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!

"Adult Swim....Adult Bib"

While I was home for Christmas, I spent much of my time perched on the couch embarking on various DIY projects. This might have been the most time consuming of them, but also has tons of sentiment to it.

I turned the house upside down looking for random knick knacks to adorn my bib with. Many of the pieces were items I've had since I was 10 years old (watch face, rose charm), while others were vintage pieces and hand me downs from my mother and great aunt. Clusters of brooches that are simply pinned on so I can wear them with other things and schools of pearls throughout. I had so much fun with this project and intend to make a few more variations.

Nate and me (wearing my new bib) perched on the couch in front of the fire after New Years reading a magazine and editing images.

Wardrobe Diary

Sweater: Lela Rose grey rouched sleeve sweater

Shirt: Marc by Marc white button down

Necklace: DIY bib

Pants: F21 leggings

Hat: F21 knit beanie

Wardrobe Diaries: I Get It From My Momma

I've been tucked away since Thursday evening in a condo in the mountains/rolling hills in Stockholm with 10 of my friends for the New Year. I'll have plenty of wardrobe posts when I get back, but wanted to highlight the look from the lady I love the most.

My mom has done it again. While home for Christmas I mentioned that she should partake in a pair of converse for her casual days. When I took a quick break from sledding yesterday to get warm, I checked my phone and had received this picture. How adorable is she?! I really can't even stand it!

Sweater: Gap pull over

Jeans: Banana Republic boyfriend jeans

Shoes: Grey low top Converse

Scarf: Banana Republic cashmere wrap