fashion

inspired headwear : casa de rodriguez

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I stumbled into this little bespoke hat shop called Casa de Rodriguez in the LES this weekend and learned a couple of new things. I spoke with the owner, David Rodriguez, who has been designing hats for 18 years. He started out making hats out of burlap marijuana sacks – which I thought was great. Nowadays he makes custom and ready-to-wear hats in many, many styles. I loved the shop and even got a quick tour of the large workroom/studio in the back where all of the beautiful creations are made.

He and I talked hats for a while. Apparently, a good rule of thumb when it comes to choosing hats is that the top of a hat should match the shape of your face. Who knew? I told him that I do love fedoras in the spring and summer months (and do own a linen one) but found it tough to find one I look good in. He, of course, knew not only exactly which hat would fit me, but which shape would work on the very first go. I tried this beauty on (directly below) and it was perfect on me! It actually suited me. It also reminds me of long, lazy summer days. I assured him I would be back for it asap. I cannot stop thinking about it now.

Anyone else out there into hats? If you're in New York, go check out this shop.







fashion goes 3D : burberry prorsum womenswear live from london

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I am very excited to be invited to the live 3D screening here in New York of Burberry Prorsum Womenswear show from London Fashion Week. It's happening today at 11am. I hear James Cameron is attending the actual London show. The show will also be streaming live online (in normal 2D, of course) if you'd like to watch. I can't wait! Here's a video of the Chief Creative Officer talking about the event.


**UPDATE**

I'm back from the show and it went off without a hitch. The screening took place at the Skylight SoHo which was spacious, everything was white except for the attractive staff working the event who were wearing all black. The packaged 3D glasses were handed out upon arrival along with mimosas and hors d'oeurves. Everything was very organized and in it's place. The screening started on schedule. The glasses took a few minutes to get used to and we found the 3D effect most apparent when looking at footage of the crowd before and after the runway show. It wasn't so apparent when looking at the models themselves.

The clothing was incredible. My jaws were on the floor. It was my ultimate color palettes: khakis, neutrals and blacks with splashes of jewel tones. The outerwear (which is available for pre-order already) was the best part. Gorgeous funnel neck shearlings with lots of beautiful leather detailing and buckles... all very classic aviator. The boots were either lined with shearling with buckles along the outside or sky high thigh highs. All very sexy and all very beautiful.

What a treat it was to see this show!











Bottom three images from Burberry.com

the ever enduring shirt dress

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I wake up each morning hoping for more spring-like weather. I couldn't help but prematurely look around for my spring staple, the enduring shirt dress. I've blogged about my love for the shirt dress before. For years it's been an integral part of my wardrobe – worn with flats or high-heeled sandals – depending on the occasion. They are very versatile and always looks put-together. Below are a few of my favourites. I cannot wait!




















1) Alexander Wang Safari Double Breasted Dress with wrap belt – *TOP PICK*: LOVE the unique, flattering, modern cut! ( Shopbop or La Garconne

2) Day Birger Et Mikkelsen Sunshine shirt dress: it's all about the ruffles (Net-A-Porter)

3) Lucky Jeans Denim Shirt Dress: defines effortless. Love it. (Lucky Brand)

4) Vivienne Westwood Striped Shirt Dress: I love the collar on this sexy, uniform-like dress (Zappos Couture)

5) Boden Cotton Shirt Dress: Beautiful fabric and looks just so effortless. (Boden USA)

the ace inspires spring

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I was (once again) at the Ace Hotel for a drink the other night, my new favourite spot in the city. There was a combination of the vibe of the crowd and the look and feel of the place that I just really loved. So much so that I had to put together an outfit inspired by it. I hope you like :)

See my previous post on the Ace Hotel here. Thanks to Melanie for her fashion site tips.


How cute is this stripey dress?


I had to balance off the sweetness of the dress with a touch of grit with with this jacket


This necklace was perfect homage to the Ace ;)


Another dash of tough with this boot.





1) Indigo Striped Dress by Wikstenmade
2) Hunting Jacket by Superdry
3) Gold Antler necklace by Miss Mouse on Etsy
4) Maxine Trapunto Shortie Boot by Frye
5) Le Mini Sac by Clare Vivier

spring : raise your hand if you're ready

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As I look out my window and see the snow on the ground, I feel as though spring is never going to get here. It is way too early for this but I couldn't help but daydream about what I'd like to wear when the weather gets warmer. I start with the shoes this time. These are just insanely cute. Besides, I often start with what shoes I want to wear on any given day and build the outfit accordingly (doesn't everyone?).

 


 

 


uploaded by myturtleneck

1) Boots from Anthropologie
2) Jacket from Rugby
3) Henley Shirt from ShopBop
4) Scarf from Martin & Osa
5) Shorts from Revolve Clothing
6) Bag from JCrew

 

if i were a man : oki-ni

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Men's footwear doesn't get nearly as much air play as women's footwear. But trust me guys, we notice them – especially if they are nice. At least I do. I actually know a few (yes, straight) men who are really into footwear and fashion. I love a man with good taste.
I ran across Oki-ni shop a while ago and remembered how much I loved their well-curated shoe collection. I couldn't for the life of me remember the name. I recently stumbled on it again. If I were a man, this is where I would shop.




 

grey boot worship

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My color this season seems to be grey. I like the idea of breaking up an all black outfit with grey ankle boots. I've gathered my favourites below. I'm conflicted about whether I prefer the idea of cozy ones vs sexier ones. What do you think?

I nearly fell over. HOT!
Rosegold Fold-over Ankle Boots from Saks


Rosegold Sarah Slouch Booties from Shopbop

Ok, it's black and white tweed and not technically grey but how cool are these?
Eley Kishimoto – Sectioned tweed shoe-boots from Farfetch
I love these wooly boots with the leather details!
80%20 Eliotte Charcoal Ankle Bootie from Eilatan

 

LBD : the little black dress

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It's the holidays. You really can't go wrong with a little black dress, a statement necklace and clutch. Its rare for me to find prints that look flattering on me (or that I'm completely comfortable in). But the LBD is classically sexy. It was tough to narrow this down. Here's a few I'd love to wear with black ankle boots to parties this season.

Twenty8Twelve's Freda Dress (I LOVE the pockets.)


Whistles Annie Colour Block Dress by ASOS (add a sparkly belt or long necklace and you're done.)


French Connection Pleat Shoulder Dress (A little Star Trek goes a long way)


Lipsy Fringe Detail Dress by ASOS (fringes are eternally hot)


BCBG V-neck Gathered Dress (simple, classic silhouette, sexy)

posted : wear it out by twenty8twelve

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Ok, cheap thrill of the day: getting my photo posted on Twenty8Twelve (by Sienna and Savannah Miller) website's "Wear It Out" page. It's nowhere near as cool as Burberry's Art of the Trench or getting snapped by The Sartorialist, but it's still fun ;) I am a big fan of Twenty8Twelve and I'm interested in the various ways brands use social networking to promote themselves. Who would have guessed as recently as four or five years ago we'd be interacting this way with companies/brands?

I do wonder why they cropped out my feet...




epoch spring 2010 : melissa clemente designs

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How gorgeous are these pieces from the (recently unveiled) epoch, spring 2010 collection by my friend, Melissa Clemente? Her work is a modern reinterpretation of Philippine indigenous and tribal costuming. She utilizes materials like wood, reeds, metals, fabrics in an innovative way that looks elegant, sexy and new. I love it.


Find her here, and check her Etsy shop too.

All images from Melissa Clemente Designs

superdry is super hot

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I literally stumbled into this store in SoHo earlier this week. SuperDry Clothing is a UK based company that's only been open in New York city for a month. Interesting company. The look is American, the graphics are Japanese-inspired but everything has a UK edge and tailoring. I kind of love it. I'm officially obsessed with their plaid Lumber twill shirts! The clothes are impeccably made and the shirts have an incredibly flattering fit. I want one in every color. My new favourite look: rustic urban chic. Who knew plaid shirts could be so sexy?


And how cute is this belt?

Check out their online shop.


a case against UGGs

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Just say 'NO' to UGGs.

Rarely do I rant on my blog but this instance, I had an irresistible urge to do so. So here it goes...


I thought the popularity of these boots would wane after one season. Maybe two. I was wrong. After achieving mainstream popularity, they won't seem to go away. I realize they have a history with (and were originally designed for) surfers, they are apparently very comfortable and they do sometimes look cute on 'tween'-age girls. Personally, I cannot think of another pair of shoes that would make me feel less sexy. Actually, I take that back. Crocs rival UGGs for the top spot for the list of shoes I would also never be caught dead in. But that's a blog rant for another day.

UGGs might be worthy of being worn around my apartment because they look like bedroom slippers to me. There's no good reason why a grown woman (like myself) should ever leave home wearing a pair. It would only make me feel as though I had completely given up on a desire to look/feel stylish or sexy. Besides, why on earth would I ever aim to dress like every other mall-crawling, Britney wanna-be out there? I live in New York. There are just endless (and more fashion-forward) options for boots out there.

Sorry loyal UGG lovers. I am just not a fan.
That is all.

 

i heart turtlenecks, i do.

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My affinity for turtlenecks started in my high school days in Southern California. Oddly enough, it was a place that never really saw a real winter. I was part of the gang of New Wavers, (Pre)Goths and Mods who wore a lot of black clothing, Doc Martens boots or pointy patent leather flats and rode vintage Vespa scooters to school everyday (really). I would never be caught dead wearing bright hypercolor belly-baring half shirts, anything in a pastel color (I still don't!) or anything considered "mainstream."

Well these days I don't crimp my hair anymore. The things that stuck with me since the 10th grade are my cat-eye liquid eyeliner and wearing turtlenecks! I found a couple that I love this season (I always do). I love the variations on the original. The shoulder details and modern shapes. I'm now ready for winter, at least my wardrobe is.



my white shirt

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The iconic, the classic white shirt. It's a wardrobe staple (aside from my black turtleneck, that is). I am especially inspired this year since I scored another nice one for $10(!) at the Stuart & Wright sample sale at the end of the summer. It's timeless, ageless, effortless yet put-together. I love how it can be worn in so many ways. It doesn't even need to cost a lot.

Lately, I've been wanting to wear it with a skinny black tie and skinny black jeans and ankle boots. Badass.




inspired neckwear : fiona paxton

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These necklaces are easily the most beautiful that I've ever seen! This is the work of British jewelry (and scarf!) designer, Fiona Paxton. Her pieces are jaw-dropping. I don't think I've come across jewelry this sexy and beautiful. Ever. I stumbled upon her pieces while shopping online. Now I can't stop looking. And wanting. Wow.

Photos A-C from FionaPaxton.com
Photos D-F from ShopBop.com

the september issue : grace coddington

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I finally watched The September Issue last night. Loved it. It was very well done, fun, funny and engaging. I must say (and I realize I'm not the first to say this) that Grace Coddington, Vogue's Fashion Editor, was the real hero of the film. She is and has been the GENIUS behind the magazine's editorial fashion spreads for the past two decades. She is brilliant. My only wish was to see more of her creative process behind the editorials as well as the photo shoots themselves.
The only comment I will make about Anna Wintour is that if she were a man, no one would question her work ethic and demeanor. Men can be no-nonsense in the workplace, whereas women are still expected to be nice in addition to getting the job done.
 I wasn't surprised by what it took to put that magazine together. It was fascinating getting a peek into the process. If you haven't seen the film yet, GO! It's worth it.

From the haute couture editorial of Vogue's Sept issue as featured in the film, styled by Grace Coddington
From the 1920s editorial of Vogue's Sept issue as featured in the film, styled by Grace Coddington
The deleted 1920s spread featured in the film, , styled by Grace Coddington

 

 

Grace Coddington and Anna Wintour

I love this image of Grace Coddington (and the doggie!) back in her modeling days in the 60s