Happy Halloween

(image from Tim Burton's spread in Harper's Bazaar)

Happy Halloween

Brooklyn Coolness

I find that I'm never dressed appropriate for the weather.  If it's cold I don't have enough layers, if it's sunny I've forgotten my shades, and when it rains it happens to be on the day that I decided to wear suede shoes.  My goal this fall/winter is to be better prepared in a sensible, stylish way.  I came across this image of Michelle Williams earlier this week and fell in love with her shoes.  I'm still trying to figure out who makes them and if in fact they are rain boots.  I adore the platform on the boots and the shortness of the boot shaft.  The boot is the ideal counterpart for dresses and jeans alike.

DIY Cowboy Booties: Take 2

I spent the day out in Williamsburg Tuesday hanging out with a friend. We were leaving breakfast when I spotted a warehouse size thrift store. We quickly thumbed through a few racks. As we were leaving I spotted a pair of two toned grey cowboy boots that would be perfect for the DIY cowboy bootie project. I wanted to think about it and do a little more research before I purchased. I went back to the store today and found a second area of shoes with more undiscovered boots.

This time I stumbled upon these grey/white snake skin boots. I'm undecided! They are the exact style and texture that I have been looking for, but the color is my hesitation. I'm funny about light colored shoes anyways and maybe I'm thinking too much about the black/cognac combo from Free People. Giving myself a few more days to think about it...I'm just so eager to complete this DIY project and rock a new pair of kicks!

Halloween Hassle

No idea what I want to be for Halloween...again! I do this every year, proclaim that I'm not going out or dressing up and last minute I have to throw something together. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Tomboyish Pixie

I have truly fallen in love with the September issue of British Vogue. I think at this point I've thumbed through the pages at least five times today alone. It is so inspiring. It's a fresh take on styling that is still relatable. My favorite fashion spread in the issue features model Pixie Geldof. Her toe head pixie cut is adorable and such a complement to the clothes and attitude of the shoot. This tomboyish vain that is still sultry and blushing with femininity.

I so wish I could get into the garter trend that is happening right now, but it's just not for me. Love it though, it's sexy as hell and feminine.

By far my favorite outfit from the spread. That tulle skirt with the leather one shoulder body suit and studded belt. Genius, I died a little inside when I saw. DYING to recreate this for myself ASAP. However I might keep the leather jacket and replace the leather body suit for a lace t-shirt or slightly over sized men's white button down.

Of course I'm obsessed with the denim vest and leather jacket combo. My favorite thing in the world currently.

(all images from British Vogue September 2009 issue)

Hospital Gown Makeover

I picked up a copy of the September issue of British Vogue today and have been blown away. The issue is completely different than the glossy Vogue I flip through every month. I was on the train today coming back from a day in Williamsburg and stumbled upon an article that I quickly fell in love with. The article, Teen Spirit, is about 18 year old Susannah Temko was diagnosed with ovarian cancer two years ago this month. Today Susannah is happy, healthy, addicted to fashion, and incredibly upbeat.

Most teenagers diagnosed with cancer are treated in either adult or children's wards. With the help of two of her friends, Susannah is promoting a program called The Teenage Cancer Trust Fund, a unit in which adolescents are treated together; each patient is given an en suite bathroom, plasma screen television and sound system. The plush treatment facilities keep going, the wards also include communal spaces, patient kitchens, and unlimited visiting hours. Susannah described her treatment experience as, " Its creeping malignancy attacks the very essence of what teenage life is about- exuberance, recklessness, and infallibility. The TCT wards help make a person's experience as 'normal' as possible. Lots of teenagers get put on wards with geriatric patients, many of whom are waiting to die, and where the visiting hours are strict...They can be the loneliest places..."

Susannah with the help of two friends (Ellen and Liss), Vogue, and eight British designers are collaborating on a fundraiser to support TCT. Designers such as Alexander McQueen and Henry Holland are making over hospital gowns to be auctioned off at the fundraiser. Only 10 units currently exist in the UK and the additional funds and support will help keep the facilities running and help with the addition of three new units in London and the South East.

What a great fashionably charitable cause. You can check out more information about TCT here.

Susannah in Giles Deacon (center) with friend Ellen in Stella McCartney (L) and Liss in Matthew Williamson (R) in made over designer hospital gowns.

"We used key McQ components like the zip and our seasonal sleeve"~Alexander McQueen

"We put polka dots with our spring/summer fabric to brighten it all up"~ Henry Holland

"I wanted to replenish everything and make it bright and lovely- to give it a little va-va and make you laugh. Now, it's a color that makes your heart leap."~ Christopher Kane

(all images/information from British Vogue September issue)

Fall Festivities and Fashion

This was the perfect weekend to indulge in fall activities. On Saturday my friends and I drove up to New Paltz, NJ to go apple picking. Lucky for us it stopped raining as soon as we stepped out of the car. The funny thing about the city is anytime we are leaving for "country suburbia" we think, Oh gosh, need to wear my plaid! I think it is an unconscious thing but humorous none the less. Sunday we spent the day in Prospect Park pumpkin carving.

Nate (our weekend sartorialist) snubbed a picture of Roxy and me walking in the apple orchard.

Me:

Lela Rose cashmere sleeve jacket

Urban Outfitters gray cardigan

Vintage men's plaid button down shirt

Target side zip leggings

H&M sunglasses

Lela Rose black patent belt

Thrifted cowboy boots (yes, those are bags covering the boots, didn't want them to get wet or muddy)

Roxy:

Michael Kors jacket

7 for All Mankind Roxanne Jeans

MoMa boots (purchased in Paris)

Carrera sunglasses

H&M headband

I laid an apple!

We love our plaid! My sweet friends Hilary and Rachel in the corn maze.

Tucked away in the apple box! Hilary, Shuffle, and Nae

I was obsessed with the critter corner! I took everyone's quarters to feed the animals. Kball styled her whole outfit around her hat. LOVE IT!!!!

One of my favorite fashion partners, dear friends, and inspiration. Ms. Pop Rocks! She's the epitome of coolness with an L.A. casual smoothness to her look.

An impromptu photo shoot with the most delicious apple!?!?! Maybe I'm just a tad angsty!

(all images by Nate Poekert)

Grooms Girl I'm Not

Yesterday I embarked on a day of running around the city from every flea market or thrift store I could think of in search for cowboy boots to DIY. Unfortunately my day of cowboy boot shopping was unsuccessful. However, I didn't leave empty handed. With all the weddings and engagements occurring around me, I decided to invest in a pair of tuxedo pants. No, I'm not a grooms girl, just an adventurous fashionista trying to make it in this recession!

For years I have been trying to find the perfect tuxedo pant that wasn't too pleated and who's silhouette wasn't too boxy, bulky, or overwhelming. I debated on getting a navy wool pair but instead settled for a pair in classic black. I emptied out all the change in my purse to pay the $3 price tag! I came home and started imaging looks centered around the pants. Right now my current thought is rolling/cuffing the hem and pairing with my new P.Lim DIYed navy sweater (with black leather bows), and my future cognac DIYed cowboy boots. I can't wait!! Will hopefully post a wardrobe diary soon.

Have a great weekend!

Leg Trap

OB-sessed with these boots! I have been pleasantly surprised at all the incredibly edgy and cool pieces that Free People is currently offering. After Amy introduced me to the diy cowboy boots on the site, I did some more investigating and stumbled upon these little foot fetish leg traps! I love the unexpectedness of them. From the front they look like your regular knee high leather boots...but don't be fooled. Do a 90 degree turn and BAM! And they come with a platform wedge... Just killin' it!!!

(all images from Free People)

Trend Setter Vintage

I am more than happy to refer friends to my favorite stores, restaurants, hair stylist, tailor/seamstress. However there are some sacred precious apparel gems I will stubbornly keep to myself. When I find that one of a kind outlet, I keep it detained all to myself. After much contemplation today, I've decided that it is time to share this one specific fabulous find...

About a year ago I stumbled upon one of the most intriguing, inspiring, and fun vintage apparel sellers on eBay. Blogging world, I would like to introduce you to Trendsettervintage. Based out of L.A. the virtual boutique is headed by fashion obsessed that have a focus on the fashion and styles from the 1950's-80s. Here is where you'll find designers like Armani hanging out with the likes of polyester and rayon. You'll find archived department store labels, forgotten designers, nameless pieces, and tons of fabulousness to boot! This boutique is where my deep rooted adulation for sequins was encouraged. In a way I feel like Trendsettervintage has raised me... Schooled me in the knowledge of vintage, introduced me to lost silhouettes, and encouraged me to think outside of the box and form my own opinions, style, and point of view.

While this may sound a little like a eulogy, it partially feels like one. My secret is now revealed and the excitement I had for being the only knowing virtual shopper (aside from their other 8000+ viewers) is fading. I will still get just as excited and eager to look at the newly uploaded pieces and bookmark them in my eBay account... now I just have more competition! :)

Currently I'm watching the below styles. Bidders start your engine!

(all images from trendsettervintage)

DIY: Fashionable Minds Think Alike

I've been restyling my closet this week and trying to find new ways to wear things. I've been itching for more DIY projects to spruce up my currently drab winter wardrobe, so this morning I decided to look through images I pulled from the Spring 2010 shows.

I came across this Phillip Lim sweater and was so pleased with myself to think, Yep I can do that!!! Done and Done! First my mind started racing with all the color options this project possessed. Then I started to think of all the things to pair it with... skirts, jeans, my sequin pants! After being so delighted in my newest DIY find, I continued my morning routine of blog reading only to find that Kelly from The Glamourai was drinking the same coffee as me!

(picture from Glamourai's blog)

Even down to the sequin pants!!! Ahhhh why is she so unbelievably good!!!! A little more reading on her blog and I found that she wrote a step by step DIY on how to recreate the sweater for Lucky Magazine. Regardless I'm still planning on making this cardigan for my weekend in New Paltz apple picking. Great fashionable minds think alike?!?!

Bullseye... This Just In!

Word of the day: Target

Definition: Department store roots that evolved into a savvy discount store.

Use in a Sentence: John Paul Gaultier will be following the footsteps of his peers Anna Sui and Alexander McQueen and collaborating for a spring collection with Target. The fashionably affordable collection drops March 7, 2010!!!

Editor at Large, 6'7" To Be Exact

I've had two incredible fashion run in's in less than a week. Last night I was in Greenwich Village with a friend when I noticed a woman walking in front of us with the most beautiful fur. It was black, brown, and grey blend, that I think was rabbit. The shape was exquisite, the colors were phenomenal, and she wore it with such poise. As I turned to get one last look, I realized that the woman was with Andre Leon Talley. Again, not many people will stop me in my tracks, but of course the 6'7" fashion genius had his way with me! I nervously laughed to try and disguise my heart palpitations, dry throat, and sweating hands. I think a tear even welled up in just one eye!

The man has style... While his choices might be a little unconventional and sometimes quirky it's his strong conviction that makes you respect his choices and point of view. He has a clan of "mentees" (Mariah Cary, Tracy Reese, Venus Williams, Kimmora Lee Simmons, Jennifer Hudson, Rachel Roy) that fall to his feet for styling/designing advice. Why would you not? Talley has been a front row regular for fashion shows in New York, Paris, Milan, and London for 25 years.

Ahhh a man that has it all! Style, charisma, vision, and all the ladies wrapped around his finger!

Pamela Pamela...How I LOVE Thee

I'm longing for this ring. I was looking at a couple different stylist websites over the weekend and found this on Mary Alice Stephenson's site. I can't get enough of this ring, all day I've been thinking of how I can recreate it in some way. It bestows equal parts of sophistication and edge. More appropriate than my usual three finger/brass knuckle ring and has more character than a simple band. I have this weird, probably misconstrued idea of my hands and feel as though they look more attractive when covered up.

It is literally wearable art.

I have such respect for designers that have perfected their craft and skills. Designers that go outside of the box and bring beauty to the things the rest of us look past or wouldn't think twice about. There are so many "pretty" things out there it can start to get monotonous. Especially when it comes to jewelry and accessories. I want something that is going to stand out, something robust. I've recently nestled into this nook of wanting to finish my look off with something a bit cryptic...inept...esoteric...unpredictable?! My look can be so pulled together that I need something to offset it and punch it up. I quickly flipped through Pamela Love's look book and found these two necklaces that I'm now drooling over.

human heart necklace

sword rosary

To Die FUR

Found this picture of Rihanna shooting in Berlin. Seriously, the fur!!!! Crazy beautiful! I'm enchanted by this pure white furry goodness. Still trying to find who it is designed by. Totally smitten!

Lonny Magazine Launch Party

On Thursday night I attended the launch party for Lonny Magazine. Two of my friends have been diligently working to put the magazine together for the last couple of months. The party only proved what a success their hard work has been. I am so excited for them and send tons of love and congratulations their way!

A couple pictures from the event Thursday night with some of my favorite fashionable friends and fellow bloggers!

(L-R) Lauren, Kirby, Chinae, Me

My first two New York roommates and long time friends! (L-R) Lauren, Me, Kirby

(L-R) Me, Kelly, Kirby, Lauren

Wardrobe Diary

Dress: Lela Rose 3D Organza Dress

Tights: A gift from Becky (I believe they're from Korea)

Shoes: Christian Siriano for Payless

Bag: Black clutch, thrift store find

all images by K. Camara

DIY Cowboy Booties

I've been trying to help my friend Amy find the perfect pair of boots to take her through the winter. During our day long search, Amy stumbled to Free People and could have found one of the easiest DIY projects imaginable. A perfect take on vintage cowboy boots that are...in her words, "Awesome!" I couldn't agree more! The $300+ price tag made the, not buying these today list. I peered over at her computer and you could have read DIY all over my face. You and I both know that these are not worth that hefty price tag... and honestly I wouldn't pay more than $15 for them. My first thought was to run home and grab my vintage cowboy boots and instantly recreate the look, but realized that my boots have sentimental value and I'm just not ready to cut them up. So my goal for the next two weeks is to find a pair of vintage boots and give them a hack job (reinvent them for a more PC term). I will definitely post them as soon as they are complete, and hopefully wear them with a DIY skirt (made from a friend's old dress) I'm currently working on.

Amy, I owe you for this clutch find! Maybe even your own pair of DIY boots!

(all images from Free People)

Awesome or Toss 'Em: Commes de Garcon

Commes de Garcon is offering a moccasin type loafer that has feet illustrated on the tops of them. Awesome or Toss 'Em... what are your thoughts?

Alexa Chung: Round 2

Yes I have already blogged about the incredibly stylish Alexa Chung before...but after spotting her tonight in Williamsburg I couldn't resist round 2. I'm not one to really get star struck, I see celebs and other famous people and have that brief moment of excitement but it quickly fades. Now, when I see someone with style, and especially someone that I consider a style icon that's when the small child in me comes out. As our paths crossed on the street I instantly retreated to Chinae and screeched with glee, then I pushed Joe out of the way so I could continue admiring her ensemble.

Seriously!!!! How does she do it?! She looks just as good wearing a sequin dress as she does in jeans and a t-shirt. Her look is never contrived, over worked, expected, or boring. She always has that extra something that pulls everything together and makes you have that jealous, "Why didn't I think of that," moment.

Just spot on perfection!