Friday, September 17, 2010

Malandrino Spring 2011







Yay the Spring 2011 shows are here! As much as I love Fall, it comforts me knowing that on colder days or when I have a cold, I can look through slideshows on NYMag of these beautiful clothes.


I found Malandrino to have the most beautiful dresses and interesting knits. The clothes looked like paintings come to life. Also appreciated was the use of Asian models! I've included my three favorite looks.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Panda Feltie


My mom found a book at the library that has these cute little felt animals called "Felties" that you can make yourself! They're so tiny, but so cute. The pattern pieces are a little difficult to work with, being so tiny, and sometimes you use glue to sew on the tiniest pieces, but otherwise they're easy to make. This is my first feltie!!! I'm going to continue to make more. ^^

Friday, August 20, 2010

I'm Disappointed M.A.C.

As most of you ladies know, M.A.C. is a wonderful make up company. The company donates money to people suffering from HIV and AIDS through their VIVA Glam lipstick line, but recently, the company has disappointed and angered me deeply. M.A.C. was going to collaborate on a makeup collection with one of my favorite design labels, Rodarte. The Rodarte sisters are genius, I love their clothes! Unfortunately, the line has been canceled due to, honestly, ignorance and fear of being politically incorrect. The Rodarte's named one of their nail polishes "Juarez," after a place in Mexico they were inspired by. Many people complained because in Juarez, many women are killed or raped as they make their way to the factories to work.

Before any of you accuse me of ignoring their suffering, I've read about what is going on in Juarez. But the Rodartes still have the right to be inspired by such a place! They were in no way making light of those women, or being inspired by their suffering, they were inspired by the landscape!

Other nail polishes could be considered offensive. What about names such as China Red or Aztec Gold? China ran down its own students with tanks in the Tienanmen Square massacre. The Aztecs were an ancient civilization cruelly conquered by the Europeans. Yet other companies can give their nail polishes names like this without scorn. I'm disappointed M.A.C.

If we are constantly concerned with being politically correct, nothing will ever be said. Nothing can be honest.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Fakes and Braids




Yeah it's been awhile....but I've been enjoying my summer! School starts soon...ugh....and I have yet to finish my summer essay for English....whatever.


I finally got some Chanel earrings! I don't care that they're fake, and many other people already own these things, they're sparkly and go with everything! I've been wanting them all summer and finally decided to get them. They weren't expensive, I don't know why it took me so long to finally buy a pair.

I also finally, successfully, tried out the braid trend. I have to say it's more creative than pulling my hair back when I'm too lazy to do anything with it, and it's not that hard to do. I have to braid my hair while it's wet though, otherwise it's too slippery to work with and all the little ends poke out because I have layers. What do you think of the braid trend? Should it stay or go?

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

TOMS Shoes

I read an article in the TeenVogue Handbook (which you need to check out by the way) about this company, TOMS, that makes simple woven shoes and for every pair sold, another is given to a child in third world countries without shoes. It's a great idea. The shoes have a very simple design, the original ones are slip ons, but now there's even wedges!!! The only drawback is the cost, slip on shoes are $48, but the wedges I want are $70. Now I understand that the higher cost is necessary since another pair go to a child, and it's not completely unreasonable, so I might get a pair. :) Check it out: http://www.toms.com

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Alexander Wang's Resort Collection







Looking through Alexander Wang's resort collection, I was once again reminded why he is such a brilliant designer. Every collection is filled with clothes for a strong, independent woman who knows to how play with traditional archetypes and make them unique. I can see myself wearing nearly all of his pieces, I am one of those strong independent women.

You should definitely check out the collection. I didn't really like the styling of the models though. Their hair looked greasy and uncombed, but other than that, it was a great resort collection.







Saturday, May 29, 2010

Why Are Thin People Always the Bad Guys?

After reading an short artcile on posted on the fashion section New York Magazine's website, I'm infuriated. According to the clip, a "plus sized adult" star asked an American Apparel rep if they made plus sized clothing. The rep replied saying it wasn't the company's demographic, which angered the "plus sized adult" star and some other women around the globe.

What angers me is the fact she expected American Apparel to have plus sized clothing! Not every store has to have clothing for larger or just plain fat people!

If American Apparel has to have plus sized clothing, can I walk into Torrid or another plus sized clothing store and demand something in a size 0? It's like the whole thing about how only white people can be racist. It seems to me that only thin people are bad. If she wants plus sized clothing, she can make her own or go to a plus sized store. Sometimes I get frustrated when I can't find petite jeans or size 0 clothes, but I would never be so rude as to demand the store to change provide clothes just for me. Stores have the right to choose their own demographic, end of story.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Chanel Cruise 2011



Chanel is usually one of those fashion houses that you can trust to always create amazing clothes that every woman wants to wear. The 2011 cruise collection was the exception however. The clothes were either hit or miss, and in my opinion, most were a miss. The swimsuits were beautiful, but many of the pants and weird bad 70s hippie dresses were just odd.



I wish it had been more happy. I got a restrained vibe, as if this had been a struggle rather than a release of creative energy.


The gingham swimsuit was by far my favorite. It's cute and the model looks amazing in it. The worst was this odd green top and pants combination. There's way too much exposed and the pants are the wrong length, making her legs appear stumpy. Even Chanel cannot be perfect all the time.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Guess Dress




So...it's been almost a month since posting. But you know what, I have AP tests to prepare for, and those of you who know me well know how crazy I become and how I need my space.

This dress was given to me by Chris for our six month anniversary present. I love it so much!!! We saw it on an earlier shopping trip, and he remembered how much I loved it and got it for me. He's the best right? ^^

It's G by Guess, a brand I love to death! I love the edgy urban feel their clothes have. I also love the NYC, and the city landscape on this dress reminds me of it. Plus, it has all my favorite colors and I look pretty darn cute. Definitely one of my most favorite pieces out of both my closets.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Urban Outfitters




When I'm at my local mall, H&M is my favorite store. But in fantasy-land, Woodfield shopping mall, or online, Urban Outfitters takes over my heart and soul. I love the clothes! And the store layout is brilliant. It's styled to perfection, everything fits together, and I'm not overwhelmed by mountains of clothes. It's organized, unlike Forever 21 and H&M sometimes. And where else can you get great clothes, fake pink mustaches and books with suggestive postcards? It's fashionable and hilarious in there!

Unfortunately, Urban Outfitters is also very expensive. They do have clearance, but the closest stores aren't that close to me, so I'd have to shop online...and I'm very wary about shopping for clothing online. I'm very picky about the fit of my clothes, so I'd only buy something if it was dirt cheap, and absolutely returnable.
Anyways, just thought I'd include some pictures of my favorite three things from their that I'd love to own someday. But I am content with daydreaming about them for now.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Not sure how this was Allowed to be Published

Recently in French Elle, they had a fashion spread with "plus sized" model Tara Lynn . She supposedly represents normal women. I'm going to be blunt here and say that French Elle failed horribly. Tara has a beautiful face, but the majority of women I meet are not this big. In fact, a dietician once told me that most American women are a size 10/12. If most "normal" people are a size 10/12, then why aren't these women in magazines that want to show "normal" people? Why are models either very slim or obese? This makes no sense!



I'm not against skinny girls (being one myself) or the obsese women, but I just wish that when a magazine says "we have normal women!!!" they actually mean it. I only found two pictures where Tara looked stunning (which I have included). In the rest, she looks uncomfortable, she needs clothes that flatter her body, not just fasionable ones thrown on her large frame. How about instead of putting emaciated girls or obese ones in magazines, we show slender but healthy people?
Oh, here's the link if you want to see the rest of the spread. http://http://www.slide.com/s/uGu6XpX-tT9WCyc3IXGLaPR5v8RCkSTs?dir=-1

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Slippers and Sunflowers

So that New Year's resolution about updating at least three times a week has obviously fallen by the wayside. You see, the problem is once you actually get a life, you have no time for one! The irony!

Anyways, just wanted to share with you some things that make me smile. The first is a pair of slippers from Target bought for less than $5.00 They're warm and sparkly and I love them. They also have those little round rubbery circle things on the bottom so I don't slip and break my neck! Yay!
The second is my amazing sunflower dress!!! My mom made it for me. You can do this yourself very easily. The fabric is from JoAnn's, and they have plenty other prints. The top is already gathered for you, all you have to do is cut a piece off the bolt, sew the one seam in the back and make straps if you want to.
That's all for now, I'll try to update later this week, but I'll be away, so we'll see what happens.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Top 5 List for Spring






Spring is in the air! There's still snow on the ground, but the Spring Fashion Shows have come and gone, bikinis are being sold in Target, and it was 41 degrees today, so spring is here. I can't wait to start shopping for swim suits, sandals and dresses!!! After looking through magazines, walking around stores and browsing online, I've come up with a Top 5 list of things I'd like for Spring.




1. Flirty floral Dress (Target has some great ones)





2. Sandal (Classier than flip-flops and just as comfortable. Go to Payless, Target, G by Guess)





3. Bikini (Or tankini/one piece for more coverage. Go to Target, Victoria's Secret, Old Navy)





4. Lipstick (Berry/Pink shades are in, but I always love a red lip. Go to Ulta or Target)





5. Nail Polish (I'm absolutely in love with L'Oreal's Pro Manicure Nail Polish in Fleur de Lis, Go to Target)










All of these items don't require a lot of money and make me feel ready for spring! The number one thing you do need however, even if you don't get any of this stuff, is CONFIDENCE. Please love yourself this Spring. Self-love is always in style.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Roaring Twenties


We had skits in class today about the 1920s, and I was supposed to be the movie star Mary Pickford at a movie premiere. Obviously this outfit isn't entirely accurate, but I just wanted an excuse to dress up as a flapper. People actually liked this outfit and did not think I was a crazy costume person, so yay me!


Sequin dress from Charlotte Russe. Sweater Ann Taylor. Lipstick Ulta Color in Very Very Cherry. Fake pearls my own.


The 1920s was a time of prosperity, dancing, drinking, lipstick and behaving badly. It was also covering up a number of problems that would surface during the Great Depression. Not too different from out situation now huh?

Friday, February 19, 2010

Victoria Beckham




I was so excited to see Victoria Beckham on the cover of Glamour for March 2010. I love her!


1. She's got amazing self-confidence and style


2. She's worked hard to get where she is and obviously adores her husband and children


3. She's funny, witty and proves that very slender girls can be just as sexy as those with huge boobs and rear ends

In case you didn't know, Victoria Beckham is an ex-Spice Girl and married to one of the sexiest men alive, Daid Beckham. While I never liked the Spice Girls (sorry Posh/Victoria), I definitely love her sense of style now. You can tell from reading her interview in Glamour that she's a lovely woman with a lot of intelligence and humor. Some people think she must be cold because she "never smiles in pictures," but so what? Heidi Klum is known for her legs, Victoria Beckham is known for her signature pout. Looking at her, and reading her book, That Extra Half Inch, gives me confidence to be myself and try new things just as she does. I love her!!!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

RIP Alexander McQueen



For those of you who may not know, one of my favorite designers, Alexander McQueen, took his own life earlier this week. His mother had died a few days before hand, and apparently McQueen had felt depressed from time to time. He hung himself in his apartment in London.

I'm shocked and to some extent, angry. Not angry at McQueen exactly, I don't think he was being selfish or weak, he was obviously in a lot of emotional pain and unfortunately, saw no other solution but to kill himself. I'm angry at the fact that I will never seen another example of his brilliance, I will never be able to sit at one of his fashion show's and I will never have the chance to be his intern. I would've loved to work for that man! He was brilliant. I'm sure someone else will take over his company, but it won't be the same.

I admired McQueen for his beautiful clothes and for his risk-tasking. I felt a strong connection to him, both of us look at the world as if we are on the outside looking in. He took what was happening around him and created a fantasy that expressed so many emotions. It was more than fashion, he was telling a story.

The pictures are from his 2008 Fall Collection, which was my favorite. Even though I didn't know him personally, I will still miss him. I felt like I knew a part of him through his work. His death has affected so many and I hope his family will be alright and cope with his death.




Friday, February 5, 2010

Men's Fashion






What? The girl who swears she'll never do men's wear is blogging about menswear? Mhm. I really liked Jean Paul Gaultier's looks for Fall 2010. While the metro-male was a big trend in the last few years, the more traditional idea of masculinity made a come back, and now I think more designers are fusing the two. Today's male can be both well-groomed and masculine. Gaultier played with this idea by combining the idea of a prizefighter with sporty, yet expensive looking well made clothes. I love it. It's exciting! He's not the only one who did this, but I liked his models the best.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Plaid Shorts




I actually made these shorts last year in Clothing II, but I thought I'd write about them today, along with my outfit in general. I don't care what anyone says, I love wearing tights with shorts. It's the perfect combination and makes use of clothes all year long. I also love mixing patterns as long as both have a similar color scheme.




Sweater was a gift, shorts I made myself, tights are from Target, and the key is from an antique store. Most people avoid working with plaid because they find it too time consuming to match the plaids (you have to match the lines in the plaid along your seams so you get one continuous plaid instead of a hot a mess), but I love how it looks so I don't care. If you do want to work with plaid, pick a big balanced one that's not too crazy and don't worry about matching up the plaids in curved seams like sleeves.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Reading






Just like any typical nerd, I love to read! So I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite fashion-related books.






My absolute favorite is of course, Fierce Style by none other than Christian Siriano. You get a lot more background about him, plus his book really does make women feel good about themselves. It's about being the best version of yourself, and who doesn't want that?






Next would have to be Style A to Zoe by Rachel Zoe. She has great style advice (in case you didn't know, she is a stylist and has her own t.v. show) and it's a fun read all around. You can take her advice and apply it to your own life, even if it isn't full of glamorous parties and expensive designer clothes.






Finally, anyone who wants to be in business or fashion has to read Lessons of a Lipstick Queen by Poppy King. Not only is her book amusing and witty, she has some great advice for budding entrepreneurs or any creative types! She doesn't use a bunch of confusing business terms, she lays out the process for coming up with your own idea and business in a very simple and relatable way. Please read and learn from her!






Any of these books are great whether you are a fashionista or a regular person who wears sweats all the time. Pick one up and enjoy. ^^

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Golden Globes




Alright, so I know this is a little late, but I was going through pictures from the Golden Globes (again) and I realized I forgot to post my favorite and least favorite outfits!!! Argh!!!




I'd say for the most part, half of the ladies looked amazing and half looked like orange aliens in big taffeta balls. Pretty much all the guys looked good, all they have to do is wear a tux after all.




I thought Olivia Wilde looked absolutely stunning, so she's my favorite. You can tell she loved that dress, she's glowing. Patricia Arquette on the other hand, not so great. I applaud her for taking a risk, but I think there were other more flattering things she could've worn....she just looks....dumpy...and lumpy. Not everyone can get it right all the time though.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Winter Romantic



I wore this outfit to school on Friday. The skirt is from Plato's Closet, sweater from Ann Taylor, bracelet from an antique store, leggings from Forever 21, and the scarf, top and earnings were all gifts from I don't know where.






I was going for a sort of comfortable, romantic look that was still warm for winter, and I of course completed the outfit with my new moccasins. I know it's an odd pose, but I was trying to perch on the edge of my bathroom sink, take my own picture, and maintain a normal facial expression. Maybe next time I'll have someone else take the picture, or maybe this will become my signature pose? Hahahaha. I'll definitely wear this outfit again in the spring, it's one of my few softer looks, most of the time I prefer edgier stuff.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

SHOES







Hello my darlings! I'm so proud of myself, one week of updating like I said I would. Let's see if I can keep it up! Anyways, I had to blog about my new shoes. Moccasins have become quite popular lately, and I've always loved them since I was a little girl, but could never find a pair that were comfortable and stylish enough for my picky tastes. Now that everyone's wearing them (which is a little sad because now my feet look like everyone elses) I do have more selection. I got these at Payless for less than $25. They're sooo soft!!!






But I can't just write about one pair of shoes, without mentioning all my other ones. I have so many...I can't keep track of them! I don't wear all of them all the time, and many I have collected over the years (my feet grow very slowly). I love my shoes. My favorites would have to be anything with an open toe and anything with heels. Although I do love my jelly flats....and my gold and black flats...and my moccasins....hahahaha...I just love shoes!

Monday, January 18, 2010

What's Going On?


I was so excited that another season of Project Runway was on its way! I thought I would have to wait until next fall to see another season, and sadly, after watching the first episode last Thursday, I could've waited...forever. Maybe it's because it's the first episode, maybe it's because it's on Lifetime, but for some reason, hardly any of the designers seemed original, inspiring, or driven enough to make a name for themselves in the fashion world. I know that sounds pretty harsh, but I'm just judging from the first episode. I honestly only sorta liked three dresses. There was nothing I absolutely loved, and there wasn't really anyone who caught my eye based on their personality. I certainly hope things improve. I miss the days of Christian. He is truly talented. And fierce.

Friday, January 15, 2010

What are Magazines Coming to?



Last weekend I was at Barnes and Noble, looking around, trying to find a decent magazine to read, when I stumbled across the lastest issue of Harper's Bazaar. Staring at the cover, my mouth fell open in horror and my eyes rolled in my classic sarcastic manner. Really? Miley Cyrus on the cover of Harper's Bazaar? REALLY? (At least they made her look pretty though).




What has she done for the world? She's danced on a stripper pole for children. She has a T.V. show where she wears a supposedly convincing blonde wig. She's gotten a tattoo below her boob (yeah she says it's for a friend who died of cystic fibrosis and some relatives who died of lung cancer, but it's still below her boob). And she has a memoir out even though she's not even 18. So bascially, she's done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.




Lately, the 'zine industry has been disappointing me. Suddenly, even supposedly adult-targeted magazines now have Miley Cyrus on their covers. Elle recently featured Britney Spears of all people. Sure, ocasionally you will see someone as great as Cate Blanchett, but more and more, we see little silly "pop" stars who have done absolutely nothing and have no talent. It's sad. I guess the only magazine I'll be reading for awhile now is NYLON.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Thoughts on Polyester


First off, I have made a rather late New Year's resolution. I have decided that it is my goal to update this blog at least three times a week. I want more people to read this thing and I have some competition out there, so don't stop reading!


Now, about my thoughts on polyester. I'm not a huge fan. I think it's weird. It frays like a nightmare. But this dress, which I made at school, is actually 100% polyester. I don't know how it was processed, but it's so soft and silky that I don't mind what it's actually made out of.


Simple A-line dress made using a Project Runway Simplicity pattern. Bust darts. Invisible zipper. Serged the seams for a cleaner look. Overall, my dream day dress. :)


Sunday, January 3, 2010

Tank Top Craze











In the past I've bought ready made tank tops and decorated them but over break I decided to make some of my own from. The white one is made from a plain cotton t-shirt, and I wanted to create a loose, easy fit that's become popular recently. I also attached some iron-ons to the shoulder straps to imitate epaulets. The grey one is made from an old men's cotton and spandex shirt, and is fitted, but still comfortable. I've paired it with a blazer from Forever21 to add some edge. Now if only the weather would warm up so I could wear them without freezing to death.