this is cyclogenesis

Oh, I have a blog! Cool! I'm gonna post in it!

2011-07-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

The beautiful and talented Chanelle Berlin Johnson shot some pictures of me in March, and now I have them so I'm going to post them! Best story!

Not too much to say about these - we took them on the roof of Chanelle's North Hollywood apartment, I wore a vintage dress and Miu Miu heels, I held the moon. Enjoy!

For more of Chanelle's work, visit See Berlin Photography.

NY A/W 2011 favorites, part 2!

2011-02-19T23:39:00.001-08:00

And now the favorites from which I managed to pick more than just a few looks:

Carolina Herrera

I always try to resist Carolina Herrera because my associations with the brand are 1. older society women, and 2. my old roommate who went to Stern, NYU's business school, while I fluttered around being an English major. CH designs for people who are Not Me, in other words.

It was the last look here that really got me. That is exactly how I want to dress when I get older, I thought to myself, and then I thought wait, I would actually wear that now. And then I kept going through the collection, and I kept finding other things I would also wear, and I wondered if this was what growing up was like, when you hit age 27 and realize you're finally ready...for Carolina Herrera.

Next stop, mortgage.

Jill Stuart

I think this is the first season I've ever actually paid attention to Jill Stuart, and it's because this is the year she decided to do all kinds of crazy shit with prints. I really, really love a good print. At this exact moment I'm also really obsessed with finding the perfect orange dress, and I think the sixth one up there might be it. I mean it probably isn't, because I probably won't be able to find it (where is Jill Stuart even sold? Is she regular designer or just contemporary?), and by the time autumn arrives I'll probably have shifted my affections to some precise shade of purple that doesn't even exist on the color spectrum because I made it up, but right now I really feel that my wardrobe needs a shot of orange and a vixen or two. Give it to me, JS.

Rodarte

I'm honestly still not as obsessed as I've been in past seasons, where I'd seek out the clothes just so I could gaze at them all wide-eyed and lurk around caressing the details until the Barneys salespeople were like "can I help you," in a way where it's not even a question so much as an admonishment, but I would wear these dresses happily, with a song in my heart and naught but moths in my wallet.

The first few looks they showed had some killer long dresses I wanted to know about, all unfortunately covered by jackets I wanted to see less of. I hope to see those long dresses in the wild in the future; who knows, I might do some lingering for old time's sake. The beige dresses are all pretty flawless for all they are pretty beige. I still love you, Kate and Laura!

NY A/W 2011 favorites, part 1!

2011-02-19T23:09:00.000-08:00

I've looked at pretty much everything I'm going to look at from the New York shows, and so far nothing's knocked me on my ass. A good indicator of me loving a show (aside from that strange feeling in my heart, like a slow thaw) is that it makes me step outside what I already want and try something new. Judging by the looks I've saved so far, nothing has done that. Also either NY this season was seriously lacking in minidresses or my secret horror of knees has finally shown itself, because I don't think I picked out anything less than shin-skimming.

Right now, at this very moment, I want to wear long dresses, slightly less long circle skirts, really bright colors, wacky prints, red red red, and frankly whatever the Mulleavy sisters tell me I should wear. Here are my favorites from New York:

Marc by Marc Jacobs

I'm dying over the 1940s vibe on the first and third here: the flowing cuts, the war bride/secretary silhouettes. The sheerness and sprightly little polka dots, that perfect shade of green. Mmm.

Shout-out to leopard print done perfectly (it has to either be fur or gold, that's the rule I just made up right now) and the 'don't mind me I'm chillin' in my pumpkin-colored sweater' party happening as well.

Vena Cava

I tend to be moodily resistant to the nineties revival (probably because I spent most of the nineties being moodily resistant) but I'm feeling their approach here. If something must be dug up from that era, let it not be the floral dresses that looked awkward then and still look awkward now, let it instead be a midriff cut that bares only the ribs, and slinky dresses cut across so low it looks like the sleeves aren't even attached. Perfect.

Diane von Furstenburg

I would wear a red floor-length sequined dress every day. Fact. (Okay, and a red jacket over it when it gets cold. Done.)

Altuzarra

Dance clubs in reality: women in Forever 21, cheap satin, and BCBG, men that look like people I wouldn't want to date.

Dance clubs in my imagination: women in Altuzarra, men that look like Nicolas Hoult.

The Curve of Forgotten Things, and some thoughts on Rodarte

2011-02-11T18:13:00.000-08:00

This is the latest fashion film from Rodarte, The Curve of Forgotten Things, starring Elle Fanning and featuring their Spring/Summer 2011 collection. I just watched it and it sort of overwhelmed me; like hearing a song that reflects your own personal experiences only with better phrasing than you could ever come up with, I finished this film feeling like it was made just for me.

I wasn't as impressed by this collection as I had been by their previous showings. It felt too toned down, lacking those fantasy elements that had so captured me these last few years in their work. This film, though, both helped me understand the collection itself and also gave additional context for their work as a whole.

Since I was a kid I've been fascinated by themes of isolation and discovery, and a lifetime of mulling these things over made this film feel like it took my place in my own head.

It also tied the collection into past collections for me. Autumn 2010, inspired by factory workers in Juarez waking up early and getting dressed in the dark before walking alone to work. Spring 2010, with its menacing, post-apocalyptic feel. Spring 2009, where dresses were stripped down to the skeletons, held together with chains exposing leather ribcages. Fall 2008, with its Japanese horror inspirations. These are lonely collections: the loneliness of waking up and walking alone in the dark, being left alive in a ruined world, reduced to bones pinned and snapped together, blood and helplessness and being ripped open.

I didn't feel any of that with this collection, not until I saw it in the context of this film laid out bare: finding things in the dirt that you can't share with anybody, empty houses you wander through alone, sunshine and no spaces in time, just lapses between movements before you disappear into gold light.

Here I finally saw what nagged at me about the blue and white looks: they're like bits of broken china, piled up or put back together. Broken chunks of wood from an abandoned house. Stiched together bits of upholstery, the remains of old couches, curtains, the comforts of an ordinary life. Golds and browns of a California landscape, so empty that all you can is become a part of it.

screencaps by me

I'd love to hear everyone else's thoughts on this!

winterized

2011-02-08T23:08:00.000-08:00

February so far's been slow but bright. I've derided Los Angelean style a bit in the past (all that comfort can make you lazy!) but I'm definitely seeing the appeal of light dresses that do all the talking for you. Also: hell yes flowers.

BFF and I hit up the Vintage Expo in Santa Monica this past weekend; it was much nicer once I decided to think of it as more of a really packed clothing museum where I could see beautiful pieces up close but not buy them. Oy, those prices. Hopefully Fashion Week will help remind me of the excitement of new things and offer a little pricing perspective - something brand new for $3,000 surely makes $300 for something a hundred years old seem reasonable. Which it is, right? Damn it, eBay and years of antique shopping, you've ruined me.

Here are a few things I've worn lately.

dress, Hussein Chayalan

1920s bra, eBay, hat from an antique shop

dress, Plenty by Tracy Reese. shoes, Vera Wang Lavender Label. flowered hair comb from the Expo

In between bouts of shaking my fist at capitalism, I've done a lot of walking around my neighborhood (it's pretty!) and reading more books than I have in awhile thanks to the Out of the Closet thrift shop and Stories cafe on Sunset, both of which offer a great stock of cheap used books and a ridiculous turnover that means I rarely leave without a new volume or three. Oh my god you guys: books. So great. Here are my most recent reads. (I am a total Malcolm Gladwell fangirl.)

I've also been haunting the internets for old magazines lately, and am currently on tenterhooks in anticipation of the arrival of the 1926 (!) issue of Harper's Bazaar that I managed to score for peanuts on eBay. Speaking of magazines, if my twice monthly blog updates just aren't enough for you (oh my god, how demanding are you), here's my latest published work. Laugh, cry, rend your garments, etc.

Open publication - Free publishing - More arts

i just want to look at bright shiny colors

2011-01-13T21:34:00.000-08:00

At least the sun's out, at least it's warm. I took some pictures this afternoon but feel newly unsatisfied with them. Might go with the face blurred out from now on. At least that I can control.

I was looking back through my Tumblr, scrolling endlessly, and aside from occasional forays into swooning over Jesse Eisenberg there was a definite thematic shift from autumnal reds and golds to bright blues and reds over the last few months. Probably this was just because the editorials now are for early spring and beyond, but still, amusing to see the seasonal shift. If I can't have seasons in sunny California (don't get me wrong, I certainly don't want them) I can at least have them on the internet. Here's a collection of recent favorites, all can be clicked through for the source.

I hope the world is treating you well, and that you treat it the same in turn.

old dress, new spirit

2011-01-02T21:10:00.000-08:00

A. McQueen dress, ribbon belt, Ray-bans, Malibu shore sunshine. Picture by Leah.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

hippie for bunnychristmas

2010-12-30T17:37:00.000-08:00

Christmas was pretty slim pickings this year (though lovely all the same), so I'm not overburdened with things to show. I had a bit of luck with antique shopping when I was up north visiting my family, before Washington kindly ushered me out with a little sleet storm. LA welcomed me back with wind strong enough to knock the power out for a minute last night, which was unsettling. It was cold today, but I wore this outfit without a jacket, because I'm a rebel that way.

Victorian top from an antique shop, nineties Anna Sui skirt, Doc Martens, antique scarf.

The top is kind of insane - you can see in the second picture that it's not really a proper top at all, as there are no real sides to it, just small bands at the waist. I've been on the lookout for a top like this, or rather just another Victorian or Edwardian top that would strike me like this one, and this definitely did. The fluttery sleeves are so pretty, and I like the mystery of exactly what the hell it is that's embroidered on the front - a flower? A bug?? It looks kind of like a bug!

After a week of jeans and sweaters in the great rainy north I had to go for a skirt, and this fluffy ruffly swishy floral party was the answer. On the way out of the grocery store an older lady complimented my boots and said, "You dress very unique," which is, when I put an effort into it, generally what I'm going for. So hey, success!

And finally, last week's rainbow seen from the Burbank airport, where many people, myself included, stopped to coo over how pretty it was:

the pink and the black?

2010-12-20T16:11:00.000-08:00

I've been relentlessly hounding eBay lately, indulging my winter-born predilection for velvet as well as my obsession with 1920s-40s fashion, and naturally this quest and my inherent (excessive?) sense of drama led me to Capetown. One might even say I got lost there, as I've got another one coming, if FedEx ever stops dragging its ass and gets it to me (I don't want to assault your sensibilities, but imagine a lot of italicizing, bolding, and large font there to really properly express my feelings about this indignity).

Anyway, so I got this cape recently, and then found another thing, which combined with still another thing is going to result in the perfect outfit. I'm preparing you now, so when it finally arrives you'll be able to survive it. A friend demanded to see this cape straightaway though, so I gave in and rustled up another look so I could post. Now, there is something about capes that makes me want to take and then post many, many pictures. So I'm going to. Get stoked. (I know, too late! You're already as stoked as humanly possible!)

Credits first, so I can feel better about laying some inane captions on you guys: Alexander McQueen dress, 1930s silk velvet cape from eBay, vintage hat from an antique shop, Christian Louboutin heels. Alright, let's do this:

How do I pose to best show off this garment? Let me consider this, and indicate said consideration with an expression of disinterested ennui.

Let's show everyone the lining!!

More lining! All the lining!!

Time to check the weather. Is is still raining? Oh, it is? Cool. Great. Fantastic. >:(

Me @ this stupid weather.

Am I still wearing shoes? Yes? Whew.

Oh man, in the process of trying not to pose so you can actually see the structure of these insane shoulders, I just noticed there's a door there!!

Holy fuck, I love this door!

Rhinestone clasp, unbearably soft velvet, shiny lips, fuzzy hair, shocking pink, oh man, what more could you ask for from a photo?! Nothing! I know! It's all for you, faithful readers of my blog!

In other news of acquisition, I couldn't resist picking up ADR's fragrance:

Ridiculously delicate "bottle," hopefully less delicate perfume vial.

The literature that came with the package was all like "be careful! it's delicate! it'll break! you will choke to death on the glass shards of Anna Dello Russo's innate glamour!!!!" but I didn't really realize how delicate until I was attempting to open the bottle and actually smell the fragrance (buying perfume on faith and promises of biscotti - god, do I live on the edge) and in the process of doing so, managed to entirely extract the vial itself from the gold shoe. About three quarters of the way through this process, when I realized the sticky bits on the vial were glue, I realized that I probably wasn't supposed to take the vial out. It is, however, problematic that this party was put together so poorly that they couldn't even manage effective glue (not making stuff stick together: glue, you had one job, and you failed at it).

I kept going though, because I'd like to be able to maybe take this perfume with me sometime, and carrying it around in its natural home apparently constructed of spun sugar and fairy wishes seemed unwise. I got it open, anyway, and oh my god, it smells amazing! Happy ending to an otherwise troubling story!

It's very sweet, a true gourmand, which is my very favorite kind of scent, and in fact it reminds me strongly of my favorite libation, which I've raved about to more than one hapless friend: Pisa Italian Liqueur. Said liqueur is a combination of pistachio, hazelnut, and almond liqueurs, which all adds up to a taste kind of like marzipan wrapped around pure, sweet bliss. This fragrance reminds me very strongly of that, and thus I completely adore it.

This was the amount of packaging for a product that can fit in the palm of my hand. I appreciate the thought, Yoox, but I bought this for myself, so spoiler alert: I knew what it was.

BFF! They're practically cuddling; shameless, these two.

I may not post again before Christmas; if that's so, merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate it, happy Hanukkah to those of you who celebrate that, happy Chrismukkah to Seth Cohen, happy Kwanzaa to Kwanzaa celebrators, happy Solstice to my Pagan pals, and happy Festivus to the rest of you! (Celebrators of nothing, well, it'll all be over soon?)

there's a place downtown

2010-12-14T23:11:00.001-08:00

Things I have been lately:

1. Cranky.
2. More obsessed than usual with the 1920s.
3. Trying to write an article on how to dress for a date on Valentine's Day, an enterprise that leaves me feeling mopey at best and nihilistic at worst.

This perfect storm of emotion led me to this outfit.

1920s dress, eBay. Gloves, Comme des Garcons.

Paired with Docs for a teenage Morticia Addams vibe. Practically everything I've bought lately has been black. I'm either entering a Gothic phase or I need to stop dressing in tune with my mood. Red and pink for Valentine's Day, anyone?

i can't seem to shake this feeling

2010-12-08T00:03:00.000-08:00

It's been a stressful last month or so, but Christmas is coming soon, so that should be nice. The shorter days drive me nuts, but it's so nice and sunny and warm here that it's hard to get too bummed out (confession: I still get bummed out. I want ALL the sunshine). Somewhere along the way I picked up a truly knockout cold, and then overdid it on Saturday night, going out instead of staying in, so on top of losing my health and my mind, I've lost my voice. Cool (hoarsely whispered) story, me.

I've been really into this dress lately, I love ivy. All part of my plan to eventually grow pale and fade into the forest.

Dress, Flat Black by Pegleg NYC. Boots, Gap.

Ring, Erica Annenberg.

I love the cut of this dress - it's tighter at the waist, which lets the top blouse out a bit, and nicely accents the skirt's flare. Plus it looks cute under cardigans and with white tights, which I skipped today because it was in the seventies out. Love it.

In praise of the sweet sweet sunshine, here are two shots: the sunset from my bedroom window, and a (zoomed in) view of the Hollywood sign from the top of the steps leading to my apartment.

Hope you're all seeing something just as lovely. ♥

sunshine, cherries, arbor

2010-11-11T22:06:00.000-08:00

As I sat at my desk this morning I could see through the window the blue sky and green vines crawling up the banister, studded with little fuchsia flowers. It was just the thing, so vivid. Everything looks good with the sky here, that particular shade of blue. I took a long walk in the park and then walked home toward the sunset, which turned the downtown high-rises marigold before pinking the sky and sinking altogether. This coming week will be warm, and I'd be delighted to see it stay that way for awhile. I have no ties to November. Velvet can wait.

Sunny days demand sunny girls with a sense of humor about things. I've been nursing an ongoing obsession with vintage hats, and when I stumbled on this one back in October (not three days after swooning over this ADR gem) I knew it had to be in my wardrobe. I've already worn it out once to a Hemingway-influenced bar in Hollywood. Cherries match every occasion. Fact.

Vintage dress and hat, YSL shoes.

Did I mention the glorious sunshine?

This is the best bit of my backyard. The slipdress is from the 1940s, I think. The sweetheart neckline is pretty intense, but the length is perfect. I was going to wear a little 1930s organdy dress over it, but the yellow was so cheery I just couldn't cover it up. Delirium is still delight.

flowers and good cheer

2010-11-02T23:01:00.001-07:00

I know this dress is awfully spring-y, but what can you do on a warm, sunny Los Angeles November day when the whole world is all bright and shiny and awesome? These pictures were taken right before the cartoon hummingbirds wove me a crown of daisies and I burst into song. True story. (Also, this is my patio. I'm feeling pretty good about it.)

Vintage dress, wedges from Target.

Striped fabric in the pockets. Delightful.

Today I visited Glendale to hit Target and Whole Foods, then came home and made a pitcher of cantaloupe green tea and took a walk in the park. I can see this becoming a theme. Tomorrow I will hit up the Pasadena Antique Mall and hopefully find some furniture.

Another favorite theme: I'm paid to write about stuff. Here is the evidence of that (also available in glorious print if you're a Nevadan - go Harry Reid!). This month we had the shop page, a gift guide, and a fashion feature:

Open publication - Free publishing - More awards

Life remains pretty neat. I hope you all are well. ♥

always in this twilight

2010-10-17T20:15:00.000-07:00

I've decided that I hate jeans and am just going to wear long skirts and dresses once it gets colder. This is the first of these. The pictures were last-minute. Perhaps you could do me the kindness of pretending that the ghoulishness was deliberate and not a result of poor lighting and poutiness? I know you will, because everyone who looks at this blog is lovely and kind and generous of spirit.

Vintage dress and jacket, Doc Martens.

Cross necklace from Urban Outfitters worn as bracelet, added after the fact.

Creepy day outside, grey skies and rain and lightning. I felt mostly discontent but a princess dress and trip to the bookstore helped. Also of assistance: vegan chocolate chip cake.

the red and the black and the white

2010-10-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

Why tell when I can show?

Vintage dress, American Apparel headband, Proenza Schouler shoes.

You can probably guess the story: I saw them, I loved them, I coveted them, they were never put into production, Opening Ceremony put six pairs of the runway shoes up for sale (still two pairs left!), my favorites were in my size, I bought them, I paced around waiting for them to arrive, they did, celebration ensued, etc.

They're the highest heels I own and the most comfortable to walk in. The sort of hoof-like appearance translates weirdly to how they wear - the heel pitches you forward in an unusual way, so each step you take has to be a bit stompier than normal. There's something very natural about it, though, when I wear them I don't feel like I'm walking in heels, I just feel like I'm walking. This means I want to wear them everywhere, which I have been. They're even easy to drive in.

I've been wearing this particular outfit around a lot lately, I love the color combination and how the cut of the dress echoes the schoolgirl Oxford pattern of the shoes. It also looks sweet with some over-the-knee socks. I'm excited to wear these shoes for the rest of my life! Seriously. It's kind of awkward how much I love them.

spy vs. spy

2010-09-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

Couldn't resist...

I don't think I've owned a pair of shoes in two different colors before, but this is a special case! I first saw these Vera Wang Lavender Label wedges in the black at Intermix, but they never had them in my size. Then I got a giftcard for Nordstrom, and they happened to have them there in the cream color, and I ended up loving them. Happened by chance to click on an old link for the black ones on Shopbop last week and found a few pairs in stock, super on sale and available only in my size...fate? Yeah, I think so. Of course as soon as they were delivered I couldn't stop thinking of them as the evil twin version of the cream-colored ones, thus today's double dose of outfitery. They're pretty comfortable, and I'm beyond stoked to wear them with jeans once it gets colder, I think that'll look sick.

Here's a closer look at both outfits!

Vintage lace dress over Pins and Needles romper, Vera Wang Lavender Label wedges.

Puella dress (possibly a nightgown, shh), Vera Wang Lavender Label wedges.

And if you want to read what I have to say about clothes that aren't my own, here's the latest issue of Desert Companion for your reading pleasure(?). Take my fall fashion advice! I promise it's pretty good.

Open publication - Free publishing - More art

brutally rebuffed!

2010-08-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

I suppose I didn't pay much attention to this D&G romper when it came down the runway on Siri.

via style.com

But then something about this image stuck in my mind:

Edita Vilkeviciute by Camilla Akrans for Numero 116, September 2010

Over time I realized that I, too, really needed a sweater romper thing. What else would be so perfect for standing around in a forest of cherry blossom trees in the midst of an autumn sunset? I mean that describes my plans for fall like, perfectly.

But no, I thought. Eventually the cherry blossoms will fall, and then what? Then how will I wear it?

Anouck Lepere by Pablo Delfos for Elle Belgium, September 2010

Oh.

Well, that's perfect then. I sit around on the floor looking pensive way more often than I frolic amongst the cherry blossoms. Suddenly this is a look I realize I could take anywhere - whether lounging decadently around my apartment, or taking it out with a pair of boots and being perfectly, insouciantly daring in a way no one would question, or adding a full skirt over it and nodding cleverly to the fact of winter while acknowledging that my West Coast zip code means I'll barely feel a chill.

So now a grey sweater romper has become a thing I need to own.

My journey takes me to the D&G store at the Forum Shops, where I've passed many a soft hour trying on all the runway pieces and sashaying around like I'd ever have reason to purchase a corseted ballgown. It's August, so fall should be trickling into stores already. I get there, though, and there's nothing that looks remotely familiar from the FW10 runways. Upon questioning this I find that much of the fall collection came in three weeks ago and sold out nearly immediately, in Las Vegas, in August. Maybe the people behind the accelerated fashion calender have something there.

I explain my quest to the shopkeepers, describing the romper in question. Nothing comes up in the computer search, so they bring out the runway lookbook. I find it, but the page only says where to get the cardigan worn over it. More searching ensues. Now we're committed; we will find this romper.

Well, there is one. One. Available on consignment, from the showroom, for editorials and the like.

Because it was never produced for proper sale.

nearly witches

2010-08-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

I like to think of this outfit as the evil twin to this look.

Tank top, gift from Fluxus. Vintage skirt. Doc Martens.

Details on the accessories:

Antique ring.

My grandmother's old bracelet watch, vintage skull cuff, fake pearl bracelets stolen from a friend.

Vintage fake pearl necklace, grosgrain ribbon from a Lanvin bag.

And finally some of the inspiration for this look, all sources can be found by clicking each picture:

a deep and primal yearning

2010-08-23T22:29:00.000-07:00

I picked this dress up a few weekends ago after stalking it for awhile, waiting for it to go way on sale...final score 75% off. Triumph! I've been wanting one like this for awhile, it's a common style from the label and I still regret not picking up the grape-printed Atlantic Sunday dress from a few seasons back. This one is pretty bonkers though, I love it. I was looking in my closet today mulling over the perfect occasion to wear it, and then I realized that Monday was a perfect occasion, so I decided to go out and start researching my next story for one of the magazines I write for. Fortunately this aspect of my job involves shopping. Not bad, life, not bad.

Dress, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania. Shoes, Marni.

My travels led me to Neiman Marcus, where I discovered that the Prada FW10 dresses so far are epically, stunningly, stupidly beautiful. This one was my favorite, but really they're all beautiful, the fits divine, the skirts just swingy enough, the whole collection made me yearn for fall. And money. Mostly lots and lots of money.

I also lurked the Marc by Marc Jacobs section at every department store I hit, and I'm pleased to report that so far it is all seriously covetable in person, the white Bronte lace dress in particular, and don't even get me started on the sweaters. I could have sworn I heard autumn calling to me, but it was just the mercury breaking through the thermometer again. Alas.

until i fall away

2010-08-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a two and a half week trip to California. The first half was spent with family in Clovis, and the second was in LA with my BFF. I neglected to bring my camera with me, so the only evidence is in the form of multiple Sidekick photos on my Tumblr. Visiting the area where I grew up always Stockholms me really effectively, and that was especially true this trip, when we spent all this time driving around in my great aunt's sweet Mustang convertible, heading up to the mountains and driving through all these dinky little mountain towns that leave me in alternating states of why would anyone ever want to live here??/oh my god, I want to live here. Surely it can't be as romantic in reality as it is in my head, right? Cheap rent with a great view, hot sun, artistic inspiration, small town suntanned boys? No, right? It wouldn't just be an endless idyll where I get to dress like this all the time -

Dress and shoes, vintage.

Do you know how hard it is to find vintage shoes in my size? It's literally only ever happened one other time in my life.

It couldn't be quite like that, is the thing, because the dress came from a shop in Silverlake and I just found the shoes in an antique mall here in Vegas. So I'd probably go nuts living in some poky little mountain town with nothing to do and nowhere to shop. (Right? Right?) On the way out of Clovis I totally stopped downtown to hit up all the antique malls we'd missed, and ended up leaving with a stack of 1960s Cosmopolitans, a hat, a dress/lace jacket combo, and some weird accessories. I feel alright about it. I also attended my mother's 30th high school reunion, where I was deluged by questions ranging from my marital status (augh) to what grade I'm in (wtf). Everyone was really nice though, and my mom was adorably jazzed to hang out with her friends. It was an awesome trip all around for sure.

Anyway, here is photo evidence of one other thing I did:

Me and BFF! I'm wearing a vintage dress, with pink ankle socks and sparkly Oxfords out of frame.

That was at The Like's show at Bardot on the 11th. It was really fun and full of attractive people, and I danced a lot because this dress has the swingiest skirt. So good. The next night we went to see The Black Apples in Long Beach, and it turned out they were playing at Alex's Bar, where the Fangtasia scenes were filmed during seasons one and two of True Blood. Um, amazing. (Also Jon Hamm from Mad Men was at the show at Bardot. At this point I just accept that every experience I have in the LA area will be in some way bonkers.)

Now I'm back in glorious Henderson, NV, where it's hot, and also hot. I have purchased tomatoes and later I will go to Barnes & Noble to do some writing. I kind of just described my entire life right there.

come on now sugar

2010-07-26T15:58:00.000-07:00

I came back from Pennsylvania last week and have been practically immobile ever since, the better to stay cool in my always 78 degree apartment. This has involved a lot of sitting in my room in front of the fan, lately rewatching season one of Veronica Mars. I've also been working, which means a lot of writing about fashion while sitting on my bed in my pajamas. I'm getting pretty stoked about Fashion's Night Out, apparently we're going to have a lot going on here in Las Vegas. Yes! I will try to go to all of it, and if I can't find someone to pay me to write about the experience, maybe I will just write it all up for this here blog.

I got a recent formspring.me question on the Perfect Outfit, and in the course of answering it I realized that I'd never posted about my current favorite outfit. Since I'm wearing it again today, here we go:

Skirt and top, both vintage.

Sometimes I can't believe I can just walk out the door and see this.

On a purely utilitarian level, I like that I can wear the skirt up high when I'm out and about, but if it gets too hot (it was 112 degrees yesterday. 112 degrees) I can just bare a little more midriff and prevent an ignoble death by heatstroke. I was recently at a vintage clothing dealer's, and in addition to giving me a sweet discount on the dress, top, and hat I purchased (coming soon: how to wear hats in 2010?), she informed me that this top is actually Victorian, which I hadn't realized. An undergarment, presumably, unless the Victorians were much freakier than I thought.

My friend Sara and I spent a lot of time in Adamstown, PA, which is fantastic town for antiquing and gorgeous besides. I came out six dresses richer, but I think the mercury needs to drop a dozen or so more degrees before I feel up to those necklines. Here's hoping.

dos

2010-07-11T00:22:00.000-07:00

I recently returned from a week long trip up to Oregon to visit my grandparents. We did a bunch of antiquing, so I did a bit of shopping, scored some ridiculous deals and got excited about non-Miu Miu SS10 fashion again. Oh vintage, how you satisfy my soul.

Here's a shirt I picked up, with my face cropped out because I looked terrible in literally every picture I took in this outfit. Coooool.

Shirt, vintage. Skirt, Diane von Furstenburg.

Worn with these heels, again. (Who's ever mad at a close-up though? Ignore the fact that my feet are, you know...feet.)

Shoes, Miu Miu.

Then today I felt a yen to break out this one, which I usually save for more formal occasions, but sometimes it's nice to just put on a pretty dress and go to the mall, you know?

Dress, vintage. Shoes, YSL.

I decided that documenting my life in pictures is worth it even with the exceedingly poor Sidekick camera, so if sporadic updates here aren't enough, then here's some candid action for you: http://yourdailysara.tumblr.com/. Get into it!

and there is only the dance

2010-06-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

American Apparel tank top, Flying Tomato shorts, Miu Miu bag

Home again after five days out seeing shows, a personal record I'm comfortable keeping. Cute dresses every day are fun but it's nice to be back in my room, lying around and catching up on internet things. Dragged my friends to South Coast Plaza so I could see the Miu Miu store, and found that this bag I'd been eying finally went on sale. It's light to carry and the perfect size, love it. My friends thought I was weird for cuddling it but hey, it is printed with kitty cats...

five ways of looking at a Miu Miu shirt

2010-06-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

Okay, basically this post is fashion porn. I've been obsessing over this collection since the runway show last fall, and I'd consider this my first ever real investment piece purchase. As Carrie Bradshaw once said, "I like my money where I can see it...in my closet." But, actually, I like it in my wallet and bank account too. So I'm gonna let it chill there for awhile now. Unlike the rest of me, which will be DYING OF HEAT. 106 already, Vegas? Really? California's calling my name in more ways than one.

Tomorrow I fly back to LA for a record store performance, then back here to hang out and do some work, then back to California for a couple more shows, then to Oregon to visit my grandparents. I will probably wear this shirt everywhere.

Shirt, Miu Miu. Skirt, vintage. Sunglasses, Buffalo Exchange.

Sweet wall, bro.

This is pretty much my outfit of the summer...I'm super into this skirt right now, it pairs well with a ridiculous number of things, plus it's floaty and pretty and light. (Did I mention the 106 degrees thing?) And though heat rises, I still can't resist a nice pair of platforms to send me skyward.

I do want to shoot this shirt again at some point, maybe when I'm not wincing from the heat. Maybe I will take it to LA (again) and see if I can't coax a friend to take some halfway decent shots of it.

Hope you are all well, and staying cool. ♥

werk~

2010-05-27T11:17:00.001-07:00

My fashion writing print debut is finally out, and since the whole magazine is online, you can read it! It's for Desert Companion, the Nevada Public Radio magazine, and hopefully the start of a long career for me with them. I'm pretty jazzed. \o/

That's my article starting on the right page there. Open it in fullscreen to read, enjoy, and let me know what you think, dudes! ♥

friends, Romans, etc.

2010-05-25T23:23:00.000-07:00

Life has taken a demoralizing turn this week, but the show must go on...and it's all a show.

Dress, Miu Miu. Necklace, Prada. Boots, Gap.

Awkwardly framed shots: apparently a thing I do.

This is one of my favorite dresses from my second favorite Miu Miu season, Spring/Summer 2009. Yoox still has a couple of pieces from that collection up, which have been taunting me regularly on practically every website I go to despite decookie-ing my system. Thanks a lot, internet marketing, for making things creepy.

A few of my other favorites from said season:

Conclusion: the way to my heart is, always and forever, a good print. Miu Miu tends to be one season on, one off for me, so I'm stoked on SS11. Here's hoping for something sweet as well.

well played, Tisci.

2010-05-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

Psycho movie poster.

Givenchy Couture, Fall 2009.

Spooky.

dia de los madres

2010-05-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna be honest with you: this is basically just a post for the sake of posting. I've been annoyed with the pictures I've been taking lately and so haven't wanted to post any of them, but! I'm a problem solver, and thus I've been talking to some local photographers about doing some TFP work which means that, joy of joys, some decently shot photos of me should be coming to this blog fairly soonish. Can I get a hallelujah?

First, new shoes paired with one of my favorite shirts I own that I can only very rarely figure out how to wear:

Top, Prada. Shorts, Theory. Shoes, Miu Miu.

A few days later I saw this picture and realized that I'd internalized it to get to the outfit posted above.

Still from Taxi Driver.

Not gonna lie, this movie is responsible for a lifelong obsession with finding the perfect pair of wedge heels. I think these are pretty damn close to ideal, but one must never rest on these things, you know? Anyway, what better style icon than a teenage hooker character? I ask you.

This next outfit is one born from pure necessity: these sandals are the only ones I own that are backless, and I recently brought out a pair of flats I don't wear very often and came out of the situation with some vicious blisters (if that's not the name of a punk band already, it should be). Also I went to the movies to see Iron Man 2, and I always have to wear jeans to the movies because otherwise I freeze to death.

Since the outfit is possibly not the world's MOST exciting ensemble, I perked it up a bit by matching my lipstick to my shoes. I'm obsessed with this lipstick - it's 203 by Make Up For Ever and it's the most perfect shade of bright fuchsia. Love, love, love.

:)

Tank top, Piko 1988. Jeans, Rich & Skinny. Shoes, The Gap.

sea of shoelessness

2010-04-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

The weather's getting warmer and life here in Las Vegas is getting exciting again, which is awesome because boy does it get tiring traveling to get to the exciting places.

Dress, vintage.

I welcomed the eighty degree weather yesterday with this secondhand dress. It has a sort of beachy, shipwrecky vibe to it, so I decided to play that up with Urban Decay eyeliner beneath my eyes in Electric, as well as their Pocket Rocket lip gloss in Eric.

Then I went to Crystals and spent probably two hours at Miu Miu, which FINALLY OPENED, and which is so beautiful in person that I got a bit verklempt. It's huge and gorgeous and stocked with so many of the SS10 runway pieces, many of which I tried on. Unfortunately most of the dressing room pictures I took turned out blurry, probably helped along by the champagne they plied me with. I then departed and hit up the coffeeshop at Crystals, where I chattered at the poor barista for awhile until some friends came over to entertain me. Not a bad day, all told. My life's at a bit of a crossroads right now, and rather than pick a road, I think I'm probably just going to see how much ground I can cover on each of them. We'll see how it goes.

crimson and clover

2010-04-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

Tank top, vintage. Shorts from Target. Wedges, Vera Wang Lavender Label. Sunglasses from Buffalo Exchange.

Eighty-three degrees today.
I finally finished a song.
I'm 6'5" in these wedges.
Scars give you character.
Heart-shaped sunglasses.
London. Paris. Folsom.
San Francisco tomorrow.
Summer forever.

shoe porn, or: you only stalk the ones you love

2010-04-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

So I've spent the last several months since these shoes hit the runway/days since these shoes hit stores obsessing pretty hard, pretty much like everyone else on Planet I Have Great Taste In Shoes. The Miu Miu boutique at Crystals keeps getting its opening pushed back (March 31st, then April 15th, now this coming Monday. argh!) but in the mean time I've noticed that department stores are starting to stock them. So here's a bit of shoe porn that can also be used as a reference list for where to get yourself a pair! If you know of anywhere else online that stocks them, let me know. All pictures click through to where you can buy. The clogs and the printed shoes are my favorite, so I've only linked to those; a few other places have the unprinted Mary Janes.

Barneys

Barneys

Saks

Barneys

net-a-porter

Neiman Marcus

Neiman Marcus

Saks

Neiman Marcus

net-a-porter but also available in stores at Nordstrom - if yours doesn't have them, they should be able to transfer a pair from another store to you

mytheresa

Neiman Marcus

mytheresa

I haven't seen too many people who aren't working in fashion pick these up yet, I hope more bloggers get them! Always fun to see how people style things outside of editorials and jak&jil. I also have yet to find them in stock ANYWHERE in my size, at least in terms of brick and mortar stores where I can try them on. Which is why I'll be leaping all over the existence of the Miu Miu boutique here once it FINALLY opens. Counting down the days, seriously.

Hope you all got some use/enjoyment out of this post!

still I lose myself in you

2010-04-07T23:12:00.000-07:00

Goodness, I've had a busy last several days...another almost-week in LA, then back here for two days packed full of work and life obligations, then I leave tomorrow to spend the weekend in Chicago. But at least I've gotten everything done, so I can enjoy the city without troubling myself over things I have to do. Productivity, man! Apparently it is its own reward.

Or possibly this sweet as hell weather is my reward? (Or, possibly, it's just the naturally changing seasons.) Of course I'm heading out just as soon as it gets to be dress weather, but Chicago should be pretty nice. I've only been there a few times, and never for such a long trip - I'll be there Thursday night to Tuesday morning. Stoked. Any shops I should make it a point to visit while I'm there?

Anyway, here are a few dresses and a kitty cat. First set of pictures taken by Jessa in LA.

Dress, vintage. Printed with a Greek motif, including nifty bowls of grapes and be-laureled people.

Mid-pose feline distraction!

Kitty > modeling.

And then this lime green dress, which perked up my day of working all morning, then getting my taxes done and running to the courthouse.

Lime green dress with sheer sleeves and pastel ribbons, vintage.

what, me worry?

2010-03-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

It gave me great joy to debut this dress today. I'd been saving it for a good low seventies temperature, where bare arms would work but maybe not so much bare legs. It's from an Italian label called Cultura, and that's about all I can tell you about that since Google totally failed me in my quest to learn more.

It's pretty rare with me that I buy something that doesn't look like anything else in my wardrobe, but that was definitely the case here. It may actually be the only incidence of orange in my entire closet, and I certainly don't have anything else that's sheer in this particular way, but something about it kept me coming back as I roamed through Wasteland, and when I tried it on it just pleased me so much to wear it. So here we are.

Dress, Cultura. Sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target. Dweeby aw shucks grin, me.

Hope the weather is treating you all as well. :)

dream dream dream

2010-03-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

1920s Lanvin-attributed flapper dress, $2600 at Shrimpton Couture

Posting this here so I can finally close the tab and stop letting it distract me from other things. More pictures at the source. More daydreams in my mind.

Gonna watch The Flapper later. I've been hunting fruitlessly for a good place to watch/download 1920s movies, any tips?

garden of earthly delights

2010-03-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

I'm in another vintage phase. It tends to come and go along with what I'm reading and where I'm shopping (lots of magazines and blogs usually translates to more high-end shopping), and this recent mania was inspired by the following book:

- which is, in case you were wondering, pretty freaking awesome. I always like historical works that put the past into context with today and humanize it (this is why I adore Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette, because she's painted as the party girl she was, and girl, I get it), but there was just so much to identify with in this book. Modern America as we understand it really started in the 1920s, and it's nuts to find out just how true that is, especially with regard to the consumerism that led us to where we are today. (Said the girl with the fashion blog, oh ho.)

Anyway, rather than go on about how alluring I find the F. Scott Fitzgerald/Zelda Fitzgerald pairing even though they ended up dying of alcoholism/in an asylum, I'm going to paste my favorite bit of the book:

Many female college students found themselves "smashed" on other women. "When a Vassar girl takes a shine to another," explained a student in 1873, "she straightaway enters upon a regular course of bouquet sendings, interspersed with tinted notes, mysterious packages of 'Ridley's Mixed Candies,' locks of hair perhaps, and many other tender tokens, until at last the object of her attentions is captured, the two become inseparable, and the aggressor is considered by her circle of acquaintances as - smashed.
- Flapper, Joshua Zeitz

♥! Goodness, I could take a hundred more stories like that. During the course of antique shopping I picked up The Fabulous Life of Sarah Bernhardt by Louis Verneuil, published in 1942. It is, so far, fabulous. Part of this is because Verneuil basically admits up front to being a ridiculous fanboy who finally insinuates himself into Sarah's life when she's in her seventies by writing a play especially for her. Amazing.

Thus I'm all wrapped up in an obsession with the aesthetics of the past, which has so far manifested itself in the following purchases: three vintage hats, a 1940s crepe skirt of the absolutely perfect length, and a handful of skinny vintage ties that will likely find themselves serving as belts. My grandparents kindly took me to a few antique shops this last week, resulting in the abovementioned spoils, and now I'm back home in Henderson, satisfying my craving for more cups of tea than anyone really needs, and updating this blog.

Here are a couple of shots that I had my mom take of me in the backyard when I was visiting home. Featured: my favorite of the hat purchases. The black veil kills me. I want to wear it with everything. And I will. Oh, I will.

Dress, Mise en Scene by Ruffian. Hat, vintage. Thigh-highs, American Apparel.

dead leaves and the dirty ground

2010-03-10T20:19:00.000-08:00

Fashion month is over! I've been saving things here and there, so soon there will be a rundown of my favorite looks. I tend to be more of a collection person than loving a particular designer, except for Christopher Kane, who does something totally different/bonkers every seen and I seem to love it unfailingly. Many designers are one collection on/one off for me, which sometimes is great (Louis Vuitton is SO much better this season!) and sometimes sucks (How could they have topped Miu Miu SS10? Well, they didn't).

Let's talk about me! The next solid month or so will involve four trips out of town (two to LA; one to the Pacific Northwest, Auburn, WA, and Dundee, OR; and one to Chicago) so now is when I update the blog. I think I might try to line up some posts so it'll update automatically (you can do that, right?) and not be a vast wasteland between clusters of posts. I don't know, I'm not really talking about anything. It's supposed to get up to the mid-70s next week, thank GOD, so hopefully the cherry blossoms will last and I can get some decent shots outside.

Speaking of which, right now we're gonna do more from my shoot with Chanelle Berlin Johnson! I had my eye on this Diane von Furstenburg dress for ages, but didn't get it until it showed up at Neiman Marcus Last Call in my size - some things are fate, man. Paired first with Doc Martens and a vintage Gucci watch on a chain, a family heirloom.

Then I switched shoes to the blue Louboutins (and briefly wrapped myself in an N Sync blanket - the day really wasn't warm enough for that dress, man).

Pictures by Chanelle Berlin Johnson, for more of her work, visit See Berlin Photography.

stand next to this money like

2010-03-09T14:09:00.000-08:00

Oh, worst of all bloggers! Parts of this post have been brewing for a few weeks, but better late than never, right? So we have two related parts: 1. I went to the Lanvin store opening here! 2. I did a photoshoot with a friend, and some of the pictures are of me in my (one, only, treasured) Lanvin dress! Huzzah!

So the Lanvin opening was pretty rad, the store is gorgeous, the selection amazing - there's even bridal! Also, there were lychee martinis and generous pours of Veuve Cliquot, which is why post-party I wandered around Crystals for about two hours talking to various friends on the phone, with a long stint spent standing in front of the soon to open Miu Miu boutique (April 1st!!). Long enough, in fact, that a few Rockstar-swilling teenage boys approached to ask if I was in the model in the picture. I explained that no, I am not Lindsey Wixon, and they shuffled away. I could see the confusion, though, as I'm tall, fifteen years old, and a working model (note: only one of those things are true). I do like to look at pictures of myself though, so...I guess that one's not too out of character.

Though I failed (failed! I'm sorry!) to take any pictures inside the boutique, here are pictures of the invite, and the charming contents of the giftbag:

The invite!

Playing cards!

Alber!

Aaaand a pretty adorable keychain.

So that was that haul. The boutique had more than a few pieces in my general spending range, which is nice/dangerous for my wallet, including a totally bonkers necklace with the Lanvin logo cut out of mirrored glass. It was kind of surprisingly punk for the label, plus it was in the men's section, so Dear world, please deliver me a boyfriend who would wear a Lanvin necklace, love, Sara.

Back in February my friend Chanelle Berlin Johnson took some photos of me (this isn't all of them, and I'll be rolling out the rest over time), and I brought along this dress because I've always had a hell of a time trying to get a decent shot of it. Luckily these pictures are awesome.

Lanvin dress.

Worn, as usual, with my Doc Martens.

We'd just about wrapped up the shoot when the creative spirit overtook us, and a few more poses were had with my jacket:

Coat, Cole Haan.

Surprise! BFF

Probably my favorite shot!

Pictures by Chanelle Berlin Johnson, for more of her work, visit See Berlin Photography.

caped but not yet crusading

2010-03-01T23:28:00.000-08:00

Okay dudes, I am doing something different tonight! I got this ridiculously rad 1920s black lace cape from Greedy Seagull Vintage on etsy, and something about it said to me "Don't just do your usual stand and look moody, try out some weird shit and see how it goes" and I was like "A TALKING CAPE, THIS IS INSANE" but when a great piece of clothing speaks to you, I say listen, ergo and thus! Here is a series of pictures (like, way more than usual, be warned) in my cape and a Trina Turk dress. Lip gloss is NARS in Diablo, in case you were curious.

Feedback appreciated, let me know what you guys think. More pictures like this? Stick with what I've been doing? I am at your mercy, my dear sexy, handsome, ravishingly well-dressed readers! Let's do this!

there are no words (but I've managed to find some)

2010-02-28T16:37:00.001-08:00

So.

Dress, Alexander McQueen, SS09.

It seemed like too nice of a day not to spend it running around, so I decided to stop by Off 5th, the Saks outlet, and see what was going on. Usually the selection is deplorable.

Today, it wasn't.

The flash helped capture the colors on this shot; they're crazy vivid.

From now on if a day goes by without an outfit post in this blog, just assume that I wore this dress. Because it's pretty much all I want to wear for the rest of forever, every day, until I die.

lace + tapestry + flowers

2010-02-22T15:42:00.000-08:00

Top, Pinko 1966. Skirt, vintage.

I've been looking for a good tapestry skirt for awhile, and I fell in love with this blue and green floral one the last time I was in LA. I was originally iffy on the top, but once I tried it on with the skirt everything made sense. I've loved the idea of combining different florals since Dolce & Gabbana started doing two contrasting florals on one piece, as seen in these SS10 pieces:

Similar looks showed up for FW09 in stores (both department and boutique), though they didn't appear on the runway, which is weird. Obviously Dolce & Gabbana take it a little more luxe, and bless them for it. I've noticed as well that some of the store pieces have different textures to them, with light quilting and metallic threads. That's reflected to a certain extent in my look, with the tapestry and the soft lace top (which is sheer as well).

It's great inspiration - I'm also, funnily enough, finding a lot of inspiration in the D&G SS10 collection which I overall really didn't like. The lace dresses in particular seem stuck in my head. I need to get over to the boutique here and see some of the new pieces for myself, I think. I doubt the denim prints are going to do anything for me, but who knows, right?

Autumn/Winter shows

2010-02-17T20:42:00.000-08:00

Nothing's really bowled me over yet. Oddly what struck me most were the MbMJ dresses I posted here - usually that line is way more miss than hit for me, so not expecting much I was pretty bowled over. I've gone through a lot of the collections that have walked so far, and aside from these not much has really stuck in my mind. Mostly I'm looking forward to Paris and Milan. God, I hope they go on with the last Alexander McQueen collection, as sad as it will be.

Anyway, here are my three favorite collections so far.

Marc Jacobs:

I usually have stronger reactions to Marc's collections - pretty strong aversion to last season vs. still obsessing over S/S '09 - but this one I just, for the most part, liked. (Except for the fur. Good god, I am SO over the fur. Seriously, fashion industry, can we not?) The color pallette was a bit more subdued than I'm usually into, but so much of it is just, purely, good that I can't really complain. Except about the fur. The fur sucks.

Marc by Marc Jacobs:

Yeah, the striped dress is one I will definitely be buying. How ridiculously fierce.

Rodarte:

Not gonna lie, most Rodarte collections barring S/S '09 have taken me a bit to warm up to; this one, at least, took only like a day. Kate and Laura have an aesthetic and for the most part they tend to stick to it. Fortunately, it's one I like. The different textures and draping don't feel particularly new, but I love the inclusion of florals and plaids. The patterns were perfectly chosen, and the pants, oh my god, the pants. It's like S/S '10 was the Rodartepocalypse and this is the follow-up where the world is recovering, only instead of a new Eden it's a delightful 1930s dustbowl throwback. The more I think about it the more I like it. My one issue would be the shoes - this may be the season where Nicholas Kirkwood doesn't win me over. But we'll see, we'll see.

most Hallmark-friendly of all saint's days

2010-02-17T20:16:00.001-08:00

Okay, work with me for a second - we're about to go back in time. Back in time, to three days ago, when it was Valentine's Day and I wore this outfit:

Pink lace dress, vintage, over red dress, American Apparel. Shoes, YSL.

Detail of the lace.

Time travel is intense, isn't it? Try to keep up. I played Miss Lonelyhearts for VDay, dressed up in my girliest colors and took to Neiman Marcus for makeup shopping and lunch at the cafe. If you can't be someone's valentine, I think the second best option is to just BE a valentine. The lace dress is vintage and super pretty, and will be worn with a black dress beneath it on all other days of the year, I think. Also might hike it up to wear as a shirt with jeans and platforms.

It's been a pretty low-key week, with much pawing at the internet for all the F/W shows. Expect a post on my favorite looks pretty soon.

fairies, denim, cork

2010-02-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

I have a new camera! A friend recommended the Canon Powershot, which is working really well so far. The Samsung SL620 sucked seriously hard, and had some of the poorest customer service I've ever received to back up that suckage, so in case you were thinking of buying a Samsung camera: don't. Anyway, so far this one is working swimmingly. Chief among its virtues is that it takes three shots in a row on a timer, and stays in that mode, until you change it. Awesome. Despite that, I have but one shot to show you:

T-shirt, Prada. Jeans, Rich & Skinny. Shoes, Target. Birdcage necklace, craft shop charm and chain.

The t-shirt has a fairy on it, as seen in the SS '08 collection. I got it from Wasteland a little while ago. The wedges were five bucks from Target (seriously), and the jeans were hand-me-downs, making this a ridiculously cheap outfit, all told. Can't argue with that. It's that awkward temperature outside where having skin covered is a little warm but leaving it uncovered is a little cold, but I suppose it can only really get warmer from here. And then, dare I say, outdoor shots perhaps?

RIP Alexander McQueen.

2010-02-13T10:47:00.000-08:00

A few days before it happened, I'd been playing catch-up on Tumblr and laughed at something Tavi reblogged and added to, the well-known "cerulean" speech from The Devil Wears Prada. To this, Tavi had added I look forward to when I’ve been obsessed with fashion for so long that I can be like WELL IN THE OLDEN DAYS OF 2009 ALEXANDER MCQUEEN SHOWED THIS AND NOW IT IS 3207 AND YOU THINK YOU’RE TOO GOOD FOR FASHION EVEN THOUGH YOU WERE CLEARLY TRYING TO LOOK LIKE A LIZARD THIS MORNING and yeah, which, caps of enthusiasm and absurdity aside, still felt pretty damn true. McQueen was so far ahead of the curve that it doesn't seem far off to assume that his work will still be an influence far into the future, when the rest of the populace catches up and we all roll out of bed trying already to figure out what snakeskin to wear, and get dressed up for prom in shipwreck dresses, and totter out of our Jetsons-style houses on shoes that make us look and feel like the cyberpunk aliens we know we are.

It's almost unthinkable that we won't get to see what he was going to hit us with next, what insane collection would have the kids of 3208 rolling out like feathers and skins and bustles or whatever are just what you do. McQueen designed for the future; it's a shame he won't be around to see how long his influence will undoubtedly last.

Elsewhere:
fashin: McQueen favorites
fashin: editorials feat. McQueen
little augury: the ornithologists (McQueen tribute)
garance dore: McQueen sketch
The Cut: Retrospective of McQueen's work

be nice or leave.

2010-02-11T00:02:00.000-08:00

Isabeli Fontana in Vogue Brazil February 2010, via ecstasy_lover

Marc of hearts

2010-02-03T00:46:00.000-08:00

I know what you've been thinking lately: the quality of the images on this blog is just too high. Well fear not, my pixel-craving compadres, today I bring you shots not from my still-broken camera, but from that garden of earthly delights known as Photo Booth!

Dress, Marc Jacobs. Shoes, Miu Miu. Fierceness, all me (also some Tyra).

The reason I resort to such drastic measures is because The Outnet is having a really really fantastic sale on the Marc Jacobs SS09 collection, which is one of my favorites ever, and I want everyone to have pieces from it so I can see it on your blogs and be like "yessss, wasn't it good? You guys, it was so good," and then we can all do the can-can of Marc is a Genius, and no one will mention the travesty that is Louis Vuitton SS10, as I've wrapped myself in a blanket of denial about that one and no one can unsnuggle me from it.

The dress I'm wearing above was one of my favorites of the collection and remains one of my favorite dresses. Unfortunately most of the sizes that would fit me are sold out on The Outnet, but maybe your size isn't sold out? Go get 'em! Here are a few of my favorites:

How hideously amazing is this dress? I love the color combination.

I love how every element of this dress is faintly ridiculous. Out of control draping and lots of fabric? Sure. A sort of awkward, meaningless length? Okay! Plastic chains hanging from the belt? Why not, he's Marc Jacobs!

Deliciously strange brocade leaves! I'd love to see the tree from which they fell.

Click through at leisure, let me know if you pick anything up!

Because I constantly strive for improvement.

2010-01-31T22:41:00.000-08:00

It's late on a Sunday night, I'm drinking Diet 7-Up and eating macadamia nuts. I had a fairly dull weekend of being crabby, but tomorrow is a new day, am I right? I can be crabby on weekdays too, just you watch me.

I took these pics awhile back when I was still fiddling with my camera. My camera, which is currently broken. Thanks, Samsung, for sucking. I appreciate it. Anyway, I did actually wear this outfit today (with a black American Apparel cardigan, just try to picture it. God, I know, amazing right?) and some tights.

Dress, vintage. Boots, Doc Martens. Menacing smile, all me baby.

I have these beautiful visions that I'll be able to find some sort of camera repair person in town that I can just bring the camera to and have them fix it so I can avoid mailing it off to Samsung and waiting hundreds of years to get it back...but my hopes, they are not up. Especially considering that when I talked to a Samsung person online when the camera first got messed up, she tried to convince me I needed to buy a new battery; I later found out from my roommate and his mad Googling skills that it was in fact a problems with the lens. In conclusion, Samsung people are incompetent and the products are nothing to sing about either. Anyone have recs for a better camera?

In other news, I went to the Go Raw Cafe today, where they make ridiculously amazing vegan mochas with whipped cream that's made from brazil nuts and, judging by the taste of it, angel wings. The non-Whole Foods-y vegan options in Vegas are few and far between, but what we have kills it pretty hard. Nonetheless I'm pleased to be taking a trip to LA this weekend, home of so many amazing vegan places that it's kind of obnoxious, and home also of my BFF who will take me to them. Being able to order everything on a menu: not a thing you appreciate until you decide that you don't want to eat all the dead things on the menu. We're also going to Disneyland on Superbowl Sunday. So this weekend should be better than the last, and that's all I ask for, really. That, and a working camera.

this is benign neglect

2010-01-28T22:50:00.001-08:00

Oh life, life, so much going on! I've been attempting to reign in the spending and have done admirably so far this year (although apparently taking frequent walks to the grocery store means I'm buying more groceries than usual, and in a much more random way) - good for the wallet, not too good for the "look! look! look at the stuff I have IT'S AWESOME I'm stoked on it!" element of my personality that demands picture-taking and blog-updating. So here are a few of my favorites from last fall:

Top, Free People. Skirt, Nanette Lepore. Thigh-highs, American Apparel. Shoes, Christian Louboutin.

Oh my goodness, I'm so startled by the sudden appearance of a camera on a tripod about to take a picture of me! I should look winsome!

There were a few days of rain here which put me in an abominable mood, but now we're back in the low sixties so I've returned to my usual perky self. Perky might be stretching it. Non-snarly self, there we go.

I finally made it to Crystals, which is a vast white space containing some very nice boutiques. Apparently there's going to be a Lanvin boutique there, which is good because once it's open I can just pack up my things, build a fort made of tulle, and LIVE THERE FOREVER. I'll bring a black cat a la the fall '09 ads and spend my days lounging on satin couches and playing Go Fish with Alber Elbaz. It'll be great, you guys. I'm really looking forward to it.

___________ for Target.

2010-01-20T20:39:00.000-08:00

It's been a good last week or so for news on upcoming Go International collabs; I feel pretty much like there's nowhere to go but down after the rad Rodarte collection, but paging through these new lookbooks has been pleasing nonetheless. In both cases I started out being unimpressed, but as with any collection there are always at least a few decent pieces that warrant a second look (related: I was so devoted to disliking D&G SS10 after that Wild West disaster of a show, but then this tumbleweed rolled by, curses!).

First, my favorites from the Zac Posen for Target collaboration, arriving in stores April 24th:

Love this gold dress; there's something so Art Deco about the structure of it.

Apparently this ruffle is removable? Insane.

If this sweater dress drapes as well on me as it does this model then we have a pretty serious contender I think.

Tuxedo what now? I'm dying over the cut of this jacket, and please please let the pants come long enough.

And the Jean Paul Gaultier for Target collab, in stores March 7th:

The trench and the polka dot dress on the left! So happening. The dress on the right is nicely cut but I'm not sold on the print. I might like it better in person.

I don't understand the top on the left and that thrills me. Stripes! Some sort of tie thing! That top + short shorts + high wedges = summer.

Oh god, the look on the right is everything that appeals to me about clothes. I am such a sucker for a good red gingham, especially with a fifties pin-up girl cut to it. Winged eyeliner and rockabilly pompadour at the ready; all systems are go.

I think JPG has the edge on this one, but as ever it's impossible to know how things are going to look in person. Either way I'm impatient already.

Full Zac Posen lookbook is available here, full JPG lookbook here.

Say, say you wanna run away.

2010-01-20T20:14:00.001-08:00

This morning at 6:30 a.m. I was awoken by the sound of a blaring TV a few feet from my head; there being a wall between my head and said TV was little help in muffling the dulcet sounds of the porn my erstwhile neighbor sometimes indulges in, and always, always at decibel levels the likes of which imply that s/he has neither shame nor concept of wall thickness. This was the first time I'd been awoken by such a racket, and after blearily trying to approach an understanding as to what I was hearing/why god why I was hearing it, I located the presence of mind to smack the wall, hard, three times in succession. After a moment, the noise ceased.

I regret to report that the day did not improve overmuch from there. I went grocery shopping, but didn't get out much otherwise thanks to the dreadful and unceasing rain. At least I had the joy of wearing my new shoes - or, as I like to think of them, my disco stilts.

Shirt, American Apparel. Jeans, J Brand. Shoes, (believe it or not) Jessica Simpson.

Necklace, vintage Greek pendant on a cord from the craft store.

The outfit was pretty simple today, because a. it's cold, and b. when you're 6'5" in platforms people will mostly be looking at your shoes anyway. The shoes were a moral dilemma, but seeing as they were the type of shoe that I passed in a shop window and then actually turned around to walk back and look at, I figured they were at least worth trying on - and then they proved surprisingly easy to walk in and were actually fairly comfortable. Sometimes amazingness trumps label, and come on, these things are ridiculously awesome. So thank you, Jessica Simpson's design team; I hope these shoes don't fall apart on me like the Steve Maddens of my past.

I just had a good friend in town, and we painted the town red, or actually hung out in my room watching a lot of Dollhouse - my bed is red though, so it's sort of the same. I created a variety of vegan chocolate martinis, including a sort of vegan Pink Russian, made of vanilla soymilk with chocolate raspberry liquor. Yes, it was as amazing as it sounds.

Despite not being very exhausting, it was still, to some measure, exhausting; thus I've been hanging around catching up on the internets, and now of course we're back to blogging. Hopefully the weather will stop being made of fail so I can get back to my pleasant daily walks. Until then I will continue listening to the Plasticines and continuing to practice my stilt-walking.

Really, we should forget all this nonsense and just stay home and read Proust.

2010-01-12T15:07:00.000-08:00

Since the new year began I've been mostly reading and lazing around...not a bad way to spend time, at least it's a bit more productive than endlessly refreshing Google Reader. A recent trip to the library offered up Diana Vreeland's Allure, which is an absolutely fabulous work that I wish I actually owned. Here are a few of my favorite pages from it, click through for full images:

Sir Cecil Beaton, In the Manner of Edwardians: Princess Paley and Miss Mary Taylor, 1935.

The last page.

A recent trip antiquing led me to this 1927 issue of Picture Play, which I've been savoring slowly. I want to hold dramatic readings of practically every page, particularly the letters section, complete with passionate defenses of Rudolph Valentino and incisive critiques of the actresses of the day. Again, a few favorite pages:

Altogether worthy of a low bow!

Julia Faye rather likes playing naughty women. She thinks they are interesting.

Finally, me on parade:

Dress, Balenciaga, worn over a tank top as slip, American Apparel. Shoes, Marni.

Bracelet, my grandmother's graduation present.

Me and your skeleton, we danced all night.

2010-01-06T20:44:00.000-08:00

Today I did some pretty epic grocery shopping, played enough Wii Sports to discover new muscles I hadn't previously been aware of (awareness gained via soreness, hurrah), started listening to Red Wire Black Wire, drank a lot of tea, and wore this dress that Jessa bought me for Christmas:

Dress, Vena Cava. Boots, Gap. Scarf, gift.

It was a little bit too cold out by the time I was finished running around, but I did come out to a pretty amazing sunset that made me want to throw open my arms and embrace the pink-clouded desert sky. So that was nice.

Winter = long sleeves and boots.

2010-01-06T11:35:00.000-08:00

Here's what I wore on New Year's Eve during the day:

Tulle top, Rodarte for Target, over tank top, American Apparel. Skirt, D&G. Boots, 8th Street.

Somehow this skirt ended up being one of my favorites; it pairs so well with these boots that I can't seem to stop wearing it. I like wearing skirts in winter (wherein values of winter = the high is 64 degrees today, I love you Las Vegas) and pairing them with boots is a nice way to make it warm enough. Although last night in Border's I still froze to death. (Why do they keep it so cold in there? Is it because they don't want me to sit in the cafe for hours reading all the international versions of Vogue? That's probably why.)

Dress, vintage. Scarf used as belt, 2006-era Panic! At The Disco merch. Boots, 8th Street.

And yesterday's outfit. I love this dress, it's so fun and loungey. I initially had it belted with a brown leather belt (fun fact: also 2006-era P!ATD merch), but I couldn't get it to hang right, and then it just looked too harsh. So I went with the scarf as belt (in homage to, yes, '06 Ryan Ross). I'm still trying to figure out other things to do with it, I look forward to messing around with this dress more in the future. Also looking forward to running my errands during the day so I'm not fleeing from door to car in my cute, fun, but not quiiiite warm enough ensembles. Is it spring yet?!

New Year's Eve!

2010-01-05T21:27:00.000-08:00

Apologies for not having more fun pictures...NYE was a very quiet affair for all the martinis and festive top hats. My dress was awesome though!

Matching jacket, belt, and dress, vintage. Shoes, Christian Louboutin.

I look forward to taking the dress out solo with gold sandals in the summer, and jazzing up jeans with the jacket before temperatures rise. The pictures don't really capture the vividness of the colors - the gold in particular is quite bright and shimmery - but the idea is there, at least.

What did you all wear for New Year's?

Triumphant return!

2009-12-30T22:20:00.000-08:00

Ten days in the great grey north had me rather distracted from blogging, but onward! Upward! I'm back home and cuddling my sweet, beautiful desert, basking in the sunshine like a lizard, looking forward to the coming days of weather in the sixties. And New Year's Eve, I'm looking forward to that too! Which is good, since it's tomorrow. I have a pretty killer outfit, and hope to coax my best pal into taking over photographic duties from my noble tripod while she's in town. So there'll be another lapse in posting, but then, oh man! More pictures! Some of them even from different angles! The excitement, the anticipation, the transliteration!

On December 20th I got up bright and early for my yearly shopping trip with my father, and of course dragged him to the nearest Target so I could leap onto the Rodarte collection. I got five things, of which this dress is one.

Dress, Rodarte for Target. Over the knee socks, Betsey Johnson.

Shoes, from Target.

Upon seeing this dress I went, oh, Courtney Love in the nineties, wear it with rose-embroidered Doc Martens; done and done. But while browsing Target a few nights ago (I live across the street from one and like to take walks; I end up at Target a LOT) I came across these shoes on sale and realized that with knitted tights and said dress I could go in a different direction: saucy thirties lounge singer. Too much antique and vintage shopping always gets me in a mood to dress like I'm in a different decade, and right now I'm feeling the twenties and thirties.

I'm also feeling female vocalists in a big way; my playlists lately have been a head-spinning mix of Company of Thieves, Metric, The Like, Lady Gaga, old school Fiona Apple, Paramore, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Tegan & Sara, The Kills, etc. Kind of dying for something new to listen to at this point, any suggestions? The above selection covers my musical interests fairly well.

We are our own devils.

2009-12-17T23:17:00.000-08:00

I hit up the Gap recently and got myself a few things (and bright pink knit slippers for my grandmother), finally satisfying my need for a plaid shirt. They have a pretty nice selection of plaid shirts, but the fit is weird - the smalls are pretty clingy, but the mediums are sort of ridiculously loose. I went with the small, and I think that was the way to go. Also, I love the ruffles.

Shirt, The Gap. Jeans, J Brand. Shoes, Christian Louboutin. Rings, vintage. Bracelet, H&M.

Even with the ruffles, I still wanted to pep it up with the sparkly Oxfords. Why not, right? And to take it out into the cold, a black sweater over top.

Sweater, The Gap. Antlers, Photobucket editing software

'Tis the season, right?

Finally, a song I can't stop listening to, with an accompanying Rushmore-referencing video for your time, Oscar Wilde by Company of Thieves:

Wednesday Wants.

2009-12-16T16:12:00.000-08:00

Decadence: I've had this editorial open in tabs since it was posted because I can't seem to stop looking at it. Roses + brocade + couture = my personal heaven. Fashion Gone Rogue

Dying: I thought the phrase "shaking and crying" was a silly overexaggeration until I saw this Net-a-Porter exclusive cloud print Christopher Kane dress. Net-a-Porter

Deliciousness: I live and die by Sweet & Sara's vegan marshmallows. Currently can't get enough of the Cinnamon Pecan variety, but the S'mores are a thing of wonder as well. Sweet & Sara

Dollhouse: Figures I'd get obsessed with this show only after its cancellation...still, if you're not watching, you're missing out. Hulu

Darling: Marc Jacobs can be hit or miss with me, but when it's a hit, it's pretty much the most perfect 1920s-esque sequined swirly-skirted hit of a dress that I can imagine. Barneys

Las Vegas Valley "winter."

2009-12-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

It's back in the low sixties here the week before Christmas, and I can't say I'm complaining. It's the perfect weather for this dress and boots combo I'm always happy to bring out, which is just right for shopping at an outdoor mall on a sunny day - which I have, in fact, already done. So now it's me and a cup of tea, fine company on a pleasant afternoon. I'm taking my alone time as I can get it, before the ten day trip up north for the holidays.

Dress, Marc by Marc Jacobs. Boots, The Gap.

Blurrily photographed and much prettier in person bracelet, Anthropologie.

I may throw a black sweater over this if I go out into the cold later tonight. This outfit makes me feel pleasantly like I'm going fox-hunting or something, very Lady of the Manor...or perhaps, possibly, I've just had a few too many cups of tea today.

Desire.

2009-12-13T20:08:00.000-08:00

SS10 can't come soon enough...

Clogs, Chanel.

Satin peep-toe, sling-back Jolie Époque wedge with gold embroidery detail, Christian Louboutin.

Platform sandal with stud detail, Hermès.

Flower-print platform pump, Miu Miu.

Titanic ballerina pump, Alexander McQueen.

All from Candy Pratts Price's Spring 2010 Accessory Report. I looked through all of them, mostly because I've been obsessing about the McQueens and I was hoping to find something to distract me...not so much. I'm probably going to head to the Alexander McQueen at the Wynn at some point this week to pester someone about them, so I can at least find out the price/if they need to be special-ordered/if I need to either give up right now or start socking away money for them.

A new shopping center just opened up on the Strip (because we need another one), and I've been meaning to check it out. There's a Marni there, and apparently a Miu Miu is opening in 2010, hopefully in time to stock that killer spring collection. I'll also be interested to see the CLs up there in person, what an insane collision of seventies wedge and luxe detailing. And it's pleasing to see a few simple heels from Chanel and Hermès as well. We'll see what, if any of these, I end up picking up - you never know how something's going to look in person.

Still: do want those McQueens.

Glitter on the wet streets.

2009-12-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

I finally got these shoes in the mail, glory hallelujah Merry Christmas to me, etc! I'd been considering them for ages (fact: I either make total impulse purchases or agonize over them for 3-6 months before buying), and had almost decided to go with a pair of Lanvin lace-ups instead on the basis of practicality. My main issue was whether or not they would last me for years - i.e., would I still be wearing them in my mid-thirties? Eventual conclusion: hell yes I'm going to be the kind of woman who wears silver glitter Oxfords in her thirties. Anddd purchased.

Shoes, Christian Louboutin. Bunny socks, gift from Jessa.

I originally planned to debut them with jeans, so as not to disco anyone to death, but then I put on this vintage dress for kicks, and with this 1949 Seventeen cover in mind, decided to make the shoes the focal point of an otherwise polite fifties-ish sweater girl look.

Sweater, D&G. Dress (under sweater), vintage.

The full swinginess of the dress isn't apparent here, but trust me, it's amazing. Also invisible: the fact that I cut about four inches off the ends of my hair yesterday, after seeing it in the mirror and realizing it was a complete disaster. I also took a bunch of pictures of myself jumping up like an even more demented Caroline Trentini, but it turns out it takes practice to get that right on a self-timer, and contrary to popular statement practice does not actually make perfect. Or possibly it does, but I got tired of jumping. So until lazy makes perfect, those pictures will not see the (relative) light of (gloomy, drizzly, winter) day.

Hey kid, you'll never live this down.

2009-12-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about this look for awhile now, and have only just now gotten all the necessary parts for it, like a car that's ready to run. In my head it had sort of a rockabilly/New Jersey/Amy Winehouse vibe (clearly I somehow think these things go together), I wish I had a better grasp of hairstyling so I could do something appropriate that goes along with the look. For now, I'll settle for rocking the look as is, probably with a red jacket over it so I don't freeze in the December weather. Fun times...

Top, Odille. Jeans, Citizens of Humanity. Shoes, Christian Louboutin.

I've been obsessed with these shoes for months and months, pleased to finally have them in my closet. The shade of blue is so interesting, I look forward to seeing what other outfits I can pair with them in the coming months! I think they'll rule for spring.

I love everything about this.

2009-12-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

via If Charlie Parker Was a Gunslinger, There'd Be a Whole Lot of Dead Copycats

Statement denim.

2009-12-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

These jeans, man. Oh, these jeans. First seen in the pages of Nylon, tracked to Shopbop (where they were sold out in my size, then literally two days later, sold out entirely), hunted for online and off, and finally inadvertently stumbled upon at a denim specialty retailer on a chance trip to a new luxury shopping complex in Bellevue, Washington. Fate? I kinda think so.

T-shirt, Fluxus. Jeans, PRPS. Sandals, Marni.

Necklace, vintage.

Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without. Work for your own salvation. Do not depend on others.

I wanted a look that would let the jeans stand out without being too boring. I wore my Marni sandals for height and a bit of glimmer, and because I intended to check out the new Marni store today in a recently opened shopping center in town. I didn't actually make it to the shopping center, but boy was I ever tall. The necklace I'm wearing is one of my favorites, purchased in an antique shop in Oregon.

I'd only read about PRPS jeans prior to finding this pair, but I'm definitely loving them - they're super comfortable, and frankly the most interesting pair of jeans I've ever owned. I'm kind of banning myself from buying anymore denim for a long while though, seeing as I did a count and realized I have fully seventeen pairs of jeans in my closet...good grief. New Year's Resolution: I will learn restraint. Besides, how could I possibly find a pair I like more than these?

Let the wild rumpus begin!

2009-12-03T21:54:00.001-08:00

The weather's getting colder and my thoughts are turning increasingly towards coziness. This is translating itself to plaid and fake fur in my mind, and dreams of hiding in the forest, Wild Things-style. I'm thinking something like all of these together...not sure what I'm going to pick up yet, but it's nice to dream.

Jacket, Anthropologie.

Ashby Plaid Flannel shirtdress, Rugby Ralph Lauren.

Carol headband, Pamela Love for Opening Ceremony.

Inspiration: Abbey Lee for Dazed & Confused, via Fashion Gone Rogue.

Kindly ignore the catastrophically wretched styling on the plaid shirtdress. I'd probably pair this look with my calf-high brown boots and some cream-colored tights. I tried on the jacket when I was up in Bellevue over Thanksgiving, and I've been mildly obsessed with it ever since...so cute, and so unlike anything else I own. Plus it's warm enough that I wouldn't need a sweater under it. (Not that I'm talking myself into it. Much.)

art is what you can get away with.

2009-12-03T21:41:00.000-08:00

via aiguillies at tumblr

Lace, glitter, ribbons, etc.

2009-12-02T15:02:00.000-08:00

This is one of my girlier looks...this dress tends to be a big hit with the older crowd. I like it because it goes from day to date pretty easily, and I'm nuts about the shoes even though they aren't wildly comfortable. Can't argue with sweet and simple, anyhow.

Dress and purse, vintage. Shoes, Miu Miu. Tights from Anthropologie.

The MbMJ bag I've been wanting finally went on sale today at Neiman Marcus, which I'm pretty stoked about. They only had it online, so that'll show up on my doorstep in about a week and a half. I'm dying right now waiting for the Barneys designer sale tomorrow, hoping like hell that the Louboutins I've been after will go on sale. Fingers crossed!

All I want for Christmas.

2009-12-01T11:38:00.000-08:00

This Chanel dress.

These SS10 Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte shoes.

This book.

These amazing phantom dream shoes.

This Alexander McQueen clutch (still).

A Mucha print or two.

This Louis Vuitton resort 2010 look.

These YSL studded heels.

This (Cavalli?) dress.

A Parrish print or two.

These wildly expensive boots.

This Marc Jacobs dress.

This life.

A thorough analysis of the work of Steven Meisel.

2009-12-01T11:31:00.000-08:00

via ecstasy_lover

Something always nagged at me about this photoshoot. I've never been able to get into it because of Jessica Stam's makeup/creepy dead eyes, but I think I just found the humor in it.

It's a sinister cross between Y Tu Mama Tambien and Weekend at Bernie's.

Well played, Meisel.

Those lazy, hazy days of November.

2009-11-22T19:40:00.000-08:00

Autumn still gets me in the mood for school, in a sort of roundabout way - like school in the sense of New England boarding school. Not that I attended one of those, but in my head they're all very idyllic and beautiful, and I mourn that I'll never get to experience one for myself. Until my next life, though, I think I'll just aim vaguely for Eastern prep and hope I land somewhere awesome.

T-shirt, Fluxus. Skirt, D&G. Boots, 8th St.

Cardigan, D&G.

Ring and souvenir pin, vintage.

The souvenir pin celebrates Admiral Dewey's May 1, 1898 Manila Victory. I've gotten into souvenir pins and badges lately - they add something weird to an outfit, which I appreciate. I'm pretty obsessed with this D&G cardigan too, it's printed with a scene from the French opera Don Quichotte highlighting the character Sancho Panca. It's also pretty cozy.

Tomorrow I'm headed up north to visit my parents and grandparents for the holiday. I look forward to subsisting on Tofurkey Jerky and dressing for much colder weather. Jeans and sweaters ahoy!

Bella Italia

2009-11-21T15:32:00.000-08:00

Something simple that'll go from day to date, perfect for a sunny Saturday.

Dress, Dolce & Gabbana. Shoes, Marni.

Ring, antique.

More practically speaking.

2009-11-20T18:43:00.000-08:00

I like to take walks around my neighborhood - I'm within walking distance of the local casino/shopping area (hello, Las Vegas Valley!), Target, Fresh & Easy, Whole Foods, and my local library. This makes for a very nice series of reasons to get my ass out of the house, and get some fresh air and exercise besides. Of course, my usual dresses and heels don't work too well when I'm stomping down the parkway. Thus, a more reasonable outfit for taking a walk to my local biblioteca:

3.1 Philip Lim tank top, Current/Elliot jeans, Doc Martens.

Current/Elliots are often awesome but give me ridiculous amounts of trouble with the fit, seeing as I have insanely muscular calves. I've tried on some pairs that are cut so skinny in the calf area that I literally cannot pull them up that far. These work out well though - the zipper offers breathing space, and most importantly there's just enough wiggle room to zip them over my Docs, creating a nice sort of seal to keep out the cold air. Or the air that will be cold once it stops being 69 degrees in November.

Already returned the top one, a semi-interesting history on eugenics in the US. I'm halfway through The Monster of Florence, which is interesting and salacious, but so far not as great as the cover. Looking forward to Thunderstruck, though.

How To Marry A Russian Billionaire

2009-11-20T14:48:00.000-08:00

Inspired by Ms. Onopka's upcoming nuptials and a trip to the Forum Shops at Caesar's, I got all dressed up yesterday to hit the Apple store and do a little shopping besides. D&G's A/W 2009 collection really appealed to me, with its blend of Renaissance and opera prints paired with the usual sleek D&G silhouette. I went a little crazy with it this season (not helped by the private sale yesterday...hello 40% off) and wish I could have gone crazier still with some of the runway pieces. But I'm happy to have what I got.

D&G top, skirt, and brooch. YSL heels.

The brooch actually came attached to a D&G t-shirt. It was sewn on, but there was a proper pin on the back, so I very carefully snipped it off so I could wear it elsewhere. I'm still trying to master high-waisted skirts, I think they look much better paired with a belt or something to break up the look unless there's a different-colored waistband to help that along.

These are some of my favorites from the collection:

Some parts of this collection veered too far over from tapestry and landed on couch upholstery, but this dress was just right.

I loved that the silver design was printed onto this jacket, not sewn on.

I don't think this exact skirt (dress?) ever went into production, which is a damn shame because it's one of my favorites from this collection.

Tried this bad boy on yesterday...ridiculously gorgeous. The skirt has the most beautiful print.

Finally, my lost love. I tried this one on and adored it but couldn't quite justify the cost, and now that the sale is on of course it's sold out. Alas, alas. We'll meet again someday, La Traviata dress, perhaps in fashion heaven where all the pretty things go to die.

No detail shots for this collection, unfortunately, so I can't exclaim further over the gorgeous shoes which I would have ordered yesterday had I not discovered that D&G doesn't even make shoes in my size. Brutal. Oh well, gotta have size 41 feet to support five feet and eleven inches of person, I suppose. So maybe I didn't need those insane cushioned platform heels after all. (No, I actually did. I weep, damn you D&G!)

I definitely didn't love the S/S 10 collection, though, so I doubt I'll be on the D&G train much longer. I tend to be more into specific collections than pledging allegiance to any one designer, although the Mulleavys at Rodarte have yet to let me down, and I'm never too mad at Christopher Kane. It'll certainly be interesting to see what catches my eye when the spring collections mosey onto the shelves.

The Greek Way

2009-11-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I like my clothes to look back at me. This vintage dress is one of my favorite things I own, and probably the best example of my mini-obsession with clothes with faces...something you're sure to see more of on this blog.

Dress, vintage. Boots, purchased on 8th St. in NYC many moons ago...

Adventures in Yamhill County

2009-11-11T22:31:00.000-08:00

Just got back from visiting my grandparents in Dundee, Oregon. I spent a week up there with them going antiquing, eating out, and playing many many games of cards and dominoes. I decided to start wearing vintage souvenir badges and pins, and that will commence pretty soon. I could pretty contentedly go antiquing every day, it's that perfect combination of history lesson and treasure hunt, and I've found some pretty great stuff for pretty low prices.

Of course, like any sort of shopping trip, there's always the one that got away (vintage blue candy striper's uniform, why didn't you fit me?) and the ones that were juuuust out of my price range (original General Electric calender with Maxfield Parrish's Reveries, why aren't you on my wall RIGHT NOW?), but I still came home with a decent haul. I'm sure many of those pieces will crop up on this blog as I invent reasons to wear them, like it's Thursday and I have to go to the store.

In the meantime, I had my Grammy take a bunch of pictures of me in this little park. This one's my favorite. I'm a tree! I ended up giving her this GAP sweater from last fall. She loved it more than I did.

This is a dress of hers that she wore to my parents' wedding. My parents plan to renew their vows next autumn, and I think I might wear this for kicks. It's actually backwards - the front of it is higher, but Grammy wore and preferred it this way. Scandal!

Oregon wine country is almost gorgeous enough for me to look past the weather. Almost.

Finally, from the bowling alley: have you ever SEEN classier stickers? No, I know. No one has.

Andy Warhol sees God wherever he looks.

2009-10-26T14:48:00.001-07:00

via If Charlie Parker Was a Gunslinger, There'd Be a Whole Lot of Dead Copycats