See and Be Scene

Why No Posts Pretty Lady?

2008-09-02T02:45:00.004-04:00

I signed an N.D.A. (non disclosure agreement) so I cannot blog about work.

I dont know what's in violation & what's not so I'll just relay public information. I'm interning for People's Revolution, a full service public relations & branding firm which specializes in the fashion industry. I'm assisting on 8 shows (7 designers) and other events in the coming weeks. If you want to get a glimpse of the office watch the Hills, the New York office is featured in the episode which aired today. Its not "fun" by conventional standards, and neither was the Yankees gig, but I am enjoying it so much. I have been putting in long hours (voluntarily... Kelly Cutrone actually had to tell me to go home & sleep today, haha). I havent spoken to The Boo in about three days (it's awful) and havent had dinner with my family since Thursday (anyone who knows me knows that's I eat with the Fam at least every two days). I'm so exhausted I cannot come up with creative sentence structures.

Oy. I met runway models today though. I was a little taller than most of those girls. There was a casting for one of our women's shows. They weren't nearly as cute or tall as I thought they'd be. Think scrawny 10th grade boys with hips. Yeah... except with better skin and bags under their eyes. It was like the "go-see" episode of Top Model... except with less "pretty" and more talented girls (they were teens!) We're doing a men's show on the 12th and I am praying that we're casting and that I can gawk/assist. K if you read this, just think of this as my version of going to a strip club, except... they're clothed and not touching me at all. Good deal no?

I have learned a lot, like that this is a BUSINESS. Fashion shows are not the celeb filled party that I thought they would be. Every invite is another oportunity to build the brand, promote the client and grow relationships with with industry Gfolk. It is very well calculated. Why invite a Sarah Jessica Parker over a some FIT student because the student wont bring press! They invite celebs because they bring press, they invite the press to cover their client (hopefully the editors/writers & photogs will like what they see & get the gals/dudes in Market to pull pieces for an upcomming editorial = ca-ching for the client = ca-ching for The Firm). I like that though. I thought it would be a super happy fun time but it's quite cerebral.

okay its like 3 in the AM an I have to wake up early. Fashion week in T-36 hours, more or less.

Exiled

2008-08-26T13:39:00.005-04:00

Why Africa MTV?

Why the Arctic Circle?

Why not Exiled: South Bronx? Exiled: Appalachia?

The privileged young people on your show do not represent a large demographic of a- your viewing audience, b- youth in the United States. As much as young people crave to throw crazy parties and live lavishly, most of us do not have that privilege. Let them see how a majority of this country lives, instead of treating poverty as an un-American problem.

/rant

In other news one week until NYC fashion week! Hopefully (fingers x-ed) they'll be some good news for me in that department.

Obsession of the Weak

2008-08-21T10:49:00.006-04:00

What could possibly be better than hopping on The Jetty and schlepping to the Hamptons for the weekend? Well, I don't know since I haven't been yet, but living vicariously though society blogs may just do the trick.

I quit reading gossip blogs around the same time I quit magazines, but there is something about Park Ave Peerage that doesn't make me feel dirty (sorry Perez Hilton). The girls are usually facing the camera and smiling, there is a nice - excuse me - polite and informative blurb beneath the photos, usually, and the site is advertisement-free. Its also really good for double checking those socialite references on Fashionista (e.g. Tinsley Mortimer, right) and the photos serve as a venerable encyclopedia of upper east side "street" style.

Check it out gossip mongers, viva le obsession!

2008-08-18T20:42:00.002-04:00

Did I ever mention that I quit reading fashion magazines? (I didn't even buy the all-black Vogue Italia issue. F - the hype).

I am tired of seeing the same overstyled (or tragically misstyled) celebrities smiling behind Cosmo-like headlines (for the hundredth time, I dont need the same 8 "new" tips on how to please my man). Thanks to the web 2.0 revolution, blogs and sites like theSartorialist.blogspot.com have brought street trends to the minds eye of the fashion conscious. Also sites like Style.com and NYMag.com/fashion offer an encyclopedia for runway shows. This growing transparency of the historically shrouded industry allows people who care to make their own choices. It allows younger, smaller designers to gain noteriety and make a name for themselves along side established houses.

I say this all to say that I bought Teen Vogue. It was more of the same. I stand by my original decision.

Oh besides some pages of Elle and almost all of Nylon.

Just a Glimpse of an Ankle and I/React like its 1805

2008-08-13T16:50:00.004-04:00

Who What Wear Daily reports that rolled cuffs are the new it-girl trend. Katie Holmes has really been sporting this trend. To be burtally honnest I think they're absolutely heinous.

Das ist alles.

Frida by Frida

2008-08-11T16:08:00.004-04:00

For some reason I am really in the mood for some ABBA today (also cupcakes & chocolate... I think my serotonin dipped). Their music is complete 70s disco pop happiness. Check out Frida Lyngstad's, the brunette of ABBA, outfit, it looks just like what Natasha Polly walked in for Gucci. I would like to think Frida Giannini (creative director of Gucci) woke up one day in a foul mood, put on on ABBA and had an "a-ha" moment. We can thank the stars her epiphany didn't include krimped hair.

Here is the video. Enjoy!

Fall's Forecast

2008-08-07T15:17:00.011-04:00

Autumn is around the corner and for the first time I can remember, I don't feel pre-School jitters. I don't have to worry about packing (unless it means packing up to move to a new apartment or visit the beau for the weekend) or buying textbooks and I am free to wear what I want in a city that will appreciate my style (the people of Northampton don't care as long as you're clothed, and even that is not always a necessity).

That said, I'm excited about fall fashion. Among the cool weather regulars (heavy tweed & wool fabrics, dark colors, and plaids) were silhouettes which hearkened 40s prim tailoring, 70s volume and lengths, and 90s grunge culture.

The exaggerated shoulders and narrow waists pepulmed waists of the 1940s (credited to Christian Dior) are given a modern twist this fall.

Balenciaga, Fall RTW 2008

Lavin, Fall RTW 2008

Narrow maxi dresses and wide trousers exemplify 70s style. You wont have to worry about putting these Spring 08 staples in storage this fall.

Marc Jacobs, Fall RTW 2008

Missoni, Fall RTW 2008

The early 90s were characterized by the grunge scene. If you dare, let slouchy pants and plaid guide you to Nirvana.

Charlotte Ronson, Fall RTW 2008

Alexander Wang, Fall RTW 2008

woo new tittle

2008-08-05T17:06:00.000-04:00

woo!

Eats, Chutes and Leaves

2008-08-05T16:09:00.009-04:00

Fall beaty forcast: Panda eyes. The look is characterized by dark shadow on top and bottom eye lids. Cannot say I am a fan... I mean dark makup on my bottom eyelid just makes my dark circles more prominent (I should sleep more) but for those who are a bit experimental, and are into that neo-gothic meets zoo-phillia look I say go ahead!

Madisyn, Valentino Fall 08 couture

Yasmin Warsame, Elie Saab Fall 08 couture

Liu Wen, Chanel couture Fall 08

Michaela Kocianova, Christian Lacroix Fall 08 couture

I do like the Lacroix version. It may be the blue. Would you try this?

New Jeresey Gran'ma Chic

2008-08-05T13:49:00.005-04:00

On my way up to see my lovely beau last weekend, I made a stop in Sephora. I had just gotten out of work and did not have a dot of makeup on my face (I doubt I even wore sunscreen moisturizer, gasp!). Seeing as I dont see this boy often enough, I wanted to look "special." Into Sephora I went, first stop: eye products. I dont remember the exact products I used (bad fashion blogger, bad) besides the Laura Mercier blush in some dark pink/bronze hue but I lined my eyes with black shaddow and coated my lids with bright blue shaddow.

I LOVE blue shaddow. The image stirs up thoughts of little wrinkled ladies in atlantic city with icy blue veins but it's actually do-able. I think... I'm not really a beauty expert and actually only knows what works on my brown sugar toned skin, so this may only be for darker skinned ladies. Neon blue and electric light blue are my favorite favorite eye shaddows. The electric color works really well in a cream, neons as powder. Urban decay always has fun colors.

Miffed

2008-07-29T11:14:00.003-04:00

Have you ever had a really rad idea. So completely original and so fabulous you want to paint it in the sky? Ever realized that you're not as original as you thought?

I'm getting tired of "A Few of My Favorite Things." It was the name of my Fashion column in my college's newspaper. It was apropirate and cute, but now the title seems so dull. Walking around Greenwich Village yesterday, looking at all the pretty daytime people, I wondered how many got up that morning and coordinated their outfit with the probability they'd run in to the Sartorialist. Then it poped into my head. "See and be Scene." BRILLIANT, I thought to myself, that should be the title of my blog. One google search later, I find out that my briliant title is also the brilliant name of some indie pop band. Those damn hipsters are probably using the title ironically, just the way I would have.

Maybe I should just use it anyway. It'd make me happy. The fashion world has many inspirations and it's tie into music, esp. in the past couple of decades, is undenyable. I just hope I don't get sued. Are these guys a big deal? Has anyone heard of them?

-Update-
I actually clicked the links on the google search, there are a couple of indie songs called see and be scene. I think I've stopped caring.

In other news. This baby also needs some color. A splash of electric blue, maybe acid yellow? How'd I do that?

Too Early to Procrastinate?

2008-07-29T11:11:00.001-04:00

I've decided that some of my "free time" @ work should be spent updating & maintaining this blog. Does anyone even read this?? My readership has dropped dramatically since I went on vacation.

That'll all change.

Off to advertise, toodles!

On Baby Doll dresses and Tunic tops

2008-07-28T13:03:00.002-04:00

Okay that last post was a little harsh.

I need to clarify something about my feelings about long tops and empire waisted dresses. Not every body is made for every cut, which is why there is so much diversity in design. For example, I have a babydoll dress I bought last summer at the peak of the "sack-dress" craze. Although it is a good length and fits well on the bust and ams it does nothing NOTHING for my most prominent asset, my butt. It skims over it and makes my back/waist look larger than it should because of the tenting around my posterior. I wish I had a photo to show y'all but just trust me that the look is not cute. Luckily the dress is super stretchy so when I do wear it I pull it down in the front so that the waist is on my natural waist (stays in place with a wide belt), and the bottom just skims over my "problem area."

If can pull it off by all means wear it with pride, strut if you like. Fashion is made to make you feel beautiful! But, fashion that is mass produced can make people look like clones. No one likes leaving their house feeling hot and seeing someone else in their outfit. Make it your own! A signature piece of jewelry, bright color, interesting details,... whatever it takes. Make it work, and make it work for you.

If You Have Nothing Nice to Say...

2008-07-27T17:27:00.003-04:00

I haven't updated in about 3 weeks.

I have been particularly uninspired this summer. It seems strange though considering my environment. Living in the fashion capital of this Hemisphere should provide some stimulus, no? (I've been reading Karl Lagerfeld's fake blog and now I use "no?" at the end of my sentences. No is so demode, non?) I'm not really feeling much of summer style for a couple of reasons:

(1) I need to stay financially responsible. I just graduated from college, do not have a full-time job yet and am in a long distance relationship. My priorities this summer edged out shopping. I've even limited my window shopping & trips to SoHo to curb temptation. I pretty much go to work and then home to cook dinner (I love to cook!). Work style, business casual, yawn. Home style, sarong's or boyfriend's tees as dresses, provacative but nothing to talk about. I do read fashion blogs and magazines so I am current, but without shopping and desire, I have nothing new to say.
I usually am inspired by reading fashion articles and studying street style. (2) When I do go out I am rarely inspired by street wear at bars & clubs. To be totally honest, 20-something women have a yawn worthy uniform at night: Empire waist tunics worn with short shorts with black heels or baby doll mini dresses and sandals. Yes, babydolls and body conscious shorts do have their place in fashion, but a sea of people wearing the same thing, even the same beautiful couture gown, is dull.
I did find two places where people experiment, McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn and Mansion a club in Manhattan. My friends and I went to watch Wet Hot American Summer at the scenester haven. Women experimenting with color coordination, lots of color, inventive accessories, sneakers and delicate cami's tucked in to loose easy high waisted shorts. I didn't want to leave.
At Mansion the attire matched the decor, lux. Trapeze style mini dresses in delicate fabrics, bright colors, lots and lots of heels. The women at the table next to us were sporting backless tops, high waisted skirts and Nicole Richie-esque scarves as headbands. People looked like individuals. As the night waned, the tables around my own filled of well styled women. It was almost worth the $500 table service tab.

Between the lack of disposable income and unwillingness to live vicariously through demode peers I have had nothing nice to say about fashion so chose to say nothing at all. I dont know what to do about this blog. Should I keep it? Should I just scrap the blog, discontinue it until I get my shit together? I may change the focus for a little bit and come back to style/fashion when I find my voice.

Until then, <3.

Vouge Italia

2008-07-05T22:42:00.002-04:00

Fashionista has some spreads from the historic all-black July 08 issue of Vouge Italia. This must be a big deal for them to post on a Saturday. They never post on holidays, let alone weekends.

Check it out!

Summer Love

2008-07-01T23:52:00.004-04:00

So I'm getting out of the 1 train on Christopher St/Sheridan Sq. today and who do I run into but Coco Rocha and Chanel Iman. Okay not literally run into, but I ran into their summer 08 Gap ad, which I haven't seen because I spend all my time in the Bronx @ work. Two of my favorite models! I must have met the memo, but when did the Gap become so cool?

Also what is the name of the Asian model? She is gorgeous and I am seeing her in lots of ads...

Are Pearls Vegan?

2008-06-28T15:02:00.004-04:00

I'm not much of a jewelry wearer. For years I've getting necklaces, bangles and brooches for gifts and although I do appreciate them I never remember to wear them. Except for one gift. My boyfriend presented me with a coral-pink pearl necklace for graduation/our first anniversary. I LOVE pearls. They're so delicate, feminine and exotic. Today when I was babysitting my 16 year old brother (goodness) I started watching this awesome show on pearl faming on PBS.

share: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/pearl/

I did not know that they crack the mussels and oysters in half to get at the gem inside. Isn't that cruel? And farmed pearls are breeded and the gene become weak over time as the pool gets smaller and these inbreed oysters are susceptible to all sorts of parasites. However, to get to wild pearls, divers usually harm already endangered coral reefs. Are there cruelty free sustainable pearls? Thanks to this Nova documentary pearls are now on my list of gems I hate to love.

SORRY!

2008-06-26T22:03:00.002-04:00

Hey Loves,
I've been very out of it. Work has been tough & balancing between work & play = little time for this blog. Sorry!

In really funny/interesting news, I was on the train and there was a girl wearing the faux-Balenciaga shoes (aka leggos). She paired the bright stilletos with green skinny jeans and a pepto-pink top. I kinda liked it. At the time, I thought the outfit was too bright for 9:30 in the morning, but I was probably envious, business casual is not really me guys.

As much as I like pencil skirts, I'm still figuring out how to b-cas. and be cute. I may try floppy necktied tops, ruffles or puffy sleeves. Thoughts?

In slightly different news "who is Christian Louboutin?" was the question in one of the Jeopardy questions today. Category: Christian, answer: something like designer of shoes with a trademark red sole. Surprisingly no one even guessed the answer. Word?

Well Now You Know: Baseball <3's Fashion

2008-06-18T22:11:00.007-04:00

Did you know that the symbol of the New York Yankees was originally designed by Tiffany's?
Read it & weep Boston fashionistas.

PS, pardon the shadow!

Things I'm Really Excited About

2008-06-15T00:20:00.004-04:00

Outdoor movies:
Mondays - Bryant Park
Tuesdays - McCarren Park Pool
Wednesdays - Pier 54 on the Hudson, Riverside Park on 72nd Street
Thursdays - Under the Brooklyn Bridge
Fridays - Kids Movies @ Pier 54 on the Hudson

McCarren Park Pool Parties (slip'n slide, cool bands, people watching in Greenpoint/Williamsburg,...) on Sunday afternoons

Yoga & Pilates in Riverside Park & Bryant Park

Rainy Saturdays

2008-06-14T23:43:00.004-04:00

New favorite site: Deli Magazine

I've been a pop princess since '96. I bought my first TLC CD (crazysexycool), played it in my bright yellow Walkman and walked around the city like the biggest b.a.m.f. in the 5th grade (bad ass mother-f***). Then boy-bands (BSBluv4lyfe! + Lance Bass crush = middle school in a nutshell) came onto the scene & Britney too. It was NOT cool to like pop in my high school, at least with my friends, so I tried to stifle my love for all things MTV & top-40 radio and adopt cooler obsessions: Old school pop. Marvin, The Beatles, Al Green... (This ties in to The Deli NYC, trust!)

Okay so 1/2 the reason I loved pop is because it was so accessible, its on EVERYWHERE. Thanks to You Tube & MySpace indie music is accessible, but with all the options out there how's a pop-princess supposed to know what she likes? In comes the Deli, with lists of small-venue local concert dates, links to band websites, links to venue websites, band interviews & party info it has everything you need for your hipster/indie conversion. Dark skinnies, buffalo plaid jackets, & peroxide blond dye not included.

RIP Sir Snaps a Lot

2008-06-12T19:32:00.004-04:00

my camera died.

it would have been a year old in a week :(
silly little bugger.

I was going to call this "Le'go my Eggo", but Fashionista titled their post on the shoes the same way two months ago... haha.

2008-06-10T17:53:00.005-04:00

The Balenciaga original, fall 07

The Steve Madden "version," spring 08

The Pay/Half option, summer 08

Just because an item is critically acclaimed does not make it good. Yes, Beyonce wore them at some award show performance but besides that I do not know of another taste maker (or famous consumer) being photographed in them. But remember Beyonce does have a thing for quirky, critically acclaimed pieces, she performed in Balenciaga gold robot leggings. For all the Steve Madden's, Pay/Half's, Bakers and Aldos out there, Elegant faux-'boutin's, yes; Shoes that look like it was pieced from your kid brother's K'nex set, not so much. Mass marketing is all about mass consumption, therefore when you decide that an item should be produced you are under the assumption that it is something people want. The economics of the shoe really bothers me.

Moreover, Nicolas Ghesquière's construction of sporty futuristic stiletto sandals is a unique idea. The fact that these companies stole intellectual property is also deplorable. I cannot explain it very well now, but in my mind copying idea which is as unique as this one rates higher as intellectual property theft than all those Carrie-esque faux-Dior gladiators I see all over NYC. It's economic inevitability. When there is positive buzz about a garment or accessory, from the consumers or the advertising community (bloggers, magazine editors, highly photographed celebs... when we talk about an item, its free advertising) people will want to go out and buy that item. However, authentic status items (the Louie Vuitton logo bags of the earlier in this decade) cannot be bought by the common consumer. The laws of economics dictate that SOMEONE SOMEWHERE will fill that demand.

I do not think that design theft is laudable but I do think it is inevitable until there is a law disallowing such practices but I do not think that it hurts the designer's sales. The person buying shoes at Pay/Half most likely cannot afford authentic in season Gucci, so it is not taking away from their sales. I argue that as income rises those clients will buy according to their tastes and the faux-Balenciaga suppliers will lose customers.

Disagree? Rant and rave in the comment section.

Adventures in Discount Shopping

2008-06-09T22:46:00.002-04:00

I spent the last two days trying to find shoes that are work appropriate. Yesterday on 125th, great place for discount shopping, I found a Balenciaga "Leggo" shoe replica. Does supply predicate demand or over zealous wholesalers? Photos & more info tomorrow.

Web Gems

2008-06-08T13:22:00.004-04:00

I spent most of yesterday trying to stay quiet and still in efforts to stay relatively cool in this heatwave. Luckily sitting on a couch with a laptop on my lap in front of my fan is pretty quiet and still, so I checked on the fashion blogs/sites to see what I missed while I was shopping.

1. MISSHAPES

The MisShapes, if you've never heard of them, are a DJ trio who hosted a weekly party at Lower East Side club Don Hills last summer. They've been DJing clubs in NYC since 2002, toured with the likes of Peaches, The Killers, Bloc Party and Cansei de Ser Sexy (aka CSS, the Brazilian band who wrote that "Music is My Girlfriend... Music is my hot hot sex") and DJed several fashion shows. I tried to convince my friends to go to this party all last summer and since they don't dance or go out to clubs I had no one to go with. With a lot of moping and bitching, I guilt-tripped one of my friends to go over Thanksgiving, when I'd be in the city next. The party closed in September. I was so mad, until I read this little gem. THE MISSHAPES ARE BACK! They hosted their relaunch party last night and are holding events and parties, but not on a regular basis. Oh joy.

2. FASHIONMEETSFINANCE

The innocently named party is a happy hour mixer run by Pocket Change for the Y chromosome heavy Financial industry gents, and the double X-ers in the fashion industry. In other words rich guys and pretty girls (or at least men with earning potential and well dressed women). There is a screening process, based on your position in your company. I do not know how I would feel about this if I was in my late 20s, single and/or in the fashion industry but between this video and this blurb:

"In New York City you are defined by what you do and the dating world has to follow the same rules... Women in fashion need men who can facilitate their pre-30 marriage/retirement plan, and men in finance need women who will allow them to leverage their career in their dating equity... FashionMeetsFinance facilitates destiny by purifying the dating pool bringing together only the most appealing populations in the New York dating game."

my gag reflex started up. Is this what I have to look forward to? Men thinking that they have to afford to buy me Louboutins to get my attention? I mean... a pair would be nice... but I'd rather be self sufficient than dependent on my 6-figure earning boyfriend/boytoy/husband.

edit: I am judging the superficiality of the event, but i guess I have to remember that both industries uniquely superficial... and I don't think that's wrong. Meh... I'll have to think this one through a little more. I think I also have a bias because I didn't an internship with UBS last summer, haha!
Oh and K- if you ever want to get me Louboutins I would not say no. Haha, just don't do it because you think it'd make me like you more. Besides I'm more of a bag girl. Good vegan "leather" and no logos. Luv u!

Denim Guide

2008-06-07T21:56:00.004-04:00

If you read my last post you probably know that Shop Bop is not somewhere I'd shop all the time. However as a denim connoisseur, I cannot help but look every now and then. When I looked today I found this gem on their website. Their denim guide outlines everything you need to know about how different inseams, pockets, rise, washes and styles can flatter your lower half. The first part is a little commercial-y, advertising Shop Bop's plethora of denim options, customer service options and well options. But the next two parts have helpful little hints to flaunting and concealing with denim.

Enjoy!

Hot Town Summer In the City

2008-06-07T21:34:00.004-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. I've spent the last 4 days looking for cute, inexpensive, "business casual" pieces for my internship this summer. Yeah not a fashion internship but I cast a wide net during my Spring job hunt. It was one of the first jobs I applied to and the last one I interviewed for - which shows you how random job searching can be.

My first stop was the internet. I combed through Fashionista, New York Magazine and Top Button to find sample sales in New York. Checked Bloomingdales, J Crew, Banana Republic and the Gap for sales and found none. Then I made a list of stores which may be within my price range and planned my attack.

There was a Theory Sample sale on 36th between 6th and 7th. I've forgot the actual address or sponsoring sample sale company since because I didn't find anything within my price range. The only reason I went is because I found this PERFECT brown Theory cowl neck tee at a sample sale last summer for $20. As a college student - and now broke recent grad - I wouldn't spend that much on a tee, but the cotton blend fabric showed off my curves nicely, the sleeves are at a beautiful long length, and the bottom hem just covers the hip bones of my long torso. I could wear it out (which I have) and I could wear it to interviews/work (have and shall!). Since that introduction I have been a fan. Theory has some really great basics and their palate is usually nice and sparse. Actually I don't know if sparse is the right word. What I mean is that they use bold even color, lots of black and white, and not many prints. With that love in mind I hiked up a flight of stairs (hey they were steep) and found myself in a room full of racks and racks of beautiful garments. However with $200 to spend on a suit, dresses, flats, a pair of pumps, perfume and make-up, beautifully tailored dresses running $75 a pop were off my list.

I was going to try to the bi-annual Diane Von Furstenburg sample sale on 5th and 29th but figured it'd be as much of a tease. Depressed I walked to 23rd and 6th to discount designer retailer Burlington Coat factory. On the way I saw this mannequin in a shop window. This is by far the strangest thing: Pipi Longstocking hair, a head dwarfed by her shoulders and that grin or is it a laugh? Well at least it achieved its desired effect, I looked. Funny.

Anyway I actually found some really nice gear at Burlington Coat Factory. Of course I had to go through racks and racks of garments to find possible outfit with all the buttons still in tact. But I got a Calvin Klein suit and a Michael Kors dress together for about $100. That made me and my wallet very happy.

Oh random note, New York Burger on 22^nd and 6^th has delicious fries, burgers and interesting sauces… I suggest the Seattle burger which has Portobello mushrooms. Yum! And my brother came home last night raving about the equally yummy & cheap $1 cheese pizzas @ some pizzeria on St. Marks.

The next day was blouse/cover-up day (yeah it’s the summer, but working in an office means at least 8 hours in an air conditioned room, burr!). I went to the Gap and tried on the CDFA white shirts. I don’t think they were made for my body plus I don’t usually like button down shirts. Ann Taylor yielded an adorable swing jacket, and H&M had cute basic cardigans and Uniqlo (my favorite store, it’s like a Japanese H&M) had a sale on broadcloth button downs.

I still need shoes and make-up. I’m over budget, hot from the heat wave and tiiired. Oy. I continue tomorrow.

Yves Saint Laurent (August 1, 1936 - June 1,2008)

2008-06-02T15:39:00.008-04:00

Fashion legend Yves Saint Laurent passed away yesterday at his home in Paris, France. Monsieur Laurent had been suffering from Brain cancer. He was best known to people of my generation as the name behind the YSL brand. He created Le Smoking, a woman's pant suit created in an era when women may have not been seated in restaurants wearing trousers.

In 1955, the young Laurent started designing for Chirstian Dior's house, which he ran after his death in '57. With the financial backing of his friend and, at that time, lover, Pierre Bergé, Laurent revolutionized the fashion industry in 1961, when he created his house under his name, and popularized ready-to-wear designs. His iconic looks feature clean lines, simple shapes and impeccable tailoring. He retired in 2002 after 40 years in the industry, closing the his house of couture but leaving the brand to be managed by the Gucci Groupe.

From The Sophian

2008-05-30T18:05:00.004-04:00

I promised clips from the Sophian. This is one of the clips from my days at writing my column for my college paper. Photos from the articles when I resuscitate my other PC.

Enjoy <3!
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It's that time of year again: what well-seasoned New Englanders refer to as "mud season." Overcast mornings give way to afternoon showers, letting brown grass peek from under the melting snow and making sludge of the soft earth. Mud season relegates spring sandals and open toed shoes to the back of the closet, except on those rare warm and sunny days.

So what are your shoe options when Mother Nature says nay to spring footwear? Wellingtons, gumboots, rain shoes, there are as many names for this functional boot as there are opinions of them. The debate continues on whether rain boots are a functional fashion or a faux pas. But the flat rubber sole with plenty of grooves and ridges, the bulbous round toe and the necessary tall shaft are definitely the most practical spring weather shoes for spring in the Northeast. You'll stay dry and the walk to class will be much faster when you're not dodging puddles.

Classic Wellingtons come in all colors, prints, and lacquers. Target offers an affordable option for under $20. The ever-practical New England staple, LL Bean offers its classic "duck boot" in a variety of colors and shaft heights. These boots usually run from $60 to $160.

There are, however, options if you don't want to sacrifice style for substance. Rubber flats or galoshes, like those from Marc Jacobs' diffusion line Marc by Marc Jacobs, offer protection from the elements and a little panache. Gucci's spring/summer line 2008 offers a heavily branded pair of rubber flats in red, blush-pink and navy. J. Crew's relatively affordable jelly ballet flats are available in glossy yellow, red, green and black.

A white wedge from Tretorn, a Swedish company that specializes in well-designed rubber shoes, will also keep you dry. Reminiscent of Christian Lacroix spring 2008 tights, Chooka's red ombre gumboots are both on trend and very functional.

If rubber or vinyl is not your thing, consider weather-proofing your favorite leather boots, sneakers or flats; but watch out for those puddles!

Well Now You Know

2008-05-30T17:36:00.005-04:00

The first, and yet only, fashion journalist to win a Pulitzer is Robin Givhan. She was honored with the literary award in 2006 for criticism. This African American woman has written for Vogue and many national newspapers, most notably with The Washington Post. Givhan also authors a blog for the Washington post called Off the Runway.

Beachy Keen

2008-05-29T18:11:00.006-04:00

Having lived in Northampton Massachusetts (the hippie cousin of the preppy Long Island, New York towns) for four years, and summering in Manhattan for… longer than that… I have no experience with Hampton couture. However, I have watched enough TV (Sex and the City, Single In the Hamptons or The Real Housewives of New York City anyone?) and hobnobbed with enough people who “summer” outside of the City to know that it’s a beach by day party at night scene.

When you find yourself in the prep capital of New York, you may blending in with the regulars or make a statement of your own in day time attire:

Blend in elegantly with modern classics with summery pops of color.

Striped towel, Lands End
Safari shirt dress, Gap Body
Graphic print bikini, H&M
Yellow jelly flats, J.Crew

Or stand out in a bright tank dress and a more subdued one piece of your choice.

Floral print beach towel and rubber gladiators, Old Navy
Black Monokini, Newport-News
Sheer mesh cover-up, Rogan for Target “Go International”

Gone but not Forgotten

2008-05-29T15:51:00.002-04:00

Hey!
I'm still in the setting-up/figuring out stages with this blog. I'm considering a once daily posing schedule because I want this to be a serious blog. So sorry for the lack of articles...
I plan on posting my articles from The Sophian this semester, but they're on my other PC (memo to self: must back up files!)... which in all the post college unpacking and re-situating has not been set up yet.

Until then I'll post new articles and entries and figure out my posting schedule/writing style.

<3!

Superheroes, Sartorially

2008-05-15T13:30:00.021-04:00

As my final year at Smith wound down, I found myself counting down to a huge May event, no, not graduation but, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s spring gala. Dubbed “The Party of the Year” by industry insiders, this event is the fashion world’s answer to the Oscars. Seeing as I prefer Fendi to films this event is definitely one of my favorite celebrity studded events of the year, besides the fall and spring fashion shows.

In years past designers such as Yves St. Laurent and Paul Poiret have been honored at the event and topics such as fashion and furniture in the 18^th century have been exhibited. According to the Museum’s press release, this year’s thematic exhibition “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy,” will explore the image of the superhero as “the ultimate metaphor for fashion and its ability to empower and transform the human body.”

The sartorial choices of the caped heroine are not only for those who want to blend into the night or attend a comic book convention. Designers are looking towards these purveyors of truth and justice as inspiration for their spring lines. Why else would Marco Zanini have caped dresses and jumpsuits stride down the Halson Spring 08 runway? Why else would Nylon magazine dedicate four pages to the debate on whether leggings are an appropriate alternative to pants?

As a person who is curious about leather and admittedly wears leggings outside the dance studio, I would love to take the chance to explore the look of my favorite heroine, Storm from X-Men.

Photos (left to right): gap.com, americanapparel.com, shopbop.com, bananarepublic.com,
http://www.devir.com.br/zero_2006/marvel_af/xmen_series1_storm.jpg

Storm, a lead heroine in the X-men series, is known for her trademark white hair and sleek form fitting costume in either white or black with gold/yellow accents. When taking fantasy fashion to reality is to keep the look referential, so even though her look may not be very flattering to mere mortals, we can take a key piece, the lacquered high waisted pants and recreate the Storm look.

Shirt: Gap, Special Edition Philip Lim ¾ sleeved tunic.
Legging: American Apparel, shiny high-waisted legging, in black eel.
Shoes: Opening Ceremony, lace-up sling back oxford pump.
Jewelry: Banana Republic, Mod hammered cuff.

first

2008-05-15T13:29:00.001-04:00

test test

<3!