"2010 Is Our Year!" Photo Shoot

Yesterday I spent the day on a photo shoot with the most hilarious team of girls. The room was filled with laughter, fits of joy at every click of the camera, and a soundtrack that included the best of the Black Eyed Peas, Girl Talk, and even some OLD SCHOOL Bet Midler. I saw a few pictures before we called it a day and was blown away. I worked on a team with incredibly talented ladies who have a strong point of view, discerning eye, and style out the wazoo. I don't want to spoil all the fun just yet, so this teaser pic will have to suffice!

Big things are headed our way after this shoot... we can smell it!!

Tuck and Roll

How adorable is Alessandra Colombo!?

{image by the satorialist}

I'm dying over how androgynous yet incredibly sexy she looks in this picture. And the denim skirt, I mean!! I think I wrote off denim skirts after middle school and now I want one immediately (or attempting to DIY a makeshift skirt to tide me over for a few days). I love how she has styled it the hem rolled and pocket sacks peeking out. Love the pairing of a tough and edgy element added by her leather jacket and the YSL stilettos are a knock out. Every detail of her outfit(s) incorporates an element of flirtation, masculinity, benevolence, and composure. Killing it for real!

Apple Of My Eye

My friend Candice came by tonight with a bag of pastries in tow and a special treat she just finished. One of our friends just had a little girl, the third child, but first to be born in the city. Candice is handy with a needle and some yarn and whipped up this adorable little hat in a couple of days!

Dying at how cute this is and can't wait to see it on the precious little one's head.

Studded Merriment

I was going through my folder of inspirational/DIYable tears. I scrolled all the way down to the bottom of the barrel to find this old image from Givenchy 2007 I snapped from where abouts unknown. I'm pretty sure I had the same reaction today as I did the moment I saw the image...Childlike merriment! With studs being an of the moment trend, this takes the craze above and beyond. I would eat Ramen for the rest of the year if it meant possessing the leather dream on the far right. I don't think I would have the capacity to remove it from my body if I just so happened to slip into it. Without hesitation I would complement the jacket with ball gowns, tulle skirts, bell bottoms, cigarette jeans, vintage t-shirts, EVERYTHING!

"I burn, I pine, I perish!"

{images from style.com}

His and Her's

Men's fashion week has commenced in Milan showcasing collections for Fall 2010. If the ladies weren't representing androgyny enough, the men just took it to a completely new... and exciting level. An abundance of fur has walked down the runway as hats, coats, shirts, gloves, vests, and stoles on the distinguished and rakishly clad men. ***sigh*** be still my heart! Gents, I beg and plead with you to indulge in this luxurious trend. You want this, I know you do! Proof, as any fur enwrapped woman will confess from experience, without consciousness you continuously caress our fur coat/jacket/vest/hat/stole...all of the above. Now you can have one of your very own, and of course I'll benefit too because I WILL be borrowing whatever you partake in. Please take note gentlemen, one fast track way into my heart is investing in this trend (wait, does that mean I'm looking for a pimp?!?!).

Fur was just the beginning of the rich-androgynous inspired trend. Dsquared accompanied by other designers like Junya Wantabe sent sequined ties, jackets, and shirts glistening by the light of the photo pit. Some design houses resurrected the kilt, while others reinvented overalls in the style of a feminine jumper.

Men's fashion week is just the beginning of many shows to come and we're already off to an inspiring start!

{all images from nymag.com}

W is for DAMN!

I've been oblivious to the glossy world for reasons unbeknownst to me. Yesterday a friend asked if I had seen the cover of W and the followed up with a link to their site. I was sitting in coffee shopping doing some research and job hunting when I opened the link. Instantly I became the"scareorrist" to everyone around me as I gasped, kicked chairs, punched things around me, and my jaw hit the table.

Once again, she's killing it! How can you not love all that Rihanna does, invents, portrays, and experiments with. Things are good for the Barbados beauty...a new album, new man, and new tattoo.

This leopard print skull cap is killing me!! Immediately after seeing this I copy and pasted the image to my London based besties, Becky. 1- She appreciates Riri's style, 2- She is a designer that, whether she admits it or not, is a head piece master mind, and 3- I'm counting on her to duplicate this for me! :) In the words of Beyonce (probably used out of context,) "Freakum Dress!"

check out the interview with Rihanna here.

{all images from W Magazine}

Proenza's Pre-Fall Perfection

You're already aware that one of my favorite design houses is Proenza Schouler. So I'll spare you the flattery, blubbering, and hype.... I'll just say, I LOVE their Pre-Fall collections... ALWAYS! Whenever pre-fall collections start going up on Style.com, I refresh my browser anxiously anticipating their post. It felt like I had to wait forever this year, after Christmas and New Year, but the wait was worth it!

The perfect combination of lady who lunches with a smidgen of edge. I'm loving these shorts in bold colors with a lacquer finish. This could be the definition of work to "play" ensemble.

These shorts! I'm dying for a pair. The entire outfit, just COOL!

Hard to pick a favorite among the collection, but this is definitely at the top of the list. I love the tie dye long sleeve shirt paired with the plaid western inspired shirt dress. Trying to create my own version of this look to wear about the city.

You're also fully informed that I am a fur connoisseur housing four pieces (and counting) in my closet...so when I saw this coat and jacket I gasped! The simple styling makes the outwear the focal point...as it should be! Loving the wool skirt below and the western inspired oxford worn in both images. I'm dying! FUR real or Faux....I'll take it!

Jack and Lazaro...you can do no wrong!!!

{all images from Style.com}

Wardrobe Diaries: The Work Day

I spent most of the day camped out at my friend's apartment working....scheduling appointments, coffee meetings, catching up on emails, and helping to organize my Alma Mater's new york visit! All in all, it was a day of comfort.

Hat: F21 chunky knit beanie

Glasses: 3D glasses from Avatar with the lenses popped out

Scarf: Customized scarf from my friend Roxy

Jacket: Lela Rose silk faille bomber

Shirt: Grey long sleeve American Apparel shirt (gift from my friend Joe... so I would stop borrowing his!)!

Pants: Black side zip leggings from Target

Shoes: F21 black glitter vinyl high tops

Nothing On the Agenda

This past Saturday I went shopping with a friend to help her find a dress for her birthday and for a wedding. She did a little research prior (which I love) and found this amazing thrift/vintage store tucked away in Boerum Hill called Re/Dress. I was excited to shop for someone else, it's one of my favorite things...to have no self agenda or expectation. We arrived at the store and I was focused on the task at hand. After we had picked some things for her to try on, I decided to browse while she was in the fitting room. The first rack I came to was home to this incredible fully sequined dress. It gushed with hanger appeal, but I wasn't shopping for myself. My friend, along with the staff, talked me into at least trying it on for fun.

{please ignore bra straps}

I was convinced that it wouldn't "be for me..." ha ha ha. As soon as I zipped it up, I didn't want to take it off. I stood in the fitting room trying to find a zillion reasons why I didn't need it, trying to ignore that fact it fit me perfectly... reasons why we were not meant for each other! Needless to say, I walked out of the store with said dress in hand. While I have nothing on the agenda/calendar that calls for such a fanciful number, I can't wait for the event that calls for this golden ticket. Unknowingly I walked out of the store with a second gift. My friend purchased a pair of tap shoes for me as a treat. While I pretend to know how to tap, in all honesty I can semi shuffle-ball-change and that is the beginning and end of my tapping abilities...and I can not wait to debut my twinkle toes!!!

It's Called Winter....

Please examine this picture carefully...

Every other Thursday night I attend missional arts. This week was no exception. I arrived a little earlier than normal not expecting or anticipating much. I walked out of the bathroom and ran into my best friend and former roommate Lauren (far left). We have this horrible unconscious habit of always being vaguely in the same vain when we get dressed. It could be similar colors, silhouettes, and sometimes the exact same thing! Lauren looked at me and started with, "we're kind of wearing the exact....NO we are wearing the exact same thing!" We haven't lived together for over 6 months, and the last time we saw each other was over Christmas three weeks ago in Texas. Everything was the same, even down to our nail polish. Our poison for the night was a white t-shirt+black skirt+grey cardigan.

About two minutes into the night we realized that not only did we match each other, but our friends Nate and Mike (L-R) were matching each other, and full circle, the four of us coordinated. New York in the winter depletes the city of all color. After a weekend of birthday celebrations, brunches, and shopping sprees I noticed that the neutral palette has infiltrated among all our friends/city.

So this is winter!.... layers upon layers of neutral components... and possibly a great study for exactitudes (an interesting study you should check out)!

Street Stalker(s) Success

Today the stars aligned and all was well in life! I woke up next to this pretty lady and we began our afternoon of lunch dates, impromptu meetings, and a brief shopping adventure. I've already expressed my feelings on double denim, I've dipped my hand into it over Christmas, and still trying to get my sea legs back when it's mentioned around me. Roxy stepped out into the day wearing triple denim. One of the biggest DON'Ts in my book...but folks, she pulled it off! I have to give her credit where credit is due! She looked like a total BA! I must say, I was very proud and impressed with my little designer delicatessen.


Jacket: Gap denim jacket
Shirt: Gap denim button down
Jeans: Ernest Sewen boyfriend jeans
Sunglasses: Herrera pink sunnies
Bag: Gryson


After our respective lunch plans Roxy and I reconnected to walk back to her apartment. We made a quick stop into Goodwill. As soon as I walked into the store my eyes burned from the sequins and beads on this dress. I saw it from the corner of my eye and it was the only thing I saw while in the store! Not crazy about the length, but I'll make adjustments as needed. I got a similar dress for Christmas and was thrilled to find it a little sister for under $10!! What a steal! Hopefully pairing it tonight with a pair of jeans or leggings.



Hope you have a good weekend!!!!!

Gilty Pleasure

There is one thing I hate spending money on because I know they will only hold up for one season with me: tights and leggings. Even though they are everywhere and at all price points...knowing that after the winter they will be tossed, kills me...

Yesterday I was browsing through the sales on Gilt Fuse (if you aren't a member and would like to be, email me and I'll send you an invitation). I have a $50 credit I have been holding onto for far too long, so I was looking for something that I wouldn't normally purchase to treat myself! I was about to checkout with a Charley 5.0 black mini pencil skirt with an exposed back riri zipper when my hand hesitated. For some reason I thought I should see what other sales are happening this week before I make this purchase. I quickly scanned over the calendar and saw that LnA was coming up. I emptied my cart and set my alarm to ensure that I wouldn't miss out. For the last couple of months I have been obsessing over this brand and how flat out cool their designs are. So this morning with my $50 credit in hand, an empty cart, and a fistful of determination I purchased this pair of lace striped leggings. Cannot wait to receive them...sooner rather than later!

{all images from Gilt.com}

Fashion Psychoanalysis: Personal Style Session Two

I've spent the last few days literally in my "closet." Going through neglected garments that need to escape the captivity they are in and experience a night out with the girls, brunch with the FRAMily (friends I chose to be my NY family), or even a chilly walk about the park. In my mini closet revamp and evaluation I've been trying to wrap my head around a definition for my personal style....And it can't be done! I'm not overtly girly, consistently "hip," or routinely polished. I've come to terms with the fact that my style is a bit schizophrenic.

What I have dissected and concluded about my personal style is:

~I love to layer. No matter what season I'm constantly finding some kind of topper to finish off the look. My closet is stuffed and overflowing with jackets, coats, vests, and cardigans.

~My outfits are often a combination of casual pieces off set with dressier counterparts. I love luxurious fabrics like fur, sequins, leather, lace, and velvet. The activities that I regularly partake in are neither comfortably casual or fabulously fancy so in order to be able to give all garments equal face time, I couple the two extremes. My new word for this marriage is EXTRAVAGANZA ELEGANZA!

~My style is greatly inspired and influenced by DIY projects and reworked pieces. I love taking something to the next level, especially when it is unexpected...making the pieces my own and personal. What I love about vintage is the stories behind garments and I get the same feeling when I've (re)created something to tell my own story.

With that long winded explanation and dissection out of the way, I thought I would invite you into my closet and some of my most recent WEARdrobe additions.

These pants came in the mail today! My mom made me a pair of extremely full leg velvet pants. I'm so excited to start high kicking it around in these. All day I've been plotting what top I want to wear for their first adventure out. Crossing my fingers that all goes as planned!

This fur muff was also included in the package. My mom made it from left over fur parts from the reworked vest she made last Christmas. Can't wait, we have just the weather for this!!!!!

A multi-tasking accessory! Originally a necklace from Banana Republic, this has found a consistent home around my waist as a belt. A chameleon piece for casual or fanciful ensembles.

This is my first hybrid of extreme casualness with elaborate glamour. I took an over sized sweat shirt and attached the sleeves from a fur jacket my mom made into a vest. I would wear this everyday if it came down to it. It would definitely be in the garment bag of things I would save in a fire.

Does my mother know me or what?! This sequin and beaded paraphernalia was an intensely fought over eBay purchase I received under the tree. The detail and hand work in this dress is mind blowing. I initiated it into my WEARdrobe on NYE and can't wait for the next opportunity to slip into it!

Again, mother knows best! Another eBay find that I actually sent her to purchase. It had to be reworked for a better fit, and some work had to be done to mend some of the fallen soldiers (sequins). A special pairing is in order for this!... a few to be exact!

This vest makes fur number 4 in my collection. In it's first life it reigned as a fox coat...But after it met my mother, she reworked it into a cap sleeve vest. Warm Warm Warm!

This seems too simple to be relevant, but it's one of my favorite pieces. Again, my personal sewing machine (mother) made this 3/4 sleeve romper for me right before Thanksgiving. It's so comfortable and the perfect vehicle for copious amounts of accessories.

My self fashion examination is proving to be more interesting and telling then I ever imagined. Tomorrow I'm wrapping up the end of my project collaboration but continuing to dive into my fashion roots and being!!!

Old Dogs...New Tricks

Classic by any other name could be called Calvin Klein. I don't think Francisco Costa, Italo Zucchelli, or any of the other team members get enough recognition for the art/craft they put forth. The brand flies under the radar season after season because they aren't screaming for attention or throwing a tantrum. The collection founded in 1968 was established on design principles that reflect ideas like being polished and refined without being stale. While the collection often reflects neutral color palettes, it's the attention to detail and experimental techniques that keep this brand cutting edge and relevant.

After suit shopping with a friend this week for a wedding, I spent some time looking through a folder of men's runway images I had bookmarked the last couple of seasons. I was impressed with Calvin Klein's Fall 2009 collection. The innovate techniques paired with gentle simplicity proved the brands longevity and competitive stance.

It's the simplicity of the styling that I love about both of these looks. A completely monotone slate is the perfect vehicle to display professional, faultless tailoring.

I'm currently obsessed with wool skinny ties. It is an immediate fall/winter update to any wardrobe and exudes a dapper, methodical stature.

The most innovative styles/techniques that went down the runway are easily expressed in these two looks. One jacket is made of stretch merino wool and the other, stretch nylon. When I first looked at the pieces, I thought it had to be neoprene, material most notably used for wet suits. After reading the fine print, I've come to find out that the material had been manipulated and "molded." A bit futuristic, much appreciated, and completely germane.

I think Calvin Klein has a good foundation under their feet, and moving into the future at just the right pace. Nothing is broken, so why fix it?! Instead, stick to what we know, a place that is familiar and comfortable, and occasionally mix in a few unexpected and intriguing pieces that reiterate the fact that you've still got some tricks up your sleeve!

{all images from Calvin Klein}

Isabel Marant Moves to New York

I'm excited to get word that French designer, Isabel Marant, will be opening a long awaited store in New York. The store will be located at 55 Greene Street (at the corner of Broome). Not only will her store be next door to her husband's--handbag designer Jerome Dreyfuss, but will also carry her lower price lined, Etoile and jewelery. I'm over the moon excited for the indie designer to open her doors in the heart of authentic New York shopping hub.



{all images from style.com}

Fashion Psychoanalysis: Designers~Session 1

As stated previously, I'm working on a project with a fashion website that will currently remain nameless. I'm super excited about the collaboration, but it got me thinking that I need to get back to my fashion roots. The last couple of days I have been looking through old/new fashion shows, established and independent designers, trying to remember why I love and respect the ones I do. Much like taste buds, my appetite for fashion and designers changes frequently. However I do have a handful of designers that has remained consistent throughout the seasons.

Phillip Lim could do no wrong! The women's wear prodigy has inspired and excited the fashion industry with a heavy hand in street elegance. Like many contemporary designers, Lim is about designing and creating garments/looks that are understandable. A huge inspiration to my personal style is Lim's knack for combining dressy elements with casual counterparts (exhibit "A" copper lame pants with a grey sweatshirt). The collections are always injected with an air of romance that is ambitious while remaining prudent.

{both images from style.com}

If Phillip Lim was Barbie, then Proenza Schouler would be her cute, hip, younger sister, Skipper! The Parson alum duo captured my heart seasons ago, and constantly appears on my "What I Want Now" list. They have branded their collection on "real clothes." There are no trick or gimmicks to their designs or aesthetic. They design around versatility and never lack in pizazz or charm. They are edgy without being obnoxious, and sweet without the tooth ache. The collection is perfectly balanced and exquisitely executed. Apparently, two heads are better than one in this design house's case!

{both images from style.com}

Last year I was introduced to Isabel Marant. I stumbled upon images of her Spring 2009 collection and fell in love with the patch work pieces and slouched boots with chains haphazardly wrapped around the ankle...which actually inspired my own DIY boots. Season after season she continued to send awe inspiring garments down the runway. It isn't just her apparel that I long for, Marant has put her best foot forward into footwear. Days after she presented her fall collection in Europe, editors at large were seen walking the courtyard to the next show in her famous footwear.

{elle.com & style.com}

DSquared was one of my first fashion loves! The first time I saw the Caten's collection was during cycle 2 of America's next top model. The brothers design with a sense of humor...gossip magazines, venti Starbucks cups, and cigarettes down the runway is in tune with Santino's "lighten up it's just fashion!" The collection is continually innovative and imaginative, but still retains an element that is polished. The collection always combines an aesthetic that is fun and effortless but understands that women like to get dolled up on occasion too with a dose of sex appeal.

{all images from style.com}

I could look at different collections and shows everyday and find something new to be inspired and moved by. Narrowing down to just a few was extremely difficult, but I had to choose the ones that have a hand in my love for the industry, design, and craft. One last designer that can't go unnamed and needs no explanation is Balmain....enough said and I'm sure you understand why!