Ode to the Olsens

Hate them or love them, the Olsen twins are the most influential celebrities in fashion right now, other than Ms. Moss. The twins have been heckled for wearing soo much fur, but they were vindicated as the runways were awash in fur (faux and real) this season. Here are some of my favorite looks.

MK wore this in Soho during Fashion Week. As a New Yorker, I know it was cold as hell but she looked cute despite the bland tabloid bloggers comments.

The twins are great b/c they can incorporate high fashion trends into their signature looks. Ashley pulled of this Prada inspired turban w/o looking like a walking trend by keeping everything else classic, her signature look.

What a sophisticated spring outfit crisp, clean, and toughened up by black riding boots.

MK with another hit, and the jazz shoes I want so badly. I love the super short tee and tights combo. I wear it all the time, although I know I shouldn't.

After seeing a picture on the left, I was inspired to purchase a vest. I want one similar to the vest on the top to wear in the summer as a shirt like Ashley.

Although I admire MK style more than Ashley's b/c of her fashion risks and quirky style, I'm more of an Ashley.

I tend to mix tradition pieces with trends. I wore a dress/leather jacket outfit before I saw this picture of Ashley and love to wear big tees with heels so I don't look too over dressed for school.

Sometimes, I have to draw the line. Here is a MK with a look I love but could never pull off. Are you more of a MK or an Ashley?

Shopping Online

I've only purchased a few items online and they've all been poor to mediocre. I purchased some clothes from Urban that I never wear, a pair of riding boots that soles cracked, and a cheap scarf. Today I took the plunge back into online shopping.

I saw this shirt at Urban but passed it up. Now I think it's kind of cute. As an African-American, I have policy against buying items with white faces on them. This shirt borders on breaking that rule but I decided to go for it. I wish they'd used Naomi's name as well.

It'll be so fun to wear with a scarf, gym shoes, and simple jeans.

I'm thinking about buying this DVF dress on sale. I couldn't wear this print in a cooperate/political environment and it's too dressy for everyday but this deal is too good to pass up. I just hate buying things without trying them on. Also this dress will be identified with a specific season, although I don't care.

I love stilettos but, those shoes are for girls who have a towncar, can afford a taxi, or live in a town where people drive. Since I am neither I tend to stay away from stilettos. These shoes look rich and are sexy without killing one's feet.

I'm not sure about these shoes. The detailing looked better initially.

Waiting for Sales

I like to play "chicken" with retailers. In other words, I pass up full priced items in hopes, they will go on sale. Usually I win and get a great deal because my style is odd and I go for the things most people won't buy. This Urban sweater cost almost $200 full priced. It was marked down to around $100. I still thought it was too expensive, and decided to wait for a further reduction. When I returned to the store in a few weeks, it was gone. I decided I had to have the sweater, after seeing an employee wearing it but,the color selection on ebay was disappointing.

The black and white brings out the print, while the black and blue diminishes the print and the gray and yellow distracts from it with an ugly color combination. Yesterday, I found a similar sweater for $15.oo. I wish that I had purchased the sweater from Urban when it cost $100. Although both sweaters look exactly the same, the quality of the piece from urban is markedly better.

I'm thinking about buying these shoes full price. I waited for similar shoes to go on sale and now I can't find them anywhere.

Target

Although I promised myself that I wouldn't buy anything from the PS for Target line, I found myself on a train to Target in the Bronx yesterday. As expected, I didn't buy anything from the PS line, but I found some cute shoes.

Usually I don't like wedge sandals. They always seem to cutesy for my style, like the ones above.These will work in the spring with thick socks or in the summer. In the store, I felt like I'd seen similar shoes in a magazine but couldn't remember where. Now I'm pretty sure Gemma Ward wore something similar in a Prada ad.

I also purchased black ballet flats. I was unsure about buying such basic shoes. A lack of basics usually pushes me to put together unusual combinations that work somehow. I decided to get the flats and use them sparingly to accentuate my print dresses. Non-basics weren't quite working with them. Imagine a plaid trapeze dress with cowboy boots.

Where Have all the Style Stars Gone?

Celebrity Outfits are my favorite feature of Fashion Week. I was waiting patiently to see what the famed Mischa Barton would cook up this year, as last year her multiple outfit changes earned her a article in the NY Times. I don't know if all the rehab has gotten to the stars or if the pictures are being tightly controlled to force people to buy tabloids instead of accessing blogs for free. Regardless, I wasn't inspired by any of the clebs outfits during FW and ditto for the Oscars. 3 celebs stuck out from the sea of blah in my mind.

Hilary looks great in this dress. The length and cut prevented the sparkles from seeming too 80's prom. Ignore the scribble from PerezHilton.com the dress is cute. The detailing is impeccable on the Cavalli gown.

Pussy Cat Dolls: I love the interpretation of the Grecian gown that the lead singer (three from right) is wearing. The Grecian look has been worn by too many people as of late, but the colors add a nice twist. The strings ruin the gown on the far left by making it look trashy. I would have preferred to see the strings removed and cloth extending across the entire chest.

Mandy you're not at a picnic, so please don't dress like it. Floral print is tricky to pull of at a formal event and Ms. Moore failed.

Jennifer Hudson: You are beautiful and I applaud what you're doing for black women and heavy-set women everywhere but; this is the same dress you wore to the SAG and Golden Globes in a different color. Please switch it up. I'm bored and soon people are going to get over the novelty of a curvy woman being able to pick out a well tailored dress.

Sunglasses

I want a vast collection of sunglasses to make my wardrobe more varied. I love these aviators, a classic statement piece. The picture on the top is the coloring I want.

I was thinking about buying a pair of wayfares but realized they are going to go out of style soon. They only have press because they were gifted to celebrities, not b/c of their style. Big glasses make people seem glam so, their going to stay around for awhile.

I passed these vintage glasses up today b/c they are so similar to a pair I have from Target.

I Heart Vintage!!!

So, I haven't been posting much as of late because of the lack of inspiring clothes in the high street stores. Cute, but how many times have we seen that dress? And the poor quality and banality of the Target GO lines are so discouraging that I'm going to avoid the dissapointment I expereinced after seeing Luella et al and avoid Proenza.
Everything has started to seen redundant, the pieces in moderately boutiques like Big Drop and Intermix don't seem worth it, and there is no way I could afford any designer pieces. I had to do "research" for an article about shopping for vintage which was basically an excuse for me to go shopping. I planned on going to thirteen shops in one day and ended up spending my entire Saturday in one shop. I was drawn to the 70's rack. I wish it was because of my unique style but, it's more likely that I loved the rack b/c of what designers have been showing as of late. I found this great 1983 vintage Gucci. This bag is great because it's a unique status piece. I've been thinking about getting a designer bag but didn't really want to buy something that everyone has. I'm not going to find a million people walking around w/Chinatown knockoffs like the LV and modern Gucci.

I wish I had a digital camera to take pictures of the rest. I'm going to try to borrow a friends tomorrow. I purchased a circa 70's yellow sundress with macrome detailing that I'm wearing today w/a tee. I also got a yellow and orange print, mid-calf, babydoll, shift dress. I'm trying to inject some color into my wardrobe.

Today I found a beautiful vintage mink stole. The shop owner gave my a discount on the stole and a free shirt b/c of the article.

I would make the dress younger with several strands of pearls and a black minidress. For day to day wear once it gets warmer I'll pair it w/flats, destroyed, dark wash, or skinny jeans, and a tee. I also got a geometric print vintage wrap dress, and dress w/macrame detailing.

And yes it's real. If PETA throws red paint on me to symbolize blood, someone is going to bleed for real.

Lack of Posting

Sorry for the lack of posting. Fashion Week coverage to come this weekend. Tomorrow I'm heading off to Milan Breton's (from Project Runway) show.

Article

Here is a copy of the article of the article that ran in my campus publication. They want me to do a bi-monthly article about fashion in nyc, so exciting. My next article will be "How to Shop for Vintage Clothes in NYC"
Between February 2nd and 9th droves of people will migrate to NYC for the bi-annual Super Bowl of US fashion shows, Fashion Week. Publicity-seeking celebrities and industry insiders will convene under the hallowed tents of Bryant Park while those without an illusive ticket to the invitation-only event will flock tot he web for next season’s fashion forecast. This Fashion Week will generate extra media attention due to the proliferation of controversy surrounding models' weight and its role in generating unhealthy body images. Fashion insiders, medical professionals, and journalists alike are waiting to see if fashion week's governing council and it's president Diane Von Furstennburg's ban of alcohol, encouragement of food at shows, and curfew for underage models will alter shows’ or models’ appearances.
Meanwhile, looks from the Fall/Winter runway and their numerous high street clones are due to reach stores this month. Many designers, including Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld, claimed they did not watch fashion reality show sensation Project Runway. However, some younger designer's, such as Zac Posen and Behnaz Sarafpour, presented looks reminiscent of PR contestants' signature designs. Those who watched the show might recognize Angela's rosettes and Laura's sparkly cocktail frocks in their collections. Since Sienna Miller was recently photographed in two gowns with rosettes, one can also expect this trend to filter down to cheaper formal wear. Three major trends from fall's runway are projected to find their way to the streets: Menswear, Primary Colors, and Space-Age/Dominatrix. Expect to see menswear pieces such as blazers, vests, and wide leg pants as you stroll down the street this season. Literal interpretations of the runway are usually reserved for the pages of Vogue and Elle. Most fashion devotees won't be storing their skinny jeans, shopping in the men's department, and wearing the trend head to toe. Instead, you can expect to see last season's skinny jeans worn with curve-hugging blazers and vests. However, wide legged pants will break up the sea of skinny jeans thanks to trend setters Kate Moss and Lindsay Lohan, who were spotted wearing this shape.
Primary colors also made a strong showing on the runway. Canary yellow, cobalt blue, and candy-apple green will be interjected into this winter's dominant black, white, and red. After the disappointing display of back toback white dresses on the Golden Globe's red carpet, the re-introduction ofcolor is being welcomed by fashion devotees. This trend is wallet friendly so expect it to have a strong presence on the street in the months tocome. For example, shoes and purses in bright colors are being sold for less than $20. Ina carry over from last season, patent leather versions of primary color accessories will also be on the fashion radar. Dolce and Gabbana, Balenciaga (the powerhouse behind the much photographed bag toted by Mary-Kate Olsen and Nicole Richie), and Versace runways' favored a futuristic/dominatrix tone. Most people won't be walking down the street in PVC outfits. To channel this trend without looking like a streetwalker or a Dungeons and Dragons convention attendee, fashionsitas will wear lucite or fetish heels. Few but the most fashion forward will eschew this trend for day. Instead, anticipate spotting this look on the feet of Manhattan's clubhoppers.
As for the upcoming season, fashion editors have reported their disappointment after viewing the Spring/Summer 07 collection. Apparently, designers have not introduced anything radical, unlike the shape-shifting of Fall/Winter 06. While this may be a disappointment to the fashion elite, this lack of change is a boon for those of us without an unlimited budget. On the whole, this season is about enhancing already owned pieces – not purchasing a new wardrobe.
Despite all the fuss, industry insiders are quick to acknowledge the diminishing importance of the runway. The surge in 80's inspired tapered pants and skinny jeans was inspired by one person: Kate Moss. Designers understand that their creations have to be photographed on celebrities to create true demand. The runway’s influence may not be dead, but if your looking for an outfit to wear to class, your best bet is to scan a copy of US Weekly and leave the rest for the pages of Vogue.

Vindicated

The Lanvin dress Ellen Pompeo wore to the SAG awards has been ridiculed in the tabloids. Despite their asinine comments, I love the dress and blogged about a few days ago. Now my choice has been vindicated by Vogue's 10 best dressed of the week list. Ellen is number 2. Kate has reclaimed her rightful spot at the top of the list. She is wearing a cheetah fur coat. On the web it's listed as fur. I hope Kate has decided to ditch her recent PETA conversion.
Check out the rest at this link. http://www.style.com/vogue/bestdressed/020307

Stealing from the Hipsters.

First we took the Hispsters skinny jeans and eyeglasses, what next? Why fur hats of course. They have't reached uptown yet, but I want one. I have decided this season will be about acessories for me because; I haven't seen anything new. Looking at clips from the F/W shows, I guess next season will be the same. The pieces are beautiful, but in the same muted colors. There has been a shape change though. Instead of an inflated top and skinny bottom, designers are inflating everything. "Great" for a woman's figure.
Charlotte Ronson's Saturday show.

Thanks Nicole

During the bleak winter months it's often difficult to think about shorts (especially in NYC). But, a recently picture of Nicole Richie reminded me of an ultimatum I made. By the summer I want my inner thighs to be small enough to wear shorts w/o them getting caught in my thighs. I am a healthy size 6/8 depending on the brand. Even when I wore a 2 and ran cross-country, my thighs stuck together causing my shorts to bunch up in an unsightly manner. I refuse to accept that I'm genetically doomed to have thunder thighs and have started researching ways to lose fat in that specific area. Of course I had to include the classic Kate picture that inspired the trend. As demonstrated by the recent picture of Nicole, I'm sure this trend is going to stay strong.
I might be able to pull these off.

Nothing to write about :(

I went shopping today in New York and could find nothing to buy. The high streets are filled with the skinny bottom large top combo and I'm sick of it. I went to Chinatown to buy a fake Balenciaga bag but couldn't bring myself to do it. Seeing the bag in the stall next to the other fakes took its allure away. Hopefully, the designers will produce something fresh this season or we'll be seeing more of the same. I understand why fashion insiders always tout change. As an avid magazine reader I',m sick of seeing the same things. Imagine how redundant it must get to look at the same clothes everyday for a WHOLE season. No wonder why fashion is about out with the old and in with the new.
P.S. The Amanda Bynes picture is supposed to add a little humor. Her label overload is horrendous. Two branded items in one outfit is a HUGE no no. Sweetie we know your balling despite your inability to do anything but bubblegum roles. You don't need to prove it with this fashion pau.

New Bag?

I am SICK of my bag. I have been wearing the same bag since I purchased it during H&M's 25% off weekend after Thanksgiving sale. It's a a chic briefcase sized black tote with crock print that can be carried on the wrist or shoulder. Great,but I want something new. In the line at Urban, I saw a woman with this beautiful Marc Jacobs Hudson bag. It hasn't been getting much press coverage unlike the coveted Stam so; I figured it would be cheap. Boy was I wrong $1,275. I'm going to keep an eye on the bag in hopes that the price will go down once the S/S 07 bags are released. I like the Hudson more than the Stam and it won't be assoiciated with a particulat season b/c of it's low profile. I started to look for alternatives. This LAMB bag is cute and "only"$550. I plan to buy my 1st luxury item this semester but, I feel as if this tote will only remind that I couldn't afford the Hudson. Also, I'm scared to buy a luxury good for fear that I'll get tired of it. Maybe I'll get this classic Louis Vuitton although these bags seem rather trite as of now. I don't care if most people will think it's fake because, I'll know and that's all that matters. Maybe all I need is a new wallet to spice things up.This groom is cute but has no card holders, a must for me. This one is more functional although, I'm more partial to the smaller one. Maybe I'll find something nice at Century 21 the mecca of designer goods on sale.

Team Spirit Tactful or Tacky GO BEARS!!!

In the minds of us non fashion oriented people, today is a pretty big day. While we have been getting geared up for Fashion Week normal Americans have been awaiting the Super Bowl. For fans it's a chance to act like a high schooler. At my mom's job people wore blue and orange to work, brought pom-poms, and held a pep rally. I kid you not and; she works at a clinic. Usually I don't care about these things, but as a native Chicagoan, I'll display some team spirit. Here is my hypothetical (I'm not actual going to waste my money on the shirt). Super Bowl party outfit.

With my cardigan

moccasin boots

and tights

This Super Bowl outfit displays team spirit with tact not tackiness.

GO BEARS!!!!