Trunk Space

I wanted to get a quick post in before I head to Liberty Island with the masses for All Point West for the weekend. I wasn't planning on going at all, but Monday afternoon I received a phone call saying I won a pair of 3 day passes for the weekend! Thank you Daily Candy! Yesterday I went thrift/vintage shopping with two friends and felt like I scored the mother load. I'll post my finds soon, but had to share with you the elephant belt I scored. I have been looking for something like this FOREVER! I think I squealed when I picked it out of the bin! The best part is the actual belt can be take off and replaced with a different color/fabric...the options are endless!

Will most likely be sporting this all weekend!!!!

Not Just a Hanger

Last Saturday morning in the sweltering hot heat my friend Nate asked Becky and me to help him out by styling a photo shoot for a model (Joanlie, check out her myspace page) who needed some shots for her modeling comp card. I'm not particularly awake and functioning in the morning without coffee, none the less on a weekend morning! The majority of the styling is all Becky, but I had to share the pics cause they turned out really great!

I'm obsessed with this tutu... It is actually Becky's and she has another in raspberry. Joanlie looked like a barbie cupcake in it, I love it!!!!!

Odd Twin Trading Company

Last weekend I went to brunch with my friends Ellen and Chinae and then we went strolling around Park Slope to do a little vintage shopping. Chinae took us to this amazing vintage store called Odd Twin. The interior decoration is cute, a little cheeky, and houses an expansive library of some of the best vintage pieces I've seen in a while, at phenomenal prices. The store has a breadth of options in apparel, shoes, and accessories. One piece that has continued to stick with me was a gold tie clip that had a screw on it, while another had a miniature hose clamp. The store has such a great collection of vintage pieces and also re-works and DIYs some of their own projects!...Finally a store that gets it!!!

display in the store

Saw this marching band hat and about DIED!!!! I'm in love, I have no idea what I would wear it with, or where, but can't stop thinking about it!!!

I'm in love with this top! It's textured silk and a crop top... my current obsession! I want to wear it with a pair of black high waist shorts to APW this weekend...and in the fall with my Babooshka harem jodphur leggings, cognac boots, and a grey cardigan!

If you are in Park Slope tomorrow, Thursday July 30th, I hope you can make it to the grand opening party for Odd Twin. Located at 164 Fifth Ave (at Degraw) The store is offering 10% all purchases!

Babooshka Boutique

Last night I was hanging out with my friend Becky doing some "fashion research" and stumbled upon some great websites, blogs, and shopping sites. Having another fashion addict definitely kept me up until early morning (At 3 am a DIY project was started!!!)! From one site we were linked to an Etsy boutique that we are both obsessed with. We were introduced to a Pittsburgh designer and store, Babooshka Boutique. The first thing we fell in love with, and immediately purchased were this pair of black harem jodphur leggings.

pictures courtesy of Babooshka Boutique on Etsy

I just kept looking at the picture of the pants and repeating to Becky, "these are just stupid they are so cool!" I love the idea of wearing them with slouchy boots. It will take 6-8 business days to receive my pants and I can't wait!!!! Another piece that I loved from the collection is this oversized cropped T with pocket. It is made out of light weight sweatshirt material but the boutique also offers a similar top in jersey (grey or black). I was thinking about this top today while walking around the city and how badly I do want it. For some reason I want to pair it with some oversized, slouch, deconstructed jean shorts and kick it old school with some Reebok pumps!!! So far from how I would ever normally dress, but something I am itching to try with the new hair!

picture courtesy of Babooshka Boutique on Etsy

Hope you'll check out the site and find something that you love and are inspired by!

French Garment Cleaners

Last summer I went out to lunch in Fort Greene with a couple of friends that work for fashion publications. We fueled up at Habana Outpost (PLEASE make a trip there if you haven't, amazing food and the best frozen mojitos) and then meandered around the neighborhood doing some market research. Down the street from Outpost we arrived at "French Garment Cleaners."

The brownstone storefront is too cute, and the inside is home to some of the best designers collections that have been so well edited and merchandised I didn't know what to do. The store is actually called Stuart and Wright, but the owners didn't want to remove the neon signage that had become so landmark to the neighborhood. The store carries independent designers like Acne, A.P.C., Rachel Comey, Band of Outsiders, and Isabel Marant. If you're in the neighborhood you have to go by the store...and in August they are having their sample sale (which is always a good deal, last year I scored an incredible pair of lavender Loeffler Randall sandals for $80). I promise you won't be disappointed!

Impromptu DIY

I was doing some research (aka shopping) yesterday and came across the most adorable top on Shopbop.

Kimberly Taylor Boyfriend Tee

I first lusted after the color combo, I'm all about anything that's bright and eccentric right now. Then it was just the basic silhouette with a special detail that made me fall for it completely. The more I looked at it, the more I realized I could make the top for myself. I've enlisted my fashion addicted stylish friend Becky to help me with the project cause I know she'll encourage and support my eagerness and enthusiasm. Did some more investigating and found what could be the perfect start to the project...

Silence and Noise Top from Urban Outfitters

The front of this top is semi-sheer silk with a knit chest pocket. The contrast on the back of the shirt comes from the knit fabric that also makes up the trim. I think I like this very much as the beginning, still the same concept but with a few extra details and elements to make it my own! I quickly flipped through my closet and came across a dress that could be altered a bit in the length to make a black version of the top. If all goes well I'll be sporting one of the tops to a going away party Saturday night. Hopefully successful pictures are to follow!

Serendipitous Lace

Tonight I was hanging out with my friend Chinae and she was showing me a few things she picked up today from Urban Outfitters. The first was a bright yellow mesh zip up shirt. Love it and can't wait to see how she styles it. The second garment she pulled out of the bag had me gasping for words and my phone in harmony.

It is almost an exact replica of the lace t-shirt I was gushing over yesterday. I screeched out of excitement! It even has a little pocket and the back has a semi invisible zipper. I'm in love with the shirt! Debating on going and picking up my own tomorrow and dying it black... or maybe fuchsia!

What I Want Now...

My current obsession is all things lace! It started when I saw Philip Lim's Resort 2010 collection and now it's all I can think about. The material is equal parts sexy and delicate and it can be worn year round with the appropriate accoutrements. I recently saw a pink lace circular scarf and now I'm dying to DIY a few for myself. I want to pair the ethereal fabric with contrasting materials like leather and suede, as well as with feminine fabrics like silk gauze and voile. I love the lace t-shirt, it is an unexpected use for lace but lends itself to being able to dress down with jeans or turn glamorous with a high waist silk faille skirt. And the lace La Perla zip front jacket is one of the coolest things I've seen in a while. I love the look of popping a bright color underneath it. I recently walked by an American Apparel in Soho and spotted their lace bodysuit in the window. I can't decide which color to get... stick with practical creme or incorporate vivacious fuchsia?!?!?!

3.1 Philip Lim Resort 2010 collection

Leyendecker lace T-shirt from Bergdorf Goodman

La Perla Spring 2009 Collection

Urban Outfitters Lace Vest

American Apparel Nylon Spandex Lace Bodysuit

Style Icon: Kate Lanphear

I recently made a transformation from being a bit girlish and pristine to a style that is a little edgier and potluck after chopping off my hair. The change was heavily inspired by Rihanna, but has kept up to pace by the aspirational style of Elle's style and fashion editor, Kate Lanphear.

I don't even know where to begin with all the things I love about her style. To start it is focused and edited down. Lanphear has found what she loves and what works best for her (like anything wouldn't work for her though)! Her color palette is a range of black, grey, and white with occasional pops of prime colors to accentuate. Lanphear has a boyish style that is effortlessly chic. She is always casual enough for everyday duties, but has enough glam to attend events, parties, and fanciful soirees. She has a deep admiration for t-shirts and has accessorized them to a chic standard.

Her accessories are to die (or diy) for. She's clad in various Hermes bracelets in such an easy, haphazard way. And her platinum blonde hair is the icing on every ensemble!

I've had my short hair for about a month now and love it more than ever. I never thought I would go as short as I did and now I'm taking it to new heights. Recently saw a picture of Rihanna with shaved sides and thought, maybe that's what I want to do, keep the top long but have short sides...but maybe I should give more credit to Kate for my new locks, seems she had the cut long before Rihanna!

Jimmy Choo to Design for H&M

On November 14, Jimmy Choo's collection for H&M will be released in 200 stores. The collection will include coveted pumps, handbags, and apparel to coordinate! The collection is centered to accessorize the shoes and bags with clothes, instead of the other way around! Fellas don't you fret, you have not been forgotten. There will also be a men's collection of shoes, bags, and apparel. I know it will be hard, but I'm going to sit and wait patiently!

Editorial Favorites

Some of my favorite editorial shots from July issues of Fashion Magazines...

Cameron Diaz in V

Vogue: my dream/quintessential New York moment!

Karl Lagerfeld's styling for Japanese Vogue...combat boots and a couture gown, YES PLEASE!

Little Annie Walker

I've spent most of my Sunday afternoon baking cookies for a donation based bake sale my friends and I are having today. I know, you're thinking isn't that a little elementary for you but it's for a good cause ("Di, don't you want to use your popularity for a good cause?!"...sorry couldn't help myself)! Annie is leaving Oct 1 on an around the world missions trip...11 months in 11 different countries. In order to be able to support herself she must raise $14,000. Annie is a cake decorator in the city so what better way to help her raise some extra support than with a bake sale!!!!

If you would like to know more about Annie's trip or how you can support her, feel free to email me at coco.canal@gmail.com

The_Summer_Set

Wednesday I had a photo shoot at Coney Island with a band called The Summer Set. They were so much fun to work with and even more fun to just hang with. They kept me laughing the entire day. They had a show the night before the shoot and only got 2 hours of sleep before having to arrive on set. When they arrived they were open to anything style wise and had high energy through out the entire day. The photos are for promos and their album art for their first CD they are releasing this fall. So excited for them, they have been hard at work! Be sure to check them out on their myspace page or follow them on twitter.

Just a quick peak via my iphone from the day...don't want to give away too much.

Brian Dales: Vocals

The band: Brian, John, Jess, Josh, and Stephen

Jess Bowen- drums

DIY: Chanel Chain Glasses

Back in February I saw images of Amber Rose wearing a pair of vintage Chanel glasses that had a gold chain going across the top edge. I fell in love the glasses but dismissed the idea of purchasing a pair for myself. Then the other day it hit me!...DIY project!

What you'll need:

-pair of sunglasses that have a flat/straight top edge (purchased these at Forever 21)

-gold chain (1/2" seems to work the best). You can get a chain down on Canal Street or St.Marks Place but you'll pay $40. I purchased a yard of chain for $3.98 at M&J trimming.

-Super Glue

First put some glue on the flat part of the glasses, this will make it easier for the chain to adhere.

Start gluing some of the links together. I started with about 7 links.

Once the first set of links are together and pretty dry, glue this section to the glasses. Let this sit for a couple minutes so that it really adheres.

Next start gluing the remaining links together, and onto the glasses.

It's best to let the glasses dry over night... to make sure that everything is set. You don't want to have an embarrassing fashion malfunction your first wear!

Robe and REVEAL.........

you can check out other blogs with step by step instructions of the same project at Outsapop and Fashion Indie.

Like Your Style!

The last week or so I have not stopped noticing the way guys dress and style themselves. While out shopping this week I decided to document a couple of my favorites.

The first is the nameless Canadian. I ran into him at Uniqlo and fell in love with his blue pants. After finding out they were from H&M I spent the rest of the afternoon dragging my friends from one location to the next. I'm determined to find a pair to style a friend in...and maybe purchase a pair for myself. The pants are like a broken in and worn down Chinos. He paired it with a graphic t, and the most amazing black suede, crazy velcro strap shoes. Kudos to my new Canadian friend with style!

Canadian friend in H&M pants and a label-less graphic T

I'm so upset that this picture came out blurry. I'm happy to introduce my new friend Zon! He works at Helmut Lang and I believe that he is also an assistant designer for a company that I can not remember right now (sorry Zon)! I met him Monday and went back to visit him yesterday to purchase the harem shorts. He is definitely one of the coolest guys I have met in a long time with top notch style. I walked into the store yesterday and wanted to start clapping I loved his outfit so much. Zon will probably be receiving another visit from me before Saturday cause I'm interested in purchasing a couple of shirts from the store that I can't stop thinking about.

Zon in head to toe Helmut Lang... killing it, just killing it!

Helmut Lang Harem Shorts

Yesterday I met my friend Joe in the Meatpacking District to run to the apple store and then swing by Helmut Lang to check out a pair of shorts I'd seen earlier in the week. I tried them on and fell in love. I can't wait to wear them with a white tank and wedges, but also looking forward to the fall when I can pair them with black tights and a great jacket.

Stuntman Soho Spree

images by Eric Anderson and Adam Sjoberg

This morning I met up with my friend Victor, a musician, stuntman, and dance machine for a little shopping spree of sorts.

Victor has been itching for new clothes and I volunteered to spend the day updating his laid back, casual style. The shopping actually began yesterday at our first store in Meatpacking. We took the advice of a friend and went to Helmut Lang to check out the sale. The first purchase was a pair of raw denim straight leg jeans in a dark wash. Victor will have to get used to the tight fit until they are broken in, but we can all tell he's stoked about the purchase. He wore them last night to a friend's show with the hem rolled... a look I LOVE and will advocate any day of the week, but I'm pretty sure he's going to have them hemmed, which is understandable.

Today we started the morning off in Soho at Uniqlo and found a great pair of grey stretch straight leg pants. When I think about it, I should have talked him into buying a second pair because the fit is great and I know he'll wear them every other day. Our next stop was Topman, I can't get enough of this store (which is having a HUGE store wide sale right now). We probably spent an hour and half sauntering the floor going through everything rack by rack, making sure not to miss anything. After both of us had both arms weighed down with merchandise we headed to the fitting room to play dress up. I would say we were pretty successful leaving with 4 v-neck shirts, blue hoodie, and two of the best jackets I have ever seen. One is a navy light weight cardigan that looks like a blazer. Totally something Victor will wear all the time in the fall and in fact he could have worn it today before and after the rain. The second jacket is this grey blazer made out of heathered jersey. It is most likely my favorite piece from the whole day and something he can wear dressed up or down! We ran into Club Monaco and I'm keeping my fingers crossed he or we will go back and pick up the black and white striped cardigan. Our last stop of the day was Urban Outfitters where we found exactly what we were looking for... canvas boat shoes. Again, we should have probably gotten two pairs cause white gets filthy, but I'll blame this misjudgment on low blood sugar.

The lot of goodies we found today! Some excellent shopping was achieved today!

my favorite item of the day... Topman grey jersey blazer

Victor in his new Helmut Lang jeans and Topman Blazer...we were exhausted and full at this point after an impromptu BBQ!

Victor, thanks so much for being a good sport and letting me make you literally shop until you drop! Love everything you picked up today!!!!