it's the most fashionable time of the year, part deux

As promised, an update on the updates to the Kingston wardrobe.

My love/hate relationship with GAP was pretty fruitful this past winter break. Picked up these two basic, supersoft VNecks for I think five bucks each. There are few things more versatile than a good-quality vneck teeshirt. I was really feeling these two colors. Shmee. Not much to say.

These are some Marc Jacobs socks that I am actually really proud of because I have been loking for some time now for some comfy socks halfway between dress-socks and the ratty old Pumas I wear to the gym. Happy medium, everybody wins. Actually, only I win so I guess that doesn't apply?

HALLELUJAH! We meet at last, Mr. Phillip Lim, I've heard so many lovely things about you! I am so glad I was able to get this shirt from the Barneys holiday sale. The picture doesn't really do it justice. Here is just looks like the fabric is standard Catholic-schoolboy-blue-shirt, but it has the slightest slightest slightest iridescent sheen. The oversized tuxedo detailing is great.

YAY! I have never never NEVER been one to buy the same garment multiple times, but these I really had no choice. Naked and Famous (as I blogged about a couple months ago) makes what I think is the best denim available. The last time I bought this jean I got it in the deep indigo color, and now I got this grey color which I really like. The grey color and lack of tacky wash or embroidery will make these a great pair of jeans; the color makes them really versatile for formal.informal work/play kind of settings.

And of course, I hadn't really examined them too too closely in the store, but you can imagine my surprise when I discovered that the edge of the seam on the interior of the cuff has the slightest sparkly detail! You know how much I love sparkly things!

It's little details like this sparkle that really transform a garment and make it special. It's just enough for me to know it's there (and I think it'll play nicely off of my new Swear shiny sneakers!) It will also catch other peoples' eye and make them ask "Where'd you get those great jeans?!" which will provide an excellent segue for me to rave about my undying love for Naked and Famous.

McQueen does Magritte, but with more sass

Alexander McQueen's Menswear SS2010 collection (although it was NO Plato's Atlantis, for sure) felt surprisngly refreshing. I appreciated the fall2009 collection, but the new show felt like a breath of fresh air.

First out were these really fresh spring looks, double-breasted windowpane suits, really cool flat-brimmed hats, suitpants with sweatpant-like bands around the ankles. Everythring felt refreshing and clean, it really began to remind me of Belgian painter Rene Magritte. Very clean lines, almost satiric in their simplicity. In true McQueen fashion, however, as soon as you feel the show pulling you in one direction it pulls you in another. Out came these paint-splattered navy khakis, rolled up cuffs, of course (I told you that was a big trend!).

Things really started to get tongue-in-cheek when McQueen sent out models covered with handprints; someone covered their hands in bright blue paint and left a mark on suits and white shirts. I love love LOVED the pants with the single white handprint over the groin. Very very funny, monsieur McQueen. What a great show. And of course, the last two looks featured those crazy futuristic-digitized-whatever prints that were all over the womenswear show. So sly, so McQueen.

Here are some of my favorite looks from the show:

trends of the moment

So I am not really one for trends, but I do think there is something to be said about seeing a trend on the runway and making it your own. People often feel so overwhelmed when they want to dress more fashionably that they don't even know where to begin. Taking a mainstream trend and adapting it to your own wardrobe, budget, style, etc. can be a great way to get some fashion inspiration. Here are some of the current/upcoming trends I think work on a lot of people and can be easily adapted for every budget.

LEATHER
Leather was all over the spring runways. Leather is a great material to layer with, and when you invest in a good leather piece, you can usually adapt it to a multitude of looks and styles. A perfectly-fitting leather jacket looks great with jeans and a teeshirt, or, for the ladies, toss it on over a floral print (another big trend) dress. You don't even need to go that big and invest in a jacket. Leather leggings are great, they add a different layer of texture to your ensemble. A leather pencil skirt would be really versatile and transitions well from day into night.

NAUTICAL
Nautical-themed fashion is one of those trends that comes back every couple of years that I really enjoy. I mean, besides the blue/white pallette which is fresh looking and flattering on lots of people, who doesn't enjoy dressing up like a sailor?? Nautical means you can totally rock the blue and white striped sweaters; the GAP has a good selection of affordable options. Or, if you are willing to go way-upmarket, Balmain has a really great nautical pullover, too. Rope and enamel accessories work well here, and are available in every price range in things like belts or even cuffs.

TRIBAL
I am totally feeling the tribal trend going on right now. American Apparel is doing a great series of garments based on this African-inspired print. Any sort of wild print is in, actually, and don't be afraid to mix and match prints. One of my biggest style mantras is "It's all about the mix." As long as the GENERAL color pallette and aesthetic of the prints complement each other, you're all set. And only when you start mixing and matching old/new, thisprint/thatprint, high-end/budget is when you can let your true style shine through. Only a person with true style will be able to mix and match as they see fit, to bring together a variety of different options under the same vision in order to produce a cohesive look.

TIE-DIE
Proenza Schoulder SpringSummer2010 was ALL about the tie-dye print.  A word of caution, just make sure that your tie-dye garments aren't too psychadellic. You shouldn't be able to describe the colors in your shirtwith the word 'rainbow.' 
THOUGHT: Lands End always carries really cheap tie-dye shirts. Maybe I'll pick up a couple and cut them up, maybe make some racerback tanks or even do some across-the-torso splicing.... hmmm.....

it's the most fasionable time of the year

So this Christmas I received a great assortment of gifts (but don't get me wrong, it isn't about the gifts... got loads of quality time in with the fam!) 

I received some cool things, also bought myself a few presents (comme d'habitude)

Here just a few edits from the KingstonChristmas09Collection

The beloved Jack Spade Chocolate messenger. Together at last.

warmasheck "natural"-colored JCrew cableknit sweater with shawl collar. Will look great with slacks, torn-up jeans, under a blazer, whatever.

Shiny SWEARlondon sneakers. These are going to look SO good on New Years... blackjeans, vintageYSL white dress shirt, matte sillver tie, vest, ensemble picture forthcoming.

I love New England. Plain and Simple! This shirt is supersoft, can't wait to wear it around... Probably going to wear it with jeans and my Sorel Caribou winter boots, maybe even tie a plaid shirt around my waist for the 90s/KurtCobain/grunge-meets-NewEngland/lumberjack chic.

The essential Jack Purcell / Converse. It's fresh. It's classic. It's now.

Saw this jacket at Banana Republic and totally fell in love. It's a strange combination of being lined yet also being lightweight, so it's going to be a great versatile piece for layering. I've been toying with the idea of investing in a quality leather jacket, and I would probably want one in this silhouette so let's consider this one a dry run.

 Here's a second picture with crazy flash going on so you can get a better sense of the construction. The torso is in this microfibre-y windproof-y is this neoprene-y kind of synthetic. The sleeves are like a track jacket. Check it out.

And, of course, the best part about being a fashion lover during the holiday season is after-Christmas sales! Expect a part 2 in a few days....

barneys new york holiday sale loving

Anybody who is as addicted to Barneys as I am should be aware that this morning officially started the holiday sale.... up to 60% off so much fashion plus free ground shipping! And if you place your orders today, free shipping will get to you in time for New Years parties!

Here's a shirt I am thinking of getting.... 3.1 Phillip Lim (love) in light blue. It's got this really cool Lim-ified tuxedo motif going on. I actually tried it on a couple weeks ago and fell in love, but decided not to get it for.... I can't remember why? But now that it's less than half the retail price, I can't resist. Merry Christmas to me!

FAVORITE THINGS: a good navy blazer

Everybody, listen up. I am not usually a preachy kind of person. Well actually, I am. But anyways. I think that one of the most essential things you need for your wardrobe is a solid, well-fiting navy blazer. It literally goes with anything. Pair it with a graphic tee and jeans for a casual look to wear out to the bar, or pair it with a sweater for a collegiate, cool weather look. You can roll up the sleeves if you want to edge it up a bit (but always be sure to steam afterwards to avoid permanent creasing!) A good blazer will go with jeans, slacks, and a big trend that's been on the runways, shorts.

Here's my latest blazer. I picked it up for next to nothing at a secondhand store. Word of caution... typically I would not advocate buying such an important wardrobe staple secondhand. I ONLY picked this one because it's Brooks Brothers (so you know it's solid construction and made from high quality materials) and it was in nearly perfect condition. The lining is this beautiful shiny navy blue which goes nicely (I think) with the deeper navy blue of the outside of the jacket. It didn't smell, it was HARDLY worn and was such a steal I couldn't resist. It didn't fit quite the way I wanted so I took it to my tailor and had it shortened and brought in around the torso, not too much, of course, because a roomier fit is in right now. I still think I am going to have the shoulder pads reduced/taken out (less architectural, looser jackets were all over the Spring2010 runways like white on rice).  ANYWAYS here I am. And please don't think I am coked out or trying to look edgy... my friend took it before I was ready.

[Brooks Brothers vintage blazer. Seven For All Mankind denim. TShirt made by myself]

This is what I wore to my friend's going away party (note all of her crap behind me ready to be moved out) Black and blue paired together is one of my favorite looks to wear for casual nights out. I rolled up the sleeves and wore my bluest jeans to add some more layers of color to contrast with the black. I love love love blazers paired with a pair of washedout jeans. The TShirt is of my own design/craftsmanship. I originally made it to go see the Monster Ball a couple weeks ago.

The moral of the story, kiddies, is that there is nothing a well-fitting navy blazer can't do. They are available in literally every price point, but I would reccomend going a bit up-market because once you slip into it, you won't want to take it off.

Rodarte for Target SELLS OUT

The Rodarte for Target collection went on sale this morning and, as I predicted, has already sold out. Even the online Target store is completely out. Well done, girls.

Lanvin Men Spring 2010 Ad Campaign = BEAUTY

I just came across the Lanvin Men Spring 2010 Ad Campaign and had a moment. So speechless. Here are the shots, photographed by and starring husband/wife duo Vinoodh Matadin and Inez van Lamsweerde:

 

I AM SO IN LOVE WITH THESE PICTURES. The first one is bananas; at first, the eye is drawn to the outlandish body paint on Inez. The positioning of his mouth on hers is perfect, it focuses attention on him and the clothes seem to be pushing him, motivating him to kiss her more and more passionately. This picture is pure LOVE.

The second one is insane also, I love the movement of her hair over his shoulders and the way the clothes sort of validate the way she is pouring over him. The sweeping darkness of the hair is such a great contrast to the vivid whiteness of the shirt.

Way to go Monsieur Elbaz. The campaign breathes some life into this label, which I personally think has been in need of some recussitation. This totally makes me want to go out and buy Lanvin if I get to have steamy kisses with airbrushed nymphs!

soft up top, hard down below

The play of black and white and silver is so chic to me. Throw in some AWang and a little Rodarte and I'm yours.

Alexander Wang top. Bandage skirt by Vince. Quilted flap handbag by Chanel. Clip earrings by Palmacae. Rodarte shoes.

RETAIL THERAPY 12/16/09

So since I've been a good little boy and have hardly spent money in MONTHS and I have a week off until my next exam, I decided to hit the streets and search for sales. I came to U&I (one of my favorites stores in Montreal) and saw a "60% off" sign in the window. I lost my breath.  So after being in there for almost two hours trying on every type of garment under the sun (sooo many great deals on Philip Lim, Engineered Garments, Fred Perry, Comme des Garcons) I edited down my selection to two shirts. And of course, my camera USB cable is MIA so I can't upload pictures.... yet.

The first shirt was an Acne oxford in this really subtle lilac color. Covered buttons, perfectly tiny collar. A great staple I'll have forever. Love. Here's a picture, although it's kind of dark and the focus isn't really on the shirt, but you get the idea of the aesthetic it lends itself to.

The second shirt I decided to take a bit more of a risk on. Opening Ceremony. White and caramel gingham. Really loose, peasant-y kind of fit on top with dropped shoulders and almost like a batwing kind of sleeve. The bottom of the shirt, though, is regularly sized around my lower torso so the top gives lots of volume and movement but the bottom kind of anchors the shirt and keeps things flattering. The sleeves are just short of 3/4 length. I die. Oh, and it was 60% off. A steal. The perfect option for just wearing out for errands, meeting someone for coffee, or doing the exam-chic look. Comfy yet flattering and fashionable.


I also made a pitstop of Duo on Clark/PrinceArthur. I am always really impressed by the breadth of what they have there but just personally haven't had much luck as far as finding wearable clothes that fit me just right. I did notice, however, that there was a Duckie Brown shirt for almost 80% less than it would retail anywhere else, but I had already spent enough money today. Next time!

FAVORITE THINGS: Jack Spade Messengers

Jack Spade Messenger bags. Love em. Simple, chic, come in a great variety of colors and styles. Part of the proud "Spade" tradition of really solid, fashionable craftsmanship. Need I say more?

I want this one for Christmas! Love the maroon color with the contrasting label. Also comes in a great chocolate color.

RODARTE ATE MY HEART

The upcoming Rodarte for Target collection has really sparked my interest in finding out what Rodarte is all about, their story, their inspiration, their work. The label was started by two sisters (Laura and Kate Mulleavy). Heres their picture:

I think what I find so interesting about these two women is that they aren't just the typical fashion/scene people... they've actually got brains! Both are graduates of UCBerkeley. It is SO refreshing to see academic people transitioning into the world of fashion (particularly because I am an English major, and so was Laura). Their intellectualism defiinately translates into the clothes... I have never really encountered anything like Rodarte. The clothes are so thought provoking, and there is definately something to be said about a fashion label whose show literally makes me stop breathing.


These sisters work with their hands, and have become masters of their sort of signature drapey-interwoven-asymmetrical-rouched motif. Even the Spring 2010 collection, which was intentionally made using "ugly" fabrics like burnt cheeseclotch and sandpapered leather, was put together in such a way that the craftsmanship of the looks, the combination of the seemingly ugly components was intensely beautiful and powerful. Heres some of my favorites from the Spring 2010 show:

I could post a billion picture on here of all my favorite Rodarte moments (it's so hard to pick just one!) but I think by far, the most mesmerizing dress I have ever seen come down the Rodarte Runway is this one, so full of movement, so full of color.... I love the way that this dress makes your eye move from color to color and then following the trail of the black swooshey thingy... PERFECTION:  (I couldn't find a picture to steal so just follow this link, thanks NYTimes!)

http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/style/fashionweek/runway.html#/spring_2009_rodarte/slide_show/28



Rodarte consistently gets better and better at producing finely crafted pieces of art. The clothes are daring, fresh, intellectual, often shocking, always beautiful.


(oh and as far as pronunciation, I haven't heard either of the sisters pronounce it themselves, but I have heard "ro-DART-ay" a lot. maybe this is just me being a picky English major, but I definately prefer "row-DART." the soft vowel sound cut off with the sudden intonation of the second syllable, curving the "R" sound with the front of your mouth is more intriguing to my ear. and saying "ro-DART-ay" just sounds hokey. but call it what you will.)

Sad News.... for Now

Hello loyal blog readers. I regret to inform you that I am going to be taking some time off from KINGSTON PROJECT. I, after all, am a student and it is the peak of exam season up here in Montreal. Rest assured, I will be coming back full force the minute I stop writing that last exam.

Let the Record Show that.....

I would just like to state for the record that I am passionately against colored jeans. If you are going to be brave enough to wear them, just make sure that they are in a modern, slim, straight cut. Please, no bootcuts, bellbottoms, flares, whathaveyou-- the seventies have been over for quite some time now. Bootcut color jeans are DEAD.

That's all.

Flash of Red, Flash of Champagne

DVF Jacket. VPL Tshirt. Champagne paillette hotpants by Rare for Topshop. Christian Louboutin Champagne Chiffon pumps. Valentino Garavani clutch. Yves Saint Laurent glass bead neklace.

THE MONSTER BALL: a fashionable perspective

Last night me and a close friend trekked out to Ottawa to see Lady Gaga in her latest "electro-pop opera" musical performance shindig, The Monster Ball. The performance was incredible... the art direction! the choreography! the live singing! the art films! the stage! the message! My mind was completely blown, and walking away from the stadium, my resolve had never been stronger... Gaga is truly an artist capable at once of entertaining and sending a powerful message.

But, loyal blog readers, this is at the end of the day a style blog. So let's stay on point.

The theme of the show, according to Gaga interviews from the past several weeks, is evolution. "How we start off as one thing.... and become another." The show could be taken as a sort of post-apocalyptic view of humanity. Gaga begins the show in a nude spandex suit with built in sparkling lights, very basic and simple, almost elemental in the way she stands out against the dark background. Her dancers are in similar plain catsuits with bone-like headgear and arm-piece-covering-things.

I think my favorite moment as far as costuming  was during her performance of "Monster" and was going for a sort of Red-Riding Hood theme (without the red riding hood, actually?) Gaga appears in a sort of dark forest wearing what appears to be a large fur capelet which covers her entire torso. Dancers slowly accumulate on the stage in equally as frightening black fur ensembles, resembling monsters. They pose this way and that way and terrorize poor Lady Gaga, until the end when Gaga drops off her fur and is in a teeny leather bustier and panties. Oh, how we evolve from natural, furry little monsters into fetishized oversexed monsters. The ensemble changes, bu tthe monster is always within....

Another important moment which I really enjoyed was during her rendition of "Paparazzi" while wearing the leather coat featured on the album cover:

Gaga is crouching on some scaffolding like the big things that lights in a theater are mounted on, and the scaffolding is lifted about 10 feet in the air to simulate this image of Gaga sneaking around in the rafters, and a projection of a silhouette dancing against a wall of lights is played in the background, like Gaga is a stalker, a monster, the phantom of the opera? She sings the song which addresses the themes of obsession with celebrity, blah blah blah, all the while with the leather coat covering her face as in the picture. I loved how Gaga used the fashion to literally obscure her face and become an anonymous little fame-whoring-celebrity-chasing monster. Delicious.

In keeping with the theme of evolution, the last ensemble of the evening was a pantsuit. I thought it was ironic, actually, starting out with this raw, elemental, primordial look evoking skin and bones, and ending up in a bright white pantsuit with massive Quasimodo-style shoulders constructed into the jacket. We start out as one thing and become another....

SO I can't really due justice to the entire art/fashion direction and styling of the show, but just walk away form this blog post knowing that missing out on the Monster Ball is missing out on a powerful, emotional, moving, compelling, fashion and music show/performance.

dolla dolla bills yo

JCrew just reported that last year's profits more than doubled. Yay! The recession might be screwing over more culturally relevant couture houses like Christian Lacroix or Luella, but who cares?! JCrew is here to stay!

Now if only they would expand to Canada so I can support them year-round....

Alexis Mabille, Menswear Spring 2010

I was just flipping through WWD Men's Collections Spring 2010 and came across a little blurp on the Alexis Mabille show. My interest piqued, I headed online to check out more of the collection. I would probably describe the show as playful-preppy-bourgeois-boudoir. Mabille sent out these incredible brocade pants, one in a chinoiserie-style pattern and the other in an argyle-a-la-harlequin.  Here are my favorite looks from the show:

Totally loving the backwards suspenders. The pants are totally out of control. Again, I fall prey to my addiction to shiny things.

The only thing I really liked about this was the peacoat. I love a grey peacoat, and the slim cut of the torso and sleeves paired with the detailing on the collar makes this for me. Classic looks done in a fresh way never, never go out of style.

I really liked the slim and trim cut of this jacket, and contrasting textures on collars always gets me. Tossing the jacket on over the shoulder has this great effortless-chic-luxury feeling to it. Playful yet sophisticated.

I would like to state for the record that I am a total advocate of wider-leg shorts, especially (though not in that case) when they are cut above the knee.

So this guy is actually the designer Alexis Mabille, and I don't know if he is wearing his own creation (he probably is) but I really like this cardigan. Light pink and grey are a great color combination. Also, it's refreshing to see a designer who seems so happy and proud after a fashion show. When everyone is clapping for you, after you've had a massive team of people put in lots of hours of work to put the show together, nothing is ruder than a stern designer who takes one step on stage, raises an arm in the audience's general direction, and disappears.

Great collection, Monsieur, Mabille, glad to see you're enjoying it as much as we did.

Totally Rad

While in the throws of my style research for inspiration for the blog, inspiration for my own style, and potential pieces to invest in, I've come across what might be the coolest men's label of the moment. Yeah, it's called "Warriors of Radness", no big deal. The vibe of the line is complete and total eighties.nineties revival. Windbreakers, pullovers, neon and pastel colors, SoCal surfer chic insanity.  Check out this picture from their Spring 2010 lookbook:

The stuff looks super fresh, with an 80s revival look that isn't stuffy or cliche. And when I saw the prices, my jaw dropped... SUPER reasonable. I can't wait to order one of their fun windbreakers, it's going to be such a great look for Spring! (I really want the turquoise and pink one in the picture at the very bottom) Here's some more images so you can get a feel for WARRIORS OF RADNESS.

(check out their website + online shop: http://www.warriorsofradness.com/ )

FAVORITE THINGS: Ludlow Suiting at (you guessed it) JCrew

And alas, faithful gentlemen blog readers, we arrive upon yet another reason for you to love JCrew. Ludlow suiting. Classic JCrew cuts and styling meets a trimmer, more contemporary fit. And in true JCrew fashion, stalk the website for long enough and you'll certainly find a good steal. Go out and get yours today.

on Autumn Colours

I have a few quick words on autumn colors...

Autumn is probably my favorite time of year for fashion, because it allows you to layer interesting looks without sweating to death, and since there isn't any snow yet, you don't have to start worrying about things like bulky coats and long underwear. It is also my favorite season for colors. I think that deep espresso browns with flashes of reds and oranges look great during this season. Myfavorite sophisticated color palette would be a simple combination of fresh greys and crisp whites with little brightly colored accents like bright greens.

Autumn is definately the best time of year to mix it up a little bit, so don't be afraid to mix some colors that you wouldn't mix at other times of the year.

Leather and Lace

This look I think can work nicely for both day and night. I love the color of this boyfriend blazer, looks really sexy with the lace camisole peeping out from underneath. I tried to balance the tougher elements like the lizardskin pumps and distressed jeans with softer feminined touches like the flower ring, necklace, and tassled bag.

Boyfriend blazer from Topshop. Kill City lace camisole. Current/Elliot skinny distressed denim. Chanel ring and handbag. Milene Berger pearl and crystal necklace. Lizard skin platform pumps at Browns. Prada butterfly sunglasses.

This look is pure sex. Requires a lot of confidence to pull of a leather bustier and sparkly coat. Not to mention the studded pumps.

Sequin jacket from Topshop. Chanel handbag. Yves Saint Laurent leather bustier. Citizens of Humanity Slick Avedon Skinny Jeans. Azzedine Alaia studded platform pumps.

polyvore wanna cracker??

I just made a killer discovery. (I'm probably the last one to do so, as I usually am. Case in point, me only just recently falling in love with Kings of Leon, approximately 12 months after the rest of the world) It's called polyvore.com. And they probably have all sorts of cool features but the thing that absolutely drives me nuts is how it allows you to browse oodles of clothing/accessories and mix and match to construct your own ensembles!

(This is actually a bad discovery because henceforth when I am running low on inspiration I'll prob just end up going to polyvore and messing around and posting the Sets on here instead of writing legitimate entries. but that's ok.)

It would be really nice if they had menswear, but oh well!

So here is my first set.... I felt really inspired when I saw this dress to make a fierce glammed-out ensemble with feinine touches like the tulle headband and bow clutch.

3.1 Phillip Lim Sequin TShirt Dress. Valentino bow clutch. Christian Louboutin cage booties. Forever 21 headband. 5 Wrap Crystal Mix leather braclet.

Old School Kicks

This big trend I've been seeing lately- and a really fun one that I hope sticks around, at that- is the ressurgence of old school style shoes, for both men and women. Saddle shoes, Brogues, wingtips, oxfords, basically anything that we would once have ruled out as 'old-looking.' But think, what makes them old? Yeah, they were often worn by business men MadMen style back in the 50s, but in all honesty, they are really versatile shoes that require solid construction and often posess a high degree of artisanship.

What I really like about this trend is that this retro style of shoe can be found at pretty much any price point. If you want to splurge, Prada has definately been brining back the perforated leather wingtip, but you can also run out to any Salvation Army and probably end up finding a similar looking shoe for a fraction of the cost.

Old School shoes are really versatile, too. Get a nice pair of caramel colored wingtips or saddleshoes in a brown color palette and you can pair them with a grey suit for the workplace, or some cuffed jeans for a new-meets-old-meets-casual-meets-formal look.

This style of shoe is also totally acceptable for the ladies as well. I've seen some great adaptations with heels if you want the feminine/masculine/blend look, like these from Pedro Garcia:

With the right attitude you could totally rock these out sexy-librarian style!! Just make sure if you are going to be wearing this masculine-inspired shoe that the rest of your outfit does incorporate some feminine details. I would pair this shoe with a ruffled blouse. Or drape-y sweater.

So, kids, the moral of the story is don't worry if something looks old or not, because chances are it will come back into style eventually. And, according to the cardinal rule, it's not what you wear but how you wear it.

Independent Retail Week, or Why the Hell Am I Not in New York Right Now????

So, in my industry perousing I just came across this little event going on this week called "Indepdendent Retail Week." My interest was piqued. All sorts of independent stores across NY are doing all sorts of fun promotions, sales, events, whatever this week. Kind of like Fashion's Night Out, but a week long and wayy more grassroots. In a way, I think this is more important than FNO because these independent stores are what makes fashion personal, what allows these retailers to have their own voice.

Anyways, when I saw the list of participating retailers, I lost it. Why the F am I not in New York right now?? In fact, as I write this post, there is a Steven Alan sample sale going on at the label's flagship in Tribeca! NOOOO!!!!!!!! Anyways, IRW has got all sorts of great stores participating, including The Dressing Room on the LES (the one I posted about a few weeks ago!), Lois Eastlund also on the LES, Jean Shop, Buckler, and cute boutiques galore!

New Yorkers, you are one lucky bunch of shoppers.

Go here for more info: http://www.independentretailweek.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58&Itemid=71

"Am I reaching for the stars? I don't think so."

Kids these days don't know how to shop for clothes that properly fit them! Then again, when you wear your jeans halfway down your ass you're entering a whole new world of sizing which I am not familiar with! Should we start buying jeans whose waist measurement equals the diameter of our derrieres? I also think the most common offender of the 'fit' rule is the person who can not understand the difference between something that fits well and something that is just plain old tight.
If I can see your midriff, the shirt is too short. You aren't a cokewhore and this isn't the nineties. Same thing in the back... if I can see your entire lower back, it's too short. There's no problem with flashing a little bit of skin, but if I can count your vertebrae, there's a problem.

If a shirt clings to fat rolls on your torso, shit's too tight, son. Ladies- jersey is a fickle friend. Wear it right, you'll knock em dead. Wear it wrong, it will draw attention to all the wrong places.

Skin-tight jeans on men are a statement piece, not a staple piece for everyday use. And if I can see the boys downstairs, your pants are too tight.

Ladies, ladies, ladies.... I am by no means a Victorian but please, leave some things to the imagination. When you're wearing shorts in the dog days of summer, they shouldn't be similar to spandex in fit and they shouldn't come all the way up to your ass. Same thing for dresses. Find the perfect length for your legs which is both flattering and sexy but doesn't show off your kooch when you walk.


So please, people, don't rush into buying something that doesn't fit well. Make sure you spend that extra thirty seconds looking at yourself in the mirror. And always check how your body can move while wearing a garment before deciding to buy it. There is no sense in buying nice clothes and carefully constructing a look if it doesn't fit the right way!

FAVORITE THINGS: T by Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang's "T' line is super cool. Moderately priced, revamped basics which are totally wearable, comfortable and scream "WANG!" Every basic shape you can think of, from the perfect racer-back/deep-vneck tshirt to great LBDs and even a really comfy looking onesie! The collection is perfectly drape-y enough without appearing slouchy or slumpy. And Wang is going to be expanding the line to include menswear any day now! Here are some of my favorite edits from the T line: