I worked hours and hours/days and days to prepare for that show when I was a junior and senior, and I couldn't help getting anxiety flashbacks before I walked into the Cal Mart. Especially since it was the first time I've been back since I packed up my life there on the last day of class senior year. Much to my not surprise, many of the teachers had no idea who I was, but I did get to see my favorite teacher who always had faith in me, when no one else did. So that made the whole day worth it.

(Vanessa Bruno blazer, Who Cares blouse, Abaco belt, Marc by Marc Jacobs jeans, Report Signature pumps, fancy charm bracelet and various other jewelery)

I will most likely never go back for the show again, and I definitely got the urge to visit people there out of my system. I don't really know what I thought I would get out of it, but I didn't get much.

stripes and polka dots

2009-04-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

Last night, I got back to LA after a too short weekend visit home, and played host to my cousins who were visiting from there. We walked to El Compadre for some Mexican food, mariachi music and absolutely delicious margaritas then on to El Prado for some not so good wine but really great atmosphere and music - I felt like we were in the NW, it really had that vibe - then onto one last drink at The Gold Room. I am sad to say that my favorite bar might not be my favorite anymore, there was some awful performance going on that included the worst singer ever trying to crawl all over the booths and benches. We watched a group of regulars look at each other and leave 5 minutes into the performance. Although I think it's no longer chill or cool, Heidi and Doug were thoroughly entertained and that's all that really matters.

No Pants After Dark #11

(Thakoon for Target t-shirt, Target skirt, Zara belt, Christian Louboutin espadrilles, vintage jewellery)

Heidi pointed out that "No Pants After Dark" sounds really naughty. I can't believe I didn't think of that myself or that someone didn't say anything sooner! Oh well, too late. I think when I reach 20 on the blog, I will stop counting them, because it really has become habit to only wear dresses or skirts at night when I go out, which was my intention from the beginning.

Loot

2009-04-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

One of the joys of going home is discovering something new from my mother's closet that she has recently found, forgotten about or grown tired of. Every time I go home, I find something that I can take with me. Often times it's something that I might have thought was butt ugly when she first got it, and couldn't understand why she spent so much money on it...

This trip yielded some great results, including this mesh tube dress from one of the ugliest brands ever, Lilith. I have now taken TWO Lilith pieces with me. Shocking, really. It had sleeves back in the day, but my mom cut them off. I sort of wish I had one that still had sleeves along with this altered version. It's great though, because it really goes down to my mid calves, but i can scrunch it up and give it texture and create the illusion of opacity. It's better than those American Apparel dresses that are tight and short, because the texture of the scrunching makes it less revealing.

I wore this out dancing and bar hopping with my friends in Portland. It wasn't exactly 80's Night appropriate, but it was definitely dancing appropriate.

No Pants After Dark #10

(Lilith tube dress, Isabel Marant plaid shirt/jacket, Abaco Paris belt, Loeffler Randall shoes, vintage jewellery)

mix-master

2009-04-06T09:51:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore to work last Wednesday. I really enjoyed the stripes with the print of the sweater and the oxfords. I think it's one of my better day-time, jeans centered outfits I've created in a while. Please excuse my mop, I thought it would get cut out when I cropped the photo...but then I would have cut out my feet.

(Gap t-shirt, Thakoon for Target sweater, Earnest Sewn jeans, Dries Van Noten oxfords, vintage jewellery)

I look so happy to go to work, no?

champagne at the darling mansion

2009-03-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I went over to The Darling's house for some wine and overall redonculousness. For some reason things are always a little crazy there when we light the fire and keep opening new bottles of wine. It doesn't help that we all showed up with 2 or 3 bottles each and when the other peeps that came over brought bottles of booze too.

Oh well, it was a night filled with drinking, dancing, music making and lots and lots of giggling. And even though I felt gross I managed to produce an outfit that was free of pants.

No Pants After Dark #9

(American Apparel tank, Target skirt, Betsey Johnson heart tights, Zara belt, Sigerson Morrison flats, vintage bracelets)

Unfortunately the tights did not make it through the night. I had a feeling when I put them on that they would be a one wear item, but I was really hoping to get 2. Alas, near the end of the night they basically disintegrated. LAME. I wish I had bought them in bulk, but they were not cheap.

coffee and interview

2009-03-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

I had another interview today. I really hate it when you get all pumped for it, then you get there and your brain freezes. Or maybe, that is just a problem that I have, because it definitely happened to me today. Oh well, I learn something at every interview, especially the ones that don't go as well as I had hoped.

Before said interview, I went to the Fix with Jasmine and caught up with our favorite baristas. All three of them were there today. Since our fabulous St. Patrick's day party plans dissolved, we started discussing having an Easter Egg hunt/party. Max said it should be all over Echo Park, I thought that might be a little excessive and tough, no?

Here is what I wore to the interview. I switched out the skirt for some Marc by Marc high waisted, cropped blue jeans for coffee.

(H&M jacket, Mom's scarf from back in the day, Mayle top, 3.1 Phillip Lim knit pencil skirt, Repetto shoes, vintage and new jewellery)

I love love love this blouse. I've had it for a few years and started wearing it more this past summer. I find it is universally loved, girls always love it and even guys will compliment it, which is always a little shocking. I ended up having to roll the skirt at the waist, because it tends to hit me in a spot that gives me really fat looking knees, so every time I go to wear it - which is very often - I feel like a big fat pig. I have to hem it, but I'm afraid that might never happen, as there are about 5 garments in need of fixing in front of it.

no pants after dark #7 and #8

2009-03-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a million years since I've posted anything, but for some reason I just couldn't be bothered with blogging. I guess I was on a blogging break. I am getting motivated to post more, especially since I have had some awesome outfits recently and been going to lots of shows and things.

I'll spare you the stories that go along with these outfits, but I can't really remember which goes to which night. Oh and shorts totally don't count as pants, obviously.

No Pants After Dark #7

(vintage jumpsuit, Mom's belt from back in the day, vintage jewellery, Leopoldo Giordano booties)

No Pants After Dark #8

(Rogan for Target dress, Leopoldo Giordano booties, Gap Kid's leather jacket, vintage jewellery)

I recently rediscovered these booty/shoes from Leopoldo Giordano that I bought a million years ago from Halo in Portland. When I bought them, it was because they were black with pointy toes, and I immediately stuck the accompanying spats to the back of a drawer. Yet another example of something I bought that I wasn't sophisticated or confident enough for. But I wore the shit out of the pointy toed heels and eventually had to have them resoled. By that time, I'd moved onto round toe pumps. When I was packing to move, I found the spats and realized just how NOW those shoes are. So, they are my new favorites, and I will definitely post some better pictures of them soon.

nyc and no pants after dark #6

2009-03-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

It seems that I've been doing a lot of traveling recently, but I figure it is now or never, right? Because, if all goes well, and my positive thinking works, I should be fully employed in the next 2 months.

I initially planned this trip to NYC because I was hating LA, and wanted to see if NYC was the place for me. Well, I had a blast, but fortunately for me and my wallet, I have no desire to move there at the moment.

The trip was amazing and busy and I sort of feel like I spent the whole weekend on the subway. The first 2 nights I stayed with my friend Anna from high school and did lots of walking around and free activities that included Central Park and the Met. My friend's Robert and Kate were also in town; Kate was passing through on her way to Boston for work, and Robert was there to see us. We make quite a team, the three of us, so it was an absolute blast. I also saw my other friend Kate who lives in NYC and lives a very glamorous life working for a fancy fashion magazine's website.

I cant even really remember everything that I did, but I did eat A LOT and drink a lot and did not take enough pictures. Though I was able to document one more outfit for my No Pants After Dark experiment when I went over to Kate's very cute apartment for dinner and Champagne. Although this post says it was #6, I am probably onto #12 or so, but because they weren't properly documented, I cannot count them...Must be more diligent.

(Vanessa Bruno Blazer, Park Vogel cashmere t-shirt, Tara Jarmon for Target skirt, Vialis booties, vintage bracelet)

The trip was super fun and flew by and I can't wait to go back for another visit!

alexander mcqueen = coocoobananas

2009-03-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

Wow. Other than a few feathers here and there, Alexander McQueen has done a total 180 from his last few collections. No more exotic fairy princesses here. It's all about M.C. Escher, bondage and sex dolls, black crows, 1940's, killer alien robots with a little Boy George and Kabuki for good measure. Yeah, that's what I said. It's about all those things.

(wwd.com)

Sorry to post SO many pictures, but there is just something crazy going on in every look; it is totally overwhelming. It's sort of entertaining trying to figure out which model is which, because they are unrecognizable! I wonder if Kate Blanchett will be able to find anything out of this collection?

I hate to say it, but I miss the romance. Even if it always was a dark romance.

P.S. I love how Paris Fashion Week seems to just go on forever and ever. It's like Christmas. But, not really.

nyc bound

2009-03-11T12:17:00.001-07:00

I leave for NYC tomorrow morning, and am so excited I can hardly form the words to describe it. The trip is going to full of lots of reunions from Paris friends to Portland friends. YAY!

(NYC by Night by Arnold Pouteau)

I've been feeling weird and sickly this whole week and am hoping it is gone the minute I set foot on the East Coast.

There are a million things that I want to do, but I feel like not nearly enough time to do them all. I haven't been to the city since I was a junior in high school, which is a rather embarrassing confession. Because of that, I know it's going to feel like a totally new city; it is always a different experience when you go somewhere as an adult, and when you visit an stay with friends. I am so excited to do all the silly and wonderful tourist things: walking the Brooklyn Bridge, wandering through Central Park, art galleries, a visit to Barney's...As well as the secret destinations that my local friends will take me too.

I will try my best to keep you updated, but most likely I will be running around like a crazy person!

stella mccartney: bringin back the faith

2009-03-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

I think a lot of us can agree that the Fall 2009 has been all around disappointing, especially compared to some of the phenomenal Pre-Fall collections that were presented by the same designers that have failed to impress me this season. Only a few of my faves have managed to keep that title, and Stella McCartney is one of them.

I've gotten into a few discussions with people about Stella McCartney, and how she can be considered sort of boring and not progressive. Yes, she can be a bit predictable, sky high heels, lots of legs and tuxedos and of course her signature colors, blue, army green, grey and black. But what she does best are great basics with her signature twist that look awesome on, and never does anything but her own thing. She has been quoted multiple times saying that she designs only clothes she would wear, and that gives her work a certain amount of integrity that I totally respect. And her vegan shoes. Don't even get me started.

I would have paired some of those killer, super-hero, stripper shoes with the peak-a-boo dresses, no?

(style.com)

sf

2009-03-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

My trip to San Francisco was filled with lots of the usual activities that I enjoy while travelling: drinking, eating, shopping, and museums.

Friday was a blur, we ate and bar hopped and ended the night at a crazy punk bar. I had no idea there are so many kids under 30 who are "punks" in this day and age. A few weeks ago I saw a punk couple at Cha Cha Lounge with The Darlings, and we couldn't stop staring they were so out of place. I started to get nervous when I noticed how many random dogs were wandering around the bar. Scary.

Saturday started off with Shane's AMAZING buttermilk pancakes - we were sneaky and made him promise before we went to bed the night before. After the pancakes Katie and I left for our girly day of museums, eating and shopping.

We started with the de Young Museum, which featured the YSL tribute show. I am sad to say, I was not too impressed. The first room was filled with really beautiful pieces, mostly Le Smoking or other black tie, black garments. But the rest of the show was sort of a mish mash, with too many of this or too little of that. I'm glad I saw it, but I was underwhelmed. A pleasant surprise came with the Warhol Live show that was going on downstairs at the museum. It was all about his participation in the music industry throughout his career. I had no idea how many album covers, beyond The Velvet Underground and Nico, that he really did. I am always happy after I see some Warhol. We ended the day with some food, coffee and shopping, see previous post about the impulse shoe buy.

Before the partay in my honor, we got some delicious pizza at Delphina Pizzaria and participated in some sidewalk wine drinking. Eating delicious and fancy pizza reminds me how there is really no place to get such a thing in LA, and it makes me MAD!

The rest of the night is a blur, and I had to wake up way too early the next day to catch my flight back to LA.

Thanks Shane and Katie for such a fun weekend!

no pants after dark #4 and #5

2009-03-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

OMG. For some reason, every time I start to write anything, my brain stops working. SF was super fun, and went by way too fast, but I'll write more about it later.

One thing I will write about now though, is the shoes I found. I had told myself I wasn't going to do any shopping, but then we walked into this amazing shoe store, Gimme Shoes in Hayes Valley that Katie had been talking about, and discovered the most amazing sale section ever. They had shoe after shoe for 60% off, from all the best shoe designers. Katie promptly found some amazing green Fiorentini & Baker boots and while searching through a cardboard box, I discovered these beauties from Loeffler Randall.

(gimmeshoes.com)

I was on the fence till the girls working there told us they would give us 70% off if we both bought our respective shoes. You just cant say no to a pair of 500 dollar shoes for 150. You just cant. Especially when they look like they were made for you. Because they were an impulse buy, I have decided that I have to wear them a lot, right away, so I wont have such severe buyers remorse.

They were featured in my outfit for our party that night, but I didn't really get any good shots of my outfit from top to bottom. And I know, that skirt really is obscenely short, thank goodness for opaque tights.

(Thakoon for Target t-shirt, Isabel Marant skirt, Abaco Paris belt, Loeffler Randal pumps, various jewellery.)

Last night I wore them again and continued the No Pants After Dark experiment, when I went to the Darling Mansion for a Delicious and vegan meal. We all agreed that the vegan Caesar dressing was better than the real thing!

(Gap dress, Abaco belt, Loeffler Randall shoes, various jewellery.)

a quick weekend in sf

2009-03-05T23:15:00.000-08:00

I leave for San Francisco tomorrow. I was going to drive, and then got lazy and scared once I realized that it is a 6 hour drive and that I would fall asleep at the wheel because I have never made the trip solo. So I was searching the Interweb for some flight deals, and boy oh boy! I found one!

So, tomorrow I got to SF to visit Katie and Shane. Yay for quick weekend trips!!!!

gareth pugh goes commercial

2009-03-04T16:02:00.000-08:00

Gareth Pugh must be feeling the strain of not being able to sell his curazzzzy designs.

Check out his super toned down and very wearable collection that was presented today in Paris - ahhhh Paris, I am missing you...

There were only a few looks that had his full blown crazy, and even the sheer dress will totally be commercialized with a lining or a slip or something.

(wwd.com)

no pants after dark, look #3, oh darling light at hotel cafe and car troubles

2009-03-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

Last night was the Oh Darling acoustic show, other wise known as, Oh Darling Light at the Hotel Cafe.

Since it was acoustic, J. Marie wasn't performing and got to sit in the audience, and I was her +1. I met lots of people and promptly forgot all their names, and tried my best not to admit to anyone that is was my first time seeing the band live.

"No Pants After Dark" #3:

(3.1 Phillip Lim dress, Vanessa Bruno blazer, Report Signature shoes, new and old jewellery)

I was lucky enough to wake up this morning to a flat tire - I think that is what happens when I park it on the hill and don't drive it for a full 36 hours - and tried my best not to cry when I realized that I do not have AAA any more. Why am I being punished for choosing to walk instead of drive??? Never ever ever get Run Flat tires, ever.

I am currently counting down till I go up to San Fran for the weekend to visit Katie and Shane, then I will be counting down even more eagerly for NYC next weekend. I am trying to plan my outfits in my head, but having the hardest time, as I believe it is still winter on the East Coast.

coffee with darlene

2009-03-03T16:58:00.000-08:00

I walked the gauntlet today to meet Darlene for a coffee at The Fix. I planned what I think was an especially successful outfit. Unfortunately, a jacket did not go with the outfit, so my fingers are still stiff from being so cold.

I chose to do a series this time, but was too lazy to take down my ironing. So please, don't mind the mess.

(Joie t-shirt, Comptoir des Cotonniers skirt, Target belt, Pare Gabia espadrilles, new and vintage jewellery)

It was really nice to catch up with Darlene, whom I haven't seen in ages, even though we live within walking distance of each other.

is this non-fat?

2009-03-03T12:02:00.001-08:00

I am laughing my ass off right now. I just looked through the Dsquared2 show and I think it is genius - other than the fact that it is a straight up reference (copy) of the Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia shoot Hollywood Style 2005, which was probably one of the most genius and hilarious shoots ever.

Let us compare them. We will start with the Vogue Italia shoot.

(Vogue Italia)

Note the blatant references of certain young celebrities, including but not limited to MK and Ashley Olsen, Nicole Richie Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, etc. and their love of hot young boys, personal assistants, and of course, their one true love, Starbucks. When this was published, I spent a good few hours analyzing who was supposed to be who. It was too much fun.

(wwd.com)

All that's missing from the runway show are the extras. Note the hats, sunglasses, over sized bags, and the Starbucks. As much as I laughed when I saw this, there are a few styling details that are pretty awesome, once you get past the glorified Abercrombie & Fitch look that Dan and Dean tend to go for. They are probably the weirdest/grossest designers, ever. With their matching plastic surgery, I bet they have sex with each other. And that is wrong. Because they are brothers.

first day of work and day 3 of no pants after dark

2009-03-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my first day of my internship. I guess I forgot what being an intern entails. It's actually no different that what I did when I was working in Paris, except I don't predict that personal boundaries will be crossed quite so often. It's really no wonder they hired me so fast, as I am so over qualified, it is redonculous. I have to remind myself that it is a step in the right direction, even if i do have to take out the trash along the way.

On to the "No Pants After Dark" rule. I recently decided that I was going to try and wear a skirt or dress whenever I go out at night for 30 days, because I have about a million of both that I never wear. And I find that if I wear a dress, I am more likely to wear one of my many pairs of shoes. I am basically forcing myself to try a little harder and get more bang for my buck out of my unworn clothes. I technically started on Friday, but failed to document it, so Saturday's "Perfect Date Outfit" will be considered outfit #1.

Here is "No Pants After Dark" outfit #2 - even if it was day 3:

(Vintage military jacket, gap t-shirt, Isabel Marant skirt, Tod's pumps, new and vintage jewellery)

I wore said outfit to Spaceland's Free Monday with J. Marie, Daven and Jasmine, where we saw mostly bad bands, except for Easter Conference Champions, who were pretty good. I also was sneaky, and brought my flask and ordered club soda's all night. GENIUS. Almost as good as someone buying your drinks. I realized that I was never going to drink the vodka that was purchased for my birthday party, unless I brought it with me somewhere.

Someone asked if us girls were in a band together, because we looked so fab. No, I am not in the band, but I am, in fact, a super fabulous ROCK STAR.

P.S. J. Marie cut my hair. It is looking pretty fab, but my bangs are a constant battle.

photo shoot with some pretty ladies

2009-03-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of styling my friends J. Marie and Jasmine of the band Oh Darling in a little photo shoot in the giant back yard of their house in Echo Park. It was my first time styling a photo shoot, rather than an event or just helping put together a series of outfits. We worked together with a mix of my clothes - some of them being worn for the first time - and their clothes, to create 3 looks to be snapped by the young photographer Jory Cordy.

I cannot describe how fun it was. It was not like work at all. I've had my doubts about pursuing a career as a stylist, but I realized that I was crazy for thinking it wouldn't work or I couldn't do it.

I can't wait to see how the photos turned out!!!! And I can't wait to do it again!

sat/sun

2009-03-01T20:42:00.000-08:00

Suddenly my life has gotten busy, and I cannot be more happy about it. I feel like I've been running around nonstop since Wednesday. YAY!!!!

After a Friday night of bar hoping, which led us to the conclusion that only the Gold Room is any good on the weekends, and that the cool kids don't stand in line, I spent my Saturday eating my way around the city. I seem to have developed a new weekend formula.

I went to lunch with Alexa, who finally returned from her European adventures at Alegria, where I had their amazing Huevos Rancheros. For those of you who I told I would never eat Huevos Rancheros again, because of my negative association with the word "huevos", I obviously lied. I cannot resist the goodness that is Mexican food with a fried egg on top. I also got a papaya and lemon smoothie thing that was delish. It was really nice to catch up with Alexa, whom I so missed while she was away, and to live vicariously through her Europe trip. We stopped by The Fix after lunch, where I got a cookie and coffee, which was totally unnecessary after I CLEANED my plate at Alegria.

(Thakoon for Target dress, Mother's belt from back in the day, Sigerson Morrison flats)

After napping off my food coma and re-grooming myself, I met my cousin and her BF and some of their friends for dinner at The Bowery on Sunset. I had read/heard about it a million times, and the fact that they are supposed to have the best burgers in LA. Katie and I shared the sliders, which were, in fact, very tasty. I don't know if they beat the Racquet Club's sliders, but maybe it is nostalgia that makes me say that. 2 of our dinner mates got the burger, which comes on an English Muffin. They both seemed very pleased with that concept, but I remain skeptical. I will have to go back and experience their burger another time, as the sliders came with regular hamburger buns. I think it is safe to say, I did a little bit of binge eating yesterday. Whoops. It was lovely to see Katie and Jerod though, and I promised to go visit them in Manhattan beach on a Friday and spend the evening with them after a relaxing day at the beach. I wish I could have been more fun and stayed out later with them, but I had to behave and be ready for the photo shoot today!

(Vena Cava dress, Vanessa Bruno blazer, Costume National shoes, Abaco purse, antique bracelet)

I was super excited about my outfit, BTW, because this is one of my dresses I got at the Barney's Warehouse sale. As for the shoes, I bought them years ago at Halo and never wore them - to young and not sophisticated enough to wear all the beautiful clothes I owned - but have recently rediscovered them,and have gotten quite a lot of wear out of them in the past few months. If I had dates to go on, this would be the outfit. The photo is awfully dark, but the fabric is beautiful. That is what those girls do best, interesting silk prints made into pretty date dresses!

As for the photo shoot...It was so fun. I don't know why I ever doubted wanting to be a stylist; it is like playing dolls with humans! I have lots of photos and more stories to tell, but will have to post about it later. I must rest for my big day tomorrow, first day of the internship!

crafty times

2009-02-28T11:34:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I met J. Marie and Jasmine at the Fix to grab a coffee, then we went to Michael's to get some crafty supplies to make some crazy head pieces for their photo shoot that I will be styling on Sunday. We ended up taking over the living room at the Darling Mansion with tulle, ribbon, glue, glitter, bows, birds...There will be a video of the experience soon.

Here are some of the fruits of my labor. This one started as a head band from H&M that I bought years ago for a Halloween costume. I added more tulle, tons of feathers, and the vintage brooch.

This one started as a plastic Goody Headband! I think it is la pièce de résistance...

I am seriously considering opening an Etsy store, filled with my various crafty things (cake toppers, headbands, decorations...) Considering I have no income, it would be nice to get 40 dollars here and there.

christopher bailey, will you marry me?

2009-02-27T19:07:00.000-08:00

Leave it to the Italian shows to renew my faith in fashion. After the giant disappointment of London, Milan is kicking it up a notch.

Christopher Bailey presented an awesome collection for Burberry Prorsum that was part prairie, part Gothic, part Victorian bag lady. It was super dark and sombre, yet at the same time totally youthful.

(wwd.com)

He brought the hemlines down to right below the knee, with flowing, dirndl skirts coming out of slim and shrunken bodices. Refreshing after all the bandage dress bullshit, no? The white dresses with the gray tights and crazy platform sneaker booties are so simple, yet perfect. I wish I could describe them better, they are sort of baby doll, but not really. My costume history is failing me right now. And I love the felted wool cowls with the heavy sweaters, I just cant imagine how ginormous they were before they were felted. The fur cowls are lined in the Burberry plaid, it's a nice ode to classic Burberry.

Check out these crazy shoes. Crazy.

(style.com)

ermanno scervino, i'm sort of obsessed with you

2009-02-27T11:59:00.000-08:00

I was browsing the Milan shows, and came across a name I'd never heard before. The Ermanno Scervino show is a funny mix of bad-ass boots and party dresses with rad jackets and cheesy charmeuse red carpet dresses. This weird combination can be found a lot in Milan; as much as the Italians are the masters of tailoring, they have a major cheese factor, especially with the lesser known brands. But when you take out the cheesy and not very well done red carpet dresses you are left with some awesome tailored winter coats and hot hot dresses. And let's not forget those boots.

(wwd.com)

I know the combination of puffer jacket and fancy dress has been done before, but these puffer jackets are just too cool. And I might just have to kill someone to get one of those knit collared coats.

Off to be crafty with some ladies! Michael's here we come!!!

london fahsion week: good riddance

2009-02-27T11:04:00.000-08:00

I just caught up on London Fashion Week. It is just me, or was it a giant disappointment. There was not one collection that blew me away, barely even any collections where I was impressed with more than one look, and as far as I could tell they all chose Balenciaga as their main reference. And not old school Balenciaga, but last season Nicolas Ghesquiere Balenciaga, who, by the way, I think must dream in robots.

polyvore: absolute genius

2009-02-26T19:31:00.000-08:00

So, I got an email from my friend Katie the other day, talking about Polyvore and the DIY trend boards that the site offers. I'd heard of Polyvore as a trend forecasting site, and sort of explored it myself, but never really realized that you could make these!!!! Totally genius.

They are called "sets" and Polyvore pulls for multiple online resources to find the images, including retail and image sharing websites. You can search by color or silhouette, and if you don't want to use an item immediately, you can save them to a file. There is also the option to upload your own images. Then you can search other users and look at their sets. It's essentially another online fashion community, but instead of just posting photos of you daily outfits, you get to express your creativity beyond styling.

I LOVE making collages. Probably more than designing or styling clothes. That is the reason I was so interested in trend forecasting, because I saw it as basically getting to make collages all day long - I know that's not totally true - but it's what I find most exciting and interesting in the design process. Being a trend forecaster has all the elements of design that appeal to me. But the research is just so fun for me, and then the process of cutting out the images, arranging them, and gluing them, is just so calming and satisfying.

I am still getting used to the process of collages on the computer, the subtleties and texture of the different papers, and you can't be as precise on Polyvore as you could be with Photoshop. It's just not the same as working with paper, scissors and glue, and you can tell from my sets that I'm a little rusty with digital collages. But, I predict lots of time spent on Polyvore making more of these.

(my collages via polyvore.com)

insanity at the gold room, coffee the next day to discuss said insanity

2009-02-26T16:09:00.000-08:00

Last night was one big circus. Random dude followed me to a bar, where I was chillin' with my friends. I was mortified. I couldn't stop laughing. I was horrified. OMG. It was like we were in a movie, as Jasmine said, that stuff couldn't be written. She does have it on film, but it was awfully painful to watch, as my voice is slightly abrasive and it's mainly me and J. Marie laughing, while Jasmine and Cory call Creep-0 a creep. I'm new to this whole, giving boys my number thing. It was one of those instances when I was half way through reciting my number, I had this sinking feeling that it was not a good idea. But instead of being smooth and throwing in a different number, I gave him the real thing. Boy did that backfire. Lesson learned, and once again the Gold Room never fails to disappoint.

Here is what I wore to what turned into a hysterical disaster. I have decided that it is much more fun to wear dresses at night, and since I have about 300 of them, I should only wear dresses after dark. So, goodbye jeans with heels!

(Vanessa Bruno Jacket, Urban Outfitters t-shirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs jeans, DIY Target shoes, antique ivory bracelet, mom's pocket watch, vintage LOVE ring)

Today, after a very uneventful morning, I met J. Marie and Jasmine for coffee at the Fix. I also sampled the ladies' signature lavender honey latte; it was amazing. The honey and the lavender go perfectly together and taste good with the coffee. I also brought some of the amazing vegan cookies from TJ's as a little treat for us. I know it is totally inappropriate to BYO cookies to a coffee shop, but when the coffee is 5 dollars, I think it's less offensive.

Although this outfit gave me no waist definition, and sort of gives me the look of a beer belly, there was something about the simplicity that I loved. I am also trying to wear lipstick more often. But somehow it always ends up all over my face...

(Dusty t-shirt, Comptoir des Cotonniers skirt, L'Autre Chose shoes, vintage bracelet, fish bracelet from X-Mas popper)

bomb diggity

2009-02-26T15:56:00.000-08:00

I was flipping through my March issue of Elle Magazine, silently analyzing the various fashion spreads, when I can across this one.

(scanned images from Elle Magazine)

I was thinking how it was by far the best one in the issue, and how her hair was amazing, and how I wanted that glittery, messy eyeliner, when it clicked. I remembered Darlene going to the desert on a shoot for Elle, and I was right when I guessed this was it. Of course, hers would be my fave. Stylist Sarah Richardson and photographer Richard Bush didn't do a bad job either. ; )
Yes, I just did a winky face.

It has also inspired my next haircut, that J. Marie has kindly agreed to do, as well as inspire me to get my super blond hair back, no more of this "natural looking" grow out for me. I want to be BLOND. Why is it that the word "blond" just doesn't look right to me without an "e" on the end, which is totally incorrect.

2 day work week

2009-02-25T15:56:00.000-08:00

Yay for me! I now have a job (internship) starting on Monday, 2 days a week. Yippee!!!! They even complimented my portfolio.

Here is what I wore. I thought I looked very stylish walking down Melrose Avenue, carrying my portfolio with my big sunglasses, reflected in the glass windows of stores. Do you ever wish you had a professional photographer following you around. Because, I mean, I can take a reflection pic myself, but the walking shot is just so much betters. Oh well, here are the living room self portraits. The second photo really looks like I'm not wearing anything underneath the dress. But I assure you, I am most definitely wearing a full slip. Those are not my bare boobs!

(Vena Cava dress, Abaco Paris belt, Mossimo Dutti jacket, unnamed cashmere scarf, Vince Camuto shoes, antique ivory (don't kill me) bracelet, vintage silver bracelet, and you cannot see it, but my lucky Eiffel Tower necklace)

I was telling my sister that good things are starting to happen, because she brought me back my Eiffel Tower necklace (the one that broke on my drive down here, causing all the doom that followed). But, maybe I just had to be patient. I'd rather give mad credit to the necklace though.

After a celebratory Pinkberry, for lunch, I went to Target for cat food, and left with a congratulatory necklace from the Erickson Beamon for Target collection.

(target.com)

I am dying over it. But, every time I look too closely I can see it's a bit of a piece of shit. But fab. So it cancels out the crap-ness. And I still want all the cocktail rings, which are totally amazing and impractical.

out of touch

2009-02-25T10:09:00.000-08:00

For various reasons, I am not at all caught up with what is going on with the Fashion Weeks. I missed the last day of NY and the important shows that day held and I haven't even peaked at London. I will spend some time today or tomorrow catching up and give you my opinions then. Also I should probably mop my floor, as I'm still finding sticky spots from my party. Champagne makes people messy.

Now I am putting some finishing touches on my portfolio for an interview today!!!! Fingers crossed please!!

I will, of course, be wearing something fabulously stylish, like this outfit from Paris, taken at Place de la Concorde.

(Vivienne Westwood blazer, Anthropology top, Cheap Monday jeans, fabric scrap of scarf, Clements Ribeiro - never let me down - boots)

monday night at the silverlake lounge

2009-02-24T10:05:00.000-08:00

Last night, after I'd stuffed my face with all of the left over pizzas from my party, J. Marie called me and invited me to join her, Jasmine and Daven at the Silverlake Lounge to see some local bands. I said of course, because I no longer say no to social interaction and I've never been to the Silverlake Lounge, even though I've driven past it about a million times. Apparently they think music is salvation?

The first band we saw was Union Line, a band of 5 cute guys with lots of hair who all sang and banged on drums and played the harmonica. It was super entertaining. Apparently, the reason we went to the show was to see the Love Grenades, because their manager wants Oh Darling to play with them. Well, the Love Grenades were absolutely awful. The lead singer was clearly wasted and kept swearing and messing up, yelling "louder" to her keyboard guy, and stopping half way through songs to start over. The drummer sounded like he'd never played before, and the poor guy on guitar was so embarrassed he looked like he wanted to cry. The crowd cheered when she said it was their last song, and that is when we left. I can't complain though, because it was free.

We ended up at my favorite, The Gold Room, so the Darlings could experience the glory of the neon and glass panelled bar, free tacos and peanuts and old men named Pepe who "know about music." Awesome. Jasmine and J. Marie are sooooper fun, and they like to dress up in fabulous outfits like I do, which only makes things more fun!

(Photos of us girls courtesy of Jasmine)

Oh and did I mention that my b-day present from Juan is my ticket to Coachella!!! Dehydration here I come!!

b-day celebrations

2009-02-23T18:56:00.000-08:00

CUPCAKES and candles!!!

My presents!!!!

From the photos, it looks like it was just me, all dressed up, celebrating my birthday by myself. But I promise you, I had a whole group of people over!

I wore a 3.1 Phillip Lim dress that I found at the Barney's sale. It is so fab. The front is all sophisticated and simple, but the "jewels" are covered in leather. Then the BACK, omg. It is mesh. SO hot.

Decorations made out of a road map of Los Angeles. I cut out the letters to spell my name, but I thought it wasn't appropriate to personalize it when I made them myself.

Star Gazer lillies and macarons. 2 of my favorite things! The macarons were no La Durée, but they were pretty tasty none the less! The caramel ones were by far the best.

living room

2009-02-23T17:33:00.000-08:00

Here is my living room in all it's glory.

You can tell I haven't lived here for too long, because the stack of magazines is rather small, and they have yet to start taking over the entire apartment. The Chesterfield couch was found on Craigslist with a matching chair that is in my bedroom, from a kooky lady that was moving to the Middle East. The coffee table is CB2 and the fuzzy rug is something that my mom has had for years and tried and tried in vain to put in my bedroom, but never had much success. I think it looks great, but that thing sheds like crazy. If my cat didn't love it so much, I might not have the patience for it. The wicker screen behind the couch covers the oddly placed heater. It covers the ugliness, but makes the heater quite ineffective.

I am especially proud of my zebra pouf. I made the slip cover myself, and thinks it adds that touch of animal print that the room was screaming for.

As you can probably tell, I am (was) a huge fan of Domino Magazine. Unfortunately for me, decorating doesn't come totally naturally to me, I have to search for inspiring images, and Domino was packed full of them.

The pink chair I brought from home, and the Air France poster from Kate's GM that took me 5 years to get framed.

My Ikea bookshelf with it's tchotchkes and photos and THE Tim Walker book. Eventually some photos will make it into my bedroom, but no shelving in there, means no place to put them. So for now, it is my shrine to my family and friends.

My desk and drawers from CB2, a Milton Wilson chair I brought from my parent's house and my ever changing wall of inspiration. My sister suggested I frame a huge piece of wallpaper and hang it above the desk. I think that might be super fun!

You can see the corner of my uselessly small TV in the last photo. I know I need to upgrade, but there are things I want more than a very small and very expensive flat screen TV. Alexa says I need to get some opera glasses, especially when there is something on TV that require reading. I'll make due with squinting for now.

birthday weekend over

2009-02-23T15:26:00.000-08:00

I had a super fun birthday weekend, my sister came down to visit, and we basically ate (while I simultaneously drank) our way around Los Angeles. As usual, I didn't take enough pictures, like slim to none, so all I really have are my memories...ahhhhhhhh.

We ate 2 delish meals and spent way too much time in the car on Friday at Ford's Filling Station - where we saw Luke Wilson!!!! - then at Canelé, which wasn't as good as the last time I ate there, but tasty none the less. I did get a ticket while at dinner, it is a pain that parking laws are completely different in every city within Greater Los Angeles, they really are the fastest way to throw money down the toilet. LAME.

Saturday, my actual b-day, was fab. We started the day with giant muffins from La Brea Bakery, papaya, coffee and PRESENTS!!!!! I got the one thing I really wanted, Ugg slippers - so glamorous, I know - plus some awesome surprises, most exciting was the CHANEL WALLET!!!! Now, I am officially a grown-up. Because only grown-ups have Chanel wallets, even when their mom buys them for them. Lunch and champagne at Blair's was followed by the best/worst pedi/manis and then it was time to get ready for the partay!

I had a lovely get together with my friends, with amaaaazing chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting, tons and tons of champagne and macarons from Paulette and of course, failed to take any pictures of the festivities. But I did manage to take some photos of the apartment (well, living room) decked out in all it's festive glory. I will post them later.

We ended the weekend with lunch at Gingergrass, a trip to the fancy new Glendale mall, where we shopped (I tried on all the headbands at Crewcuts and finally decided on a belt to wear as a headband. Good thing little girls are so little, then I can wear their belts on my head), ate gelato and watched Shopaholic, then we finished the night by watching the last hour of the Oscars, which I found boring, while eating party leftovers. Where were all the famous people??? Where were Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, the Wilson brothers??? Why was Miley Cyrus there and not them???

I was very sad to drop my sister off at the airport this morning, but happy about our successful weekend. Instead of getting back into real life, I've spent the day snoozing and snacking. Real life starts on Tuesday.

I am now officially 24, and officially unemployed. If I am lucky, 24 will be as good as 22 and 23. Even though there were some rough patches in both those years, they have been a whirlwind of excitement, with world travel and lots of accomplishments, and full of learning curves. For the first time in my life I have been really comfortable and happy with myself, my choices and my surroundings. It is a good feeling. I just hope that it continues!

My only problem is that I cannot stop eating the cupcakes and cookies that are still in my fridge. It seem such a waste to throw such delicious things in the trash. But the size of my butt after a weekend full of drinking and desserts is beginning to concern me.

omagiodmfgaldkafgj!!!!

2009-02-19T12:47:00.000-08:00

OMG. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. My sister comes into town today for a birthday visit, and I am just dyyyyyyyying with anticipation. I've cleaned my house, planned absolutely every place we are going to eat for the next four days, sent out the birthday party invitations (via the FB, but whatevs) and am having a really hard time resisting the urge to jump up and down!

Yay for sisters!

oooh, i absolutely love this

2009-02-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

I've never been too into Richard Chai, in fact, I cant remember ever looking at his collections. But I am in LOVE with his collection he presented in NYC yesterday. The leather jackets are to DIE for and the plaid dresses??? I would like look number 1 please, including the tights and shoes, thankyouverymuch and chargeitplease!

(wwd.com)

Even he has great style. Love the unlaced, brown Timberland's with the gray pants. I did browse his previous collections after this one caught my attention, and they are all pretty bad-ass. This guy knows how to do some pretty fab tailored pants for the ladies. And his shoes, let's not forget how rad they are too.

Also, Proenza Schouler really disappointed after their Pre-Fall collection that was absolute perfection. As I said before, they really do flip flop between a young client and a more matronly one. I don't even know if you could consider this collection matronly, but it is certainly not young and fresh like the previous one. COME ON GUYS!!!! You know how I struggle with you! Get it right!

the world

2009-02-18T10:15:00.001-08:00

Here is a map that I found online somewhere, while searching for a map of the world to hang in my kitchen to document my travels. Cheesy? Probably, yes.

(google images)

I like the color and that there is no differentiation between the countries. If I could have ordered this one instead of the one I found, I would have. I love that I would have had to approximate where to put the pins.

And here is the bedroom that I feel must have been inspired by this map, even though I know it wasn't, from one of my new favorite decor blogs, Shannon Fricke.

(shannon fricke)

Minus the ugly lamp and uselessly small side table, I think it might be my new dream bedroom. I've never seen a bed without a headboard look so polished. It's all about the color of the wall behind it that makes it look intentional rather than not being able to afford the desired headboard. And the empty picture frame!! I love it.

Speaking of home decor, I got my new camera yesterday (YIPEEEE!!!!) so I will be taking some photos of the apartment tomorrow, once I have cleaned and added some fresh flowers, and post them in my ode to poor Domino Magazine.

those boots!

2009-02-18T09:26:00.000-08:00

Rodarte showed a stellar collection yesterday in NYC. Check out those boots by Nicholas Kirkwood.

(wwd.com)

mj, how do i love thee?

2009-02-17T11:33:00.000-08:00

I went through a phase of really hating Marc Jacobs. It came after years of loving him and all his work. I think it happened right after my senior year of school; I just got sick of him and thought he was over exposed and extended and wasn't producing the quality of work that I had originally associated with him. Then I saw the Fall 2008 Louis Vuitton show in Paris, with the platform shoes and the crazy hats, and watched the documentary Marc Jacobs/Louis Vuitton and I changed my tune. He re-inspired me to want to design again, after really really wanting to take another direction with my career (who knows if design is where I will end up at this point, but whatevs). Whatever slump I thought he was in, he is out of.

(wwd.com)

I love how he keeps things playful and young, and that it's a totally different direction from last season and the American Rhapsody business - that was totally genius - it's happy and fun. And I def see Lady Gaga in that pink hooded coat with the sunglasses. I wonder what he was listening to when he put this collection together???

Now I am off to the DMV to make myself a more official California resident, for now, at least.

valentine's day

2009-02-16T16:24:00.000-08:00

Here's what I wore out, when I finally decided to socialize with some friends on Valentine's Evening for some tasty, fancy cocktails at Mixville Bar on Rowena, then over to Little Cave in Highland Park. From one extreme to the other. I was dying to wear this Mayle dress that I got at the Barney's sale, I've never bought anything from her that was under 200 dollars! HOLLA!

Mayle dress, Sigerson Morrison flats, Loeffler Randal for Target purse.

After looking at the pictures, I think I should have gone with my other outfit idea, the dress and my hair might not have been meshing well, and I probs should have gone with heels. Oh well!

Vanessa Bruno dress and heels, AA tights, Abaco belt.

ny fashion week day 2 and 3

2009-02-16T11:57:00.000-08:00

I've not been super impressed with Fashion Week so far. Nothing seems too original or innovative, it all seems like different versions of looks I've seen before. And there has most definitely not been a collection where I would die for all the looks.

Oh well, here are some that stood out a bit above the others from Araks, ADAM, Akiko Ogawa, DKNY, Alexander Wang, Wren, Vena Cava and some others.

(style.com and wwd.com)

Now I must get over being a waste of space and get back to work on my portfolio.

who needs the real thing when you have costume?

2009-02-14T19:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am home on Valentine's Day evening, watching cheesy movies, eating pizza, and looking online.

I was talking to my mom earlier, and we remembered our dream necklace. I almost asked for that and only that for Christmas this year, but it was sold out when it came time to commit. But now, it's back. And I'm drooling just thinking about it.

(balenciaga.com)

I would never take it off. Ever. Well, maybe to shower, as it's costume jewelry, so it might not survive the water like the real thing would. But you get the idea.

love

2009-02-14T13:53:00.000-08:00

(Sarah Cox Photography)

Happy Valentine's Day!

beef

2009-02-13T20:57:00.000-08:00

I made this cake topper for my sister's wedding this past summer, after she pointed one out to me that was like, 300 dollars, in a magazine. Okay, so I know I was originally inspired by another person's idea, but I made sure to make it unique and MINE. I used antique materials - silk flowers, snow glitter - and the base is a little box that can opens, to hide treasures.

Today, my mother went to Twist, and promptly sent me this picture.

Is it just me, or is the resemblance uncanny? Everything that makes my cake topper mine, is in this cake topper. I just hope this is not some Portland based person, because I might have to kill them. JKFR. No, not JKFR. I'm flabbergasted.

Needless to say, come to ME when you need a cake topper.

ny fashion week, day 1

2009-02-13T14:20:00.000-08:00

That's right my friends, it is Fashion Month again. Oh, how I wish I was living it, like the good ol' days, but unfortunately for me, I moved home from Paris, then to LA, where I am stuck for the foreseeable future. I have to admit, I really looked forward to Fashion Month, because, even if I couldn't travel to all the fab cities with my boss, and only got to see the Paris collections, while he was off traipsing in the other Lands of Fashion, I was on a mini vacation; coming into the office for an hour or so every day, and spending the rest of the time running around Paris with my friends, and drinking far more than I would if I had to work daily.

Here are my favorite looks from day 1 of New York Fashion Week. From Yigal Azrouel, Monique Lhullier, Catherine Holstein, Rachel Roy, Peter Som and Rebecca Minkoff.

photo credit: style.com and wwd.com

LOVE LOVE LOVE the zebra furry coat with the kaleidoscope dress, the shredded tee's under the formal gowns (I would really consider Monique Lhullier to be more couture than RTW, especially since those gowns are made to order, but whatevs), everyone disregard of political correctness and their use of fur, and the cropped creamy sweater (DIY project??).

the countdown begins: mcq alexander mcqueen for target

2009-02-13T10:57:00.001-08:00

I tried to check and see if I had already written about this, but I don't think I have because I could never find the launch date. Just another way to keep us anxiously twiddling our thumbs. On March 4, the McQ Alexander McQueen for Target line is launched.

Inspired by Brit rockers, especially Leila Moss of The Duke Spirit, the collection is all legs, leather, gray denim, studs, and leggings.

photo credit: target via nylon.com

I am a fan of the leather vest, but after seeing the thrifted one I saw another blogger got for 6 dollars, the 129.99 price tag seems extreme.

I am not sure how much I will like it. As the McQ line tends to, it does not really do Alexander McQueen's vision and talent justice. But it looks very Alexander Wang, hipster, rocker, which as much as I tend to diss the look, I secretly love. So, if I love it, my shopping ban might be lifted for its release, but I am seriously trying to quit spending money on clothes and spend it on my house or activities, or food, or things that aren't THINGS.

inspiration for 2.12.09

2009-02-12T14:24:00.000-08:00

I have not been posting recently for a few reasons: I was suddenly inspired to add to my portfolio, so I have been frantically working on that, I have lost motivation for the blog in general, I've been fighting the unemployment blues, and I've been working on other projects around the house (pics of those later).

So, here are some images I've collected in the past few weeks that have lifted my spirits a bit in this mildly (majorly) depressing time in my life.

photo credit: style.com, the sartorialist, garance dore, the foxy man, eddie ross, dominomag.com, lagarconne.com, stylesightings, amlu

My mom says a little bit of turquoise goes a long way. Obviously, I totally disagree.

The end...for now.

barneys ny warehouse sale

2009-02-09T20:09:00.000-08:00

I must admit, I went a little crazy at the semi-annual Barney's Warehouse Sale in the Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport on Monday. I basically tried on anything and everything that was in or near my size, no matter what the price, just for fun. But, beyond than the overwhelming desire to get everything, and the fact that I did splurge a bit, I think someone up there likes me. Because out of all my finds, I came across my dream shoes.

photo credit: barneys.com

And they were way way way way way on sale. And, even though my birthday is right around the corner, my mother bought them for me as a Valentine's Day gift. Mom's make the best Valentine's if you as me.

I found a few other amazing things, including a beautiful Lanvin dress for my mom to wear to her PNCA Gala she is planning in May, as well as a little something for me to wear - though it was nearly in tatters, it's price tag made it irresistible and the work worth it. I will post pictures when I have my new camera in hand, sometime next week!

drinks at the gold room

2009-02-04T14:41:00.000-08:00

I met my old friend Cory for drinks last night. After out last outing together to all the bars that are within walking distance, we both agreed that the Gold Room was by far the best. We came to this decision partially based on the fact that they Gold Room Special is a beer - I'm pretty sure it's PBR - and a shot of tequila for 4 dollars, as well as the fact that the DB factor seemed to be less than that of Little Joy or Short Stop. I now have more reason to love this funny little dive bar on Sunset. Not only do they slap down a basket of peanuts when you order, they also have free chicken tacos. FREE TACOS?!!?! It gets better, as we were sitting at the bar, mariachi band walked in. All that's missing is a dance floor. Basically, it was amazing. If I had more self control when I went to bars, I might just become a regular there.

This is what I wore, nothing fancy:

L.A. Eyeworks glasses, Thakoon for Target t-shirt, tattered Cheap Monday Jeans, Urban Outfitters studdy belt, Gaspard Yurkievich heels.

God, could I look more gloomy?? Actually not one of my best outfits. Oh well, I just really wanted to wear those shoes, as they are so so so freaking comfortable, and thought the holey jeans would make them more appropriate for the dirty hipster bar. This is what happens when I start to worry about what other people think of my clothes, I end up looking silly.

things that inspire me...pause not.

2009-02-02T17:38:00.000-08:00

Is it just me, or is it harder than hell to be creative and stylish with what you wear when it is 85 degrees or more out?

I mean, I could just wear sun dresses, but it's only February, and I can only handle wearing sundresses everyday starting in April. And I can't tell you how not interested I am in wearing my cut-offs, since I feel like I only recently put them away for winter. Yet another reason, why I am destined not to last in LA for too long. I miss seasons and layers and rain and cold.

So, apparently times have changed for me, and I no longer desperately seek sunny weather.

givenchy couture

2009-02-01T12:32:00.001-08:00

Riccardo Tisci kept things light for Givenchy Couture this season, from the colors to the fabrics to the petals on the runway - except for the giant chains that were featured on a few fab looks. My favorites were the looks that had the bandage/corsetry under the sheer top layers.

photo credit: style.com

I really like the departure from black, but it is still totally goth. Beeeauuuutifulll.

Also, I feel like I might be the only American who was not invited to a Super Bowl party today. Although I always feel fat and guilty after spending 3 hours eating junk food and drinking beer, it is usually a good time. Hrmmmmmmm. Sad.

2 outfits, 1 day

2009-02-01T11:45:00.001-08:00

I decided I should get out of the house and enjoy the sunshine yesterday, instead of moping inside my daylight free apartment. So I drove over to a part of Burbank I had never encountered before, in search of my fancy schmancy Bumble and Bumble Treatment shampoo and conditioner, that I am totally obsessed with. I forgot how nice people in Salons are, I made a new BFF when the guy helping me found out I am from Portland, even though he touched my fried hair with a little bit of pity and disgust, I forgave him because he is from the PNW. It turns out the salon was on West Magnolia Street that has all the vintage stores that people rave about, but wont tell you where the are. I refrained from buying anything, but was thoroughly pleased with the 3 I went into, and I'm pretty sure there are about 5 more, along with a leather outlet that claimed to have fancy brands. I will definitely be making a trip back there when I have cash flow, stamina, and a partner in crime.

I then made a trip to Target for some necessities, and proceeded to try on the one of the Thakoon bikinis, and decided I was just not ready to go there.

Alexa then came over and we went to Alegria on Sunset for some delish Mexican food. It is by far my favorite Mexican restaurant in LA, partially because it is guilt free and non-greasy, but mostly because it is absolutely amaaaazing. I had the fish tacos, and she had the veggie burrito. Yum. It would be more my fave if they served booze, it is BYOB though, which sort of makes up for it. But you cant really BYO margaritas. Lame.

My 2 outfits for the day.

Left: Ray-Ban sunnies, Stella McCartney cotton jacket, Gap tank, Earnest Sewn Jeans, Sigerson Morrison sandals and Mayle purse. Right: Wesc faux-wrap sweatshirt, Inhabit tank, Earnest Sewn jeans, DIY studded Target heels and Abaco France purse.

dinner at gingergrass

2009-01-30T21:46:00.000-08:00

I was dyyyyyying for some pho this past week, and lucky for me Juan was easy to convince to join me. We drove past Pho Cafe on Sunset, and I decided it would be better to go to Gingergrass on Glendale Boulevard instead, because I was jonesing for one of their fancy mimosas. We both got the pho, and I got a delicious mimosa with blood orange and lychee while Juan got the most amazing drink ever: limeade mixed with - if I remember correctly - one of the cheapest Vietnamese beers out there. It was so tasty. Like a Corona with a sugary lime, and served on ice with a straw.

And this is what I wore today and out to dinner:

Old Navy striped t-shirt (I cut the hood off), J. Crew v-neck, Isabel Marant skirt, L'Autre Chose leopard flats.

I was channelling my inner French Girl, and added my leather jacket and a floral scarf when I went out. Can you tell I cut my own bangs the other day??? I think they might be a little out of control. Whoops.

margiela artisanal

2009-01-30T10:31:00.000-08:00

Fighting some serious homesickness and unemployment blues...

Here is the amazing "fur" coat from Martin Margiela Artisanal collection, made out of the plastic things that attach the store tags.

photo credit: wwd.com

Currrazzzzzy.

chanel haute couture

2009-01-28T14:31:00.000-08:00

Karl Lagerfeld never ceases to amaze me. Especially when you realize that he thinks of EVERYTHING. No team of designers. Nothing. Just him.

photo credit: wwd.com

To me this collection was all about the head pieces, not so much about the clothes. They were all made of 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper by Kamu, a Japanese hairdresser. Who would have thought that he was so highly criticized when he presented his first Chanel Couture show?

I love Freja as the bride, BTW. It is so great that she is so butch, but so feminine, even though she is wearing pants.

the king of couture: christian lacroix

2009-01-27T17:40:00.000-08:00

I know not everyone will agree with the above statement, what with the existence of Mr. Lagerfeld and Mr. Galliano, but I stand by it.

Anyhooo, Lacroix was, by far the most fun of all the shows I got to see last year. I just feel like he has the concept down, and adds so much fun to it. It's not about the tweed suits for him, it's about the beauty of the fabrics and the embroidery, and keeping the artisans alive.

My fave looks from the show:

photo credit: wwd.com

He always references Spanish/South of France costumes, and bullfighters, and always has the most fabulous stockings, but the other things change with the season. Looks number 1 and 4 are my absolute faves, as well as the tights in look 2.

couture...i might just have to cry about it

2009-01-27T16:49:00.000-08:00

It was a year ago that I had the life changing experience of going to the Couture shows in Paris. At this point, I had already experienced the stress and excitement of one RTW season and the less stressful and less exciting Men's season. Nothing could have prepared me for the fun and inspiring experience of the Couture season.

I had learned the ropes of what to wear to these things, and figured (correctly) that I needed to take it up a notch to evening/cocktail dresses for all hours of the day and to never say no to a glass of Champagne. Needless to say, I had SO much fun!

So, not only am I fighting crippling depression about being unemployed in a city that I finally have to admit that I really hate, it is couture week, and I'm not there.

that's what she said.

2009-01-26T17:44:00.000-08:00

Anyone who considers Barney's the Mother Ship, as I do, knows what the inside of their dressing rooms look like. For those of us who can't afford the entire store, we stick to the Co-Op. It was maybe a year and a half or so ago, that all the Co-Op dressing room walls were covered in the funniest little silhouette portraits in a rainbow of colors with the best one-liners below them that described the person in the portrait. It turns out that these portraits are by the artist Carter Kustera.

photo credit: jonathanadler.com

I was browsing the Jonathan Adler website, via Dominomag.com, and saw you can custom order these portraits through the Jonathan Adler stores. Genius. That is all I can say about that.

Then I tried to think of the quotes I would put under my friends' and family's portraits. That definitely created a good hour of entertainment. Lucky for them, they all have much more attractive profiles than poor Andy from the above portrait.

philippe starck louis (lou lou) chair

2009-01-21T18:48:00.000-08:00

I was going through my new Domino: The Book of Decoration, which is basically every one of my favorite photo shoots from the magazine bound in a book with a decorating dictionary, when I saw the cutest/coolest chair. It was clear plastic with a tint of pink in a modern take on a classic french chair. When I showed it to my friend Juan, he said something along the lines of "Oh yeah, those are great. I cant remember who makes them, but they are super expensive." He wasn't kidding.

photo credit: hivemodern.com

Turns out the chair I was so lusting over was the Philippe Starck "Lou Lou" chair, the kids version of the very famous, and très cher "Louis" chair. I found both versions on the Hive Modern website, which happens to be a Portland store, that has been in the Pearl since before it was mainstream. I am seriously considering if the child's chair would work for adults, as it it $133 compared to the adult version that is $410! Eek!

pendleton teams with opening ceremony???

2009-01-21T10:15:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought, right? Old school wool and blanket company Pendelton, from Oregon, is teaming up with boutique and design collaborator Opening Ceremony with a capsule collection for both men and women. I know hipsters have been hording vintage Pendelton shirts since the days when Rock-a-Billy was the hipster of choice. But as the hipsters keep taking over the world, they keep making more money - hence the progressively more expensive and fancy designer clothes.

photo credit: wwd.com

I'm not super into the girls looks - the skirts especially - but they do have an Isabel Marant-eqsue feeling to them, so I can't help but like them a little bit. I am loving the turquoise/blue plaid blazer that the dude is sporting, OMG so cute, I would wear it.

I did see a picture of some random and probably undeserving "it" girl sporting a small bag from the collection that definitely appealed to me though. I am also wondering if they will have some great coats, I can just imagine how cool they could be if done correctly. Big shawl collars, belted waist, and narrow sleeves in the turque plaid or the Indian blanket print...can't you see it???

fabruary vogue

2009-01-21T10:06:00.000-08:00

I have not been American Vogue's biggest fan in the past few years, regularly devouring British Vogue while quickly flipping through their American counterpart, but I've noticed a big improvement recently. Maybe it has to do with that article "Why Vogue Sucks" (or something like that) by Cathy Horn, published in the New York Times.

February was a refreshing improvement - minus the fact that almost every article focused on the recession - full of pretty editorial and good clothes. The Steven Meisel shoot was him at his best, pretty girls in soft light, lounging around or acting silly.

Then there was the little feature with Agyness Deyn (who, I must admit, bugs the hell out of me - but maybe it's just her hair) and her fiance Albert Hammond Jr. of the Strokes (my absolute FAVORITE band). It was so cute and sweet; I wanted to barf with every new picture.

photo credit: vogue

As for the cover shoot and story, here is what I think. We all know that Blake Lively is gorgeous, seriously beautiful. But, how tired are you of seeing her as a pin-up/bombshell. We get it! She is curvy with beautiful blond hair; give us something different!

proenza schouler pre-fall

2009-01-19T21:23:00.000-08:00

This is the last Pre-Fall posting, I swear. But, I had to write about Proenza Schouler, because I have an ongoing struggle with them, where my opinion is constantly changing. Then I saw how GOOD this collection was, and wished I hadn't posted half of the others that I did.

Since they started, I have always been slightly envious of their success and talent; I couldn't help thinking "GDMF!!!! Another Parson's Grad???" But, beyond my initial impression, I don't have a consistent opinion of them. These boys tend to switch back and forth from designing for the young, stylish girls that they surround themselves with to producing collections for the middle-aged Upper East Sider's who can afford their clothes. Just compare their bandage skirt collection from Spring 2007 to their following collection for Fall 2007. Since then, they seem to have found a middle ground that could appeal to both groups, or really the stylish 30 somethings that rule the fashion industry; this can be seen in their Fall 2008 collection.

As for THIS collection, it is once again designed for the Hot Young Things.

photo credit: style.com

There is something so VERY French about it. The layers of neutrals - mixing black, brown, white, navy and stripes is just SO very French - the slouchy chic, the black tights, the leather jackets. And those BOOTS. Especially those grey lace ups. What makes this collection thoroughly American, is the use of sparkle and shine, through the sequins and textured leather; it's that hi-low mix.

I basically want to be this woman. The slouchy, yet totally tailored clothes, the hot shoes and Hanne's hair is just perfection. I might just have to grow out my bangs. I would like think, this is how I dressed while living in Paris, and maybe that is why the collection appealed to me so much. It's got that Isabel Marant/Vanessa Bruno je ne sais quoi that I love so much.

Now, I must get off the computer and watch the inauguration. OMG!!!!!

jan/feb paris vogue + calender

2009-01-17T17:12:00.000-08:00

I was slightly panicked when I realized that I might have missed my chance to purchase the December/January issue of Paris Vogue, which always features a special edition calender full of all the newest models for the new year.

While I was still in Portland, I went to all 3 Rich's, and it was nowhere to be found. I went to a few different bookstores down here, with no more luck. Damn that Paris Vogue team that EVERYONE is obsessed with these days. As a last resort I went to one of the sidewalk newsstands, and of course, that is where I found it, right as the February issue is everywhere. PHEW! I was counting on that calender!

This year the photos were taken by Terry Richardson - normally not my favorite for his crotch shots of skinny, naked, American Apparel-esque girls smoking cigs - but this shot was fun. All pin-ups, garter belts, set hair and liquid eyeliner.

photo credit: Paris Vogue

As much as I am a super fan of Paris Vogue, the main issue was nothing to write home about, I was actually way more impressed with the February American Vogue (I know, right?). It was all dedicated to Princess Stephanie of Monaco. As I was not a conscious human being in the 80's and early 90's, she really doesn't mean much to me beyond being a Princess and the daughter of Grace Kelly. I will have to read one of the articles, and maybe I will care more...

stud-a-licious

2009-01-17T11:15:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about studding up my Target stripper shoes, to make them look a little less like Shoes From Target, when I saw Rumi's post about her Converse. I was so excited to find my black on black Converse hi-tops in Paris for the same price as I would have paid in the States (Converse usually cost 80 Euros or so...) that I snatched them up. Once I had them, I found they were super hard to wear with pants - especially since black skinny jeans are my daily staple - that they made my legs and feet look like they were painted with black canvas. NOT cute. With tights, or leggings and dresses, they looked great. Anyway, I saw Rumi's Converse and thought that doing mine would be a good test run for my studding skills; canvas is much easy to work with than leather (or pleather).

The sneaks turned out great, though I totally ruined my right thumb nail in the process, it is still sore 2 days later.

Then, last night, I started my heels. I was channeling something Gucci-esque, or as Gucci as Target can get...

I can't decide if I should keep going or not. And please ignore the strange angle of the photos, I do not, in fact, have kankles.

parisians do pre-fall

2009-01-14T11:24:00.000-08:00

The French designers seem to stick to the winter-y side of Pre-Fall. That is probably because by the time September rolls through in Paris, the temperature has already plummeted to 45 degrees. The 2 collections worth mentioning are Alber Elbaz for Lanvin and Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga, obvs. Both houses are known for having some of the most expensive and intricate Ready-to-Wear collections, and as far as I'm concerned by FAR the most beautiful. From season to season, neither of them fail to inspire my imagination.

I absolutely love the editorial style of the Lanvin collection. And the sparkles, and that turquoise dress, and those boots...The New Look reference with look number 3 is beautiful. Elbaz always puts a quirky mix of Ladies Who Lunch and Pretty Young Thing into his collections, as seen with looks number 3 compared to number 6.

The pants and the 3 tone tights are pretty awesome in the Balenciaga group. The gorilla arm gloves are absolutely insane, but the fur vest is perfection.

photo credit: style.com

I'm so tired of Pre-Fall, I sort of want to barf. I mean, the Fall/Winter collections are being presented next month. WTF!??!!

bill cunningham

2009-01-14T10:38:00.000-08:00

When I was in Paris, for my first season of Ready-to-Wear shows in October of 2007, I first noticed this rumpled old man, hunched over, walking around outside the most important shows with his REAL FILM camera, clicking away and causally chatting with the various fashion big wigs. I could not, for the life of me, figure out who this man was. He seemed to be everywhere and know everyone and everyone seemed to know him too. Finally, on one of the last days of fashion week, when my boss decided to take me to the Stella McCartney show, for which I was devastatingly not prepared and under dressed, this old man, with his camera said "Hello, how's the leg?" while we were exiting the madness at the Trocadero. Who is this man? I thought, how can he know about my bosses leg? Godfrey, always friendly, said "Oh hi Bill. The leg's fine, thanks."

It turns out, this funny old man, was none other than Bill Cunningham of the New York Times. The man behind years and years of street photography and the Sunday Styles feature On the Street. I've been looking at those pictures since I was very young, and they are some of the first swipe I started pulling.

I recently discovered these great Audio Slide Shows on the International Herald Tribune's website. You get to listen to Bill knowledgeably chatter away, he has been in the industry for over 50 years, about the various women and styles that he photographed with his camera that he "uses like a notebook".

Fashion Barometer

Riding High

Keepers

They are a great way to pass 15 minutes. There are more of the fun Audio Slide Shows here.

more pre-fall

2009-01-13T11:46:00.000-08:00

For someone who spent 2 weeks stuck inside due to the unseasonably early snow storm, I really didn't hit up style.com enough. I found that quite a few more New York and Italian designers presented Pre-Fall collections, including Rag & Bone, Diane Von Furstenburg, Missoni, Versace, Phi, Narciso Rogriguez and Zero + Maria Cornejo among others.

I find it really interesting to see the different interpretations of what Pre-Fall is by the different designers. Some designers produce somewhat incomplete outfits, with only 1 or 2 pieces and very few accessories, while others have 3-4 pieces and tons of accessories and resemble a more complete look. Also, some designers seem to cater more to later summer/early fall with bare arms and legs and full on sandals, and others have jackets and tights and hats and gloves...clearly catering to colder weather. Personally, I think there is a delicate balance to make a Pre-Fall collection successful. It has to work when the weather is still warm, but easily work throughout the coldest months.

There are 4 designers who I really think got it right:

Missoni

Love the layering of the turtle neck t-shirts under the skimpy dresses...and obviously those patterned tights.

Phi

Diane Von Furstenburg

I love that this group is a little more airy and Summery while still applying to Fall.

Versace

photo credit: style.com

OMG. THOSE BOOTS!!!!! I love the bare leg peeking between the mini skirt and the boots.

The whole Pre-Fall thing really begs the question: In this economy, what is the point???

liberty + nike = sweet sneaks

2009-01-13T10:49:00.001-08:00

I first spotted these in the February issue of Teen Vogue. And man oh man was I smitten.

photo credit: nicekicks.com

Now, the angle of this pic is very strange, and makes them look like giant floral beasts. But imagine them in a dainty size 9 (HA!) and they are much more attractive.

Any one who knows me, knows I am obsessed with Liberty prints. It probably started from my infancy when I started wearing the smocked dresses that my mother made me, then the dresses my dolls wore, and then the dresses I made myself. At school, if it was possible, I would include a Liberty print as my print, to base the fabric story around. And don't even get me started about the store in London.

OMG. I almost died. Every product you could ever imagine in every Liberty print EVER. Unfortunately, the GBP was double the dollar at the time of my visit. Bummer. I did hear that the store might be going out of business, I will cry if that is, in fact, true.

Anyway, I will be dreaming of these sneakers in the days of unemployment ahead...

more golden globes

2009-01-12T19:14:00.000-08:00

My second favorite look of the night.

Elizabeth Banks in J. Mendel.
Though her hair sort of bothers me...

Check out Laura Dern's dress.

photo credit: style.com and yahoo.com

It's pretty awesome. I never would have pegged her for glamorous or for taking a fashion risk with the nude and the sheer black and the uneven hemline. At first I couldn't figure out who the designer is, but my intuition told me that it is either Chanel Couture or Alexander McQueen. Well, my intuition was wrong. It is Louis Vuitton. Could her man Ben Harper have more of a type, BTW? Tall, blond, middle aged bean poles.

nyc turns in to sprouse city

2009-01-12T17:32:00.000-08:00

There were 3 parties in one night for the late Stephen Sprouse in New York City last Thursday. The main event, for the fashion crowd at least, was the transformation of the Louis Vuitton store in celebration of the special (re)issue of the now infamous graffiti bag and a few new goodies as well.

Much to my surprise, when I was looking at the pictures of the party on style.com, who was the first face I saw? Portland native Paige Powell! Standing arm in arm with Marc Jacobs!!!

photo credit: style.com

Ms. Powell is well known in the art world for being, among other things, Andy Warhol's BFF. That alone makes her one of the coolest women ever, never mind that she helped run Interview magazine, is an art world big wig, founded the now defunct Pearl Art Foundation in Portland, is a social activist and all around fab person.

Basically, I would have killed to be at this party. There were few Hollywood celebrities and mostly art and fashion people, which makes it ALL the better.

golden globes

2009-01-11T22:54:00.001-08:00

I'm dying over this Lanvin dress that Maggie Gyllenhaal wore to the Golden Globes in Los Angeles tonight.

By far my favorite look of the evening. Also, I am having to admit to myself more and more how cute and stylish the Jonas Brothers are.

photo credit: yahoo.com

I mean, they are like 12, so they are still totally goofy, but those Jo Bro's are awfully cute.

back in the land of sunglasses

2009-01-09T17:55:00.001-08:00

After an extended visit in Portland, which included 2 weeks of being house bound due to snow, lots of eating, drinking and one epic new years, I am back in Los Angeles. I miss home, of course, but am determined to make this my home again, at least for now. Much to my discombobulated cat's dismay, I promptly rearranged my living room (for the 5th time), and I am almost satisfied. Now for the job...As my fortune from dinner tonight at Mao's Kitchen with Alexa said, this month will be full of life changing events!!!! Bring it.

thakoon for target

2009-01-05T16:33:00.000-08:00

I was finally able to get my mother and sister together for a trip to Beaverton to visit Target and see the Thakoon for Go International collection. As most people know, Target tends to be hit or miss, not just with the limited edition collections. All in all this trip was a major success, especially the Thakoon stuff.

As I mention in my previous post about the collection, I was super excited about the tie dyed t-shits. Well, I found the t-shirts and a great cardigan too.

As well as this striped top and this cute sun dress.

It is actually very hard justifying the purchase of a sun dress, but I reminded myself that I'll be back in Southern California at the end of the week, and I am a fan of wearing long sleeved t shirts under sundresses to make them seasonless.

My sister purchased a few things as well, including this sweater.

And this top.

photo credit for all photos: target.com

And I can't remember what else.

Pretty much everything looked good in the collection, minus a few things. I find that coats and jackets are worth spending the money on, and a bold print in a knee length jacket is just hard to pull off, on anyone, no matter how tall you are.

A dilemma that we did discuss, while trying on the entire collection in the dressing rooms, was how much of that tie dyed print can one really have in their closet? I am definitely pushing the limit with both a sweater and a t-shirt.

Among other things that I purchased outside the Thakoon collection, I found these great stripper-esque shoes.

I have to admit, I've been going a little shopping crazy, with sales and target and such. Once I get back down to LA, I'm going to have to take a hiatus. What is the point of getting rid of tons and tons of clothes before you move, only to buy more???? I guess it is the story of my life though...

x-mas gifts, part 2

2009-01-03T14:27:00.000-08:00

I've been collecting gold charms since I left for Europe in the summer of 07. Since then, I have been to many different corners of the world, including most of Western Europe and South East Asia. I've tried to get the charms in every city or country I visit, though they can be really hard to find, so I've gotten a few after the fact as well. I've also added a few from my mom that she had laying around.

For Christmas, I asked for a gold chain so I could finally start wearing all of my charms! And this, my dear friends is the bracelet in all its glory!

From left to right, here are the charms: Stained glass window from Notre Dame in Paris, Pilote basket/racquet from Biarritz, France, crown from London, airplane to represent my world travels, antique baby ring from an old friend, Saint Christopher charm (originally a gift from my dad to my mom), pineapple (gift from my sister and her husband from their honeymoon in Hawaii), Arc de Triomf from Barcelona, Tiffany's "F" from high school, a mountain cottage for my trip to the Alto Adige, a Gurgling Cod from Boston, a Basque cross from Saint Sebastian, Spain, a windmill for Amsterdam, and last, my father's fraternity charm.

Currently missing is an amethyst that fell out of it's setting on NYE when I was leaving my friend's house for the party. I went back 2 days later, and found it in the parking lot! I figured it was a good omen for the new year. I also wanted to get a little jade elephant when I was in SE Asia, but never found one that was right, so my search continues!

Needless to say, I am very proud of this bracelet and plan on wearing it as much as possible and adding to it with charms to represent everywhere I go and every important event in my life.

new years eve

2009-01-02T12:16:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve was spent just as I hoped it would be. Dressed in fabulous clothes, running around, dancing and screaming drinking champagne! I was invited to a big party with lots of U of O peeps and danced the night away!

Kate and Me looking fab before the party. My mother was thoughtful enough to bring us Kir Royales to sip on while we got ourselves ready!
Kate wears an old school Betsey Johnson Dress (I think my sister wore it in 8th grade?) with Nine West shoes, I am wearing a Sinha Stanic dress and Costume National shoes. I also rocked my charm bracelet for the first time, you can see it if you squint really hard at some of the pics.

Me, Sal and Kate.

The ladies. Notice Kate's fab leopard print jacket.

New Years day was a little painful. As I didn't find a couch to crash on till about 4:30. But, needless to say, the party was super fun, and I am thrilled that I got to spend it with one of my all time bff's!

x-mas gifts, part 1

2008-12-29T15:56:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the gap in posts. I was totally overwhelmed by the holiday season and was trapped inside for about a week due to 2 feet of snow. So there was not a lot going on worth writing about, other than the 500 movies I watched on instant Netflix.

This was definitely one of those Christmases where I knew going into it that it wasn't going to be outrageously fabulous, like they were when I was growing up. But I did get almost everything I asked for, which meant that I knew about all my presents. No big surprises this years.

The one gift I was not expecting was this scarf my mother knit for me.

Not only is is leopard print. It is knit on the bias. Pretty fab.

ladurée = cookie love

2008-12-19T13:47:00.000-08:00

I don't think it is really fair to call Ladurée macarons cookies, but that is probably the closest equivalent. In reality, Ladurée macarons (macaroons to some) are 2 small pieces of tender yet crunchy flavored cakes sandwiched with the creamiest of filling. They come in every flavor imaginable and all taste like little pieces of heaven. When you enter into one of their stores, you get to pick and choose from the hundreds of macarons spread out in front of you, in a rainbow of the prettiest colors, and then they are put in the sweetest of green boxes with gold foil detail. You cannot help but feel like Marie Antoinette when you eat them.

My sister and I were reminiscing about Paris the other day, while I was sitting in bed in Los Angeles and she in hers in Portland. I told her how I had been going through my daily blogs and saw that Alix of The Cherry Blossom Girl had made a trip to Versailles and brought along Ladurée macarons and some other beautiful pastries from their store. And since we are both obsessed with the Sophia Coppola film Marie Antoinette and Ladurée macarons we found it amazing that we hadn't thought of that ourselves! Part of the problem is that both times she came to visit me in Paris, it was the dead of winter, so traipsing through the grass in the gardens of Versailles with macarons and a bottle of champagne was just sort of out of the question. But we did promise each other that the next time we are in Paris, we will make the trip, baby and all!

I've never really had anything other than their macarons, but I found this on the website, and thought wouldn't that be the most amazing wedding cake ever?

all photos: www.laduree.fr

And the name makes it all the more enticing. L'Entremet Marie-Antoinette.

wine tasting partay at the murphy's

2008-12-18T14:23:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to be invited to my good friends' Linsday and Kevin's house for a wine tasting of Argentinian Wines from Anuva Vinos, a Buenos Aries based wine distribution club. Due to the stormy/snowy/icy weather, I had left 2 messages for them saying I wasn't coming and then I was. Due to the hilly location of my parent's house, I didn't know if I was going to be able to venture back out till about an hour before the party started. Man, am I glad I made it!

We tasted 6 bottles, 1 white and 5 red, and got the presentation straight from the founder and Portland native, Daniel Karlin.

The wines sampled were limited production, carefully selected Argentinian wines and included Anecon Torrentès 206 (white and delicious), Cavagnara Malbec Reserve 2004, Familia Mayol Bonarda 2005, Zaino Malbec Reserve 2004, Don Juan Reserve Blend 2004 and finally Mudai Pinot Noir 2005. By the 3rd bottle, I wasn't really paying much attention to the presentation and was interested more in socializing. But presentation or not, it was a super fun party.

The food and friends were fab; the Murphy's throw the wildest and most fun parties of anyone I know. In addition to the holidays, we got to celebrate Pat and Kelly's engagement (YAY!!!) and my homecoming (duh).

Mr. Murphy et Moi.

Lindsay, Kelly and Me.

Oh. And I got bangs.

Lindsay wears a J. Crew Sweater, Kelly a Marni Dress and I forget what label fabulous furry jacket and I wear a Gap men's flannel shirt, Petit Bateau t-shirt, Earnest Sewn Jeans, Vialis boots (not shown) and Bucherer watch.

I must repeat that day/nights outfit. As it was super comfortable, I first got dressed that morning at 5 am for my 7 am flight, and cozy for the cold weather. I topped the look of with my J. Crew (Balenciaga) Blazer and my DIY green cowl scarf.

Kevin in his Ugly Christmas Sweater. I think for a minute they thought about giving it that theme.

Thanks Lindsay and Kevin for a super fun time!

alex wang does pre-fall

2008-12-15T20:39:00.000-08:00

CFDA winner and industry favorite Alexander Wang presented a Pre-Fall collection December 12 in NYC.

It's more of the same for this kid. Lots of black and white knits with some leather and tailoring thrown in for good measure. He's really found his niche dressing the skinny hipsters who live in vintage t-shirts, leggings or ripped jeans, blazers or leather jackets and sky high heels. I'm not saying he's not good at what he does, all I'm saying is that I'm a bit bored with it.

Ennui aside, here are some of my fave looks. I do like the use of the sheer bike shorts, and the lazy biatch in me really likes the glorified sweatpants, but I feel like I've seen them somewhere before?

photo credit: style.com

no one said you have to be ugly in that ugly christmas sweater

2008-12-14T12:59:00.000-08:00

I went to an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party with Juan and Alexa last night. Instead of doing the Ugly Sweater thing, I went for a more Dr. Seuss approach. I spent a good hour hemming and sewing on the tinsel garland to my dress. I finished it off with my Santa dish scrubber and ombré tights from Target, my vintage shoe clips and patent leather accessories galore! I definitely wasn't the ugliest, but I might have been the silliest and most fabulous.

Alexa went all out with beaded vest, rhinestone t-shirt, leggings and mall bangs! They were crunchy!

Had to do an ugly pic in our ugly outfits!

pre-fall collections

2008-12-10T20:16:00.001-08:00

Since when are the Pre-Fall presentations full on runway shows???? This is definitely a new thing, because I was not sending out show requests for the Pre-Fall/Resort collections when I was in Paris. It makes sense that the designers are putting more press into these collections, as they are in the stores longer and sell more than the regular collections due to that time in the stores as well as the looks tend to be simpler and easier for the average customer to digest. But it just all seems awfully excessive to me. When is it going to stop? I know this has been said before by more important people, but next thing we all know, there are going to be collections between Pre-Fall and Fall.

Chanel had a fancy set, snazzy hair/headdresses and 66 Russian doll looks! I doubt this was Mr. Lagerfeld's intention, but with the holiday season it made me think of the Nutcracker (mixed with Starwars).

photo credit: style.com

As always, the above the knee, leather boots are flawless and swoon worthy, especially paired with the frilly, ruffled sweater dress. I love that they have become a staple in the Chanel collections. They are going to go down in Chanel history with the tweed suit and the quilted bags. Some of those looks were for men, all of the men's looks failed to impress me. For some reason the men's look for the Lagerfeld collection are great, but the Chanel looks never seem accessible, and the only man I can really see them in are Karl himself. The most amazing thing about the Chanel presentation is that you know Karl Lagerfeld doesn't really have a design team, he does most of everything himself, while the other designers putting out these in between collections have a million minions working with them to put out these extra looks...

Zac Posen sent down 22 femme fatale looks, in what looks to be a speak-easy. The leopard print fur and fringe brought to mind Lauren Becall from the Bogie days.

photo credit: style.com

We all know my obsession with leopard print. But OMG!!!!!!!!!! They are amazing. It's been a really long time since I've been at all into anything that Zac Posen has done, but he has a fan in me again. Note how annoyed the press looks. They are like, GDMF! I HAVE A MAGAZINE TO PUBLISH!

Doo.Ri presented a concise collection of feminine tailoring. My favorite being the first look with the sheer, beaded tank and the ruffle waistband trousers. It's a funny mix of sexy and edgy (top half and shoes) and ladies who lunch (trousers).

photo credit: style.com

Other designers who put on Pre-Fall presentations worth mentioning were Calvin Klein, Burberry Prorsum, and Narciso Rodriguez.

tights, tights, tights

2008-12-10T10:01:00.000-08:00

I received an email from my mom yesterday, requesting some suggestions for different tights to wear with her bright pink Marni dress. Since I no longer have immediate access to the best hosiery department ever that takes up a total of 3 rooms, at Le Bon Marché (a.k.a. the Mother Ship) I proceeded to do some online research. Oh, how I LOVE the Internet.

These were the options that I found that I thought we look cute with the bright bright pink dress, and were equally mom appropriate.

photo credit: nordstroms.com

After I researched on my own, I noticed that Susie had written about tights too. She led me to the NYTimes editorial, which featured these glorious Bestey Johnson heart tights. So cute, no?? I have searched far and wide and cannot find them in black, only red and white. The red is fun, but I'm far less likely to wear them than the black, and the white sort of looks like a funny skin disorder from far away. I am torn though, and might just get them anyway.

Also loved these Agent Provocateur tights stay-up thigh highs, though I would never wear them.

photo credit: nytimes.com

I am also looking for the perfect pair of lace stockings. When I was little, my mom bought me some really beautiful lace stockings in black and baby pink. I remember she made a point to tell me they were stockings and not tights, and she taught me how to put them on properly by rolling them up from my feet, one leg at a time rather than stuffing both my legs in as I would have done with my cotton tights. With these pretty lace tights she couldn't lift me by the waist band to make sure they were pulled up high enough and the crotch wouldn't slide down to my knees!!! What I would give to have them now in my size!

Though I didn't find the perfect lace tights, I might have found an adequate alternative at Urban Outfitters.

I also found these puppies, a very clear Chanel knock off, except for the fact that the Chanel stockings have a lace front instead of a sheer one. I can't decide what I think of the two tone on one leg thing, especially because I have a distinct memory of Godfrey and Marcus discussing them after the Chanel show (that I MISSED) how unattractive they were and how they made the model's spindly legs look fat. What would they do to mine then?

photo credit: urbanoutfitters.com

They are cool though. Too bad I live in the land of eternal Summer now, I'll probably just ignore the fact that it is too warm for tights and sport them anyway.

moving in

2008-12-09T19:25:00.000-08:00

So, I've pretty much done nothing for the last 5 days other than move into my apartment. I've been living here, furniture and clothing free for just over 2 weeks, but I couldn't stand it any longer and decided waiting for my giant moving box to arrive just wasn't going to happen. Saturday, I rented a U-haul, bribed some friends with lunch and champagne and the promise to continue being such a fabulous friend, and got my things from the storage facility and MOVED IN!!!!!!!!!! I was so excited to see my stuff that I jumped up and down squealing and clapping. But that really isn't too far off my normal behavior. I was actually more excited to have all my clothes than to sleep in a real bed, I'm so sick of the sight of those jeans, ballet flats and t-shirts that I've worn for the last month, not to mention that ugly suitcase! Although sleeping on the new mattress that was amaaaaaazing, it was the first thing I set up. It is much easier to sleep in when your bed is basically a giant, fluffy pillow. The second thing I set up was the TV, which could have been a major mistake...I forgot what it's like to have access to a TV that isn't in the middle of a crowded house full of people and dogs. And apparently, basic cable includes many more stations than it used to. It might be ruling my life at the moment. Whoops.

I also had my ADORABLE tufted, pink vintage couch and matching chair delivered on Monday, which I promptly cleaned, it was definitely my workout for the day. All I need is a dresser to put all of my clothes in...Pictures will def follow once all the clothes are put away. Because of the unpacking (I am now officially cardboard box free, btw) I have done nothing interesting, productive (beyond unpacking) or fashion-y since Friday. I will be getting back into my daily groove of job hunting and spending all my unemployed time on the Internet today.

My apartment is going to be so f-ing cute, sophisticated and feminine, that boys are going to barf from all the pink and Domino Magazine is going to feature it on their website. BOOYA!

j. crew, keeps getting better

2008-11-27T22:11:00.000-08:00

Not everyone knows this, but I am sort of obsessed with J. Crew. I would move to NYC to work for them. I used to make serious fun of my sister for basically being a walking billboard for the brand, while secretly buying a few things here and there, but since I moved back from Paris I have come to realize just how great they are.

I think it all started with the appointment of Jenna Lyons as the creative director, who is young, pretty and stylish, just what they needed to revamp the brand. Since she arrived, every season has been getting better and better. Although, I must say I would do a much better job styling the catalogue, what is with all the strange monochromatic outfits anyway?

Check this out. I was browsing the Holiday catalogue and found this skirt.

photo credit: jcrew.com

Ummmm, Miu Miu anyone??? I thought, good on J. Crew. Because, A. it really is a beautiful detail, bless Ms. Prada for thinking of the ascending sequins (has anyone else noticed that it is being used in the Prada accessories this season? Way to keep the love of sparkle alive Miuccia!). B. The average bear is not really going to see the reference, and just think it is pretty, while the fashion savvy will probs see it, recognize it, and love it too. And C. who can resist sequins anyway??? We all know I can't.

Also, while I was searching the interweb for Ms. Lyon's info, I came across this blog. Who knew people's love for the Crew ran so deep? I LOVE LOVE LOVE the DIY jacket in the most recent post though, and I have to agree that it is more beautiful than the original J. Crew version.

museum time + shopping

2008-11-25T20:54:00.001-08:00

I have spent the past few days, running around Los Angeles with my mother. I have been frantically furniture hunting as well as eating my feelings, pretend shopping at all my favorite stores and going to museums. Pretend shopping is sort of a lie, because I did buy 2 sweaters at Mas on Sunset, though in general I'm taking a break from shopping for clothes. Mas turned out to be one of the better shopping experiences I've had in a LONG time. We heard the champagne pop the minute we walked in, and I really can't say no to a mimosa, especially on Sunday. It's like cookies and milk, they just go together! It's a small boutique that carries some great, lesser known brands and a few trendy ones too. I have to admit I'm not a huge fan of Current/Elliott on principle; I get grossed out by brands that are completely celebrity driven. But I did try on a super cute strapless denim dress with a sweetheart neckline, but i couldn't quite squeeze into the small, which was the only size, and it very closely resembled an Imitation of Christ denim halter dress I already own and love.

Then tried on a really beautiful Crispin & Basilio double layered tank dress of chiffon and charmeuse. It is so so so so pretty (the picture does it no justice) and so flattering. The bottom layer is racer back while the top is a basic tank, one of my fave combinations.

I also tried this top, thought it was way cool too. Love the layered use of stripes and checks. This brand really knows how to use chiffon in a sophisticated and cool way, but still totally feminine as chiffon can only be.

And I totally heart this heart necklace from ginette_ny. Santa??!!?? I especially lust after it since my itty bitty Eiffel Tower necklace broke on the drive down to LA. Don't get me started on what a bad omen it is for your talisman to break on the 2nd day of a life changing move. One bad thing after the other...but, until that gets fixed:

photo credit: masboutique.com

I remember seeing this brand in Paris, and LOVING their monogram pieces. As most people know, I am a total sucker for anything that I can put my initials/monogram/name on. Especially jewellery. Photos and descriptions of sweaters to follow.

Off of shopping and onto art. We actually did the days activities out of order. When we were younger, middle school or high school, my mother used to drag us kicking and screaming to museums. BUT, she soon figured out that we put up much less of a struggle if she rewarded us with a present afterwards, i.e. shopping. Even though I love museums now, the tradition stuck.

After the mimosa and shopping at Mas, we went downtown to the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. I'd never been to the space before, which is located in the heart of Little Tokyo. Upon entering, I was instantly reminded of Le Palais de Tokyo in Paris. Though it is missing the super cool restaurant with the fancy schmancy bathrooms, I did discover that the MOCA gift shop carries things from Muji!!!! I guess that makes up for the lack of restaurant! I always can't help thinking "I could have thought of that" with a lot of contemporary art, my mom was kind enough to remind me that I didn't and that is why their work is in there and not mine! TOUCHE!

oh, mother...

2008-11-24T22:08:00.001-08:00

Today I showed my mom a tear sheet of a slip with ostrich feathers around the bottom that I would wear as a skirt, and said something along the lines of "Oh my GOD, isn't it the cutest thing you've ever seen! I would LOVE to wear that!" And she responded "I would never in a MILLION years guess that you would want to wear that. I can never tell what you are going to like or not like, your style is so personal and you are such an artist with the way you dress that I can never guess what you will like or not like." At first I thought she thought what I was showing her was ugly, but in fact she just really has no idea what I'm going to like. You would never guess from the way I dress on a day to day basis, but I guess my style is ALL over the map.

Here is the slip.

photo credit: yourslipisshowing.com

Isn't it DARLING??!!?!?!?! OMFG, I LOVE it. The tear sheet image is better, not so bleached out, but as of now I have no scanner...Santa??? I prefer the one with the black band and feathers. It would look great with black tights and a black sweater. Another DIY project to add to the list.

journey to the west side

2008-11-23T20:08:00.000-08:00

After our unsuccessful trip to JC Penny's we drove over to LACMA on Wilshire to see the Vanity Fair Portraits. After buying our tickets, we learned that the museum didn't open for another 30 minutes. Snap. Things were just not going our way. Neither of us had been to the museum since it's huge expansion that came with the appointment of the new director Michael Govan, so we spent the time wandering around outside. I remembered the lamp post installation, so we went over there and had a mini photo shoot. The pictures will be added later, due to my mother's technologically stunted camera. I really enjoyed the who LACMA experience. It has always been my favorite LA museum.

We started with the Vanity Fair Portraits, which was very cool. Obviously, fashion photography is high on my list of interests, and the show was full of images from Annie Leibovitz, Mario Testino, Helmut Newton and one of my faves Steven Meisel. But it was really the photos from the early years of VF that were really inspirational. The black and white images of the old Hollywood legends by Edward Steichen and Cecil Beaton really got me. That's a bit of a cliché, isn't it. Oh well.

We moved onto the Hearst: The Collector, it was basically like a portion of the Louvre. Then we followed these signs with a painting of a girl in profile with a red scarf on her head until we discovered the room full of Fabiolas.

photo credit: lacma.org

Floor to ceiling, 3 walls covered in paintings of Fabiola, a fourth century saint. There were images made out of needle point, painted beans, paintings with rips in them, paintings on all sorts of surfaces. I went through the room and tried to pick which was my favorite, but there were too many! It was AMAZING!

After LACMA, we went over to Barneys to have lunch on the top floor at Greengrass and to do some oogling and crying (because we couldn't buy anything). Lunch was pleasant as usual, but I was antsy to get into the store. Not only was it all decked out for the holiday season, but pretty much the entire store was on sale, especially the Fall o8 designer collections, for their 50th anniversary. Originally it wasn't one of my faves, but I feel in love with the one shouldered navy blue dress with the grosgrain from Lanvin, of course, it is far more beautiful in person than it is from the last row of the fashion show.

photo credit: style.com

The beauty of Alber Elbaz' work never ceases to amaze me. And a really cool sweater from Dries that I cannot find an image of anywhere. I am going to have to do some DIY action to recreate it for myself; yarn store, here I come! I'll post it when THAT happens. And of course, those Miu Miu shoes. SIGH...

dinner at palate

2008-11-22T23:37:00.000-08:00

Thursday night, after a great day spent furniture shopping with my mom who came back down to help me move, we went to Palate to celebrate her birthday. We heard an interview on KCRW a few weeks ago, which piqued our interest. Palate is a lot of things, it is a restaurant, wine merchant/cellar, cheese shop, book store located right in the middle of the car dealerships on Brand in Glendale. A very strange location for a shi shi restaurant.

All silver surfaces, mood lighting, we ate at the communal table in the bar area. I was definitely expecting a less urban and more homey/rustic atmosphere, more Beast less Blue Hour. Comparing it's look to Blue Hour though is not fair to my favorite Portland restaurant. The art consisted of grape themed photos and giant urns filled with oversized grapes. It looked tacky and out of place with the suburban modern decor.

All criticisms aside. The food, french based and small plates, was delicious and beautifully presented. Mom had sweetbreads and caponata (presented in a mason jar) and I had a salad with pears and walnuts and duck confit, unfortunately for you I tried to tack photos but said mood lighting and old camera prevented them from turning out. The wine list was awesome too. They had a number of my favorite wines, including the harder to find Sancerre Blanc and Jurançon Sec. They did NOT have Beaujolais Nouveau, which was a super bummer, unlike Paris where everywhere you turn right now are Beaujolais Nouveaus...aaahhhh Paris.

We spoke briefly with the wine director Tim Goldun, we exchanged our favorite Paris restaurants and rattled off some different wine regions and their importance, who kindly brought us a fancy glass of 1989 Vouvray Sec without botrytis (wine speak for made from mold free grapes) with our dessert. My mom had some fancy descriptions for it, I just thought it was very tasty.

Our outfits for the evening:

Men's Levi's Railroad shirt, Earnest Sewn jeans, F21 oxfords, vintage bracelet

Was feeling bleh, so only took one pic. What you cannot see is a little styling detail, I usually tuck this shirt in the back, somehow manages to give it a little more shape, and you gots to show off your assets...HA! Jkfr. But, I did tuck it in the back, cuz I like the way it looks.

Oliver Peoples glasses, Gap sweater, Dries Van Noten top, Goldsign jeans, Delman flats

Isn't Mom stylish??? I found that sweater for her, and that top. And I probably picked out those jeans. But she put the outfit together herself. She is fab.

totally stoked about: miu miu sequined pumps

2008-11-22T17:40:00.000-08:00

Omg. I saw these at Barneys yesterday and nearly fainted. They are just about the most beautiful pumps I have ever seen. Never mind I am a sucker for anything that sparkles. These are just too good to be true.

photo credit: barneys new york

Everything about them is perfect. Just look how the sequins get smaller, to the size of ants practically, as they move down to the toes and the heels. And the grayish color looks like a smokey lavender depending on the light... They have the perfect amount of toe cleavage AND that great roundish-pointy heal. AHK!

The silly salesman, who was oh so clueless, said something to me about how they would look great with the perfect outfit. Um yeah, little does he know I would rock those with black jeans, t-shirt, blazer or leather jacket and scarf (my uniform) as well as the obvious party dress. But seriously, how often do I get to wear party dresses??? Not often enough, that is fo shiz.

Unfortunately, even their sale price is more than I have to my name, and I still need to buy a couch...I hate priorities! I plan on waiting, and hoping my size or something near it will still be available, till I can find them for under 3oo dollars. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

jc penny's

2008-11-21T21:33:00.000-08:00

On Friday my mom and I got the rock out of my apartment bright and early and drove over to the west side on a very specific mission. I was browsing my new favorite website, dominomag.com, where you can look through their archives and unpublished photos. Since I got to LA, all I can think about is how I am going to decorate/fill my apartment. I am thinking about it more now that I found a bigger, bug free place.

I found these on one of my late night online home furnishing hunts:

photo credit: dominomag.com

I LOVE the mirrored vanity, it is so glam, and feminine. The one in the middle is by far the best; it looks the nicest and has the best details, but it costs an arm and a leg, as does the one on the bottom. The top vanity is from none other than JC Penny!!??!! WHAT??!!?? Anyway, that is the reason we drove over to Culver City on Friday. Unfortunately for us, I got super excited and did not look closely on the website, which clearly stated that it was available online only. WHOOPS. Way to do my research, right?

Now, I just can't decide if it is woth ordering this thing online, when I have no was of seeing it in person first.

totally stoked about: thakoon for target

2008-11-19T17:15:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, I haven't been consistently impressed with the Go International for Target collaborations. Go International is a program where Target features mini, limited edition collections from young and emerging designers from around the world. I give them major street cred for doing it at all, but they never really compare to the H&M designer collaborations in creativity or quality. That is not to say that they are not choosing good designers, I think it was pretty genius to bring in Luella Bartley, Rogan Gregory and Jonathon Saunders among others. But, of all the things I bought from that original collection with Luella (and I bought a lot, shopping high = buyers remorse) I still own 3 dresses, none of which i have ever worn. I'm pretty sure the tags are still on them. The Rogan collection was great though, understated and basic with a twist, similar to Rogan's high end eponymous line, not to mention there was very little color involved. AND they brought organic cotton to the masses, even if it was for a limited time. I bought 2 dresses, silk animal print with cotton jersey panel down the center back, and have worn them continually all summer. Just goes to show that high/low designer/mass market pairings tend to be hit or miss.

I digress. Thakoon Panichgul is the next designer lined up. After his Spring 2009 collection with the awesome rose print with female legs instead of stems, the eyelashes and the lips...so surreal, so great, I am stoked on him. From what I have seen in the various photos, there are going to be a few great pieces. This collection isn't going to be about the silhouettes, its going to be about the ethnic batik prints, although these don't quite compare to his RTW prints, they will def please! Basic silhouettes with bright and fabulous prints. The blue and white tie dyed/batik t-shirt is killer. If only i could find that swipe I pulled of it!

Here are a few of my other faves:

photo credit: nylonmag.com

alexander wang + cfda/vogue fashion fund = happy

2008-11-18T15:41:00.000-08:00

Fashion wunderkind, Alexander Wang won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and the $200,000 prize money and year long mentorship that goes along with it on Monday night in New York City. The 24 year old started his line while at Parson's New School of Design with luxe cashmere basics and gradually expanded into a full line of high end grunge hipster wear. I have been a fan of Wang from the early days of cashmere and have a few well loved pieces of my own (all in storage at the moment, so I cannot feature some outfits in his honor...). Among the finalists, the runners up were Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock of Vena Cava (another personal favorite) and milliner Albertus Swanepoel who will receive $50,000.

photo credit: style.com

My question that does not seem to be answered anywhere is who does the actual mentoring? Is it from the high powered members of the CFDA, personal interaction with president Diane Von Furstenburg? Or does it really just refer to the love and benefits that come with that love of Editor in Chief of American Vogue and all powerful fashion god Anna Wintour???? It makes me wonder. Either way this award really proves he is the young (stress young) American designer of the moment, with every hot model/actress/musician/girl about town sporting his simple with the coolest of twists threads. Because this award is so new, only 5 years old, we cant really tell if the award will help with their longevity, or if it just sends their rocket higher, faster and causes a quicker crash??? We must wait and see...

best deal ever

2008-11-18T15:19:00.000-08:00

I braved the Glendale Galleria yesterday to go to target for some moving supplies, but more fun, to visit Forever 21 in search of the amazing necklace that the hostess was wearing at Canelé. Alas, the daily turn over there prevented me from finding the perfect Tom Binn's esque neckace (my loathing of knock offs comes and goes with the balance in my checking account) but I did try on a couple cute pair of shoes. Since, I'm still living out of a suitcase, due to my horrible housing situation, I have very limited clothing options. I can deal with wearing jeans and t-shirts all the time, it's the shoe sitch that is really killing me. I packed one pair each of flip-flops, ballet flats and sneaks. So, I decided to get a quick fix and took these Miu Miu ish oxfords to the register.

I was prepared to pay the 40 dollar price tag, but when they rang me up she told me they were 7.95! They might as well have given them to me!

online obssesion: oak

2008-11-16T20:54:00.000-08:00

I was scanning through my various fashion blogs and online magazines today, when I came across a new-to-me online store. Oak is the online store for the NYC based boutique of the same name owned by Jeff Madalena and Louis Terline. Both men have design school educations and background in denim design and styling, which shows in their selectively cool merchandise. With brands like Grey Ant, Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair, Acne to higher end Anne Valerie Hash and Rick Owens drkshdw they stock clothes that would appeal to rich hipsters everywhere. My favorite part is that they have the most killer scarf selection of any store (online or otherwise) that I have ever seen, considering I rarely leave the house without one, this pleases me.

A few of my favorite things:

Yarnz scarf

Oak "trashed" jeans

Anzevino & Florence dress

Penny Loves Kenny shoe

As usual my love for animal prints shows...today is an especially zebra day. I can't decide if the zebra print wallabies are absolutely ridiculous or totally awesome. I'm leaning towards awesome.

Just add Oak to the list of reasons I need to plan a trip to New York.

dilemma

2008-11-16T19:24:00.000-08:00

In the past few years, I have really tried to avoid buying obvious designer knock offs. Going to design school and working in the fashion industry are the main reasons for this rule. I know what goes into designing a collection and I know that these quick reproductions, which often surface in the store before the actual designer piece does, are poorly made and will last only a few wears. And someone with a trained eye will know they are fake, especially shoes. And everyone knows that cheap shoes tend to be super uncomfortable. That is not to say that I would not recreate the coveted piece myself on my home sewing machine, but then I can give credit where it is due while also showing off my mad sewing skills. Although Zara did become one of my stand by stores while living in Paris due to the exchange rate, this rule meant I eliminated certain stores from my shopping destinations.

This is where my dilemma comes in. I was looking through one of my b-list fashion magazines, and found a cute pair of shoes for extremely cheap. Upon visiting the Baker website, I decided the shoes that brought me there were no good. BUT, then I found these.

A great pair of fake Alaias. And considering that the average pair of Alaia shoes cost well over 500 dollars, the 59.99 price tag is pretty appealing. And they would look oh so lovely with my new CDG for H&M pants...Ahhh the struggle...