Friday, December 24, 2010

Slight attention deficit

I was researching up on my new source of inspiration, Trolley Square's Miss Dallas Shaw (post coming later), when I came across this blog created by image and wardrobe consultant, Greenville's own JoJami Tyler. Sounds like the most fun and baller job EVER. Real life aside, I found a post that featured the most beautiful over-the-knee boots I have ever seen in my entire life. Simple but not bland, worn but not rugged, Tory Burch but not the Reva flat. I'm undeniably in love. Pure fashion perfection.

Elena Over-the-Knee Boot
Tory Burch, $550

And while we're on the topic of visual perfection, why not allot a few minutes just to contemplate how stunning, gorgeous, hot, beautiful, incredible, fabulous and ultimately extraordinary Sienna Miller is? Gawd. These captures are from Alfie, one of the most depressing yet lesson-to-be-learned movies of all time, even if I was enjoying it with the best possible company (second family) in the best possible place (One River Place, apartment #428). But yeah, sucks to be Mr. Perpetual Bachelor, no? Someone cleely needs to watch this movie, maybe learn a thing or two... probz not though. xoxo gossip girl circa summer 2010. The second half of this post is dedicated in its entirety to Theresa Breitton and Yuri Bong. Love you both more than words could ever say lolz.


Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Amateur Hour

I'm never ashamed of and will even quickly admit to my rookie status regarding accessories. Researching, taking notes on and applying successful celeb accessory usage tops my list of New Year's Resolutions, though. If I've learned absolutely anything this year, follow through is vital. So you have my word on this one; unlike the beginning of every other year where I vow to experiment with layered turquoise necklaces, brushed gold bangles and chunky rings... and then freak out and revert to my original Ann Taylor single leaf-strand necklace (faded as it is)... I'm promising results in the shape and form of accessories responsible for tying every outfit together. No more intimidation factor. Man Up.

So here's to the $32.40 (no tax, bitches) I spent on three remarkably versatile pieces, all from Forever 21 which has risen to let's say... 60% of the time ggc status. Merry Christmas to me.

Chain and Diamond Necklace, $8

Chain Fringe Necklace, $15

Rhinestone Heart Dangling Chain Necklace, $10

Let's pray that these don't break in 2 seconds and/or when I embark on my New Year's Eve/Amanda's birthday adventures beginning December 30th, 2010. Let's be real. My ultimate goal is to beat the system and get the highest ROI on the amount I spent... dividing total retail cost by # of times used = "actual" cost (Hmm, $32.40 divided by 900 times worn... would make that cost pretty low. I'd say that's a good goal.) and perceived value to me as the consumer. I just love philosophizing aka justifying all my purchases. Maybe there is an up side to over-analyzing absolutely everything? Clearly. I know what's best for me.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

We no speak Americano

And here's the follow-up to my first post documenting the sartorially-gifted muses I discovered while abroad. Writing this post kind of makes me miss traveling all too much.

Plaza Mayor
Salamanca, Spain
18 October 2009:
Seriously, I love bright pops of color. Photos like this are the reason I respect Europeans so much. While these girls were just hanging out in between classes, their outfits are just so much more awesome and interesting than those of anyone you would find in the US, particularly at Wake. I don't remember if the glasses belonging to the girl on the left were solely for aesthetic purposes or not, but they just work. I love the interplay between her structured blazer (great metal hardware at the sleeves) and the hot pink pashmina that totally changes the outfit in a great way. The girl on the right has gorgeous haircolor, and she also makes great use of a rich knit scarf. I love her oversized parka for the soon-to-be chilly fall weather, and that pair of brown leather knee-high boots is an undeniable staple item that transcends all seasons.

18 October 2009:
I met this fun pair of British travelers just walking the streets in a student group of their own. After exchanging "do you know this place"'s regarding London and the several tube zones, I complimented them on their concepts of layering and balance (surprise, surprise). While the girl on the left probably was not even planning on being photographed in her ultra-casual outfit, I applaud her use of a zip-up vest over the simple grey hoodie. This look inspires me to try a fitted charcoal/grey hoodie (maybe zip-up, maybe not) under my black shrunken motorcycle jacket with the hood and longer sleeves exposed. I'm a fan of those skinny Keds sneakers they're both wearing, now deemed rather city and hipster by brands like Urban, selling a simple pair of cotton sneakers for upwards of $24. Ouch.

Fast-Food Chain "X" (Help?)
Valencia, Spain
20 October 2009:
Without a doubt, this was probably the most inspirational as well as the friendliest group of individuals I photographed during the entire semester. A brother-sister graphic design team stationed in Valencia, I met this well-dressed group in line for bocadillos and onion rings. Classy, no? While looks like this are just finally starting to surface via fast fashion chains, the girl here dressed innovatively at least a year before her American counterparts... shame on our parts for not hitting the ground running in terms of the international fashion curve. I can't stop zeroing in on the wash of her grey leggings, which contrast sharply with the harsh line of her classic brown combat boots... utter perfection. And those guys are just awesome with the blazer/scarf/jean/sneaker combo. Casual yet put-together, something that 99.9% of straight guys in the US have yet to figure out, let alone master.

Haus Erasmus
Vienna, Austria
9 October 2009:
Boys and girls, meet Loveleen Sull, my fellow petite fashionphile. Currently working at an ad agency in her hometown of Vancouver (yes she's Canadian, but awesome), this girl knows exactly what flatters her enviable slender frame with a studded bodycon dress from Zara. As I've stated earlier, I'm not a fan of cap-sleeves, but this dress not only makes the concept work, but creates a need for it in order to create the very best sense of cohesion. The cut-out laced black patent oxfords are also an incredible touch. Never at Wake would you find such awesome shoes to go with an otherwise classic LBD-- the toes are pointed! Inspirational to the max, I'm planing on style-stalking Loveleen's facebook to find more incredible ideas (thank you, and you better stick to that New Year's resolution so we can be blog bffl's).

12 October 2009:
When I decided to spend a week with Nats in Vienna, I had no idea how many fun people I'd get to party (and engage in otherwise sober activities) with from literally all over the world. And I don't mean east coast to west, but from countries like Sweden (Molly, on the left) and England (Lizzie, on the right). Making use again of my favorite concept of balance, they both exhibit a sense of nonchalant, understated elegance that I respect so much. Instead of grabbing what's easiest and safest (read: ratty old zip-up hoodie) to pair with a pair of Citizens of Humanity jeans and grossly-overplayed UGG's, I'd like to challenge more girls at Wake to utilize a crisp blazer, something that completely transforms an outfit. Entering the most fashionably conservative context possible, let's imagine an outfit constructed of a simple Hanes wifebeater and a pair of dark denim skinny jeans with cognac leather riding boots. Instead of going for the black North Face Denali (don't even get me started on the Burberry scarf, the constant peripheral good of this piece), a blazer brings the outfit full-circle and ensures a much more grown-up, polished look that a fleece zip-up otherwise would not warrant.

14 October 2009:
When else in my life have I ever met people from Denmark? My party-hopping week in Vienna definitely allowed me to soak up as much global fashion as possible, so thank you again, Nats. And all in the kitchen of a university dorm? God, I love Europe. Only a year older than my sister, Tess is probably the coolest 17-year-old I know (16 at the time this photo was taken). I love how she uses the popping colorblock skirt to the outfit's advantage, that fuschia strip bringing to life the entire otherwise-monochromatic palette. Her friend on the right makes great use of those black leather over-the-knee boots, tied with tassels at the back adding dimension and texture.

Place Monge
Paris, France
14 November 2009:
I was introduced to Hillary, a very fashionably-aware NYU student from Atlanta, by the one and only Caitlin Garrigan-Nass aka sophomore-year Rooms. Interning for the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Hillary exudes the sophisticated dress of an UES socialite constructing her outfit from some of my very favorite esoteric labels-- LaROK and Miss Sixty-- and a touch of vintage with the chain-link bag she stole from her mom's closet. Mixing textures of the shiny silk blouse with the luxe white winter coat, Hillary's outfit screams nothing shy of remarkably put-together. In a single word: fabulous. While my tastes are beginning to lean more toward the spectrum of risky and even slightly ridiculous, this look reminds me of how fun it is to dress with some ladylike swag, as well.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Threadsence

Thanks to the wonderful Natasha Lal, I now have yet another black hole of fashion to distract me from work second semester senior year (God, that's scary). I was skeptical, initially writing if off as just another name to add to the hypothetical Rolodex of online boutiques, but after showing me her recent purchase, a pair of taupe leather combat boots for a mere $42, I starred the page and dove right in per usual. Below are some of my favorites pages of the Threadsence Winter 2010 Look Book.



And now my favorite items. Totally pushing my boundaries here, which I love.

Staying in the Lines Cross-Back Top, $29

So Stunned Studded Dress, $39

Soft in Suede Mesh Back Dress, $33

Fur-iendly Leopard Faux Moto Coat, $72

Tribal Traditions Printed Top, $29

Aztec Empire Open Back Dress, $35

Draped in Feathers Dress, $38

Shrugg Au Natural Dress
Lamixx, $34

Abstract Daze Halter Dress, $33

Asymmetrical Oversize Swoosh T-shirt
Babooshka, $48

Crops of Flowers Blazer, $37

Wonderful in Lace Dress, $52

Fourth of July Dress
MINKPINK, $79

Polka Dot Paradise Sleeveless Blouse, $32

Fantastic Mr Faux Fur Hooded Vest, $44

Slasher Shorts
MINKPINK, $70

Yumie Wedges
Matiko, $72

In the Army Lace Up Heels, $44

Black Wilderness Boots, $65

Distressed Fold-over Lace Up Boots, $48

I'm actually dying at the prices. "I feel... funny? Why is this happening? Is this real life?" Legitimate and affordable. I think I've found the retailer equivalent of a new best friend. Meaning this is best friend #901... exciting.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

DVF takes China

Let us revisit January 2010. While many of us were planning to raise our GPA's, drunk text a tad bit less and/or keep our thighs in manageable condition, Diane Von Fursternberg's New Year's resolution was to make a name for herself in the world's fastest-growing market for fashion and luxury goods. Lofty goal, no? Enter China, which according to a recent New York Times article, can be described as "a nation where the Cult of Mao is quickly being supplanted by that of Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Armani." Well, thank God for that. With its fashion capital of Shanghai and the cultural metropolis of Beijing, why wouldn't DVF want to add a few push-pins on the map and increase her number of global boutiques past the current three dozen?


During a recent meeting in Beijing, everyone's favorite wrap-dress designer, along with her team of associates, prepared the Chinese for a future display quite appropriately titled, "Journey of a Dress". As expected, the retrospective presents DVF's career, from the birth of her iconic signature design in the 1970's to the namesake fashion empire she's responsible for today. Getting China excited for a glitzy "Red Ball", Ms. Von Furstenberg is employing the help of one of her bffl's, Hong Huang, otherwise known as China's Oprah. No. Big. Deal. If business school has taught me anything, it's nice to have friends in high places, but it's even better to be a regular part of that network. I'm all for mutually beneficial strategic alliances, especially in this holiday season of giving (aww).


Following Anna Wintour's first exploration into the Middle Kingdom (which took place only a few weeks ago), DVF has even contemplated learning Mandarin... and we know as long as she doesn't take lessons for Moran, she'll be just fine. Continuously taking advantage of business opportunities from the beginning of her career until now, props to you, Ms. Von Furstenberg, for always challenging yourself and your brand, especially with this new mission to cater to the most intimidating market in the world. Needless to say, I'm very excited to see how this one turns out.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.