.

Get cheap, trendy jewelry here!

2009-11-03T19:29:00.000-08:00

So I opened up my own Ecrater store a couple months ago, but having been so busy I haven't had a real chance to promote it. I mostly sell jewelry, really cute, trendy pieces for very affordable prices! You can check it out HERE. And below are pictures of some of the items, including my favorite panther ring which is very similar to the one worn by Rachel Zoe.

Performance

2009-09-07T21:01:00.000-07:00

Vogue Italia - September 2009, by Steven Meisel

I love Zoolander, I love Vogue Italia, I love this editorial from Vogue Italia which is very very akin to Mugatu's Derelicte collection...

(Pictures via Trendhunter.com)

Spent!

2009-09-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

Pop Magazine- Shot by Paolo Roversi, featuring Lily Cole and Jessica Stam

I apologize for the continuous posting of just editorials, I actually have a lot I wanna post about, but unfortunately due to a crazy busy work schedule for NY Fashion Week and my constant moving from friends' places, I just don't have the energy to write anything barely intelligent or worthwhile. Tonight I finally moved into a place for good though, so maybe I'll post something a little more interesting soon, that is if fashion week doesn't kill me, but for now I feel exactly like this editorial- spent!

(Pictures via Fashiongonerogue.com)

Live From New York

2009-08-28T05:33:00.000-07:00

V #61- shot by Mario Sorrenti with Freja Beha Erichsen and Sasha Pivovarova

(Pictures via Fashiongonerogue.com)

Balmain Homme's Absolute Man

2009-08-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

Huge Magzine- October Issue

(Pictures via Hugemagazine.com)

Christopher Kane for Topshop

2009-08-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

I don't really shop at Topshop too much, I admire from afar but I shop there very seldom. I think it's kind of overpriced, especially since a lot of the items are so trendy that they will go out of style soon. However, I just laid my eyes on Christopher Kane's latest collaboration with Topshop and I may just have to start saving my money now. I love so many of the 39 pieces Kane created for the store, not to mention the shoes are gorgeous! Here are my favorites below, now I just have to decide which one piece to spend my money on...perhaps the crocodile dress, but I bet every girl will be walking around in that one (there's a tee version too), so then maybe one of the beautiful black dresses, but I already own a lot of black, so maybe a colorful baby-doll dress or the embellished tights are also a big contender. I just can't pick one, but thankfully I have a couple of weeks until the line hits stores to decide!

(Pictures via Nymag.com)

Sweet Child of Mine

2009-08-20T18:56:00.000-07:00

Vogue Nippon - August 2009

I love love love this editorial for several reasons:
1. It was shot by the amazing Terry Richardson, who I actually saw walking down the street in Soho today!!!!!
2. I love her hair, I have bangs like that now so I just have to grow out my hair a bit more to get that length.
3. I love the nose ring, usually girls use a stud or jewel for their nose ring, but I like it this way, too bad I took out my nose ring last year.
4. Black is my favorite color
5. I love the clothes especially the outfit in the 3rd pic
6. Abbey Lee Kershaw is gorgeous

(Pictures via Vogue.co.jp)

Working 9 to 5

2009-08-18T17:04:00.000-07:00

So my 2nd day in NYC I landed a fantastic internship and I'm loving every minute of it! I think the only thing stressing me out about this new job is finding something stylish and chic to wear to work every day. This is especially difficult since I am not living in my own place yet and so all my clothes are in 4 very unorganized suitcases. Anyways on to the point of this post, while browsing through my favorite fashion sites last night I found two collections that I would love to wear to work. Unfortunately as I am only interning now, I will not be able to afford these clothes for a while, but at least they can inspire me when I get dressed in the morning!

Firstly I stumbled upon Chloe Sevigny's line for Opening Ceremony, which was designed brilliantly to be unisex. The collection is made up of clean basics that when styled together create simple, yet effortlessly chic looks for men or women. The black skinny pants are especially cute when paired with the pink plaid button down and I love the sleek look of the wide-leg pants as well. I also like the scarf pullover sweater, which shows influence from one of Chloe's favorite designers, Miguel Adrover. All these pieces can be easily mixed and matched with one another or other items in your closet OR even your boyfriend's closet, since as Chloe shows us here unisex is the new black!
The second collection that I would love to wear to work is a more affordable diffusion line from Swedish label Minimarket, adorably called Mini for Many! I love the colors incorporated into this collection, the bubblegum pink, silver, and rich orange combine wonderfully with the neutrals. There is also a great variety of styles including skinny pants, flirty summer dresses, sleek pencil skirts, and striped espadrilles. Oh and these images are definitely making me want to try out the equestrian cap! Overall I think Mini for Many is full of fun and sweet pieces that are still chic and smart enough for the 'fashionable' office.

(Pictures via Openingceremony.us and Refinery29.com)

I Heart Kate

2009-08-17T18:18:00.000-07:00

Vogue China, December 2008- Shot by Mario Sorrenti and featuring Kate Moss

I know it's almost a year old, but I love Kate in this editorial! My friend asked me last week if I could choose anyone, which famous person would I want to look like and I picked Kate, I love her!

(Pictures via Stylefrizz.com)

Boy by Band of Outsiders Lookbook

2009-08-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

I'm a huge fan of menswear inspired looks, so of course I love Boy by Band of Outsiders! Scott Sternberg designs classic looks, but with a great quirky edge. Though I saw the Fall 2009 collection a while ago, I just discovered the lookbook and it's fantastic. It's compiled of all Polaroids taken by the designer himself and features the beautiful Marisa Tomei. I really love the aesthetic of this lookbook, it has a retro feel with the grainy Polaroid shots and the backgrounds, but it's also modern and fresh. I think Marisa looks so great and I also think she makes the clothes look tres sexy and chic!

(Pictures via boy.bandofoutsiders.com)

Come As You Are

2009-08-11T07:39:00.000-07:00

Vogue Australia- featuring Abbey Lee Kershaw and Catherine McNeil, shot by Greg Kadel

(Pictures via Fashiongonerogue.com)

City of Dreams

2009-08-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I am moving to NYC! I still can't believe it. I saw this editorial in Vogue's July issue that portrays a girl who moves to New York to work in the fashion industry, just like what I'm off to do now. I am a realist however and I know my experience will not be exactly like this, full of glamour and carefree fun! I realize it will be filled more with hard work and rejection, but a girl can dream!

(Pictures via Fashiongonerogue.com)

Drop It!

2009-08-04T19:23:00.000-07:00

I recently found one of the best sources for Tokyo street fashion. It's called DROP and it is updated daily with tons of photos of Tokyo's most fashionable men and women. I love the wide variety of trends you can find here from sophisticated to punk to sweet & girly. I also love the adventurous sense of style in Japan, you can tell that they just love to play with fashion. I think we should all take a cue from them once in a while!

(Pictures via Dropsnap.jp)

Topshop Top Picks!

2009-07-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

Here are my favorite pieces from Topshop's A/W '09 collection, now if only I had the money to afford all these lovely items! Check out the rest of the collection in their still life lookbook HERE.

Fly Away

2009-07-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

Prada FW09 Lookbook

2009-07-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

I just fell in love with Prada's Fall/Winter '09 lookbook! It is hauntingly beautiful and it really took my breath away. The images are not only mystical and mysterious, but they also showcase Prada's Fall '09 collection brilliantly, in a striking and artistic approach. It allows you to clearly see the richness of the fabrics, the gorgeous detailing, and the unique silhouettes. Have a look at the entire lookbook, including the men's collection, HERE.

(Pictures via Prada.com)

Sanctuary

2009-07-23T19:53:00.001-07:00

W Magazine - August 2009

(Pictures via Wmagazine.com)

Architectural Creations

2009-07-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

I don't think I've done a post yet dedicated to one shoe designer, so this will be my first and I'm very glad to dedicate it to Raphael Young. I have just discovered this Korean-born designer but he has actually been working in the business for a while creating shoes for Yves Saint Laurent. In 2008 he launched his own brand of shoes and he takes pride in the high quality of his pieces. Young's shoes are architectural creations and as he explains they "require precise studying of the geometrics, balance and harmony in the volume and dimensions". I love the strength and power in his shoes, I think any woman would feel confident and in control if she just slipped these on. His last three collections are shown below and the latest one seems to have futuristic inspirations. I love this collection, it is so fierce, and I hate using that word but these shoes deserve it! They look like shoes fashionable robots or superheros from the future would wear! I think the black wedges are my favorite, they are so sleek and modern. To see more from Raphael Young check out his site HERE.

FALL '09

SPRING '09

FALL '08

(Pictures via Raphaelyoung.com)

ADN de la Mode

2009-07-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you have seen this amazing 64 page editorial from Vogue Paris around the blogosphere, but I couldn't resist posting my favorites! It features tons of models including Daria, Lily, Raquel, and Sasha, all dressed in the fall collections from almost every current designer. I think it's a really great editorial that showcases each designer's unique style through the use of styling, lighting, and of course the fantastic models. So here are my favorites of the bunch, but check all of them out HERE.

(Pictures via Fashiongonerogue.com)

McQueen Resort 2010

2009-07-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

My constant summer traveling and staying at places with no internet has caused me to miss out on my favorite designer's latest Resort collection! Thankfully I am now settled in Florida for about 2 weeks and finally have an internet connection. So at last I was able to lay my eyes on Alexander McQueen's 2010 Resort collection and I LOVED it! This is not much of a surprise to me because I basically love everything this man does. His latest pieces were inspired by art, which can definitely be seen in the Pollock-like paint splatters and geometric MC Escher prints. My favorite piece is definitely the first yellow & black dress, I think it's so stunning! The bodice fits so immaculately that it looks like a tattoo on her collar bone and arms. I also like how the sweetness of the yellow and the softness of the flowing skirt combines beautifully with the harsher, black tattoo-like print. This print is used later on in the collection on leggings, which I would love to own! I also like the cool, casual look of the paint-splattered pants outfit (those jeans would be a great DIY project!). Another thing I really like about this collection is how it's soft and feminine and at the same time strong and edgy; the contradiction really works here. Overall I think this is a strong collection for Resort as the pieces are much more wearable, but still maintain McQueen's unique and rebellious style.

ps. I really really really love this clutch from McQueen. I wear rings like that everyday so it would be a perfect clutch for me. This is definitely going on the dream list!

(Pictures via Thefashionspot.com)

East Side Story

2009-07-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

Vogue Nippon - August 2009

(Pictures via Vogue.co.jp)

Boys & Girls

2009-07-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

Check out this music video by Martin Solveig featuring Dragonette! All the clothes are designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, and the master himself even makes a cameo!

TGIF: Fall Couture Edition

2009-07-10T09:56:00.001-07:00

(Pictures via Style.com)

Cat Lady

2009-07-06T17:18:00.000-07:00

If you know me you know I'm a cat person. I have already predicted that I will become that crazy 'cat lady' with a house full of felines and I can only hope that I will be able to do it as fashionably as Siri Tollerod in this fantastic Vogue Italia editorial shot by Miles Aldrdige!

(Pictures via Cyanatrendland.com)

XOXO

2009-07-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

Back in May I posted my predictions for Anna Sui's collaboration with Target and now the pics of the actual collection are finally here. Overall I think my picks were pretty accurate and I can't wait to buy some of these pieces when they come out in September! Check out how Sui created 4 different styles inspired by Gossip Girl's 4 girls (click to enlarge):

BLAIR

I think this is pretty right on for Blair- the blue shirt dress would be great for school/work and the white lace number is so sweet!

SERENA
I really love the 2nd dress, the embellishment on the neckline is so unique and I also like the jacket and skirt oufit, I would definitely wear that! However I think this line could be more 'Serena', it needs some more color and a little more boho chic.

JENNY
I think Sui got it right for Jenny except I think Little Miss J would accessorize more to add a bit more edge. The lace dress with the diamond cutout is my fave and I like the layering of the 4th outfit.

VANESSA
These outfits are cute but I don't understand the sole use of autumnal oranges and browns. I think Sui could have mixed it up a bit more here to show Vanessa's eccentric mix and match style.

My Current Mood

2009-07-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

help

The Man in the Mirror

2009-06-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon

-Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009)

Zip Me Up

2009-06-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

I give to you the 120 Zipper Dress! This dress created by Sebastian Errazuriz was named appropriately as it is entirely made up of 120 zippers. I love it! You can zip and unzip it in all sorts of way to create a variety of different styles. I want one!!!!!!!!!

Electric Feel

2009-06-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

I just discovered Missbehave Magazine and I love it, unfortunately at the same time I found out that it will no longer be published! So sad! I just adore this editorial below and specifically I love what the illustrations add to it! Check out their site HERE to see a peek into what their magazine was like.

Halston Heaven

2009-06-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

A video of Halston's Fall 2009 collection- so gorgeous, I love love love it!

Top 10 Resort Collections

2009-06-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

I still don't have internet set-up so bare with me, but here is mega post to make up for the lack of blogging! First of all how great were the Resort collections this year, I am loving so many of them! Overall the designers seem to have a much more optimistic viewpoint this time around. The collections are fun and full of life, and also very wearable. This made it very hard for me to choose my top 10 favorite collections, but I finally managed to decide so here they are in no particular order:

1. Alexander Wang- Wang continues to create young, fresh, easy-to-wear pieces, but always with his unique edge. In his Resort collection I can see a bit of influence seeping in from his recent GAP collaboration, ie the khaki trench coat. I would love to wear all 4 of these outfits, although I think I would put something under that first white top!

2. Lanvin- Mr. Albaz was inspired by Acapulco for his resort collection and it shows brilliantly in the bright colors and the fun playful energy. There was also a great range of pieces as the designer explained he wanted to offer something for everyone from the beach bums, to the urbanites, and even the brides!

3. Preen- My love for Preen's simple sophistication continues to increase. Their dresses are sexy but not slutty, and while highlighting the female form they reveal just the right amount of skin. I love the mix of colors used in this collection and any of these dresses would be just perfect for a night out!

4. Proenza Schouler- The Schouler boys' usual skate and surf inspirations combined with Tahiti flavors for this collection due to a recent trip they took. I like how they adapted this theme for their 'city girls' target market. Their influences were seen in the details, ie the scuba suit color blocking and the island blues. This ensured that they would still please the urbanites with versatile, chic pieces.

5. Marc Jacobs- Another fun, colorful collection for Resort season from Marc Jacobs. I love the young, yet sophisticated look with the bright florals and mini dresses. I also like the range that offers cute, fresh pieces for day and metallics for night. And of course the asymmetrical gold dress is stunning, but I don't know if anyone could make it look as good as Kate Moss did at the Costume Institute Gala.

6. 3.1 Phillip Lim- "She's a pirate", this is how Lim described his Resort collection and why I fell in love with it. The soft mix of whites and neutrals was a breath of fresh air, but Lim didn't lose sight of his rocker girl either. The lace seen throughout the collection is just beautiful and I love how it's set against the black giving it a tougher edge.

7. Stella McCartney- I'm become a bigger fan of Stella these days, and I just adore her Resort collection. It's fun, young, energetic, yet still sleek. The lace jumpsuit is heavenly and I love the mustard hue of the skirt with pockets. I have also been looking for a great sweater dress and there were many great ones to be found in this collection. It was really hard to pick just 4 pieces I loved because there was such a fantastic variety of color, print, and style!

8. Thakoon- This resort collection would make a perfect summer wardrobe! It's light and fresh with a great mix of bright colors and soft neutrals. I also like the use of different florals with some being delicate and muted, while others were vibrant and dynamic.

9. Diane Von Furstenburg- Here is a Resort collection that is a little more daring and bold. I'm loving the jewel tones and the cheeky girlish look that Ms. Von Furstenberg has created this season. It's cheerful and playful, but of course still sexy. The prints and ruffles are delightful and I have been dieing to get my hands on a pin-up style swimsuit like this pink & orange leopard printed one!

10. Rag & Bone- I really like this collection and picked it because I would wear a bunch of these pieces. However it almost did not make the list because overall I think it mimics Alexander Wang's style with the gray sweats and denim on denim. But I guess that's besides the point, as it does have that downtown, cool "I just threw this on" look to it which is very popular right now. And I will admit that I sometimes I strive very hard to get that look.

(All pictures via Style.com)

Last Days in Bangkok

2009-06-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

So I'm in NY but I don't have an internet connection set up yet so my blogging will remain a bit sporadic until I get that sorted. For now here are some pics of my last days in Bangkok, I already miss it so much!

Night view

Hidden Temple

Delicious last lunch

Tuk Tuk

River view

My cat Calvin

New hair cut

Motorcycle taxi

Grafiti

Eating by the river

Streetside

Last night celebrations

Leaving On A Jetplane

2009-06-10T03:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts, I've been sooooooooooooo busy preparing for my move to NY. It has been insanely hard packing all my stuff, especially with the amount of shoes I have! But it's finally all packed up and I'm ready to fly out bright and early tomorrow morning! Once I get my internet connection set up in NY I should be back to blogging regularly.

100% Fashion

2009-06-03T21:09:00.000-07:00

W Magazine June 2009: A 26 page editorial, photographed by Craig McDean, displaying Fall 2009's best looks. McQueen, Lanvin, Givenchy, Marc, Prada, and the list goes on! What more could you ask for?!

(Pictures via Wmagazine.com)

Marko's Lady Macbeth

2009-06-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

Marko Mitanovski is one of the most exciting up and coming young designers, in my opinion. Since his debut collection entitled Lady Macbeth in 2008, this Belgrade designer has been compared to the likes of l'enfant terrible- Alexander McQueen and the ever so theatrical Gareth Pugh. It is clear from the title of his first collection that Marko is heavily influenced by historical costumes. Lady Macbeth was inspired by the Renaissance and Elizabethan eras taking into consideration their silhouettes, accessories, structure, and embellishments. However, Marko definitely made them his own, for instance he added punk and S&M elements that created a stunning 'dark glamourous' look. He also interpreted and played with different historical elements in his own way, such as the Elizabethan ruff which he enlarged to the extent that it almost covered the whole body. His silhouettes beautifully emphasize the female form and his attention to detail is immaculate- he even designed the shoes to ensure that they would correctly depict his theme. I really love this collection- one of my favorite classes was Fashion History, so I find it fascinating to see how designers are influenced by the past and how they translate it into their designs.

(Pictures via Ftape.com)

All Legs

2009-06-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

Vogue Paris June/July 2009: shot by Terry Richardson, featuring Anja Rubik and Natasha Poly.

Loving this sexy, fun, carefree Paris editorial- I think after NYC Paris will be my next stop!

(Pictures via Trendhunter.com)

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

2009-05-29T19:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts, I have been busy with my end of the year dance recital. Should be back to posting normally Monday, just thought I'd post these Pour la Victoire thorn-front stilettos as I've been cutting thorns off of roses all morning!

The Ultimate

2009-05-26T08:01:00.001-07:00

Dazed and Confused June 2009: shot by Mark Pillai, featuring robotic, armour-like designs from the Fall 2009 collections

(Pictures via Trendhunter.com)

Invention, Design, & Function

2009-05-24T23:02:00.000-07:00

"Timeless style is the definition of modern fashion"

That quote is from the revolutionary Norma Kamali, who started making her mark in the fashion industry in the 60's & 70's. She created innovative designs like the sleeping bag coat and parachute clothing and today she is continuing to evolve and push the envelope. Norma has so many amazing skills, she knows how to flatter a woman's body and also is an expert at including functionality in her designs, but also she strives to empower women and give them more confidence. I think this is such an amazing design philosophy and looking through her looks I can see how she achieves this. Her clothes are sexy, stylish and classic, and they all seem to have a great sense of strength and power to them.
Her swimsuits are gorgeous- feminine, retro, and sexy. Though I know I wouldn't be able to pull some of them off, many of them look as if they would flatter many body types.
Her skirts and dresses are fun and flirty. I really love her use of studs, fringe, and even safety pins!(Click to enlarge to see the neck and sleeves of the 1st dress below and 1st bathing suit above) She also offers a lot of career looks, like the navy blue suit below which is so stunning and chic!
Another amazing skill that Norma has is her ability to continually evolve with the times. With the economic recession she is involved with 2 different ventures that aim to allow people to continue to shop without having to spend a fortune. First she is offering a 'Try before you buy' option which gives shoppers the smart alternative to try out the clothes for 48 hours before making their final decision. Norma explains that this will help people to avoid emotional buying and spontaneous spending. To add on to this, for the past 2 years she has also been collaborating with Wal-Mart to create an affordable chic line of casual and career pieces. The clothes are very reasonably priced with most ranging from $15 to $20. She offers some great basics for work as well as some really cute casual/athletic wear that I would love to wear to dance class or the gym. I am also planning on getting the amazing, versatile 'All-in-one top' that can be worn 8 different ways!
I just really love when designers see that everyone, of any financial background, should be able to purchase fashionable clothes at reasonable prices. I have always felt this way, and now with the economic downturn more and more designers are finally stepping up to the plate. As Norma so brilliantly says on her site:

"Through the Wal-Mart stores and website I can reach more people and affect more lives than in any other venue...This project allows me to think out of the box, and with new ideas, practicality, and price, it could be the most exciting opportunity of my career"

(Pictures via Normakamalicollection.com and Walmart.com)

Smile Upon Me

2009-05-24T06:52:00.001-07:00

Oh yeah you're the best damn friend that I'll ever have
You'll always smile upon me when the seasons bad

You'll always make me feel best even when I'm blue
You'll always smile upon me and I'll smile upon you too

I don't know what are you now
Since everything has changed
If I did know one thing
Its me whose feeling strange

Yes everything is different
And I don't react well

The changes that come when
Your life's becoming hell

There's a place in this world
Where people like me are found by people like you
So find a place as this forever divine

May 24 2009

2009-05-24T06:20:00.000-07:00

Dress with slashed sleeves from Siam Square
Studded Gladiators from Soda
Ring from Chatuchuk Weekend Market

Keep Candles Handy

2009-05-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

This i-D editorial, shot by Vanina Sorrenti and featuring Alana Zimmer, is insanely stunning and mesmerizing! I love the dusty, soft colors and the subtle sultriness in Alana's eyes. Lastly, the layering of the images creates such a beautiful effect that draws you in and keeps you captivated. I just couldn't stop staring at them!

(Pictures via Coute Que Coute)

Spring 2009 Ads

2009-05-21T06:58:00.000-07:00

These are some of my favorite ads from Spring 2009!

(Aquascutum)
(Guiliano Fujiwara)

(Pictures via Theessentialist)

What Goes Around Comes Around

2009-05-19T07:12:00.000-07:00

While flipping through a 1995 issue of Vogue Italia it struck me how many things seemed to fit in with the current trends. Fashion really is cyclical and this is one of the reasons I hate cleaning out my closet! Styles almost always come back into fashion and right now I'm wishing I didn't throw out my denim jacket a while back! Anyways here are some pictures from the 90's Vogue Italia next to similar trends and styles from today.

Low-slung backpacks: Fendissime & Alexander Wang
80's frills: YSL Rive Gauche & Louis Vuitton Fall 2009
Revealing shoe shots: Bottega Veneta ad & fashion photography by MI-ZO
Houndstooth coats: Anna Lisa & McQueen Fall 2009

Bangkok Background

2009-05-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

In about 3 weeks I'll be leaving Bangkok, my home of 7 years, so not to sound too corny, but I've been reminiscing a lot about my time here lately. Don't get me wrong I am definitely excited and ready to move on to NYC, but that doesn't take away from how much I love this city and the huge effect it has had on my life. So I was so happy to stumble upon this editorial set against beautiful images of Bangkok's architecture and skylines. I love the picture of the city at sunset and the one in front of the 'Elephant Building' (the 3rd pic- obviously named because it resembles an elephant with ears and tusks and everything!)- it's definitely one of my favorite things in the city and I love how the print of the blouse parallels the windows on the building. I hope you enjoy the pictures and I hope one day you get to experience Bangkok for yourself, if you haven't already!

(Pictures via The Magazine)

Model Of The Moment: Liu Wen

2009-05-18T03:14:00.000-07:00

I think Liu Wen is flawless! She looks stunning whether she's all made up and glamorous in Chanel or just casually chic in Gap. Love her!

(Pictures via Style.com)

Through The Eyes of Richard Avedon

2009-05-16T23:25:00.000-07:00

This past week a retrospective of iconic photographer Richard Avedon was launched at the International Center of Photography. I think I probably first became aware of Avedon when I was younger and watched Funny Face with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. The movie is loosely based on Avedon's work and unique techniques and he even provided some photos for the movie, including this memorable image below, showing just Audrey's eyes, nose and mouth. Hepburn was definitely one of Avedon's main muses, even perhaps his ultimate muse, as he once said:

"I am, and forever will be, devastated by the gift of Audrey Hepburn before my camera. I cannot lift her to greater heights. She is already there. I can only record. I cannot interpret her. There is no going further than who she is. She has achieved in herself her ultimate portrait."

Avedon started working in fashion in 1944 as a chief photographer for Harper's Bazaar. Here he became known for portraying how women really felt through his photos whether it was insecure or happy. His images of laughing women became his most popular. One thing I just discovered about him that made me love him even more, was that he used to fight with the magazine to show women of different races like China Machado and he threatened to leave in the 60's unless they used his photo of African-American model Donyale Luna.
Avedon ended up leaving Harper's Bazaar in 1966 to work for Vogue until Anna Wintour's arrival in 1988. Apparently she asked him to audition for him and did not like what she saw so Avedon left. However he left Vogue with so many incredible images where he was able to capture the spirit of that time so well, including stunning images of iconic models Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton, and Penelope Tree.
In 1992 he became the first staff photographer for The New Yorker. They called it 'Avedon's return to fashion' and his first images shown were a color portfolio of a model with a skeleton, which could be seen as a stand-in for Avedon in some sense. After that he mainly photographed a lot of avante-garde couture fashions from designers like Yamamoto and Gaultier, mostly in black and white.
I just love Avedon's images and I think in a lot of he ways he changed the way people viewed fashion. Instead of portraying prim and proper ladies he showed women in their reality illuminating how they were really feeling. He pushed the envelope encouraging his models to emote and move around, urging them to be more than just motionless clothes hangers. He was able to truly capture the energy and emotions of the world around him and yet was so ahead of his time with his techniques and appreciation of all things beautiful. The New York Times covered this new exhibit very well and made a brief but very informative video on the photographer you can watch HERE. The retrospective will be displayed in New York until September 6(which means I get to see it!).

(Pictures via Cyanatrendland.com)

TGIF: Ring Edition

2009-05-15T05:50:00.000-07:00

(Pictures via Madeherthink.com)

Trend De Jour: 80's Revival

2009-05-13T23:33:00.000-07:00

(Pictures via Style.com)

A Summer Blend

2009-05-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

Vogue Italia May 2009- Suvi Koponen shot by Richard Burbridge

(Pictures via Thefashionspot)

Elohim by Sabrina Goh

2009-05-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

I ventured to Singapore this weekend and when I came back I accidentally stumbled upon a Singaporean designer. I actually lived in Singapore for 9 years but was so young that I never really explored their fashion scene, so I was glad to see some talented work coming from this tiny island country! I really like the images for her Fall 2009 look book(above)- they are strong, confident, and beautifully androgynous, just like Goh's designs. See more at her site HERE.

(Pictures via Sabrinagoh.com)

Hey Ho, Let's Go!

2009-05-12T04:25:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned before I've been working on styling concepts for an upcoming photo shoot and today I tried out some looks for the rock/punk theme. I've had a lot of ideas, but I can only pick 2 outfits to use and I still can't decide! HELP! I would really appreciate any feedback, comments, or suggestions, thanks!

This is the only outfit I know I want to use, and thanks to SixSixSick for their DIY slashed dress idea!
I like this lace dress because it has that 'pretty in punk' feeling and looks really good with spiked cuffs covering the arms! I'm also thinking about putting it with knee-high boots...
The dress and tights outfit was inspired by Alexander Wang and the other outfit...well I just think a leather jacket looks so sexy with nothing underneath!
These are two other dress options- I'm obviously a fan of leopard print and I like the other one because it looks like a blurry picture of city lights at night. I don't know if they are striking enough for a photo shoot though...

Tight Knits

2009-05-11T05:55:00.000-07:00

I'm loving up and coming Canadian designer Mark Fast's knitted body-con pieces! His designs are so well made and beautifully show off his talent- Fast hand knits everything on a domestic knitting machine. I really appreciate his unique approach to knitwear, but I also simply love how sultry his clothes are! He creates such great shapes with his knitting and I am crazy about the fringe made of combed viscose- it is so gorgeous that you can almost feel how soft it is. Graduating from Central Saint Martins, Fast recently showed in London's Fall 2009 fashion week with a collection inspired by thunderstorms. I think it's such an interesting influence, which he explained to Style.com- "That moment of fear and negativity, mixed with something that also feels beautiful". The models actually looked like they had just been through a storm with their hair wet, messy, and slicked back and clothes falling off their shoulders. Also, some of the pieces had such great movement that it appeared as if they were being blown away by the wind. His Spring 2009 collection was just as stunning and if possible even sexier with sheer dresses and a million cut outs. I am not sure how wearable these pieces are to those of us without a model's body, but in this case I don't mind just merely appreciating their beauty! Check out more of his work at Fast's site HERE.

Fall 2009:
Spring 2009:

(Pictures via Markfast.net)

DIY: Studded Vest

2009-05-11T02:32:00.000-07:00

Check out my latest DIY project! I was inspired by Rumi of Fashiontoast and a pic I stumbled upon of Robert Pattinson. I found a great denim vest at a vintage store and studded it up! I decided to do the pockets and the back middle panel, and used round and star shaped studs. I'm really happy with the result, and I think I might even use it in the photo shoot that I am styling for my portfolio. (Click to enlarge!)

Trash, Treasure, Junk, and Jewels

2009-05-10T05:08:00.000-07:00

"Jewelry is always a treasure, and though it may not be made of gold and diamonds, it should still have that sentiment" -Tom Binns

Though I just discovered Tom Binn's jewelry from Style.com's Fall 2009 Accessory Report, this eccentric jewelry designer has been turning trash into treasure since the 1980's- he even collaborated with Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren making pirate-themed pieces to go along with their New Romantic trend. He has been called the pioneer of junk jewelry with his 'more is more' aesthetic! He has a lot of different collections that offer such a wide rage of pieces from classic to punk. I just love costume jewelry, it's so much fun and can add so much to an outfit, without you having to pay a fortune for it. And I like how Binn's pieces have such a great spirit and attitude to them, they are edgy, bold, and definitely make a statement (He even designed a silver collar with the words 'Statement Piece' etched on it!). Here are 3 of his collections below, but you should definitely check out the rest of them at his site HERE.

Dumont:I love these chunky necklaces of intertwined chains and tiered gems, and the playful arrow piece is so great! Even though these gems aren't real I think they would still make me feel 'real good'! As Binn said, "It's actually the integrity that's precious, not the material. Value is not what they say it is, it's what you feel it is."

Tough Chic:This is my favorite of his collections, I love how he mixes skulls, crosses, and spikes, with gems and stones. I would probably wear every piece from this one!

Get Real:This collection actually started out as a joke but Binn ran with the idea- he used laminated magazine cutouts of jewelry, from Cartier to Lanvin, and arranged the 2-dimensional gems on a collar. "If you can't afford the real [stuff], you can have a paper cutout. It's virtual jewelry! I'm virtually rich!" he said about these pieces.

(Pictures from Style.com and Tombinnsdesign.com)

This Time Baby, I'll Be Bulletproof

2009-05-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

I just had to share this video by electropop-synth duo La Roux! I love everything about it from the song, to the Fred Butler props and accessories, to the House of Holland Pantone outfits! The backdrops are crazy colorful and the effects are hypnotizing. And I love lead singer Elly's trademark coif! Check out their official site HEREfor more info and free downloads!

Mermaid Dolly Partons

2009-05-07T22:48:00.000-07:00

I looked through most of the shows from the recent Rosemount Australian Fashion Week and with out a doubt the funnest, most interesting, and most creative show was Romance Was Born! Set at a wharf the models walked out in front of huge display of undersea creatures and treasures, mirroring the ocean inspired theme of the designs. There is no way I can properly describe their crazy spectacular pieces, but so you can get some sort of an idea there were men with doily beards, tops with eyes, glamorous mermaids, and even a purple crocheted squid headpiece! What I particularly loved was the attention to detail from head to toe- the shoes were covered in shells and the nails encrusted with pearls. (Click to enlarge)
Also the hair and make-up was fantastic, each look matched the colors of the clothes perfectly- I especially loved the coral eyebrows!
It was just such a fun collection, and the designers offered a lot of cute wearable pieces without giving up their creativity. And the more I saw of the collection the more it reminded me of an episode of the Mighty Boosh where they meet a fisherman who is obsessed with putting shells on everything from his shoes to his wife, I loved it!

(Runway and backstage pictures from Vogue.com.au)

Anna Sui + Gossip Girl = A New Target Collection!

2009-05-06T19:10:00.001-07:00

Anna Sui is following in McQueen's footsteps and will collaborate with Target this fall. Sui said that when she travels people all around the world are talking about Gossip Girl, so her collection will be inspired by the show's 4 girls- Blair, Serena, Jenny & Vanessa. I think this is a great idea because each of these characters has such a distinct style so the line will have something for everyone! And I think Sui is definitely the designer for the job as over the years her collections have offered a variety of styles from boho chic to rock 'n roll. The clothes will be made from materials like metallic jacquard, silk, herringbone, and chiffon with tulle, lace, and sequin detailing. Sui's designs are scheduled to hit the store September 13 and will be sold through October 17. I am especially excited for this collaboration because I will finally be in the States and will at last get a chance to buy something from it! My anticipation has led me to eagerly go through Sui's past shows and pick out looks that I thought fit each Gossip Girl's character!

Jenny:

Serena:

Blair:

Vanessa:

(Pictures via Style.com)

'State of Grace'

2009-05-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Natalia Vodianova shot by Mario Testino in British Vogue's May 2009 issue. These incredible dresses look beautiful in the setting and I love how the props used mirror the shapes in the clothes!

(All pictures via Trendhunter.com)

BKK Street Style

2009-05-06T06:56:00.001-07:00

Click to enlarge!

(All pictures via Cheeze Magazine)

Sheena the Punk Rocker VS Dorothy of OZ

2009-05-05T04:22:00.000-07:00

One of my dreams is to be a stylist so I am currently working on a project to help show my styling 'abilities' for my portfolio! I am working with my friend Kat, who is amazing at hair and make-up, to style 2 different shoots. So here are the mood boards I created for my 2 completely different concepts(click to enlarge!):

The first one is going to be really dark, edgy, and rock 'n roll but still chic. Kind of like Courtney Love's messiness mixed with Kate Moss's fierce chicness- punk, but with a more stylish and glamorous feel!
The second one was inspired by Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz! It's going to be really young and fresh, filled with a rainbow of colors, patterns, ribbons, flowers, and bows.
Look out for more updates on the developments of this project soon!

Reduction, Perfection, Expression

2009-05-04T02:30:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely in love with the above images- the very 1st one on the left is definitely my favorite! But all of them are so beautiful, and kind of remind me of that scene in My Fair Lady when they go to the races and everyone's dressed to the nines in black & white- it has that lady-like sophistication and glamour, but with a bit more edge. These photos are from jewelry designer Majo Fruithof's latest lookbook and were taken by Patrizio de Renzo. I love how the use of black & white allows the jewelry to be highlighted and displayed so well- the colors of the gemstones simply pop out at you. It all just comes together quite perfectly- the creative makeup, the chic and refined poses, and the superior glances, all work collectively to display Majo's exquisite pieces. After exploring her site, there is no way I can describe her jewelry better than the designer herself. When explaining her designs she brilliantly writes:

"There is an irresistible fascination in interpreting materials and shapes within the context of individual beauty. From clear structures, reduced in their contrast, exciting new ideas evolve which underline the radiance of unique personalities.
Converting those ideas into reality requires creativity and craftsmanship at the same time.
When precision and perfection go hand-in-hand, surprising effects arise which only show themselves when they are touched. What appears to be static design reveals itself as silky soft and flowing."

To see the rest of her lookbook and more detailed pictures of her jewelry go to Majo's site HERE.

(All pictures via Fruithof.com)

Space Age Chic

2009-05-04T00:40:00.000-07:00

I love these futuristic jackets- they're exactly what I would imagine a fiercely stylish female astronaut would wear! NASA should definitely get some of these! They are part of Hogan's spring/summer '09 capsule collection created by guest designer Thakoon Panichgul. They are made of gold and silver, water-repellent tin-foil making them very lightweight. Thakoon was initially inspired by the foil wrappers that runners use after a marathon and the athletic influence is definitely evident in their shape and features. I especially love the asymmetrical zippers and high collars!

(Pictures via Stylefinder.com)

Trend De Jour: Studs

2009-05-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

These studded accessories from the Fall 2009 collections are so gorgeous! I love them all but I think the McQueen ankle boots and Givenchy gloves take the cake!

(Pictures via Style.com)

TGIF: Magazine Edition

2009-04-30T23:56:00.001-07:00

V Magazine's first ever swimsuit issue- Kate is definitely my fave!

The Visitors Must Be Amused

2009-04-30T22:43:00.000-07:00

I have always been in awe of Karen O's out of this world costumes and today I stumbled upon the designer of all these incredible pieces- Christian Joy. Joy has designed most of the Yeah Yeah Yeah singer's costumes for her performances and also magazine features. Her pieces are bold, creative, and showcase Joy's fantastic imagination! However she also has a ready-to-wear line for those who are not quite as daring as Karen O. This line is much simpler, but has great construction details, interesting silhouettes and maintains Joy's great sense of originality. If you want to see more of her costumes or collections go to her official site HERE. In February this year Joy had her first solo exhibition at the Audio Visual Arts gallery in New York's East Village. For this show, entitled The Visitors Must Be Amused, Joy decided to be resourceful in her surroundings, which basically consisted of a huge pile of left over scraps from her past projects. She used these materials to create innovative and striking representations of female beings based on descriptions given to her by friends and family, who in return interpreted her piece and incorporated it into a photo or creation of their own. The pieces are so vastly different and so inspired that no description could do them justice, so below are my 3 favorites shown along with the description that they gave to Joy (click to enlarge).

Black Lacquer Smile, interpretation & description by Karen OAlien Space Suit, description by Marci Leiseth & Eduardo JaurezGhost With Boo Sign, interpretation & description by Nick ZinnerThere are many more stunning pieces- have a look at the rest of the exhibition HERE.

(Pictures via Christianjoy.us & Audiovisualarts.org)

Pixie Chicks

2009-04-29T00:37:00.000-07:00

Check out this great store called Pixie Market! Inspired by London markets, like Portobello and Spitalfields, this boutique aims to carry unique, underground labels from all over the world. They are adventurous in their selections which results in a wide variety of different and eccentric styles. With locations in NYC, LA and London they also have launched an on-line retailer, have a look HERE. I just love browsing through all their stuff and it's not too expensive considering the design quality and exclusivity. I picked out some of my top picks below- the Stolen Girlfriends Club bandage leggings are very hot and I also love the long tan blazer by Martin Lamothe. They also have fantastic accessories- I adore the cute, quirky miniature hats by Chapeau Claudette and the black, pleated neck piece is beautifully constructed, but I am absolutely crazy about the feather scarf by Mongrels in Common! Unfortunately it is sold out, as many of their best pieces are, so if you are looking to buy don't hesitate too long or you might miss out!

Photographer Profile: Hedi Slimane

2009-04-28T01:35:00.000-07:00

Hedi Slimane is definitely one of my favorite photographers. When I discovered his online photographic diary a few months ago I was entranced for hours! I could not stop looking at his photos and I think it is because they are just so pure and honest. They do not try to stand out or be overly dramatic and henceforth they have such a beautiful genuine quality to them. I love the peace and serenity they capture, it's as if he catches a glimpse of someone in a private moment. It was so hard to pick my favorites but below are some of them, rest assure there are many more which you can see HERE.

I love this set because even though there is a lot going on with futuristic lights and crazy masses of ribbon they are still serene and calm. They maintain that honesty that Slimane is so masterful at capturing.

This next set might just be my favorite, but trust me that's a tough call to make. They are of a group of young guys and girls and I just love their sincerity. I feel like the photos truly encapsulate a piece of who these people are, just a mere glance into their lives. I also love how the simplicity of them only enhances their beauty. These pictures make me crave to be photographed my Slimane, which says a lot because I HATE getting my picture taken. There are so many more entrancing photos in this set HERE.
Lastly here are some images from Slimane's Rock Diary, which is made up of 3 books of photos that capture today's rock stars (including Pete Doherty, Amy Winehouse, The Cazals, Arctic Monkeys, The Kills) and their young fans. Slimane not only aimed to capture the rock 'n roll lifestyle but also the current youth's strong connection to music and how their identity is deeply bonded to it. By the way my birthday is in August if anyone wants to know what to get me!
(All pictures via Hedislimane.com)

Special Shiny Things

2009-04-27T23:57:00.000-07:00

Jewelry is becoming the favorite accessory choice these days as there are increasing amounts of unique and dramatic pieces that can easily enhance a simple outfit. Fred Butler is one of the most inspiring designers I have found lately. She actually started out as a prop and accessory designer who styled many magazine editorials, store displays, and musicians including Beth Ditto and Patrick Wolf.

Selfridges' Window: Dazed & Confused(Accessory Styling):Dazed & Confused(Prop Styling):Patrick Wolf:Her work is amazing and sought after by so many, thus it made sense for her to create her own accessory line which she finally did in 2008. Fred now has 2 collections under her belt. Her Fall 2008 collection is called Dodecahedron Collision- a title that aptly describes its pieces, as you can see below. It is full of bright colors and angular shapes and ranges from head pieces to belts to necklaces.
Fred's latest spring 2009 collection entitled Dahlia Fantasia(shown below) continues to embrace that same sense of whimsy and enchantment, but is darker and more romantic- sort of mystical. It has an origami theme that is especially apparent and in the layered accordion necklace. There are still many colors that are not as bright but have a beautiful glimmer to them. I just love her pieces and though I probably won't be able to get my hands on any of them, she inspires me to be more adventurous with accessories and just have fun playing around with them! They remind me of something Vince Noir might wear in The Mighty Boosh! He would definitely fit into Fred's target market which she described in an interview with Dazed Digital: "Someone that has a magpie sense of style drawn to special shiny things and someone that has no self doubt in their appearance coupled with total conviction in wearing things as an experience to enhance their happiness."
See much more of her work and accessory collections at her site HERE.
(All pictures via Fredbutlerstyle.com)

April 28 2009

2009-04-27T23:52:00.000-07:00

Multicolored heels from Forever 21
Man's white button-down shirt
Magenta tights from Platinum Mall
Black vintage belt from Chatuchuk Market

Style Profile: Irina Lazareanu

2009-04-25T04:58:00.000-07:00

I really love model Irina Lazareanu's style, and it's not just because she dated one of my rock star crushes-Pete Doherty(he's not even that attractive, it's the bad boy thing again!). I just love how she wears men's wear so PERFECTLY- she makes it look so damn good! The vest is probably my favorite piece of clothing, I have a whole drawer dedicated to just vests, and Irina incorporates them so well, whether it's with a 3-piece suit, a dress, or jeans. She also knows how to glam it up- see proof below. Irina can easily slip out of a pair of slouchy trousers into a gorgeous white 3.1 Phillip Lim flowing gown. And it seems she is a fan of Lim as she also wore a incredible tuxedo jacket/dress by the designer, which is probably one of my favorite looks from her. It is one of my goals in life to make men's wear look as good as she does!

Dusk Till Dawn

2009-04-25T04:42:00.000-07:00

Beautiful editorial from Plastique the Spring/Summer 2009 issue

Fast Fashion

2009-04-25T04:03:00.000-07:00

I think it is really important that great fashion is readily available and affordable for everyone, especially in this economic climate, and I love that more and more brands and stores are now offering more reasonably priced items. Everyone should be able to express themselves through fashion at any price, and it's definitely smart to buy trendy items at a lower price because in a flash they will be out of style! I think Target does a great job with this, they team up with great designers like Johnathan Saunders and Alexander McQueen (shown above respectively). I also recently discovered this fantastic collection they have called Go International. The concept behind it is to offer the must-have trends of the moment at great prices ranging from $17 to $45. They call it 'fast fashion' since every piece is sold for only a limited time and new designs come in quickly, so you can always go back and find something fresh! Below I picked out my favorite designs. I love the 'bandleader' vest- it's a good way to get that Balmain look and the grey bustier top is spot on with the inner wear as outer wear trend and has an Alexander Wang feel to it. The collection also has a great selection of dresses varying from cute and young styles to a more sleek and sophisticated look. I especially adore the grey and black blocked strapless dress and the watermelon colored tiered dress. Check out the rest of their collection HERE.

(Pictures via Target.com)

TGIF: Shoe Edition

2009-04-24T03:08:00.000-07:00

(Pictures via Net-a-Porter.com)

My Coachella Faves

2009-04-24T02:52:00.000-07:00

Game Girl

2009-04-22T05:28:00.000-07:00

Daria Werbowy in Paris Vogue May 2009

Street Style Faves

2009-04-18T03:36:00.001-07:00

(Photos via Thesatorialist, Stockholmstreetstyle, Elle, & Facehunter)

I Always Go For The Bad Boys

2009-04-18T02:38:00.000-07:00

The above editorial is from the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of Plastique magazine. It was a music shoot featuring male musicians including Sam Slaughter(The Raveonettes) and George Barnett(These New Puritans). It also included 2 models/musicians that seem to keep popping up everywhere these days- Josh Beech from Snich(Top) and Ash Stymest from The Mannequins(Bottom). Just this week I have seen these 2 everywhere: on the runway, in ads, in blogs and in editorials, so I became intrigued and wanted to see more(the title explains why!). I have discovered that these 2 friends seem to be rising stars in the modeling world being featured in Dazed & Confused and Vogue Hommes, as well as walking for designers like Balenciaga, Givenchy, Thierry Mugler, and Kenzo. They have become known as 'bad boys' due to their tattoos and piercings. My search also led me to find this great editorial from Ponytail Magazine's 2nd issue which features both boys among other models:I think Josh and Ash have a great look and style, they both seem young and fresh yet still have an edge about them, and of course they aren't too bad to look at either! I'm off to check out their music so I'll leave you with their head shots and Vogue Hommes covers shot by Hedi Slimane:

WET & WILD!

2009-04-18T02:36:00.000-07:00

This past week Thailand celebrated their new year called Songkran. And how do they celebrate this holiday? Basically with a huge 3 day country-wide WATER FIGHT! Everyone joins in throwing buckets of water, shooting water guns, rubbing white powder on cheeks, spraying hoses, riding on trucks with huge tubs of water, and generally just rejoicing, partying and being drenched all the while! This year my friends and I went to one on the main streets in downtown Bangkok called Silom, there were soooooo many people there just filling the streets:
And of course we were properly prepared and attired for this occasion: bathing suits were worn under clothes, sunglasses worn to protect our eyes, waterproof bags or Ziplocs carried our money, phones placed in waterproof cases worn around the neck, floral patterns are seen everywhere, and of course the ever-so essential water gun! Now some people go for the biggest or most powerful guns, but my other fashion-conscious friend and I of course opted for the cutest ones- a superman and a turtle water gun! (There were also minnie mouse, mickey mouse, and winnie the pooh guns!)Lastly here a picture from a beauty editorial inspired by Songkran from a Thai publication called The Magazine. I love it- it definitely captures the Songkran look and feel! Everyone should get to experience this fun, crazy, amaaaaaazing event once in their lives!

TGIF: Bag Edition

2009-04-17T02:57:00.000-07:00

180 Degree Designs

2009-04-16T02:43:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered Barcelona designer Gemma Degara and her beautiful versatile garments. Gemma's clothes are unique and amazing because of this 180 degree factor she applies to them- she explains on her site that you can choose yourself which side is the front, allowing people to interpret the same garment in different ways. I love this concept as it lets everyone adapt her clothes to their own personal style and wear it the way they want.
Her latest Fall 2009 collection was entitled Sleepless Night (see pictures above). I am usually not a fan of blue as I do not wear it that much, but I love the shades of blue Gemma has used in this collection- the turquoise and royal blues are vivid yet still have a very cool and calm feeling. Another aspect I really like is the various silhouettes used throughout this collection. The way the blue tops and dresses are draped create interesting and unique shapes, and just hang on the body beautifully. I also think the black cape is striking and dramatic with its great trapeze shape and tiered bell sleeves. I love the way the collection is styled in her look book- the black ankle boots are great, the tights and socks compliment the clothes well, & I absolutely adore the embellished gloves covered with delightful fluffiness! Overall her style is very striking yet at the same time soft and serene. It's this contradiction that creates such a lovely, whimsical, and novel collection!

I also wanted to share the photos of this collection that were not part of the look book because they are just simply beautiful! Setting the photos in the woods is a great backdrop for Gemma's collection. The neutrals of the surroundings really allow the clothes to stand out and the nature parallels the peacefulness of her designs. They were taken by Inmma Varandela, to see more of that shoot and more of Gemma's designs have a look at her site HERE.

(All pictures via Gemmadegara.com)

Style Profile

2009-04-16T00:42:00.000-07:00

There are so many things I love about my first style profile pick:

1. Her name is adorable- Tennessee Jane Bunny Thomas
2. She is a drummer- something I have always wanted to do
3. She is a vegetarian- as am I
4. She's in an all-girl band called The Like- great music and they have toured with 3 of my favorite bands: Kings of Leon, Phoenix, & Muse. Check out their really cute official site HERE
5. Her boyfriend- the ever so stylish producer Mark Ronson
6. Lastly but most importantly, her style- It's simplistic yet adorable, quirky and fun! I adore her black & white spectator flats, little basket purse, knee-high socks, & huge black-rimmed glasses. I also like how she plays with patterns: stripes, polka dots, flowers & my favorite, leopard print! They way she dresses makes her seem so likable, fun, & witty- it makes me want to be friends with her! Check out some of her outfits below as well as video of The Like opening for Phoenix:

April 11 2009

2009-04-16T00:25:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately my internet is still not working but I finally have some free time, after spending 3 days celebrating the Thai new year(more on that later), and have ventured out to a nearby internet cafe. So here is an outfit I wore out to celebrate a friend's birthday last Saturday:
(*Click to enlarge)
Black ankle boots from Zara
Tiered black dress from Bonanza Mall
Black heart belt, leopard print tights, & black studded cuff from Platinum Mall
Animal print heart earrings from Forever 21
Silver bangles from Khao Sarn Road

Internet Mishaps

2009-04-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts! I am having many internet problems and no one can fix them right now because it is the Thai new year right now so no one is working! Hopefully should be able start blogging again on Thursday or Friday!

Photographer Profile

2009-04-09T22:45:00.000-07:00

I decided for my first photographer profile to feature the amazing model turned photographer Robert Jaso! Based in Paris, Jaso is now one of the most sought after photographers in the fashion industry. Having shot for several magazines and advertisements, he can currently be most regularly found in the pages of Italian Vogue. His photos are stunning and immediately grab your attention. You can tell how Jaso thoroughly thinks about every aspect of a picture, from lighting, to props, to positioning the model. I really love the movement he captures, it makes the photos truly come to life assuring that the models don't just look like clothes hangers. I also think he shows off the clothing extremely well, you can see their shape and how they flow so beautifully. His portfolio shows just how diverse he is, as his photos can range from dark and edgy to light and romantic- he can just about do anything! But no matter what he does Jaso creates such strong images that will always draw people in. Below are some of my favorites, to see all of his work have a look at his website HERE.

(Pictures from Robertjaso.com)

April 10 2009

2009-04-09T20:57:00.001-07:00

Black & white block dress from Pratunam Market
Black & white brogues from Siam Square

(*Click to enlarge)

Elle Fashion for Life

2009-04-08T02:47:00.000-07:00

Elle Thailand recently created this fund raising campaign called Elle Fashion for Life, which aims to increase AIDS awareness and raise funds for an AIDS-related charity. They just released a photo shoot featuring several Thai celebrities including, actors, actresses, fashion designers, models and musicians all supporting the cause and wearing their official Elle Fashion for Life tee-shirts. I think it was a really fun shoot, for a good cause, and I like how a lot of them personalized and styled their shirts differently- the Stretsis sisters look adorable! Here are some of the photos, to see many more checkout out their page on Facebook HERE.
Rock star- Pae Slur

Design team- Stretsis

Rock star- Gene Kasidit & Model/VJ- Paula

Fashion Designers- Gam for Kloset Red Carpet & Aom for Disaya

Damn the Man! Save the Empire!

2009-04-07T03:22:00.000-07:00

Empire Records is one of my favorite movies so I really loved this Elle photo shoot inspired by the movie and the 90's grunge movement. Modeling the clothes are up and coming teen stars including Frida Pinto, Imogen Poots, Rafi Gavron, Alexis Dziena, Anton Yeltin, Isabel Lucas, and Krysten Ritter. The styling by Erin Wasson is great, with the layered looks, acid-wash jeans, and slouchy silhouettes. See more of the shoot and info on the actors HERE

Lucas: Joe, I think it's gonna be okay.
Joe: What makes you think that?
Lucas: Who knows where thoughts come from? They just appear.

(Pictures via Elle.com)

Rockers in Pearls

2009-04-07T01:52:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered Sinha-Stanic this year, but the successful design duo of Fiona Sinha and Aleksandar Stanic created their label back in 2004. I really loved their Fall 2009 collection(shown above). They scaled back and only showed 20 pieces, and this seemed to work in their favor as all 20 pieces were very strong. They presented a distinct style throughout the collection and I adored how they tied all the looks together with the same brown 'Doc Marten' style boots. I also liked their use of feathers and pearls to add a softer side to their rocker chic style. My favorite piece is definitely the black long sleeve dress adorned with pearls that spell out 'Rocker' on the midriff- I want it! I want it! I want it! -Sorry for my childish tantrum, I'm done now. I seriously love how Sinha-Stanic's clothes seem so easy to wear, just effortless, and could easily be taken from day to night- simply throw on a leather jacket and Doc Martens for day and for night take off the jacket, trade in the boots for heels, add some jewelry and you are good to go!
So my new found love for this duo made me take a look through their past seasons and I loved them all- their clothes are so wearable and chic, yet always have a little edge to them, whether its through the use of strategically placed zippers or the addition of a cropped motorcycle jacket. I was especially drawn to their Spring 2007 collection(shown below), and thought it actually was still really appropriate for this season- checkout the cut outs, one shoulder dresses, high platform heels, and body con dresses. Oh and I just love Sinha's long trench-like motorcycle jacket in the last pic!

(Pictures via Style.com)

April 7 2009

2009-04-07T01:47:00.000-07:00

Black jumpsuit and studded belt from Platinum Mall
Strappy shoes from Siam Square

Role Play Rene

2009-04-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

55 yr old Rene Russo looks absolutely stunning in these shots by Tony Duran for Brian Atwood's exclusive new book called Role Play Rene. Only 1,000 copies were made and given to guests at a special invite-only party at the OpenHouse Gallery recently. Atwood really wanted to pay homage to Russo, who beautifully showcases his Spring 2009 collection in the book. I love the wide range of shots, from the ones shot in bed to the ones splashing in water. I also really like the movement captured in some of the photos. And of course a gorgeous male model never hurts, this time it's Spanish top model Jon Kortajarena. All the pictures are incredibly sexy, sophisticated, and sensual. Enjoy!

Digital Paper Dolls

2009-04-06T05:48:00.000-07:00

I never really got into playing video or computer games, but I perked up when I saw this online fashion game called i-Dressup. I loved playing with paper dolls when I was little, and now I can dress up these digital dolls in my favorite designer collections. You can change the way your doll looks and then dress her in clothes by Louis Vuitton, Moschino, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and a lot more. I love how the clothes have such a great likeness to the real designs, right now it's probably the closest thing I'll get to trying on beautiful, expensive garments! If you have some time it's quite fun to play around and style the dolls the way you want- check it out for yourself HERE. Below are some I created from my fave Spring 2009 collections-

In the Line of Fashion

2009-04-05T06:49:00.000-07:00

I've always wished I was good at drawing, but alas I had to settle for less than average doodling skills. This does not, however, stop me from admiring other artists! A new exhibit at the Society of Illustrators Museum in NYC called- "In the Line of Fashion", showcases fashion illustrations from the 1940's and 1950's as well as some modern pieces. So I thought I would dedicate a post to some of my favorite illustrators past and present!

Rene Robert Bouche first started illustrating for French and American Vogue in 1939, and when he died in 1963 he was the last of his kind still drawing for magazines. I love how his pieces really portray sophistication and elegance. They are quite simple, but yet still depict a certain grandeur. (Pictures via designboom.com & giam.typepad.com)

These watercolor illustrations from Kareem Iliya are so beautiful and I love how he uses the colors to create light and texture. There is a sense of mystery and magic to them that just captivates me. Kareem has been featured in many magazines including W Magazine, British Vogue, and Harper's Bazaar, see more of his work HERE.(Pictures via art-dept.com)

Garance Dore started her blog in 2006 and since then she has become very popular in the 'blogosphere' and in the industry, being featured in several magazines such as Nylon and the New York Times Magazine. I really love her sketches, there is a charm and whimsy about them. To me they seem to portray 'real' girls who each have their own personality, whether it be fun and spunky or poised and chic- they seem true to life. (Pictures via garancedore.fr)

Australian illustrator Kelly Smith also has her own blog, which features a lot of her stunning fashion drawings. I love the soft, romantic quality that her illustrations have and I also like how they really depict the clothes well, from their shapes to their textures. Check her blog for a lot of great drawings from designers' fall 2009 collections including, Chanel, Zac Posen, and Nina Ricci. (Pictures via birdyandme.com.au)

April 4 2009

2009-04-04T23:47:00.000-07:00

Top w/sash belt from Topshop
Denim shorts from Chatuchuk market
Messenger bag from Forever 21
Gladiator sandals from Old Navy
Gold box ring and layered necklace from Chatuchuk market
Gold bird necklace from Platinum Mall

Aztec Summer

2009-04-03T20:42:00.000-07:00

With summer almost here, brighter colors are on the way back and this time in fun Aztec prints. From runway designers like Roberto Cavalli and Etro to more affordable labels such as Topshop and American Apparel, there are so many options to choose from. Even MIA who could be considered the trend setter for this crazy print has her own line called Okley Run. I think my fave is the pastel printed Topshop version and I love how it looks on model Arlenis Sosa, who wore it to their pre-opening party in NYC HERE.

Fashion in the Streets of Bangkok

2009-04-03T06:44:00.000-07:00

I love the way people dress in Bangkok, there are so many unique styles including, girly, androgynous, Hi-So(Thai slang that means high society), indie rock, hip hop chic, bohemian, oh and of course the abundant backpacker look, I could go on and on- suffice to say there is a little bit of everything! This is why sometimes I just love people watching, you get to observe all the different trends and admire the wide range of fashions- it's inspiring! I am planning to do a street style shoot soon, but now I'll show you these street shots I found in a Thai magazine for teenagers called Cheeze- click them to enlarge!

You can check out Cheeze magazine online HERE

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2009-04-02T06:47:00.001-07:00

The Girl Who Wouldn't Let Her Hair Down

2009-04-01T22:02:00.000-07:00

I found this editorial in the September 1995 issue of Vogue Italia, which I bought last week from the weekend market. I just fell in love with these photos by Bruce Weber and the story they told. I like how it is all quite understated from the clothes to the narrative. However, it could be considered quite controversial as you start to realize the young girl is pregnant and seems to be getting into all sorts of trouble, drinking and smoking. But I like how Weber made it seem realistic rather than trying to scream out the point and be obtrusive about it. The result is that the story is discreet and genuine, making the shoot seem like Weber was photographing a real teenage couple handling a difficult situation they were unprepared for. I think it's really great when fashion can tell a story and express real sentiment, it draws people in and allows them to connect with the piece and its emotion.

Stuck in a Moment

2009-04-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

These Calvin Klein ads shot by David Sims are just beautiful! I love when I'm flipping through a magazine and an ad just makes me stop in my 'tracks', I'll just stare and examine every aspect of it, tracing my finger over the silhouette, and simply admiring its beauty. These CK ads definitely had that effect on me! I love the rigid structure of the clothes, which adds a unique futuristic appeal to CK's minimalistic approach. The model's whole look, attitude, and stance just adds even more to the images- she looks beautifully frozen.

(Pictures from Calvinklein.com - click to enlarge)

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

2009-04-01T05:45:00.000-07:00

This is my DREAM wish list:

But I am a realist and I know I won't be able to afford all of the above for a very long time, so below is my REALISTIC wish list, all items are from Forever 21: