A Tad Bit Sketchy

Scarves for Spring

If your like me, and you have a personal love for the art of incorporating scarves into your daily outfit, the ushering in of Spring can be that of a sad thing. It usually means a time to pack those cashmere, wool and knit pieces of self-expression into the box that won't be seen for another 5 months, something that I'm far from happy about. But then, I had an epiphany. Why must we limit our love of scarves, and the art there of, to just the months when snow lie on the ground? Who's to say it's wrong to wear the beloved by many a metrosexual garment during the spring and summer seasons? This season I'm going to go against the grain, put on my sheer scarves, and be a rebel with a cause- to promote the notion that it's ok to go with the flow- of the scarf blowing in the wind on a summer day. My only change? Instead of thick knits or cashmere, I'll tr light silks and breezy sheers; something that won't pack in heat, but will pack in some major style points.

Pictured are some my scarves I plan to wear this summer season;

Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton and Chanel.

Purple Haze

The end result of a mad experiment with some dye, scissors and an old t shirt. shaazaaam!

Simpson's Oh-So Classy

The last name Simpson isn't exactly synonymous with the word class. Whether it be Jessica in her cut offs, Ashley with her nose job, or Marge with her bee hive, the last name has proven to be more of a negative than a positive, in both reality and fiction. But, when I saw this spread from a fashion mag from 2008, it made me breathe a sigh of hope. The knock-off Vogue-esque layout was a spoof done by the Simpsons artists, and for a spilt second, made me a fan.

L/V Lovin'

Spread from the February issue of Harpers. Ok, I know it's last month's issue, but oh well. A pretty spread is a pretty spread after all.

Brit for Candies

Miss Spears is apparently going to be the new spokesperson/media whore for Candies. I'm NOT happy about this. She's joining the ranks of the B-list wannabees, like Hayden Panetierre, or however you say it, and I think she's SO better than that. But oh well. Cheap shoe company endorsements is better than rehab and drug addiction. I guess.

Lohan's New Acting Gig

Lohan showcasing her fabulous acting skills for a new fashion commercial.

Que the music..

"Crap. Dull. Dead End. Fornarnia."

Hounds Tooth Heaven

Plaid be gone, darn it. Not just yet, but mark my words, the now liberally used pattern with be a thing of the past this upcoming Fall. So, what will feel the deep, dark lonely void in which the macho pattern will leave behind? My guess will be something equally as fun, interesting and diverse in it's possibilities; my guess will be hounds tooth. It's been a few seasons since the pattern has made a steady comeback into high and mainstream fashion, so I think it's due time for it to return to the spotlight. The iconic pattern was showcased heavily in Alexander McQueen's genius collection for Fall 2009, giving me the impression that designers may now be ready to resurrect the classic look. He showcased it on fabulous skirt suits, which I think we'll see prominently, but it will also show up on everything from trousers, scarves, and of course- over coats. And don't for one second think the color palette will be limited to just black and white. We'll see the same thing that happened with plaid- every color under the sun will be showcased, from bright yellows to burnt oranges, all of course accompanied by black or navy. I've already went out and purchased my Hounds tooth for the season- a Ralph Lauren white and navy blazer. What will your purchase be?

Chanel No. 5 Ad from '70's

The Art of the Nerd

When did the lifestyle of the legendary nerd become that of the aspiration of many a fashionable folk? Bow ties and suspenders, argyle prints and paisley button downs. The once made fun of, often looked down upon icon has now become a well respected, and at this point, fully ironed out focal point of style. So what caused the shift? How did the kid we once made fun of in high school gyms and hallways become the ideal image for so many of the fashionably elite? Yes, designers such as Marc Jacobs and Dolce & Gabbana have created collections many times over, that make both men and women alike want to appear like the kids they once beat up or tortured. Nerd Chic is not new, but it's not stale; it's the 21st centuries interpretation of style and class; creating ideals of what one must wear to fully achieve modern sophistication, and instilling an all-inclusive philosophy that the boundaries in which we can take the look, are close to limitless. The art of nerd, is the art of perfection. For when one chooses to deem their style in a sense of pure nerdyness, they are imposing upon themselves all of the classical ideals in which the group is most known for- intelligence, impeccable detail, sophistication and well put-togetherness. The ideals that this group have worked so hard, yet so un-tiresome and effortlessly, to pass on from generation to the next, shine through like beacons of light in well made, well tailored looks. Nothing says class and knowledge like a bow tie, suspenders and a button down cardigan; now, always and forever.

Chanel No. 5 Commercial Pt. 2

Nic so Chic

Nicole Richie in the new issue of Black Book. Fabulous. It is a quick reminder of why she is a fashion icon. And it's nice to see her in a photo for the first time in a long time that didn't involve a baby. Or a Madden twin.

Trend Alert: Layered Leggings

• Top/Chanel
• Bottom/Vivienne Westwood
  
  

Long gone are the days where a simple pair of solid colored leggings garnered you with some major style points. That notoriety went out the door as soon as Wal-Mart began making Hannah Montana tights. Now, the anty has officially been up'd. What's going to be next in the world of the fun leg accessory? Layering of course. Designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Chanel and Alexander McQueen took a cue from Marc Jacobs Fall 2008 show and decided that the notion of layering anything and everything seemed like an appealing idea. So, this fall, how will you layer a legging? Well, with socks or leg warmers of course. Scrunch, cut, pull and tuck 'til your leg looks like a million bucks. You can still include your beloved American Apparel neon tights (because nobody should have to give those up), only this autumn, add a wool sock or scrunched knee high to the mix, creating a more in depth look. Oh, and it creates more warmth, which I'm pretty sure was the original reason for leggings in the first place. Score!

Plaid for Spring

The notion of plaid baring became the ideal way make a statement yet play it safe last fall. I knew it would be a huge trend for the season early on, so when I went out in early spring of 2008 and bought that big red plaid overcoat, I did it with confidence that it would surely be worn a time or two, despite what my friends thought. Now, the season has changed and so have some of the trends. The philosophy of something like plaid however, is a bit different; when a trend comes along that is so vastly popular in all markets (ie luxury and mass markets apparel), it is rare that we see it disappear before our very eyes in one mere season. Instead, it becomes the trickle down effect, in which it takes it another season or two to fully wear out. That being said, look for plaid to still be around this season (if you've not already seen it in store windows etc). Instead of dark hues such as browns, greys, blacks or deep reds, the bold yet conservative pattern will be in shades that look more like a box of freshly opened Jelly Bellies. Think limes, turquoises, orange and yellows. My friend Amber shown a fab example of this at a Ting Tings concert. She's wearing an American Eagle button down, proving that you can do style on a colleges kid's budget.

Chanel No.5 Commercial

Chanel will be unveiling its newest No. 5 commercial shortly, so I thought until we see the new one, I would post some older ones from past times. There basically miniature films all their own-a work of art inspired by fashion, used by the medium of media. I love them.

Valentino On The View

A very over-tanned Valentino appeared on the View yesterday, making for some great to watch tv. Not only was Barbara wearing a red Valentino skirt suit that made her look better than I've seen her in a long time, but the designer himself came off as very appealing-and catty! He scoffed and and was obviously offended when the gals asked him if he would like to see his brand go to a more mass-marketed retailer, like...gasp..Wal-Mart. Oh, the shame! And the highlight- when Valentino made his first sentence by saying "You women tale too long to say too little". Fabulous. Oh, the bravery!

Me!

out n about today...

t/Hanes Perfect T; button up/Jill Sander; Jeans/ True Religion; Belt/Louis Vuitton;Shoes/Bally; Tie/Yves Saint Laurent

Marc Jacobs FINALLY Getting Married!

Marc Jacobs and boyfriend Lorenzo Martone are finally engaged! After more than a year of rumours, the two are set to wed-although the date is unknown. Yay!

Charleston Fashion Week 6 Days Away

Men's RTW 2009 / Dolce and Gabbana

I LOVED Dolce's new men's line. It had basically everything I look for in men's wear. Like I said earlier, I tend to be more picky in what I like in men's wear, because I always inject my own style perception into my judgement. But I really must say this was a fabulous showing. My fav things from the show?

• Belted coats and tees. You know I'm a fan of show that encourages this usually feminine trait.


• Croc bags and coats. Fabulous duffel's and overcoats in rich black croc were shown-displaying extreme taste and elegance.


• Suspenders. While this is not really an abstract piece, it usually doesn't show up as much as I would like.


• Slim fits in simple cuts. No pretentious overly ambitious odd tailoring or details-just simple, chic, not to mention oh so slim silhouettes that are perfect for men folk like me.

Pink Suits. Why not? This needs no explanation.

At the border

Me leaving to go to the Mexico border-which is debatable about being a good thing.How does one dress for such a place? Despite my inner wishes I put the sombrero and boleros to the side. Instead I wore comfy pieces dressed up with nice shoes and leather belt. Good for running in, if the situation seen fit...

Bag and belt, Louis Vuitton. Shoes, Florsheim Co. Watch, Vintage

St. Patricks Day Style

It's Saint Patties Day, but that doesn't mean we have to throw on the green beer goggles and mardi gras beads to match. Instead, when you put your green attire on (because you simply have to), try to either go all out in a classic, well put together way that doesn't look costumey (ie the Chanel pictured, from Fall RTW 09), or accessorize with bold pieces in a fun splash of color. Good luck.

Tom Binns Fall 09

I am an obsessive fan of Mr. Binns. His work appears in Vogue basically every issue, multiple times. The thing that I love so much about his pieces, is the color he uses in his work. The usage of ribbons and metal is also extremely attractive-creating a distinctive contrast in what is pieced together.

This particular piece oddly resembles the costume necklaces Chanel is so known for (think The Devil Wears Prada's Andy). Inspiration maybe?

The Hook That Caught

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1/2: Nina Ricci

3/4: Louis Vuitton

5: Lie Sang Bong

6: Alexander McQueen

I couldn't help but notice, as I reviewed show after show from Paris Fashion Week, one trend that was burnt into my retina more so than almost any other. I, at first, thought that I was just making something out of nothing, but now that I look back, it seems that that nothing, may be something indeed. There was an odd, almost eerie use of something that most of us would consider to be a little less than fashionable- Hooker Boots. Yes, the comically genius phrase that most people use to describe shoes that look like they more so belong beside a pole than on a runway. But I digress; I could be wrong-maybe show girls and hookers didn't play a role in influencing the Parisian folk, but they sure could have fooled me. Louis Vuitton (whose entire collection was based on sex appeal), Nina Ricci and Alexander McQueen were the standouts, all who created more than one or two variations each on the good ol' hooker shoe. You be the judge.

My Fav Shoes from Paris

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6. 1. Hounds tooth at Alexander McQueen

2.Space Age Front at Zucca

3.Whimsical layering at Vivienne Westwood

4.Hard-edged thigh highs at Louis Vuitton

5.Simple yet architectural at Lanvin

6.Elegant layering at Chanel

It's Raining Men('s wear)

I don't know if it's because when I do watch them, I feel as though I'm shopping for myself, or if it's just because I like looking at he models sooo much better; either way, men's fashion is just a little more fun to me. I am admittedly picky however, when it comes time to deciding what I like and what I don't. Men's wear is a little more tricky than women's, because there's initially only so many things a designer can do- they're left with a lot less to work with, in the aspect of pieces etc. I usually look for things that I find new, inventive, non-conventionally stylish, or flat out bazaar. I've always believed that there is nothing less stylish and personal than a 3 piece suit, which is what so many designers like to showcase. So now, I'm going to start looking at this upcoming Fall's Men's fashion, and give my picks for the best collections, funnest pieces, and tips to stay ahead and on trend for the upcoming season.

*Right: 2009 Men's RTW, Dolce and Gabbana...Ooh La La

Asian Persuasion

grabbin some grub-asian style. vintage tee and bracelets (one from my bf amber, the other from chinatown in la). prada shades-3 days in a row now...I need to change!

LV for Me

I got this today. It certainly beats the north face one. Sweet.

(o)

guess who? I just like it..

A Leg Ahead

I just LOVE the new Louis Vuitton leggings that debuted at the Fall 09 show this week. They match the dress, making the outfit look less like an outer attire, and more like a shell or second skin. Patterned tights will be huge this fall-mark my words. My 2 favs were LV and Blumarine. Anything that makes the human leg look like a piece of art all its own, is fine by me.

At Stedman Graham Signing

At the Event: Button Up/Jil Sander, Jeans/ Rock & Republic. Bag/Prada, Watch/Dolce & Gabbana, Shades/Prada, Shoes/Bally.

Me meeting Stedman Graham

Today I went to the Stedman Graham book signing and listened to a fabulous speech for a couple of hours. After I thankfully got to have a photo with him. Great Day!

Madonna for Louis Vuitton 2009 Campaign: In the Making

Oh, it's like Heaven, watching all these amazing accesories and clothes being talked about by Jacobs and Madge. Ahhh.

All About Miu Miu

Miuccia Prada's show from 2 days ago kind of confused me a little. I usually tend to love Miu Miu, but this collection was a little not like the label to me. The collections are usually a little more youthful, whimsical and light; this time around I witnessed a plethora of heavy coats (although in an interesting, but not groundbreaking format), simple shoes and skirts, and some odd wrap around scarf thing embellished with some type of hair-which I found to be a little out of place. My fav part of the show was toward the end, where things got a little back to what is typically done at the house- light dresses and skirts in urban prints, paired with shimmer and glimmer of the embellished leggings and tunic tops. Their was a strong sense of sexuality in the show-many of the outfits featured uber low cut tops, exposing a simple cut bra. And the pallet was a little drab for me- a deep brown was about as exciting as it got.

??

Can you really tell the diff between authentic Ray Bans and fake ones? Maybe not by look (other than the logo), but the fit is sure as heck different. I just don't like these plastic "pieces" that I picked up at Wal-Mart. Yes, I said it.

LA Styleeee

These kids were on the tour with us thru LA and I couldn't help but notice their fantast style first hand. Military boots and loose army pants with a bomber jacket- you certainly don't see that around here. And the bag? Oh God, I wanted it so. Gotta love LA.