Ssssssuper late to the party on this one

I know this is old news first reported by the Olsens, but I don't care. First of all, I think theirs is kind of ugly and sperm-tastic.

The only reason I would actually buy into this is because the actual rings are each so different. These could be perceived as unique, whereas no matter how you slice it, a pyramid stud accessory is a pyramid stud accessory. You know what I mean.

Also, they are available at so many different price points.

In case you wondered, the snake is a symbol of wisdom, protection, and life/everlasting life.

My parents live in Cyprus and I'm really into the evil eye as my protective accessory (when the eye has done its job protecting you from the evil thoughts directed at you by jealous bitches people, it breaks - unfortunately for my parents, because they have to buy me a new one at least every year). So, I'm thinking with this snake business, I will really be doubling up on my protection.

But not like PROTECTION protection, given that I'll be wearing a sperm on my finger that represents LIFE.

Anywho...

Above from left to right:

Gold snake $48
Silver with ruby eyes $58
Gold with sapphire colored eyes $55
Antique garnet double $285
Silver two finger $64
Black enamel and ruby colored stone $58
Black and ruby colored stones on gold (similar one, not black, here)

P.S. I know I haven't done a shopping post for so long! But I've been busy. Don't forget about my Ebay sales and go listen to fun music (my hard drive with my whole iTunes library died so this is literally how I rock out all day). You can play the whole playlist here.

Annoucements: Ebay Sale & New Tumblr for your Ears

I am selling some great stuff (mostly shoes, boots and jewelry) on Ebay. More stuff coming today (capes, fur vest and some other accessories).

Items include a huge citrine cocktail ring that I had custom made, Top Shop over the knee boots, Michael Kors shearling cocktail boots, some perfect round toe black heels, etc.!

EBAY SALE!

I started a tumblr to share my secretly terrible taste in music (that is supposedly "just for my workout mix.") . Now, you don't have to listen to pop radio on the sly, just come here and I'll give you what you need on the down low ; ) If it has a hook, it's here:

GUILTY LEISURES

Money where Mouth is

So I've been going on about this capsule wardrobe thing, but I swear guys, I am building it. Pretty soon I'm going to be alerting the media that my son has floated off ... latte-colored essentials aloft.

Ok not funny. But here's something that will make you laugh: how much money is still in your bank account after you buy these pieces, and where you can buy them:


This is not some kind of online illusion. Also I have no connection to this retailer, except that I bought clothes there today. If I could give you a money back guarantee that you will be happy when these show up on your doorstep, I would. The fabric, the details, the color, and the cut are all RIGHT ON. Even that sweater - I know it appears sketchy, but trust! And the puffer jacket- I am shocked to report that the color is WAY NICER IN PERSON.

OLD NAVY (!!)- $69.50 pea coat, $59.50 puffer, $35 sweater.

You can thank "the economy" for creating an environment where you actually have to restrain yourself in this store because the stuff is SO NICE.

Surely some people were fired from their Maxmara/Zara/Club Monaco jobs and had no choice but to enlist in the Navy and make these beauties. God Bless America.

Co/incident

I swear this is just a coincidence that both of these are Daria, although I did have the first one on my wall for six months while I was pregnant. When you have a growing basketball on your midsection, you really can hardly believe you will ever just wear a gray sweater with tight pants again.

Anyway, I love both of these. Look at the white tee in the second ... perfection (hate the fringe on the vest, but I can overlook that). Also, what is that sequined bib business (technically a Balmain "beaded suede sash")? That is the type of thing that I put on and I go running to my husband like: Hey, isn't this cool? And he looks at me like:

I'm not trying to be cute, that's really as close to the expression as I can get without taking a picture of him. This was his reaction when I showed him the feather ring. And he always says: "That's ridiculous." But in a nice way.

Image credits (from top): Paris Vogue, via Knightcat, Dog Time.

Le Boo

I feel like skull jewelry is straight out of Paris Vogue. French people (or French fashion people) seem to really love le rock and roll viy-bah et stuff comme ça. Alors, I am loving these:

They are here and here (well, the latter is sold now but I'm sure they would make another).

The thing is, I have a kid now and I feel like I can't wear a skull ring. I can just see people looking at me like Why is she grasping that baby with her fingers of death? So, one less thing for me to spend my money on. Maybe I could get away with this tiny baby.

Capsule Wardrobe - Cont'd

Everything in this picture:
Except the open toe boots (I can't get into that - the joys of winter are few, and one of them is not having to maintain a perfect pedicure).

DIY Friday

This is by far one of my favorite DIYs.

If you would like one, I am going to sell them for $25 each, in a limited edition of 10. It's not real gold, needless to say. Send me your ring size which you can calculate here (I recommend pinky).

Shipping $3.95 Priority US, $7.00 foreign. Just email me and I'll give you my Paypal. Order processing time will be about one week, since that's how long it will take me to get your band size and make your awesome 10 of a kind ring.

Def.: Trying Too Hard

I get what this girl is trying to do, I like the rings a lot, but seriously: this multiple watch trend is idiotic. Why are you busting out your ugly-a** watches? I try not to say negative things about people's looks but I hate "easy" trends like this. Oh, what's new this week? Oh, 5039 watches? Ok lemme go over my Aunt Ruth's and get busy in her jewelry box ... DUH-HU-UMB.

I realize the first image is actually fake tats from the Chanel show - so I should be so offended and say this is totally unoriginal, from a brand, and you got it free at a show, and get a life - but actually I love it. I have been trying to get a "bracelet" tattoo for years. I was told by a few artists that I wouldn't be happy with it because the circle wouldn't be straight all the way around (I still don't understand this). I also saw a person from my past with a new bracelet tattoo and that freaked me out a little.

The second look: I had a men's watch like this and I took it to trade in for a Cartier tank and the guy literally stole it, said I never left it there, is a total crook ... etc. Don't ever go here for any reason. I wish I had it back now.

ALAS. He is probably rocking 20 watches for Fall, mine being one.

Obsession - Elation - Depression

So I know it's Fall but I still really want these dumb shoes!


I hunted them down this summer and here they are in reality:

They were $770. SEVEN SEVEN-TEE! How insane. Anyway, if you are a size 10, here they are for $307.53 (that 53 cents'll kill ya).

Today I found these on Etsy.

They are $29! They are vintage Cherokee. Don't you think some Henry Cuir intern must have found them and brought them to his attention? I almost bought them before I remembered that shoes have a size and 9 is not mine.

Anyway the good news is there are more things like this (here) and I have faith that a size 7 will materialize... probably next Spring at Aldo when I will be over them.

7 things I like OK about you, Fall 2009

Fashion week is pretty much over (did it ever really begin?). I saw some fools today at Bryant Park just wearing WAYWAYWAY too much stuff ... like I could have started a new blog called Tryin2Hard and had two months of posts from what I saw. MY EYES! The layering of 100 ridiculous items in a "haphazard" way must stop.

Anyway, this pretty much sums up what I will be wearing this fall:

1. Some kind of riding-inspired black jodhpurs - leather in the form of the pants or the half-chaps mentioned in a previous post.

2, 3. Black blazer, black or dark grey cotton clingy skirt.

4. Army jacket over black. ** NEVER THE FLANNEL. I have a short cotton and a long waterproof version of this whole scene.

5. New silhouette pea coat - looking to find an 80's coat with shoulder pads, then will tailor in the waist.

6. Short black leather gloves.

7. Fur vest over black long-sleeve. [Oh Zoe she di'int!]

It's busy around here. Soon we are moving to an apartment with three huge closets** from an apartment with ONE microscopic one so you can only imagine how much shopping-in-the-closet will happen when I start organizing everything.

A few other things I am glad about for Fall:

*Wearing black with white - you always felt like you were Hannah or her sisters catering an event, until now.

*Erin Wesson hibernating in one of Alexander Wang's orifices.

*Retailers finally coming out with items I loved 100 posts ago and am now over.

** It is cheaper than our current apartment and kinda in the middle of nowhere - just in case you think I am getting too big for my half chaps over here.

Credits (top to bottom): Altamira, Stockholm Street Style, Charlotte Ronson, Sincerely Jules, Steven Meisel, Olsens Anon.

Bloglivin'

HAPPY LABOR DAY EVERYBODY!

Image credits LOVE YOU GIRLS!: Quirky Fille, Blog de Sushi, L'Atelier d'un Fee, Song of Style, Mode Junkie, Malie Huffman, Karla's Closet, Maverick Malone, Vintage Lollipops, Song of Style,
Swank Heights, Le Blog de Betty, Science of Sreep, Le Blog de Sushi, Nichole Green, Park and Cube, Science of Sreep, Sea of Shoes, Fashion Toast.

Manic at the Disco

Back in 1995ish when I moved to New York, I got very into Manic Panic. I don't actually remember how this happened, but I bet I just saw the rainbow rows of jars in Ricky's and that was the end of that. I do know for sure that no one I hung out with was dyeing their hair shades of purple and pink. People must have thought it was a little weird since my style was not punk nor grunge nor goth. For the most part, I just did the underside of the back of my head, so that you saw the color when my hair was in a pony tail.

Anyway, expect a lot of people to be busting out the paintbox in the next couple of years - people who you did not think would ever dye their hair a truly unnatural color. I just feel it coming. I am especially feeling the pastel tones; they have crossover appeal.




Image credits (from top): Stockholm Street Style, POP Fall Winter 09 via Fashion Gone Rogue, Cobrasnake, Vogue Italia via Fashion Gone Rogue.

The First of the Mohaircans

(What?)

I have three things on my fall list: the chap boots, a new bag (ask me about my Zara dream-turned-nightmare), and some kind of Native American-feel sweater coat.




Lucky magazine made a half-hearted attempt to "source" these in their September issue (what they were really doing was shouting out Pendleton + Opening Ceremony). I don't really know why I would go to OC to pay 50% more* for something inspired by these items when I can just buy the items themselves here: Pendleton sweater, Pendleton coat. Especially loving the sweater!

*The "Motorcross" short jacket by Pendleton/OC is $510, which is a lot for a non-leather jacket of that silhouette, don't you think?

P.S. In case you ever wonder why magazines suck, it's because they build their "trends" around press releases. It must be so boring for the writers.

Image sources (from top): The Sartorialist, Knightcat, Stylesightings, Amlul.

Encapsulated: Part I

I have a fantasy about a capsule wardrobe. I do throw a lot of things out/sell them to Beacon's Closet/Ebay them because I generally believe less is more ... however I cannot seem to tell myself that when I am actually IN A STORE. I am a long way from having just five or ten things, but I am always trying to pare down.

This may be a sartorial cliché, but it should certainly be in the capsule:




Image credits (from top): Paraniv, Le Fashion, Vogue France via TFS, Capuccino Bar.

Keep Keep Beading, Luv

Today I went up to midtown NYC and checked out the bead stores (rows and rows of semi- and precious stone beads hanging on about 1 ft. long strings). I could spend hours wandering around weird areas of midtown: the fur blocks, the trim/ribbon blocks, the diamond district...

I have some necklace ideas based around curb link chains, but I couldn't find any that weren't apparently made of tin with a gold spray paint coating. So I changed paths and now I'm thinking of making some "fine" versions of cheap beaded junk you find in a bin at a thrift store (pony beads, etc.). I think it would be cool to use a "plastic" color palette, but the green is jade, the pink is coral, etc. One of these days I'll show ya'll what becomes of this little inspiration!

Image sources (top to bottom): Cobrasnake, David Joseph Perez

Equus

So I wanted this:

Then I was thinking seriously about these Rachel Roy boots as an alternative:

But they don't seem to be available anywhere yet, and I think they might be a little cheesy. So I went to my trusty fall boot source, Dover Saddlery, where your $200 will buy you something that is 50x the quality of something like an Aldo boot and will last way beyond one season. There, I discovered my old friend the half chap:

A half chap is a sleeve of leather or other material that you put on over a boot, bootie or shoe. It hooks under like a stirrup pant. Imagine what you could do with these and a pair of oxfords ... instant boot! In my case, I already have a pair of high Ariat boots, I just want to have that extra layer for looks.

The ones above are only $39.90, saving me approximately $300 on a new pair of boots.

There are also versions with fringe! Imagine the possibilities here.

Image source (top): Jak + Jil Blog.

Fall Into the Trap

Today I stumbled into the Gap and I was kind of amazed. First of all they have a sick promotion, 2 for 1 sweaters and shirts - Fall transition stuff too, not unwearable sale stuff. I got a couple of things but most importantly I fell into a double trap! I bought a jacket which is 1) an "it" item for Fall that every friggin' one is going to have 2) a mass version of something that could easily be found at a vintage/army-navy store.

Here is it on Sincerely Jules:

Isn't that so well-styled with the bright dress? I love it. Anyway, the jacket was soft and wonderful. Here it is online.

I hate feeling like I'm going to see someone wearing this and I'm going to be wearing it and we're going to be secretly winking/barfing to each other about it as we pass. So I think I'm going to customize the back:

I like the white paint. I'll tell you what I'm not going to write though: QUE SERA, SERA. [EYEROLL].

Also let me make a boring public service announcement: back up your computer if you haven't lately. I just had a scare with an external drive which was really acting as my main hard drive. It just stopped spinning, wasn't recognized, etc.

That being said, if you ever think you've lost an external drive DO NOT send it off into the ether to have your "data recovered" for $1000 or whatever until you or someone professional checks to make sure it is the drive, not the ENCLOSURE. I saved $900 today, thanks Lizzyville.

BACK

So I'm back. I don't know how this is going to work out, probably like every time I got back together with someone I broke up with.* I may get that creepy disappointed feeling and wish I hadn't told my friends we were getting back together, but I'm going to see how it goes. I missed my blog!!

This photo illustrates a certain intangible that obsesses me: circumference of openings (what the ... well, you just have to trust me on this one). Have you ever noticed that the bagginess or openness of a shorts-leg AND the top of a boot are SO IMPORTANT? If the boot or short is tighter or looser ... the whole look falls apart. Anyway, I thought it was amazing to see both phenomena so perfectly illustrated in this image from a wonderful blog called Song of Style.


* I married the exception.

P.S. In the meantime ...

Take a leaf out of this chic's book ...


And get your fashion inspiration from Awkward Family Photos.


See! You guys don't need me!

Photo credits: Elle.com, Awkward Family Photos

don't hate us for hiatus

I have to take a break from this blog for a while and figure out what, if anything, it should be.

Web 2.1 is fascinating to me from a marketing perspective and that's why I got into this racket in the first place. There is nothing I am more passionate about in my personal professional life than BRAND IDENTITY and ENTREPRENEURSHIP, and this year has been a milestone for both. Consumer brands - from the worldweary to the spanking new - are stepping off the ship, bleary-eyed, shielding their eyes from the light of the New World. It's 1492 up in this bitch (so to speak)!

(Just look at Facebook, which had flatlined somewhere on your mom's desktop and has, in my opinion, been kept alive by a transfusion of marketers' blood. How did they know to rush over there? Twitter.)

Back to 1492: we all know the new territory is incredibly exciting, full of opportunity that was truly out of reach heretofore, rife with peril, etc. The Knightcats of the world are powerful case studies, having built veritable brands without "original" content (that was a compliment, Cat) and without making a spectacle of their personal lives.

I think I get how this happens now and I'm psyched to have the web-presence dance move down; I just don't know that I need to be busting it alone in my living room every night. I'll save it for the di$co.

One of the things I want to think about in my "time off" is the monetization question - not because I think this blog will ever be eligible, but because there are so many significant blogs that do not get real payback from the commercial realms they influence on the daily. I don't think the proceeds from Rumi's MANY future modeling gigs will come anywhere close to the value of her brand/audience. By the way, Knightcat's coming out with her own line of handbags (click here to see them)!

And in closing, I think we can all agree that reading someone's tweet/Facebook status/blog sure is not the same as calling them to see what's up. Now go watch that lion on YouTube!

Vaycay Day 5: In the Hood & A Question

So it has been thundering and raining here in Fire Island. My man and I woke up in the night and turned to look at each other in alarm. We were both sitting straight up at the end of the bed like WHAT!? The thunder literally shook the house.

Anyway, I brought exactly one hooded sweater and have worn it every day so far. I love a hood. If I had to choose one item of clothing to represent my spirit - my totem article, so to speak - it would be a black cashmere hooded sweater (worn with the hood up). That says pretty much everything you need to know about my personality; make of it what you will. ; )

So what's your totem article?

Photo credits (from top): Unknown (sorry), Melanie Ward (stylist), Chris Buck.

Vaycay Day 4: Another Definition

Another fashion favorite is the word "timeless," so over-used as to become meaningless.

Looking at this John Rawlings photograph from the 40's, you remember that there are certain looks and moments captured that do deserve that adjective. The coat, the bag, the lipstick, the expression - you could almost mistake this for a shot from Garance or Scott (no doubt Rawlings often inspires their work, and that of so many others, subconsciously or not). This image comes to mind.

More here ... and can you honestly tell me you would not DIE to wear these dresses or that oversized knit hat?

Vaycay Day 2-3: Favorite

This is the ONLY fashion editorial that's made it into my personal scrapbook (which, for the most part, contains things that are relevant to real life: interior decorating inspirations, etc.)

I loved it in 2002 (US Vogue, shot by Craig McDean), but it's all the more intriguing given that Maggie Rizer is no longer a high fashion model.

Her stepfather back home in upstate N.Y. "managed" the $7 million fortune she amassed in her heyday, gambling the entire thing away on Quick Draw lotto and leaving her $2 million in debt to the I.R.S. Can you imagine? I don't even know how one person can have the time to buy that many lotto tickets.

Her story is like the plot of a movie where Anne Hathaway is (once again) miscast as someone endearing yet hot, mixed with a Bruce Springsteen song.

If you never caught the story when they were shopping it around, read it here.

Vaycay Day 1: A Definition

Here is an example of the accurate application of the otherwise-idiotic word "fierce."

It's raining and it's supposed to rain my whole beach trip!

Image source: Mara Hoffman's blog.

Vaycay

I am going on vacation so there will be fun image auto-posts until June 16th. The in-depth reportage will cease until I return, but I'll try to keep you entertained for at least 4 seconds a day with some cool stuff. Maybe even outfit posts since I will be feeling summery-happy (hopefully).

Don't worry, this blog is not going in the direction of Lindsay's career. And I am not going to rehab. Just the beach, with limited internet.

Photo credit: A Very Special Report

Great Minds Think in White

This post goes out to Knightcat, thanks for the reminder!

What is summer without the quest for the perfect white sundress? Remember when the entire universe was obsessed with this one? That was like the "Macarena" of Michael Kors's career.

Anyway, moving away from the lace/crochet/bell sleeve thing ... how can you go wrong with a soft white cotton dress? I seriously have been dreaming about finding the perfect gauzy, layered version since I saw Leisl jumping around the gazebo in The Sound of Music.

In hopes of getting one step closer to fulfilling this dream, here are MANY to choose from:

Left to right from top:

1. Miss Selfridge halter neck, UK 20.
2. Top Shop with studs, $80.
3. French Connection Michael Kors sub-reference, $148
4. Adam tuxedo style $170 (was $425, if you are a size 6 you are in luck)
5. Marlene Birger angel sleeve $249
6. Jessica Simpson pouf sleeve (no, seriously), $128
7. Walter blouse-style $268
8. Forever 21 simple perfection $22.90
9. Marc by Marc Jacobs V-neck awesomeness $448*

* I really endeavor to avoid crappy image quality, but sometimes the sites just do not hook me up.

Photo credits (from top): Le Fashion (source unknown), Roger Deckker, Leslie Lessin (stylist), Marlene Marino.

Here's Looking at Myself, Kid

I love when people claim to "spot" the next trend and then insist that you - under no circumstances- wear it. THEY'RE JUST SUNGLASSES! If they look good on you, go for it.

The Oakley Frogskins are a vintage re-release - now sold out, but go for it on Ebay! From what I can tell, there is a red Ray Ban Wayfarer with gold mirror lens (and that's it, in terms of this season), which you can see here.

There are, of course, the fake bakes out there ... and here ... and here. But, importantly, these are NOT yet sold on Canal Street, NYC. When they are, then you can start thinking seriously about retiring yours.

Image credits (from top): Jason Nocito, Last Night's Party, Stylesightings.

Order of Sequins

Best investment piece this year.

Currently in love with:
Sequined anything + jeans
Sequined leggings + white tee
Sequined jacket + boys' cargo pant

Left to right from top:

1. Legging, $219
2. Vest/tank, Adam, $325.50 (was $465)
3. Jacket, Lala Berlin, $344
4. Tunic, Free People, $68
5. Platform, Jeffrey Campbell, $115
6. Coat, Diane Von Furstenberg, $795
7. Biker jacket, Top Shop, $170

Photo credits (left to right from top): Lisa Place, Sea of Shoes, Le Fashion (and bottom-most right), Olsens Anonymous, unknown.

Blue Note

I wasn't going to do this post because I felt that the denim/chambray shirt was too much of an "it" item, but then I looked in my little archive folder.

I realized that there were so many ways to put your own spin on the item - and isn't that what it's all about? If you do it right, the "trendiness" of the individual piece kind of disappears and it's all about the look as a whole.

So with joy, I bring you the blues:


A few places to get it here:


Left to right:

1. Miss Selfridge short sleeve, long length U.K. 40 (if you wonder why I always include this store - they ship to the U.S. for very low shipping fee).
2. Top Shop long sleeve, long length, $60
3. Current Elliot chambray nightshirt, $215
4. Antipodium dress, $269

Photo credits (left to right): The Sartorialist, Haute Pursuit, Keep Feeling Fascination, Garance Doré My Daily Style (now defunct blog), Punky B.

The Sh**

Big shoes for tiny dollars (relatively).

Left to right from top:

1. Gold platform, Bronx (I'm awaiting details from the U.S. distributor because these don't seem to be available online yet - will update).
2. Black and Grey and Red, BCBG, on sale from $240 down to $139.99
3. Mauve lace up, Top Shop, $110
4. Contributor by Rachel Comey, Urban Outfitters, $78
5. Fashion-Toastish black lace up bootie, Steve Madden, $149.95
6. Beige with lace up detail by We Who See, Urban Outfitters, was $88 now $79
7. Patent red wedge by Christian Louboutin, was $495 now $346.99 - size 5 and 7!

Sweat It

I thought I should do a post about what I actually wear every day! Haha [<- also the sound people make in their heads when they see me at the deli everyday in the same outfit]. I guess I can send the haters to this post - look bitches, I am chic!

The center photos above are Isabel Marant pants and Stefanel jumpsuit from left to right - of course only Europeans would take the American sweatpant and make it look so chic. And these are not available online in the U.S. in case you wondered why I wasn't giving up the goods. But here are some other goods for your wardrobe essentials pleasure.


1. Urban Outfitters (on sale) $28
2. American Apparel men's slimfit drawstring (good luck finding this style in women's without a school logo or some horrible branding. As for plain basics -- why does everyone think women want to look like they are going to a yoga class at every moment?) $36
3. American Apparel hoodie tunic $39
4. Tian Mu halter jumpsuit (I HATE the way this is styled but I think it has potential - also, psyched to find this website that specializes in trendy Asian brands) $30.50

Photo credits (left to right from top): Garancé Dore (top blonde and brunette in jacket and sweatpants beneath), Yorick Nube, Altamira for Teen Vogue, That's Chic, Vogue UK via TFS.

Bright Young Pinks

There are certain times when you really question yourself as a creative person - like when you become obsessed with something that pretty much no one else likes.

A few years ago I saw my BFF Milla wearing fluorescent pink nail polish (this was way before it was sold at Urban Outfitters), and I became obsessed with bright, bright pinks. Because I work in commerce and people were supposed to actually buy things I was working on (and I wasn't working on Pepto Bismol packaging), it was kind of a weird color to get behind. Anyway, it gives me great satisfaction to see it becoming so important. It's the new true red.

I love it as a single piece (like Leigh's dress), but I love it more as a detail because it looks so good with black, pale denim, and my love-of-my-life sweatshirt grey.

(If I had a little Risko Barbie, I would dress her up in this Top Shop bra under a loose grey tank dress.)

Left to right from top:

1. Top Shop bustier bra, Top Shop $32
2. Bubblegum Bandage skirt, Nasty Gal $52
3. Gestuz very pink dress, Pixie Market $121
4. Faux Ray Bans, Forever 21 $5.80 (actually I really love these)
5. Pepto brogues, Top Shop $125

And in a somewhat related story, I just want to say I am loving The Stylish Wanderer (top right image) and you should follow her on Twitter- unless you're a guy, in which case it may be illegal to follow a 13 year old girl. Sometimes I wonder if she is real, or if someday she'll be revealed to be another lonelygirl15 or Black Ascot ... (check out the latter if you haven't yet- amazing bogus blog).

And you can follow me too on Twitter while you're at it.

Photo credits (left to right from top): Le Blog de Betty, The Stylish Wanderer (follow her on Twitter!), Mari S. on Lookbook.nu, Leigh Lezark on Stylesightings, Louboutins by Jak & Jil.

The Basics: Hey There Delilah

Something to remember when you wake up tomorrow morning hungover/lazy. It's really not that hard to get dressed.

I reserve the right do this this post again in a year. I will never stop loving plain white tees.

1. Top Shop corset tee, $32.00
2. James Perse pocket cover-up, $90.00
3. Miss Selfridge ruffle tunic tee (I used this in Grey Ghosts, I heart it), 20.00 UK
4. Forever 21 basic V, $12
5. J. Crew ragged details, $29.50

Photo credits (left to right from top): Stylesightings, Knightcat, Nast, 4th and Bleeker, Tagrid, Childhood Flames

Swim Class

So recently I tried on (ewww) and purchased (hmmm) a one-piece bathing suit. I have not put something like this on my body since grade 7 when I went to my now-BFF's pool party and I forgot a bathing suit. I had to wear this white kind-of-ruched-fabric thing that was so high-cut in the leg and had such a low scoop neck that I looked like an unfortunate victim of an underage photoshoot circa 1970. Where was Dov Charney when I was 12?

Well, I've come a long way, baby, because I'm rocking the look again. I bought the one in the bottom right, by Roxy. It has an amazing braided neon detail. I can't do a bikini this year- I just had a 10 lb. baby four months ago so, yeah, not happening.

Since we are all apparently so comfortable wearing spandex as day-wear (thanks Dov!), you have to admit that the one-piece is a VERY versatile item. You can put on shorts over it and actually be decent enough to go into 7-11.

And another thing: the vintage ones available are AMAZING! If it skeeves you out to buy a used bathing suit, you can always cut off the bottom bit and tuck it into your high-waisted shorts.

Ok so it's questionable whether that Neil Krug image in the top left really involves a bathing suit, but you know what I mean!


Left to right from top:

1. Mara Hoffman, $198 (the blue one sold out I guess since last night? But red is still available)
2. Hayden Hartnett, $178
3. Vintage with 1920's print $36.00
4. Vintage 80's $39.00
5. Vintage 80's blue and white, $28.00
6. Vintage 80's cut out (rad!!), $39.00
7. Vintage 80's deep V, $45.00
8. Roxy, $80.00

The chic with the hat in the inspiration collage is wearing this, and seemingly everyone at Coachella was wearing this.

And here are a few more not depicted: Urban, Top Shop

PS SORRY FOR THE LATE-IN-DAY POSTS, TWO DAYS IN A ROW THE AUTO-POST FOR 9.00 AM E HAS NOT WORKED, WHICH MEANS ALL MY LATE NIGHT WORK IS FOR NOUGHT : (

Photo credits (left to right in collage): Neil Krug, Israel Rivera, Style Sightings, V Magazine, American Apparel, Karina Givargisoff (stylist), Sports Illustrated, Roxy.

eye heart it

My sister suggested I do a post on sunglasses. Is this what you meant Lizzyville? Whahahahah.

This is very 2008, in my opinion, but yet ... all these people somehow pull it off. How do they do it? I couldn't fit this chic's whole look in the collage, but I have to give #1 props to her.

Anyway, if you must:

Fred Flare, and more Fred Flare. Plasticland, and Forever 21.

Photo credits (left to right from top): Very Special Report, Style Sightings, Knightcat (hugging and rose tinted), unknown.

Back, again.

So I thought this subject deserved more attention (I posted some of these inspirations the other day, but I was too busy to do any more research). When I started searching for the buy-able items for this idea, I got very into it. So much is on sale, and I was inspired about ways to do the look ... some of the images are old, but the styling feels really relevant.

When I used to do shows (as a singer) back in the day, I actually made a black backless shirt with a piece of fabric and a piece of satin string. It had like ... 20 stitches total, sewn by hand. I used to wear it with a necklace that had a long chain at the back that was an extension of the clasp - but the idea of flipping a necklace, especially all the long ones around now, is appealing.

You may ask what you are supposed to do with the front ... and aren't the annoying touchy-feely people you know going to try to turn your necklace around when they see the clasp? I'm sure you'll figure it out ... add a charm to the clasp, layer with another necklace facing forward, etc.

The bottom line is: who cares when you have the drama at the back?

From top:

1. Indie Shopper dusty pink backless dress $185 +
Forever 21 pearl multi-strand necklace $16.80.

2. Urban Outfitters backless dress with built-in necklace $34.99

3. Leviticus silver harness $89 +
Boulee backless dress $135 (was $407!)

4. Top Shop multi-strand necklace $100 +
Cecilia de Bucourt gladiator tank (there's no direct link for some reason) $158

5. Fluxus basic backless top $46.50 (was $62)+
Forever 21 drop necklace $5.80 +
Forever 21 pendant necklace $11.80.

Photo credits (left to right from top): Ashley Olsen via Celebrity Gossip, Cobrasnake, Le Fashion, Sienna Miller via Team Sugar, Kate Bosworth via Daily Mail UK.

Feather or Not

I saw feather headbands at Urban Outfitters this Fall and I was like ... Eh, nice try. I think I almost tried one on, but it just seemed so pointless. When would I ever wear a feather headband?

But now that summer is here, it somehow makes sense. I'm not sure it's possible to rock something as whimsical (if I may use that stupid word) as a feather headband unless you are wearing only a white tee and jean shorts, or are attending Coachella, or better yet- you are wearing white tee-jean shorts-at Coachella.

Maybe you can make an exception and wear it with an excessively long dress, if you are the hostess of some kind of party in a field. And as for the wings ... there's always next Halloween.

Anyway, not surprisingly there are some really wearable ideas on Etsy:


Left to right from top:

1. Peace and Prophecy Feather Headband (2 images), $12.00
2. Vintage Hairclip, $40.00
3. Chanteuse Headdress, $30.00

And you must check out Littledoe, for the lookbook alone! Also, Pluma make some amazing headbands.

Photo credits (left to right from top): Sincerely Jules, Neil Krug, Bat for Lashes, Littledoe, Chris Godillier, Dmon Prunner.

Boys on Top

There has been a lot of chatter on Twitter etc. about getting major haircuts. I think in the summer the urge to be free of your heavy mane is really strong. My husband always gets his hair shorn this time of year and I call it the Lamb Cut.

Anyway, I love that girls are fearlessly working these boy cuts and putting aside the idea that short hair (especially buzzed hair) is "butch" or is some kind of signal about sexual preference. Thanks Alice Dellal (although she kept the length).

And even if you're not ready to donate to Locks of Love, you can slick back your do on the sides and do the pompadour at the front ... which is so clean and sharp.

Photo credits (left to right from top): The Sartorialist, Jalouse via The Glossy, Raquel at WM via Le Fashion, Karla, Fucking Fucks blog (I cannot find the address even via Google), Nast, Copenhagen Street Style, Styleclicker.

New Basics: Cream of the Crop

I think this is a nice new basic to integrate into your fly life, but please wear something underneath ... although if you're at the beach in a bikini, you have an excuse to rock this with the bare midriff since you're practically naked anyway.

Here are the essentials:

Left to right from top:

1. American Apparel, quelle surprise, $16.00
2. Top Shop, Ms. Crop Sweat ... Shoulder Pads if you're nastay, $36.00
3. Top Shop, normalcy, $20.00
4. Elizabeth & James, $95.00

Photo credits (left to right from top): Numéro Tokyo c/o Le Fashion, Knightcat (both), Park & Cube, unknown.

Baby Got Bun

Photo credits (left to right from top): Le Fashion, SRC783, Last Night's Party, outside Louis Vuitton Fall Winter 09 (source unknown), Paper Costumes, Glamcanyon.

Negative Space

Photo credits & Where to Buy: Chloe Sevigny in I.D. Magazine c. 2000, Sass & Bide c/o Circa Now for sale on her Ebay now, Johnny and Kate from Johnny Depp Fan, The Haute Pursuit, Georgia in ru_glamour c/o Le Fashion, Shakuhachi via Circa Now, you can buy the top version here.

And lots of affordable options (left to right): Hot Topic stockings ($10), Miss Selfridge dress (45 quid), Top Shop slash mini dress/top ($40).

Back in the Day

beforetherewaserintherewaskate

Friday: DIY Day

Two great D.I.Y inspirations for the weekend:

Doo.ri beaded tights ... directions here. Thanks Cup of Jo!

Tiffany Hsu's custom boots c/o Jak & Jil ... just add spurs, which you can find here and here. Just make sure to install them upside down (so it's important that the heel is high).

Happy weekend!

I bought something

I got these shoes a few days ago. I was looking at Roberto Del Carlo shoes and the salesgirl was really giving me the hard sell on them ... but I kept turning over every shoe to look at the price and handing them right back to her. They were like $300-something! And then I said, wait what about these? I looked at the price and they were very reasonable. I told the girl that they were obviously the Poor Man's Roberto Del Carlo and she reluctantly agreed. Then I got them! My one pair of shoes for the summer.

My sister asked me how I can walk in them. It's easy; they aren't that high. I do walk down stairs kinda funny though. Importantly, my feet don't get dirty walking around NYC as I am raised above the Earth as if on my own personal litter (that's a thing one lies on when one has slaves to carry ... one)--

I checked out the website of the brand (Antelope) and these aren't on there, furthermore the shoes that are on there are quite hideous. Strange!

Accessories: Copycat Sturgis

So I have to admit, I was really obsessed with these very expensive, very fine Katherine Sturgis bracelets. I thought they were ingenious, commended her craftsmanship on this blog, even wrote to her studio ... And then I found these at a totally affordable price at Urban Outfitters.

A-W-K-W-A-R-D!

But I bought them. I feel a little guilty but hers were just completely out of my range. If hers were half the price (which is still a lot), I would have considered them. So, I don't know ... is there a lesson here?

Accessories: Tie Food

These are so cute! Take a look at each outfit: each is made up of fairly basic items worn in a simple way (cardigan or v-neck over white collared shirt - what's new) but the tie makes it special.

American Apparel is selling some gigantic weird tie thing and I'm sure there's a video where they show you how to use it as a scarf, belt, bow tie, resistance exerciser, sex toy, etc., but I refuse to even link to it because you can save the money and use something you already have, or make one, or thrift one.

Photo credits (left to right from top): Ebba N. on Lookbook.nu, Brook & Lyn, Molly M. on Lookbook.nu, Sheryl O. on Lookbook.nu, Léa B. on Lookbook.nu.

Shoes: Gladihaters

The gladiator sandal reappeared as a trend in contemporary times in the years MMIV- MMV.

Yes, it was over four years ago that Tara Subkoff did them for Easy Spirit, and the powers that be (WWD Accessories being one offender) are still trying to tell us that they are NEW for Spring. Listen, when the main sections of ALDO's website are "Pumps," "Shoes," "Sandals," "Boots," "Gladiator Glory," you know this style is not so edgy and NEW.

Anyway, I am not in Rome and I am not doing as the Romans/every girl on the L train. I couldn't even buy a shirt at Top Shop because I kept thinking of all the other people that would own it. So here are results of my search for something flat, sandalish, and mildly original (left to right from top):

1. Tapeet Vicini thong sandal $394.95

2. BCBG stretch sandal $198.00

3. Alexandra Cassaniti Summer Bummer slides $165

4. Roberto Del Carlo pink wedges $398

5. Pedro Garcia slides $360

6. Steve Madden bronze snake slide $49.95

P.S. I think the Birkenstock silhouette is the next Gladiator. Image credit: Iliyan Petkov.

The First Thing a Girl Gives Up in the Recession: Her Pants

The evolution of jean shorts in nine easy pieces:

The Retro: similiar here, here, and low-waisted version here.
The Eightie: buy it here.
The Nerd: similar dork-chic here.
The Waisted: here.
The D.I.High: similar here.
The Classic: similiar here.
The Barely: similar here.
The Undie: Make your own using these or these, or buy similiar here.
The Thong: make your own please.

I know I am missing some real winners like the long skinny short and the garter short (from here), but I'd like to retain my eyesight, thanks very much.

So you're already over the jean short? Want to stay ahead of the pantsless game? Here are some inspirations for this summer and beyond.


And remember, in the future when you're wearing hotpants like it's totally normal, no one can hear you scream (except this guy ... when you wake up next to him).



Photo credits (left to right from top): Stylesightings, Pixie Market via Knightcat, Willabelle Winchester on Lookbook.nu, Cobrasnake, Pretty in Leather, Stylesightings, Fashiontoast, Vogue France via The Fashion Spot, Cobrasnake, Katy Perry via MTV, No Magazine, unknown pub. Knightcat, Lady Gaga via The Insider, Greg Kadel, Cobrasnake.

Reality Show

I am saving up my energies for an epic post about shorts, coming soon to a Holier near you, but I didn't know what to do in the meantime, so I've decided to tell a little story.

Today I went tanning. It was 42 degrees in NYC and raining, if that tells you what kind of tanning I was doing. It's true! I admit it. I couldn't help myself. It's wrong, but I've just been feeling so pale - how can I spend hours laying out pretty shorts collages and looking at bronzed legs without giving in?

Tanning is considered the tacky pastime of Britney Spears (I just had to look up how to spell Britney, ya'll!), but have you guys see Daria Werbowy lately? Her golden tan in those Isabel Marant ads? That girl's bio literally reads "Polish-born Canadian-Ukranian model," which I translate as "Pale-bodied Chalk-Model Permission-to-Tan." Oh Daria. When you do it, it's faux tanning.

So in honor of the noble art of approximating reality, I give you these brilliant items:


This amazing t-shirt was made by Malie Huffman and is for sale at her brilliant blog. I won't say the price because I'm hoping she raises it - she deserves more.

This quilted cotton bag is $100 at slowandsteadywinstherace and is worth every penny only because it's such a weird art object. I own it and trust me, it ain't no replacement for the real thing (... neither is this pale-pink cast I have going on today, but it felt good).

P.S. Fake tanning (unless spray tan, which scares me) is bad for you so don't do it. And don't assume Daria's skin is pale white just because of her countries of origin, maybe she really is golden brown by nature, who the hell knows.

Les Filles Les Fleurs

Maybe Chloe Sevigny's collection for Opening Ceremony (last Spring) was just a little ahead of its time, because aspects of the floral jumpsuit (I said aspects!) are appealing right now.

The tops and skirts seem like a versatile alternative to the skimpy Alicia Silverstone circa "Crazy" dresses that the Erin Wassonites are rocking, especially if you aren't 22 or a model.

And I love that you can find these little bustier tops hidden in a rack at Charlotte Russe - I think that's kind of the point of the look. After all, the technical name for these prints is ditsy florals (really).


I guess if you must (and can) do the dress, just go full-on nostalgia and get what you would have dreamed of wearing to a dance if you were in 8th grade in 1994- the Betsey Johnson. She's selling her own vintage now and there are definitely finds on the web. See here and here. And ok, ok, the Erin Wasson x RVCA is here if you haven't looked already.

As for the tops (from top):

1. Charlotte Russe $22.99

2. Top Shop $65.00

3. Forever 21 $16.90

And as for the skirt, hers (bottom right) is from H&M Europe, so happy hunting!

Photo credits (left to right from top): Alessandra Torresani by Todd Selby, Bronka B. on Lookbook.nu, The Cobrasnake, Fashion Toast.

Till Monday: Thrift List

A few years ago this bitter hipster guy went off to me about the demise of thrift stores - how 10 years ago they were so great, full of 60's and 70's stuff, and now they were all 80's clothes. Like dude, Time is such a bastard!

Whatever. One man's existential pain is another girl's perfect pleated pant. A few items for your second-hand pleasure below.

What's on your thrifting list?


Photo credits (left to right from top): Stockholm Street Style, Le Blog de Betty, Streetpeeper, Jak + Jil Blog.

Accessories: Net Assets

Girls, now you CAN hide those lyin' eyes --


Put Kenley Collins out of your mind. There is something kind of creepy and demure at once about wearing a veil, and they look good sitting around your bedroom.

Left to right from top:

1. Sparkle veil pill box hat $45.00
2. Vintage Jean Patou question mark hat $695.00 (but how friggin' awesome)
3. "Rome Fascinator" $38.00
4. "Sophie" vintage bow head piece $129.00

The rectangular net panel that just goes across the eyes (worn by that pink panther in the first top left image) is called a Venetian veil; (here's one). Kanye West can trade in his Venetian shades for this to usher in his new demure phase.

Photo credits (left to right from top): Glamcanyon, Vogue Fr via Capuccino Bar, Top Shop, Face Hunter, Lula Magazine.

Oh Mickey

It makes perfect sense to me that the only tee graphic with any authenticity left (after Urban Outfitters ruined "vintage" tees forever) is from the most tightly controlled licensor in the world. Maybe your BFF Miley can get you a soft grey tee with vintage Mickey doing jazz hands? Because they are impossible to come by.

Since Disney doesn't understand girls over the age of 13, the only covetable item available anywhere on the web (and believe me, I looked) is this men's grey sweatshirt. But I bet size small would be perfect.

Get it here.

Photo credits (clockwise from left ear): Unknown (girl with ears), Nast (leaning girl with vest), Bec Parsons company1.com.au via In Search of Little Sadie (girl on beach), Drew Barrymore in POP Magazine via src783, Yen (girl with blue dress, ears), Cobrasnake (girl in blue glasses).

Dandelion

Yellow is a good color, especially for "vintage" wayfarers that are $4.99.

Photo credits (left to right from top): Sequin Magazine, Face Hunter, Garance Doré .

1. Knockaround $7
2. Vintage wayfarers $4.99

Accessories: All in the Wrist

Presenting my complete obsession with signature wrist-wear in 12 pieces (plus some serious deals if you want to shop it):

Photo credits (from top, the girls): Erin Wasson for RCVA, Dree Hemingway in Vogue France, July Stars, Adriana Lima in Elle, Miroslava Duma on Garance Doré, Cobrasnake.

1. Cross and charms bracelet $10.95

2. Tara Tarantino skulls bracelet $100.00

3,4. Custom rolexes, Chrome Hearts and John Isaac Designs. Price upon request (sadly)

5. Paola Loves 2 Shop braided charms only $5.25 each with code HOLIER at checkout!

6. Disaya zipper cuff $113 (50% off dude!)

7. Fred Flare Faux-Lex $30.00'

8. CC Skye studs wrap bracelet $185.00

9. Hermè s Kelly Dog cuff, $890 (in stores).

10. Braided black and silver bracelet $16.00

11. Mary Kate Steinmiller rainbow and rhinestone bracelets $60 (at Charlotte Ronson but not online)

12. Fred Flare rainbow cuff $15.00

Rooms: Closet Addict

This weekend I'm going to open up my Spring clothes trunk and reorganize my closet so it looks like ...

Photo credits (left to right from top): Annakim Violette (stylist) by Todd Selby, Tracee Ellis Ross pub. unknown, Jenna Lyons in Domino, Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti in Domino, Willamain Somma, Erin Wasson by Todd Selby, Fergie in InStyle, Corinne Day Vogue UK, Tracee Ellis Ross pub. unknown, Vanessa Giovacchini & Marylouise Pels (designers and DJs) by Todd Selby.

Basics: The New Little Black ... (I can't actually write that)

The one item I wanted from Top Shop was not at the NYC store and sold out online. It was a perfect black silk one-piece with a tie waist. I must have deleted the image in a fit of rage. But I'm still obsessed; I think the silhouette is a new basic.

Finding these online is a treasure hunt because the webmasters don't have a category for the hybrid. I guess the UK determined they'll last because Top Shop and others have a category for them, be it jumpsuit, onesie, romper, playsuit ... (further enabling your regression to age 4).

That being said, there are some actual dresses below too - all the style of a romper with none of the crotch!

Left to right from top:

1. Thakoon, $800 (a dress).

2. Top Shop, $90. Go! Don't let bad shopping timing happen to you!

3. Miss Selfridge, UK 35.

4. Heartloom, $145 (another dress).

5. Forever 21, $22.80. That extra 80 cents'll kill ya.

6. Vivienne Westwood, $915. That extra $800 bucks ...

Photo credits (left to right): Adeline R. on Lookbook.nu, find her here, Cavali campaign from the sun.co.uk found on In Search of Little Sadie, That's Chic.

Hair: A Girl Can Dream

So I started this post off like: OK, whatever, I will just show a surf picture and write some words about how I wish the sun would come out and I know it's only April, but a girl can dream.

But as an offering to the weather gods, here's summer in a bottle. You can buy it on the internet. You won't have to freeze your ass off in a totally inappropriate outfit; just do the hair.

(I don't know how much more people can write about beach hair, but I'm testing the limits tonight baby!)

1. Kusco-Murphy Beach Hair: $35. This product is from Australia, has sand in it, and smells amazing but not like suntan oil. It is perfect.

2. John Masters Organics Bourbon Vanilla & Tangerine Hair Texturizer: $21. It's like honey ... in a jar ... that you put in your hair. Somehow it makes your hair look and smell awesome without making it greasy or sticky. Plus they have free shipping.

3. Rebecca Bacon Beach Bag Elixir. $25. I have never tried this but read the testimonials on the site dudes!


Photo credits: Top image unknown, from Bazaar US. Bottom images (left to right from top): Nast, Christa Renee (both).

Dresses: Long Shot

They should come up with a better name for the long dress, because I personally don't want the word "maxi" associated with my summer wardrobe.

Old Navy calls them "town gowns," which brings to mind some lady stumbling out of bed at noon to buy supermarket wine in her nightie. (They call the short ones "midtown gowns," which, if you live in NY, is the most unattractive-sounding item since "UGG boot").

I think no one cares about these guys because too many have Forever 21 syndrome. They're too often made from some kind of horrible viscose blend and/or the print is slightly off.

But a good long dress is totally effortless and awesome, and I'm here to say there is redemption to found this summer in Maxitown:



Gala: Pucci, $3720 (jeez ... or you can buy a car).

Beach: Vintage, Fashion Dig, $125 (awesome, one of a kind, buy it or I will).

Office: Max Studio, $198.

Club: United Bamboo, on sale for $395.

Date: Charley 5.0, $278.

Lunch: James Perse - no - C&C California ... psych! Old Navy, $29.50. But it sold out online literally in the time it took me to write this post, so go to the store if you don't want it in solid black or pink stripes.

Outerwear: Leather or Not

On reviewing the Top Shop celebrations at Balthazar last week, something I read back in February came to mind. This obscure passage, from an (apparently) overlooked opus entitled "How to Rock in 2009" by Capuccino Bar, is translated from the mother Spanish by the author:

I don't know what a trend is. Maybe it's the result of people following a chosen set of momentary icons because they have no ideas of their own, or maybe it's just a vibe that, for some reason, everyone feels at the same time. But whatever a trend is, the leather jacket BE ONE.

Do these photos represent two nights at Balthazar or back-to-back performances of West Side Story by an all-girls school? And what happens if you lose your coat check ticket?

Anyway, here are a few alternative looks to inspire your quest to stay warm on chilly days and nights this Spring.

And here is a good one from ADAM.

Or you could just put on that jacket you bought last week ...

Credits: Opening image: Image by Holier, words by Capuccino Bar. All Balthazar images by from Style.com. Alternative jackets (left to right from top): Style.com, Brook&Lyn, Karla's Closet, Le Blog de Betty. Final image: Text by Holier, photo by Hilde (A Doll's House).

Till Monday: R U Cuff Enuf?

Photo credit (left to right from top): Meadham-Kirchhoff on brook&lyn, nast, My Daily Style, Altamira for Teen Vogue, Garance Doré, Karla's Closet

Another thought for the coming work week that doesn't involve links to something new to buy ...

Rolling up your cuffs has a very-slightly-80's feel (if you know what I mean), and revealing something underneath is nothing groundbreaking per se, but both details have the potential to make clothes that you're sick of feel brand-new again.

In other news: now that we're over yesterday's Top Shop opening, we can focus on other VIP arrivals in Soho. My dog Milo is returning from her hiatus in the countryside tomorrow.

(noble beast!)

Jewelry: Hoop Dreams

I have several pairs of earrings that I bought like a magpie. They were so bright and sparkly! I had a vision of wearing them in all their over-sized, rhinestone, Indian maharani glory with just a white tee-shirt and jeans. And I do love the way they look ... in my jewelry box.

What I really wear almost every days is hoops (usually gold). I never have to think about whether they're taking away from what I'm wearing; they are always adding. Once in a while one falls off somewhere and I have to go back to H&M and get another value set of 20 in varying sizes.

But maybe I should upgrade, because there's definitely a new generation of minimalist perfection available. And lots of opportunity to support the artisans of Etsy.

From left to right:

Mizuki $365

Hothoops $13.00 (!!)

Sstargell $22.00 (!!)

Elsa Peretti $265 (These have a dual personality. If your Goth cousin is looking at them, they're something you bought at a piercing shop. If your mom is looking at them, they're 100% Tiffany).

Shoes: These Boots Were Made For Making

Photo credit (left to right from top): Isabel Marant, TFS via Knightcat, Queen Michelle @ Kingdom of Style, Rumi @ Fashiontoast

Part 1- When the March issue of US Vogue came out, I died over this Isabel Marant ad (top left). Everything perfect- shirt, shorts, boots. Never heard of her, but must have boots. Googled. Nothing. Boots? Not happening - don't think she evens sells shoes.

Part 2- Knightcat elucidates with image of model seemingly styling the boots by hand backstage at Isabel Marant (top right).

Part 3- The source of inspiration may differ (and studs instead of chains) but the bottom line is: handicraft may put Steve Madden and Aldo out of business. See Michelle. See Rumi. (Bottom right and left, respectively).

See what you can do with a pair of boots and a pile of biker paraphernalia?

Also of note: Isabel Marant intrigued others (see July Stars). Hopefully about to blow up ... where are the U.S. stockists?

The Basics: Grey Ghosts

Photo credits (left to right, from top): William Wegman, Altamira, My Delusional Mind, Garance Doré for Vogue.fr.

Weimaraners (those grey hounds above) are nicknamed Grey Ghosts. Their coats are the same silvery grey in black and white or in color- no wonder Wegman loved taking their picture.

Sweatshirt grey is the perfect neutral to me. It flatters every skin tone (moreso than black or white I think), and it goes so beautifully with red lips or red nails. I think every basic should come in grey, but they don't! It took some time to round these up, but I want to buy them all and wear them until they fade into nothing.

From top row, left to right:

Forever 21 with neon seams, $9.80.

James Perse, $65.00.

Miss Selfridge, UK 20.00 (they ship to the U.S., pretty low shipping).

KAIN, $88.00.

J. Crew cashmere (an essential), $145.

Norma Kamali french terry blazer for Walmart, $20. Go to the store! It's not online, even though Bazaar says it is.

Shoes: No thigh high boots? Socks for you dude.

The French have a way with language as well as fashion. They have a precise, stand-alone word for thigh high boots (cuissardes), and when they translate the phrase "mommy and me," it comes out like this:


Carine Roitfeld and Julia Restoin-Roitfeld (Photos: Altamira, Garance Doré)

But alas not all of us speak the language. I invest in one pair of black boots a season and wear them out. When I think of putting my money into a pair of thigh high boots, this comes to mind.

I like the look though, in some ways and with some outfits (this is exactly the same way I feel about leggings). And with that, I give you:


Photo credit (left to right from top): Altamira, Elle news blog (Sarah Bates, Katie Carter, Lilia De Gregory), The Sartorialist.

Let's talk about socks (baybeee). It's not fully Spring yet here on the East Coast, and where you are maybe it is never Spring, so there's some time before F09 to experiment. I'm thinking: in contrasting black/dark grey, over tights, above existing black boots.

Here are some to get you started (for about 1/10th the price of the boots).

For further reading on les cuissardes, visit this post on Garance. And for advanced sock-age, visit this image on The Sart. To read about someone who is SO not cutting corners on the thigh-high boot front, you must go here!

Till Monday: Tuck U

Credit (left to right): The Sartorialist, Vogue France (both)

For the coming work week, an office-friendly inspiration:

Take what you got; tuck what you got.

I still have to think twice before I tuck in my shirt because it was the uncool thing to do in SEVENTH GRADE. Time to rethink that notion, because the tuck can really slick-up what would otherwise be sloppy (or just boring).

Happy Weekend!

Bags: Brown is the New Bag

*street style photo from copenhagenstreetstyle.dk

The time will come - maybe this weekend, maybe next weekend, but some day soon, you'll open up your Spring/Summer trunk, closet area, wing of your estate, whatever to see what works this time around.

And chances are, if you spent any time last year at Forever 21, H&M or even Top Shop, half that sh*t is going straight to the charity shop. Even your little sister doesn't want that has-been junk.

So slow down you fast fashion freak! Let's talk about long-term investments. Maybe brown bags aren't just for your frugalista lunch. There's a bare-bones timelessness about this line-up that feels right and will last you at least through next Fall (kinda like that severance package).

From top:

Avril Gau Grady 420 Euros

Duluth Pack Classic Leather Purse (yes, that is the name) $150

Coach Originals Rambler's Legacy $258 (I really dislike most Coach stuff, but these old schoolers are awesome, make a note to yourself to check your mom's closet for some original originals).

Tila March Bonnie Shoulder Bag $895 (there's a darker version on sale here for $595).

Rebecca Minkoff Stud Roadie $575 (for the high-risk investor that wants to bet on this studs business).

The Basics: Clean Kicks

Spring presents footwear problems. In fall and winter you live in boots, then the somewhat warmer weather tempts you to ditch the tights and go boots/bare legs. I urge you to visit some midtown Manhattan bars on a Friday night; you will see ladies that make you rethink this look. And your sandals/flip flops are in hibernation where they belong until it's at least 70 out.

Like a Cadbury Creme Egg, canvas sneakers were born for Spring! They become deliciously relevant right around April, especially in shades of white.

Like a hip hop star, buy more than one pair because once they get dingy you have to throw them out. (I only buy Feiyue, and I buy several at once ... they are so cheap!)

1. John Varvatos for Converse. $95. The lack of laces is appealing.

2. F-Troupe. UK 20 quid. Dance-tastic in plastic.

3. Feiyue. Low tops $64. Available on their site (they ship to the US) and at Lion's Den (also check Urban Outfitters). BEWARE! The martial arts stores on the internet, including Amazon, sell counterfeits!

4. Tretorn. $55. Nicely understated.

5. PAM. $128.50. Gourmet from Australia.

Accessories: Bargain Binns

Tom Binns' Faux Real jewelry collection is an inspiration. You stroll through the Fort Greene flea market armed with a pair of pliers and tell yourself you can make these. Dream on Martha! After removing the Superglue from your tender fingertips and logging off Etsy, take a moment to explore the undeniable influence of the CFDA award-winning ('06) Binns.

1,2,3. The real deal is somewhat hard to come by, try Net a Porter and Shop Bop, or go to his flagship Megastore.

4. Vintage (make sure the mix is magpie enough, like this Sherman piece, and relish spending your money at something called AZillion Sparklz).

5. Top Shop.

6,7. Erickson Beamon for Target. Which came first? Chicken, egg, Binns?

8. The next generation ... Katherine Sturgis. Not so much a bargain but the one-of-a-kind factor is worth it. Thanks to Something Picasso for highlighting this talent.

Web Hunt: Motocross Jeans

Ah, the Balmain motocross jeans ... the stuff of legend, already sold out everywhere and creating debate on the World Wide Web. The "IT" item is dead; long live the "IT" item.

I'm not about knock-offs... these Pratt's motocross jeans at Free People are arguably more wearable than the Balmain because they don't have holes - even HR folks that allow jeans don't want to see Bret Michaels at the coffee machine. These hit all the marks and more in the details. They're 1/10th of the price and actually available in most sizes.

no she's not! (yet)

But I rest my case! Marketers spend zillions trying to instill in your subconscious the desirous drive that just made you click.

The Blogger Interview Series: Jasmine @ Fashiongrail

I've become increasingly curious about the unique breed of entrepreneurial women known as fashion bloggers. Fashiongrail - the home of "celebrity copycat" - covers such a vast range of lifestyle tips, tricks and shopping that it's almost impossible to believe all of the content is created by one Jasmine (especially considering her reign as fashion queen of Twitter). A few words with the lady behind the laptop: