"I DO"

One of the first movies I can remember seeing and realizing it was far above my maturity level was Reality Bites.  I was 10 or 11 years old and probably watched the movie with my cousins.  At the time I couldn't have told you what the movie was about but did walk away with an obsession for Lisa Loeb's song, I Do.  I can remember watching Mtv and waiting for the music video to play.  I have so many great memories from high school that are intertwined with this famous song.  When #1 Single was on tv, I feel in love with Loeb all over again.  I just found her so adorably appealing and relatable.  She's endearing, charismatic, and has a young spirit.  I never understood why she was still single.  After moving to NY I occasionally find myself looking for Loeb in little coffee shops, hopefully sitting with her significant other.  I was so excited today to learn that she married Roey Hershovitz.  I can't wait for pictures of the wedding to start circulating and to see what her dress looks like...I know it will be something very "Lisa" and will most likely have some shade of pink.

Best Wishes Lisa!

 

How To Deal

In shopping for new clothes I've had to commit to the recession specials.  I'm trying to watch my dollar and spend it on items that I can get the most use of out.  I've put together one of my favorite outfits with pieces that are all under $100.

Lets start from the top.  The first piece is this gray wool beret from Forever 21.  The beret is $7.80 and will complement a plethora of outfits during this dreary winter season.  I'm the girl that hates to get her hair wet, so this will protect from the snow on those wintry white days while keeping me warm for the walk to work.  A little french inspiration to an outfit is almost always necessary.

I love this top!  It's the Silence and Noise Buffalo Poncho from Urban Outfitters.  Regularly priced at $68, it's even better on sale for $39.99.  I'm crazy for this.  It can be a dress, sweater, vest, the options are limitless.  It's made of a thin flannel which makes a great layering piece.  I'm pairing this with black tights, jeans, over a dress or skirt.  It has grommet detailing on the side near the hips and has an elongated cut in the front and back.  I wish they offered it in more than two colors.

Just your basic long sleeve "favorite T" from Gap.  It will cost you about $10 which is a steal.  I layer this under everything from and often use it as a thermal layer during extreme winter sports!  It comes in a multitude of colors and is always a handy extra layer to have around.

I'm not really one to wear pencil skirts, but I couldn't pass up this cotton interlock skirt from American Apparel.  It's a great balance when worn with the buffalo poncho.  The slim, form fitting  cut hits right above the knee.  A pretty good find at $32 that's incredibly versatile and integrates into my daily wardrobe effortlessly. 

I've been looking for a winter bag like this for a while and of course Urban Outfitters didn't fail me.  Lucky for me when I stumbled upon it, it was on sale from $29.99 (regularly $68).  I love that it looks like I took an old cable knit sweater and reformed it into this over sized hobo.  While a darker color is probably more practical for my life, the ivory is a perfect contrast to the darker coats I will be wearing.

Chilly Tights from Anthropologie have been one of my winter essentials.  I stepped into them one impromptu shopping day with friends and stocked up on a few pairs in black, brown, navy gray, and fuchsia all at $18/pair.  

Ok, I know these shoes come in above the $100 limit, but I couldn't help it.  Lets start with the color... I love the combination of Cognac with the red and black poncho.  Something about this color scheme seems unexpected yet obvious.  The small wedge and exposed gold zipper add enough detail to keep the boots from being just another boring pair of knee high boots.  These are the most comfortable boots I've walked this city in and keep my look polished and put together.  Like I said, they exceed the recession budget, coming in at a sale price of $148 at Steve Madden.  

I love this look.  It's casual and put together and can take me to work, a friend's show, errands on the weekend, or shopping with the girls followed by coffee.  The best part is that all the pieces go back with so many other things in my closet, but have enough character that they are able to hold their own... and are more than reasonably affordable.

Ala Prima

Friday night I went to this amazing art event in Soho called Art Battles.  I wasn't sure quite what to expect and ended up having the time of my life.  The energy in the room was unlike anything else and the event was incredibly inspiring.

My favorite painting of the night was by "aerosol assassin" Leif McIlwaine

One of the other artists that participated Friday night was Anthony "Concep."  Concep's style at the show definitely caught my eye.  His hip-hop roots and embedded New Orleans culture is evident in the colors, styles, and combinations of his clothes.  His style is the same vain as Kanye and Pharrell.  Concep is well dressed but hasn't lost his individual style which is a little urban street meets hipster chic.  His remote dreads and arms adorned in tattoos both complement his look.  From his walk down the runways, creativity in the studio, passion for music, Concep has infused an ever inspiring style into everything he does.

Check out all that Concep is up to at his website  www.concepmakelove.com.

GO SPURS GO

My San Antonio Spurs are playing the Lakers and I have to show my team spirit!!!!!

Annie Hall: Now and Then

One of my favorite movies in the world is Annie Hall.  I watched it years ago with my mom and have always admired Diane Keaton's androgynous-chic style.  What Sarah Jessica Parker is to fashion today, Diane Keaton was in the 1970's.  I was surfing the Lucky Magazine website and came across a reader that created her own discordant stylish combination.  It's a perfect update to Keaton's original ensemble.

Then

Now

Fashion Pick Me Up

We are in the dead of winter and I've noticed that the freezing temperatures and constant cloud coverage are beginning to take a toll on me.  I've been keeping up with the pre-fall collections but nothing prepared me for the sheer glee I felt when I saw the Proenza Schouler collection.  Everything about the 22 look collection brought some much needed joy and enthusiasm into my life!  The design duo took their casual uniform and revamped their style with sequins, cool jackets, slouchy cardigans, full mini skirts, and my favorite... gloves galore! Everything about  the collection is exactly right, it's incredibly wearable and has the right amount of pizazz.  Thank you Lazaro and Jack for an inspiring collection that we can relate to and wear for all the different events and aspects of our lives!

I Wear My Sunglasses At Night

I wear sunglasses to hide behind a multitude of secrets and judgement.  I have a pretty substantial collection of sunglasses that is ever growing... Let's be honest you can never have too many.  We've all seen these Chanel sunglasses, originally from the runway and frequently on the faces of the Olsen twins, Nicole Richie, and Rachel Zoe.  While I would love to shell out $400+ for a pair, it's just not in my budget these days.  Luckily I came across these vintage pairs that have the split level lenses that give the glasses all of their charm.  I'm so excited to pick up these frames and let the mystery of what's behind them continue.

  

Ruven Afandador

In September of '07 I came across some images of Ashley Olsen that I fell in love with.  She did a shoot for Marie Claire and I have been so inspired by the images.  I've had one particular picture on my inspiration board ever since and find that I continually come back to it. 

 

I recently came across the images from the shoot and finally found out that Ruven Afandador was the photographer.  I've been looking at his portfolio and I'm blown away.  Some many of the images have been added to my board and I keep going back to them for reference and inspiration.  Ruven does an amazing job of emphasizing and highlighting the shape and movement of the body.  I'm drawn to the shading and shadows in his photography.  I have interpreted his work to be tastefully raunchy with a whimsical meets eerie tone.  Many of his photos have humorous undertones that play a sarcastic contradiction on some stereotypes.  I have a deep appreciation for Ruven's craft, point of view, and expression.  I can't wait to see more of his work and hope that one day I am lucky enough for our paths to cross.

The Anti Fashion

I can stand Uggs, I don't think there is anyway to sugar coat my feelings... I'm just over them!  I think they are obnoxious and sloppy and should not be worn outside the house.  I'll admit it, I have a pair and I only wear them around the house.  The only time they have seen sunlight is from my "terrace."  Please stop tucking your jeans and juicy sweats into them, and by all means no more skirts.  They simply cut you off and make you look stubby.  They have had their fare share of time but now lets excuse them from our closets and wardrobe.  Come on LADIES lets leave them for the girls.

 

The Face of Grace

What can't be said about Grace Jones?  Best known as a model and singer, she got her start performing in Jamaica.  Her masculine appearance is a nod to the beginning of 80's cross dressing movement and her flat top hairstyle inspired a signature look for the early 90's.  Grace started to get noticed for her outlandish costumes that reflected her different personas when performing on stage.  She quickly came into her own style and could be found at Studio 54 with famous stylish friends like Debbie Harry and Bianca Jagger.  I love Grace's extremely bold look and mannish physique.  She owns her look in complete confidence and is unapologetic for her fashion decisions.

Not Ready To Be A Part Of It All... New York

My Christmas break is officially over as of today.  I'm currently in the airport waiting to board my plane back to NYC, and strangely enough I'm not excited to go back.  Excited to see my friends, catch up, and get some use of my new fur... but not ready to go back to work and the daily routines.  

See you in ole' New York, New York!

First of Many Furs to Come

This year for Christmas it was almost impossible for me to think of anything that I wanted.  I looked at my wish list of various items and at the top of the list was the Jenni Kayne Coyote Fur Vest from her Fall 2008 collection.  I fell in love with this vest immediately after seeing it.  I can't explain what it is exactly... the vest is glamorous, warm, cozy, and fabulous, just to name a few of it's benefits.  The price tag on the vest is bold at $5,000.  A little more than  I would be willing to ask for, so instead I directed to mom to ebay. 

 

Taaadaaaaa...I got the fur vest!!! It was the last present underneath the tree and I literally started screaming and dancing around the living room.  The best part of the vest is that it has a great story behind it.  My mom searched for weeks looking for a vest on ebay.  The options were either too expensive, too cheesy, or didn't have the right flare that she knew I was looking for.  My very creative mom, took it upon herself to get innovative.  She purchased a LONG coyote fur coat and remade it into my very own vest.  She kept the original lining and trim and it even has the original woman's name monogrammed on the shoulder (Geri, how very 50's!!!).  I'm in LOVE with my first fur and even more now that is has sentimental significance. Needless to say, I had a glamorous Christmas and have the best mother in the world!!!!! She's so creative and inspires me daily! 

Fred Darling!

It has been ages since I've watched Breakfast at Tiffany's.  Clearly a classic, and one of my favorites for so many reasons.  Watching the movie made me excited and anxious for the day that I have my own apartment to decorate.  The first time I watched the movie I feel in love with the bathtub sofa.  Years later I'm still just as crazy for it and I've actually found a furniture company in Canada that makes custom bathtub sofas!!!