steak and potatoes

Litany

2010-08-25T19:34:00.002-04:00

Moody

2010-06-23T17:21:00.006-04:00

This is the beginnings of a mood board I'm trying to build as inspiration... I have to admit it's a little weird posting things like this. I never know if I feel comfortable about it. I kind of feel exposed. I guess i have to admit it's all a work in progress and nothing is ever really finished so I should just let go.

Click to view larger.

pics from various places, including the sartorialist.

Progress

2010-06-14T20:27:00.000-04:00

If you have visited before you may have noticed a major outfit change here at the blog. I don't know how long I can promise it will look like this as I'll be likely moving urls and maybe changing the header at the least. But to be honest I couldn't stand the last template for another day.

Speaking of moving on, that project I told you about was finally making its way to the finish line when I made a mistake while firing my enamel and it burst into a few separate pieces. It's ok - on to the next one.

How I've been spending my time

2010-06-06T15:42:00.004-04:00

Other than my internship I've been back in the studio working on some jewelry. I don't have access to the studio more than twice a week for a few hours so things go a bit slowly. It would be nice to have my own space but I'm not quite at that point yet... Here's to hoping!

This is a photo of a real troublemaker. I've since put it aside because I ran into problems with it and I can't bring myself to deal with it. But this week I'm back at it. Wish me luck.....

Fall Forward

2010-03-10T19:04:00.005-05:00

A break from our regularly unscheduled blogging:

The past five years or so brought us a lot of varying ideas design-wise. We explored our many sides and desires. Fashion gave us the outlet to express every image and every mood from season to season. Not to mention that our accessories grew in price and size - teetering on platform stilettos while lugging a monogrammed carryall over your shoulder seemed to be the image of the aughts.

But honestly, who can keep up? We were over it before the items were even available for purchase. This is the time that stores like Intermix flourished because it maintained the idea that these luxury items flitted by you just out of reach and - whoops there it goes! out of style and was too expensive for you anyway. Just thinking about it exhausts me.

Personally, I like to retreat back to the idea my mother taught me, buying things feels great yes, but it's only going to make you want more. I interpret this as, while you may have the chance to purchase that hot new 'it' bag or feel it's ok to sell your arm to get one, the satisfaction from that purchase is fleeting and can only be restored by another equally as frivolous purchase.

Is it any wonder that men's wear is now the new women's wear? The exhausted and overstimulated fashion brains just want classic and timeless. Perfect tailoring fit perfectly for my body? Yes please. Overcoats, wooly and warm, cinched with a belt? Where do I sign up? Grays, camels, crisp whites and velvety blacks ring like a church choir to my lost sartorial soul. Sophistication and class, why have we forsaken thee? Because well, day-glo and studded everything seemed like a good idea at the time.

Honestly though, American Apparel watch your back because women will want more than a scarf that turns into 5 different oddly shaped dresses ... it's back to fit and function in the most beautiful way possible. This is the moment when women with true style can flourish. It will not matter how big the logo is anymore or how recognizable the label. But we'll remember why we loved fashion in the first place. We loved it because designers designed for your life and for your body.

Some good thoughts on the subject:

Lynn Yaeger on the Céline-ification of Paris

Remember when the recession first hit, and everyone in the fashion industry was going around saying that people would only part with their precious money for a really special, unbelievably irresistible, one-of-a-kind item? Wrong. It turns out those unicorn boots embroidered with angel’s hair are not what customers really want, at least not according to the Paris runway this season. Instead, it seems that what women are supposed to get really excited about are neat little overcoats, double-faced wools, double-breasted jackets with little belts, trim trousers, and a slew of other proper items straight out of Jenny Cavalieri’s closet.

Cathy Horyn on Raf Simons' forward thinking

(Raf Simons) is the rare designer who knows that futuristic images of fashion do not have the same degree of intensity as something based on a wholly rational view of the present, using normal materials.

Suzy Menkes on Céline

So few designers think inside the heads of women, and fewer still respond to the unanswered questions in such stylish yet thoughtful way. This show looked like the beginning of 21st century fashion — for women and not for girls.

Party at Ground Zero

2010-02-28T16:53:00.005-05:00

Stu took me to see Fishbone and the English Beat yesterday at Irving Plaza. I had a great time and it was great to hear songs like "Tenderness" and "Mirror in the Bathroom" but I really had to mention Fishbone's serious style.

I wish this picture did them justice. Their energy was incredible.

Photo from Metromix

"Smize"

2010-02-25T10:52:00.003-05:00

As an intern for a fashion designer I have spent a large part of the past two weeks with models - no i'm not gloating, it's not what you think it's like - champagne, hot people and tons of fun... ok ok there was at least one night like that. But really the majority of that time was exhausting and endless, for everyone. It's so worth it for me because I get to be close to the process and soak it all up. But it doesn't hurt when you have real cuties like Hanne Gaby Odiele around to help the time pass. I always loved her in mag spreads and now after seeing her personality I love her even more. What a sparkplug! ;)

Photo by Karen Collins, from fashion gone rogue

Train the brain

2010-02-24T14:17:00.004-05:00

How do you train your brain to focus on one project with an overarching theme without being distracted by other ideas and other inspirations?

How do you know when it's a good concept that will help you produce endlessly or it's a shallow concept that falls flat just when you get started?
I guess you just don't. You just have to do.

For the sake of procrastination, let's revisit oldies but goodies shall we?

Please be sure to watch this one all the way through.

Made the same year as Chris Cunningham & Bjork's All is Full of Love

above pic from Yohji Yamamoto book scanned by me

Unintended purposes

2010-02-03T23:01:00.002-05:00

I like how this necklace looks like a rosary. Hail Chanel full of grace i guess...
Photo by Garance Doré

Glasz

2010-01-31T12:22:00.004-05:00

Did you watch Anthony Bourdain in Brittany?
I'm trying to figure out how I could make a living in this beautiful province of France. :) Apparently glasz is the amazing color that lives between blue, grey and green - which is used to describe the oceans of Brittany and the eyes of Breton women.

The crew

2010-01-11T14:31:00.003-05:00

2008 Charlie Rose interview with Mickey Drexler, CEO of J.Crew.

The break

2010-01-10T18:55:00.002-05:00

How was your holiday season?

I went surfing and to the zoo.

This is me and my man chillin' at the zoo.

Happy 2010! Let it be an inspiring and productive year.
(PS I'm window shopping for a new sewing machine. When I find the right one I may actually purchase. Yipee!)

The long haul

2009-12-05T10:06:00.002-05:00

I think I have two weeks left of school.
The 'real world' awaits.

image by Soyin Kaiji.

This is not good.

2009-11-30T19:05:00.005-05:00

It's funny when I'm relatively happy with something I've done and my teacher tells me it's all wrong. Hah!

But frankly, that's the kind of teacher I love. I now totally agree with him.

Education

2009-10-30T20:07:00.002-04:00

I took a class last weekend at 3rd Ward - screenprinting!
I had a great time.

Laah deedahdalaleedah.

2009-10-28T20:16:00.005-04:00

Choosing to be a student again has been the best time of my life.

I feel very lucky. And when it's all over I hope I don't miss it too much.

Speaking of my brain, can't get this out of my head. It will just pop up out of nowhere and stick. sigh.

Indeed

2009-10-14T00:01:00.005-04:00

It's been a long time.
And I apologize. I've just been a bit busy.

I think you all know me as not a daily blogger but hopefully you know me as a sincere and/or entertaining one. Thank you so far for tuning in... i promise to be back more on the regular, as long as there are people who are still interested.

photo: Guy Bourdin

Plaid

2009-08-04T13:13:00.002-04:00

I love the mix of patterns.

Drawn from Purple Magazine.

Prada Resort 2010

2009-08-02T12:46:00.004-04:00

I absolutely loved this collection. So much that when I saw this photo in August Vogue I had to draw it.

Check out the collectionhere.

A girl

2009-07-27T22:49:00.003-04:00

A very stylish woman walked by today as I was perched on a bench on bleecker street.
I wish I could have photographed her shoes. My drawing just doesn't do her justice.

Like the boys

2009-06-30T15:24:00.003-04:00

Comme des garçons indeed. Not the label but the idea... these are a few looks from menswear week that i wouldn't mind stealing for myself.

Smoosh

2009-06-25T20:13:00.000-04:00

How happy would I be if this were my hair color?

Very.

Coat love

2009-06-17T11:58:00.002-04:00

These are from the same research trip
Halston circa 1970something.

Sharpener

2009-06-11T17:10:00.003-04:00

When first learning to draw ...
I find that you have to remember to keep a lot of things in mind.
Then once you get the hang of that, you have to remember to forget all of those things.

Ye Olde CDG

2009-06-10T12:39:00.004-04:00

In light of Rei Kawakubo's Comme des Garçons 40th anniversary. I made sure I included her in my research trip at the library yesterday.

Happy accident

2009-06-01T20:20:00.003-04:00

I was cleaning up a croquis on illustrator and without meaning to got a much more interesting image out of it...

One

2009-05-19T13:18:00.003-04:00

I made this jacket.
It's wool tweed with a cotton voile quilted interior.

Natural History

2009-05-05T18:16:00.002-04:00

As a child we were brought on many field trips to the Museum of Natural History. I enjoy it more every year. It must be one of my favorite places.

Little did I know that the last time I would go on a field trip to this museum I would be almost 20 years out of elementary school...

Zig zag

2009-05-04T18:00:00.001-04:00

My eyes are crossing! Pleats + stripes = wacky dreams at night..

I'm working on my final projects...

Choices

2009-04-15T09:27:00.001-04:00

So many fabrics out there, so little time!

This is a snippet of me trying to choose fabrics for one of my final projects.

This the way to do it

2009-04-04T13:51:00.002-04:00

It's been too long

2009-03-28T20:05:00.002-04:00

But I haven't had a whole lot to say - my excitements I've kept to myself.
It's time to open up again.

Don't let your eyes jump from one to the next but hold on. Look for the devil in the details. I love to imagine the choices one made to come to these final moments.

Fall 2009

2009-02-21T18:57:00.003-05:00

I am in intern at araks - women's wear designer and i was lucky enough to participate in her fall 2009 show.

Go to nymag for even more.

If I may

2009-01-27T18:01:00.003-05:00

post a post in the style of 2 or 3 things.

Of plants
tomatoes seemed the most human,
eager and fragile and prone to rot
-The Witches of Eastwick

John Updike
March 18, 1932 – January 27, 2009

Another final project

2009-01-21T22:10:00.001-05:00

Or at least a part of it.

School starts on Tuesday.

Some illustrations

2009-01-18T20:44:00.004-05:00

These were sketches from when I was applying to school.

from a picture of a very cool lady on facehunter

of a picture of agathe from famed stylebytes

Martin Margiela 20th Anniversary show

2009-01-18T17:40:00.003-05:00

These particular photos of this show were more exciting than my usual sources ... you can see the whole show on style.com but these are from Jak and Jil.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T20:50:00.000-05:00

I wish you all the best this year my friends

Barbara Stanwyck and Carol Lombard

2008-12-22T18:06:00.003-05:00

I am enjoying these two images.

Fall 2008 Final projects

2008-12-21T19:59:00.004-05:00

Patternmaking I

Details:
Princess seam darts, topstiched
yoke skirt with pleats
cap sleeve

Fabric:
Boiled wool

Mid-season Preview

2008-12-12T19:41:00.002-05:00

Every year December graduates contend to be a part of a show called Mid-Season Preview. The picks are then displayed in a showroom all along with some cocktails.
It was good to see what my next year might entail.

This year for the first time Parsons decided to included illustrations from all years and I was lucky enough to be a part of it.

didn't catch a pic of my illustrations, i know. sorry.

Details

2008-12-03T23:27:00.002-05:00

Hi!
I missed you guys.

Just a couple of things before I fully dive head first into the next 17 days of final projects.

making thanksgiving dinner with...lettuce?

desk clutter - off to the side, my first muslin for my draping final. i'll let you know what it looks like in the end...

Muji's umbrella stand makes a great pattern paper holder.

surprise! they were brussel sprouts.

More shizz

2008-11-04T21:19:00.002-05:00

My desk. someone please clean it for me.

ps. i did not design that outfit if you were wondering. merely a homework assignment for drawing class...

did you vote today? i hope so...

Truant

2008-10-29T18:03:00.002-04:00

Hey all -
I've been collaborating with Erin of Design for Mankind and Jessica of Shiny Squirrel and illustrator Samantha Hahn on Truant Magazine for the past 6 months. It features New York, my lovely hometown, and all it has to offer. Truant's main idea is to offer tips and contributions on travel from people who actually live there. Consider it a travel zine 'not for tourists.'

Please download a copy here.

I'll school ya

2008-10-15T22:35:00.005-04:00

i hope this isn't too presumptuous to post pictures of my school life. i figure you can always go on style.com if you want to see what the real deal is, but it's not so often you get to see the mess that is the first year student. ;)

the stacks

corrections

paper paper paper

a shared dress form means layers of tape

rainbow mud

Consuela Castiglioni

2008-10-03T22:36:00.002-04:00

Where she is...

and where i am. ;)

I can only hope that I remember to have fun and have a sense of humor about it all like she does.

No formal training

2008-09-24T00:19:00.002-04:00

Rodarte

If this is what no formal training can get someone... you gotta wonder.

Zippers

2008-09-21T21:20:00.002-04:00

3.1 Phillip Lim

So if I haven't lost you forever then you've been wondering where I've been perhaps?
I have gone back to school for fashion design and it's been keeping pretty darn busy. I love being in school and it's been very exciting. Whether this means I will one day be able to design or it takes me to a totally different place who knows, but for now i enjoy it very much.

I hope to blog regularly still because one of the reasons I started it was to keep a log of designers and hopefully inspirations if they come along via the computer. I hope you still visit sometimes...

Fashion week

2008-09-07T23:13:00.003-04:00

I've been viewing and I'd like to let it marinate before i go posting crazy. Until then I hope you're all enjoying the shows!

ps the only real thing that came to mind that made me chuckle, was that erin fetherston's line looks like what logan's run would be via the fembots 2009.

First Day of School

2008-09-03T23:38:00.004-04:00

A ton of money later, and my favorite school supplies so far are these Guerra Paints. This is the packet they put together for all students from my school, which includes all required items on my supply list.
how thoughtful!

Interview

2008-09-01T10:12:00.003-04:00

I've been enjoying the new Interview. Have you picked it up yet?

Chloé

2008-08-29T11:41:00.002-04:00

I love their logo.
(Found some booties for 70% off at Century21 which we turned into a birthday gift from mum.)

Nike Studio

2008-08-27T12:26:00.002-04:00

at the new Nike flagship store on Mercer.
How fun would it be (for me!) if this was my studio? ;)

Marni

2008-08-22T23:30:00.002-04:00

Gorgeous purse
via Style.

Early Color Photography

2008-08-22T14:34:00.003-04:00

Show at the Saul Gallery.
via NY Times

Unknowns

2008-08-21T10:50:00.003-04:00

Hanging downstairs from my jewelry studio in another metal working studio.
It looked really scary but when I touched it (shh) it felt like styrofoam!

The silicon mold made from my wax ring

Buckminster Fuller

2008-08-19T09:33:00.003-04:00

Exhibition at the Whitney right now.
See more of my pictures here.

*edit*
I forgot to mention for my high school alumni out there, that my sister reminded me of the polyhedra we used to make for danny jaye's class using origami paper. We saw a few really beautiful ones at the exhibit and my picture taking was thwarted by a conscientious security drone.

Stiina Saaristo

2008-08-15T15:31:00.003-04:00

Black and white drawings
Go to PS1 to see more

Frazier & Wing

2008-08-15T14:59:00.002-04:00

One of a kind
see more here.

Vintage Ankle Boots

2008-08-14T19:53:00.002-04:00

I'm selling them on Ebay
see here.

Dieppa Restrepo

2008-08-13T22:44:00.002-04:00

Handmade in Mexico
see more here.

via fortysixth at grace

Karen Walker Eyewear

2008-08-13T11:19:00.002-04:00

from her line Masters of Diguise
see more here.

On my mind

2008-08-11T12:51:00.003-04:00

I saw Beautiful Losers this weekend. I was looking forward to it but I didn't know what to expect. The movie really focused on the purity of the artists' intentions. The film their work simply as doing makes them happy and implied that somehow because most of them were not classically trained they were free of the "rules" of fine art. That they were free to do what made them happy, often how children draw with no insecurity, it allowed them to not have to question themselves ever.

Because the film had to cover so many people on top of keeping focus on the actual art show Beautiful Losers, it didn't get into most of their personal struggles or how and why they were the ones to become more popular than others. The film did however touch a little bit on the dilemma of working with ad agencies while keeping their fans and peers still interested.

Also on my mind - I'm excited for fashion week. It's a good birthday gift to me. :P

Mostly on my mind - today is my first day of non-work. I quit my job and will be starting school on Sept. 2. I'm excited and scared and excited and stressed and nervous and worried and excited.

Recently on my mind, this past weekend I met up with Jessica of Shiny Squirrel, Lee of 2 or 3 things, Kate of Forme-ForYou, Porter of Porter Polaroid Project, Sarah of Coutorture, and Charu of Butterfly Diary, . What a wonderful group of women - hope to do it again soon.

What you're wearing, that's what you are for the day

2008-08-05T14:25:00.004-04:00

Sadly, I wasn't able to make it to rock the bells, but this review gave me chills of nostalgia.

ladies

2008-08-04T15:27:00.002-04:00

i wish they were all self styled like the miss on the right but alas no...

they are all quite cute and my inspiration for fall however.
from left to right
allure magazine / nordstrom.com? / styleclicker.com

Excited for

2008-07-31T11:25:00.002-04:00

where the wild things are

and everything that happens will happen today

Visionary

2008-07-30T17:43:00.002-04:00

I am forced - I have no choice but to copy Cecilia Dean, editor of V magazine and co-founder of Visionaire. These hair pom-poms are too adorable. I'll let you know how it goes.

click on pic to view video.

PS I love that she's wearing all H&M clothing.

Just for fun

2008-07-29T11:15:00.000-04:00

I was recently at the Met and popped by the Superhero exhibit.
Snuck in a picture with Mystique's bum (or a mannequin painted to look like her..)

And these are for you...

Hussein Chalayan dress made of fiberglass and nylon.
The dress had visible seams where the panels met. it was pretty damn cool.

and the original Superman costume worn by Christopher Reeve. It's dark because it 'hologrammed,' switching back and forth from the Clark Kent costume to this one.

Weekends rule

2008-07-28T09:24:00.004-04:00

Photo montage...

foamy hudson.

leak.

plastic ambiance.

peroni and tom

i'm seeing double.

whatchoo talkin bout willis?

education time.

clarks?

2008-07-25T11:17:00.003-04:00

not sure if these are real clarks but i want to add blue to our household's ever growing collection of them...

via Oak

Beautiful Girl

2008-07-22T10:47:00.003-04:00

Le Vestiaire de Clé, is the blog of a children's fashion designer. I am not sure who the gorgeous girl who models for her is but frankly she woke me up out of my blog slumber. I find her refreshing, adorable, tasteful and very stylish. I'm sick of seeing the same thing over and over - but I don't expect busy women to start shopping for new stuff like it's their job. Rethinking basics gives you a new silhouette...

Sigh musey.
PS I CANNOT get that junya watanabe stripey shirt out of my head...

via 2 or 3 things

camilla

2008-07-21T14:44:00.002-04:00

When I first started to read blogs, i guess around 2004, one of the first was Camilla Engman's. I loved her pictures, of course her artwork and her pup Morran can't be beat (well.. except by these critters of course.).
Anyway, as many of you out there know, she just got back from a month long vacation (I hate being american sometimes) and so far I'm loving her pictures. This one in particular rings of real beauty and relaxation...

picture by Camilla Engman

The O.Z.

2008-07-17T10:05:00.002-04:00

betsey johnson and 19 other designers are reinventing the ruby slipper to commemorate the 70th(!) anniversary of the film.
This movie has inspired tons of fashion designers and remakes. There is something very special about it. I might have to rent it again!

sidebar: My first roommate in college was OBSESSED with this movie. we had paraphernalia everywhere in our dorm room. so i've since stayed away. i might be ready to revisit.

leather

2008-07-10T15:02:00.001-04:00

how i wish i could dress everyday.

from la garçonne

Men!

2008-07-09T11:39:00.003-04:00

I couldn't leave my male readers in the lurch.

All in all folks, the coming spring season was made for Johnny Depp. And really, who can blame designers?

Ah,you want the details you say?? Ok, let's review shall we?

The first thing I couldn't ignore was men's waists. Not really an asset that most men accentuate but if you're trim and you want to show that off this is the season to do so. The largest change is in the suit jacket. There really is a nip right there in the true waist - I love the retro feeling this gives. But it doesn't stop there, shorter sweaters, higher waisted pleated pants, tucked in t-shirts - they all draw attention to the waist.

Next, the spring jacket. Go short or go long but not in between. I want to see your belt with those short jackets. If that's too bold then the jacket should go closer to the knee than to the hips - and stay easy breezy with the fabrics on long jackets. It should shield you from shore breezes not from winter chills.

Color you say? A big trend that I love, lavender!! it's not a pure purple but a bit dusty. Gives me the feeling of being faded in the sun.

And I briefly mentioned pants but to go with your new waistline you'll want a higher pant. Flat front is still fine so don't feel obligated to toss those out. But pleated does look more comfortable for the warmer weather, it gives ease to move around I would imagine. (and more room for all your crap in your pockets.) And the ankle should be narrower than the thigh, much narrower. That goes for flat front or pleated. Side bar - please wear slim shoes. Square or chunky toes need not apply...

And don't mistake this post to say you must go designer to look this good. I know a guy that has little money to spend on clothing but always looks great because he knows his shape and size and everything always fits perfectly but never looks like it was stolen from a mannequin- that's good style. ;)

all images from men.style.com
clothing from Lanvin / Paul Smith / YSL / Bottega Venetta / John Galliano / JP Gaultier / Dries Van Noten / Burberry

My everyday

2008-07-09T09:57:00.003-04:00

the results from a bit of a scrub:

much better.

Also, reading about the fafinettes come to life on Vain and Vapid led me to share Stu's Fafi piece from a show of hers in '04. I rather like it. Just waiting for it to uncurl, again.

forgive me

2008-07-08T13:43:00.003-04:00

i've been in nantucket.
changes are coming... good ones.

Clean

2008-07-08T11:09:00.001-04:00

My canvas flats were in dire need of a scrub.
Here they are drying and stuffed with tissue paper.

Eternal Child

2008-07-07T13:41:00.002-04:00

i'm really enjoying this sweater. I learned about Eternal Child on Refinery 29. The Istanbul based designer, Gul Gurdamar, describes her thoughts, "I like imperfection, twisted things, playfulness, recklessness, contradictions." I like refinery29's description, "Never immature or ironic, her knitwear rescues the complexity of femininity with the celebrated moxie spirit of youth—a narrative that continues to evolve with each season."

I'm sharing all this nonsense with you because I like that idea. I like that your clothing can be beautiful, fun, individual and mature but does not convey a person who takes themselves or their clothing too seriously. When a woman dresses you should see the woman not her clothing.

More leather

2008-06-30T14:57:00.004-04:00

Continuing on with my love of all things simplistically leather - Made by Eugene is extremely enviable. Yes covetable too but the I envy that he made these first! ;)

Busted Career

2008-06-27T13:44:00.003-04:00

"I feel like everything I make is about making it."

Andrew Kuo is an artist whose work you have most likely seen in the ny times...

:D
see his blog here and his charlie rose interview here.
via scout holiday

Brr It's Cold in Here...

2008-06-27T11:15:00.003-04:00

Lies! It's going to be 91°F tomorrow. Do forgive me though, I have grown tired of trying to fit into my shortie shorts and become weary of sucking in my belly for my bathing suits. I'm already onto the next thing, fuzzy winter weather. I was perusing The Sartorialist's images from style.com, the pictures he took from the milan shows, and I must admit I've become inspired for colder weather gear.

Some thoughts...

I will have fun with keeping my head warm...

I want to expect something a little unexpected...

I won't forget about the rainbow...

The only thing better than black and white is grey...

Accessories come in many forms...

and when in doubt break out your blacks and mind your silhouette...

Service Announcement

2008-06-25T14:00:00.000-04:00

I usually like to keep things trim here - logging only inspirations, found talents, memories and the like. But I couldn't NOT tell you guys... I mean, if you need to do some fattening up of your wardrobes, the time is NOW!!

All these items are some gems from the virtual sales racks across the web.

Pictures and discounts from
Barney's / Bird / La Garçonne / Creatures of Comfort / Totokaelo

Flower girl

2008-06-25T10:24:00.001-04:00

Junko Shimada is someone who speaks to the girl in me who loves to prance about in costumes. As a child I loved putting on my sister's ballet recital costumes and run around the house. If I owned a pair of these wicked wicker platforms I would be running around my apartment in them for sho.

Remix

2008-06-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

best remix of a chanel suit i've seen so far...

chris benz

Summer rainbow

2008-06-20T14:53:00.003-04:00

I've noticed that this particular sky blue is really popular among the resort collections. It does remind one of clear blue oceans and bright blue skies doesn't it??

I love the LV anorak.

left to right
Louis Vuitton / 3.1 Phillip Lim / Diane von Furstenberg

Also I find it pretty remarkable that three different designers used this color combo. Not just two colors but three! The inspiration must be flamingos at the ocean ... :D

left to right
Chris Benz / DVF / Celine

Black Beauty

2008-06-19T12:00:00.000-04:00

It's 2008 and we're having this conversation now?

Why are we making this statement at this moment - putting black models on the cover of Italian Vogue? Usually change comes from the outside and inspires fashions, it take a lot for the fashion community to band together and create change from inside. Perhaps it's because fashion has become so much more omnipresent, affecting people who don't usually pay attention. Maybe it's a good time to make a statement... it's just too bad the industry took this long to make a statement.

Maybe in ten years we'll have an Asian model cover...

Also, doesn't Tyra look beautiful? I feel like the stylist on America's Next Top Model trannify her so much that it's become really refreshing to see her like this.

all pictures by Steven Meisel for Italian Vogue

Lanvin Love

2008-06-18T19:00:00.001-04:00

According to the man who could do no wrong his resort collection was based on the 'perfect American [look] of the fifties—but made in the wrong way.'
Personally I think Alber Elbaz's resort show kinda reminded me of the rebellious 1920s... either way. I love! once again.

Go with the grain

2008-06-18T12:00:00.000-04:00

GrainEdit.com has an amazing collection of beautiful postwar and modern graphic design. Check it. My favorite is Casey - her series of posters for M.I.T. are here.
from top to bottom
Jaqueline Casey / Jason Munn / Bradbury Thompson for Westvaco Inspirations

Model Rehabilitation

2008-06-18T09:01:00.002-04:00

Daulmonster as Amy Winehouse! I love it.

Styled by Hyo Jin Jun, see more images at Daul's blog here.

The Sartorialist

2008-06-17T13:00:00.001-04:00

I feel that I might be in love with this bike.
Is it possible for a bicycle to be a muse??

Sunnies

2008-06-17T10:23:00.004-04:00

Long ago I lost my Tom Ford Anouk sunglasses. Then I found them hiding behind my filing cabinet at work! Yay!

But then I lost them again. Boo!

For real this time. Cry.

It's really hard for me to find glasses I like, look good on me and that I can afford. I had found the lost pair on ebay for a great price and I was really torn up when I misplaced them. (For the record, I swear I left them on a deli counter and when I went back that afternoon, everyone was innocently ignorant of them. suspicious!)

Anyway, I vowed to semi-devotedly search for them at an even greater discount on the Great Interweb since then. Lucky for me Closet Cupcake was getting rid of her gently loved tortoiseshell version via her site closetcupcake.blogspot.com.

Of course the sunglass gods (demons?) decided that they would try one last time to keep them from me and got the postal carrier to be all difficult resulting in handwritten notes to him, SOS emails to Cupcake, and desperate pleas to return the package to me without signature - Oi! It was enough to make me squint.

Anyway, Closet Cupcake is a super sweetheart and when she finally received the glasses back a month later (due to a annoying return to sender problem) she promptly sent them right back to me, this time without signature requirement.
Now I can frolic in the sun!

Be safe

2008-06-16T10:50:00.003-04:00

NY Magazine.

my weekend

2008-06-16T09:43:00.002-04:00

rode to the annex flea market and was too hot to think about shopping. icees cooled us down.

almost home.

waiting to be fed.

Resort much?

2008-06-12T12:49:00.004-04:00

I think that being interested in fashion is just as specific as being interested in interior design. Just because you have a home doesn't mean you know who designed your chair or who Didn't design it for that matter. So no one should ever expect a random person to know any designers or know that the shoes they're wearing are "so last season." The moment I start to think that way please put me out of my misery.

However,I think people like to look good and know that there is clothing out there they wish they could afford or know more about. Certain things like price and couture shows make fashion very exclusive and a seemingly unapproachable club. This is a large discussion I'm breaching here and I don't wish to get TOO into it. That said, I think this elite club is doing a good job opening the world up; young designers are bringing their talents to places like Target and Uniqlo because all their friends are the same as our friends - poor and cute as hell. The key that allows people to express their interest in fashion is cost and wearability. A fashion newbie isn't going to dive right into Comme de Garçons or Christopher Kane. More likely Narcisco Rodriquez or Michael Kors. The reason I get into this is because I was going through the resort shows and I think resort is the most approchable often of seasons. It's meant to be easy, breezy and comfy. And you're meant to look hot in it! One of my very favorite very wearable (and very young) designers this year so far was Jenni Kayne. I'm such a fan of clean, feminine shapes and color blocks.

These three outfits would make me die a happy woman.

And while I'm at it, my other favorites by a landslide.

Top row Celine
Second row Yigal Azrouël
Bottom row Isaac Mizrahi (!) / Jonathan Saunders

Our sill

2008-06-12T11:12:00.003-04:00

Stu was a GEM and made me this plant sill.

If I didn't have nosy pups it would've been on the ground. But I quite like this set up.

What you're seeing is unknown ivy-ish plant, rosemary, italian parsley and basil. I wish I was as patient as G but it's so hard to resist these beauties when I see them in the farmer's market!!

The Young Guns

2008-06-11T12:36:00.003-04:00

These ladies are probably all too young to know the movie I reference in the post title but you have to check out their great sense of style. All different budgets from different corners of the world but not one of them dresses like your average school girl.

It's really difficult to dress differently from your peers when you're in school, young people target the different don't they? So I commend them for being creative and individual.

from left to right
sea of shoes / childhood flames / cheapskate chic

Sample sale

2008-06-11T10:24:00.002-04:00

Yesterday Amy was nice enough to invite me to the vip day of the Delman Sample sale. Because it was a 'vip' opening the event was civilized and manageable. We calmly tried on shoes and chatted and no one had to get punched.

There were tons of flats: patent leather and quilted. There were a ton of low heeled patent leather mary janes in a myriad of colors. And prices were $80, $100, $120 and $230. However, if you were a lucky girl you were sample size, 6.5 or 9, which were all priced at $60. Sadly I am neither of these but instead a mediocre 7.5 The sample size shoes were all kinds of styles, including pumps, platform stilettos, loafers, and oxfords. Anyway, me and my average feet sat by, foregoing the higher priced shoes, while amy and other 6.5'ers tried on a great selection of shoes. Fortunately for my sister (who IS sample size) I spied a very cute pair of 'snakeskin' silver flats for her to trot around manhattan comfortably in.

Overall report, I think it was definitely worth a trip. Delman shoes are ridiculously comfortable and it's really hard to find a nice pair of flats or pumps that are cute and comfy at these prices.

DELMAN Warehouse Sale
(Delman shoes: flats, wedges, sandals, &c.)
June 11-13 (10-7)
Metropolitan Pavilion
123 W 18th St (near Sixth Ave) 4th floor
(212) 399-2323

Gray day

2008-06-10T10:58:00.003-04:00

It's ridiculously hot and sunny outside in nyc.
Like most ny'ers half my wardrobe is black and I can't even bear to LOOK at that portion of my closet.

Can I compromise and wear grey? These pretty little things have been tickling my credit card finger all month! Fortunately, I couldn't bear to pay these prices so my bank account stay unperturbed.

3.1 phillip lim jacket / opening ceremony dress / costume national shoes
all from lagarçonne.com

Crafty family

2008-06-09T17:26:00.003-04:00

Oh my mom is so cute. I told her about my super-love of the Lanvin Papillote and she went ahead and made me one! My dad even painted the picture! Here's her first version. (She may go on to make two more, for herself and my sis!)