Style Icon: Catherine Baba

My current obsession and inspiration is...

Catherine Baba

This stylish lady is from Australia, but don't call her Australian. She's firmly planted her roots in Paris for 15 years and counting. She's more than a stylist, she's a fashion icon. Personal style, imagination, confidence, and composure radiate from every inch of her. In the last couple of months I've been falling more in love with 70's style but all I keep hearing is that 80's are back. Baba has found the perfect marriage to complement these two landmarked eras. You look at her and immediately see the aurora of Studio 54 gypsy inexcusably paired with bold colors and patterns. Her style spans beyond her years. She incorporates the 20's and 30's glamour with luxurious rich fabrics that are ornate with a fantasy air and feminine allure. Bangles stacked to her elbows, a closet of turbans, extensive assortment of sunnies, and a collection of one of a kind vintage YSL pieces that would make any fashion obsessed green with envy. How could you not be seduced by her distinctly individual style and unapologetic pairings.

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My DIY time spent in Texas for the holidays will include turbans for every day of the week and enough kimonos to get me to Japan...and more bangles and sunnies then I know what to do with.

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)

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!

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!

Style Icon: Janelle Monae

One of my new current obsessions and style icons is Janelle Monae. I can't get enough of her current single, Many Moons and her style is an inspiring reworked Annie Hall. She pulls off menswear better than most men, but still has a feminine touch to her style. Her eclectic look and quirky personality keep the artist's style flirty, casual, and punctuated with old school undertones. Her hair is a whole other style aspect. I love that people are accessorizing their look with different hair styles. Monae's mohawk-bouffant is sure to start a new craze...a style I'm attempting to recreate..well incorporate into my Rihanna-esque do.

I'm lusting for a pair of saddle shoes now after seeing the Many Moons video. And an added cummerbund wouldn't hurt to incorportate into a few new looks.

It Girl: Alexa Chung

It has literally been years since I've watched MTv...when they really played music videos instead of their campy reality shows. I think the last time I saw a segment with a VJ, it was when Downtown Julie Brown was hosting. And apparently she has been resurrected in new host Alexa Chung. The 25 year old British model and TV personality comes from across the pond with a tomboyish style that mixes Chanel with H&M. I absolutely love her style. She doesn't fuss with a lot of accessories and her look never seems contrived or over worked.

I love Chung's interpretation of tomboyish style. It is a look that I can get very used to and one that has inspired a few new pieces for my wardrobe.