Archive for February 2007

To Leave It Now

Paris, cont. Altogether a very inspired day & a few looks really spoke to my style.
I must say the biggest shock was Issey Miyake and his bare midriffs
(one very Black Snake Moan-esque). Induced the blankest stare a la 'what is that thing?' You wont find a photo of that here because it is an eyesore and eyesores belong under 'More...' and 'More...'s are rarities.


Balenciaga





I'd suffer another four years if I can stomp around campus in these! Cuteness!


Christian Dior





I adore the folding on the pockets. The lavender is so prom dress gone wrong gone right again.


Vivienne Westwood





I like what the volume and texture brought to the plaid on this VW jacket. The sea foam reminds me of the perfect vintage coat find. Like fucking jackpot.


++ Is this a black leather trenchie from JPG?

You Know How I Do

Here it is, the Isabel Marant Fall 2007 collection. Haven't felt this way about a collection before, it speaks to my style so deeply. Pretty hair and pockets pockets everywhere.



The colors here are to die for, I must acquire a pair of these shoes and chunky scarves. Who knew socks over tights could look so right.




Chunky but feminine. Long sleeves under short paired with a skirt over loose pants really shouldn't work this well.




Scrunched tights are perfect. <3 booties.




Such delicate white pieces warmed up with that great scarf. Great jewels.




Non-bulky leather jackets in grey tones - yes.


On the top of my to stalk list. And if the massive number of photos I felt I must post isn't proof enough, I'll let you in on the creepy fact that made a separate folder on my desktop just to save the entire collection.

Let's Go Blue

Dammit, everytime. You know how I feel about this color! Tsubi Electric Blue Super Skinny Denim, now physically lust-able at my neighborhood Satine.



Granted I have BDG pants in almost the same color, but I've heard these hold up really well and the zippers the zippers. I really should be scouting standard blue denim having formed a semi-obsession with colors, & only owning two pairs of the stuff (a pair of trouser wide-legged Hudsons and one pair of Levis that wont stop stretching out, awesome)

Destination

Gasp, I just saw shots from the Isabel Marant Fall 2007 show in Paris and it is absolutely beautiful. The hair, makeup, backdrop, jewels, clothing...I can't wait to see the full collection later tonight.



Atsuro Tayama also looks to have come strong.

I'm Afraid of Everything

Paris Fashion Week has arrived and I must say I'm a bit frightened. Awkward headpieces, drawing inspiration from insects, extra rosy cheeks, but still some creative warm Fall looks and well-tailored jackets.


Mina Perhonen







Such a bulky move from previous airy and light-weight seasons - feels so nicely roll-out-of-bed sheik.


Bruno Pieters








Rick Owens







Feet are so so scary but sherpa jackets yes please..

Different Strokes

Different shots at black and white stripes everywhere yesterday in Milan.


Gianfranco Ferre'




Iceberg




Cividini




Sportmax





Missoni




++ for under I'll take this deep Cividini vest, and Gianfranco Ferre blouse.

Smooth as Porcelain...

Luisa Beccaria showed a collection at Milan Fall 2007 that felt very porcelain doll but managed to give traditionally delicate looks substance. The small flower print coat is a favorite, I love it on sheets but never imagined it could be pulled off so well on the figure. The assistance of those proper heels def doesn't hurt.

Luisa Beccaria








Simple pleasing shiny slightly oversized dresses and jackets - Ter et Bantine gives me more hope for making dresses which are never my size at thrift stores work.


Ter et Bantine

Sea Tea

Becoming a jellyfish...

Dolce & Gabbana



Goes without saying not appropriate for any situation I'd find myself in except swimming across the sea but I was still impressed by a few pieces from Fall 2007 that so remind me of the fascinating creature.

++ Gianni Versace does it too, a bit more wearable.

Old School Reasons

No rhyme no reason just pure ease on the eyes.


Daks by Giles Deacon

While there's something a bit disturbing about extremely skinny models padding their outfits to exenuate hips, it did come out well. Yes to Daks blacks.









Clutching hands in passing? Cuteness squared. Download Helen Love "Formula One Racing Girls" now.


Alessandro Dell'Acqua

The whitest white coat I've ever seen, a gorgeous red flowy number and making puffy jackets luxe (Trend les Copains also did it well.)







I wannnnt the jacket!


Emilio Pucci

This color scheme has always been one of my great weaknesses. Maybe it was the striped brown, tan, apricot and white sheet that lingered my parents home completely embodying the decade or the years trumping around my desert thrift stores picking up burgundy and forest velvet pants. Emilio Pucci has me reminiscing. Oh 00's, why must we re-hash re-hash re-hash.









The looks as a whole have some bits that I have to just say no to but pieces and colors that are simply brilliant. i.e. no to rug jacket and shiny jacket under that fab plum coat.

Bay

Taking the desire for a Chloe bag to new heights...



the new "Bay" tote bag in moka leather.

Other fine fine items from their Spring and Summer collections for my ultimate closet will be appearing here shortly.

Warm Panda Cola

Marni, Frankie Morello and Valentin Yudaskin showed some of my other recent favorites from Italy.


Marni



Yeh, you know, just taking out the trash here while perfecting the cropped black jacket.




Time to cook dinner, oven mitts AND what?




My godd, I want to become a panda bear.


Frankie Morello








Valentin Yudashkin



This is too soft and warm not to love.




Milan, you've officially changed my view on velvet.


++ Roberto Cavalli pulls off leather pants to the extent that I want this pair, oh my. So rock in a non-hairmetal creepy way.

It's far too bright for you...

Dark red lipstick, deep burgundys and reds mixed with greys and black velvet? So easy to embrace thy inner dom-goth. & Although I don't feel the desire to own a Gucci bag the solid bags they toted in Milan from the Fall 2007 collection also looked pretty nice.


Gucci



To keep ones insides.




The belt pulls this together so well.




All in black, and I trimmed them in red...




Velvet done right again.




If we're talking short jackets, it's got to be this one.
The print and cut are painfully on point.

Hoo-ray

The search for cute animals to hang from the neck is endless! This piece is hand-carved from bone with diamond eyes and is quite nice.


Katherine Azarmi-Rose

Well, It Goes Like This #2

Uhh yes yes yes so darn cute.



The La Perla Fall 2007 collection as a whole didn't have many pieces were my style but this is 100% adoration. The head and toes are most critical in this look.

Love and Mathemathics

Etro currently stands as my favorite collection out of Milan. Geometric prints with lots of contrasting elements, nice autumn tones with cool darks - perfect for Fall.
And of course long leather gloves.


Etro











As far as I'm concerned anyone who can do velvet so right (it usually looks way too 90's or Christmas) has my vote.
PS - that black clutch above puts all flat clutches to shame.

It's All Nice On Ice, Alright

Milan Fall 2007 continues - these three made thick solids look so refined with updated classic coats and dresses.


Bottega Veneta









This flowy number seems perfect for curling up inside, awws.


Pollini





Just screamsss 'BAM!'


Prada





Stockings are brilliant.
I'll also take a Prada phone please.

Already Lost

Kenichi Hoshine combines Graphite, Acrylic, Wax, Tea, Oil, Fabric and more to create pieces that have such an abstract, still, but complex feel to them I just like.


Kenichi Hoshine

Well, It Goes Like This

Uhh yes yes yes thank you perfect.



Kristina Ti done went and created my most treasured outfit for Fall 2007 and whipped it out to my delight in Milan.
++ where can I get me one of those ribbed bodysuits?

Forever Longing the Golden Sunsets

Nestled between a whole lotta animal print these looks from the D&G Fall 2007 collection shown in Milan today blew me away.


D&G







I want a pair of these to wear under pretty ultra-short dresses and for lounging around my future chic pad.

If bling is wrong, I don't want to be right!

Past Worn Searching

I've been searching for a pair of light grey tights in stores for ages now. I'm talking hit several boutiques, Targets, Banana/J.Crew/Gap/Old Navy, H&M, Club Monaco and nearly every store in the Beverly Center. The cause of the mission being a Penguin wine/burgundy wool and silk blend dress that looks way too Daria when paired with black, white, or dark grey.
I may have to suck it up and pay for some shipping.


StokinGirl



Imported Ribbed Merino Wool Tights. Perfect but do I want to spend $39.99 + shipping on?


Urban Outfitters



Sparkle & Fade Skinny Rib Sweaterknit Tights that I of course haven't been able to find in store in anything but white. Upside being they are on sale for $6.99 and I have a store credit sitting in my wallet.


We Love Colors



Go ahead and bookmark this one now, 45+ colors (including light and medium grey) and only $8-12 a pop.

Before You Cry

The upside (or so I thought) of Lifetime playing an extremely short set was the ability to rush from the Troubadour to the El Rey to catch the last of the Camera Obscura set. Per set times direct from Goldenvoice I was expecting a whole 20 minutes of greatness to be had but it was shortcut shortcut and I only got to see Razzle Dazzle Rose.

I now demand deliverance of this silk-screened tour poster!



It is still available, unlike my other long-time The Small Stakes favorites....
BSS | Rainer Maria | Q And Not U

Apple Sauce

Not usually a fan of Miss Sixty, although their serving of Champagne + Chambord led to discovery of the pure magic and after two glasses of said drink happy night-strolling down Melrose during the holidays followed - one of my all time favorite memories.
These apple "Sidonie" shoes make me think of summer bbqs (with vegan dogs of course) and making of future favorite memories.


Miss Sixty



Oh, and they are also super comfortable so thoughts will not be tainted by aching feets.

Superchunk

I thought I wanted lace ups for Fall but now I realize I want lace ups for Fall. Ahh!
Hmm how will the rest of the Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2007 collection look in stores piece by piece? For the most part it was rather hard to tell how things would lay (besides chunky). Some flatter favorites till then below.


Marc by Marc Jacobs



Damn, this head accessory looks warm. Like -30c warm for robots who are mini.




I simply cannot imagine anyone wearing this around the streets of LA but I think you clever cold New Yorkers could make this shit happen for us.




Want these shoes, color is magic. Dress, yes.




Yes.




Yes. (-no on bag if it is fur I spy)

Poney Honey Money

Betty Jackson sent the models showing her Fall 2007 collection out so goddamn cute.


Betty Jackson








Little hats, little side buns that ever-so complemented the black slightly oversized piece proportions.
Cutesy cutesy cutesy!

"Every Day Matters"

...at J.C. Penney.

This week the sad sad department store unveiled its new brand positioning and tagline.
Launch event was complete with 'inspirational messages' hanging above display cases including "Today's the day to fall in love" and "Today's the day to indulge."

I want to sock the agency in the face for this one. Congrats on your raise for being horrible at your occupation.
They should have saved the stack of post-its it must have taken them to perfect such a phrase and called it, 'Hey...40+ divorced woman in a mid-life crisis, please shop here'.
Somehow being a re-positioning I highly doubt this is their sought-after new target.

On the contrary, every day does not matter. There's hangover days where you feel like death till at least 3pm, days where you just don't give a shit, and each Friday where you just want to get through the work day.

Brilliance would have come with poking at the idea of such a thing...

PN&PC

Sue Stemp and her breeches, they get me every damn time. To convince myself I tried the dark navy and black Fall 2006 set on at Milk and convincing was successful to say the least. I will search out these from her Fall 2007 collection with the same tact, excitement and inaction EDIT - I bought the navy pair today. Victory!


Sue Stemp









While getting dressed tonight I looked in my closet and realized I had no sleek but sexy dinner-appropriate dresses. Sleek? Yes. Sexy? Yes. But how is it possible that I have yet to aquire the combo so fitting for occasions like this one? I believe the black deep neck number above would do the trick.


++ is that oversized sequins on this Gharani Strok dress? If so its the best damn use of it I've ever seen. Someone say yes and rid me of the opinion that for the most part it belongs only in Vegas.

Kensington Gardens

Sir Paul Smith, oh how you make me crave a string of pearls. Not groundbreaking, but does this style which I adore so right.


Paul Smith









I like how the long jacket, bright colors and satin make this otherwise school-boy outfit above quite feminine.


For Spring, I have my eyes on this red washed satin racer back playsuit perfect for Coachella.

Happy day of Cuteness!

Exploding dog? Cute!
White flowers at 12:00am? Cute!

Cosmic Graffiti Artist

Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, is a 'cosmic graffiti artist,' astronomers discover.

Astronomers from the University of Virginia and other institutions have found that Enceladus, the sixth-largest moon of Saturn, is a "cosmic graffiti artist," pelting the surfaces of at least 11 other moons of Saturn with ice particles sprayed from its spewing surface geysers. This ice sandblasts the other moons, creating a reflective surface that makes them among the brightest bodies in the solar system (Enceladus, itself a ball of mostly ice, is the single most reflective body in our solar system).

Full Story


All Solar System!

Soft As Snow (But Warm Inside)

John Rocha makes me long for bundling up! Loving the black mid-calf socks in these looks.


John Rocha



A rather unique application of a hood and crochet. Could it be the hooker platforms that make this seem dressed up and not frumpy?




I want to spill red wine all over this!

Pitter Patter Goes My Heart

The first couple days of London Fashion Week have me wishing for pubs and patterns.


Duro Olowu



Duro Olowu showed a wide array of patterns and applied this print to several pieces, my favorite being this long one above. It seems to teeter between a heart, fish scale, birdie and a geometric shape which allows it to be aww without being too overwhelming.


Erdem



This one also manages to take a character I usually avoid like the plague and make it linear and simplistic.


Topshop



I first visited Topshop in London when I was 13 and have been longing for one in my city ever since due to greatness like this soft number.


++ what? kitty ears? when I think of them I have such a horrible image of suburban-bratty-(un)punk girls running out of hot topic in giggles but for some reason I am in love with the neck detail and extra-tiny ears of this soft grey Peter Jensen sweater. For days when I don't wish to be a feline I choose this and this from his collection. And pleassse stop me from drooling over these loose in only the right places Noir trousers.

That Car Came Out of Nowhere

This classic Mercedes 300se is my dream car.




It now parks a couple spots over in my parking structure at work.
I love these 20 seconds each morning we share together.

The Edison Grand Opening

Yays! The Edison aka the best bar in Los Angeles (and most amazing bar I've been to period) is officially open.

Let me start by saying this spot breaks all of my attitudes and actions usually associated with bars.

1: Visiting the same bar two Fridays in a row - We hustled our way into the grand opening Friday after checking out the location the previous Friday and falling in love. Open bar & catered complete with mini red velvet cupcakes from Auntie Em's which were even more joyful because it was so unexpected.
2: Excitement - Usually excited about alcohol consumption in general but excitement about going to a location? Oh no, I usually save it for Hollywood Scenesters and kids that moved here from Vermont. I get giggly over this spot, and sentimental too. I'm still wearing the wristband (which they also got right...an unusually thin red and silver band) like a girl who won't wash her cheek after getting a kiss from the cutest boy in school.
3: Desire to be a local - I've never given a shit about chatting up bartenders or knowing the bouncers but even though this place is a few miles away it feels like home.

Why? This place just transports you to a different world. It does not feel like anything else in LA and I say that as a person that hates hype with a passion. For starters it's the site of the first private power plant in LA, and still retains items and the look and feel of the original boiler room which gives it such an old-time classy feel. It's in the Alley right next to The Smell, underground (yeh in a literal way) and you can gaze at the amazing coil of lights that hang from ceiling to floor as you walk down the two flights of stairs. The size of the place is HUGE but is sectioned off by several rooms that give it a very Clue-esque mysterious edge. The music is decent, people actually talk to you but not in a hey I want to hit on you way just in a 15 second hey you're a human I'm a human kind of a way, and there is an older non-annoying demo.

Soon many others will fall in love and getting inside will be drama, always to be avoided. What's a star to do.


Now that that's that, will someone please tell me what is so special about the simple tasting and overpriced Pinkberry?

It's 5

The end of NY Fashion Week was dull so I'm going to go ahead and post my Top 5 Fall 2007 pieces. These are the pieces I'll think about all year driving to work, will stalk down in stores, and calculate how many days I'd trade eating real food for noodles to obtain.




This Dragana Ognjenovic gets me in three of my weaknesses - silk, pockets, and black. I love the dimensions and the short sleeves paired with a white shirt underneath. It's rather basic but at the same time right in every way and like nothing I've seen before.




Hands down, a perfect dress from Derek Lam.




The 3.1 Phillip Lim. leather jacket - a prospect for finally investing in one. I feel like this is a piece worth shelling out for...could wear it all year and with nearly anything.




I love the white leaf detail and buttons on this Alexandre Herchcovitch dress cut in such an airy shape.




Red coats are so desirable and Luella manages to be bold without looking too Kindergarten.


Also on the list - point lace up flats, in grey or black, a black wide-brimmed or bucket hat, and about 100 pairs of textured, shiny, or flat grey or black tights.

Happy Champagne Thursday

Like daylight savings time, but for booze.

I Wear Black On The Outside...

Apparently today I am channeling the darkness. No not that shitty here for a second band, but all my favorites are taking shape in this color. Truth be told, I actually own a black The Darkness shirt that I got for free while browsing the promo room at Atlantic Records and I wear it to the gym with no shame.


Dragana Ognjenovic





I demand this pocketed piece!


Twelfth Street






Malandrino




Proenza Schouler





PS - the Target collection looks really good in person, I grabbed up a silk navy dress with black detail, the yellow tee, and a green and white chain pattern tank.


Richard Chai




tse






Carlos Miele



Does this come in faux? Feeling this jacket but I would never.

Stretch Out And Wait

This season is full of surprises. Not loving Marc Jacobs? Adoring Betsey Johnson? This one definitely caught me off guard but such a nice stumble. I was pleased with nearly everything from the collection (the last half started getting a bit too frilly for my style). Even the simple white blouse with cropped trousers and a black scarf tie was so on point and not as basic as one would expect it to be. The wide-brimmed hats were super hot. I've walked past the Melrose shop a million times but this fall I think I must step inside.


Betsey Johnson










Derek Lam

Derek Lam found a way to make skinny leather pants sleek and not hipster, impressive. He also showed dresses with BARE legs - gasp! Some of my favorite pieces thus far...this of course was no surprise.









Hooded long dress? Fucking rad. She looks a bit scary but I'm excited about the possibility of wearing a feminine dress with the added value of semi-avoiding the world.


Temperley

I am immaturely obsessed with a certain shade of bright blue. Not immature in a I love everything that is this color and put it all together way (is it just me or are purple-lovers ALWAYS like that) but maybe because it always comes out by way of a simple tee or sweatshirt and brings me such delight. My friends know this well and laugh at me. Temperley made me say yay and has applied the color gloriously to some more growner-upps pieces.






++ I want to walk the halls of a large empty mansion wearing this jacket from Chaiken, and sit in a big chair in front of a fireplace with this Behnaz Sarafpour coat.

Dedication to Desertion

I love taking trips to my desert hometown. Apart from the relaxing open space they have some of the most amazing vintage shops. I've been scouring them since about eighth grade, back then they were just thrift stores...magical to me but not in a widespread frenzy vintage kind of way. Now they are an even more special treat after being surrounded all the expensive crap that loads the shops in LA. Apart from finding some great stuff, it's so damn cheap! Here are some of my favorite finds from this weekend.




Fab leather clutch, $3.40.




Possibly my favorite purchase, a 39 cent Peter Saville-esque cup.




Aww, 63 cents.




Such a great color and print, Pierre Cardin scarf, $1.59

++ a nice mix of wrinkled shirts, jumpers, shoes and sweaters I am feeling lazy to clean.

Grey Ice Water

Let me start by saying I was terribly disappointed with the Marc Jacobs collection. I had high expectations but besides a few well-tailored pieces I thought the line was Banana Republic meets boutique thrift shop in a creepy old lady kind of way. The yellow turtleneck I think I could find at k-mart on clearance. Nothing I hated, but nothing spoke luxury wearable. Overall I was underwhelmed today.

Grey grey grey...


Luca Luca




Adam + Eve






The bright side? Chris Benz

And Sleep Al Mar

I can't rememberer the last time I sprawled out and stared off into space, but it's a fond memory that Japanese artist Micca conjures up very nicely.

Micca

TGIM

Monday brought out some pure magic. Luella, Diane Von Furstenburg, Lela Rose, United Bamboo and of course 3.1 Phillip Lim, oh my. The strong primary colors throughout key looks were really energizing.


Luella







This collection had a ton of great looks, it was one of the only I had to really narrow down...too many to post. Also had the only photos I felt worthy of above the head shots - I'm a sucker for furry hats and sent out a pair of very on point sunglasses.


3.1 Phillip Lim





The leather jacket above is on my most wanted, sigh. The United Bamboo one below is a close second.


United Bamboo








++ this hot classy Diane Von Furstenburg look, this lovely Tracy Reese jacket, and this Matthew Williamson hoodie.

Everyday Is Like Sunday

I've been really into Alexandre Herchcovitch and his collection was def the stand out for me Sunday. I admire his perfection of piecing together great prints with non-traditional cuts and buttons. Karen Walker also really caught my eye.

Alexandre Herchcovitch










Karen Walker






++ this Alice Roi dress and this Lacoste look.

Further To Fall

Fall 2007 brings some more refined pieces, a nice break from the layered action of last year especially for us barely-gets-cold-in-LA folks. These dark pieces over black tights are my choices from the first of the shows.


Nicole Miller




Yigal Azrouel






++ the BCBG Max Azria flats, especially in black with gold. The grey with grey tights also have a great feel. Alliteration, hehe.

Rites Of Spring

I've been in love with Goldenbleu bags since the first time I laid eyes upon the Jordan bag but playing the shoe game too? Oh my.


Goldenbleu



I want to wear these every day this spring with a short dress. Every day I'm not wearing these that is.

I have not found them anywhere with a price tag yet but if you do, you let me know so I can start collecting cans and save on salsa by stealing from Baja Fresh (err...continue to, yeah).

In The Key Of Me

I want to spend over $100 on a tiny piece of leather I will inevitably only use to tow a card and couple bills. I recently lost my mint green one and my night life has not been the same. These white ultra sleek pieces have my vote.

Marc Jacobs



= $125


Louis Vuitton



I love the Monogram Vernis collection, especially the white. The red is also way cute and the Perle makes me think of liquid foundation which makes me think of eighth grade which makes me a little sick.
= $200


= $285

iYay

I just downloaded the iConcertCal, it is nothing short of amazing. An iCal-esque calender that loads as a pane in your iTunes, it searches for upcoming events in your city based on music you have in there. It's free, homemade by some EE students.

It loaded up and bam there appears the sad sad Lifetime and Camera Obscura conflictedness on the 17th. Morrissey is in town the next three days, aww. I also learned that El Perro Del Mar is playing at the Jensen Rec Center, a spot I checked out last week for our Fader Issue Release party and would quite like to revisit. Oh man and April brings some must-sees. Now that I have two Mae shows loaded will I finally be able to break my curse of missing them? Muse is playing on the 10th and I pledge to go to any show they ever play, there is too much magic to be had every single time I cannot pass up. I'd also really like to check out Brand New...it's been a few years and their albums keep getting darker.

The downside? I was already feeling hesitant to remove music from my drive despite our IT head's warning of losing everything having less than 4GB of free space. I like to live on the wild side.