Wardrobery: 10/24/08 - 10/30/08

Happy Halloween!!! May this day bless you with ridiculous costumes, spooky movies, and lots and lots of candy. Fiance Kaboom and myself had a pretty crazy time last weekend, which sadly has left me kinda sick this week. So I think I am going to be keeping this weekend rather low key - but you can be darn sure I'll be in my costume Saturday, and have pics posted up for your viewing pleasure come Monday! What is it? I'll give you a hint - it ROCKS.


Friday, 10/24:Dress: eBay, Necklace: Hiroshima, Japan, Boots: Thrifted, Watch: Bulova

Just when I all but give up on eBay, they pull me back in. I snatched up this AMAZING dress for a song last week. Even better, it arrived in time for me to wear out to my soon-to-be-sister-in-laws's birthday extravaganza Friday night. Not only is it fantastic, but it is so comfy to wear - it feels like I am in my pajamas. I love how it has that vaguely kimono-look, and the cranes on it just give me unending delight. A wonderful new addition to the wardrobe.

With the economic turbulance going on, I think I am not alone in curbing my spending. I find myself returning to eBay and Etsy for the things I need these days, rather than shelling out the big ones in actual stores. And sample sales are right out until the market improves - sorry Vivianne Tam *sniffle*...


Wednesday, 10/29:Tank: Target, Shirt: Thrifted, Skirt: NY Wholesale Shop, Moccasins: Minnetonka, Necklaces: Etsy, Watch: Bulova

Another dependably cheap source of shopping are the NYC street vendors and wholesale shops. Consistently you can find wonderful accessories and garments from them that would cost you three times as much at a regular store. The skirt above is one of those wonderful wear-30-ways wrap skirts - and thanks to a wholesaler not too far from my job, I am amassing a nice little collection of them (this is my second). These are great all year round: in the winter as a maxi-skirt, and during the summer as beach wraps and strapless dresses.


Thursday, 10/30:Sweater: Thrifted, Shorts: Charlotte Russe, Leggings: American Apparel, Moccasins: Minnetonka, Earrings: Lord & Taylor

Since I have been a little under the weather this week, I find myself donning outfits that are comfortable and warm, and this is the perfect example of one such. I love this big, chunky sweater that I picked up at a Goodwill last year - it's hard to see in the photo, but it is flecked with blues and pinks as well. Me and my sister went to the Banksy exhibit last night, so I was pretty glad to be well covered, as it has been freezing in NYC lately. For anyone in NYC, I highly, HIGHLY recommend catching Banksy's Pet Shop exhibit currently installed in the Village - but hurray, tonight is the final night!!

Fiance Kaboom and I were planning on going to a friend's costume party tonight, but between his schoolwork and my slight illness, we're settling for a quiet night in instead. I plan to pack boxes, watch scary movies, and make myself rather ill on candy. Can't really ask for much more...

Hope everyone has a great Halloween!! If you have any pics of your costume, leave them in the comments section, and I'll feature them next week!

Inspiration Machine 15 : Something Wicked...

Clockwise from left: .min., Rödel LA, *BOOJOO*, Walkabout Wolf

1. Make plaster casts of your hands. Then use the cast as a mold to make creepy hand candles.

2. Have a mask-making party. Decorate papier-mâché masks as skulls and animals, then later in the evening, don the masks, dim the lights, and hold a creepy dance party.

3. If you could be any supernatural creature, what would you choose, and why?

4. Give your sweetheart a gift of edible scorpions.

5. Creep yourself out with some spooky "true" ghost stories.

6. Buy a cassette of spooky music, dim the lights, and practice your door opening routine to thoroughly frighten trick-or-treaters (make sure you have a tame one for the little guys)

7. Take a walk through your local cemetery, taking gravestone rubbings of interesting graves.

8. Have a dinner on Halloween night, with an extra place setting for departed loved ones. Give the place setting an apple, and a shot of spirits. Spend the evening reminiscing on stories and memories of those who are no longer with us. At the end of the evening, take the apple and brandy, and leave it on your doorstep overnight in honor of those who are gone.

9. Watch the classics: Charlie Brown, Garfield and SpongeBob are great ways to be festive and still be able to get to sleep at night.

10. Whip up a batch of Halloween Lady Fingers (my friend Linda whipped these up this week, and I helped decorate them with nails & blood) - simply scary & delectable!

Mixtape 5: Thngs That Go Rock in the Night...

"Halloween" by illtakeyourphoto

Halloween is almost here! I intend to honor the next few spooky days with a little cider and some scary movies (much to the chagrin of Fiance Kaboom!, who will spend the evening hiding behind pillows).

I am delighted to report that I have already been to one Halloween party, and have two more this weekend. No, you cannot know what I am being - you'll just have to wait until Halloween for that. In the meantime, enjoy this mix of songs to get you in the mood for Friday. I suggest lighting some candles, eating some candy, and playing it up whilst you don your costume. Enjoy...



The Playlist:

Final Fantasy - The Butcher

Phosphorescent - Wolves

TV On The Radio - Stork And Owl

St. Vincent - Paris Is Burning

Squarepusher - Conc 2 Symettriac

M83 - Graveyard Girl

Gang Gang Dance - Nomad For Love

Sneaker Pimps - Small Town Witch

Sufjan Stevens - They Are Night Zombies!! They are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back From the Dead!!

Husker Du - The Tooth Fairy And The Princess

Cursive - Butcher the Song

Laura Veirs - Magnetized

Unkle, Thom Yorke - Rabbit In Your Headlights (Unkle (with Thom Yorke) - Rabbit In Your Headlights

Pony Up

I will admit it: I love ponies. A few years ago, at my little cousin's cowboy themed birthday party, I had to physically restrain myself from getting in line for a pony ride (not only because the liklihood that I would crush the adorable little fellows back, but the pony-wrangler was quite the stud muffin ;). But yes, I love ponies, as well as things from my childhood. Which is why I could be no more delighted than I am about The My Little Pony Project.

The idea: famed artists and designers from across the globe project their own spin on pre-created fabricated large models of classic toy. Sound familiar? But here's the surprise: this is not the newest brainchild of Paul Budnitz, but sponsored by none other than the original creator of My Little Pony toys, that behemoth of the toy industry, Hasbro. That's awesome on so many levels, I can't even count that high.



I have to say, I am impressed. I would never have given Hasbro the street cred to put on such a great exhibition, particularly with the all-star underground artist lineup they have gathered to create the masterpieces of equestrian excellence. Toki Doki, Junko Mizune, and Jim Houser are just some of artists participating, as well as a celebrity lineup that includes John Stamos, Leanne Rimes and Kimora.





To see the entire gallery, click here.

Next time on Pony Love: Robocop on a Unicorn. The world is not ready.

My Daily Covet - Etsy Style

Considering my recent piece regarding couture, I thought it would only be appropriate to dedicate a Daily Covet to the veritable cornucopia of craft and style, Etsy.com. By far the greatest asset of Etsy as a fashion destination is the diversity of wonderful clothing available for rather decent prices, for the most part. Also, the tight-knit community and transparency of the marketplace allows for transactions that are personal, fast and friendly. The result is owning a product you can feel proud of, for both it as an object, and the method it was acquired: the ideal shopping situation.

I have a soft spot in my heart for vintage: I love owning a piece that is utterly unique, clothes that have a personality and a history beyond my own life. The following are a few of the pieces I have recently stumbled upon on Etsy that have particularly caught my interest.



1. Awesome Vintage Shag Sweater; leasvintage

2. Vintage Sarah Coventry Brooch Creamy White with Gold and Grey Accents; SweetWhimsyVintage

3. navy and white saddle shoes - size 8; sparrowvintage

4. Vintage 9 West Leather Ankle Boots Size 8.5; easystreetvintage




1. green VINTAGE -irish- wool hat; thevintagecloset

2. Vintage 1970's Tatum boots. Boho knee high brazilian leather riding boots with buckles; BlackSwanVintage

3. Vintage cropped fitted black leather jacket; ramonawest

4. Vintage CORO Silvertone Chunky Bracelet - SHINY and BRIGHT; theturniptruck

Wardrobery: 10/17-10/23

Saturday, 10/18:Earrings: Jami Rodriquez, Top: Thrifted Dolce & Gabbana (!!!), Jacket: Thrifted, Jeans: Joyce Leslie, Boots: Jeffrey Campbell, Bracelet: Jami Rodriquez, Watch: Bulova

This is what I wore to the engagement party we had in Astoria this weekend. In hindsight, it was a little pointless for me to get all prettified, as I spent the entire night ensconced in my new, enormously puffy Miss Sixty coat that I grabbed at a sample sale the previous night. And boy, I didn't buy that sucker a moment too soon - it was a chilly evening, in deed, but nothing that a little booze and goulash didn't fix.


Monday, 10/20:Dress: e.a.p., Hiroshima, Tunic: Thrifted, Leggings: American Apparel, Half-Socks: Japan, Shoes: Shoegasm, Belt: Charlotte Russe, Necklace: Erica Weiner, Watch: Bulova

I am still in a swoon over how many people came out to celebrate in the cold with us. To all of you who did, you are amazingly awesome people, and it meant the world to us! Also, I think there is no limit to the amount of perogies I can eat. Man, the only problem with going to the Beer Garden is how badly I crave their perogies for the next month.


Tuesday, 10/21:Top: Thrifted J.Crew, Slacks: John Varvatos for Converse, Boots: Thrifted, Watch: Bulova

Work has been utterly crazy this week - it's all a little hard to explain. It's definitely affected my posting, as this absurdly late wardrobe post should demonstrate. My boss and mentor is leaving the company to pursue his freelance career, and I wish him all the luck in the world, though I am going to miss him terribly. I am so bummed about it that I am having a hard time being happy about the fact that I am being promoted to an art director, but I guess that's the way things are in life - sometimes the thing you desire doesn't come in garb you admire.


Thursday, 10/23:Tunic: eBay, Jeans: Levis Red, Boots: Thrifted, Watch: Bulova

Still, you gotta keep doing your best, right? In the words of the immortal Kurt Vonnegut, "So it goes..." I am going to try to concentrate on the very good things happening in my life, such as the fact that Fiance Kaboom! and I are going to rent a house! That's right. A HOUSE. With FLOORS. And a BACKYARD. I have yearned to live in a house of my own ever since I moved out of my parents' house and renting these shoe boxes they call apartments. It's also going to be so wonderful to have so much space, as our current apartment and the "Shoe Mountain" were definitely beginning to enter the realm of "natural disaster."


Friday, 10/17:Top: Gap, Cardigan: Victoria's Secret, Jeans: Siwy, Shoes: Toyama, Japan, Bracelet: Jami Rodriguez, Watch: Bulova

Speaking of PANTS ;), can you tell I love love love my new Siwy jeans? I have worn them TWICE in the last week. The color, the fit, the comfort: I simply cannot get enough of them. Even if I look like I just arrived from 1984.


Friday, 10/17:Shirt: Joyce Leslie, Sweater: Thrifted, Jeans: Siwy, Shoes: NYC Wholesale shop, Cuff: James the Leatherman, Watch: Bulova

This week has made me understand why the Chinese consider the line "May you live in interesting times" a curse. Let's hope for some less interesting, and more marvelous in the days ahead.

Inspiration Machine 15

Clockwise from left: KillToLive, M.Omair (The Perfectionist), rosiehardy, dodidoune

1. Try wearing rings on every finger.

2. Pick an item you absolutely hate (crop tops, leggings, stripes) and try to incorporate it into an outfit you are proud of. Everything has potential.

3. Make your own leggings, a la Queen Michelle.

4. Ask yourself, "Are you happy?" Then ask yourself what you need to be so. Then go after those things.

5. Make your own marshmallows.

6. Organize a fall cleaning: pack up summer clothes, bring out the heavy blankets and humidifiers, and decorate your home in warm autumn colors. Personal favorite: stocking up on delicious pumpkin candles. Or even better, make your own pumpkin candles, out of real pumpkins!

7. Begin making "goody bags" for trick-or-treaters. Fill them with toy jewelry, old fashioned rock candy, and gold chocolate coins. Write spooky ghost stories on burned scraps of paper for a perfect finishing touch.

8. Each morning when you wake, take a few moments to set your intention for the day.

9. Think up five ways to wear a scarf.

10. Wear a kimono.

Tales of the Creepy-Fantastic: Sarah Wilmer

With the most creepiest of holidays nigh a week away, I feel it is my duty to get us all in the right proper mood. I've been saving this artist just for this season.



Sarah Wilmer is a New-York based photographer with the eye for the beautiful, strange spooky and surreal. Her work seems to exist in this separate reality, containing a somewhat gothic-meets-seventies vibe that I find all too appealing.



I find some her most interesting work is her band photography work. Wilmer chooses to shoot bands in unique environments, that border on disturbing and a rarefied environments such as underwater, floating in the air, or performing cabalistic passes in strange environs.



In all her work, there is a mystical, fantastic element that is both breathtaking and unsettling. They are works that move you far with simple gestures, that question that space between the real and strange, lingering somewhere in between that shows the viewer just how that place is but a heartbeat, a gesture, away.









See Sarah Wilmer's photography here.

Recommended Listening: Bat For Lashes

Crafted Couture

I spent the majority of Sunday creating a top from a pair of trousers whose fabric I became smitten with, and I suppose it's for this reason I got to thinking about "hand-crafted couture"

For most of us, the word couture brings one word screaming to mind: "money." Couture is too much for the everyday fashionista, the kind of clothing reserved for those who have released their first blockbuster movie, or whose fathers own several hotels throughout the world. It's the aspiration of fashion, the stuff that our literal fashion dreams are made of.

However, what makes couture couture? A little investigation, and I found that maybe we are mislead in what the essence of couture truly is. According to the Free Dictionary, the formal definition of "couture" leaves a bit to ponder:

1. The business of designing, making, and selling highly fashionable, usually custom-made clothing for women.
2. Dressmakers and fashion designers considered as a group.
3. The high-fashion clothing created by designers.

In each of these, the essence behind the definition is not costliness, rarity or even status. It's CRAFT. The core idea behind what makes something couture is the act of creation, of something that is the antithesis of mass-produced, uniform and machine-wrought: the vehicles that more and more prestigious fashion houses find themselves turning to in the globalized world of supply and demand.

Is it possible that couture does not truly rest with the big name designers anymore? If not, where should we turn to seek the essential heart of the couture movement?

I provide a possibility: ETSY.

Let's look at Etsy: a marketplace that allows direct contact between the producer and the consumer. There is no middleman, not arbitration party. Much of the material found on Etsy is handcrafted: it can be considered some of the most handcrafted materials available in a public forum today. Not only is it available, but consumers can actually work with the designer in creating their fashion vision: an example being the brilliant cage skirt that Susie Bubble with Angie Montreal collaborated on creating.

By far the most appealing aspect of Etsy is its accessibility to the public market. Before Etsy, many of us would never have imagined owning a hand-crafted piece of apparel, unless we were ourselves fortunate enough to be talented in this area, or were blessed with very gifted friends. Now Etsy gives all of us the opportunity to have a piece of art in our wardrobes, and for prices that are reasonable, if not at times unadulterated bargains.

Below are just a few of the examples of some of the fine outfits being created on Etsy - a more thorough search would surely turn up a wealth of other notable pieces and designers. But much like Etsy itself, these are just the tip of the iceburg.


sculpted cocktail hat by tonyagrossmillinery

Finding a nice hat can be a trying experience, on both your sanity and your wallet. Etsy currently has a veritable explosion of talented designers creating a wealth of gorgeous headware, like this lovely piece by Tony Grossman.


Bustle by artlab

Along with standard basics, some of the pieces that set designers apart are the more experimental pieces. This bustle would be brilliant as a stand-alone piece, or worn under your favorite dress or skirt for a new, avant-garde effect.


Red Riding Lady by genevievedietz

An interesting trend occurring on Etsy are the micro-trends that are developing on the site itself, such as the profusion of designers creating Neo-Victorian, Neo-Bohemian, and Steampunk apparel. This lovely garment by Genevieve Dietz blends old-world chaarm with new world pop to wonderful effect.


Koparpeningur Circus Dress by desirapesta

Sweet, simple, to the point, with just a little more. For the girl looking for strong basics with unique details that separate them from the crowd, Etsy is the way to go, as is exemplified by this lovely tunic dress with a ruffled, circus-esque neckline.


Kissing Fish by andyandkitty

Need evening wear? Etsy has you covered even there. There are a crop of designers specializing in voluminous, formal gowns for weddings, special occasions and general looking your most spectacular.

Who are some of your favorite designers on Etsy?

Wardrobery: 10/10/08 - 10/16/08

Friday, 10/10:Necklace: made by mom <3, Long Necklace: Gift,Dress: Nostalgia on Etsy , Over the Knee Socks: Japan?, Boots: Miss Sixty

O hi! Have we met? I am a slug.


Friday, 10/10:Necklace: made by mom <3, Long Necklace: Gift,Dress: Nostalgia on Etsy , Over the Knee Socks: Japan?, Boots: Miss Sixty, Cardigan: Victoria's Secret

There was time, about a month ago, when I was not a slug. I would go to yoga, and run on Sundays. I was full of energy, and joie de vive.

But now, I am a slug. A wobbly, lazy slug.

It started innocently enough - a bad week, a late day of work, a missed class. But now we are here, and I have not run or done a downward dog in nigh 30 days. I look at my belly conspiratorially, demand to know what it has done with the sleek muscles that were visible just a few weeks ago. It glares back at me, and rumbles "Hey, YOU are the one that decided chocolate peanut butter ice cream is a suitable daily breakfast treat."

What can I say? I like ice cream.



Tuesday, 10/14:Hat: Kyoto, Japan, Top: H&M, Slacks: Orphan, Necklace: mking43 on Etsy, Cuff: James the Leather Man, Watch: Bulova, Shoes: Joyce Leslie, Socks: Hanes

But this will not do! I have no energy, and all I want to do is snuggle up next to Fiance Kaboom! and watch "Heros" (I am still on the first season, do not ruin it!). So starting now, I am launching the official "Get Back in Shape You Miserable Pudge-Nut" initiative. It will be a rigorous program of getting myself back on track with a vengeance.

I just need to finish that carton of ice cream, so it stops taunting me.


Tuesday, 10/14:Hat: Kyoto, Japan, Top: H&M, Slacks: Orphan, Necklace: mking43 on Etsy, Cuff: James the Leather Man, Watch: Bulova, Shoes: Joyce Leslie, Socks: Hanes

Last night, myself, my sister, and Fiance Kaboom! piled into his car after work, and headed to look at another potential wedding place, at the insistence of my mother. We spent 30 minutes winding around the spindly streets of northern Jersey, to the P----- (names will be omitted, to protect the out-of-date). We arrived in 1974. 1974 was covered in wood paneling, stained glass, marble and ornate woodwork. 1974 smelled like old mothballs. 1974 had ice sculptures, and no natural light. A porn movie could possibly be shot iin 1974, or perhaps a shoddy remake of "The Godfather." I smiled, spoke pleasantly with the host, and spent the tour shooting Fiance Kaboom and and my sister "O HELLS NO" looks from the corner of my eye.


Wednesday, 10/15:Shirt: Gadzooks (defunct)
Tunic: Boutique in Philly, Skirt: H&M, Socks: Joyce Leslie, Boots: Pink Studio, Necklace: Bakers, Headband: Drugstore, Cuff: James the Leather Man, Watch: Bulova

Then my parents showed up, and we gorged ourselves on one of the awesomest, most inexpensive and delicious buffets I have ever eaten. I sure as heck won't get married there, but darn, that was some great food. My father ate his way through half the coconut shrimp in the universe, while I made it my mission to eat as many oysters as I could muster.

So the castle is still at the top of the list, though my sister thinks we should keep looking, if only as an excuse to eat more food.


Wednesday, 10/15:Shirt: Gadzooks (defunct)
Tunic: Boutique in Philly, Skirt: H&M, Socks: Joyce Leslie, Boots: Pink Studio, Necklace: Bakers, Headband: Drugstore, Cuff: James the Leather Man, Watch: Bulova, Cropped Jacket: Joyce Leslie

This weekend we are having a little engagement shindig at my favorite beer hall in Astoria. The beer hall is one of my favorite places in New York: a huge, open-air venue, filled with delicious beer, amazing food, and occasional polka. I am in a bit of shock the sheer amount of friends who are coming out to celebrate with us - should be one heck of a night!


Thursday, 10/16:Top: Harajuku, Japan, Skirt: Buffalo Exchange, Leggings: Victoria's Secret, Shoes: Shoegasm, Necklace: Street Vendor, Watch: Bulova, Bangle: sparklinglotusdesign on Etsy

My cat, Haiku, is utterly adorable. He's realized where I stand in the mornings to take my photos. Now, he sits himself up there, and watches me work it, whilst begging for affections. It is rather crippling in its cuteness. He even ingratiated himself into this shot. Little scamp.


Thursday, 10/16:Top: Harajuku, Japan, Skirt: Buffalo Exchange, Leggings: Victoria's Secret, Shoes: Shoegasm, Necklace: Street Vendor, Watch: Bulova, Bangle: sparklinglotusdesign on Etsy

What are you up to this weekend?

Inspiration Machine 14: Costumed

Clockwise from left: gashlycrumbs, verhext, manganite, carli kirstin

Going to change things up this week! In honor of my favorite holiday quickly approaching, here are some ideas for that perfect Halloween costume...

1. Dress as your favorite movie character. gashlycrumbs does a brilliant job here, dressed as Jack Skellington and Sally from "A Nightmare Before Christmas"

2. Paint your face in honor of "Dia De La Muerta." In Mexican folklore, death is often celebrated as a freedom from pain, and skeletons drawn in vivid colors, decorated with flowers. Verhext does a fantastic job here.

3. Dress as your favorite literary character. Persephassa has an excellent rendition of Nancy Drew.

4. Static Cling: Burda Style shows how to make a last minute costume from all those leftover socks.

5. Go as your favorite hobby. Flint Knits has a remarkable shot of her friend Vanessa's clever bowling costume.

6. Want to be classy, and sexy? Go Burlesque.

7. You can never go wrong with a simple little indian costume. Heck, I am tempted to wear this every day!

8. Anyone can be a pirate. Now, a newspaper pirate, THAT takes a little imagination.

9. I like the idea of dressing as a drunken bride - it's a great excuse to wear a beautiful dress, and carry a bottle of champagne around all night. And it is pretty darn funny.

10. Go as your favorite painting. helveticaneue's depiction of "Girl With a Pearl Earring" is simply stunning.

My Daily Covet: Economic Rebellion

So the economy has gone belly-up. I keep shaking my head - it seems like my generation can't get a break. First, we are told we'll never be as financially sound as our parents, will never be able to afford the homes many of us grew up in. There was a brief moment when it seemed like the tide would be turning in our favor - with the housing market dropping, the potential to actually own a home started to look like a possibility. But of course, now the stocks are a nightmare, and who can say if and when the housing market will ever start going back up again? And when the financial troubles are not only stateside, you know that you have to be careful.

Suffice to say, with our financial futures so up in the air, I and several other bloggers have taken to curbing our spending. KOS is making a hella lot of fantastic DIY projects (I want to eat up her crochet leggings with a spoon), and even dear Susie is warning about heavy spending.

Well, if I can't buy anything, at least i can look. These pieces have me wishing I had a Swiss bank account - but who knows, maybe that would even go belly-up these days.



1. Azzedine Alaia, Bronze eyelet gloves: It's a simple fact of life that grommets make everything look awesome.

2. Piumelli, Long leather gloves: My hands turn into crocodiles come the cold weather, and the only solution I have found is wearing authentic leather gloves. I am fantasizing about these paired with half-sleeve coats and short sleeve sweaters, and practically weeping with desire.

3. Dries Van Noten, Multi-strap sandal: I see these as the all-weather sandal - perfect on bare legs for the summer, or paired with warm knit stockings for the colder months. The alternating strap widths are subtle but brilliant, just like most of Dries' stuff.

4. Azzedine Alaia, Pony skin platform shoes: I am actually glad I cannot afford these, as they save me from one heck of an ethical dilemma: My love of ponys conflicting with my reservations about wearing one!

5. Christian Louboutin, Flannel tote bag: One of my favorite fashion tricks is taking a rather homespun material and transforming it into something of the utmost elegance - which I feel Louboutin accomplishes splendidly with basic gray flannel in this bag. It is so structured and proper, it makes me think of teatime and brunches on chill winter days.

6. Marni, Alpaca fur bag: This Marni bag is the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Louboutin - so free and wild and bohemian, but still retains a load of class and charm. Also, that blue makes me feel like dancing, particularly with a bag that is reminiscent of a muppet.



1. Alexander McQueen, Fox collar cardigan: O, Alexander, will you ever make something I don't utterly love? I love how McQueen can take the simplest items, like a cardigan, and add such a powerful sense of drama without crossing into melodrama. I could crawl into this thing in October, and not emerge until April.

2. Rick Owens, Long wedged boot: These are not boots. They are an object of worship. The shape, the fins, the HEEL, the HEIGHT: these are simply the most AMAZING boots I have ever seen. The kind of boots you rob a bank for. But then get caught, because you blogged about said robbery. Darn it...

3. Maison Martin Margiela, Python ankle boot: Everyone needs a beautiful boot to see them through the winter (or in my case, 10 beautiful boots;). These python boots would be gorgeous with a pair of jeans, the snazziest dress, a paper bag. My only fear would be they are so lovely, I would hate to make them touch the ground.

4. Zagliani, Large puffy painted python bag: Since we are already on the subject of pythons, this handbag is so brilliantly stunning it brings animal print to an entire new level. In theory, I would immediately think this bag would be gaudy, but it's not at all, it's just beautiful and powerful. Also, I like to imagine a shiny golden python, slithering its way through some amazon jungle far away...

5. Giambattista Valli, Ruffle front dress: Things I love: muted tones, gathered fabric, relaxed ruffles, this dress.

If you'll excuse me, I need to go weep over my checkbook.

Watching The Indies: Part 2

The Nolcha Show was a veritable cornucopia of talented designers. I spotted Amaloa's jewelry from across the room, and spent my time gazing upon it resisting the urge to reach out and touch the tactile, eclectic materials. Above is a photo of Amaloa herself, displaying her fine wears.



These are pieces that literally become an outfit. I could see pairing this necklace with a simple white tank and a pair of jeans, and being dressed up enough to go practically anywhere. Amaloa's pieces have definitely been added to my wishlist.





As many of you can probably tell from my wardrobe choices, I am a bit of a cuff-nut. I practically swooned when I caught sight of her colorful cuffs, composed of various brilliantly-hued leathers and furs, detailed with leather thong, beads and horn.



Noy too far from Amaloa, LaCroix had a kiosk. I was not familiar with LaCroix handbags, but quickly became smitten with the sturdy, well-built and stylish bags. The color choices of these three and so buttery and beautiful, I could easily see myself adopting each as my personal handbag.







Jacquelyn LaCroix bags are available to purchase online. She has a nice introduction to herself and her brand, here.

Watching the Indies: Part 1

One part of fashion week this year I deeply enjoyed was meeting so many remarkable independent designers. It seemed everywhere I turned, I encountered magnificently talented people whose specialties ranged from jewelry, to handbags, to hats, and everything in between. For instance, I met Nofar Haimovitz at the Gottex show. She was sitting beside me, and had the most remarkably beautiful hat atop her head. When I inquired about it, I learned it was her own design! (I would love to see more of Nofar's work, but sadly the internet has not yielded anything up. Nofar, if you read this, send me a line!)

Another designer I met was Charmaine Ho, whose specialty lies in handbags. Charmaine was displaying her work at Nolcha Fashion Week. I simply loved her collection of handbags, clutches and small purses made from fine, buttery leathers in warm, potent hues and simple embellishments.



Not only are Charmaine's bags beautiful, but they are also extremely affordable, coming in no higher than $200. Her bags are available for online purchase, here.







I think my favorite part about independent designers is how accessible they are, and how much you can clearly see it means to them when others appreciate their work. Now more than ever before, I think the atmosphere is most conducive for creators to really break out into the public market, with the aid of the internet. The result is brilliant people being able to do the things they thrive at, while the consumers are able to reap the rewards of the best, most unique products available.

Week in Wardrobe: 10/03 - 10/09

Friday, 10/03:Top: Forever 21, Jeans: Express, Jacket: Joyce Leslie, Necklace: Ragtrader on Etsy, Watch: Bulova, Shoes: Shoegasm

Well, it's begun: we have started looking for a place to host the wedding. This past weekend, my mom, sister and Fiance Kaboom piled into a car, and headed out to visit the first place on the potential list: and I think we found a winner! Me and FK totally love it - and though I am not gonna go into detail yet, I will give you one fact: it's a CASTLE. A freaking CASTLE. How does anything compete with that?


Monday, 10/6:Cami: H&M, Sweater: Joyce Leslie, Skirt: Jonathan Saunders for Target, Knit Tights: Sockdreams.com, Moccassins: Minnetonka, Earrings: Jami Rodriguez

Still, my mom is insisting we go take a look at another place not too far from us, but honestly, I think we've found the place. And really, my goal is to have the most stress-free wedding ever invented. If we pick the first place we look at, I consider ourselves incredibly lucky. So we'll see.

On the way home, we stopped at Peddler's Village, which is this great little artists' community not too far from where we looked. We found this amazing leather shop, that was selling all sorts of leather goods at basement prices. Me and Linda both got ourselves some moccasin boots, and I also got myself a $10 leather belt, and this sweet, cheap little black fedora. It is my new favorite accessory, and have been wearing it everywhere.


Tuesday, 10/7:Top: Thrifted, Scarf as Belt: Thrifted, Cardigan: Love Yaya, Dress worn as skirt: Joyce Leslie, Cuff: James the Leather Man, Watch: Bulova, Necklace: Handmade Wooden Pendant from Kyoto, Japan, Boots: Minnetonka from Leather Shop in PA

I also had some online purchases come in this week, that I am head-over-heels for. These Siwy Jeans are going to be my new BFF. The dying process has rendered them almost completely white, creating this pebbly, divine "cloud" effect in the denim. I am a total klutz, and as a general rule I do not wear white pants, but for these beauts I will make a grudging exception.


Wednesday, 10/8:Hat: Leather Shop in Pennsylvania
Shirt: Boutique in Harajuku, Japan, Cardigan: Thrifted, Jeans: Siwy (New!), Boots: eBay, Watch: Bulova, Necklace: Hiroshima Jewelry Store, Japan

I also got this brilliant wolf tee from the etsy vendor, 1Aeon. I have been admiring 1Aeon's apparel for well over a year now, so I am pretty stoked to finally own one for myself. I am a little worried the shirt is too big though - I like my tops loose, but sometimes I worry I end up looking like a bag-lady.


Thursday, 10/9:Top: 1Aeon on Etsy, Skirt: Gift from Mom, Belt: Leather Shop in Pennsylvania, Boots: Seychelles, Watch: Bulova, Cuff: James the Leather Man, Necklace: Ragtrader on Etsy

This is the first weekend in as long as I can remember that I have no plans. I am completely ecstatic. If you need me, I will be in my pajamas, puttering and eating Oreos. And it will be DIVINE.


Thursday, 10/9:Top: 1Aeon on Etsy, Skirt: Gift from Mom, Belt: Leather Shop in Pennsylvania, Boots: Seychelles, Watch: Bulova, Cuff: James the Leather Man. Necklace: Ragtrader on Etsy, Cardigan: Love Yaya, Scarf: Street vendor, Arm Warmers: shop in Himi, Japan

Inspiration Machine 14

Clockwise from left: Rödel LA, Bleu spark, verhext, Bleu spark

1. Read the poems of Pablo Neruda.

2. Find the perfect fall perfume.

3. Go for a walk in the falling leaves.

4. Coordinate a pen-pal on the other side of the world, to tell you about the warm or cold season they are experiencing.

5. Give yourself a porcelain face. (Courtesy of Doe Deere)

6. Begin researching your family tree.

7. Register to vote!!!

8. Actually roll down your stockings.

9. Drink Pumpkin Ale - or better yet, MAKE it.

10. Each year, write a letter to yourself, in ten years. Rent a safety deposit box to keep the letters in. Wait ten years, and begin reading correspondence from your yourself ten years younger.

Claimed: FREEEE SHOES

There are a few phrases that time and again will strike unadulterated joy into our hearts:

"I love you."
"Who wants cake?"
"FREE SHOES"

The latter in particular is heard rather infrequently, and is enough to send shivers of delight down my spine. I mean, FREE SHOES? What's the catch? Did you just make a shoe heist, and are running from the cops? Did you discover a tiny shoe elf, that will happily exchange a pair of shoes for the promise of your firstborn?

Well, I am delighted to report that there is indeed a shoe elf, and her name is Danielle. She did not want my future offspring, but she did have shoes. Danielle contacted me on behalf of Solestruck.com, to inform me they wanted to give me a free pair of shoes. I asked, "What's the catch?," and they said, "No catch." Then I asked, "Which pair?," and they said, "You pick." And then I sort of giggled and fell over.

Picking out a free pair of shoes is actually kind of tricky. I mean, it's one thing to go to a site with an immediate purchase in mind, but when you go to a page with the knowledge that anything you see can essentially be yours, it makes you a little punch drunk. I felt a bit like Carrie, in that episode when the magazine lets her go into the sample room and pick out anything she wanted.

Finally, after much clicking and scrutinizing, these guys stole my heart...



They are made by Seychelles, whose shoes I have admired from afar for quite sometime. I had been daydreaming of adding a tall lace-up to my collection of bootery, and these fit the bill nicely. I love the fat, oversized grommets, and the raw edge that runs up the sides adds this wonderful homespun feel to them. The insides are my little secret delight: a millinery floral lines the inside of each boot.



As lovely as they are, I was a wee bit worried that these would be a little too high for me to manage, but I am happy to report they are not only manageable, but incredibly comfy. I tromped around all day in these beauts, and didn't feel any discomfort at all, not even that occasional relief you feel when you take off a pair of high heels at the end of the day. Anything tall enough to make me less dwarfish, without hurting my feet immediately gains sainthood in my book.

Suffice to say, these are a highly treasured and welcome addition to the absurd amount of shoes now occupying my home. Thanks a bunch, Solestruck!!!

My Daily Covet: Beyond the Pale...

My best friend, Pat, used to tell me how he secretly sometimes dreamed of just dressing in white. I sometimes share a similar sentiment with the idea of surrounding myself with creams and whites.

1. 2houra
I am completely smitten with this graffiti artist's remarkable collection of animal-headed anthro-morphs. It's almost like Osiris, Isis and the gang went hipster.

2. Jorge Morales Fringe Bracelet
Consider me the first one to jump on the "everything fringed is awesome" bandwagon. This bracelet is so elegant, yet so utterly now now now.

3. Mara Hoffman Long Sleeve Wrap Sweater
Gloves? Check. Hat? Check. Oatmeal sweater with a cloudy Rorschach on the back? CHECK.

4. Mayle Tati Grand Tote
I do not think there could ever be enough houndstooth in this world to satisfy me. Me and my CD were just discussing how cheated ladies generally are of this wonderful pattern. This tote could find a happy little place in my life.

5. Girl in White by Altamira
I just discovered this new blog-photographer, and I am just eating it up with a spoon. This shot in particular makes me never want to wear anything that fits ever again.

6. Globe Pant by Kirrily Johnston
I want these like hot blueberry pancakes. My crotch is supposed to be near my knees, its the natural way of things.

7. Bandage Skirt
Dang - Barney's Co-op apparently yanked the link to this before I could post it, but nonetheless, the soft, gauzy layers of fabric over the no-nonsense black makes me a little week in the knees.

8. Wobble Chess Set
When I lived in Philly, I one of my favorite pastimes was going to the dive punk coffee shop down the street, playing chess and smoking cigarettes for hours. I no longer smoke, which is good, and I no longer play chess, which is rather not good. I think if I had this ultra-sexy chess set on my coffee table, I could be encouraged to play a lot more.

Finally, for a little video love: if you don't know Marnie Stern, you have been living your life with a gaping void in your soul. Her hot licks and surreal lyrics place me smack dab in my happy place. Enjoy...

Nina Ricci SS09

Images courtesy of Style.com

For years, the ultimate fashion question has been debated between in the minds of dressers everywhere: long or short dress? And then, once the decision has been made, the unending doubts: is the maxi too formal? Is the short dress too riske? But who says I need to decide, what if I don't want to decide? I'm better than that, I deserve the best of both worlds, and Olivier Theyskens understands and has answered my prayers in the form of Nina Ricci's SS09 collection.


Images courtesy of Style.com

I adore these dresses, for many, many reasons. Firstly, the silhouette. The way the silhouette plays with the eye: are they long dresses with a chop? Are they short dresses with a train? My mind cannot make up its mind, so plays back and forth upon the two ideas, making even the simplest frock simply irresistible to the eye. The dresses themselves are acutely detailed beings, vacillating in their era. Some of them are reminiscent of Victorian gowns, constricting and embellished to psychosis in with flared sleeves and high necks. Others are tweaked to the point of looking like futuristic space wear. Yet as separate as these are, all the dresses feel cohesive as a whole.


Images courtesy of Style.com

If the dresses weren't enough to captivate me, the slacks certainly finish the job. Theyskens creates tapered slacks that are detailed with graceful fin/flaps/awesome wings that just throw the entire pair into overdrive. They manage to be both dramatic, but subtle enough that you could pair them with a simple tee. My new dream item is a pair of these in both brown and black.


Images courtesy of Style.com

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some dresses I need to chop...


Images courtesy of Style.com

Week in Wardrobe: 9/27 - 10/1

Saturday, 9/27:Dress: thrifted, cardigan: thrifted, Boots: eBay, Ribbon: Joyce Leslie

This entire week has left me devoid of words. So, please enjoy the outfits, and my sincere promise to be more prolific next week.


Monday, 9/29:Top: Thrifted, Pants: Orphan, Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell, Necklace: Street Vendor, Cuff: James the Leatherman, Watch: Bulova


I think my hair alone might create a worm hole to 1984 - Beware...


Monday, 9/29:Top: Thrifted, Pants: Orphan, Cardigan: Gap, Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell, Necklace: Street Vendor, Cuff: James the Leatherman, Watch: Bulova


Tuesday, 9/30:Tank: H&M, Top: H&M, Cardigan: NY Boutique, Slacks: H&M, Shoes: Target, Necklace: Bakers


Wednesday, 10/01:Top: H&M, Skirt: Thrifted Isaac Mizrahi for Target, Belt: Thrifted, Shoes: Poetic License, Watch: Poetic License, Necklace: Shop in Hiroshima


Wednesday, 10/01:Top: H&M, Skirt: Thrifted Isaac Mizrahi for Target, Belt: Thrifted, Shoes: Poetic License, Watch: Poetic License, Necklace: Shop in Hiroshima

Inspiration Machine 13: Halloween Cometh...

Clockwise from left: Walkabout Wolf, persephassa, Lynn Morag, persephassa