The Thrift Report

Lets get back to it

2010-09-05T20:14:00.000-04:00

I know, I know. It has been an unacceptable amount of time since I have written. Getting back to school has been great and this weekend I experienced my first taste of crispy weather in months. yum.

Before Style.com posted their Fall trend report, I had been crafting a list of my own essentials for the upcoming season (basically since fashion month ended....so since March...I know I'm insane). The items I decided were vital were not just trendy-one-season-forgettable, but pieces I felt could be worn until the seams start to fray or dye beings to fade.

I am going to do this sort of as an on going guide, mainly because there is just too much for me to cover in one post and I feel like I can break this up into styles versus specific pieces.

PART 1: BACK TO BASICS

1. Grey Denim- I am a firm believer that one can never own too many jeans, mainly because if I said everyone should just own one pair of really great jeans I would be a terrible liar considering my stash is creeping towards 25ish pairs. Non-blue denim is an awesome way to wear a classic and comfortable staple while incorporating new hues into your wardrobe.

Grey is such a wonderfully safe and chic basic, plus you can get away with wearing your denim shirt from this season without pulling a farmers tuxedo. I'm a huge fan of MiH jeans, here is their awesome Breathless jean in grey:

photo: shopbop.com

2. Camel- THE color for fall. It's just so yummy (I think more of eating caramel things than eating a camel when I say yummy, but when you see this color done right, you just want to eat it...well I do at least..but I'm crazy...so please ignore this.) I love the warmth of this color and it works for all pieces. Try to add one piece of the shade into your fall line-up. How about a great chunky knit like this one from Alexander Wang?

photo: shopbop.com

See what I mean by complete and utter yummy-ness?

3. Blouses- From my previous post, you can probably get the idea that a silk blouse was a chart topper for me, but I feared that the perfect one would be either nonexistent (picky doesn't begin to describe my shopping process and very often the items I crave simply do not exist for the season) or just completely insanely expensive (not even put $20 bucks away a week doable). Well of course the super duper amazing unaffordable one is out there by my favorite Stella McCartney, but I lucked out with a Rag & Bone tunic that I tailored into a shirt.

photo: style.com

mmmm...Stella perfection.

A great place to find said shirt is your local Goodwill, SalvA, or consignment shop. There are so many left over from the last decade that have found their way into these stores. It is equally amazing and dangerous.

I don't even want a rebound

2010-07-18T22:58:00.002-04:00

Its been over three weeks since I stepped in the Chloe showroom, and I'm still hung up. The side effects of this trip are far more intense than I ever expected.

Symptoms include:
Lust for silk blouses
Obsession with the following colors: Buttercream, Rose, Beige
Conducting endless Ebay, Yoox, Bluefly, and Outnet searches for any semi-affordable apparel from the label
Spacing out at work dreaming over the Phoebe Philo days

Chloe F/W 2004

Chloe S/S 2005 (I had to post this partially because it featured baby Gemma)

It's dangerous.

For weeks I've been crafting (obviously in my head) my Fall must-haves, and a certain Chloe something is topping my list. So I've come to the realization that in my current economic standing investing $1200 on the worlds most stunning white blouse probably is not the greatest idea...thus I am on a mission to find a decent alternative that will hold me over.

I'm glad my love for a button-up blouse dowsed in ruffles and chicness parallels the availability of this item for Fall. After scouring my favorite online shopping destinations, plenty of designers are producing said blouse. I have only just begun the hunt, but here are some contenders:

photo: Shopbop

Elizabeth and James Havana Blouse

This would be freaking adorable with my newly acquired Seven for all Mankind gray skinnies and a pair of OTK boots that soon will be mine (that's a whole different quest).

Here is a more dressy option by DVF, but I would wear it all the time with jeans, tucked into shorts and skirts...drool.

photo: Net-A-Porter

I could bore you with more options, this is really just for my own personal reference to these items, but you get the idea.

I know I could step into Zara or Topshop and pick up a decent knock-off and be set for the season, but I'm done with wearing fabrics I've never heard of. I'm about quality and craftsmanship. A beautiful silk blouse is the perfect way to display classic design and when punctuated with tasteful lingerie it couldn't be chicer.

In Brief

2010-07-10T00:03:00.000-04:00

Even to this day, my father asks me each week, with enthusiasm on par with a day camper hopped up on pixie sticks, "DO YOU KNOW WHAT TUESDAY IS?!"
I've learned to read this trick and know that this excitement is not only fabricated for the moment and to catch me off guard, but out of sheer stupidity. The answer is, "Its trash day." Yep.

I consider Monday and Wednesday with the same regard, except my enthusiasm is not geared to irk my child, rather to see the new arrivals on Net-A-Porter. See, it's a little dumb, but somewhat valid. ANYWAY, I came across the ultimate novelty.

I give you: Stella McCartney Knickers of the Week

Image: Net-A-Porter

For $195 you can have achingly adorable black cotton briefs delicately embroidered with each day of the week in every shade of Easter. God forbid you forget what day trash day falls on, just look at your crotch! I find these...actually cute. I never saw the point of referring to your nether regions for the date, but when Stella McCartney does it....how could I not love it? When you purchase this crotch-calender these briefs don't just come in a regular box...oh the horror...they come in a mini bureau.

Image: Net-A-Porter

It's the thoughtful packaging like this which almost has me at check out. I love when designers, or any product for that matter, take the extra step to make the consumer feel like they are buying something special.

Another example is shoe designer Charlotte Olympia.

Photos: Luisa Via Roma

First, her shoes are brilliant. Unlike anything on the market right now and she is a product design genius. Apparently, when you purchase a pair of her whimsical sky-high heels included in the box is a matching pair of tights bearing her spiderweb signature. The moment I read that, I wanted her shoes. Not just because they are gorgeous, but I want them because you get free tights. Obviously they are not free, but its just something special, something that says "hey girlfriend! I know these shoes cost you half your paycheck, so here is something extra! You deserve it!"

In a consumer market where we so often buy for the sake of trends rather than quality, it's details like these that we are missing out on. When fashion moves so fast, it's impossible for brands to include details of craftsmanship or originality, but things are slowing down. I wrote about it months ago, and the print media is writing about it now. Slow fashion is happening. It's moments like these, when thoughtfulness occurs, that we can once again appreciate fashion for what it should be: a display of art, talent, and creativity.

He reminded me

2010-07-07T01:10:00.002-04:00

Karl, why you gotta do me like that? After a not so stellar crochet-infested-disco-suede-orgy that was Resort '11 for Chanel, I was a little upset with my favorite German. All is good now. Holy Couture.

Season after season, Chanel couture never ceases to amaze because it defines how couture fits into today's industry. Yes, it is beyond expensive and completely unaffordable for 99% of humans (unless you have over $90k to drop on a suit), however, it functions as a trend palette. Karl manages to create the ultimate fashion luxuries that most definitely dictate RTW trends while utilizing the craft and skill of couture dress-making.

I feel Chanel is at it's best when it is ultra-luxe aka couture and the most recent collection eloquently exudes opulence. He featured heavy fabrics and treatments like thick upholstery-grade tweeds along with frocks armored in sequins to portray a real sense of weight. This weight along with the exaggerated pleats, hemlines, and shoulders can only be a constant reminder to the wearer and viewers that these clothes are not to be forgotten.

To further intensify the gravitational pull, stacks of bulky bangles adorned the wrists of models and the amazing mid-calf boots were reminiscent of slouchy paper bags.

I highly recommend viewing the entire collection over at style.com, but I shall continue posting my favorites from this drool-inducing collection...

All Photos: Style.com

Trend Watch: Hey there fashion

2010-07-05T21:34:00.003-04:00

After viewing the Resort collections, I realized this whole sock and sandal thing is real. The Teen Vogue novelty I considered it back in 2004 has seeped into a notable amount of designers collections and I'm a little worried. If you don't follow fashion week as religiously (and completely insanely) as I do, I'll show you what I'm talking about.

Image: Blogofbad

Yeah. It's fashion now. Here's some proof:

Rebecca Taylor

Alexander Wang

Prada
all photos: style.com

I am fully aware that many trends among runway shows never make it into our closet,s let alone stores, because they cannot translate into consumer-friendly goods, however, I have an itch with this one. Because this trend is the simple marriage of socks and shoes...with a twist, and has a magazine editorial history, I feel it will filter into the masses.

The Cut, one of my favorite fashion news blogs, already has already assembled a slide-show of their favorite sandal and sock combos and claims "we're head over (cutely socked) heels." Also, I've noticed the wonderfully and playfully styled J. Crew catalogs have featured this for months. So, it's been around, and with appearances in many runway collections, it will only become more visible.
Don't get me wrong, new trends excite me. I often find myself uncomfortable at first, but after a few months (or moments) my eyes adjust and I could be embracing the new idea. This one bothers me from the start and I just don't think it's going to be pretty. Let me explain myself.

First, there is the issue that socks change how shoes fit. Will this cause a slew of women to buy shoes in larger sizes just so they can embrace the trend? Or, will certain designers make shoes special for sock pairing, thus rendering the footwear unwearable without socks? Or am I just really over thinking this?

Next, I just don't think it's flattering. Socks cause a choppy effect. What I mean is it further divides one's outfit, which leads to strange proportions and a jarring silhouette. It's one of those trends that looks decent on the fashionable uber-tall (aka models-off-duty), yet would look absolutely horrific on me, since I only reach the height of 5' 4".

Most importantly, SANDALS (sorry I just need to shout a little) were invented to keep feet cool and uncovered in hot weather, also to show off a nice pedicure. It defeats the very function of this season specific footwear. My feet are already sweaty and gross just at the thought of wearing my Wolford ankle socks with any sandal.

Here is the other side. I love that designers are exploring the function of not only footwear, but everything. It completely challenges how we dress and look at fashion. It gives the consumer freedom and comfort to go back into our wardrobes and experiment.

If anything, try this in the privacy of your wardrobe and dance around to Jason Derulo shamelessly (I, for one, am guilty), or give it a go this season and embrace it.

Someone's missing

2010-07-01T13:52:00.003-04:00

First, I want to say how great a time I had at Reuben Harley's (Big Rube), of Mitchell & Ness fame, photography event at the Vivant Art Collection. Not only was it for a great cause, Big Rube's photos were awesome. He really captures street life along with some super glam moments.

Photos: Reuben Harley

I met Reuben last week when he came into Adresse with a well heeled companion. The more we talked I realized he is one of those rare people that is seriously passionate about photography and just wants people to see what he sees. 100% free of bs. Unfortunately, last night's event was a one-night deal. I look forward to seeing more of Reuben's work and hope he shows more.

In other news, I'm officially Chloe obsessed. I have always adored the brand, but after my trip see the Resort 2011 collection, I haven't shut up about it. I think what I love about the brand is its cohesiveness. Nothing feels piece-y or season specific, everything feels like its going to be in style forever and could mold to your wardrobe in an instant. The style.com slide show displays just a fraction of the whole collection, but articulates Hannah MacGibbon's vision perfectly. Simply put, it was a French interpretation of Japanese minimalism. It was classically Chloe and feminine, but definitely sans frill.

These are just some of my favorites. I would honestly put the entire collection on here...but that's what style.com is for.

All photos above: Style.com

When the model came out in the denim dress above, I almost passed out. Just perfection. And then when we were writing our order and I saw the price. I passed out again. It's price tag was completely reasonable, thus, it will be mine. Fall could not come soon enough. I will wear holes into this dress.

The title of this post is dedicated to my favorite 20 seconds of the new MGMT album. The last bit of "Someone's Missing" is just brilliant. Will someone please remix this?

Sprinklings of Summer

2010-06-20T18:56:00.002-04:00

First, Happy Fathers Day!

Today is the first day where I have been home the entire day and it's quite glorious. I finally unpacked the last duffel of clothes that I packed in...May...and have begun to bring my closet to a semi-organized state.I've been working full-time along with attempting to maintain a semblance of a social life. I may be tired, but things have been going well.

There has been a bonus to my job, which I was unaware of upon interviewing. My boss has asked me to join her on many of her buying trips for Resort 2011. I've been lucky enough to see the clothes straight from Style.com days after their debut only to be in store this December.

Last week we went to Stella McCartney. I have never seen floral prints so beautifully executed in clothing in my life. Here is just a taste of what appeared on racks and racks of gorgeous apparel

Photo: Style.com

I was asked to assist her again with buying at....Chloe. (Breathe in, breathe out) Upon being asked my knees turned to a Jell-O like state and some saliva might have dribbled onto the floor. Excited doesn't begin to describe how I feel about this. aldfkj;ladfadf.

In other news, I finally snatched up not one, but two pairs of sandals that meet my requirements. After a failed net-a-porter attempt (too small, way too uncomfortable), I headed over to Cole Haan with little hope in my search for decent footwear.

Well, I found 'em. The classic leather company has a new line called Cole, Rood & Haan which is based off of the original designs of the company. The leathers are more raw and apparently all the shoes are handmade.

I picked up the "Kisser" sandal in Fatigue. It's light-weight and keeps my feet super secure without any trendy embellishments.

Photo: Cole Haan

And then...I walked into Joan Shepp...where they were having a huge sale...on shoes. Great. Well, I ended up picking up another pair of sandals after realizing the deal was too good to pass up and the fact that a girl can never own too many shoes. It should be a rule that when one finds a pair of K. Jaques sandals on sale, they must buy them.

Photo: Joan Shepp

I liked these because they have the double strap on the toe along with a tie around the ankle, basically ensuring that my foot wont be going anywhere. These are known to mold to your foot and last forever. I can deal with that.

My New Ad(d)ress(e)

2010-06-06T23:55:00.002-04:00

I am currently being serenaded by the lyrical and sweet burst of sports-induced screams of my father and brother as they watch Philadelphia's NHL team, the Flyers, take a stab at winning the Stanley Cup. I'll just say that everything is quite tense in the apartment right now and I probably shouldn't make any sudden movements because we are losing by 2. (Update: my brother left after we were down by 3 in the third period...all is safe now)

While they bite their nails down to the cuticle, I will attempt to update y'alls on my life. Things have definitely changed around here, which is the source of my blogging hiatus. In the past month I have moved out of the house I grew up in on the Main Line to a fantastic apartment in Center City where the view into the Kimmel Center couldn't be better. I have also started to work full-time at a seriously amazing boutique chock-full of the designer clothes I drool over come fashion week on style.com (think Lanvin, Derek Lam, Nina Ricci...you get the idea). Here are some of the pieces in the store that I've had trouble parting with upon their sale:

photo: www.dluxelist.com/

This unreal Lanvin/Acne confection. It's the perfect collaborative piece. Not only does it beautifully display the super-feminine details and flattering cut Alber has down to a science, but the fabric is a fantastic light-weight denim which Acne rules at creating. Sigh.

Photo: Jerome C. Rousseau

My mouth begins to water when I walk in the store each morning to great the day...and these insane Jerome C. Rousseau pumps. They are surreal. People are quite terrified and confused when they pick these up, mainly because there are no ankle straps and there is a large metal toe barrier. You would thing these could qualify as the worlds most uncomfortable shoes, but that would be false. They are quite comfortable considering the front bit contains your toes and adds balance. So the fact that these are equally practical and gorgeous has me sold.

photo: www.style.com

I get it. Tie-dye is big for S/S '10, but after seeing so many of those Proenza long-sleeved tops on every celebrity and editor, I needed some refreshing. This Lela Rose frock may display the trendy technique, but I find it completely timeless. Lela's shapes are classic and made for the everyday woman. I'm bitter because this dress is now on sale, and....we just sold my size. Tear.

Within my first week of work, the store was ranked as one of the top ten places to shop for designer apparel in the WORLD by USA Today. I'm surrounded by the creations I adore and able to work with really special clients, along with the greatest bosses (they are not aware that I write this blog, so I ain't no brown-noser). The store is the manifestation of all my shopping philosophies aka the focus is superb customer service and attention.

We (me, my co-worker, bosses) are completely aware of the prices in our store, but also completely aware of the talent and genius of the designers we carry. It is our job to make sure the customers can appreciate these clothes as much as we do, so educating them about the labels is key for their shopping experience. Supplying anything (drinks, ordering food, alterations, shipping, special orders) is standard along with making shopping fun and personal.

I could probably go on forever raving about my workplace, but I need to talk about food. With moving into a new place comes tons of take-out. Luckily, Philadelphia has awesome food. I'm completely overwhelmed at this point because I want to try everything, but also keep eating the fantastic dishes I've discovered over the past weeks. I'll start with my current obsession: Pumpkin.

My first taste of the South Street gem was a beet salad my mom brought home after a tired day at work. It was a no-frill salad, just the basic spring mix, beets, goat cheese, and onions, but oh my lord was it fresh and delicious.

Pumpkin prides itself in using locally grown and organic ingredients which truly transforms a basic dish a superb plate. I went to pick up a bite for dinner and decided I should check this place out for myself. This is not a one stop shop. There are 3 Pumpkins. Yes, that's right, there are 3 places to enjoy the flavors of Chef Ian Maroney within a block of each other. There is Pumpkin Market where you can pick up cottage cheese fresh from the farm or their house cured pickles. Pumpkin Cafe is where you will find (me drooling over) affordable and awesome plates ready to eat in the small seating area or grab them to take back to your table.

The other night I had a complete Spongebob moment with their Vegan Bean Burger at the Cafe.

You get the idea.

I haven't had the pleasure (yet!) to go to Pumpkin Restaurant, the trifecta's fancy cousin. This one changes its menu daily and can feature items such as Bluefin Tuna Crudo with avocado, pine nuts, and baby beets. The menu is more expensive, but I am sure it's completely worth it considering the amazing quality of the less expensive digs.

The staff is incredibly friendly and they trust their customers. For example, I ordered an iced coffee at the Cafe, but they didn't have any. I paid for it there and they suggested I run across the street to the Market and they would make it for me. I crossed 16th to the other side, and without asking any questions the guy behind the counter made me the beverage and didn't doubt for a moment that I was pulling some trick to get a free drink.

Before I pass out (long week of work + full day at the Roots Picnic= endless exhaustion), if you are in the Center City area on Wednesday, June 9th stop by 1706 Locust from 4-8 to check out the store (it's called Adresse) for our "What to Wear with White" event featuring jewelery from Egan Day Jewelery!

In the words of Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff: Summer Summer Summertime, Time to Sit Back and Unwind

2010-05-20T12:21:00.003-04:00

After selling my college textbooks and getting back a measly $63, I am home and so ready to get this summer started.

I kicked off vacation with a weekend trip up to NYC with my mom. She was being taken by a furniture design company who put us up in a gorgeous room at the Bryant Park Hotel. We met up with my friend Chris for a fantastic lunch at Via Quadronno on the UES. If your stomach is in the market for delicious a panini and wonderful espresso go here. The space is cozy (if you have issues with basically sitting on a strangers lap in a booth, I guess this isn't your place). The flying pigs painted on the walls and the tiny tables with Pellagrino make you feel like you are anywhere but 73rd and Madison.

Photo: ontheinside.info

I ordered "La Madunina" which was a panini with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, black olive paté, and fresh tomatoes. The prosciutto was the closest thing to the pure bliss I've tasted in Italy, along with the incredibly fresh melted mozzarella. I was worried that the paté might out-flavor everything, but it was perfectly distributed and was a wonderful complement to the other flavors. I wish I took a picture to show you the greatness of this panini, but here is a photo of another sandwich that captures what you are getting yourself into when you eat at Via.

photo: Via Quadronno

Before heading to the Met, we finished our meal with a Cappuccino. Unreal. My friend Charlotte can attest to my adoration for foam, let me just say this was the Pièce de résistance of foam.

Later that day, I met up with my friend and fellow Art History major, Morgan, at the Park Avenue Armory for Christian Boltanski's No Man's Land exhibition. Prior to its New York arrival, the show was at the Grand Palais in Paris. Of course the connection I made was that Chanel has its shows at the Grand Palais and Marc Jacobs has his at the Armory. Boltanski's work deals with death, mortality, and memories. Some of his work displays massive collections of items. At the installation, there was a pile of 30 tons worth of clothing surrounded by a graveyard-like grid of clothing lit by sterile halogen tubes and a massive crane. In intervals of about 40 seconds, the crane would lower, pick up a claw-full of clothing, and let it drop back on the top.

In such a grand scale, the clothing could not be treated through single articles, but as one large unit. This brings up questions of why do we keep things and what importance or utility do items have after they are used or their owner is gone? The sheer volume of clothes effectively displayed the notion that the purpose of collecting and saving things can lose meaning or be forgotten. Why do we need material reminders of anything? Why can't we trust our ability to remember?

As I pack up my house to move, I've been faced with many of these questions. I've come across too many math worksheets from 5th grade and untouched Beanie Babies. I forgot why I kept some projects from middle school, which obviously were important to me at the time. There is a struggle when deciding what to toss and what to keep. I might come across an item had meaning to me in youth, but now I wrack my brain trying to figure out why I need a brochure from Sesame Place.

To distract myself from the insane amount of papers, toys, books, clothes, furniture, art projects--you get the idea--I've realized my beloved Rich & Skinny dark-wash skinny jeans are way past their expiration date. I have officially worn multiple holes into the pockets, the once ink wash appears more like a pair of faded Levi's, and they are paper thin. Mind you, I have worn them basically every single day since I purchased them in November 2008. Luckily, I didn't need to break out into a full blown quest for a great pair of skinny jeans. I'm ready to buy me some J Brand Petite Low-Rise Pencil Leg jeans.

photo: J Brand

I've always loved J Brand. I wore out my gray skinnies years ago and have rediscovered my Love Story flares. I love the way their jeans fit, definitely true to size and the perfect amount of stretch. The details are simple, no fancy pockets or stitching. These skinnies are great for me because I don't have to worry about a trip to the tailor or excessively rolling them up. I know these jeans aren't cheap, but to find a great pair of jeans that I know will last a long time and are well made is worth it.

Many empty boxes await to be packed and a huge carton of strawberries in kitchen has my name on it. I'm out.

I promise you I'm still here!

2010-05-12T14:46:00.000-04:00

So while I have a moment to breathe in the midst of packing up my room and saying goodbye to friends, I would like to say that I am still alive despite my hiatus. Although I cannot dedicate myself to a full out post, I once again have a quest. My newest challenge: Finding the perfect Maxi dress. I always want to say maxi-pad, but that would be wrong. Ever since Spring weekend, I've gotten an itch to own a floor sweeping jersey dress. Of course I found the perfect James Perse tank dress at 60% off, but some force told me not to buy it. I hate you force.

Photo: Alexander Wang

I'm tempted to just give into the T by Alexander Wang and shell out the dollar bills, but I've never owned one of his pieces. Are they worth it? Do they pill after a couple washes? Halp.

You Can't Sandal the Truth

2010-04-24T18:15:00.000-04:00

I think one of the things I love about magazines, fashion publications specifically, is their focus on wordplay. At this point, I feel like every adage or term has been torn apart and mashed back together so it's relevant to platform heels or unisex clothing.One of the best parts of looking at style.com is their little puns. You cannot escape a slide show without seeing "Halston's slash dance" or "Knotty but nice at Vionnet." They are generally lighthearted, but its always cute. Hence, the title of this post is intentionally cheesy and practice for my (hopeful) future career

ANYWAY. I'm taking a break right now from doing research on Rothko's use of space as subject matter for an overwhelming/impossible/kill-me-now paper I need to get done so I can maintain some level of sanity.

The following occurs every single summer, and I do not know how to overcome this, so I am asking (BEGGING) for your help. Look at this pug. I am this pug. I want to stop making this face.

Okay, so I have major issues with sandals. I have never been able to find a pair that 1) like, 2) can afford, 3) don't result in falling arches, and most importantly 4) are comfortable. Summer is when I'm outdoors the most and walking around all the time, so why is the shoe associated with this season so sucky? Think about it, sandals rarely have any arch support or traction, and if you want any sort of cushioning you are looking at a pair of orthopedic Teva's....not so cute.

DAYUM

So this is a cry for help. Have you found the perfect sandal? Are they cute? Are they comfy? Is he gettin’ you Mike n Ikes? Oh, you like Mike n Ikes? Is he hefty? Is he comin’ back?

Tobias was a never nude, which is exactly what it sounds like.

2010-04-20T14:03:00.002-04:00

When it comes to buying denim shorts, the first thing that comes to mind is the most wonderful character that ever graced us with his presence on television, Tobias Funke. I own a pair of cutoffs, not only as an ode to a television favorite, but it was my first attempt at denim shorts. For some reason, and I hope it isn't just me, I have such trouble finding a good pair of denim shorts. Not only have prices skyrocketed to disgusting highs (basically they are expensive postage stamps. I tried on a pair of True Religion and not only was my tush exponentially exposed with every step I took, but the sales person attempted to convince me that this was a cute look...bahahhahah), but it's also difficult to find the right cut.

Le Cutoffs, a little awk, right?

Look at me! I have no emotions because I'm cooler than everyone looking at this picture!

You think, well, shorts are shorts, right? Not so much. My first attempt was made 2 summers ago at a vintage store where I procured a pair of perfectly worn-in men's Levi's cutoffs. I was definitely influenced by Alexander Wang, but because I am not Erin Wasson, I began to have major issues with the waistband. Cutoffs are cute, but men's jeans are made for men, not for women, mainly for the huge issue they cannot bear children aka do not have hips. At this point I reserve my beloved Tobias shorts for flowy tops, wearing tights underneath, and impressing people when I say I have nevernude shorts (at which point I proceed to model them and do a Mrs. Featherbottom impression).

A couple of weeks ago, I decided I would not go another summer making excuses for my Tobias pants, and proceeded to hunt down the perfect pair of cutoffs.

My criteria:
-They would be made for women
-A dark wash, but not indigo.
-No pocket peakers
-Ass must be fully veiled
-Must fall on hips, not at waist
-Minimal pocket detailing/distressing

So I was on a quest for basically mythical shorts. Well, to my surprise, good ol' Philly based pseudo-hipster retailer Urban Outfitters had my golden ticket (and a golden twinkle in my eyeee. Maddie, calm it down.). I present to you Levi's 501 Cutoff Short. It fits all my requirements and then some.

Photo: Urban Outfitters

My favorite thing about these shorts is the length. I have the option to roll them up (while keeping my backside covered) or to bring them down to a more fixie-riding-hipster-cutoff length. The wash distressed, but definitely feels worn in while being dark.

Photo: Urban Outfitters

The back (or I prefer "donk") is not only flattering, but the pockets are simple classic Levi's with yellow stitching. No fancy shmancy in your face logos.

Overall these shorts are winners. Now, excuse me while I attempt to write 10 pages on Rothko's spacial phenomenology and gouge my eyes out.

My Motherboard, My Self

2010-04-13T14:14:00.001-04:00

Not only do Carrie Bradshaw and I share the same adoration for footwear, but we both have sickly laptops.

Yes, I just titled my post after an episode of SATC, because right now I am typing furiously from a library computer. My laptop is ill thanks to a lovely little virus and now is in the hands of technology support being stripped of all files and sass. Before I trekked on over to the techies, I realized I had to make some changes to my Dell.

The following was altered:
My desktop background: A still shot of the Dolce and Gabbana F/W '10 runway where there is a stampede of pantless models. I didn't want to give the impression that I have some sort of leg fetish.

My password: In order to gain access to my computer, one must enter the following: Lagerkins. I really didn't want to have to explain my penchant for a certain German.

I never realize how personalized my laptop is. I have files and folders dedicated to paintings, couture, vintage, magazines, and other fashion related items along with little sartorial notes I write down to give me a hint on what to wear. Now let's pray they don't look at my pictures of the stupid faces I make and take pictures of when I'm ridiculously bored and send to my parents and friends. I never would have though my dignity and reputation would be in the hands of a wire frame and WWC t-shirt clad tech-saint.

I'm Trans-Fixed

2010-04-10T17:58:00.001-04:00

Generally when I go to a museum space or gallery and see post-modern art, especially videos, I feel like I'm just not getting it. I've realized, it's not that I'm not understanding the work, I'm just not asserting myself as much as the artist did.

Recently I have been focused on performance art, rather, the origins of modern performance art, which includes Allan Kaprow. He was interested in creating events with participants who are not artists and to break away from the notion that art could only be in a gallery or museum space.

Allan Kaprow, Household, 1964

For Kaprow, there are three key aspects of performance art:

-Time

-Sound

-People

The immediate association I made was to fashion shows. How do performance art and fashion shows differ? After some consideration, I realized there isn't much separation.

Each enable Kaprow's three aspects. Show's use time as a medium for their work, think about the amount of energy that goes into planning and assuring each model makes it down the runway or that the show begins on time. The sound, beyond the obvious runway music, the shuffling of the show notes or the clapping of shoes which enhance and make the experience. For Kaprow, the participants were just as important as the artist, isn't that the same for the industry? Show's couldn't exist if it weren't for the audience. Their participation enables critique, commerce, and accounts of the experience. This got me thinking on a larger scale. What Kaprow was looking for was spontaneity--an experience that exceeded his power of creative thought. I feel like designers are all looking for that unpredictable response. They put their ideas forth, but have no control over the ultimate reaction.

Chris Burden, Transfixed (1974)

On a less fashion related rant, I'm really into the work of of another performance artist, Chris Burden. With his work, he literally became the art. In regards to 1971's Shoot, where he asked a friend to shoot a gun at his arm and graze it with a bullet, he said, "in this instant I am a sculpture."

Chris Burden, Shoot (1971)

I feel like his mentality has definitely crossed over into mainstream culture. The notion of becoming a self-phenomena and an extreme spectacular. Burden's Transfixed involved him nailing his hands to the hood of a car and letting it roll out of a garage. He saved the nails and called them "relics." We so often try to find ways to materialize an event in order to have proof that such event occurred. Like gift bags for instance, are all specialized proof of being present at an event. Why do we need recognition of attendance, especially through material items?

The Opposite of Sun

2010-03-30T10:55:00.001-04:00

Right now, and for the past 48 hours, it has been a monsoon. New England weather has a serious personality disorder. Within minutes it can be sunny and gorgeous and then a complete downpour. This does not accommodate my sartorial choices in any way.

Thank goodness my mom sent me my Barbour jacket, it has been a better investment than I originally thought. If you are contemplating buying a raincoat, I would highly suggest shelling out the dough for one of their jackets. Completely worth it.

To remind myself that good weather does exist, here are some pictures of the most perfect day I had over Spring Break. My friend Sophy and I spent the day walking around Center City, Philadelphia doing our best people watching and making friends with every sales associate we met. We had an incredible lunch at Parc, the French Steven Starr dig on Rittenhouse Square, and used it as an opportunity to speak as much french as possible aka confuse our waiter a lot.

It's hard to tell with the bare trees, but it was about 65 degrees and not a cloud in sight.

Sophy's Shrimp Salad with Lemon Beurre Blanc and Avacado.

I sort of have a thing for beets. Maybe it was my upbringing and exposure to Doug, but my friends can attest to my adoration for the root. My incredible Beet Salad with a generous piece of Roquefort, Arugula, and a light Citrus Vinagrette.

I can't wait to get my new Ferragamos! They are basically Ferragamo's answer to Keds. Here is a little preview:

Excuse me, but I have to go inhale some of my mother's famous chocolate chip Passover cookies.

Springz Breakz wuz phun, but so much werk now.

2010-03-27T17:28:00.002-04:00

There is this little itch of guilt that starts to manifest itself in my stomach when a week goes by and I have no posted. Blogger somehow managed to recreate the feeling I get when I don't listen to my grandmother via the internet...congratulations internet.

There is SO much I want to write about, but the tidal wave of work that has amounted in the past week is not only nauseating but really freaking time consuming. I'm in the process of reading an article about Eva Hesse and Minimalism, which is interesting, but a little dry and hard for me to concentrate on when the following things are happening:

1. Summer concerts are being posted...goodbye paycheck. Snagged a ticket to the Roots Picnic (June 5 in Philly) and I think my friend got me one for Passion Pit(!).

2. I am watching 8 pairs of Ferragamos on ebay...already won a pair last night. It's usually around this time of year when I go on a Ferragmo binge and have zero regrets.

3. Carbs need to be eaten. Only 2 days until Passover!!!

Here are some things you can do when you are waiting for my next post:
Listen to Danger Mouse and James Mercer's collab, Broken Bells (I actually just wrote 'Broken Bellz.' It has been a very long week.). If the O.C. was still on this would totally have been played in a beach montage scene (I promise you I have friends). Go listen to two of my faves "The Ghost Inside" and "Trap Doors"

Eat Trader Joes Vanilla Greek Yogurt. My friend Chris introduced me to this magical food. Fage always has a special place in my heart, but this yogurt I can eat without pouring gallons of honey into it. SO GOOD.

Also, Check out my friend Sam's awesome Tumblr: http://sameatsfood.tumblr.com/ He is probably the most enthusiastic eater I have ever met. If you use the word "succulent" on an everyday basis, you and Sam should probably be best friends.

My brush with Balmainia

2010-03-21T03:24:00.002-04:00

When my brother was in college up at Vassar my mother and I would force a detour every single time. The most glorious outlet mall in America--The Woodbury Commons. You have your basic J. Crew and Ralph Lauren, but then comes Chanel, Prada, Balenciaga, Ferragamo...it's endless. These seasonal trips coupled with more local outlets allows me to consider myself as an experienced outlet shopper.

Over the past years I have done fairly well. I've scored everything from a Miu Miu cocktail dress to a Marc Jacobs bag, although there have been plenty of frustrating and unsuccessful trips, I never lose faith.

Yesterday my mom and I were essentially kicked out of our house for the day due to inspectors and the fun things that come with selling a home, so, naturally, we were on the road to ready to find some discounted designer duds by 9:30 am.

Here are some tips when going outlet shopping:
-Do not take your size seriously. What I mean is if you claim you are ALWAYS a size 6 in pants, throw that out the window. Things might be too big or too small, so if you don't see your size in an item you like, try it on anyway.

-Bring snacks. Outlet shopping is far different from a regular trip to the mall. You need to be focused and prepared to look at everything, thus well fueled. My mom and I always bring a bottle of water and various Fiber One bars.

-Be aware of details. There is a reason why things are at an outlet. Sometimes the store had too much inventory other times goods are damaged. I remember finding a Proenza Schouler skirt that I absolutely loved, however, the stain in the back was not nearly as cute.

-Keep your options open. A lot of the things I try on are just for kicks, but end up actually liking. Most of the time I try on absolutely ridiculous things that I either cannot afford (see below) or items that I have always been curious to try.

-Look at everything. Outlets aren't terribly organized, so things are placed where they shouldn't be. I was able to find a great See by Chloe shirt hung on the Womens Career clearance rack. Look at the super big sizes, for some reason, I also find a lot of gems there, maybe people are trying to hide their finds?

So, today, when I was looking through the Designer/Couture clearance, I stumbled upon something quite incredible--a S/S '09 Balmain dress. Marked down to $7,360 (originally priced at a semester of a private liberal-arts college) I had to try it on. Firstly, jesus, Christophe Decarnin does not want women to be able to breathe. Secondly, he knows how to make a woman feel sexy. For the minutes I had this dress on, I felt like a rock star, despite the fact it weighed close to 8 lbs. Here are some crappy cell phone shotz.

Is that me? In Balmain?!

Regardless of the begging I tried to do with a straight face, I could not convince my mother to buy this for me. Instead I picked up a great See by Chloe top and an Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti skirt.

I would have tried this on and created a cute outfit, but seeing as it is 3:23am and I have yet to pack for my flight back to school tomorrow, it's just not going to happen.

Hoarders everywhere, do not read this, this only helps your cause.

2010-03-13T17:42:00.001-05:00

The moment I walked in my house to commence my long awaited spring break my nose turned into a faucet. I have a terrible cold and cannot go out due to what looks like monsoon season on the Main Line. I'm pretty sure Cancun doesn't get better than this.

Being stuck inside and preparing for a move (my parents sold the house we've called home for the past 20 years) has left me digging through boxes of forgotten middle school binders and old sketchbooks.

It amazes me how relevancy changes so quickly. What I mean is, what I considered important seven years ago (ahem Valentine cards from 5th grade and Muffy dolls) has little or no place in my life right now. As I stuff them into a big trash bag without much regard, am I making a mistake?

This is even harder when it comes to making room in my closet. I probably have close to fifteen sparkly Michael Stars one-size-fits-all shirts that were a must have item in 7th grade, that may still fit me, but don't work with my current personal aesthetic. The Juicy Couture terry sweatpants that I begged my mother for in middle school now function as pajamas rather than a status symbol. The hardest to part with are designer items that no longer fit. I have this beautiful white cotton Diane von Furstenberg button-up shirt who's size zero tag stares me in the face. The size of this piece is certainly no longer relevant to me, although I teeter on the 2-4-6 scale, I have a connection with it.

Furthermore, regardless if an item is designer or not, holding on is okay. I'm happy my dad held onto his monogram sweater from his adolescence and my mom kept her cutoffs from the 70's. So, to a certain extent, I don't agree with the mantra "If you haven't worn it in the last year, toss it." If an item has sentimental value keep it, but only with thoughtful consideration.

Music I like that you should listen to

2010-03-04T20:56:00.001-05:00

Every March I seem to get into the phase where I spend a lot of time looking for new bands that I haven't listened to/heard of. Like clockwork, I'm prowling many myspaces and pitchfork reviews.

When I was in NYC a couple weekends ago I went to see Neon Indian along with some other bands at Market Hotel in Brooklyn. The concert was wonderfully sweaty, insanely rowdy, and I felt like I chain-smoked a good 4 packs of American Spirits. Aka it was great. Before Neon Indian came on at 2am, there were two bands that stuck out to me: Beach Fossils and Teengirl Fantasy.

Teengirl Fantasy- This video is like iTunes visualizer had a child with Windows 98, but a nice chill song.

Beach Fossils

If a surfer picked up a guitar and jumped on the stage at a Pains of Being Pure at Heart concert you would get something a little like Beach Fossils, minus the female vocals part. I'm pretty sure I was at this concert too, if only you could see me being smothered by sweaty leather jackets and sandwiched between the edge of the stage and audience.

Cloud Nothings

The other night my friend Mike, who has a fantastic radio show on WVKR (Vassar's radio station) at 12 AM on Fridays called CuddleFest!, sent me a song by this band. I was in the middle of reading The Artists Reality by Mark Rothko and didn't really want to take the time to play the song, but I'm so happy I did. According to my iTunes I have listened to "Morgan" 7 times today. Really fun and good music. go listen. And if you are in Providence they are playing a show with Beach Fossils this upcoming Monday!

Also, ITS THURSDAY, meaning its almost the weekend and one day closer to srping break. ahhh.
Natasa only scrapes the surface of my excitement.

I really need it to be spring. kthxbai

2010-03-03T20:56:00.002-05:00

I can't handle this New England weather anymore. Yesterday it was 43 degrees out. I was so elated I wore shorts most of the day, yes I am insane. Today, what is the weather?....SNOW. This is a cruel joke. If the weather.com doesn't let me down, it should be warming up for the rest of the week, warming up meaning low 40's, but I can finally start wearing spring-ish things.

My mom gave me this MM6 Martin Margiela tank last year and I didn't ever wear it, but right now I cant wait. It is a dual function piece: it can be worn as a shirt or as a tote bag:

MM6 Tank

zipper detail

It hangs well off my shoulders and is slightly cropped. The wide neck and armholes allow for a bandeau or tank to peak through without looking like a tramp. The zipper detail makes it more than just a black tank, it's a simple addition, but makes this top special.

This jacket is my newest favorite. I picked it up a couple weeks ago at a consignment shop in Providence when I was visiting the RISD museum and my friend who goes there. I wasn't in the market to buy anything, but when I saw this piece and its price tag, I couldn't resist:

Plaid Wool Coat

Coat Detail

I was ready to give up plaid after seeing an overloaded season of the print, but I feel like this is a trend-less piece. The shape is simple and the details don't overwhelm the print. Another plus is that it is 100% wool and lined.

I should probably get back to reading about Mark Rothko considering I have a presentation this Saturday at RISD on one of his works. So. Ready. For. Spring. Break.

Also, rewatching the greatest show of my tweens:

Front Row woes

2010-03-02T22:56:00.000-05:00

"I loved Thom Browne, especially the groovy new eyewear, but the shows this season were full of teen/tween bloggers. I feel like they are trying to nudge me out of my front-row seat. Luckily, I have a plan for next season. Since they are all about my height, I am going to impersonate one of them. I am going to wear a doily on my head (Tavi!) and tell everyone I am a teen blogger. If they ask why I am so wrinkled, I will tell them that I have progeria."
-Simon Doonan

I completely agree with him.

I know, I'm a blogger who loves fashion, so why wouldn't I be trying to woo designers into inviting me to sit among Voguettes and buyers? Well, I would want to sit at a show as a credible industry representative rather than someone who has general opinions about fashion. To sit at fashion week is a privilege, I think it should be earned through a career, not a keyboard.

So how would designers get their collections to the bloggers with such followings they must sit front row? Well, I've been following fashion week since I was 13 from the comfort of my own home. How, you ask? The internet is a beautiful thing. Along with style.com, more and more designers are live-streaming their shows.The concept of live-streaming creates a bridge that perfectly compliments where bloggers fall into the fashion industry. Our medium, the internet, should be utilized, and those whose medium is print, i.e. editors, should utilize the live experience.

In other news....

I (rather my mother) invested in a Barbour jacket. It is an olive green light-weight/washable/waterproof utility jacket that I am currently obsessed with. Regardless that utility jackets are big for spring, this is a classic item that will be in my closet for a long time.

Although this is not the same one I have, it is quite similar:

Photo: www.amazon.co.uk

I love brands that have a history not necessarily associated with design, but associated with purpose. Barbour makes jackets that are made to be worn for years and defy trends. Their items might have a high price tag, but I am happy to support a company which makes well constructed pieces that are season-less.

The Tailoring Conundrum

2010-02-26T15:07:00.001-05:00

I came home this weekend to work on applications (I just don't understand why everyone doesn't want to transfer for the pure thrill of filling out the Common App again) and, more importantly eat awesome food.

Each time I return to my room, I can't help but try on everything in my closet for hours. As a vintage lover and collector, I have accumulated a small museum, and always ask myself, "Why don't you wear this all the time?" I soon realize there are details in the pieces that deter me from wearing these pieces regularly, such as hemlines or sleeve length. Here is my issue:

Do I take these items to a tailor to edit them into pieces I would wear all the time or do I not touch them because by changing them they lose the integrity of vintage and the details that capture their time?

I find this problem in current clothing as well. For example, the dress I wore to prom last year. I found an incredible Escada gown from S/S '08, but the train was too long for the event. It pained me to chop off a good 5 inches so I could dance and not get stepped on, and when I try it on now, I feel like a part of it is missing that once complimented the draping in the back so beautifully.

Here is a really small picture of my dress, unfortunately my camera is back at school.

www.stylehive.com

Escada Draped Bodice Gown

Your thoughts?

why pay for college...

2010-02-25T00:17:00.001-05:00

...when you could have an entire closet of Burberry Prorsum F/W '10 jackets?

All Images: style.com

Mom and Dad, just think about it, okay?

In your opinion, not mine

2010-02-25T00:08:00.001-05:00

In short, my art history class is kick-ass. Every time I leave that class room my brain is going 1000 mph trying to a) figure out what the hell I just learned and b) realizing what I just learned relates to everything. Right now we are studying Neo-Dadaism, i.e. Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Mimmo, and Jacques Villegle, which completely twists everything from Abstract Expressionism.

Photo: susanreep.com

Rue de la Biche, Saint Dennis (1963)

Jacques Villegle

Photo: Artnet

Target with Plaster Casts (1955)

Jasper Johns

Photo: The Public Interest

Rebus (1955)

Robert Rauschenberg

Don't worry, this isn't an art history lesson, but I do want to look at the motives behind Nouveau Realisme/Neo-Dada. The art is about the viewer and their journey disecting the crypticism in the works. In an Jasper Johns interview I read, he made it clear that it wasn't important what meaning he found in his works, he was more interested in the meaning the people looking at his work discovered.

So, after class, because this is just how my brain works, I immediately started to think about fashion and trying to figure out if this related to the industry or not. Do designers reserve their relationships with a collection for the intrigue in what the audience has to say? Or is it a melding of the two? With fashion I find that a designer is presenting the products of their creativity with the notion they will recieve feedback, and with the intent of explaining their vision, as well. Does the removal of explaination of the designers narrative nullify their creative process? Could this work in the fashion industry?

When in the Empire State (of mind)

2010-02-23T15:21:00.002-05:00

I really really don't want to do work...

My friend and fellow blogger, Megan, asked me to compile a list of stores for her to visit during her spring break trip to NYC. I figured that I wouldn't keep this list to myself and should share some of my favorites. I should probably preface this with the fact when I am in NYC I go for the vintage and small stores and stray from designer flagships, but there are definitely some worth visiting for design purposes. Here it goes:

So I sort of collect business cards...

For rare concert tees, suede vests, cutoffs and basically anything else you need to look like a complete rock-star head over to Star Struck. I got my favorite pair of Levi's cutoffs here, and for only $12 (I warn you that not everything is that cheap there). (Vintage)

Star Struck Vintage Clothing

47 Greenwich Ave

New York, Ny 10014

Small and fairly inexpensive, but be prepared to scour the racks. Don't overlook their $1.00 rack, I found a great blazer among the icky turtlenecks and oversized shirts. (Vintage)

Monk

175 MacDougal St.

New York, NY 10010

One of the best organized vintage stores I have been to. Fantastic assortment of Levi's in every color of the rainbow and any other item you could ever think of. My scores: 2 plaid flannels that fit like a dream. (Vintage)

Andy's Chee-Pees

16 W. 8th St (Also have a store @ 691 Broadway)

New York, NY 10010

Go here for the owner. She is wonderfully entertaining and has a huge wall of amazing shoes. (Vintage)

CobblesTones

314 East 9th Street

New York, NY

Screaming Mimi's was my introduction to the world of vintage in NYC, I got two of my favorite pieces from there in 8th grade and wear them to this day, so I might be a little biased, but definitely check it out. (Vintage)

Screaming Mimi's

382 Lafayette Street

New York, NY 10003

I warn you, the prices here are inflated, but its worth taking a peek for their line of clothes that incorporate vintage textiles. The staff has always been friendly and they generally have things on sale. (Vintage/New)

Zachary's Smile

9 Greenwich Avenue

New York, NY

For a small store with a concise selection of independent labels head to Duo. They also have some vintage, but I liked their modern clothes more. (Vintage/New)

Duo

337 East 9th Street

New York, NY 10003

Amazing selection of designer clothes on the cheap(er). Tokio 7 has a ton of last seasons must haves, I remember seeing a Proenza vest from S/S 08 I coveted, unfortunately I didn't have the funds.(Designer Consignment)

Tokio 7

64 East 7th Street

New York, NY 10003

Smaller than Tokio 7, but another fantastic designer consignment shop. Last time I was there I was thisclose to buying a shearling Miu Miu bomber jacket because the price was so damn good, but realized it had no place in my closet. (Designer Consignment)

INA

101 Thompson St

New York, NY

If you want cute and comfortable shoes at fairly affordable prices, it's worth the trip to the UWS to Tani. My friend Gabby introduced me, and I am forever in debt to her. I always find it hard to find sandals that wont make my arches fall yet don't look like orthopedic sneakers, but with brands like Corso Como, Jeffery Campbell, and F Troupe I always find myself drooling and without foot pain. (Shoes)

Tani

131 W. 73 Street or 2020 Broadway

New York, NY

When in NYC I want to shop at places where I can't get the clothes anywhere else, but I make an exception with A.P.C. I love the simplicity of these clothes and the layout of the store, the prices...not so much.(Designer)

A.P.C.

131 Mercer Street

New York, NY 10012

Go to Miu Miu. Shoes. Pink. Sequins. Pink. Dresses. Pink. Bags. I don't think I can really say much more. Its for the girly girl you might have forgotten. (Designer)

Miu Miu

100 Prince Street

New York, NY 10012

Don't bother looking for the prices, the clothes don't have tags, but to relive the SATC episode where Carrie buys Burger the shirt go here, oh and its architecturally amazing. (Designer)

Prada
575 Broadway
New York, NY

When you need to wind down and eat something, get a really good lunch at Westville. I love their mac & cheese. They also make a mean turkey burger. (Food)

Westville

210 West 10th Street
New York, NY 10014

Awesome omlettes. (Food)

Elephant & Castle

68 Greenwich Avenue
New York, NY 10011

So New York is the land of cupcakes, but until this January I felt like Goldilocks. No matter where I went I couldn't find the perfect cupcake, but then there was Sweet Revenge. Perfect. Vanilla. Cupcake. (Food)

Sweet Revenge

62 Carmine Street
NYC, NY 10014

I love carbs. So usually after I've stuffed my face at Sweet Revenge, I head over to Amy's Breads for the best scones and muffins, or just get an entire loaf for myself. (Food)

Amy's Breads

250 Bleecker Street OR 75 9th Avenue
New York, NY

Were the Fashion Gods Listening?

2010-02-23T14:46:00.002-05:00

Okay, so in making up for my mission to not post any reviews, I am going to articulate how elated I was with New York Fashion Week. To be honest, I sort of hold my judgments for fashion week until Milan and Paris have happened because NYFW hasn't been so strong, but this was one of the best seasons yet.

Phoebe Philo deserves the credit. Her S/S '10 collection for Celine captured the idea of "slow-fashion." Her reinstated designing presence in the industry definitely has caused a ripple effect that I'm excited to see unfold in the upcoming weeks.

Photo: www.style.com

Celine S/S '10

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about an article in the Wall Street Journal regarding the death of trends, and how there is a void of focused and concise collections, well NYFW F/W '10, you did it. There is a definite shift this season-- designers strayed from tired trends such as body conscious dresses, jumpsuits, sky high hemlines, and athletic chic, and went back to classics and true creativity. I found the collections that were less effective this season were ones that were popular in seasons past due to the fact they were heavily trend driven rather than consisting of well made and executed pieces.

I hate to say it but, Alexander Wang was an example this season. In the past seasons, he has nailed down the athletic-grunge look and has made great impact on how people dress (those slouchy mens cutoffs you covet at Urban, thank Alex), but it was getting tired. His collections have been incredibly concept driven, which is not bad, but this season I find it's not about the trend or a look, rather finding pieces that can be timeless additions to one's closet. I'm not sure where chenille leg-warmers stand in that, but I know it's not a staple for me.

I also noticed a shift in attention from the celebrity of fashion week to the desire for well executed collections. Maybe it's just me, and that I don't pay attention to who is sitting in the front row, but I think the level of sophistication and effectiveness seen in the collections overshadowed our attention paid to celebrities.

I look forward to seeing how/if other designers will approach their collections with the same focus as NY's did, and if so, maybe I was onto something.

didn't think the day would come.

2010-02-22T18:25:00.001-05:00

I guess I should stop plucking now.

photo: fashioncopious

Topshop Unique F/W 2010

Please sir, may I have some more?

2010-02-21T15:53:00.003-05:00

It's Sunday.
I have not been outside yet thanks to Leo Steinberg and John Cage.
I have not been outside yet AND it's 40 degrees, which is basically summer in Massachusetts.
To cope with this, I am doing a purely food related post.
Let the food porn commence.

Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes

Sesame Seed Encrusted Ahi Tuna Over Thai Noodle Salad

Grilled Chicken with Homemade Rub

Panko and Pesto Encrusted Salmon (Uncooked)

Cooked.

Mushroom Risotto

Here are some awful cell-phone pictures of an absolutely incredible meal at Otto in NYC.

My friend Shauna and I thought we may have ordered too much, well we were wrong...we ate it all.

Shrimp and Chickpea Salad, Beets, and the best Black Olives I have ever encountered.

Shallot and Balsamic Pizza with Goat Cheese

Olive Oil, Salted Caramel, and Chocolate Gelato

All food featured in these photographs were captured and consumed by me.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

2010-02-15T16:53:00.002-05:00

LONGPOSTLONGPOSTLONGPOST! Take it in little bites if you must.

Let's be honest, Christmahanukwanzikah was great, but Fashion Week is the gift that keeps on giving.

I mean this kid is no where near up to par with my excitement, but I guess this will suffice:

At this point, I don't think there is a website I visit that doesn't acknowledge the fact that it is fashion week. There are two parts to this. I love that designers are getting the recognition they deserve, but it brings up the larger issue of quality of content. I'm not talking about if Alexander Wang's collection is good or not, I'm talking about who is saying if it's good or not. How credible are the people writing reviews for shows? An even bigger issue is that we are at a point, thanks to the internet, where anyone can have a say and make their opinion known, so does credibility even matter anymore? For this very reason, I will not be reviewing the shows.

With looking at opinions comes an conscious or unconscious alteration of our ability to view things in their purest form. Of course I have my opinions of what I like or loathe, but I don't need to impair other peoples thoughts. I try my hardest not to read reviews before looking at a collection so I can form my own opinions and make my own connections without the words of someone else conflicting with mine.

In other news!:

Minus the fact I sound like a chain-smoking 13 year old boy right now due to an unexpected cold, this past weekend was great. On Thursday, I took advantage of my massive chunk of free time and went to Providence to the RISD museum. At my school, unfortunately, we do not have an on campus art museum, so getting to see fantastic art on a weekday was a great privilege. I have an art history assignment on a specific Rothko piece at the museum, so I needed to check it out anyway. My assigned Rothko (which I learned was featured on Mad Men!):

RISD Museum

This reproduction does not do the painting justice, but it was great to see one of my favorites in person. Although museum is small, they have an incredibly concise and well curated collection. Along with a Warhol, Kelly, Reinhardt, and Twombly there were some of my favorite pieces of furniture.

Let me just say, I probably got more excited about a chair as an 11 year-old than most people do...ever. My mom is an interior designer, so along with family vacations that revolved around visiting many famous homes, I developed a minor obsession with furniture, specifically chairs. I remember begging my mom to save a set of Herman Miller chairs from being thrown away in our old synagogue with the same passion as a kid begging to keep a kitten. After a book about Charles and Ray Eames was given to me, it was really downhill from there. Without a doubt, I admire their work more than any other designer (furniture/textile that is).

I guess you can imagine my excitement when I spotted their molded plywood leg splint and an original DCW chair.

click image to make larger

One last thing..

I colored my hair! Okay, so as a 19 year-old its not a huge deal to change the color of your hair, but as a girl who only dabbled with blonde highlights as a 7th grader, I was sort of freaking out. Naturally, I'm a brunette, but for a couple of months I have wanted to go a little redder. I wanted to keep the same tone but just liven up the hue, so I settled with a dark auburn, and I'm very pleased:

Ignore my stupid expression and my friend about to attack me.

I have more to say! But this post is even getting too long for me, so I will update soon!

Rest in Peace Lee Alexander

2010-02-11T20:22:00.001-05:00

The months of September and February are where my grades plummet, my friends hate me, and I talk about nothing but fashion. Oh hey fashion week!...I mean...month. Each day trends unfold, careers are made (or broken), and designers are treated like gods. It's beautiful. There are certain shows that I mark down in my calender so I know exactly when I can start obsessively checking style.com.

One show in particular I always save my emotional energy for is McQueen, but this season will be different. I got the news via WWD in the middle of class and started to choke up. Alexander McQueen was a rare talent; an extraordinary designer and always with a focused aesthetic. As bloggers, editors, and fashion contributors have been saying all day, he was an inspiration and influence that not only touched the industry he belonged, but other media as well. He will be greatly missed.

www.style.com

I am not going to continue this post and write about my day--it would be inappropriate. We need to take the time to appreciate his contributions and mourn this loss.

There might be 28 inches of snow at home but...

2010-02-09T00:33:00.000-05:00

For some miraculous reason, I was not caught in New York this weekend due to the insane weather in Philly, which I thought for sure would make it up the the Empire State. Right now, I am not in a position where I can write a full fledged post, mostly because I have an 80 page Kirk Varnedoe article on Jackson Pollock waiting for me along with memorizing Medieval French poetry, but I read a quote this morning that was of interest. I posted a couple weeks ago in response to Christina Binkley's article on the death of the trend. I discussed how the industry is congested and needs a cleanse--Donna Karan seems to agree:

“We need fashion shows, but that’s industry, it’s not for the general public,” she continues. “All the communication has to stop. It doesn’t go out on the wire, it doesn’t go out on the Internet, it doesn’t get out for the manufacturers to copy the designs. I mean, we’re killing our own industry. There’s too much information going out there. We have to learn the word restriction.”

THANK YOU.

holy beautiful music, batman

2010-02-04T16:02:00.001-05:00

Since the summer of my Junior year I have had a minor, well not so minor actually, obsession with the Icelandic superband, Sigur Ros. My first listen, I believe it was Starálfur from their album Agaetis Byrjun, I was on the verge of tears. It's the combination of powerful strings and well planned vocals. It's truly emotion evoking music and would be, without a doubt the soundtrack to the movie of my life, don't pretend you didn't fill out the facebook survey.

www.jonsi.com

When checking out Pitchfork today, I read that the lead of Sigur Ros, Jon Birgisson aka Jonsi, is putting out a solo album. I had my doubts at first, how could he recreate the magic that is Sigur Ros? Well, I am almost at a loss of words right now for how gorgeous his songs are. As of now, there are only two songs from his album (which will be released in April) on the interwebs, but please do take the time to listen to his work.

http://jonsi.com/ <-- "Boy Lilikoi"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5VgLOs0LwQ <-- "Go Do"

Damn you Phil!!!

2010-02-02T23:38:00.001-05:00

If only I were home right now. I would have made the trip to Punxsutawny, the weather capital of the world, to visit everyone's favorite groundhog. Unfortunately we will have a long winter, THANKS PHIL, but who could hate that lovable guy? A couple years ago it became a tradition in my house to stick out watching the 4 hour long televised celebration, due to its absolute insanity (i.e. out of sync high school dance troupes and interviews with the "Inner Circle" which includes members with the titles of "Stump Warden" and "Thunder Conductor"). Here is a glimpse into some of the festivities, specifically apparel:

www.groundhogstuff.com

I'm sure within the next couple months, hipsters everywhere will be sporting this.

Okay, I couldn't do much better than that aside from a rhinestone paw shirt, which I refuse to post.

Another order of business. Go buy new The Magnetic Fields album, Realism. Now (even if Pitchfork only gave it a 6). Favorite tracks include: "You Must Be Out of Your Mind" and "The Dada Polka"

www.stereogum.com

This semester I am taking a Post-war and Contemporary Art History course, regardless if I've only had 2 classes, I feel it is going to be my favorite (Well, Human Sexuality does come close, it's your regular high school sex-ed class, but completely uncensored-- I'm usually bright red the entire time).

What attracts me to art history is not only is it a better version of any history class, but it puts something we see all the time, art, in a true cultural context. When you go to a museum, how long do you stand in front of a painting? What, maybe 30 seconds at most, if it's the Mona Lisa I'll give you 40. Every piece of work and artist has a story, and to have insight to them brings art appreciation to a whole new level. It's funny to think that people go to museums as a recreational activity, but rarely do they know what they are looking at. When people go to, say, a football game, they know exactly what's going on, but at an art museum, even those who have no background can enjoy it.

Fashion is the same, and at an even higher level. Not every day do we face a Fautrier or an Eagles game, but each morning we get dressed. We must face a history regardless if we know it or not. That safari dress you thought was cute at Bloomingdales? Someone didn't just think a khaki dress with buttons down the front would be cute, thank Yves. Everything in your wardrobe was created by someone, some thinker who had an idea and produced it. With our personal aesthetic, we represent someones thoughts. In order to reduce our excessive intake of trends and fast fashion, making an effort to understand the process behind what we wear will help the process to narrow down wardrobes. Everyone can appreciate fashion, but like art, only until some familiarity with history is achieved can true appreciation occur.

Home is wherever I'm with you.

2010-01-29T17:35:00.002-05:00

Sorry about the delay in posting (and the completely irrelevant title), but this past week has been tres busy due getting back to school and adjusting to the arctic conditions (7 degrees, REALLY?).

One thing I forgot about my school was the insane amount of capital people put into their clothes. I remember my first week at school when I saw a girl carrying her books in a Lanvin tote, let me just say I was a little astonished. Anyway, It was pouring the other day, of course I think my Frye boots will suffice..they did not, but on my way to the bookstore I saw a pair of rain boots from 20 feet away that I knew were too nice to be J. Crew. Alligator print, check. Grommets on the strap, check. Hunter logo, check....Oh...this girl is actually wearing $395 Jimmy Choo for Hunter boots...on a college campus. Upon closer inspection I also realize she is wearing an Alexander Wang blazer and toting a giant LV bag.

It probably seems like I'm bitter or jealous (I would be lying if I said I didn't want a Wang blazer), but to be honest I don't understand the need to display oneself this way. With so much visibly designer clothing it eventually lacks originality. This is not to say that Anna Wintour cannot dress because she wears designer labels. Jesus, the woman can dress, but when someone just throws together the most must-have items without any thought, it's like their clothes own them. I think style should be an extension of your personality and only be a description, not a packaged deal.

I guess this brings up the bigger question, what is style? Who am I, or anyone else to decide that something is acceptable. We judge based on knowledge of trends, is what someone is wearing relevant to what was most recently on the runways. We live in a style hierarchy and cycle. I could go all The Devil Wears Prada with Miranda Priestley's very accurate monologue about Andrea's blue sweater, but I feel like it goes even deeper than that. Also development of style interests me. We obviously take inspiration from others and consistently incorporate all those impressions into a look we call our own, but where did it begin? I don't have the answers, maybe someone does. I would love to know what you think about this.

Jean-Paul Gaultianna?

2010-01-22T11:48:00.004-05:00

Photo: http://www.wwd.com/

Oh boy. Not awk at all.

I didn't intend on posting today, but when I saw this picture I was inspired...that sounds awful, but you know what I mean.

I woke up at 5:50am this morning, which I don't think I have done since some stressful high school morning where I had a million things due, anyway I woke up at this godawful hour because I had my driving test today. Yes, I am a 19 year-old in suburbia and didn't have my license (I passed!!) until now, but I have managed to get by these past 3 years by much mooching. To the point, I was reading yesterdays Wall Street Journal which published a fantastic article by one of my favorite fashion writers, their fashion columnist, Christina Binkley, about the death of the trend. Considering Trend Forecaster is a dream job of mine, I found this article not only interesting, but also frightening.

In brief, the article discusses how the modern structure of the fashion industry (i.e. H&M and Zara producing runway ripoffs months before the actual designs hit the stores) leaves little room for trends. Unlike decades before, where hemlines and silhouettes were strict, we live in time where everything is okay. In the past two decades, designers have exhausted every trend and style from years past to the point where its a diluted market where nothing is out. Binkley makes the good point that we live in a time where people don't dress the same way, in the sense people now dress for themselves rather than following rigid style guidelines set by store buyers and trend forecasters. I think its a great change, but also it leaves little room for excitement and new ideas.

I love that fashion is completely accessible to every socioeconomic group, but I think it needs to slow down. Look at mens fashion, it's the slowest moving part of the fashion industry trend-wise. The staples have stayed the same, but its the details that change. For example with men's suiting it takes a while for the pleat to either go in and out of style or the type of lapel to change. I like this. That is what makes things fresh, small details, not overproduction and decoration. What I think would be good and could happen to the womens fashion industry is their version of the slow food movement; a cleanse.

I'm not saying to make every design look like Jil Sander or Calvin Klein, but get fashion focused again. We need to look back at what made this industry so successful to begin with and bring that into the future. Maybe take away the celebrities and glamor, and keep the shows to fashion educated and industry people, people who actually know what they are doing. People need to learn to be patient again, especially in a time where we tire so quickly over everything due to constant exposure. Fashion and design are elements we can't avoid in our everyday lives, so why not start there?

What is a Liz?!!?!

2010-01-20T17:39:00.005-05:00

I felt like making a fashion unrelated post, but I am me...aka that would be impossible.

Last night, two of my friends and I witnessed something that is hard to find these days...something that made us scratch our heads. There is a new show on MTV called "My Life as Liz" which was thoroughly confusing at first. We had all seen the advertisements during commercial breaks for the Jersey Shore, that featured a Chuck Taylor clad girl with an asymmetric haircut saying witty shit, basically Juno the television show, but it was all pretty vague. We started to watch the show, but even 10 minutes in we were still unsure if it was reality or not. MTV is the king of scripted reality and was doing an excellent job making us think if it was just another episode of Made or something different. After a quick Google search we confirmed the tales of the anti-LC were not actually true. That didn't stop us from watching an episode...or two.

The show follows Texan teen, Liz, who is fighting her way through high school and for her by-the-book-alternative-society-hating voice to be heard in a sea of cookie-cutter blonds. Her life is punctuated with the tunes of Lykke Li, Chromeo, and Passion Pit, which, for me, made for a fun game of solitaire name that tune (but also aggravated the shit out of me that MTV is whoring out these artists) and the overuse of the word "douche."

More to the point, I want to talk about Liz's appearance. Liz wears red lipstick to school (gasp!) and a backpack among a sea of Vera Bradely totes (You go girl!) which shows how ballsy she is (please sense sarcasm here, I beg you). There was a scene in the first episode where Liz is giving the popular girl a makeover at a thrift store (alternative!!) and has her wearing 1) an oversized Harley Davidson eagle shirt circa 1996 paired with skinny jeans and 2) an oversized ugly sweater worn with sweatpant cut-offs. MTV tapped into the indie/alternative fashion psyche pretty damn well... to the point where I was almost yelling at the TV. I felt a little frustrated, it was one of those moments where you wanted to scream "IVE BEEN WEARING/LISTENING TO/DOING THAT SINCE 10th GRADE," but you don't because you don't want people to think you are a closeted hipster/douche.

photo: www.mtv.com

I'm not sure what I'm getting at here, but I'm interested in how this show will continue to package the stylings of an indie chick for the sponge of a teen culture MTV has created.

Also, I'm now just as confused as I was before about the authenticity of this show because she has a friggin Twitter that is too perfectly obscure AND she gives Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros a shout out. THIS SHOW IS THE ULTIMATE CULTURAL MACHINE.

You've been invited to a Sugarhi!

2010-01-16T17:10:00.001-05:00

It's a double post sort of day!

Today I woke up bright and early to go to the SugarHabit sale. Two of my favorite stores, Third Street Habit and Sugarcube, paired up for a mega sale. Everything was 50-90% off. I went with my brother's girlfriend who is a New York bred sample sale savvy shopper. The sale started at 10, but when we got there (around 9:45am) there was already a line. Every woman seemed to be on a mission and within moments the once organized warehouse was a zoo. I should have brought my camera, but considering the dressing room was literally a large room with about 5 mirrors where hoards of women were stripping and ferociously trying on their finds, it would have been violating to say the least. There were racks and racks of my favorite contemporary brands ranging from Current/Elliot, APC, Isabel Marant, Rory Beca, and more. Plus there were three racks devoted to vintage...and it was all $10. Despite the discounts, most items were still $100+, which doesn't fit into my college budget. I tried a ton of stuff on and left happily with two items.

I bought a vintage blue and white striped silk button-up and...harem pants. I know, I know...me...harem pants? They were very well priced and since they are made from cotton jersey, they drape quite well. Recently my purchases have been about challenging myself and diversifying my wardrobe. Here is a little outfit I put together with my new digs (Unfortunately because I do not own a tripod or have a personal photographer on call, my mirror will have to do):

I think my Topshop heels work with this outfit and the hardware contrasts nicely with the softness of the shirt and pants. Can spring come now?

I'm Not Coco Rocha

2010-01-16T15:00:00.003-05:00

Now why do I even bother mentioning that I am not the fantastic international supermodel that Coco Rocha is? It gives me the excuse to name drop her. Yes. I saw Coco on Thursday in NYC at Topshop. I was with a group of my friends in the city for the day and while in Topshop I saw a too-tall-to-not-be-a-model woman, only to immediately realize that it was Coco fucking Rocha. My other fashion-mag obsessed friend turned a shade of red that I'm pretty sure that only appears when she sees either A) a supermodel or B) Harry Potter cast members or C) Seth Meyers.

On the note of modeling, I am finally posting the pictures from the photo shoot my friend Mike and I did. We had a lot of fun with this and probably stayed up until 2am taking pictures and eating. After digging around my house for pieces I wanted to use, I realized the abundance of awesome coats in my house that either belong to me, my mother, grandfather, grandmother, or father. Jackets and coats are probably the most versatile items in your closet. They have the power to completely transform any outfit. I wanted to showcase the variety of materials and cuts of said jackets while complimenting the other pieces in the ensemble.

Mike in my mothers vintage Orange Wool and Fox trimmed Isaac Mizrahi coat. My guess it's from the early 90's.

My Vintage Faux Fur trimmed jacket worn with a thrifted T, J. Crew cropped cords, and Natural Comfort Platforms

Vintage Army Jacket worn with a vintage football jersey, J. Crew cords, Natural Comfort platforms, and ring by Michael Henrich

Hinge Leather Jacket worn with Vintage Mariann Boston dress, Marc Jacobs Heels, Moschino Belt,Vintage Necklace, and H&M earrings.

Inching up and out of my comfort zone

2010-01-11T14:50:00.002-05:00

Friday I made a day trip up to Manhattan with my friend Shauna. The goal of the day was for me to check out a certain city school, but lets be honest...we wanted to shop our hearts out. With post-holiday sales going and some birthday money I had some high retail expectations. Last year I got some pretty incredible deals due to the economic conditions (ahem Miu Miu mary-janes at 70% off and a skirt from Bendels when then still carried clothes...le sigh), but this year the sales aren't nearly as good. We hit up A.P.C. (they do simple so well...yet so expensive), Agent Provocateur (at 75% off we still couldn't justify a neon pink baby-doll), and Miu Miu (see below) but left with nothing.

Let me talk about Miu Miu for a second. I don't think I can begin to describe my affection for that store. I have never been to the one uptown, but the store in SoHo is most easily described as a candystore fit for Carrie Bradshaw. They have girlyness mastered and manage to make the entire store look like a giant confection with smoky mauves, mint greens, and golden beiges. Last year during sale season, not only was I very successful, I was treated like a princess. Yesterday, we walked in and were greeted by an adorable salesperson named Spencer who gave us zero attitude and just as much time as any Park Avenue Princess. For kicks and potential purchases I asked him if they had any shoes on sale (you have to ask because there are no price tags), within minutes Spencer was giving us the footwear version of a Tupperware party. Let's just say he had me very close to buying a pair of rabbit fur trimmed heels, and I was torn if I should get a pair of gorgeous beige flats, but I left empty handed.

Miu Miu Fall 2009

Photo: style.com

I find at so many designer stores, especially in NYC, salespeople don't give you the time of day unless you are dripping in Van Cleefs & Arpels and toting a Chanel 2.55 bag, but from years of retail experience, you absolutely cannot judge your customers and expect a sale. That's what I love about Miu Miu, even though it's Prada's younger sister and a key chain retails for $200, they want you to feel awesome. When shopping, customer service and attention is #1, so regardless of the prices, I will definitely be back at Miu Miu.

Last Year's Miu Miu purchase. The most perfect shade of pink.

We gave up on designer digs on the cheap, so we did the polar opposite...Topshop. I had never been to the London megastore, and I'm not sure if I will be back. The moment I walked in I was drugged with loud remixes of my favorite songs (Shelter by The xx, specifically) and every trend imaginable at my fingertips. In my polyester and sequin fueled haze I thought it would be a great idea to try on acid-washed high waisted jeggings, a studded jacket that weighed at least 12 lbs, and something (I really cannot tell you what it was, either a dress or shirt) with shoulder pads. I was actually considering purchasing these items and thinking they would be legitimately practical pieces to add to my closet. Shuana was in the same boat, hers including a leather dress with mesh inserts. In a moment of clarity, I realized the utter crap I was trying on was appealing because it allowed me to try the trends I secretly liked and the prices made them a reality. At that point I ran out of the dressing room. As much as I wanted to leave the store without a bag, I ended up with two shoe boxes. They had a two for one sale that I seriously could not ignore, so I have two new pairs of heels that I almost regret buying, but I see them as a way to expand my wardrobe and challenge myself.

The Challenge:

Both pairs are no doubt on trend and wearable, but my personal style doesn't really match up. I'm more of a Ferragamo girl, and when it comes to heels I generally drool over Lanvin and Chloe. The first pair's upper screams Balmain from last spring, but the heel is going to be awesome for this spring/summer with it's wedgy heel that's going to be everywhere. The second pair has a Manolo Blahnik feel to them minus the heel. It will definitely be fun to play around with these and figure out ways to pair them with the rest of my wardrobe.

The other night my friend Mike came over and we had a lot of fun with a photo shoot that focused on coats and jackets. Once we are done editing I will most definitely post the pictures, but for now here is a hint.

This little pet peeve of mine. I'm gonna let it shine.

2010-01-06T12:43:00.002-05:00

Somehow, no matter how careful I think I am trying to tiptoe around and grip those little flipflops, I manage to ruin my nails EVERY SINGLE TIME I get them done (at least I got a nice color). Only when I'm not shelling out my precious-always-wasted-on-college-textbook dollars and paint my nails myself does perfection occur. Blarg. That was my little Main Line born-and-raised rant that probably made me come off as some overprivledged snot. I would take a picture of my toe to aid my argument, but do you really want to look at my feet? Probably not. ANYWAY.

Let's talk about Scott Shuman.He is the genius behind my favorite street style blog and has such impeccable taste, also he is a Conde Nasty which puts him way up in my book. His eye for detail is like whoa and makes me appreciate the intricacies of suiting. I knew absolutely nothing about men's dressing beyond my torturing my brother about his lack of style until I started paying attention to the Sartorialist. His images capture style in it's purest moments, many times it's just a simple outfit, but one detail or piece will send it to another level. Here are some examples/my favorites:

Photo Credits (All Images): www.thesartorialist.com

In Summer 2008, In my admiration for Shuman's images and need for drawing practice I began to sketch his photographs. I'll pick an image based on the clothes, toning, body position, really whatever stands out or what I'm in the mood for. I usually draw in ballpoint pen, but sometimes I'll use pencil. My style is inaccurate, I don't really go for overall precision; I like unevenness. Ps. A scanner would have helped, but these will just have to do.

This was my first drawing, I think I was trying to do a blind contour.

I've been working on some more, and will definitely post them. My goal is to do one or two a week, not only to keep up my drawing, but to practice toning, composition, and remember some of Scott Shuman's best.

Before The New Year

2009-12-31T03:08:00.013-05:00

So it's New Years Eve?? Jiggawhatttt?? I could go on about how this has been such a yadda yadda year but I'm not. This pretty much is all I need to say about New Years.

No, my New Years will (hopefully) not consist of a psychopath-hotel-heir trying to get with me or my sudden realization that I'm a huge skank and need Seth Cohen, but I had to post that. No one does it like the O.C. ANYWAY...

I'm going to put it out there...I have been pretty terrible in keeping up with posting. These past two weeks have been a little more hectic than I expected, no doubt I love it, but I haven't had nearly as much time I thought I would. Unfortunately the blog has been put on the back burner and instead I have been focusing on New Years event planning, listening to the Pixies excessively, rummaging through my mom's closet, and applying to college...again. I don't like making resolutions, let's be honest nobody can keep up with a grapefruit diet, daily 5k runs, or reading every New York Times bestseller. I prefer to make edits. How can I keep things pretty much the same but achieve some goals? Those goals being:

Blog more frequently!--Not only do I love writing about things I'm passionate about, but it's a fantastic way for me to write for pleasure and practice developing my style.

Cook more--Since I've been home I have been able to cook much more, and so far I've made some pretty fantastic meals with my mom. I have always loved cooking, it was definitely one of my phases (that joins the ranks of fashion design, tennis, and piano)...I had a cooking themed Bat Mitzvah party (yeahh....) and went to cooking camp for 2 summers, but I still enjoy it and would love to improve.

Be a more involved and thoughtful shopper-- Trust me I'm pretty stingy when it comes to shopping, although it may not seem like it. I've never done the Forever 21 thing (quality is incredibly important to me), but once in a while I find myself at Zara buying a pair of twill shorts that shrink after the first wash (clearly I'm bitter). I'm at a point in my life where I pay for things now, so I'm more picky than ever. I want to really save up for great pieces that are timeless, even if that means buying one or two items a season.

I think I will leave it at that. I don't want to overwhelm myself-- keep it simple. I apologize for the lack of photos or exciting content. I PROMISE I will do my vintage post next, but I just realized the whole reason I started this blog was to post my Sartorialist drawings...so that might come next. We'll see.

Here's a taste of what's to come...

Ps. I love dressing up for New Years, I was thinking I would go all out with sequins aka wear my recently aquired bedazzled sweater, but I'm going to keep it a little toned down..well sort of. I am going to wear the following:

I picked up this Rodarte for Target black camisole with lace detail the other day. For one thing, it's far more flattering than this photograph makes it appear and the material is much nicer than I thought it would be. There were only a couple pieces left from the collection when I got to the store. I tried on the leopard dress with the bows, although cute..it was a little much, so I settled with this.

Here is the outfit in its entirety:

Rodarte for Target camisole, Vintage Perry Ellis boys blazer, Vintage tiger-print skirt, All Saints necklace.

And the shoes...

Nine West Heels

Happy New Year!!!!

I Would Like To Know When Exactly I Marry Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Become Zooey Deschanel.

2009-12-26T02:11:00.000-05:00

After returning from an great brunch in the city with my family, I watched a movie I had been meaning to see for ages: (500) Days of Summer. Ohmygod. A little obsessed right now. I loved everything about it, from the muted color palette of the whole film, JGL's face, the story to the music...I can't get enough. Zooey Deschanel's wardrobe was incredible and makes me want to run into Anthropologie and strip every mannequin.This clip wasn't in the movie, but sums up everything I love about these two.

So my consistancy with posting has been a little off lately, which probably isn't a great way to start off a blog. This week has been much busier than I thought it would be, starting with my day trip to NYC and then finishing the week off with the holiday sport of eating.

New York was fun and great mother-daughter bonding time, but a day is always too little. We started our day at the Japanese bookstore, Kinokuniya Books, where I could have easily spent the entire day. The variety of books and magazines they had was astonishing. Unfortunately things are expensive there since everything is imported, but I was able to pick up some things for myself and a gift or two. There are entire magazines dedicated to anything from nail art to crafts for your cats. I wanted to get it all, but I limited myself to street style magazines. I got an issue of Fruits and an issue of Street, both will provide inspiration for eons. Here are some images and my favorite looks from the mags, I apologize for my absolutely shit photography (I had to use my Canon SD1000 which pales in comparison to my moms Panasonic Lumix Digital SLR). Maybe a scanner would come in handy.

After we forced ourselves to leave, we headed uptown to Bloomingdales. My mom wanted to show me this British clothing line called All Saints which apparently is only sold in New York at Bloomindales. The line is pure genius. Incredible price point and even better designs. The pieces are timeless. The best way for me to describe the line is if Rick Owens had a child with William Rast, sort of rock and roll, but avant-garde at the same time. We were there for quite a while, mainly because I tried on the entire line. After many difficult decisions I came away with this sweater and necklace.

photo credit: www.us.allsaints.com

The picture doesn't do this sweater justice. You can wear it in a million different ways, pull it down to a dress, an off the shoulder sweater, a cowl neck, super baggy, turn it upside down...it's really endless.

I lost my favorite silver chain this semester, so I have been on the prowl for a replacement. This is so much better than what I had before.

photo credit: www.us.allsaints.com

Here is a detail of the shenanigans hanging off:

photo credit: www.us.allsaints.com

There is an incredibly dangerous sale on their website with free shipping to the US. Goodbye birthday money. Before we had to catch our bus back home, we stopped at FIT for a well executed exhibit on the evolution of Day and Evening wear. Any time I see a piece from Marc Jacobs's stint at Perry Ellis I get chills. At the exhibit they had an incredible suit made from a gingham picnic tablecloth-like fabric covered in embroidered ants (I think from his first collection in 1988) along with a knitwear ensemble Rodarte's infamous Fall 2008 collection (You know the one with the knit stockings and knit dress). Enough of me blabbing about fashion collections that I don't have pictures of, overall it was an awesome display.

I realize this post is getting a little long, so I am going to stop here, but there is much to come in my next post, including but not limited to a Norma Kamali jacket circa 1986, original rock posters from Tokyo Police Club and Flight of the Conchords, and too many belts.

No More Rollin With the Homies.

2009-12-21T22:29:00.001-05:00

Firstly, I must give credit to my gal pal Sophy for the title of this post. I was out at the Punk Rock Flea Market yesterday (I'll get to that soon) when I got a facebook notification that read "TAI DIED, WHAT WILL TRAVIS BIRKENSTOCK DO NOW" I was really surprised to find out that Brittney Murphy died. Besides Cluless (which is my favorite movie of all time) I didn't really see any of her other films or know much about her, regardless it's sad and will change that movie for me.

Now to the flea market. Overall I'm so happy I was able to make it, despite the foot and a half of snow on the ground. I was able to see some good friends and some great vintage. Getting there wasn't easy, after a 30 minute late R5 into the city, walking in the unplowed and unshoveled sidewalks made for boots filled to the brim with snow and frozen toes. Because of the weather the venue wasn't ridiculously crowded as it usually is and made digging through boxes and scouring racks a manageable experience. My mission wasn't holiday gifts, I had a goal to find a dress for New Years, a sweater, a skirt, a necklace, and maybe a pair of earrings (there is a seller who makes this fantastic leather earrings, see below, but I didn't see her table there this time). After much searching and price haggling I ended up with 4 great pieces and only spent $30.

I picked up these earrings two summers ago at the PRFM, so light and colorful!

I promise I will put up pictures of me actually wearing these things, but at this point I refuse to take mirror shots, my myspace days are long gone...see I tried.

I didn't end up getting the dress or any jewelry, but I got the following:
This awesome floral dress, probably from the 90's. It reminded me a lot of a dress my mom would wear in the summers we spent in Chautauqua, NY.

Worn with Frye lace-ups, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, and a vintage necklace.

The print also reminded me of Marc Jacobs Resort 2010 bird print dresses, I guess its the contrast of the bright floral against the black.

Vintage Jersey and Vintage pins.

I love this football jersey so much. I saw it when I first walked in and was about to buy it, but I wasn't sure if it was what I wanted. At the end I went back and bought it and am so happy it was still there. Its a pretty versatile piece and the colors are fantastic.

Vintage Sweater, Vintage Skirt, Vintage Chains, and Nine West Shoes.

The first thing I picked up was this beaded sweater. Yes, it is slightly repulsive, but to a point where I had to buy it and will wear the crap out of it. It drapes nicely and has a great drop sleeve. I was apprehensive to buy any skirts because I wasn't able to really try anything on, but when I saw this I didn't care. The fabric is awesome and it is the only piece of animal print I own and I'm stopping my collection there.

Today I woke up and kicked myself for not posting yesterday, but I was out of the house literally the entire day and didn't have a moment between flea-marketing, being force fed by loving Jewish mothers, and socializing. I went and got a manicure (much needed after 4 months of college induced neglect) and tried out OPI's "Here Today…. Aragon Tomorrow." I love love love it. Its super dark, making it a perfect winter shade and it's not overwhelmingly green.

Took a picture, not only to show off my nails, but to show off this amazing cocktail ring my incredibly talented friend Michael made for me.

Tomorrow my mom and I are making a day trip up to NYC to check out some holiday windows, go to a museum or two, eat good food, and shop of course.

Blogophopic No More!

2009-12-19T10:28:00.012-05:00

Herro Prease. It is currently a blizzard here, I think we are supposed to get something like 15 inches of fresh powder (yes. I referred to snow as powder. I have been living with 11 snowboarding obsessed boys for the past 4 months, I guess they have rubbed off on me.) Thank the baby Jesus I was able to fly home yesterday. I'm not sure if I currently have the emotional capacity to spend another day in my dorm eating Aramark food.

Growing up I always envied my brother and other college friends for their, what seemed like, incredibly and unnecessarily long breaks, now I couldn't understand more. I survived my first semester at college, it wasn't easy, but I learned a ton about myself. Now I am home for 5 GLORIOUS WEEKS and I have made it my mission to start and run this blog (ehhh ayyy ayyy ehh ay ehhh, gonna run this blog tonight...oh god finals week has really taken a toll on me.)

I read a bunch of fashion blogs and want to incorporate my favorite parts into mine. Hopefully, if this whole blog project goes as planned I will post opinions, projects, inspiration, photography, food, dressup, reviews (kept to a minimum, I leave that to style.com), my vintage collection, and everything else I love.

Writing a blog seems overwhelming. There are so many things I want to post that I have developed some sort of blogophobia, but I'm going to do this!

Today I woke up bright and early, ready to go to one of my favorite Philadelphia events: The Punk Rock Flea Market, only to realize that the odds of me getting back home were slim due to the pooey weather. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to leave my house without crawling on the sidewalks to move 5 feet. Since I was up I decided to be somewhat productive and start a sewing project. My mom has a mild obsession with Japan and their sewing culture, which I, too, have developed a taste for. Whenever we go to NYC not only is a stop at Takashimaya imperative, but at this one Japanese bookstore where we pick up some great craft magazines and project books. One of which is this book about recycling t-shirts, sweatshirts, button up shirts, ties, and scarves.

^ This is the cover/the dress I'm attempting to make. There is a minor issue. I cannot read or understand Japanese so I'm relying on diagrams for instructions, which calls for some brain power and patience, most of which I expended during finals. It will be interesting how this turns out.

Here are some more projects from the book. Clearly I anything I attempt to replicate will not be nearly as cool looking as their version, but it's something to do with the ridiculous amount of large and unworn t-shirts commemorating the crazy time I had at Dan's Bar Mitzvah. I will post pictures when I'm done, but now I am going to enjoy the unknown and potentially hilariously horrible SJP movie "Spinning into Butter" with my dad and eat copious amounts of chocolate chips and peanut butter.

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