Saturday, October 23, 2010

2 years later

What a successful week in fashion. Congrats first off to Zegna (and the entire luxury goods sector of the industry, for that matter) for the remarkable turnaround and highly-anticipated growth for the coming year, recently reported about in both Bloomberg and WWD. And the partnership with Sowind to launch a not-just-limited-edition timepiece collection? Zegna is just one of those companies that does make it look fun to be a guy sometimes. Next, Rome is another target city on the map that Tory Burch can cross off her global conquest list: the first European boutique opened on the 20th. Totally a milestone. Good for you, TB. You make the Philly suburbs proud. As does VF Corporation's CEO Eric Wiseman, a Malvern native and Wake grad whom I had the serious honor of meeting a few weeks ago at the Board of Visitors reception dinner. As if VF isn't already one of the biggest names in the multi-lifestyle-brand sector, Mr. Wiseman reported a record third-quarter EPS and raised guidance, expecting 2010 revenues to increase 5% to $7.6 billion. Right, so how about that one time, when Dean Reinemund nonchalantly asked Mr. Wiseman if HBSP had written a case study on VF's strategy yet... as I was sitting right next to them, quite appropriately feeling like the starstruck undergrad who actually does write-ups on those cases, lucky enough to have the chance to be there in the first place. Filed under: Most legit dinner table conversations ever. Business school. TFM.

So, let's go back to Spring 2009, before London, before quant... basically before I was a real person. Yes, I have pictures from back that far that I have yet to post. What is wrong with me. I've mentioned time and time again that I would at some point dedicate an entire post to one of my dearest friends, Miss Yuri Jennifer Bong. (The American middle name gets me every time.) Nestled away in the first-floor three-bedroom wonder that was 1315, Yuri's stylish creativity undeniably felt stifled by the excessive amounts of Patagonia fleeces, sorority tees and cowboy boots that dominated (and still dominate) Wake's campus. With a simple J. Crew knit v-neck sweater, her trademark American Apparel black lamé leggings, a chic watercolor-print scarf and her beat-up laceless Chuck Taylors, Yuri's outfit from this night continues to inspire me. I remember her saying, "I think I'll wear sneakers... I don't really care." After stealing Matt Waite's wayfarers for this brief photo op, she  proceeded to single-handedly beat a team of senior Pikes at Civil War. Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you one of my best friends in the entire world, in all of her stylish glory.


Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Inspiration

So I have 38 tabs open right now (Chrome... bar will have to wait until tomorrow night). To lessen my anxiety, I'm doing myself a favor by posting everything at once so I can "x" out of them and breathe a bit easier. Commentary on the military chic and sassy stacked heels will come later when I'm less scatter-brained (read: medicine). Almost all of these selections were inspired by Megan Fox's tough-girl-with-soft-heart character in the angst-filled "Love the Way You Lie" video, as it was referred to me by Miss Theresa Breitton.


Borrowing Reese's accurate description of Fox as "white-trash-hot", I am a huge fan of her cotton tank and denim combo throughout the video, paired daringly with those clunky, totally amazing black combat boots to portray her character as the victim of an all-too-volatile modern day romance. Known around the Diesel offices as well as Calloway for my typical could-care-less outfit (denim shorts and my Sam Edelman cowboy boots), it was a no-brainer that I revered this petite girl/big boots balance because I love observing examples who can skillfully make things work.

Black Distressed Leather Boot
Jeffrey Campbell, $200

Troopa
Steve Madden, $100

Peroxy
Nine West, $119

Larner
Aldo, $80

Eylenja
Aldo, 120

Lecaros
Aldo, $130

Calah
Steve Madden, $230

Timburr
Steve Madden, $170

Romance Bootie
Seychelles, $140

Donley
Nine West, $129

Also included in this post will be a few pairs of clogs and wedges that bring me back to summer. A mere 50 degrees outside? This northern weather is so not okay, making LA all the more appealing, as if I needed another reason. Happy birthday to me. Besides fulfilling the lofty dream of adding every single pair of shoes on here (along with dresses, separates and other accessories, to do them the highest of justice) to my wardrobe, I really don't think I could be any happier about life right now.

Charli-C Clog
Jeffrey Campbell, $125

Claudia Slingback Clogs
KORS Michael Kors, $188

Warrick Clog Wedge Booties
Steve Madden, $129

Warrick Clog Wedge Booties
Steve Madden, $129

Snick Platform Sandal
Jeffrey Campbell, $125

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

ASOSOS

I'll never forget when Jenn introduced me to ASOS freshman year. Sitting at a table in Benson (back when I studied somewhere else but Calloway-- vintage, I know), I was astonished at the sheer volume of inventory a single online retail establishment could hold. What's more was that they had this innovative "View Runway" tab where you could see the garments in a moving context... fantastic. Little did I know, I was in for a sweet surprise when I walked into the lobby of the Greater London House building that housed Rainey Kelley Campbell Roalfe Y&R. Originally attending a branding presentation at the creative firm for my marketing class, I soon found myself gazing starry-eyed at a frosted glass sign directing me to ASOS.com, second floor. Oh, word? Of course, I repeatedly asked my housemates in a daze, "Is the ASOS headquarters really here? Is this where the ASOS office is?" and naturally, no one knew/cared/had even heard of ASOS before. Textbook definition of esoteric lifestyle right there.


So yes, I enjoyed my little adventure and made a mental note to return as soon as possible. In whose else's life but my own would it be totally appropriate, not to mention expected, to accidentally stumble upon the headquarters of ASOS.com while causing trouble all over London? I recently rediscovered my love for the website when I received my daily Business of Fashion e-mail, notifying me that ASOS had just recently launched a US site, offering such luxuries as free shipping for American customers. Baller. Pounds to dollars conversions always depresses me anyway. Looking ahead, the company is launching its French and German sites later this year, driven by the fact that they now cater to 167 markets. So freaking inspiring. See, these are the things that get me so excited for real life.

Below are my very favorites of the over 2,000 dresses (60 pages, at that) that I perused accidentally-on-purpose after popping my dailies to start my multi-linear regression analysis problem set. Oopsies. The best part about these selections is that they're all on sale, hence ASOS-OS. I adore the frilly feminine details on the shoulders and the crinkle-paper-esque bodices. My favorite piece of all is undoubtedly the super-playful Wiggle Hem Dress, which would totally be deemed a "Carrie Bradshaw dress" according to the stylish Miss Theresa Breitton's judgment. We all need one, so why deny this personality-filled LBD, especially for a should-be-illegal $30. Love.

Wiggle Hem Dress, $30

Ruffle Organza Tipped Edge Bandeau Dress, $30

High Shine Structured Dress
Mango, $40

One Shoulder Ruffle Front Dress
Aqua, $76 

Wiggle Hem Bandeau Dress
Rare, $61

 Waterfall Sleeve Belted Dress, $19

Organza Flower Hem Tank Dress, $34

Blouson Fringe Dress
Warehouse, $67

One Shoulder Organza Dress, $27

Black Dress with Bows, $24

 Lazer Petal Dress
Rare Opulence, $78

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Only the Brave

When one uses the expression “fresh kicks” in the context of Wake Forest University, it’s undeniable that the first three styles that come to mind are Clark’s Wallabees, the ever-popular Sperry Top-Sider and Duck boots for the frattiest of frat stars. In my experience as a fashion enthusiast residing in a less-than-creative atmosphere, it’s been rare to find guys who venture outside of the usual Wake mold. When I do notice these innovators, they’re forever appreciated in my book as style drivers responsible for making the world a better place. I met Joe Sciarrino two years ago at a bar party. I’ll never forget how I struck up a conversation with him about his green Obey t-shirt (leave it to me to become bff’s with someone over their choice of garments), and I’ve admired his style ever since. Yes, he’s from New Canaan, Connecticut, and was a star private banking intern at Merrill Lynch, but please don’t peg this hip-hop-loving kid as your typical prep school boy from the northeast.

In keeping with the spirit of our established fashion philosophy, Joe was naturally an ideal candidate to personify individual style and originality. “I would say I transition from urban to preppy dependent on my surroundings, well-versed in both due to my hometown’s preppiness and my proximity to NYC.” Wise words if I do say so myself. Personally, my style has evolved quicker than ever with my summer experience interning for Diesel in Chelsea, the neighborhood so saturated by fresh-to-death hipsters and portfolio-toting models that style anywhere else just can't compare. I quickly became unfazed by the coolness of downtown fashion—it was the norm, not the exception. It wasn’t until I came back to campus that I could pick out elements of city looks and observe if and how they worked in a totally different environment. Exhibit A: Joseph Sciarrino’s Diesel sneakers.


“I try to pick out one item that I form my outfit around. Whether that is a bold tie or these sneakers, I do this so I have one defining item so that the overall look is not too loud,” Joe asserts. In this case, the shoes definitely make the outfit. Matching them with a pair of dark-wash jeans works equally as well as with some black denim straight leggers, balanced on top with a graphic tee or button-down. What’s perhaps most interesting about this entire situation is that the sneakers feature a stamp of Diesel’s logo, a profile of the Native American tribal chief with the words, “Only the Brave”, the name of Diesel’s holding company. Only the Brave: what a wildly appropriate term to describe these dressers who beg to challenge the process of typical Wake style. A few famous last words from our resident style master, Joe explains, “I think kids dress well at Wake and clearly care more about appearance than do those at other schools—that’s a good thing— but there is also a fear of not being too out-there, which poorly affects personal identity.” Props, Joe. I could not have said it better myself.

Cross-posted HERE.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Singer 22 Lookbook

I'm actually kind of glad Singer22 is strictly an online boutique (in my reality anyway, seeing as how I've never been to the Long Island location), because if I browsed even for a few minutes in real life, I might just die of happiness and excitement-- really now, do you expect anything less? Always well-stocked with some of my favorite esoteric brands like LaROK, Mara Hoffman and Pencey, Singer22 is one of my favorite retail sites because they constantly exhibit fashionable celebrities in their natural, candid and in my opinion, most stylish moments. There's something about tiny celebs toting bottomless hobo bags and oversize shades paired with ripped lightwash denim, Starbucks latte in hand. Believe it or not, that's the angle of paparazzi kingdom I enjoy the most. Yes, having no privacy sucks, but if I had to scrutinize celebrities, I'd much prefer real-life shots to the intensely glitzy red carpet wonderland of hairspray-molded updos and jewel-toned satin gowns.

Below are some of the most inspirational concepts from Singer 22's current Lookbook to transition between summer and fall. I know it's October, but I can't get over the lightness of some of the fabrics, and I really just can't let go of the thought of warm weather and a legitimate amount of  free time, preferably sober... not even kidding. Some of these looks might be a bit surprising (teaser: clogs and denim-on denim), but the point I'm trying to make is that these outfits are all about the thought behind it. I can imagine the ideas that went into crafting the proportions and intensity of each garment, and this to me is how wearable art is defined. Leave it up to me to get butterflies over rainwash jeggings and anything House of Harlow 1960. I want it all.

LA Chic: These first three looks really personify for me the essence of effortless LA chic. I'm such a fan of the contrast in movement between the swingy white tunic top and the acid-wash jeggings in look 2. Also, I never thought I'd say this but I am really loving the interplay between light and dark wash denim. This look really came to life for me one of my first dramatic weekends in NYC this summer, utilized first in my experience by the ever-stylish Miss Yuri Bong.

Floral Blooms: I am obsessed with these floral prints. The discount brands may have attempted to botch the coolness of floral by stamping it on anything and everything, but these outfits prove that moderation of loud, colorful prints is key. My goal is still to find the perfect button-up jean vest and wear it with something totally unexpected like the playful skirt in the top look.

Hippie and the City: This series of outfits totally screams Austin, Texas. Now I've never been to this hipster-land, but if I'm reading personal style right, Hippie and the City is totally channeling Emily Osowski and I could not be happier. Utilizing both the jean vest and those undeniably awesome clogs, the third look is my favorite without a doubt.  Talk about versatile.

Siwy: Siwy might be one of the most under-appreciated brands ever. Seriously, how freaking cool are these cutout leggings? Obviously not a day party staple, but they have so much potential in the city context.

JET by John Eshaya: I remember receiving my first JET tank as a gift sophomore year of high school. And now John Eshaya makes really cool jeans? Going to school in the south has pushed my life back under a rock. Nevertheless, I am loving this wash and am not afraid to make it work here at school.

House of Harlow 1960: It's like everything Nicole Richie does (post-Simple Life) these days is the shit. I love her hairstyles, I love her makeup and I love her personal fashion philosophy. Representing petite girls everywhere, Richie always epitomizes what it means to be chic. Though I'm not yet a jewelry aficionada, I am a die-hard fan of House of Harlow and am waiting on the very right moment to add one of her pieces to my wardrobe.

Lindsay Lohan: I will not lie-- I am a huge fan of some of Lindsay Lohan's outfits. Whether it's candid shots at the airport or grocery, the girl always looks like she dressed with a purpose. That's perhaps the one thing that Emily and I agreed about about Wake fashion. We can see the individual pieces for where the outfit was supposed to go, then disjointly, how the outfit was ultimately executed. Where confused dressers are lacking is where celebrities reign supreme. If you're going to look homeless, at least look good-homeless. It's really not all that difficult.

Love Quotes: I've said it 900 times before, but I love fall fashion. Scarves are a fantastic staple item in cooler weather-- utilitarian in form and function. Imagine each of these outfits without the scarf and the look changes immediately. This collage is the perfect justification for investing in a key fall item. Though, if my philosophy has taught you anything at all, you know there's a 100% chance you will not see me breaking my back over a single pashmina costing upwards of $90.

Loaded post. Lucky for me, images say it all.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.