Fall 2008 Fashion Review: Marni

Images courtesy of Style.com

There are many collections this fall that I enjoy, but I think my absolute favorite is Marni’s AW08 collection. Consuelo Castiglioni returned to her minimalist designs from last season, but I feel she refined this season’s work by taking out the fluff and truly letting the fabrics and the shapes of the garments take the forefront. Whereas in the spring/summer collection Castiglioni used a good deal of printing and unique, quirky fabrics, this season centers around the old classics: tweeds, silk, printed knits and fur in a stunning palette of pastel shades and muted colors.


Images courtesy of Style.com

The entire collection seems to take a strong influence from the 1920’s and art nouveau. The silhouettes are long and straight, with skirts resting just below the knee. Blouses and dresses drape loosely over the forms, incorporating a good amount of fabric. All the pieces include beautiful striped stockings or knee socks, and platform shoes ending in a square toe – an ideal touch for such an architectural collection.


Images courtesy of Style.com

Fabric effects are brought to a minimum in this collection, but when they are used they are broad statements that encompass the entire garment. Particular favorites of mine are the mustard yellow and black checkered skirt and the wonderful diamond lattice texture in the duotone skirt suit. Particular interest can be taken in the pieces that employ the most unique patterns in the collection – as these are the ones that seem to embody art nouveau. Not only are the models adorned in these nostalgic, graceful patterns, but the headpieces that adorn their heads are highly reminiscent of the wreaths of fruit and flowers that often garland the heads of female archetypes depicted in the period work.


Images courtesy of Style.com

Integrate Marni style into your wardrobe this season by opting for loose trousers and blouses in pastel and muted colors. Trousers should end a little above the ankle, to prevent them from looking baggy. Choose colors that compliment each other, but do not be afraid of adding a third or fourth flash of color to make the look “pop.” A cardigan or light jacket can be worn over the outfir, cinched in place with a sleek belt. Accessorize your outfit with striped socks, and vintage headband and maryjanes, and you are ready to hit the streets in your modern classic style.

Fall 2008 Fashion Review: Gucci

Images courtesy of Style.com

When I think of Gucci, I think of luxury, sexiness, sumptuousness – and maybe ladies blinged out to the max. I think this has a lot to do with my eighties upbringing, a time when sophistication and lavishing in the expensive reached new heights, with Gucci the call to arms of affluence in fashion. But looking at Gucci’s stunning AW08 collection, I am forced to reassess my former opinion. Frida Giannini has done a remarkable job taking a brand that had a high potential of becoming dated after its rise as the hallmark of opulence, and bringing into the new age of cultural assimilation and bohemian sensibility, all the while preserving that sense of sumptuousness that makes Gucci Gucci.

This collection is a perfect example of her accomplishment. Giannini has pulled from bohemian, folk and middle-eastern influences to create outfits that feel sleek, sexy, yet culturally relevant, well-traveled and ethnic. The result is what I like to think of as a “sexy matroshka” – outfits that feel smart, sophisticated, yet down-to-earth and traditionally aware.


Images courtesy of Style.com

Many of the ensembles in the collection have an almost uniform-like composition: black slacks, black boots, beautiful belt scarves, decadent waistcoats over blouses and turtlenecks that provide vivacious punches of color. The pieces all carry old-world embellishments that make them feel rooted in tradition – particularly the gypsy belt-scarves and the waistcoats, which vary from caftan-esque knits to carefully embroidered coats, finished with military buttons.


Images courtesy of Style.com

The footwear in this collection is particularly appealing. Many pieces incorporate long-fringed boots, which add a wonderful movement to the costumes. Others incorporate heavily studded ankle boots, which look both traditional in their decoration, but entirely new and unique in their construction. I am quite smitten with these beauties.



Incorporate Gucci’s style into your fall wardrobe by opting for form-fitting leggings, waistcoats and tops that pop with color. Wrap a large, ethnic scarf around your waist to add a dash of color, and don’t be afraid to pile on the belts. Finish the look with fringed boots, and chunky, ethnic gold jewelry. A no-nonsense black bag and dark sunglasses brings the whole thing together.

Fall 2008 Review: Dries Van Noten

Images courtesy of Style.com

Dries Van Noten has been quickly ascending as one of the most applauded designers today, particularly in the department of footwear, in which his shoes have garnered an almost cult-like following, However, Van Noten’s AW08 collection shows us that his sense of garment design is just as acute as his panache for sharp footware.


Images courtesy of Style.com

Van Noten’s collection seems inspired by a trip into your rich Grandma’s attic: vintage furs, chunky oversized sweaters, embroidered Eastern coats from long-ago travels, brought together with modern-art inspired prints on blouses, skirts and slacks. Throw in some men’s trouser socks to ground the entire look with a smart black base, and a look is created that is eclectic, romantic and divine.


Images courtesy of Style.com

The look is one of elegant clutter - a variation of prints and textures brought together with a careful eye. diaphanous skirts and slacks are mingled with coarser, knobby knitting and fur that is spiky or textured. But my absolute favorite touch are the necklaces - whose beads are so loud and pronounced they appear to be numerous bangles strung together. A smaller accessory would be completely drowned out in these outfits, and I admire that Van Noten created a unique accessory that could compete with such ensembles and be entirely captivating in its own right.

Work this look into your fall apparel by being bold - don't be afraid to mix strong prints and textures against one another. Mix your floral print skirts from the summer with large, heavy sweaters. Printed fabrics brought together can be married with the right accessories -- a neutral fur vest, black scarves, and of course, black shoes and black trouser socks. Find the chunkiest necklace you can get your hands on to complete the look, or better yet, make your own from cheap bangles (which is what I am sure to do).

Fall 2008 Fashion Review: Stella McCartney

If your personal sense of style revolves around comfort, like mine, then Stella McCartney is the ideal designer. Her pieces always carry a sense of grace and elegance in even the most casual fabrics. Her AW08 collection once more delves into pushing the envelope on couture and comfort, this time through a greyscale color palette, heavy knits, and loose, billowing, one-piece garments that almost cocoon the wearer in the material. The effect is altogether elegant, sensual and stunning.


Images courtesy ofStyle.com

Many of the pieces in McCartney's collection utilize elaborate intarsia (a flat knit fabric with patterns knitted in solid colors), but unlike the chunky, kitsch effect that the style is often associated with, McCartney adds refinement by using loose-form patterns, or elaborate patterns rendered in a grey color palette, which creates a more subtle, sophisticated effect. This successfully translates the look into a much higher caliber, turning a style rather charming and folksy into one of the utmost elegance.


Images courtesy ofStyle.com

In my opinion, an almost Elizabethan influence can be found in several pieces of the collection, particularly the evening wear piece above. Again, these two dresses are examples of the way McCartney can take the most simple, casual ideas – in this case, a nightgown and an oversized sweater, and turn them into sheer elegance through shaping and details. The effect is almost geisha-like and old world – the beauty of the woman lies in what is hidden rather than what is revealed. The sexiness of the female in repose, if you will.

You can capture McCartney's cool comfort by sticking to greys and blacks, and donning uncluttered, large, simple knits. Keep the look uncluttered with accessories -- in this case, something soft like a scarf is more appropriate than jewelry. Pair an oversized sweater with another large knit piece (like a vest or cardigan), simple black leggings and black accessories. The look will leave you looking elegant and ready for the elements, while feeling comfy to the max.

Week in Wardrobe: 8/11 - 8/14

Due to a burn on my foot (long story - will explain later) - I have had to be very careful with the kind of footwear I have worn this week. Lots of closed shoes. My yoga teacher's eyes bugged out of his head when I showed up last night bandaged and ready to bend!


Left to Right: Mon,8/11, Tuesday,8/12

Monday, 8/11
Top: Mango
Dress: Joyce Leslie
Boots: Ebay
Necklace: ragtrader on Etsy
Bracelets: wooden skulls (tat convention), hello kitty (made by mom)
Watch: Bulova

Tuesday, 8/12
Dress: Thrifted
Jacket: Thrifted
Boots: Thrifted
Watch: Bulova
Earrings: Lord & Taylor
Necklace: Accumulated charms & hand-me-downs


Left to Right: Wednesday,8/13, Thursday,8/14

Wednesday,8/13
Tank: H&M
Shirt: H&M?
Pants: Orphan
Boots: Boutique in Boulder, CO
Necklace: basilthecat on Etsy
Watch: Bulova

Thursday,8/14
Tank: Gadzooks
Tunic: Forever 21
Vest: Urban Collection
Jeans: e.a.p. (Hiroshima)
Boots: Bakers
Cuff: James the Leather Man
Watch: Bulova
Necklace: Jewelry store in Tokyo

We are having me and my sister's joint birthday party/welcome home party at the folks' house this weekend. I can't wait to lounge around the pool and eat barbecue, though swimming is definitely brought into question, with the bad foot and all. Le sigh...

Inspiration Machine 7

Clockwise from left: Bonnie Shulman, Gatochy, Steve Hopson, Shutterhack

1. Decorate your own pair of sneakers.

2. Begin holding dinner parties.

3. What would you choose to float in the air instead of clouds?

4. Eat a piece of fruit everyday.

5. Dress monochromatically.

6. If you had your own company, what would you call it?

7. Replace all the doors in your home with filmy curtains.

8. Write down the 10 nicest things that ever happened to you.

9. Invent a fantastic new hairstyle.

10. If you were in a band, what would you play?

Winning the Motherload: Jami Rodriguez Jewelry

Recently, the fashion community Stylehive.com held a contest to write about your favorite "Style Hiver" - who they were, what you liked about them, and why. The prize they were offering was too good to pass up - $500 worth of jewelry from the amazing designer Jami Rodriguez. So, I grabbed my keyboard and set to work. I decided to write about a member named BusyBee, who has remarkably great taste and a superb collection of items she showcases on the site.

Lo and behold, I just found out I won! In a few short days time, this amazing hoard of gorgeous jewelry will be making its way to yours truly. Talk about an amazing birthday gift!!


Jami Rodriguez Jewelry Collection

I can't tell you how delighted I am. I am very particular when it comes to jewelry, but Rodriquez's line feels like it was made for me - the pieces are so unique, dramatic, with a sophisticated sense of whimsy. I can barely wait to start wearing these bad boys!

StyleHive has a great interview with Jami Rodriguez, which you can read here.
To view Rodriguez's complete jewelry line, click here.

Full review of the pieces and pics coming soon!

Muxtape 3: Neverending Summer Mix

"4 New Flavoured Ice Cream Plush Toys from Chocolate Log" by ChocolateLog

August is always a very bittersweet month for me. It's the month of my birthday, so I am always looking forward to friends and parties and general fun-ness. However, it's also the last month of the summer, and the end of my favorite season. As beautiful as the days are, there's always that sad feeling that it's fleeting, and cool days and falling leaves are just on the horizon.

I put this mix together in honor of August, all the last-minute fun and nostalgia and contemplation of the cooler days ahead - something you can listen to in the car on that final beach trip or picnic of the season. I hope it helps keeps summer with you just a little longer.




The Playlist:

Alias - Crosswalks
National skyline - some will say
Beck - Gamma Ray
King Khan and The Shrines - Took My Lady Out To Dinner
Devin Davis - When The Angels Lift Our Eyelids In The Morning
Mystery Jets - Diamonds In The Dark
Fleet Foxes - Ragged Wood
Au Revoir Simone - Sad Song (RAC Mix)
The XYZ Affair - Evening Life
Rogue Wave - Chicago X 12
MGMT - Love Always Remains
Nicole Atkins - Brooklyn's on Fire!

In Love With Ombre

I have a brand new obsession - ombre. Ombre is a French term that means "shaded". As it refers to textiles, it is used to describe fabrics "with a dyed, printed, or woven design in which the color is graduated from light to dark and often into stripes of varying shades" (Fibre2Fashion.com). The effect of this gradation is a smooth, liquid-like fabric that blends colors in rather magical way.

I think my obsession began with this stunning dress worn by Angelina Jolie last year:



Ever since, I have been seeing ombre everywhere, and I cannot get enough of it. I have always been drawn to muted colors, and it delights me that ombre is an effect that really shines in a more neutral, toned-down color palette.

Below are some of my personal favorite ombre pieces:


Missoni Ombre-Striped Cape & Dress



Anthropologie Cool Dip Chemise



Prada Ombre Leather Handbag




Vince Ombre Cashmere Cardigan



Badgley Mischka Gathered Ombre Halter Gown


I can't wait to get my hands on a few pieces of my own.
What do you think of ombre? Love or hate?

Week in Wardrobe: 8/05-8/08

I can't even put into words how busy I have been this week. Between work, dinner parties, freelance work, mandatory bowling (long story) and the arrival of my sister, I feel like I head is going to fall off my neck and spin off into the stratosphere. I'm quite happy in the madness though - I'd always rather be busy than bored. Dressing up honestly helps me through the chaos - I feel so much more secure and in a good mood when I am wearing something I like.


Left to Right: Tues,8/05, Wednesday,8/06

Tuesday, 8/05
Tank: H&M
Shirt: J.Crew
Trousers: Victoria's Secret
Shoes: Thrifted
Tie: Thrifted
Watch: Bulova

Wednesday, 8/06
Cami: J.Crew
Grey Tank: Target
Skirt: Boutique in NY
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell
Shawl: Street vendor in NY
Earrings: H&M
Necklace: Erica Weiner
Watch: Bulova


Left to Right: Thursday,8/07, Friday,8/08

Thursday,8/07
Top: Thrifted
Skirt: Gap
Leggings: Target
Shoes: Picked up ages ago at Ross
Necklace: Navajo made dream catcher
Wooden Bangle: sparklinglotusdesign on Etsy
Watch: Bulova

Friday,8/08
Dress: Nostalgia on Etsy
Necklace: Aldo
Shoes: Classified
Wrist Cuff: James the leather man
Watch: Bulova

Going to All Points West tomorrow! Radiohead, The Roots and Animal Collective - I can't wait!

Inspiration Machine 6

Clockwise from left: ~fb~, Gatochy, Meanest Indian, Pink Sushi

1. Coordinate your closet by the colorwheel.

2. Dress up your best friend.

3. Hold a cupcake-tasting tea party

4. For the apartment-bound, grow grass in window boxes in all your windows.

5. Handpaint your own nesting dolls.

6. If you could create the ideal pet, what would it look like, and what would be its key traits?

7. Write a letter to your living hero, telling them how they have inspired you in your life.

8. Channel the spirit of the missing color.

9. What noble title would you prefer?

10. Make a necklace of braided scarves.

DIY: Book Holder

As a train commuter, I tend to be an incredibly heavy reader. However, due to the constant transportation, this often leads to a sorry state of affairs for my books. Banged around in my handbag for a week or more, they usually come out of the experience in pretty rough shape. So this weekend I decided make something to remedy the situation. I present to you, my new little book cover...



Essentially, the book cover I designed is a cloth envelope, with a heavy ribbon affixed to the flap to keep the whole business prettily closed. I played with the design a bit, and my main goal was to create a holder that can accommodate both bulky hardbacks and teeny little paperbacks equally well. In this, I am happy to report it works swimmingly.





I took it out for a test drive yesterday, and am happy to report it was a complete success, both functionally and aesthetically (I received several admiring glances and compliments on it throughout the day). The best part is it was a breeze to make - I foresee making quite a few of these in the future.

Also, I love love love the fabric I used - it is covered with Russian nesting dolls. Simply adorable...

Channeling...Nina Simone

During a time when our musical stars are known mainly for flashing their ya-yas and boobies and getting into drunken brawls with paparazzi, I think we should take a moment to reflect on what we have lost. A time when music heroines were beings of grace, elegance, and nobility: creatures that inspired us for how far they had climbed, rather than how low they could sink. There are many muses that have aspired to this ideal: Barbara Streisand, Loretta Lynn, Kate Bush, and more recently, Tori Amos: but of these, none culminated these ideals quite as much as Nina Simone.

Nina Simone, the stage name of Eunice Kathleen Waymon, was born on February 21, 1933, in North Carolina. Simone lived the true rags to riches star story: an avid church singer, Simone worked her way up to fame playing nightclubs in Atlantic City and Philadelphia. In 1958, she came out with her first album, "Little Girl Blue" which launched her into a musical sensation.



More than anything, Nina Simone is most closely associated with her unique vocal style: remarkably low tones, a stunning vibrato, and a timbre that is sometimes characterized as androgynous. But the most stunning part of Nina's music is the sheer passion that lies in everything she sang. Her songs are often dramatic characterizations, Simone channeling the characters in the songs with an empathy and feeling that has never had an equal. Whether singing as tragic Bess or the wrathful Pirate Jane, the promiscuous Sea Line Woman, or the damned woman in the House of the Rising Sun, Simone is not simply singing, but becoming these personages with a force of will and strength that is marveling.

But Nina Simone was not simply a pretty voice. Throughout her career she was a champion of the Civil Rights movement, and later, the Black Power movement. Many of her songs were themed in the plight of the underprivileged black community, transforming the injustices into beautiful songs to be contemplated while enjoyed. Her song, "Mississippi Goddamn," written in reaction to a bombing of a black church in Alabama, led to her music being boycotted in several southern states.

Like several musical heroines today, Simone had her own demons: yet she bore them with grace and nobility, rather than allowing them to consume her. Nina suffered from bipolar disorder, which was kept a secret until 2004 (after her death). This disorder is often considered the source of Simone's ability to often fluctuate between exuberant happiness and tragic melancholy within an album or concert.



Nina Simone's style was one etched in bearing and nobility. For much her career, she wore her hair in high pile atop her head, accentuating her graceful neck and queen-like profile. Her wardrobe was one of long, flowing garments made of rich fabrics, much of which as dramatic as her music. You can channel the loveliness of Nina with some of the following style ideas...


"The Urban Queen"
Make yourself look regal in long, flowing monotone dress, accented with large dramatic accessories. Top your head with a colorful scarf to achieve a stunning profile.


"Bohemian Bathsheba"
Funk it up with an elaborately patterned tunic and sweeping denim trousers. A leather jacket makes the entire appearance sleek and stunning. Complete the look with strong accessories, that pop but don't dominate.


"Draping Diva"
A seriously draping dress with a short hemline is the perfect thing to make you look ethereal, without drowning in fabric. Match strong colors with strong colors: black and a rich brown are the perfect company for a fiery orange. Top the whole look off with a fantastically eccentric floppy hat, stunning heels, and chunky bangles, and you will look like a living legend.

Sicky-Poo

Living Hope, 1 Peter 1:3-9 VerseVisions
Originally uploaded by Marketseq

Apologies for the late post today: I am sadly a bit under the weather. However, I will be back tomorrow with all sorts of wonderful for my lovelies.

In the meantime, I leave you with these wonderful quotes by Mr. Bradbury and Mr. Bukowski:

"If we listened to our intellect we'd never have a love affair, we'd never have a friendship, we'd never go into business, because we'd be cynical. Well that's just nonsense! You've got to jump off the cliff all the time and build wings on the way down."
- Ray Bradbury

The young poet should stay the hell out of writing classes and find out what's happening around the corner. And bad luck for the young poet would be a rich father, an early marriage, an early success or the ability to do anything well.
- Charles Bukowski

Of Muppets and Monsters

Still from the upcoming movie "Where the Wild Things Are"

If you didn't know, Jim Henson is my hero. I have had a passion for muppets, monsters and furry, cute things since I was a wee little lass. And as of late, I have stumbled upon far too many amazing monster and muppet links on the web, to keep from posting them for you, my humble readers.

First up, they have made Maurice Sendak's beloved tale, "Where the Wild Things Are," into a movie. Spike Jonze directed it, and Dave Eggers collaborated with him to write the script. I cannot even begin to put into words how excited I am by this combination of people, and I have a feeling it is going to be very, very awesome.


Still from the upcoming movie "Where the Wild Things Are"

Read more about the movie here.

Cookie Monster Tells Stephen Colbert What's What:



Feist visits the Best Street Ever:



And finally, no post about monsters and fuzzy things would be complete without a shout-out to Jenny Harada. Jenny is a crafter of fine furry plush creatures, and her originality and creativity in her creations is always a delight.


Jenny Harada creatures

See her full, delightful collection here.

Rawr.