The Little Black Book...

After obsessing over white double breasted jackets for our gentlemen friends, I couldn't help but want my own version (said in the whiny voice of Veruca Salt)! I haven't found my exact match yet, but that hasn't kept me from day-dreaming of new ways to wear a spring/summer staple...and this year it is all about the whiteout.

This look with an Adidas tee will most likely be my everyday go to. I'll finish it off with my Isabel Marant sneakers, Sam Edelman spiked boots, or sexy strappy sandal. A look to take me from work to a designer's preview or happy hour. Can't wait!

I know...Most people would shudder at the thought of a completely white ensemble, but I think it is beyond chic. And if something gets dirty, I always have a shout wipe on me to clean up a mess. For this look I'm thinking a neon belt is the perfect finishing touch.

I leave you with lyrics from "musical genius" Young Jeezy::

All white everything

I'm 'bout to kill 'em this summer

I'm doin' all white everything

Thematic Dressing::Monochromatic Friday...

{pink-orange-red(yes red is wearing a dress)-green-purple-white-gray-black}

I'm fortunate to work at a place where most everyone is on board for a juvenile yet entertaining time. One of the sets last week dubbed it, "monochromatic" Friday. Just for this particular day, stylists, art directors, models, photographers, techs, hair and make up artists all shuffled into the office jumping off bikes, climbing out of buses/shuttles in head to toe color. Of course, no day at work is complete without an impromptu photo shoot between Jacob and me. So below you will find our narcissistic documentation!

I must confess, I was not properly informed of the thematic dressing until I arrived at work so some arrangements had to be made. The jacket is actually Jacob's, the bag I borrowed from set, and the shoes are Christian Louboutins from our styling closet that I stumbled around in awkwardly.

Is he not the cutest?! And those lobster clad converse--super smart!

Themes are becoming a trend at work so stay tuned for more wardrobe chronicles.

Mirror Image...

I've been trying some new things out with my look the last week or so...here's the evidence of my experimentation via instagram.

If you dare to care, you can follow my action on instagram @mkemph.

Happy Monday!

Lookie Lookie...

My desktop has a folder strictly dedicated to adept ensembles I come across while exploring the internet. This week, the folder was on overload as I kept swiping one image after another. I quickly picked a few of my faves that couldn't go without some recognition.

Look 1:: Jealousy quickly set in when I saw this look. Blondie is straight killing it. Combining two hot trends (neutral & neon) in perfect proportion and harmony. The length of her coat next to a micro mini--SMART! Love it, gotta have it!

Look 2:: I've had this image of Miroslava Duma on my computer forever and realized I have about five different views of it as well. Sophisticated cool that can translate from work to a night out, as all good outfits should be able to do.

Look 3:: It is hard to grasp the fact that designers are already showing collections for Pre-Fall 2012 and last week the weather was in the mid 60's--what is happening?! Never the less I was clicking through Jenni Kayne's collection and gasped at this full time fancy ensemble. This just might be the outfit I wear to ring in the new year! Unexpected and daring!

Bitch Stole My Look...

"You know how they say that sometimes pets and their owners start to look alike? Well, the same phenomenon definitely occurs among friends, at least in regards to the way they choose to dress. Spend enough time together and you're sure to start finding inspiration in each other's closets and- consciously or not-your looks will begin to morph."

~Meredith Melling Burke

I came across an article in Vogue called The Social Shopper and laughed at how true it is. I've noticed it more as of late, specifically when meeting up with my bestie Becky last week for lunch. I showed up to her office and both of us were rocking maxi skirts, boots, flowing tops, and oversized coats. We looked at each other and giggled as this is becoming a bit of a recurrence in our circle of friends as of late! Don't believe me in the truth of the statement?! Check photographer/blogger besties Tamu and Hanneli.

The proof is in the images below... Chinae & Becky this summer upstate--Chinae & me at a concert earlier this fall.

Sole Sister...

The extended weekend proved to be good for the sole! I danced to 70's disco, brunched with girlfriends, treated myself to a mani, saw Blue Valentine, sashayed around Project in Soho, and along the way acquired some new goodies to up my shoes game. I'm a creature of comfort...I wear shoes that I can sprint around the city in and that can withstand being on set all day long. Every now and then I want to reach new heights and certain actions need to be taken to do so.

These were the first purchase of the weekend. Christian Siriano for Payless Mena Dress Boot. Faux horse hair and embossed patent lizard with gold tone hardware and reflective square heel. I've been keeping a close eye on these for a couple weeks now. Right before the holidays I spotted them on a rainy day when I popped into the store to shelter myself from the inclement weather. When the boots were no where to be found in Texas stores, I was determined to get back to the city to reclaim my footwear. The wait was worth it when I found them discounted to $25!

Accompanying the Siriano score on my shelf are these pale pink metallic cut out peep toe lace up booties. During a quick run through Beacon's Closet Sunday with the girls, I glanced over at these and thought, maybe just maybe. Originally from H&M and only costing me $9 this fateful day, I couldn't pass them up. The heel height is more than desirable for a night dancing or walking/standing for a full day on set.

Comfort: A+

Versatility: A+

I'll be wearing these now with tights and socks and bare footed throughout the spring/summer

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!!!