Fading Fast...

I know I have neglected you friends!... But work has been keeping me busy, on my toes, up late, and fading as soon as I see my pillow! Let's be honest though, I can't complain, I LOVE my job! So with only a few words left before I snooze for a few hours, I wanted to show my boss ladies' first cover for Fader Magazine with Nicki Minaj. I'm totally jelly cat (as Roxy would say) over this denim studded vest. Pretty sure I would sport that with pretty much every dress in my WEARdrobe!

{Fader Magazine}

Fatima, Congratulations!!! I'm so excited for you! The cover is amazing!!!!!

Wild As a Mink...

{style.com}

I've talked and tweeted about the William Rast collection far more than I thought I would or imagined I ever would. I was just very impressed with the aesthetic and attitude of the collection. It spoke to every fashionable inch of me and my current mood. My favorite detail from the collection was all the fur tails peeking out of lapels, bags, belt loops, and collars. I thought it was a fun way to play with the ever growing fur (faux or real) trend that is prancing down many a runway. My mom is usually the one that is the first to hear my fashion week rants...my must haves, my wish list, my make this but tweak XYZ. Immediately she began to receive emails of images from the WR show and a couple days ago I was informed that a 17 inch red fox tail was purchased for me and is in route to my humble abode. I'm beyond excited!!!!!! I can't wait to start wearing it pinned on shirts and jackets with vintage brooches, clipped on to my purse (especially a clutch), and I'm going to have to try the belt loop eventually. Will post pictures as soon as it arrives!

Also, I know I'm super delayed on my fashion week recap. Promise to have it up by the end of the week...most likely :)

I Love a Hasbeen

A couple months ago I wrote about Michelle Williams (here) and how much I loved the shoes she is wearing in the picture below. I didn't do a lot of investigating. Occasionally I would stop someone if they had a similar pair on and ask where they were purchased or something along those lines, but that was about the extent of my search. I think part of my assumed that Williams snagged the chunky boots during a trip to some remote location that I would never visit. As luck would have it I found them! I was at Barney's for work and waiting for a manager to return to answer a few questions. I was browsing the shoe department waiting and from the corner of my eye saw this clunky natural wood sole....

{people.com}

Could it be?!?!?!!? YES, I finally found them. The brand is called Swedish Hasbeens. A cheeky name for a company that is inspired by a Swedish glamour-puss named Anita. I've quickly fallen in love with the brand and all the different styles of clogs/shoes they produce.

These are the yellow knee high boots. They also come in an aqua or black and will run you $419 including shipping if purchased from the Hasbeen website.

I think the lace up boot might be my favorite. They are a little country bumpkin but still edgy and cool in a relevant way. Your options here are natural (above) or black/black (aka black wood sole). I can see these being a pair of year round shoes for me accompanying the likes of skirts, dress, jeans, and shorts alike. $363 including shipping

The high heeled jodphur is just too cute for words. It really runs an extremely close second to the lace up. The color options available make it a hard decision. I love the simple black, but the idea of a rich Burgundy or navy continues to loom over my head. These are also $363 including shipping.

I've quickly fallen in love with the brand and the idea of clogs in general. I think there will be a resurrection of clogs in the next season or two. If you look at some of the most recent shows you'll see that Rachel Comey had clogs for Fall 09 (I believe) and Proenza's FW 2010 had an interpretation of the classic 70's shoe. If you haven't already heard of Swedish Hasbeens you will. I simply googled the name and the brand is carried in Urban Outfitters and Free People currently. I'm dying for a couple different pairs of clogs, especially the slip in super high...craving for the summer to wear with light weight/transparent dresses.

{all images from Swedish Hasbeens site}

Sustainable Fashion World

In the last couple of weeks I have seen more Earth Day products than I ever thought imaginable. I'm not complaining, not even close... Just very surprised at the unexpected. Triscuit is featuring a plant-able box with dill seeds embedded in the decomposable cardboard. Sun Chip bags can be planted to grow a plant in 12 weeks I believe, and H&M is connecting on this Eco-friendly and now fashionable trend. Before we go there, I had to bring attention to these shoes.

{Nitrolicious}

I spotted these faux beauties this weekend from H&M. A knock-off/inspired by Alexander Wang, I had no idea these were even available for the winter collection. Kicking myself now for my negligence. On a frantic hunt to find a pair in my size...anywhere.. About to put out a reward. Size 8.5-9!!!!!

H&M is releasing a new collection, The Garden Collection. All the pieces under this umbrella are made with environmentally adapted materials like recylced polyester, organic cotton, and organic linen. The garments look adorable just from the quick looks I've seen from the lookbook.

{top::$12.95, skirt::$29.95}

I love both this top and skirt. A great ensemble together but also excellent summer essentials to mix and match with the likes of linen palazzo pants and/or striped fitted t-shirts.

{top::$24.95}

I'm obsessed with this top. Definitely want it in both colors to wear over sized with distressed DIY cut off shorts or as a sweet breezy beach cover up. The stripe pattern is made of floral detailing from recycled polyester.

{shorts::$29.95}

I'm not sure I can pull these shorts off, but I think they are the bee's knees! The two tiered ruffle is a sugary sweet touch that I would love to off set with an edgier counterpart.

{dress::$39.95}

I first saw this dress in the red version and shrieked. SO ADORABLE. I'm not one to wear head to toe red, so when I saw the white I grinned. This is the perfect summer rehearsal dinner dress...For the bride ladies! I know I had the same thought but I'll just have to settle for the jacket. I can rock the red version of the jacket...still a girlish piece but allows opportunities to tone down with distressed and combative pieces.

{jacket::$59.95}

{jacket::$34.95}

I love the idea of a light weight breezy jacket that is still grasping to be militant. A great last minute addition for chillier nights. This will most likely turn into my summer time version of what my leather jacket is currently. Goes with everything, punches up a look, and provides actual utility.

For more information about the earth day inspired collection, pictures, prices, etc... click here!

all images from H&M

JPG:: Target Countdown

{target.com}

Believe it!!!! Jean Paul Gaultier's Target GO collection is just T-15 days from arriving. I'm not even going to pretend to get up early and go to the store, just to sift through the unwanted unmentionables and sloppy seconds. I will be multi-tasking instead, calmly sitting on the computer trying to fill my cart as fast as possible while also coaching my mother in Texas as she shops for my must haves. I'm longing for the cognac leather jacket, but I don't think I can get the nerve to spend $200 on one item at Target. A task that is a little hard for me to swallow. There is a short video posted on the inspiration for the collection at Target. If you want a sneak peek at the entire lookbook head over to Nitrolicious.

{both images from Nitrolicious}

Fashion Week Re-Cap

The last couple of seasons I have highlighted and critiqued the shows as they are posted. As you can see I've taken a break from that. If you want a legit review, head over to Style.com! Instead I'm going to recap some of my favorite trends that showed up on the runway and attempt to forecast what we can expect to see for the spring collections in September. I know, I know... who wants to think that far ahead?!?! So I leave you with this baller jacket from Mulberry and much anticipation for the coming post!

{style.com}

Wardrobe Diaries:: Luca Luca

Sunday morning I somehow managed to pull myself out of bed and make it to the tents for Luca Luca's 11am show. I met up with two friends backstage to get a sneak peek before we made it out to our seats. After the show we were lucky enough to receive free massages, much needed after an intense night of dancing! The show was beautiful... and of course my favorite pieces included some fur! The accessories were Dannijo and added just enough sparkle to make the collection fresh and not stuffy. Head over here to check out images of the complete collection.

Cardigan:: Yellow lace Rodarte for Target cardigan

Top:: Lela Rose tinsel tank

Pants::Velvet palazzo pants-my mother (super wide leg, LOVE 'EM)

Necklace:: DIY bib necklace

Shoes:: (not pictured) Purple Steve Madden ruffle booties

Wardrobe Diaries:: Decades Trunk Show+ Duet Dance Party

Saturday night was a mis-mosh of events. I started at the Decades Two trunk show. It was an event full of vintage couture that I drooled over. After I took in all that I couldn't afford, I trekked over to Williamsburg to dance the night away. My friend's band, Duet, is best described as a band that uses dance type originals mixed with ironic covers to create a dance off that is sands the fluff! Definitely a show you should check out...as a matter of fact you can see the trio play this Friday at Webster Hall. I'm still in limbo when it comes to not spending my money and shopping my own closet. I'm finding that some of my old neglected pieces are pulling through to add some spark and pizzaz.

{please excuse the sweat drenched look...I was dancing for 2 straight hours}

Jacket: Thrifted tuxedo jacket

Dress: H&M strapless burlap dress

Shirt: Lace t-shirt made by my mother! (I need a name for her designs)

Tights: Black sparkle tights, a gift from a friend's Korea trip

Shoes: Steve Madden cognac knee high boots--dancing shoes (prior to the Duet show, I had on a pair of black Christian Siriano booties for the decades event).

Belt: Multi color-braided belt from Goodwill

HauteLook:: Rachel Pally

Friday night I went to the Rachel Pally presentation with my bestie, Chinae, at the Bryant Park Hotel. My heart holds a special place for Rachel Pally clothes...I bought my first piece on my 21st birthday. I've loved the dress forever. The weeks leading up to the infamous purchase I would stroll into the store, flip through the racks, try on the same dresses repeatedly, only to fall in love with the same one every time. It was a halter top long dress with a low back in a dark powder blue with a sea foam green empire band. So comfortable, easy to wear, and different than what anyone else was wearing at my school. This past summer I had to retire the dress. It's neatly tucked away in bag, in a box, in a suitcase under my bed.

Still getting used to owning a new digi cam so I only snapped two looks from the whole night. Although my favorite was not captured..it was a 70's inspired black long dress that fell off the shoulder with a mini ruffle and paired with a black belt with chains hanging haphazardly. INCREDIBLE!

Lets be honest for a second... One of the main reasons we go to fashion events is to see what other people are wearing and get inspired. While at the presentation I was eyeing this vest from across the room. Walking to go grab another pear-peach something or other I received a complement on the bib necklace I was wearing. As I glanced over my shoulder to bark a thank you, I realized who it came from. I spun around and introduced myself to Molly. She works in a showroom, we chatted about all things fashion, and course gabbed about the incredible beaded vest she was donning made by a friend.

I loved her style! She was such a sweetheart and I can't wait to catch up with her soon. All in all, it was a great fashionable night and beginning to fashion week chaos.

Down With The Sickness

I've had an incredible weekend of fashion events, girl's night, dance party at Duet, and surprise out of town visitors! I couldn't have asked for a better weekend. Unfortunately I have fallen captive to my sickness. It started with a sore throat last week and now whooping cough (not serious...) cloudy head cold, hot flashes, and cold spells. I have pictures and videos to document the weekend excursions, but those will have to wait until I'm not so groggy... Until then I leave you with an image of what is probably going on throughout my body!

{le fashion}

Hair Mess::Trifecta

For the last couple of weeks I have been hiding my hair underneath hats. I'm in desperate need of a hair revamp and procrastinating because I'm puzzled. I've been trying to figure out what I want to do with it. Do I want to keep it short...grow it out...color it... I feel so uninspired. So the last couple of days I've been clicking through various blogs and websites to see if anything jumped out at me. I think I have a winner. It's nothing too different than the current do. I want to keep the top long with the option of side swept, sexy, mysterious bang, and short sides all the way around. Which means I will be exterminating my beloved rat tail (it will be a sad day, the tail has been so good to me, the last remnants of my once upon a time long hair days). To better express it, I have an equation below...

{Karla Derass}

+

{Kate Lanphear}

+

{Rihanna}

These three women combined will result in a hair trifecta. I can't wait for the euphoria to kick in with a revamped look... strutting out of the salon, hair glistening, sunglass doting, lip pouting... OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO a new cut/color always makes me yearn for new clothes to match. So in preparation for this urge, I'm executing a few DIY projects tomorrow night (to be documented once accomplished). Now that my hair mess is strategized, I need to get some sleep to rid myself of this sickness so I can make it to fashion week goodness the next couple of days with the girls!!

images from Karla's Closet, Jak&Jil, Style.com

Wardrobe Diaries:: Sick Day

I woke up this morning not feeling so hot. It could have been the 1.5 hours spent rolling in the snow last night, never dressing quite appropriately for the weather (I'm always cold), or the constant yelling at the TV from the super bowl on Sunday. Whatever the reason(s) my throat is on fire and I'm hacking and coughing every two seconds, attractive I know. I won't let this sickness defeat me. So today I went for a little stroll around the city to lift my sick spirit.

This was the view from my stoop yesterday morning. It was just the beginning of the "blizzard!"

I was on the east side of Manhattan today and came across this park that looked like only the sidewalk had manhandled the snow!

The entrance to the park...

Please excuse my lackluster appearance. Although I was in love with my outfit, once again I was freezing cold, and needing to sit/lie down for a few minutes.

Jacket:: Forever 21 leather hooded jacket

Top:: Dove silk taffeta Lela Rose anorak (love the collar on this jacket)

Belt:: Vintage elephant belt

Jeans:: Reconstructed Ernest Sewen straight leg jeans (men's section)

Bag:: Foley and Corinna... my favorite bag and also a gift from Becky

Shoes:: (not pictured) DIY cowboy booties

Snowmageddon

Tonight I trekked down to Grand Army Plaza on a mission! Some friends in Brooklyn suggested a snowball fight between neighborhood/burrows and everyone accepted the challenge. I think the number that showed up was around 50. It started with innocent snowball throwing, then multi player invasions, sneak attacks, duels, and then battle of the sexes. One of the most fun nights (I probably say that a lot when it comes to my friends) and hilariously entertaining. Of course I was too competitive tonight to take any pics so I'll have to wait for my friends to upload their pics. Eric snapped this pic mid- mayhem.

{eric ryan anderson}

Off for a hot shower and warm clothes to rock myself to sleep!!!

Snow Day!!!!

It's officially a snow day! The city is white and on the agenda for tonight is a snow ball fight with a handful of some of my favorite people. Pictures from this monstrosity will be up late tonight or tomorrow. In the interim, I know I'm going to be freezing once all is said and done. Wishing I had this breath taking head to toe fur to snuggle up in tonight.

{le fashion}

Literally dying over this.... I'm so jelly cat, I can't even stand it!

For Jean-Michelle...

Helped out last week on Letterman for work when our girl Nicki Minaj performed with Robin Thicke. Since then my Pandora station has been set on all things Thicke... Currently obsessed!

{GQ}

I was flipping through google images looking for inspiration for a much needed hair revamp and stumbled upon these images of Rihanna and Mr.Thicke from an old issue of GQ. I wish I could have been at this shoot. DYING!!!!!

{GQ}

Warm and Fuzzy

{le fashion}

Dying for something this warm and fuzzy to curl up in. Today was exceptionally cold and windy running around returning samples. I'm frozen to the bone and would love to acquaint myself with something along these lines to thaw out in!

Wardrobe Diaries: Game Night Soiree

Tonight was a birthday celebration for my friend Autumn. We took it back old school and had a game night/battle of the sexes soiree topped off with prizes to the winner(s). I'm in the midst of a shopping and closet drought. I don't feel inspired by anything I own and am refraining from indulging my shopaholic tendencies. So, I have to get creative!

Top:: Lace dolman sleeve top made once again, by my mother

Bandeau:: Forever 21 strapless bandeau

Belt:: Target wide patent belt

Skirt:: A multi purpose Target staple. Originally it was a long racer back dress, lately it has been an over sized slouchy scarf, but tonight it was my skirt!

Shoes:: (not pictured) Thrifted then DIY-ed cowboy boots

Iron Butterfly

For some reason this last Christmas I reverted back to being a 5 year old. I was competitive with my 2 year old nephew on who would have more presents (I DID) and strongly encouraged my mom to bring back our stockings! I woke up Christmas morning to find my stocking filled with a handful of accessories and new nail polishes. I'm a little OCD when it comes to my nails... always having my nails cut short, square, and some kind of color on them. This afternoon a friend came over and we had an impromptu "nail painting party" (aka quick fix before running out the door). I decided to try out one of the new polishes and now I'm officially obsessed.

Iron + matte + sparkles

Oh you know...Just the perfect, coolest combination imaginable. The polish is dry in a hot second and is just... well COOL! Job well done madre!!!!! Orly has a few different colors in the matte sparkle, but Iron Butterfly is my favorite by far!

{All Lacqured Up}

No Words

{can't remember where I found this image... if you know, please let me know}

This has been a very busy week, adjusting to a new work schedule, learning on the go, and non stop stalking!...and I LOVE IT!!! With that disclaimer and explanation under wraps, I simply didn't have time or brain capacity to formulate a coherent post. However, I did receive a new digital camera in the mail today (THANKS MADRE) and tomorrow I'm expecting my LnA leggings from Gilt Groupe. If all goes according to plan with the leggings, I will have a new wardrobe diary post at days end!

To Dye For...

I've been lagging a bit on my DIYing lately and today came across the perfect project to get me out of my rut. WhoWhatWear summoned blog author and DIY maven, Erica Domesek of PS-I Made This, to create a step-by-step guideline for recreating the tie dye pieces from Proenza Schouler's spring 2010 collection. I'm pretty sure I jumped out of my seat a little when I saw this. I loved the spring collection and their pre fall collection resurrected more dye-able pieces to incorporate into any wardrobe.

{image from PS- I Made This}

This really couldn't be easier! And spray-able dye means no multi colored bathtub or stain blotched hands. SMART! Anxious to get an array of white pieces to faux tie up and transform. Definitely want to make a long sleeve shirt in a few different colors (simple black and white included) and while we're at it, maybe a cardigan, short skirt, and knee/thigh high socks!

New 9 to 5

This weekend I got my big break into the styling industry. Saturday I was hired as an assistant stylist to Fatima B. She's a powerhouse in the hip hop world and has a roster of some of the most exciting up and coming artists. Check out her portfolio here.

{fashionbombdaily.com}