Skinny Jeans

Fresh Junk: Margiela Ripoffs

2008-08-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

I'm baaaaack! Thanks to Cho for the Photoshop help--I promise that I'll be updating MUCH more regularly now.These "celebrity censored" sunglasses from Fred Flare are unfortunately sold out, but I wonder if they were on sale before the Margiela L'Incognitos? In any case, the boat might have left the harbor regarding this trend, but I'm a sucker for a sick pair of sunglasses.

Really Obsessed With: Studded Shoes

2008-08-11T10:37:00.001-07:00

I just want to direct your attention to just how freakin' sick these shoes are. If I'm not mistaken, they're both from this one place on Lafayette St. (all you in the area, help a girl out with the name?). The entire store is stocked to the brim with custom-studded shoes, boots and jackets as well as vintage tees, distressed denim and everything else you could imagine showing up in a kool person's closet. I'm KICKING myself for not picking something up while I was there, but maybe one day I'll be able to cash in on the studded fun.

Best and Worst Dressed at Olympics 2008

2008-08-10T16:28:00.000-07:00

Hideously dressed, I present to you the Spanish...otherwise known as the worst dressed Olympians.

Classy and sophisticated, the Americans...Duh!

Opening day is all about style. Gold Medal goes to us!

Inspired by: New York City

2008-08-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

Big Apple apologies for my three day hiatus--but I swear, I was trying to visit parts of NY before I leave for Michigan this Wednesday. No doubt my trip here in NYC has been fantastic, but I'm offically ready to head home. Until then, here's the quintessential NY outfit for a rainy day like today which is a bit of Blair, a smidge of Holly Golightly, and a whiff of those creepy touristy vendors.

Mad Delusions: Designer Water

2008-08-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

So yesterday, I'm looking for a water bottle to bring to work, and the only container I could find was this bottle of Voss water that I had bought on a whim. It was made of glass which made it impossible to throw around, and it had an awkward screw top which made it impossible to drink out of. It was also expensive, which made me more pissed off that I had bought it in the first place...and did this water taste any different from my trusty old Aquafina? Uh, no. Wait..., maybe...no. Not at all. Designer waters may be pretty to look at and pretty fly to carry around, but that's all they are. But sometimes, form comes over function - and if you're in the mood to be haute and hydrated, visit finewaters.com to buy a few liters for yourself.

Mad Delusions: Satin Hobo

2008-08-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

This bag is just so wrong for me. It's impossibly big for a satin bag, too glam for the daytime and way too unstructured for night, not to mention that it'd be impossible to clean. Plus, it'd probably be a magnet for little spills and stains, I'd have to keep it away from anything that might snag the fabric, and its contents would have to be limited to only soft, fluffy, voluminous things (stuffed animals?). If the bag was a person, it'd be the most annoying, high-maintenance, whiny, prissy, disgustingly girlish thing around. And yet? I love it. I love it so much that I'd be willing to devote my life to just perching atop a flight of stairs in an old Gothic cathedral (with a horde of bodyguards to make sure the pigeons, people, and dirt stay clear) wearing just this bag and a giddy look that says "this scene is just far too glamorous, isn't it boys?" Oooooh Kristen Lee. Shame shame for making me think these thoughts!

Mad Delusions: Marc Jacobs Booties

2008-08-05T18:22:00.000-07:00

I'm a little bummed about leaving New York next week. But you wanna know the best type of therapy for this? Shoes. Shoes. Ohmygawd, shoes. These Marc Jacobs booties would be the perfect pick me up to get me through the next couple weeks. Seriously, they're perfect. Jewel toned, ribbon laced, with a chunky heel? Someone figure out how to hook me up to an IV drip filled with these babies, and I'll be back with a blogging vengeance sooner than you can say shucks.

Really obsessed with: two-toned pumps

2008-08-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

THESE are delightful! I rarely wear pumps (they're usually too cutesy of a shoe for me), but the cone heel, mustard yellow, patent leather and suede upper have got me in a shoe daze. Sure they're kinda pricey, but my birthday is only (er) 3 months away, and I'm sure the price will creep down soon enough.

Channeling: Daft Punk

2008-07-31T19:54:00.000-07:00

Just in time for August, I've got my motorcycle gear ready. The epitome of this tough look resides with old electronica favorites, Daft Punk. Rock this look with head to toe black, unexpected quirky jewelry and a serious panache for incognito-look-at-me-ity.

Really Obsessed: Karen Walker Shades

2008-07-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

As I was organizing my sunglasses collection yesterday evening (wahoo), I happened to notice that the ratio of aviators to non-aviators was a disgusting 5:1. But the problem with aviators is that, at least for me, they never seem to last very long. Most of mine had a missing nosepad or were bent funnily. One sad pair only had one lens. I'm on the lookout for chunkier frames made from near indestructible plastic so they can survive my penchant for sitting on them, dropping them on the ground, or stuffing them deep into my bags only to be crushed by heavy textbooks. Karen Walker shades scream "ABUSE ME, BABY", which, to be honest, is the only thing I want to hear my sunglasses screaming right now. Funeral for Aviators#12 and Aviator#7 will be held next Tuesday : (

Fresh Junk: Cloche Hats

2008-07-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

I was on the lookout for a fall/winter hat that's a little more structured than my collection of knit hats. These cute felt cloches are perfect for keeping my head warm and balancing out the masculine-y feel of my fall wardrobe. I just recently popped into Urban Outfitters (who is having a super rad sale now, yes yes!), and saw that their entire lot of cloches were on the sale racks (wtf). With the additional 50% off on sale items, the hat wasn't more than $10. It seems that this hat has skipped right over the Misshapes crowd and right into the pages of Vogue, which, if you ask me, makes wearing one WAY less annoying.

Mad Delusions: Sequined Hoodies

2008-07-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

Seriously. In this getup, I'd be the hottest sci-fi watching, discotheque hopping, head shaking, eye batting, glamazon alien queen ever. I'm not kidding. Why isn't this mine? Jen Kao makes amazing conceptual (yet very wearable) pieces in a self-described "rough and tumble spirit."

Fresh Junk: Paper Bag Waist Skirts

2008-07-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

This GORGEOUS silk skirt from Prada has been popping up on girls since last winter. I tried to recreate this look by bunching up a skirt that's a few sizes to big with a belt, but all it did was make me look like I had a cottage cheese ass. The Topshop skirt is a few steps down from the Prada, but considering my bank account, this might have to do.

Really Obsessed with: Plaid Dresses

2008-07-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

As the perfect outfit for a date with the Brawny man, a plaid dress is a must-have for any girl who likes to get down and dirty (and then clean it up). I picked up two at H&M this weekend (upper left corner - $15 each). I can see myself in them already, lounged out in a soft meadow somewhere, annoying the birdies around me with a grassblade whistle. And then, behold! Over the hills comes my ruddy-faced man. "Why madam" Brawny says as he reaches into his pocket for an absorbant wipe. "You've got a bit of blueberry jam on your lip." Create your own idyllic delusions with these (from left) by Marc by Marc Jacobs, Forever 21 and Topshop.

OMG...Why?

2008-07-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

"Well shucks," I first thought. "Props to that girl for being brave enough to wear a miniskirt when she has that bad a case of eczema." Upon closer inspection, I discovered that no, it wasn't the inflammatory breakouts of skin lesions that I had exepcted. It was, in fact, the most hideous leggings that I had ever seen. Ever. They were white, lacy, and close enough to her skin color for me to diagnose her with a skin disease. But, if you feel compelled to take your leggings/tights the lacy route, stick to black or neons. Anything else will make friend-making seriously awkward.

Really Obsessed With: Light Graffitti

2008-07-24T21:51:00.001-07:00

Ok, so this post doesn't have to do so much with fashion (ok, so it doesn't have to do with fashion at all), but it does have everything to do with mad style. Something about this rogue temporary tagging excites me--enough so that I think I'm going on a short light graffiti escapade when the sun goes down. Wish me luck! (Ya know, gotta watch out for coppers) How to do it (according to the lichtfaktor, the artist above): Tools: A small collection of flashlights, biking-lights and flashing LED, camera, tripodSteps: The exposure should be around 10-30 sec. Stay in front of the camera and do your writing. To not overexpose, set the camera to about iso100, and close your aperture as much as possible. if there is still too much light you might have to use a nd-filter.

Fresh Junk: Kara Janx Skirt

2008-07-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

This summer, I filled out one of those voucher things that my airline sent me for free magazines. Apparently, I got a little too free-magazine happy, and ended up subscribing to a dozen separate publications. Now, our living room coffee table is overflowing with glossies that run the gamut from "The Economist", to "Upscale" to "Ebony" and "Bazaar". I'm sure my roommates are a little irked about the inundation, but at least they're never going to run out of reading material, right? Yesterday was crazy--we received four magazines in the mail, and one of them, "Radar", showcased this lovely little Kara Janx skirt (remember her from Project Runway?) on this lovely model who wears it as a dress, which I think is just way too freakin' adorable.

Model Spotlight: Chanel Iman

2008-07-24T09:34:00.001-07:00

Chanel Iman is the next biggest super model...For sure!!
She's 18 years old from California and has only modeled for two years, but has already been recognized world wide.
She has walked for big names such as: Custo Barcelona, DKNY, Dolce and Gabbana, Issy Miyake, Marc Jacobs, Valentino, Dsquared, Hermès, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Anna Sui, Diane von Fürstenberg, Vera Wang, Jean Paul Gaultier and Stella McCartney.

Chanel appeared with models Du Juan and Coco Rocha in the Spring 2007 issue of TIME Style&Design. In the May 2007 issue of US Vogue she was featured on the cover with fellow models Doutzen Kroes, Caroline Trentini, Raquel Zimmermann, Sasha Pivovarova, Agyness Deyn, Coco Rocha, Jessica Stam, Hilary Rhoda, and Lily Donaldson as the new crop of supermodels.
Chanel also appeared on the cover of Teen Vogue alongside fellow American teenage models Ali Michael and Karlie Kloss in 2008.

Chanel is known to wink on the runway at a random person as she turns to head backstage.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=cRq_5EzXv_c

Gucci Hysteria

2008-07-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

The reason for my fixation is simple: the fall handbag collection is particularly exemplary and it's definitely a challenge to look away from the gorgeous options.

Swarovski for Phillips

2008-07-23T18:58:00.000-07:00

I mean...there's always more room for bling in your life, but...this is a little much. The Phillips-Swarovski Active Crystal collection definitely goes there, squeezing as many Swarovski crystals as possible onto some very cute electronic gadgets. Headphones=$149, USB=$179

Modeling 101 for Dummies

2008-07-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

Wasn't that fun!

Color Blind

2008-07-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

Historical Issue of Italian Vogue with Liya Kebede, Naomi Campbell, Sessilee Lopez, and Jourdan Dunn gracing the cover. A must have for any fashionista....and it still hasn't hit New York news stands...WTF?!?!?

Really Obsessed w/ Neck Scarves

2008-07-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

I was looking at Kate Moss's line for Topshop launched earlier this year, and while the pieces in the collection are a little too Duran-Duran's Summer Tour in Bali, I did find myself gravitating towards these vintage looking scarves. I can't tell how big they are, but if they're substantial enough, I imagine wearing them looped once around my neck with the tie on the side(kind of sailer style, yaddadimean?). Wearing them hip hop-artist style feels a little contrived, but you don't want to get too saccharine by tying it in a bow around your neck.

Mad Delusions: Marc Jacobs Watch

2008-07-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

I have a confession. I'm nineteen years old and I have trouble telling time. And not like "it takes me a fews second longer to read analog", but rather, "which is the hour hand? How long have I been staring cross-eyed and slack-jawed trying to figure out if it's 1:50 or 11:05." Lately I've been on the lookout for a wristwatch, but my...er, ineptitude makes it impossible to get something tiny and chic. So, if I'm going to have to get something digital, let's make it outrageously digital. This Marc Jacobs watch fits the bill and is nerdier than anything I could have dreamt of. But the $245 price tag is a little pricey for indulging in my inner geek. I might look for cheap Casio versions on ebay instead.

Mad Delusions: Alexis Bittar

2008-07-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

If there's one thing that I've learned about living out of a suitcase, it's that accessories are key in making pieces go from day to night. The same clothes that I wear to the CBS buildings are the ones that I have to pick from to make a trek to the grocery store, so it was super important for me to find simple ways to dress up a plain t-shirt and jeans. I've worn the hell out of my black beaded H&M rope necklace since it's so ostentatious and bizarre (aka, the perfect statement piece). This bracelet from Alexis Bittar has the same thing going for it, but at $375, I can only dream that Forever21 is going to do some sort of knockoff soon.

Just Purchased: Alexander Wang Uniqlo

2008-07-23T07:08:00.000-07:00

Just so we get things straight here, I actually bought this dress before I bought my YSL's, and even though I paid to get it shortened afterwards, it doesn't technically count (okay? okay.). No doubt you've heard about the terrible, very bad, good-for-nothing heat wave in NYC, and it's seriously put a damper on my outfits. Thanks goodness I decided to wear this dress though, because I got lost on the train, and was running around Midtown like a blindfolded chicken (is that even an idiom?) trying to find my way to Bloomberg (which was awesome, btw). The open back kept me cool, and the folding and pleating in the front kept things interesting enough so I didn't feel like I was going to a funeral. The accompanying photograph is from an Elle.com slideshow, but I wore mine with sandals and a blazer (which I promptly took off as soon as I left the office).

Fresh Junk: Chloe Applique dresses

2008-07-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

In the 4th grade, there was this girl on my block whose mother used to give her free reign when it came to her outfits. She came to school wearing sweatpants with Christmas tinsel taped to the waist and ballerina tu-tu's with barbie shoes hot glued to the edges. While I never wanted to sit next to her (for fear of casualty glitter attacks), her arts and crafts philosophy really had something magical about it-—which makes me sooo happy to see Chloe’s appliquéd dresses from Net-A-Porter. They make what would have been average looking draped dresses fun and youthful.

Unique-Ness

2008-07-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

I shall not sing a May song. A May song should be gay. I'll wait until November And sing a song of gray. I'll wait until November That is the time for me. I'll go out in the frosty dark And sing most terribly. And all the little people Will stare at me and say, "That is the Crazy Woman Who would not sing in May.~Famed poet Gwen Brooks

Model Spotlight : Andre Ziehe

2008-07-21T11:46:00.001-07:00

He's the next big thing!

Michelle Obama = Fashion Icon

2008-07-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

In this purple sheath dress with a black waist belt, Michelle Obama proves that she has so much more style than that other potential first lady!

Michelle Obama proved her fashion prowess when she appeared on The View in June. (I love The View..you should def watch!) The $148 White House/Black Market Empire flower print dress she sported became a hit. The Donna Ricco-designed black-and-white outfit quickly sold out.

When Michelle Obama met with Puerto Rican first lady Maria Luisa Gandara, she chose to embrace the wide belt trend. Who cares what they were discussing! Where'd she get that outfit?!?!

Michelle Obama embraces classical style elements here on the Campaign trail. She opted for a 1950s-inspired look — complete with the sweater wrapped around the shoulders...definitely a Gingham girl!

At the 36th NAACP Image awards in 2005, at which Sen. Obama was honored, Michelle Obama showed her glamorous side. Maintaining the classic comfort for which she has become known, Obama added to her elegance with a sweeping up-do and large earrings.

When was the last time you wanted to dress like the first lady?
NEVER...

HA! NYC Comedy Club...not too funny

2008-07-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

This has nothing to do with fashion, but...me and my ace Jamie made an appearance at HA! Comedy Club last night. The funniest thing about the show was the look on the audience's faces. The comedians were SOOO NOT Funny. The lighting in the club was really dark and sketchy and it looked liked the club was rennovating (but they weren't). You could tell the club was struggling in terms of upkeep of the place AND the comics are also required to be doormen until it's their turn to do a stand-up. On top of that, there was a 2 item minimum purchase for each person for things like soda and chocolate cake which came up to more than $20. Now, $20 isn't bad for Times Square but it is expensive for what they had to offer. Just last week, I went to Times Square Comedy Club and it was 100 times better with a larger selection of food, better drinks, and comics. So...I can cross HA! Comedy Club off the list of places I will be frequenting in NYC.

A nice read...

2008-07-17T21:54:00.000-07:00

"Hot Mess: Summer in the City," a book about a pair of girls from the 'burbs who spend their summer vacay in Manhattan with sweet industry internships. Sound familiar? Just like me..

Driving Soles for Manhattan Streets

2008-07-17T21:34:00.001-07:00

Tod's elasticized, pebble-soled ballerina flat is possibly the most perfect "walk around the city" shoe. Unfortunately, this student's income just doesn't allow for $300 shoes... especially not three pairs of $300 because deciding between these would be an impossibility.

Pop the Cork...

2008-07-17T20:58:00.000-07:00

I really want these sweet Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes. They are cute and ~~corky~~ quirky, and would go with everything...

Best of all, they're insanely affordable. Well, in terms of Marc, they are insanely affordable.

Gingham Girl, Part 2

2008-07-17T20:28:00.000-07:00

Speaking of gingham, I should mention my most recent adorably-patterned acquisition:
After eying the shirt dresses at Steven Alan for months, I kept shying away from the triple digit pricetag. Then just the other day, I happened to catch sight of this sweet ruffled style at Gap Kids of all places, and it fit like a dream!

When I caught sight of the $34 sticker, I thought I really must be dreaming. Now I'm trying to talk myself out of buying the pink-and-green floral print, too, because it's just so Lilly Pulitzer and I'm just dying to wear it with my beat-up boat shoes now (and shrunken navy blazer for back-to-school!).

Gingham Girl

2008-07-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

I have an unusual fondness for gingham that dates back to a vague memory of a favorite frock from my childhood. I remember a crinkly cotton fabric with a dainty navy-and-white checkered pattern and a sweet white sailor collar. The countless gingham dresses in my drawers - and the unshakable need to purchase this one above too - must signify some sort of underlying psychological attachment to the fabric. That, or I just like it...

With shiny red shoes and a little bow headband? A little sassy, a little Alice in Wonderland, and just adorable.

How to spot a Juicy Couture Knock-Off

2008-06-10T21:26:00.000-07:00

If you are thinking of buying a Juicy Couture handbag, you have to be aware that there are fakes circulating in the open market. The fact is, some of the fakes are hard to spot, but like everything else in life the “devil is in the details”. Of course if you buy from a reputable dealer or the official Juicy Couture website you have nothing to worry about.

The first thing to examine is the quality of materials of the bag in question. Juicy Couture handbags are always made of the finest leather. If it feels thick or isn’t supple, that is an indication that it might be fake. Secondly, examine the stitching and make sure it's flawless. Each Juicy Couture handbag is made to exact specifications and is inspected before they are placed in stores.

The inside lining of a Juicy Couture hand bag is always made of cotton, so if the inside fabric is anything different, it's a fake. Even if it has an official-looking tag on it and is sold in a local store, you have to be on your toes when buying any high end designer fashion or accessory. Of course, the larger chain stores have their reputations to uphold and would never sell fakes.

Yves Saint Laurent Defined Fashion Revolution

2008-06-07T22:25:00.000-07:00

Yves Saint Laurent defined how modern women dressed. In the photo pictured above, Models wear his new safari designs in 1969. The late designer's most enduring legacy is the sartorial revolution called the pantsuit. ~R.I.P~

Model Spotlight

2008-06-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

Liya Kibede

American Vogue has touted Liya as being a member of the new establishment. Since being featured in Vogue's of-the-minute section 6 years ago, she has moved all the way in the ranks as their number one choice out of their Top 50 models.

This international beauty hails from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. While in school at the French Lycee, a film director spotted Liya and introduced her to a French modeling agent. After completing her studies, she moved to France to pursue work through a local Parisian agency. She inevitably relocated to the fashion capital of New York City, where she currently resides full-time.

It all came together when the 27 year old appeared on the cover and in 4 out of 6 stories of French Vogue, shot by Ines van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, with a headline that proudly states the issue is "All about Liya". She has since appeared on the covers of Italian, Japanese, Korean & Spanish Vogue, Numero, V, French, Flair, i-D, South African Elle, Harper’s & Queen, Essence, and Time’s Style & Design issue.

Liya has been seen twice on the of cover of American Vogue with the heading “Cover model with a cause”, profiling her work with the World Health Organization as their Goodwill Ambassador for her tireless efforts in raising awareness for the difficulties that women and children face in the developing world. She is beautiful, professional, and substantial, which makes her not just a model but a role model.

~~Recent News~~

Liya Kebede travels to Timbuktu..

Picture 1: Designer Alexander McQueen.

Designer: Oscar De la Renta.