Let's just pretend it hasn't been like five months since my last post and get down to the business at hand- my burning desire for a tropical vaycay. I would sell an egg for a trip to Kauai right now (and believe me I'm putting some serious thought into it). White sand, waterfalls, clear aqua water, lush rainforests- all I need is a convertible and some place clean to crash after a long day of lounging. Unfortunately I am broke as a joke right now, kickin' it old school at my parents house, so a ticket across the Pacific is pretty much out of the question. In order to fill the void in my soul created by my cash deficit, I've been indulging in the tropics-themed trends all over the place for spring. It makes me like really happy. I'm dying to try this trend out and embarrass the shit out of my poor mother with some totally bitchin' Hawaii-in-the-1960s inspired duds. I think that this particular look requires some serious cajones, man. The vibrant colors and loud prints mean that you can't be afraid of a little extra attention.
Blumarine S/S 2012
Dries Van Noten S/S 2012
Imma let you finish every other designer that showed for Spring 2012, but Blumarine had one of the most entertaining runway shows of all time. Fringe, plastic flowers, florals galore and classic shapes updated with neon colors all made for a truly delightful show to behold. So freaking cute I couldn't pick just one. Now, as I mentioned in my 1920s post (go read it, I'll wait here) Alberta Ferretti didn't have the most cohesive collection this season, but lo and behold, I was able to squeeze her in to this trend too. My favorite look from her collection was probably the most wearable look, and reminded me of something I would wear getting sunset drinks at some beach tiki bar. Full disclosure-I'm wasn't a fan of Dries Van Noten's collection for spring. However, I must commend the use of photographic prints on the garments. The most wearable, yet tropical look I found incorporated the idyllic waters I long for on an oversized blazer of all things. It's all very Alfred Shaheen and I'm terribly obsessed.
Blumarine S/S 2012
Alberta Ferretti S/S 2012
Because I've been such a fail as of late, I actually noticed this trend thanks to my email updates from the fantabulous Who What Wear. When I was finally bored enough to write this post I actually had to do some searching to find scholarly sources to support for my claims. My new fave site Stylelist and a variety of shopping sites all spotlight this potentially tacktastic trend. Let me just say that I do not fear the tacky. Ask anyone who knows me well enough and they will fully attest to my penchant for stripper heels, yoga pants and tattered band shirts. (Only occasionally are all three worn together...) Moving on from my own personal style issues, Lucky Magazine had a whole segment on shopping the trend that I found spectacularly helpful. But I've decided to go thrifting to find my perf tropical paradise get up, since I'm poor. So, sorry, no online shopping roundup this time; I've provided you with some pretty awesome slideshows filled with excellent shopportunities. If you can take the time to sift through the crap, I would recommend hitting up some flea markets or yard sales for vintage tropical goodies. Otherwise, check out the gems over at Hilo Hattie. And Zara has super cute shiz too, so get off my back yo!
The King werkin dem shorts
The Waikiki Circle Hotel circa 1960
Lumahai Beach in Kauai, I wanna get all up in you.
Here. Buy something cute, listen to this and have four or so mai tais. Full disclosure: I did not make this craptastic video, but kinda wish I had. Also, I will not be held responsible for the drunken karaoke this post will most likely inspire. I've considered making drinking excessively, tanning and karaoke a daily ritual, but alcoholism wasn't really a goal I had for the summer. Mahalo and see you on the flip side bitches!
Ummm hi. Long time no see, right? Well I spent last fall in a bit of an existential funk, and unfortunately this blog was one of the first things I stopped caring about- in addition to my health, making friends, etc. But there's no need to fret my pretties, because with the new year I decided to get my shit together and start writing again. Sticking with that awfully cliched "new year, new you" mantra, I've revamped the page and my life to serve as a more accurate depiction of who I am and what I want for myself. Blah blah blah, enough about me, let's get down to fashion! The amazing weather here in Los Angeles has me eagerly awaiting the Spring 2012 trends and collections, and the first that caught my eye was the Roaring Twenties revival all over the runways.
Ralph Lauren Spring 2012
Alberta Ferretti Spring 2012
Marchesa Spring 2012
I am having a pretty serious moment with the art deco glamour oozing from these looks. Gucci's interpretation of the trend had my jaw on the floor and my credit card whimpering in fear. The architectural feel of the garments and the graphic color choices make this the wardrobe of a modern day flapper. Cute coincidence- Gucci was actually founded in 1921, making this collection seem even more timely (to me at least). And while Alberta Ferretti didn't have the most cohesive collection in my opinion, the use of color is just breathtaking. In this dress the sheer panels add the perfect amount of sex appeal and gave it more visual interest. Marchesa, sweet Marchesa, oh how I adore the combination of ethereal and slinky gowns you sent down the runway. Seriously though, you should check out the whole show because I had trouble choosing just one look. Ralph Lauren is an obvious choice for the best of this trend being that he deigned the costumes for The Great Gatsby in the 70s. Lauren's 2012 spin on Jazz Era finery is romantic and luxurious, all pastels and rich fabrics, but it's not really the most wearable collection in my opinion. Christian Dior, Emporio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent and The Row all earn serious props for their contributions to the trend and I highly recommend you go check them out in Deco Echoes on style.com.
Lea Michelle in Marchesa
Vanessa Hudgens in Jenny Packham
Emma Stone in Gucci
This trend is not limited to the runway either; if the People's Choice Awards are any indication of red carpets to come I'm predicting that we will be seeing plenty of Daisy Buchanan look-alikes. Which brings me to what I believe served as inspiration for designers- the new Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan. The original film adaptation with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow is one of my fave fashion inspiration films, and I just die over the costumes and set design every time I watch it. I'm a bit wary of remakes, but I'm clearly obliged to see this one if for no other reason than to compare the costume design to the original. Apparently Tiffany & Co is designing the jewelry, so at least that is guaranteed to be awesome.
Carey Mulligan as Daisy
1974's Gatsby sets the bar pretty high...
And some fabulous 1920s fashion
You thought I forgot about the shopping section didn't you? I did initially, but yeah, we both know I've got nothing better to do. Stylelist has a whole slideshow on the Twenties-ish t-strap shoe, but these are definitely my personal fave. Cloche hats are a cute way to inject this trend into your existing wardrobe, and since hats look totally heinous on me, I'm loving this turban as a more daring alternative. Drop-waist dresses are definitely an easy way to recreate the trend, as is anything with fringe or beading. Personally, I'm obsessed with this dress by Sue Wong (it's even on sale!). As for jewelry, any pearls you've got should do, but for a more art deco vibe I suggest this cuff, or something like it. This is yet another trend that you have to be careful with or you'll wind up looking like you're headed to a costume party.
I think it's amazing how much dancing has changed in 90 years. For more fantabulous 1920s dancing/fashion/awesomeness, go rent Chicago or Some Like It Hot. Have fun and thanks for reading!
There are a lot of things I’m good at: shopping, baking, making pointless lists. Notice that “updating this blog in a timely manner” is conspicuously absent. No lie, I started this post in August. Obviously my laziness is out of control, but yeah, I don’t see my procrastinatin’ ways changing anytime soon. Moving on- I’m back with a rather fierce new trend.
Get it gurl.
As a former Pocahontas enthusiast (see above) I was oh-so-excited to live out my childhood dream of painting with all the colors of the wind. I’ve seen this southwestern/Native American trend popping up all over the place, from Lucky magazine to shopbop.com’s top trend round-up. Hell, the Los Angeles Time’s Image section even has an extensive article on this developing trend.
L.A.M.B. Fall 2011
Sass & Bide Fall 2011
My beloved Gwen Stefani embraced the trend on the L.A.M.B. runway and I fell even further in girl-crush with her. I loved Sass & Bide's refreshingly unconventional take on the trend, because how wearable is a full-blown Native-American get up? I mean Halloween is just around the river bend (teehee), but let's be real. I have only three words to describe Isabel Marant's interpretation of the trend: suede fringe boots. Boom. Proennza Schouler's runway show wowed me with their use of color and texture. As a child of the 90s, I am so on board with their revival of velvet.
Proenza Schouler Fall 2011
Isabel Marant Fall 2011
YAYAYAY ONLINE SHOPPING TIME! Jumping right into it, I NEED this Theodora & Callum Navajo Blanket Scarf. Also, I'm in love with the uber flattering shape and pattern of this Maggy London Jersey Blouson Dress. Toe cleavage is usually a must when I shop for shoes, but I actually caved and bought a pair of Minnetonka 'Kilty' Suede Moccasin. Total cop-out, I know, but I reeealllyy wanted them and I figured you would understand. Keeping with my Pocahontas obsession I found this Split Collar Necklace, and it makes me want to run around bare foot and befriend a raccoon. That second part probs won't happen, but if I die of rabies, you'll know why.
And now I will leave you with some inspirational pics and a large chunk of my childhood. Thanks for reading!
Sorry about the genocide and shit... Is that necklace from Urban?
Shout out to ma half-breeds. I guess I'm trying to offend people now.
So, I'm not an avid follower of men's fashion, but a dear friend of mine has recently opened my eyes to the tragedy that has befallen men's fashion week. After watching a few runway shows I was overcome with confusion and couldn't help but laugh. These designs are freaking bizarre! I'm all for pushing the envelope, but for the most part I feel like these collections were pushed off the deep end. Honestly, I just want to know what the hell they were all tripping on. Prada, Versace, Burberry Prorsum and Alexander McQueen, I'm talking to you.
Alexander McQueen S/S 2012
Burberry Prorsum S/S 2012
Some of the major trends that I'm forecasting for menswear spring/summer 2012 include drop-crotch pants, wild prints, strange hats and an updated loafer. All of which I find utterly cringe-inducing and would classify as a deal breaker. Take the outfits over at Prada; if I saw a guy dressed like that walking towards me I would assume he was out of his damn mind. And I would laugh my ass off if any man tried to pick me up rocking the looks shown on Versace's runway.
Versace S/S 2012
Prada S/S 2012
What I don't understand is, what was wrong with the classics? Menswear has been fairly consistent for over half a century. A suit from the early 60s would look just as sexy today as it did then. Give me a cleaned up boy in a well tailored suit, and I'm a happy camper.
Marcello Mastroianni = OG pimp
See what I mean?
Which leads me to my next question; who are the consumers trying to attract when they wear shit like that? I'd imagine women's fashion is almost as much for the men who want to tear the clothes off as it is for the women who actually buy the clothes (although I'm sure The Man Repeller would beg to differ); does that somehow not apply to men's fashion? In case I had not already made myself abundantly clear, I find these looks heinous and can't wait to see how these trends pan out next year!
These sexy beasts know what's up. In spite of their question-raising facial hair (Can they eat soup? Does it smell? Can I braid it?), ZZ Top knows that sharp dressed men get laid. I forgot where I was going with this. Whatever, thanks for reading!
The bitch is back! After an all too brief and stressful summer break, I'm ready to provide some enlightened political commentary on our current economic turmoil... JK, I think I'll stick to the mindless slop I'm used to writing for the five people who actually read this. Anywho, over my hiatus I took some time to learn more about a few fashion industry insiders, specifically fashion magazine icons. Using an article from my fave-rave website, whowhatwear.com, as inspiration, I did some research. The following are a small sample of the bad-ass bitches whose jobs/lives I would sell my less than pure soul for.
Lanphear in Paris
BAMF.
Kate Lanphear- Renown for her tough and edgy personal style, Kate Lanphear is a woman after my black leather and studded heart. Lanphear started her fashion career in Australia, working for Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. She returned to the US to work for American Harper's Bazaar and is currently the Senior Style Director for Elle magazine. Lanphear has a seriously strong fan base, which includes the rather fabulous blog Fear Lanphear which posts photos of, and related to, the fashion mag rockstar.
Hill on yet another streetstyle blog
Must resist desire to dye my hair red...
Taylor Tomasi Hill- Taylor Tomasi Hillhas one of the most unique perspectives on styling in my opinion. Routinely featured on street-style blogs for her innovative style and striking looks, Hill has a knack for mixing different pieces for maximum impact. Hill is the Style and Accessories Director at Marie Claire magazine, and previously worked as the Accessories Director for Teen Vogue magazine. Recently, Hill was chosen as the new creative consultant for the Sigerson Morrison line and is expected to not only develop trends and dictate the future direction of the line, but to also oversee marketing and advertising.
Hillman rocking business casual
I adore how simple, yet sophisticated, this look is
Joanna Hillman- Joanna Hillman is officially my favorite Canadian. (Suck it Bieber!) To me, Hillman's style reads polished, pared down and perfect. I feel like a total creeper saying this, but I think I want to be her. After working as stylist Lori Goldstein's assistant, Hillman landed the position of Senior Fashion Market Director at Teen Vogue. Hillman is now the Senior Fashion Market Editor for Harper's Bazaar.
Writing this post has reignited the fire under my ass, and reminded me why I decided to move back to LA. I feel the same way I did the first time I saw The Devil Wears Prada; anxious to break into the fashion industry and giddy with excitement for my future. Now enough about me, here's some Madonna! I know this song is technically about dancing, but whatever. Thanks for reading and don't forget to strike a pose!
It's finals week and I'm feeling terribly lazy, so instead of being productive with my time, I turn to my beloved Netflix instant queue. I've been watching a lot of old foreign films lately and I'm loving the costume design. My usual posts are on this season's trends, but this week I'm going to talk about a few of the films that I've recently discovered.
Melina Mercouri in Never on Sunday
Never on Sunday, or Pote tin Kyriaki, is a Greek film made in 1960 about a prostitute named Ilya. I know what you're thinking- a prostitute with great style? How is this possible? Before you judge me, just take a look at these pictures, or even better, watch the damn movie. Melina Mercouri plays Ilya wonderfully; so charming and smart. Costume designer Theoni V. Aldredge (also known for her work on The Great Gatsby and The Eyes of Laura Mars) did an amazing job capturing the essence of the all the film's characters. The fit of every garment Ilya wears is perfection, and her style is a great reflection of the character's personality.
Anna Karina, Jean-Claude Brialy and Jean-Paul Belmondo
Angela's sailor strip-tease costume
A Woman is a Woman, or Une Femme est une Femme, is Jean-Luc Goddard's 1961 film about a French strip-teaser named Angela who desperately wants to have a baby, but has to convince her boyfriend first. Watching this film made me wish I was as fabulously French as Anna Karina, who plays Angela, and inspired me to try wearing my cardigans backwards (so cute!). I loved all the costumes worn during the strip-tease sequences, but Angela's sailor-inspired outfit makes her a serious girl-crush candidate.
Anouk Aimee in La Dolce Vita
Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita
Yvonne Furneaux in La Dolce Vita
Federico Fellini's La Dolce Vita is an iconic example of Italian filmaking. The film focuses on gossip writer Marcello, played by the oh-so-foxy Marcello Mastroianni, and his interactions with three women; Emma, Maddalena and Sylvia. Emma, played by Yvonne Furneaux, is Marcello's adoring, yet suffocating girlfriend, and her costumes show her inner darkness. Anouk Aimee plays Maddalena, the socialite who seduces Marcello with the glittering social life of Rome, and her costumes convey her sophistication. The beautiful Anita Ekberg plays Sylvia, a bombshell movie star visiting Rome to promote her latest movie, and her costumes capture her unbridled sex appeal. Made in 1960, La Dolce Vita features beautiful, uncomplicated costume design by Piero Gherardi that transports you to Rome, and makes me long for an Italian vacation/shopping spree!
I feel it’s kind of strange to characterize ‘prints’ as a trend given how broad and vague the word is, but nevertheless, I do. This season designers have gone batshit crazy with prints and I feel the need to discuss it. I am drawn to prints like a moth to light, yet never wear them and it kills me. I can’t explain it, and won’t even try. All I can say is that now I have some great inspiration for future print-centric outfits!
Rebecca Taylor S/S 2011
Loewe S/S 2011
At style.com they have the highlights of this trend showcased, with Carven, Missoni and Rebecca Taylor as my top three picks for the trend. Elle.com also has a great slide show featuring their top picks, of which I loved Dior and Loewe.
Carven S/S 2011
Dior S/S 2011
Hooray for online shopping! I am a bit fixated on this Bird by Juicy Couture 'Waterfall' Maxi Dress. I think it is an excellent find because it combines the prints trend with the maxi dress style that is everywhere this season. Another example of the maxi and print trend combo is this Zimmermann Labyrinth Twist Long Dress. This dress is just gorgeous. I wish I a) had the money to buy it, and b) had the bod to rock it. another hot style this season is accordion pleats, and the Tucker Pleated Knee Length Skirt combines that style with a super cute polkadot print. The batik print on the L.A.M.B. 'Signature Williamsfield' Tote is so freaking cool and also fits perfectly with this trend.
My only advice for this trend is mix with caution. I'm not saying it can't be done, in fact I think when it is done right mixing patterns looks totally cool. But much like booze, mixing too many different prints can make you look like a hot mess that no one wants to talk to.
Exhibit A (Love you Amy!)
This trend made me think of my current favorite movie ever, Bridesmaids. I love, love, love basically everything Kristen Wiig’s character Annie wore. Whoever was in charge of costume design totally rocked it. Annie’s staples included blazers, printed dresses and some kick-ass snakeskin pumps.
Kristen Wiig and Chris O'Dowd in Bridesmaids
I think next week I might try something new for the blog… Stay tuned!
