With poise and Grace.

 

Grace Coddington. More to come soon. 

If you don't know who she is...that is a problem.

Frost Yourself: A Little Holiday Opulence

So over Thanksgiving break, I was sitting at home on the couch with my family watching "How To Lose A Guy in Ten Days", a romantic comedy about a journalist that is doing research for her article by dating (and severely traumatizing) a guy by doing all the wrong things. Of course, there's a cozy and predictable ending, but what I thought was particularly interesting was the jewelry featured in the film. During the film, Ben (Matthew McConaughey) is vying for an advertising account with De Lauer, the distributor of 70% of the world's diamonds, and the film culminates in an event allowing women to wear a variety of expensive and luxurious baubles at a gala. Ben wins the account on the tagline, "Ladies, Frost yourself."

Of course the wheels in my mind started turning.

In jewelry specifically, there is a rekindled interest in dramatic opulence. Bling-bling, ice, frosting or whatever ridiculous misnomer is popular today, has re-emerged transformed and updated for 2010. So what does this look like? There's something particularly trendy about the newest bling, yet there is something particularly refined about the pieces. One particular line that is the essence of this new definition is nOir, a line by former stylist Leeora Catalan. Catalan, after working for Ralph Lauren and Oscar De La Renta after school, created nOir fourteen years ago.

These are two of my favorite pieces from nOir's collection. "The CW Claw" earrings have an interesting and fresh shape, while having the perfect amount amount of sparkle. While "The Artisan" earrings offer something more timeless and the insertion of the yellow stone adds a surprising element. This holiday season, as Ben might say, "Frost Yourselves." Check out these items and more at karmaloop.com and noirjewelry.com 

Minimalist Maximus

Minimal, I would like to introduce you to Maximal. You may now fall in love and live happily ever after.

Volume. Color. Sharp Lines, yet Ballooning Silhouettes. What more could you ask for?
Good looking out, Jil Sander.

WWWW? What Would Whitley Wear?: Ode to an Iconic Southern Belle

WWWW? No that isn't a typo at all. It's an honest question: What Would Whitley Wear (if her character were living in the 21st century)? I've come across a number of different designers that I could see Whitley Gilbert, southern belle extraordinaire, from the Spring 2010 RTW Collections.

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Whitley Gilbert, southern drawl, structured suits and Chanel purse in arm, redefined fashion for the average college student at Hillman College, the historically black college featured on The Cosby Show spin-off,  A Different World. If cost didn't matter and Whitley's 20-something character was moved to the 21st century, what would she wear?

Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent surprisingly reminded me so much of Whitley. If she stepped into 2010 she would love YSL's puff-sleeve blouses, the bright red colors and of course the ruffles! Whitley's southern mentality would definitely approve of the this collection. 

Marc Jacobs

Whitley was best known for her Southern Drawl and over-the-top accessories. I think MJ's new collection with an updated 70's style pant-suit and large sun hat would be a quintessential Whitley-in-the-21st-century look.

 

 This post is inspired by my wonderful and southern LS, Lauren Vickers. 

Please baby, pleasebaby, please baby, baby baby please!

Right this very second I am currently in the library struggling to write a 4-5 page paper on She's Gotta Have It by Spike Lee. So of course I decided to take a study break and check out one of my favorite shoe and accessory designers Melody Ehsani and I come across this gem. A timeless tribute to the over animated, hyper-sexual, Brooklynite biker Mars Blackmon. Thank you Melody, for paying tribute to the one and only man that has probably ever had sex in his Air Jordans (maybe...)

A New Take on an Old Black Aesthetic.

"We are the intellectual prep, preparing the steps for success dressed in the attire that evidently reflects an inner drive that can rival a sustenance farmer cultivating his harvest. So we sew the ivy, invoke the flavor and reap cool.."

  


I do love a well-dressed black man and the Black Ivy feature on the website Street Etiquette displays a variety of meticulously styled black men dressed to the nines. The feature is an ode to the roots of black academia, the variety of historically black colleges and universities.

The project is an exquisite entanglement of character, style, education, perspective and art to produce a new vantage point on an old aesthetic. One of the many facets of the black man is presented handsomely through an array of color and black-and-white photographs. Without further ado, please check out Black Ivy and then have a gander around Street Etiquette. You won't be disappointed.

My Summer in a New York Minute!

Hi my lovely (and probably few) followers. Unfortunately balancing a full time job, taking two classes AND blogging posed to be fairly difficult! Alas, I am back in business and I know you guys have missed me so I'll fill you in on what I've been busy with in the big apple...

Interning in the Fashion District.

I was very lucky to be able to obtain an internship with the Manhattan based showroom, Point A Showroom. Point A Showroom showcases a variety of different women's contemporary lines including Corey Lynn Calter, Whitney Eve and Riller and Fount. I had an amazing summer working in the showroom amongst women who were knowledgeable about the fashion industry and more than willing to answer my questions. From my experience at Point A, I gained a breadth of knowledge about showrooms, buyers and designers in the industry. Some exciting highlights were meeting two of the designers that are featured in the showroom and working three days at the fast-paced ENK Trade Show.

Musicals.

This summer I had the opportunity to see a variety of on and off-broadway musicals and plays. Some of my all-time favorites were Fela! and Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson. Fela! narrates the story of Nigerian musician turned political activist, Fela Kuti.  The theater was recreated into a nightclub with bright lights, paintings and tons of color. Known as environmental theater, the entire space was transformed into a night club with color, texture and paintings so that you felt like you were apart of the musical versus watching it from the sideline. If the theater alone didn't take you back to liveliness of The Shrine (the club Kuti played at), the ensemble of dancers (who were featured as Kuti's flock of wives) would make you feel as if you were sitting in the nightclub itself.

Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson also employed the use of environmental theater to tell our 7th president's life story via a rock musical. Bloody, Bloody was intensely decorated with rich fabrics, chandeliers and walls decorated with portraits of Presidents past. With catchy tunes like "Populism" and "Life Sucks", its difficult to not be impressed by the story-telling through emo rock that this musical displays. Check it out on Youtube and make sure to keep an eye on this one; it's going to Broadway!

Enjoying the Culture of the City.

Between cooling off after sunset in Washington Square Park and admiring the ease and agility of skateboarders in Union Square, I spent a lot of my time observing the culture that the city has to offer. Contortionists and Sand artists alike, I think the most enjoyable aspect of the summer was how much New Yorker's utilize their parks. It's wonderful that in a concrete jungle (lol) much like NYC you can find a little piece of mind in green oases known as New York City Public Parks.

Contortionists in Washington Square Park

Sand artists.

The crazy fashions of characters like Dandy.

Wonderful Company. 

Duke-In-New Yorkers

 In addition to enjoying the perks of the city, the company that I kept was wonderful. The Duke in New York program is 11 weeks long and it's safe to say that out of all the people I met this summer there are some that had more of an impact than others. Between the influx of visitors, the various strobe light dorm parties and spending an idyllic summer in the big apple I know for sure I made some wonderful new friends, solidified existing bonds and had an amazing time all the while. 

Lovely Line Sisters Visiting the Big Apple.

Kristin, I did always love you...

... And now I love you even more. That trip to Europe definitely did her well! Kristin Cavallari was shot for the upcoming issue of Italian Vanity Fair. In a variety of bathing suits and amazing shoes, Kristin wears little to no make up and is stunning. These are three of my favorite shots of her. Wow, just wow Kristin. Kristin takes no prisoners and she most definitely conquered Italy.

Summer 2010 Inspiration Board.

Style is an amalgamation of what you see, the music you listen to, the magazines you read and what truly influences how you dress and the swagger which you carry yourself with. My inspiration comes from a number of different places, so I decided to make an inspiration board to show you guys how I digest media and fashion into my own personal style.

Here are a few things I especially love from the inspiration board:

Pale Pink Lipstick.
I love the color pink but for the LONGEST time I didn't have a clue as to how to incorporate it into my makeup. Pink eyeshadow is always iffy, I don't really wear blush, however pink lipstick had always been something I wanted to try. So I went to Sephora and got some assistance from a man who had the MOST flawless makeup I had ever seen and bought my first tube of lipstick: Sephora Lip Attitude Glamour Collection: Pink Caress 05 (sheer bubblegum). Check out my first pic wearing the lippy over Winter Break.

                                  Shala Monroque. 
Monroque has been named It-Girl in Teen Vogue, Girl of the Month for whowhatwear.com and is notably one of the most stalked individuals during Fashion Weeks all over the world. Shala Monroque holds the post of editor-at-large for Pop Magazine which has placed her cosmopolitan and daring style into the limelight. Her love affair with Rodarte, artistic inspiration and even her Rastafarian hair stylist are some of the most fascinating things she shares with us on her self-titled blog, Shala. Keep your eye on this one. I'm certain she'll be one to please.

Pomegranate Seeds.
I love pomegranates. Between picking out the seeds and attempting not to get pom juice all over your clothing, this is probably the most difficult fruit to eat. However, it's all worth it because the fruit tastes and LOOKS so good. The color of the fruit has driven me to buy several magenta colored tops. I think it's a win-win situation. I get a beautiful colored top that I can comfortably eat my pomegranate seeds in!

Cheap Jewelry. 
I have a tendency to lose a lot of my jewelry, like my Chanel ring I received as a Birthday present from my Aunt (I'm still sick about that one!). So it makes sense to buy trendy, cheap jewelry from places like Forever 21 and H&M. These places are great because you can really make your outfits true to your style for $20 or less. I'm really intrigued by clear lucite baubles, pastel colored jewelry and tons of bangles!

Just So Inspired.

I love Beyonce. She ceases to amaze me. The song had to grow on me, but this music video is amazing!

Bey calls on 40's-50's pin-up models and housewives with her make-up, garb and Bettie-Page hairstyle (the same one as in Lady Gaga's "Telephone" video).

Where do I even begin?

The exaggerated winged eye-liner, huge gold and black baubles, cat-eye sunglasses, wonderful Gianmarco Lorenzi platform heels or retro lingerie (with garters and pantyhose...watch out now)?
This time-piece was directed by the lovely Melina Matsoukas (she directed "Rude Boy" for Rihanna) but the question truly is who styled this video? I've been scouring the internet trying to answer this million dollar question, but to no avail.


As this post is entitled, there's nothing left to say except Beyonce is just so damn inspired.

"Why Don't You Love Me" - Beyoncé from Beyoncé on Vimeo.

From Australia, with Love. Part 2

Samantha Harris, the newest (and only?) face of the Aboriginal People of Australia is out to take over the fashion world. Word on the street is she's in talks with Prada and Balenciaga. Harris, however, is no stranger to fame, modeling for no less than 18 shows during Australian Fashion Week. With a stint in London Fashion week, the adoration of Patrick Demarchelier and an Australian Vogue Cover, I'm pretty sure we'll be seeing this aborigine beauty a lot more on the glossies of American fashion magazines.

From Australia, with Love. Part 1

A lot of people have been falling asleep on our friends Down Under. I've recently discovered an amazing designer who has been deemed One to Watch by Tommy Ton.

Dion Lee.

 (Photographs: Tommy Ton)

Lee is  a 22-year old hailing from Australia. After attending the Sydney Institute of Technology, he began designing inspired by the construction of clothing, with a focus on pattern-making and innovative cuts. I love his use of pastels and especially the leggings that remind me of coral reef from the Great Barrier Reef. Another one of my favorite pieces from his collection are the prints that remind me of a painter's accidental ink blot that Dion Lee fashioned into a beautiful garment. 

The entire collection reminds me of an ethereal, beautiful girl living in a structured world forced to conform to the lines and constraints (clearly I have quite an imagination). Check out more about Dion Lee at his homepage and a glowering review of his collection at Fab Sugar Australia.

Baby Got Back!

Now we all love Sir-Mix-A-Lot, but I'm talking about a different kind of back.

Lately my obsession has been with garments that are revealing in a very coquettish fashion. With displaying the right amount of skin in the right place you can get sexy sans slutty. The key is to find a garment that accentuates and highlights your beautiful back. 

You can go drama in a draped open-back detailed with an edgy chain from Black Halo or a little unconventional with an asymmetrically draped garment by Acne.

Want something a little more casual? You don't have to lose the drama in order to take an open back from day to night. Try lighter colors and more casual material (like light cotton or jersey). The Scoop-back ruffle dress is from Twenty8twelve's latest collection and the burnout t-shirt is designed by David Lerner.

Keeping the Trend Alive.

So this item has been around for quite some time...and I'm just gonna put it out there that it's here to stay.

Sometime early last year, my high school was hit with Toy Watch fever in an array of colors. Navy, Grey but especially White. The White Plasteramic watch has trickled down from the likes of celebrities to the Average Joe and Toy Watch has even sold out of this popular item due to the moving "The Blind Side"

What do you guys think? 

NYFW: Matthew Williamson

One of my favorite shows was the always youthful, always vibrant Matthew Williamson show. Williamson did some great things in this show, not only brought forth clothing that restructured the young ingenue with smart, structured, youthful business wear. But he didn't stop there, he kept going by combining bright colors and tweeds, strong shoulders and an array of ruffles, furs and leather.

Two interesting things:

1) Outerwear.
The most enamoring pieces in the collection by far are the ponchos above. With the silhouette of trapeze jacket and what seems to be an infinity scarf of fur. In a jewel-toned shade of purple and the smart tweed. Williamson also had a number of jackets with ruffled lapels, leather accents and cropped styles.

2) Prints.
Matthew Williamson displayed a number of very different prints that were not only compelling pieces, but cohesive to his entire collection. His dresses, long sleeved and one-shouldered (as shown below) are interesting pieces because of his draping abilities and merely for the simple fact that they are very fun dresses!

Digestion

Hello everyone! Sorry for the lack of posts these past few weeks, but just to let you know I'm digesting a few topics and here's a taste of what's to come...

-Alexander McQueen's Death

-MGMT's new album

-NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

-Spring TrendCast!

From Punky to Pretty.

 

Well Marc Jacobs, you brought back the crass girl with punky 80's trends, but I'm predicting with the popularity and trickle-down effect of the trend a new girl is on the rise. The New York Times talks about the sexiness and cool of the model who is just too hot to handle and is clearly not the soft, feminine creature that women are known to be.

Well here's a challenge for you. Try something pretty (gasp). Why you ask? Well feminine doesn't necessarily mean powder pink, grandma florals and  and long hem-lines. Oh no sugar! Feminine whites, laces and bows (as seen in Chanel's show above) may be a little excessive for the not-so girly girl. But how about cool pastels with  interesting, gauzy and feminine silhouettes like Alternative Apparel's cowl neck shirt?

Be on the lookout for prints this season in fun shapes, like the flirty printed-mini dress from Karen Walker's runway show. With spring around the corner, get ready to get pretty again! I can sleep peacefully again knowing that I don't always have to dress like a biker chick...ahh :D

MGMT x Vogue = Pure Happiness

Wait, one second. HOLD THE PHONES. MY favorite band of all time, MGMT (pronounced Management for all you ill-informed) is in Vogue. This would be a perfect time to use the chocolate and pretzel analogy again (see For the Record. post).

 MGMT, a band whose songs were featured in our student-run rendition of The Importance of Being Earnest ( I played Ms. Prism, what what!), is a fabulous duo of two Wesleyan students. They fell in musical love at the university and the rest is electronica/indie/alternative history. One of the best moments of my life had to be when I met them in the food court of the festival Lollapalooza when I got lost sans money/cellphone/purse during Rage Against the Machine (you will only understand how grave the situation was if I let you know that someone DIED during that concert). I ended up finding my friends and being offered a fry by Andrew (pictured on the left below). What. A. Night.

I digress. However the clothes that were featured in the photographs with MGMT are traditionally credible lines that have invigorating, young designers that have breathed new life into these old-school fashion houses. Absolutely wonderful if you ask me, a fresh-faced ingenue draped in clothes that are just as invigorating as the music produced by the artists standing next to her. 



Oh and here's a picture from the time I was actually happy I got lost. Ben is on the far left, Andrew on the far left and myself and all my friends in between!