Trend: Houndstooth

There was a time...it was probably around 1990, when I had decided that houndstooth was the ugliest thing ever, and I hoped that it would all be burned. Of course, at the beginning of any decade one must destroy the last one, so in hindsight, I can see that I was just rebelling. And I suppose you know how the story progresses: time wore on until one day I began to harbor warm fuzzy feelings towards the 80's, and a deep set nostalgia set in. Although, really, I have had a lifelong love for New Wave music, and everything that goes with it. So like my parents are with Disco, I will forever be married to the music of my youth.

I have to thank Gwen Stefani (see above) for bringing houndstooth back into my heart. Yes, it started with an obsession with all things black and white...I bought so many black and white striped items, that I guess I needed another avenue. Houndstooth was the perfect solution, but modernized for the current trend palate. I personally am a fan of larger sized print of the iconic pattern...the smaller it is, it becomes more lady and less new wave. Pair it with a bright color or a contrasting colorful pattern such as florals, and you've just made a bold edgy statement.

Love the possibilities.

And here's the good news: the geniuses at Target spend every waking hour tirelessly researching trends for their Private Label Collection so that you can get the look for less. Check out the blouse and skirt below (I would not recommend wear them together) from their upcoming 3rd series (due out September time). Fabulous.

Or else, if you have the dough, you could get this Marc by Marc Jacobs number...

...Or this Aqua version...

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Project Runway Episode 3

my fave: Leanne

Wow, Leanne surprised me, because her outfit was head and shoulders above the rest. I absolutely loved it...which is a rare occurrence these days with Project Runway.  I thought she had a great eye with her photograph, choosing something so common in the city (and generally ignored) and creating a beautiful graphic image.  The skirt is absolutely gorgeous...and yes, 'chic'. I was then imagining what kind of top I'd wear with it, I was thinking something of a casual tank top, and she did me one better with the draping at the neck. Sheer perfection. Finish it off with a nipped in waist and high heeled oxfords, and you've got yourself a winning look. Except on this show where the judges are always a smidge off.

Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of Kenley, and her dress was one of my fave pics this week. I just think that Leanne should have won, simply because she made me covet her look. Whereas with Kenley, I simply appreciate her look.  I appreciate that she did what all the contestants aim to do: experiment with a new idea to create a piece that is different and attractive.

I am also a big fan of Kelli...maybe it's because she is a fan of Vivienne Westwood...so we have that in common. I just adored her dress this week. I would love to rock her edgy sexy look, and I have a few rockstar clients who would as well. I'm definitely keeping my eye on her. I'm actually kind of surprised that she wasn't one of the top three tonight, as a matter of fact.

Now, to the losers: Jennifer should have gone. Her dress was aptly described as "boring and matronly". I would think those adjectives should be the kiss of death for a contestant on a show looking for the next great American designer....unless that's how you would describe Americans....hmmmm, I think Heidi is insulting us. And yeah, Emily's dress was awful, but it was at least somewhat sexy and young and creative. I am so tired of yelling "what??!!" at the TV at the end of every episode. I'm afraid this season is gonna be like season 2, where they kicked off all the truely talented designers only to have a lackluster top 3 with a bugly Briant Park showing.

Faves Kenley and Kelli

bottom two: Emily and Jennifer

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Art meets Fashion: Death by Drone

Oh my cuteness, I love this design duo! Tiff and Deb of Death By Drone seemingly come from where the wild things are, a duo of illustrators cum fashion designers. Their world is cute and feminine and kind of twisted.....just how I like it.

With silkscreening having become all the rage a couple years ago, it's no surprise that top notch visual artists would take a leap into the world of clothing. In fact, the crossover goes both ways really. With piles of laundry showing at the Bowery Museum and Thierry Mugler dominating at the Met, why not?

These girls definitely love to play with juxtaposition. To quote their website: 

"It's like having a nightmare about old crooked trees bleeding flowers and babies being trampled by unicorns...".

Yes, they like to play. The debut collection for Spring 2008 features a series of cute dresses. The look is feminine and vintage, in a sort of Alison Wonderland/ Little Red Riding Hood kind of way. But then they'll do something extreme to the silhouette and add some violent scribbles surrounding a slightly Edward Gorey disturbing illustration.

I don't expect to see Anna Wintour donning any of these works, but Zooey Deschanel would most certainly rock the look. You know the type: 20 something chick, cute, but dark....not to be reckoned with, but definitely a hell of a lot of fun to hang out with.

is that you?

Then get thee to

Debut

298 Mulberry St

New York

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Project Runway Alum: Alison Kelly

As we all know, sometimes Project Runway gets it wrong with the eliminations. I think we were all shocked to see Alison Kelly go on epidsode 6 of season 3. Rumors flew around that Heidi didn't like her....I guess we'll never know the truth. And honestly, who cares? Because she has made it into the public arena, and has since launched her own line: Dahl.

I definitely like her aesthetic. There is sort of a streamlined graphic-ness to her dresses, mixed in with the feminine. Her prints are girly in a very tasteful way, and I love the added bits of crochet. These dresses are definitely waht you would call 'flirty'. 

Oh, and the jewelry is all her too. Not too terribly original, but very cute none-the-less.

Go Alison! 

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Sample Sale Alert!

Daryl K (I am a huge fan) and Kerrigan

graphic, well draped, and edgy

2008 spring collections $50 and up

August 2nd 10am to 7pm

August 3rd 11am to 6pm

21 Bond St (Lafayette and Bowery)

Proenza Schouler

Feminine graphic bold

spring 2008 $80 and up

July 30 and 31st 9am to 6pm

120 Walker St (Center and Baxter)

La Perla

Upscale Lingerie and swimwear for 75% off

July 29-31st 10am to 8pm

93 Greene St (Prince and Spring)

803 Madison Ave (67th and 68th st)

425 W 14th St (9th and 10th ave)

Christopher Deane and Sophia Eugene

Feminine hipster

up to 75% off

July 28th to August 4th noon to 8pm

Sophia Eugene Boutique 37 Cornelia St (Bleeker and w. 4th)

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Guerrilla Art #10

Shepard Fairey Strikes again...Bowery and Housten. The man's a genius.

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Laurel Hill

I am obsessed with my new leather wing earrings by Laurel Hill. They were given to me by my gal Monique (who I must also thank for designing my dope header). These earring have taken the whole angel wing craze and made it rock...which is always my leaning. My wings are black leather with a touch of gold spray paint. The black adds that 'dark angel' feel and the gold adds a bit of depth and texture. Almost as important, they are the most comfortable earrings I have ever worn. I had actually gotten sick of wearing earrings, cuz they either rubbed my neck wrong, or tugged on my lobes too much. I don't know why I never before thought to use buttery soft leather to hang from my ears.

Anyway, I have waxed on long enough about my new ear confections. The designer, Laurel Hill, actually has a lot more up her sleeve. I took a look at her etsy page (if you are not already obsessed with this website, it's time to develop a habit)...I was surprised to see how well versed she is in silversmithing. I can tell you from experience that it is not easy to do. The intricacy of her anatomical heart pendant makes my wrist hurt just looking at it. Yes, I do believe she sawed that entire piece out by hand (several times). But the most inspiring is her 'banner' pieces that have a ye olde feel, and different messages on them. I have to say that I am really liking fashion with words. I'm going to have to make a mental note of how many things I am drawn to simply because there is writing on it.

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Project Runway episode 2

Looks by Daniel and Terri

I can't help it...I just love to discuss PR.

This week should have been great, because it was one of my fave themes: eco-fashion. Probably inspired by the Fall 2008 Fashionweek show I attended, Earth Pledge Future Fashion, where a multitude of high end designers each did an eco-design. The looks were so varied and so fabulous that the event was very inspiring. It ran the range from natural toned fabrics in interesting silhouettes, to glamorous reworked vintage gowns, to lush natural dyed tones.

But the Project Runway version was Project Trainwreck. I think that making the models choose their own fabric should have been a whole other challenge. It kind of stepped on the toes of the eco-fashion challenge. If the designers had had a chance to shop, they could have talked about what options they had in eco-friendly materials, and been really creative with it. I bet someone would have reworked vintage as well (which is essentially recycling). ...And lets face it, they would have chosen prettier fabrics, and bought enough yardage to cover the asses of the models in question.

Ugh.

So I have picked two pics of the looks that I thought were kind of nice (above). I wish I could say that I loved something this week, but I didn't. I'd also love to give you one fave and one hate...but honestly, there were too many pieces that I hated...and I like to stay positive. 

I was actually more interested in what the designers themselves were wearing...look at Stella's awesome corset!

Below are some examples from Earth Pledge: Three As Four, Narcisso Rodriguez, and Shalom Harlow is wearing a reworked vintage gown by Givenchy (which was amazing in person...made from many pieces combined).

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Target Rumor: Hayden Harnet

Annnnndddd the Target rumor mill keeps on churnin'.  Just when everyone is in a tizzy over the upcoming Richard Chai capsule line, Target execs are looking for their next collaboration.

It ain't official, but word on the street is that spring 2009 will bring us a capsule line by Brooklyn based designers Hayden-Harnet. Whereas they are mostly known for their accessories (handbags, wallets, belts, wrist cuffs), they also have a rather cute line of clothing.  It is way too soon to know whether their collaboration with Target will be only handbags, or if it will also include some fab kicky summer dresses as well. My guess is they will stay focused on the Handbags. My hope is that they will include some of their fabulous belt designs as well...one can never have too many belts.

And hell, if this rumor is just whispers on the wind, well you and I have discovered a great designer to lust after. This design duo is located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn...home of the fabulous McCarren Pool Park....which I might add, is infested with hipsters these days. And I

gotta say, their line reflects their surroundings. I just love their use of color blocking and chevron motifs on their leather goods. Very ironic hipster 80's...in a very good way. Their belts are too cool...ranging from color blocked corset belts to skinny studded belts. And how can you be a hipster without your leather wrist-cuff, I ask you? Theirs are clearly high end, for the loft owning hipster, with lush leathers and only the finest of studs.

So if these items don't make it to Target, I might have to make the trek to Brooklyn.

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Green Chic #5

With all this talk of 'going green' and 'organic fashions', I sometimes get worried that we will all have to dress in cream colored burlap sacks made out of hemp. But there are actually a lot of options out there that are quite stylish.  I recently discovered Stewart + Brown, who have the requisite amount of organic cotton t-shirts and sweat pants, but also delve into some more fashionable options. I personally love some of their knitwear, as the patterns are just gorgeous. I'm sure the feel of the fabric is lovely too...they even have a cashmere section...yum! Sure, it's not exactly Barneys Coop yet, but it sure is getting there. I have pulled pics of some of my fave looks from their site. The sweater above is to die for, and the woven dress below is super cute (and in my fave fashion color: Grey!).  I even discovered some hoodies that are kinda dope.

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Guerrilla Art #9

This looks like a Banksy to me...It is his signature rat character. I can't quite tell what he is supposed to be holding tho.  I found it in Soho, on Crosby street, I think.

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Project Runway....

Last night was the first episode of Season 5 of Project Runway.

I am in a state of utter shock.

I was soooo pleasantly surprised to see Jerry Tam on the line up. He is the founder of design collective, FORM, of which I am a huge fan. In fact, I have borrowed pieces from them on a few occasions. I was actually thinking that he may be too advanced in his career for PR. Overall, it does seem that they have been casting people who are already pretty well established in the industry this season.

I think Jerry is perfect for the show, though, as his work is very innovative. FORMs aesthetic plays with silhouette in a very modern way, whilst still remaining sexy. The look is avante garde, but tempered with classy fabrics in neutral tones. I feel like their work is in the same family as Three AsFour and SANS. Very cutting edge, and only slowly garnering the respect and understanding of the main stream...but isn't that always the case with visionaries?

I was definitely looking forward to what sort of creations Jerry would come up with, as his vision is already out there, add some crazy challenges into the mix, and some truely unique work was bound to come out of it.

So, imagine my shock and horror when Jerry was eliminated on the first challenge...and the chick with the garbage bags got to stay. All I can think is that it must be political somehow. Or one of those occasions when the producers of the show thought the punk rock girl would make for better television. We can't lose sight of the fact that it is a TV show, afterall.

Anyway, Jerry, I think the critiques were idiotic. I loved your piece. I think it was true to your vision. The white boots and gloves added a feel to the piece that is not uncommon to what you would see going down the runways of fashion week, as there is always a sense of story and drama. I loved the construction and silhouette of the raincoat, and your layering of different textures was beautiful. You were robbed. Well, no matter, because FORM will soon be the darling of the fashion industry while Micheal Kors is still making sheath dresses for women vacationing in the Hamptons.

Below are my fave pieces from Episode 1. I do love Kelli and Kenley. I'm sure I will blog about them in the future...but today is all about Jerry.

So, back to Jerry, below are some instances where I used FORM in photoshoots I styled. It was the perfect look for Rochelle of band Product.01, shot by Peter Frey and Andrea Martin.
And below we used a top by FORM for my Secretary fashion story for ZOOZOOM, also shot by Frey/Martin.

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Botkier for Target...out now!

Holy hell, Botkier hit Target online, and I hadn't noticed. I think it must've been released early. I do like the look...but would I like the feel? Very debatable as I am a lover of fine leather.

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Vintage Glam...zoozoom style!

Well, you know I have been preaching vintage for some time now....it can't be helped it's classic, its glamorous, and its allll over the runways.

So here is my latest story I fashion edited for zoozoom (only the best online glossy on the web!).

Check it kids, I'm way proud. It's always an honor when editor-in-chief (of zoozoom) Kelley Quan does the make-up. Her taste and skill level are through the roof, plus she's mad adorable. It was a special treat to work with photographer Ellinor Stigle...who actually used film!  And Riad Azar really captured the replicant look we were going for with the hair.

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The Breeders!

Photo by Jackie Roman

Last Sunday evening I was able to take a small break from my ongoing iPhone troubles to catch the Breeders at McCarren Park Pool. Back when I was in college, in those carefree days when I lived in vintage clothes and combat boots, I had Last Splash in my car cassette deck for two months solid. That's how I rolled. I also went to several shows a week, and rammed myself into crowds to catch a glimpse of my latest indie-love. Somehow I never made it to the Breeders, so I was so happy to finally see them. Even happier still to get special VIP passes and see the whole durn thing from the comfort of the stage itself (I was in the wings stage right). Those Deal girls are so darned cute...with the best voices, very personable senses of humor, most importantly tho, their show rocked. They played a lot of old tunes as well as some kick ass new ones. And by god, they did not posture like up-and-coming rock stars, all concerned with image. Jeans and t-shirts worked just fine for the women who have such a rightful place in rock history. May they keep on rocking.

Ironically, the whole event was sponsored by Topshop. So next time you see me at the beach, I will be sporting my complimentary Topshop beach matt. As if I needed a reminder of the imminent grand opening....

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Guerrilla Art #8

I guess this is Borf...kind of a knock off of banksy, who is a knock off of Blek Le Rat. Still, I love the style...

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The new iPhone and my nightmare...

....well, gee, aren't we all so excited for the new iPhone version 2.0 complete with 3G. Yes, people were lining up around the block again from very early friday morning (I know this because my calltime was the buttcrack of dawn at central park, and we passed the Apple store in the RV).

I have had my iPhone for a year...slightly bitter that it's gonna be cheaper, faster, and bigger (in gigs, not in size). Whatever, such is the way of technology and fashion...as soon as you have it, it's out dated.

But this weekend, my world was rocked, as the changeover to 2.0 and mobileme has been f*&%ing with my lifeline. Yes, my iPhone (and previously my Treo) is my office and my life. It contains all my resources for work, everyone I have ever known in life, my ever-changing calendar, email, and the ability to communicate with people. 

Tempted by the very long list of shiny new applications I set up my phone for a software update.

it crashed.

I was out of radio contact for 2 hours. I lost everything and couldn't get anyone on the phone (my landline) from applecare, as they were all busy. My iPhone wouldn't even turn on, as it was no longer synced with my AT&T account. After some cajoling and rebooting, I finally resynced it...ignoring it's pleas about restoring (which I might still need to address). I finally got it up and running, having regained my contacts and calendar, but lost all my text messages, recent call log, and voicemail. 

Once I was back online, and had a good nights rest, I decided to buy some apps. Some of them, admittedly are very cool, and I wonder how they might potentially improve my life. I also educated myself on mobileme, and in blind hopefullness, decided to give it a try.

I now have lost all my contacts off my phone, and for some reason, can't get them back up. I think they are supposed to load up all by themselves through thin air. And perhaps they would, if a million people didn't just buy iPhones and clog my lifeline.

I have come to the  realization that somewhere along the way I have become a complete slave to technology. I am nowhere and nothing without my precious contact list...without my email...without phone access and email. Mac owns me.

I am freelance, and if they wanted to, they could make me homeless. Just wipe me out. 

This disturbs me.

Now, I must get back to my struggle to regain my contact list.

If I randomly stop calling you, you know why.

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Dean Harris for target preview

So the Dean Harris for Target jewelry collection hits stores on August 17th, with prices ranging from $19.99 to $24.99.

It's supposed to be inspired by nature (see above 'vine' heart piece)...but most of the collection is stones on chains, which I must say I found altogether uninspiring. The trouble is, that if you are going to go simple that way, the caliber of the stone and the chain is what will make the piece stand out...and seeing as how Target mass produces its goods, I have my doubts about the quality. In looking at Dean's line, I absolutely adore his work, because he has a great eye for beautiful natural pieces: special feathers, fine woods, rough hewn crystal stones.  I fear that the price/production constraints of a capsule line might be diminishing his vision some-what.

Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of guest designer lines, but mostly because if the design aspect.  I will forego quality, when the idea presented is special. Whereas I do love the pieces pictured above and am a fan of Deans work,  I have to say that I am not convinced about the rest of his Target line.

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Happy birthday Maman!

Today is my mothers birthday...what better day to pay tribute to one of my fashion influences.  I was lucky enough to have a mother that grew up in Paris, and even luckier still that she managed to hold onto and preserve some great pieces that she bought there and in London. Of course, I wore them all till they were thread-bare in highschool and college. But I still have a fabulous nude tone lace go-go dress....very leggy and very fabulous.

I love this picture of my mom (taken in 1980), because she looks like she would fit right in the uber-hipster-ville of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I just wish I had that plaid shirt! The camisole she knitted herself (for great knitting tips, read Lekkercraft), and the shorts you could get at American Apparel.

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More Richard Chai for Target pics!

Phew...after a long hot day on location in the blazing sun of Long Island NY, I have managed to get some more info for you guys.

Firstly, the actual release date for Richard Chai's line at Target is August 3rd. Yes, mark your calendars and ready your wallets.

Secondly, I have more pics of the line!

It looks like some good staple pieces....love the long thin cardigan looks (in previous posts), some of the tops are fabulous (see above, and the black one with the turquoise shorts), and I think there are some good dresses here to be had. And hell, if August is as hot as it was today, you know I'll need to stock up on some of them shorts.

All in all, I love the color blocking, and I feel that the looks carry a bit more sophistication than previous Target lines. Hopefully the fabric and fit are great, because you never really know till you've got them in your hot little hands.

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